What a rip-off....

[Simple Man]

There definitely does seem to be a lot of disparity out there concerning ramp, handling, and service fees.

I sincerely agree that it's aggravating when you're charged a hefty parking/handling fee even if it's a "quick turn" or you don't require any services. It's especially frustrating when it's an airport and FBO that you frequent often-- you'd think that it'd exempt you once in a while (if not all of the time) from paying these charges as long as you usually buy fuel, etc.

As far as the whole tipping question is concerned, it seems to me that it's always good practice to tip the line guys even if the service is mediocre. I like to believe anyway that the tipping will at least possibly lead to good service during future visits. Of course, perhaps I'm too much of an optimist.

 

[capt_zman]

One of my favorite stories about Signature SFO. We were going back east in the GIV, had to buy 2500 gallons of fuel at over 5.00 a gallon. As I was paying the bill, they had these little credit card like breath mints on the front desk. I took one for me and one for the other pilot (who was in the bathroom). The chick behind the counter actually has the gall to say, "You're only suppose to take 1 of those mints." Over 12k worth of fuel, and this retard has the balls to chastise me over a pack of 50 cent mints. Hopefully one day the corporate revolution will happen and Signature will cease to exist.

 

[GLD Direct]

Sorry old man, posting at 0259 means the old prostate must be in a sort.

My grandpa said the cure was to have sex every night. Preferably with a different woman.

Another time (I was a young pup) he casually informed me that I had screwed up by ordering too much food. "Now, don't screw up again and try to eat it all too." He said.

Restaurant was kind of like a Cracker Barrel, but they didn't exist yet. Bet you've been there! Do ya git the grits too like Pa used to? He'd mash em up with butter and sugar.:laugh:

Your Grandpa gave you good advice, sonny. As my high school english teacher (Mrs. Beaverton was her name), variety is always a good thing 'specially when it comes to the lady folk. It was great advice and I'll always remember it. She was a real special lady.

Also, thanks a bunch for worrying about my prostate. I was up late the other night but like I say before it was because of my hemoroids. They give me trouble sometimes and they feel like a rabbid cow is stomping on my knee caps. It don't feel real good let me tell ya! Plus, I got my internet movies that I've been watchin'. It sure is amazin' what you young folk do to each other these days. Why, I remember back in my day when "safe sex" meant having a bed party while wearing sun glasses. Boy, times sure have changed!

I'm not much of fan of grits-- not because I don't like them none but because I'm from Kanas. We eat wheat and steaks out here mostly.

Thanks for sharing your grandpa story. Us old folk do sometimes have worthwhile things to say. I'm glad you know that.

 

[siucavflight]

One of my favorite stories about Signature SFO. We were going back east in the GIV, had to buy 2500 gallons of fuel at over 5.00 a gallon. As I was paying the bill, they had these little credit card like breath mints on the front desk. I took one for me and one for the other pilot (who was in the bathroom). The chick behind the counter actually has the gall to say, "You're only suppose to take 1 of those mints." Over 12k worth of fuel, and this retard has the balls to chastise me over a pack of 50 cent mints. Hopefully one day the corporate revolution will happen and Signature will cease to exist.

Wow, you got screwed. I am looking at the pricing card right now, and 800 gallons will waive the 800 dollar landing fee.

 

[X man]

ripoff

As pilots, we all keep an eye on cost, that is what we are supposed to do, but the basic operating cost are always there. The owner of the aircraft, wheth$$er is a 3 million dollar PC 12, or a 15 m:laugh: illion dollar Citation 680, is the one who is paying for it, paying for it all, and they knew or they now know that that is the price for corporate flying. My advice, it is not coming out of your pockit, be it the flowers they want, the special booze, magazines, ramp fee, or cost of fuel, per diem, whatever. This is and will always be the cost of moving fast when you want to. The bigger the aircraft, the more extravagant(SP) those cost are. The owner wants to go there, and he wants those things on the aircraft, so be it. It is his bankroll and his or her desire.

 

[Publishers]

While one may perceive that they are not really getting anythng on the QT drop off, the fact is that it is not that simple. Many pure GA airports have a difficult time paying for themselves, they earn money by renting facilities, getting a fuel flowage fee, and providing some services. Much of the direct expense is passed through the FBO. Therefore while you may think you got nothing, the fact is that there was an airport there. It requires money just like the FBO and usually what the FBO charges has something to do with what it pays to be there. The $2.00 you pay at whereever, is $4.00 here because there are 10 more taxes and fuel flowage fees here. Now you think that you are just picking up or dropping off and that should be no big deal as your customer goes straight to his car. Great, but what about the days the car was not there or you were not there to pick him up and he had this really nice facility to wait in.
I understand your trying to put value on things but I know the first FBO I ever got involved with was because the city actually did everything but beg us to take the FBO over. We did and kept an airport open and even growing a bit. It was not from QT's from people who bought nothing. The fact that there is an airport there today for you to land on was the result. You want us to have wireless for you, TV for you, sleep rooms for you, courtesy cars for you, vending machines for you, etc.. etc.. You may not use them but they are there.
We run an FBO and a charter company. We tell our pilots to take the services and pay the fees and tip the line guys.

 

[missing man]

My two cents...

SIGNATURE at BWI is the worst I have dealt with although they do have a blond behind the counter that is pretty HOT! :nuts: