SWA crew change question...

[CaptAntoineMack]

I was on a SWA flight last week, and while on the ground at PHX, I noticed that there were "no crewmembers onboard the plane". There were about 20 thru pax, and no crewmembers. I thought it was an FAR that there be FAs onboard the plane while there are pax onboard.

Is it an FAR? Does SWA have a waiver on this reg?

(I have noticed this on other SWA flights, and it made me think as to what is going on)

Were you jumpseating or did you purchase a ticket each time you fly on them.

 

[NuGuy]

Just probably another "special deal" like the rampie walk around, and the "magical thin rope of safety" at JetBlue.

Nu

 

[Dizel8]

"magical thin rope of safety" at JetBlue.

What are you spouting off about??

 

[chase]

As someone pointed out, the following scenario could be in play but without knowing the full details they could all have occurred or none:

1. FA in the back galley out of view

2. A qualified FA who was deadheading in the back of the airplane out of uniform who said they would perform the duty.

3. A qualified FA or pilot who was deadheading in or out of uniform in the back who said he/she would perform the duty. Might not havre been obvious to the other pax.

4. Crewmembers swapping out with the new crew in the jetway awaiting for the old crew to exit the aircraft.

All of the above examples are examples of what may have occurred. SWA does not permit a plane to be left with no crewmembers performing the duties as spelled out in the FOM of either the pilots or FA. In my tenure at SWA I have never seen or heard of that occurance. Just one persons's opinion.

 

[Tejas-Jet]

Just probably another "special deal" like the rampie walk around

Whats that?

 

[Whataburger]

Rumor out of Dallas is that PHX is our "test bed" for the Southwest Crewless Flights. Think of all the money we can save by not having flight attendants and pilots! The airplane is remote control controlled by the weekly Texas Lottery winners and over age 60 retired pilots. When bording, dont forget to grab a coke, O2mask, and make dang certain to read your emergency procedures. I believe there is a comment card regarding these new procedures in your seatback pocket. Ding, git 'er done!!

 

[CHQ Pilot]

Just received a memo that states the FAA has reaffirmed that SWA Flight Attendants are allowed to leave the plane during stops. It essentially says the flight attendants are allowed to leave the aircraft because it is parked at the gate, engines off, and the main cabin door is open.

 

[ultrapilot]

Almost correct...... They can leave as long as a pilot subs in for a flight attendant that is gone. That means that there will always be at least three people at the aircraft to handle the pax if something happens at the gate.
It may look like there is no one in the back but the B flight attendant is in the back of the aircraft somewhere ready to spring into action if needed. The pilots can take care of the rest of the aircraft while the other two "stews" are getting grub.

Ultrapilot

 

[Chest Rockwell]

Only 3 positions (3 FAs or 2 FAs + 1 pilot) must be filled during passenger boarding. With the aircraft parked at the gate, only 1 cabin crewmember (pilot can serve) required onboard.

 

[SWA/FO]

(I have noticed this on other SWA flights, and it made me think as to what is going on)

********