Originally Posted by
fmgc
Thats assuming that you are in one of the countries where the "dispatchers" are US style disptachers.
Airlines in the US are not faultless in this area either. Most dispatchers are satisfied with the fuel requirements as generated by the computer. Its very important for the crew, in a way (ie route, fuel, aircraft condition, re-dispatch requirements, etc...), to complete the dispatch process before signing the release. Another problem are alternate airports. While its rare, but there are occasions with canned flight plans, that some alternates may be illegal.