This sounds like either a pilot, a die hard company man, or some sort of disgruntled, senior, airline employee who hates any kind of change or progression and their views are that they had to suffer, so should everyone else. I can just picture the vein bulging out of the forehead…
Flights don’t go anywhere if we don’t dispatch them. We hold 50% responsibility and operational control. We pre-plan and watch for safety issues the entire way of the flight from start to finish, following easily 15+ flights simultaneously at a time. Diversions, medical emergencies, mechanical emergencies, bad weather, fuel, weight issues, ATC issues, tarmac delays, crew MOT issues and so much more. The FAA allows us to jumpseat in the cockpit, just like a pilot. If this isn’t the Captain of the flight I’m trying to take, I could give two $h!ts what this person’s opinion is. I’m talking strictly about a clause that protects from getting bumped for no good reason when legitimately commuting to and from work and home on one’s own metal. Many dxers would love a commuter clause to match what other airlines who value their dispatchers already have. Rising tides and all that…
By the way I did confirm some answers I needed from DL dxers about their commuter clause:
-A DL dispatcher can reserve their jumpseat 5 days out to commute to work.
-3 days out to commute home.
-And even 1 day out for leisure trips. Once reserved no one can bump them, except FAA or a line check.
-You would have to establish a home airport or surrounding nearby airports so you can’t just say you’re commuting to and from anywhere (unless you’re doing the 1 day leisure travel reservation).
-Although it very rarely happens, as long as you prove you were listed and actively attempted to get on 2-3 flights you aren’t dinged if you absolutely can not make it in (like in the case of meltdowns or extreme irops that keep you from getting on the planes).
Good benefit and info to have for any airlines that may be negotiating soon.