Delta Pilot Steps In To Load Bags After Flight Is Left With Just One Ramp Agent

In the world of commercial aviation, there are multitude parts that keep the engine going, and sometimes some of those parts break and bring certain operations to a stop.

Reddit user MRSRN65 shared their experience on a recent Delta Air Lines flight that was delayed by more than two hours. According to the user, there was only one ramp agent on site to help with baggage, and rather than prevent a further delay, the captain stepped in to help load the remaining bags.

Pilot loading bags
byu/MRSRN65 indelta

Stuck in ATL right now with a flight that has been delayed more than two hours. They only found one poor guy to load our bags, so the pilot went out to help. I’ve never seen anything like that!

Kudos to the one ramp agent and pilot, but who’s going to help us get off the gate?

The pilot managed to help load some bags, but another agent eventually made it to the aircraft to help with the remaining items, allowing the captain to get back to his duties.

Update: pilot just came back on the plane to let us know they found another ramp agent to take over. He expects about another 20 minutes before we can take get off the gate.

Now I wonder if there will be anyone to unload the plane at our destination when we arrive at 3 AM?

Kudos to the ramp agents and aircraft crew.

It’s always nice to see comradery in situations like this. The pilots could have sat back waiting in the flight deck, saying something like it’s not their job to load bags, and could have easily delayed the flight even further. However, it’s good to see someone stepping outside their comfort zone to get the show on the road.

I suspect the union wouldn’t be praising this pilot’s efforts as they wouldn’t want to give Delta any ideas, but it’s still commendable nonetheless.

The flight eventually departed, and the worried passenger later provided an update, saying that their aircraft was welcomed in with a full complement of ground handling crew.

Just landed! I don’t think Captain Paul is going to need to help unload the bags.

Sign up for the free Gate Checked newsletter here sent three times weekly.

View All and Comment