Why are we so horrible to one another?
Because we have not yet experienced that thing called...Karma!
In 199X my major US airline closed it's doors leaving me, and many of my colleagues, on the street looking for work.
I stumbled across an opportunity in Alaska which would at least pay the bills. The only requirement being "...get yourself up here..."
Broke, I called around to various airlines to see about jump-seats. Incidentally, it so happened that I had an application in with a particular US based Express Cargo Airline.
I called that companys Jump-seat administration office and explained my predicament TRUTHFULLY AND COMPLETELY (Just out of work, new job on the horizon, etc) and then ASKED - with those circumstances - if there was any way they could help me out.
The admin told me that I would have to discuss this with the Chief Pilot. Having an application in with that company, I thought "Great, a chance to speak directly to the man in change".
She transfered the call and I again explained the circumstances. His response, quote "...if you expect me to put this companies AOC on the line for you, you are crazy. If I ever find you jump-seating on a XXXXXX airlines flight, I'll have you arrested..." End quote.
Keep in mind, previously, I explained the circumstances and simply "Asked" if there was any way he could help me.
What a prick! He could have simply said "no", but clearly, he had never experienced... Karma!
Enter two years later. The night before Christmas eve I'm a DC8 Captain loading up the old girl for a flight south. 3 pilots - Capt, FO and FE - coming running over looking (no begging) for jump-seats due their flight canceled over breakage.
The short story, I had more than three jump-seats available, but only two got used... Karma!
Incidently, the jump-seating F/O and F/E, had the same opinion of that guy that I had! Merry Christmas...jurk!