Why are we told the pilots' names?

[pax britanica]

I would add that on SW trains or railway- different letter same problems guard often give their name and sometimes a bit of a chatty introduction and I think its rather nice to have a personal touch- after all many peopelw e interact with daily wear badges and since pilots are either shut away or have their backs to you why not give their names.

When I lived in Scandinavia (Sweden ), my colleagues us to test me on where the pilot was from because of their accent or name , I do not know if it is still the same but back then the cabin crew om international flights were usually from the point of origin but the pilots could be from any of the three Scandi countries so going to LHR from Arlanda the CC were like Swedish but the pilots could be Danish or Norwegian, prompting the inevitable comments about are they sober-if Danish and are the competent if Norwegian in line with the usual like did like relationship among neighbouring countries.

not sure about only giving first name for the flight crew but thats me being old fashioned I am sure

[maggot]

Speaking is a very common last name for many captains and FOs at my airline

[vctenderness]

Originally Posted by redsnail

With the flight deck door closed these days, it's important for passengers (especially nervous flyers) to realise that there are real people up the front.

What as well as the Nigel’s?

[SamYeager]

I have to say that I struggle to understand the OP's dislike of being told the pilots' names whilst not being worried about being told the lead flight attendant's name. The lead flight attendant then frequently mentions the first names of their staff in their subsequent PA. Personally I have no problem with either of these practices. To answer the OP my best guess is that staff are told to present a welcoming and friendly face to passengers and that this is part of SOPs.

[parabellum]

It is very impolite to commence any kind of discussion, briefing, lesson, general information, with people you don't know, without first introducing yourself. Manners maketh Man.

[Cymmon]

Old adage, thank you for flying with xxx airways if you've enjoyed your flight my name is Nigel if you didn't enjoy your flight my name is Fred have a nice day.

[Max Angle]

No idea to be honest, most passengers couldn't care less I suspect. Never used to bother at my previous airline but current employer (BA) seem keen on the idea so I tow the line.

[Hartington]

I seem to remember several flights with US carriers where names were not announced. Announcments started "From the flight deck......."

[Hotel Tango]

I seem to remember several flights with US carriers where names were not announced

"hi from the flight deck folks....." is indeed the norm in the US. However, on some occasions I have heard the F/A give the captains's name in her welcoming p/a. It differs, even within the same company.

From an early age I decided to keep a basic log of all my flights. When given, I included the captain's name in my records.

[hiflymk3]

York Apten seems a popular name for airline pilots.

[Helol]

On a BA flight the other day, we were introduced to 'Gary' and First Officer XX (can't remember his name).

[PAXboy]

As I understand it, not using surnames for cabin crew is to prevent unwanted attention and some do not use their own name. Perhaps, in the age of untrammelled social media, flight crew are feeling the same way.

[AviatorDave]

Originally Posted by Espada III

These days, air travel is pretty similar to bus or train travel. Book and ticket, turn up at the station/airport, get on the bus/plane/train, get off. We don't get to hear the name of the driver. On a long distance train you might get to hear the first name of the train manager/guard.

It is an anachronism that we are told the names of the pilots. Is it relevant any more? The only time I experienced any excitement at hearing the name of the pilot was when I realised that the same all female crew that had flown me from Rome to Heathrow, were about to fly me to Manchester. But can't say I would have noticed had it been two men in the cockpit.

It is a matter of courtesy to introduce yourself as a pilot. It is not about bragging or big pilot egos.
I am wondering if the average flyer still merits that courtesy though.

[RevMan2]

Originally Posted by PAXboy

As I understand it, not using surnames for cabin crew is to prevent unwanted attention and some do not use their own name. Perhaps, in the age of untrammelled social media, flight crew are feeling the same way.

Commented on the waitress’s starkly Scandinavian name at an American (small chain) steakhouse. “Oh no” she said “that’s my Bugaboo Creek name. My *real* name’s Jo-Ann...”
But back to topic - A380 captain introduced himself by name, I asked the purser if perchance his dad’s name was Klaus and had he worked in the cargo control centre in Frankfurt. Yes and Yes and please come up to the cockpit after landing where I met someone I knew as an ankle-biter. Rather cool

[Twiglet1]

Originally Posted by hiflymk3

I thought all pilots are called Nigel.

So 1980's - its Rupert nowdays

[vctenderness]

It can all lead to this:

You Tube

[pulse1]

I was on a Dan Air flight once and the flight attendant included the captain's name in almost every announcement. I am sure that there was something going on there. It went something like this:

Captain xxx has just switched off the seat belt lights ........
Captain xxx has just switched on the seat belt lights......
Captain xxx has just started our descent into ..... etc.

[Private jet]

The old wisdom says that "If you are over the age of 25 and have to wear a name badge at work then you have probably made a serious vocational error..."

[ShyTorque]

Why shouldn't a pilot tell you his name? You were keen enough to write yours down for him when you booked the flight...

[Herod]

Why are you told the pilot's names? Because the pilot has the microphone, and you don't.