Originally Posted by
pinseeker
I do agree with the OP that management denying mid trip deviations based solely on the price of the deviation ticket isn't supported by the language in the contract and should be fought.
While I wish what you said was correct, I'm afraid it isn't supported by the contract.
First, a lie flat seat qualifies as meeting the higher class of service for a deadhead. Even if that lie flat seat is in economy or economy plus, it qualifies as a higher class of service seat.
Second, there is a hierarchy of scheduling a higher class of service. Unless the deadhead consists of a single leg with over 16 hours of duty, only discounted first class tickets get higher priority than business class. So, if your deadhead is scheduled for 10+30 block, and the only fares available are full fare first class or business class, you will most likely get business class for the higher class of service.
Now, you need to look at allowable expenses for air travel. It only talks about expenses for deviation travel. If there is a section of the contract that says you can arbitrarily decide to book yourself in any higher class of service than was booked by the company without deviating as an allowable expense, I'd like you to point it out.
I’m aware of all that. But as has been pointed out (and practiced countless times over the last several years) the established precedent has been that upgrading to first from business class on midtrip deadheads was allowed without requesting the deviation. There’s no argument on that point. It’s simple reality. I’ve done it for years, as have most of the guys I’ve flown with. Never an issue. As long as you had bank, always covered. That precedent appears to have changed. Very recently. Without warning. Essentially during contract negotiations. I believe that is the point of this thread. I’m not going to discuss further specifics because I expect this will go to a grievance.