well, since I started SOAR I've met the captain on pretty much all my flights from LA to Europe, in Europe and on domestic flights in the states.
Although gate agents are sometimes short and perhaps not very polite, the crew and captains have been amazing. Until this time: I flew on Cathay Pacific LAX
direct ot HK, it's an almost 15 hour flight. As usual I was early and the gate agent was extremely friendly and let me baord early. I also knew the
captains were in place as I has seen (and studied them) board the plane more than an hour before. But the FA in charge would NOT let me meet the captain -
(followed all the procedures with the letter etc). She was quite polite, but I found it quite rude that she refused to even try. Other than that they were
quite nice throughout (also I was doing quite good so there was no need for extra attention). But on my return, I tried again, this time the head attendant
told be that the flight was full and that they had no time to pay extra attention to me (which I had not asked for), and that if I wasn't feeling well,
this was the time to leave the plane. She basically told be that I wsa a nuisance. Can you believe that? well, I got angry and annoyed instead of scared so in
that sense it helped divert my attention away from the flying, but I am still quite appalled. At this time I was doing really well, and I'm sure I looked
quite calm and was not crying as I have done in the past, I just imagine if this had happened to me a year ago, or someone else who's still struggling
really hard - such words are really just very destructive. The flight itself went ok, but I'm quite appalled by the way they treated me.
Well, thought I would share this with you, and hope this hasn't happened to any of you. Next time I'm off to Asia I'll try United.
best,
G
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Appalling treatment on Cathay
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 ginaLA |
Appalling treatment on Cathay |
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Posts: 17 (08/21/09 17:01:28) |
Last Edited By: ginaLA 08/21/09 17:05:47.
Edited 2 times.
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Capn Steve |
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Posts: 620 (08/21/09 17:44:01) |
Hi Gina --
I'm sorry that you had this experience, It sounds like the Cathay Pacific F/As were on their own sort of power trip. Believe me, most pilots would never be this dismissive of you. Yes, I would say, take United next time. I think you'll find UAL's pilots -- and F/As -- much more supportive. And -- to all who read this -- PLEASE don't let this discourage you from meeting the pilots. Sure, there are a few duds here and there. But the vast majority of pilots (and -- Flight Attendants, for that matter) are more than happy to meet you and discuss your concerns. Cheers. Steve |
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ginaLA |
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Posts: 18 (08/22/09 17:10:48) |
Thanks Steve,
Oh yes, and please please do not take this as a discouragement to meet the captain - as I said, this is the first time I've experienced this and as I said, on all US and European airlines I've been on since I started SOAR the crew and captains have been amazing - all in all, it was meant as a criticism of Cathay, and if you're considering flying on Cathay, keep this in mind that's all. Next time I'll go United as they have pretty much the same connection to major Asian hubs. Best wishes and good luck to you all, Gina |
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Note from Capt. Tom I know everyone worries about weather, but pilots really do not worry about it. We simply - instead of worrying about it - completely prepare for it. Before going to the plane, we review the weather at the destination. If it is not 100% sure to be within legal limits when we arrive at the destination, we must specify an alternate airport in our planning documents, and load on plenty of fuel for going to the destination airport, and then if need be, diverting to the alternate airport. The legal limits are conservative. Even when weather is slightly outside the legal limits, any airline pilot could still land safely. You can rely on the captain never to land when the weather is not legal, and legality limits are reached prior to safety limits. If you are still anxious, call me and we can talk it over. I'm at 877 332-7359 from 10 AM until 7 PM Eastern time. For effective help, even if you are flying in a day or two, sign up now at www.fearofflying.com/fasttrack and call me when you finish Clip 9 so I can make sure you are all set. |
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Using Weather Information If you enter your ZIP Code or City at the top of the weather presentation, it will give you weather for your area. Or, you can enter your destination ZIP Code or City.
Click on the "LOCAL RADAR" button to see whether or not there are thunder- Turbulence, though it may cause anxiety, does not mean anything is wrong. Turbulence does not mean danger. The plane can handle far more turbulence than Mother Nature can dish out. Though flying in turbulence is safe, it doesn't feel safe. And here is where the SOAR programs come in. We can help you feel as safe when you fly as you actually are. You can see these programs at www.fearofflying.com/store. |
