US-East Observation Rides In Full Force

[USCREW]

I cannot wait for you easties to do a red-eye transcon that started with three turns, have a nine hour layover to do another transcon and then have a 3 hour sit in LAS and then do yet another red-eye transcon. And, guess what, I do pre-departure on EVERY leg.

You easties are going to be shocked when you actually have to work.

We do predeparture drinks on all flights but the 321 is the exception. It is not a problem on even larger a/c like the 330 because we have the proper staffing up front to comply with FAA. YOU may be shocked if you ever get to work a transatlantic flight where you do a whole lot of service. Domestic, including mexico and the caribbean are easy. Stop thinking that easties are lazy because of this one issue. It's insulting and unfair.

 

[flygirl74]

JMM,
you might be suprised when your sitting reserve. Then you can dream about srving on the 321.

 

[USCREW]

JMM,
you might be suprised when your sitting reserve. Then you can dream about srving on the 321.

Hi FLygirl,

You know how long it takes to hold a transatlantic block...at least two diamonds...a little less for a narrow body like the A321. There is no one out west that will be able to hold it much less make comments about how to work it.

 

[Art at ISP]

As much as I fly on the 321, I know that the problem with pre departure drinks is less about consistency than it is about inadequate staffing and poor aircraft design.

I think there should be at least 5 FA's on the 321 based as much on size (length) as well as capacity. I think keeping FAA minimum staffing is a mistake for more than one reason, not the least being on board service. I think there are adequate safety concerns about flying minimum as well.

The design of the 321 is poor in the fact that the #2 door is much too close to the #1 engine to allow for safe use of a jetway there. There is too much risk that the jetway will hit the engine. Had the door been 5-10 feet forward, it would have been a non issue, and #2 boarding would have been possible ala the 757. At least this is what I have been told by those who know.

To fault FA's for not completing a predeparture drink service in the 321 is doing them a disservice--it's a legacy from the old US....

 

[USCREW]

As much as I fly on the 321, I know that the problem with pre departure drinks is less about consistency than it is about inadequate staffing and poor aircraft design.

I think there should be at least 5 FA's on the 321 based as much on size (length) as well as capacity. I think keeping FAA minimum staffing is a mistake for more than one reason, not the least being on board service. I think there are adequate safety concerns about flying minimum as well.

The design of the 321 is poor in the fact that the #2 door is much too close to the #1 engine to allow for safe use of a jetway there. There is too much risk that the jetway will hit the engine. Had the door been 5-10 feet forward, it would have been a non issue, and #2 boarding would have been possible ala the 757. At least this is what I have been told by those who know.


You are right. I believe that the initial intent was to board at 2L but that became unsafe. We used to have five F/A's just like we used to have on the MD-80's and 737-400. You know that we are now at minimun staffing, even on the 767 to europe where we used to have four just for First class! To be truly full-service as well as low cost, we need the tools to do our jobs. We WANT to do the predeparture on the A321 and not have to make excuses.


To fault FA's for not completing a predeparture drink service in the 321 is doing them a disservice--it's a legacy from the old US....

 

[Charlie_Tuna]

what is your problem with Bob?

Well you could start a new thread and call it "What about Bob" and I am sure you will get your answer and it might be as funny as that movie of the same name and a lot uglier and probably end up censored with a XXX rating.

 

[USCREW]

Well you could start a new thread and call it "What about Bob" and I am sure you will get your answer and it might be as funny as that movie of the same name and a lot uglier and probably end up censored with a XXX rating.

I've been censored. Me bad.

 

[Art at ISP]

You want to know What About Bob????

Yup sometimes he gets off on a tangent and pontificates a little.

Yup he sometimes gets very enthusiastic in his posts, and sometimes it gets away from him.

BUT--He is definitely on the side of the front line employees, and I know from personal experience he has done more FOR the employees of US East than most of the former management.

All I am saying is cut him a little slack....

My best to you all.....

 

[hp_fa]

here is an idea for the 321. Hold off on the predeparture until boarding is near completed. Then once the door is closed, prior to pushback, 2 FA's execute a cart service in 1st (cart can be prepped before boarding. once the cart passes, collect trash and stow.

This may not be the ideal, but it utilizes the crew. while the 2nd FA is assisting, the 3rd & 4th can be securing the main cabin for departure.

Again, it may not be as "classy" as a tray svc, but it is efficent, and the premium customers get their pre-dep bvg.

It won't work because the 4 B's must be completed before the door is closed. (Butts in seats, Bags secured, Beverage service cleaned up and Bins closed.) Beverages, by company policy, are supposed to be picked up 15 minutes before departure. The B's are all mandated by FAA cabin safety inspectors.

BTW, there is no restriction on passengers keeping their own non-alcholic beverage. The FAA takes the position that the airline only must take any beverages the company served prior to door closing, not drinks brought aboard by passengers.

To be honest, stuff like that inherently inconsistent FAA policy always drove me crazy.

 

[2clippedwings]

BTW, there is no restriction on passengers keeping their own non-alcholic beverage. The FAA takes the position that the airline only must take any beverages the company served prior to door closing, not drinks brought aboard by passengers.

To be honest, stuff like that inherently inconsistent FAA policy always drove me crazy.

They also say that the items passengers bring on board (food and beverage items) are COUNTED as carry on and must be stowed just like other bags.....

:unsure:

 

[USCREW]

They also say that the items passengers bring on board (food and beverage items) are COUNTED as carry on and must be stowed just like other bags.....

:unsure:

THEY who? FAA does not say that.

 

[N965VJ]

I can hear you guys arguing all the way back here at row 3.

So I had a couple at the Sports Bar over on C. I’m a big guy as you can see. I didn’t blow an upgrade just to have one freebie in the air.

Don’t worry, I won’t be driving. The wife is picking me up.

The wife. Ever since the kids left for college it seems her job in life is to drive me insane with the endless yappin’. So yeah, I need to take the edge off when I go home.

So could I please have a rum & diet at the gate? Jaysus.

 

[N965VJ]

beverage items) are COUNTED as carry on and must be stowed just like other bags.....

You’ve got 3A? Hold on a sec while I shut my laptop. Hey, you know you gotta stow that drink, don’t you? Here, lemme help you!

HA HA HA!

Braaaaap!

‘Scuse me.

 

[PITbull]

If true, that is about the most screwed up piece of tutu I've seen in quite a while.

I knew that dude was a wacko from the beginning.

I will be happy to kick that freak off any flight I commandeer.

BJ, don't try Europe. It might take more than one day to do it. No threat. Just a suggestion.

You'll be flying much more in your future, as your days are numbered in the PHL office...and if you ever throw a FF off a plane, be prepared for termination!

You want to know What About Bob????

Yup sometimes he gets off on a tangent and pontificates a little.

Yup he sometimes gets very enthusiastic in his posts, and sometimes it gets away from him.

BUT--He is definitely on the side of the front line employees, and I know from personal experience he has done more FOR the employees of US East than most of the former management.

All I am saying is cut him a little slack....

My best to you all.....

Yup, He's one of the best there ever was. And I know first hand...

He knows more about USAirways than most senior managment, and knows intimately well the concerns of the employees, how they function, and where they came from, 7,000 posts worth, all labor groups.
Love ya Bob!

 

[SKY HIGH]

here is an idea for the 321. Hold off on the predeparture until boarding is near completed. Then once the door is closed, prior to pushback, 2 FA's execute a cart service in 1st (cart can be prepped before boarding. once the cart passes, collect trash and stow.

SKY High states: Nice try. But a cart in the aisle would create a problem. Near departure, on full flights, bags, rollaboards are checked when overheads get full.
NEEDING CLEAR EXCESS to the front door is necessary for that.
THE A321 predeparture issue is one of safety, NOT Service.