Why are we told the pilots' names?
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
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
Speaking is a very common last name for many captains and FOs at my airline
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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I seem to remember several flights with US carriers where names were not announced
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.
Paxing All Over The World
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.
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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 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.
I am wondering if the average flyer still merits that courtesy though.
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
Last edited by RevMan2; 19th Apr 2019 at 11:01.
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.
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.
Avoid imitations
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Why shouldn't a pilot tell you his name? You were keen enough to write yours down for him when you booked the flight...