Airtran and Delta

[Swede]

Dave,

I flew on American STL-MCO last New Year's Eve, and man did that flight have some b!tchy "stews" on it. I found it somewhat ironic older American FAs were flying on an ex-TWA airplane with TWA logos still on the galley carts, but thats for another thread. This example serves as proof that older FAs with poor customer service skills are not exclusive to DAL, but the whole major airline system. I mean no disrespect towards older people or older FAs, but if it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, then....

QUOTE]

Given the timing and the origin of your leg, these were probably pi$$ed-off TWA FA's, not AA. In general, though, I agree with the premise that older FA's, simply beat down with the weight of too many years, bad contracts, not enough rest, etc. have a hard time providing the same level of cheerful service that a new hire would have, for whom it is still "glamorous" to work a Phoenix-DFW leg at 2:00 AM. The widebody long-haul trips are staffed with 12 Grandmothers... many excellent, but many more basically hacked at the world and putting out a bare minimum of service.

 

[DLslug]

Man you guys!!


I am new, but everyone is sure an expert about everything!

I am going to stick to the point. I don't think that Delta FA's are necessarily any better or worse than any other airline. Gimme a break, some have good days and bad. My experience on many carriers is just that; some people are really customer service oriented and do their job well, while others really don't want to be there.

I don't care what airline you fly for or ride on, I think this point can be applied to all. So everyone take some personal responsiblitiy and make your next flight a good one for your passengers. It's our job!

All for now.

DLslug

 

[skiddriver]

As a guest on Delta flights anywhere from 10-15 times a month (commutes and company deadheads) over the last 2 years it is my experience that the F/A's I've met are generally friendly and helpful, as are the folks up front for that occasional jumpseat, even though I almost always travel in my (Comair) uniform.

I think Delta Mgt has jerked the cabin crews around quite a bit (closing the bases in New Orleans, Portland, etc. in a blatant attempt to drive some of these folks into retiring/resigning comes to mind), but they seem to be maintaining their professionalism pretty well. Of course, it may help that I'm closer in age to the current F/A's than the furloughed ones; and that I find a smile and a polite "thank you" seems to brighten up some of the folks throughout the airline system who are having a bad day.

 

[wildcat]

so.. Here's the question...

If, as Six says, old flight attendants are a problem, should DL, AA etc., lobby the feds for
a mandatory retirement age for f/as? Not just for customer service, but also, because
airlines and f/as insist their job is safety related as I agree it is. I'm only 27, and I have
trouble imagining being able to do the job when I'm aged.

What should that age be? 60?