Before the merger with US Airways crews would often travel together and even share the same aircraft. If a flight was delayed, it was the affected flight and crew (and all subsequent flights with that aircraft).
This practice was stopped by US Airways management. Crew members travel on their own to destinations when a plane lands at one hub. If a flight is delayed, each flight attendant or pilot will delay the flight. It has a cascading impact on the operation.
American Airlines has begun to change its approach. 97% of the crew that flows through Dallas Fort Worth now connect with their next flight between 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Although they may not be staying on the plane, a crew shortage due to a flight delay will not result in a lack crew on subsequent flights. These delays are included.
It was explained to flight attendants in an internal question and answer session earlier this week by company employees.
You may have noticed something you might feel in DFW in October: There are more transits through DFW when you connect with your pilot or flight attendant crew. It is an intentional act. DFW offers many great benefits for pilots, flight attendants, and the overall operation. The number of flights in the middle of the morning went up from very few to nearly all of them. It was not as common in the early morning or late night.
Zachary Shapiro is the manager of crew planning at the airline. He expanded on this.
Many people may wonder why this is important and how it can improve their quality of life. The likelihood of flight attendants and pilots being separated reduces delays and reschedulings.
Next month, Charlotte will see the introduction of crew keeping together. Dallas is the most useful, as it is the largest hub for the airline (with the potential to make the greatest difference), but also because it is the subject of frequent thunderstorms. The airport is known as (D.oesnt) (F.unction (W).et.
American also reduced the number flights with more than three legs and eliminated 5 leg flight attendant trips. This is a significant change from American Airlines' efforts to persuade employees to leave the company last year. They promised that they would hate the work schedules if they stayed.
