The Rolls engines were at first very unreliable. However, one source told me that Rolls actually paid for the AAI ACARS installation in order to get real time engine trend data. Since then certain trends have been identified and the relibalility rate has gotten better.

This is something I have never understood. If an employee has purchased a ticket and there are seats available in first class, why not upgrade them? Honor seniority of course, but if a person who can non rev has purchased a ticket, why treat them worse than if they were there for free?

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DO NOT list her as a non-rev on the same flight that she holds a refundable ticket. That is a huge no-no under standards and practices. You can lose your non-rev privileges for that.

It might be worth asking the gate agent very nicely at the gate (something like "my husband is a Delta pilot, and he suggested I should check with you to see if this fare is eligible for an upgrade. How does that work?"), but I'd be careful. The reason I say this is based on an experience on Air France during furlough. I had a full-fare coach ticket, and told the A-Line I was a Delta pilot on furlough travelling on a full-fare ticket, and wondered if the Captain would consider, as a courtesy, upgrading me...

I get moved up.

A few minutes later, the A-Line comes back, and says she can't find me on the non-rev list. I re-state what I told her previously: I'm on furlough, with a ticket.

I get tossed to the back.

I think the logic is that, when you have a ticket, you're not a nonrev.

I know AF and DAL is apples-to-oranges, but if you think about it, we're pretty strict about keeping things separate: you're either non-reving, or on a ticket. You can't book the two at the same time.

So I would be super, super mellow, and ask ever so innocently if the fare qualifies, but I wouldn't try to ask for a favor on the basis of being in the family, because the wrong agent or A-line might react the wrong way. It's a small distinction I'm making, but I think you get my point: she wants to be ever so subtle.

I knew that and didn't do that. Just trying to figure the best approach to get her up-graded. Does the fact that it is a refundable ticket or not make a difference? This ticket is not refundable. Just for future reference!

Roger that.
Most "full fare" tickets are refundable. That's what the businessmen use.
Not sure if it makes any difference re: the policy against non-revs having tickets. I wouldn't risk it.

I think sinkr8 has the answer: Subtlety and the proper attitude when you ask.

Think of it in terms of other nonrevs, and the other paying pax: when you buy a ticket, you are in a category above nonrevs, and you fight for upgrades with other revenue pax. They don't get to upgrade unless they have the right status, or pay a fee, so they could throw a fit, and the nonrevs might not get upfront, which is a benefit they have. I don't think the res system is set up to respect seniority of a non-rev vs. a paying employee, which would be another problem in assigning upgrades.

Still, I agree with you about the way it should be.

Checked my account and just got paid. Anyone know if this is the mid month or profit sharing? Nothing shows up on "view my paycheck".

Good Advice!

Don't ever buy a full-fare ticket as a backup to traveling as a non-rev.
Essentially your are trying to block off available revenue seats that could have been sold to a paying passenger.
In the companys' eyes it is the equivalent to stealing.
I think you'd be lucky to ONLY lose your non-rev privileges.

If you are ever unsure call the travel line, they have always been pretty helpful in the past.

That would be funny if that is how the rumor started.

I could see that happening, wouldn't be the first time people jumped to conclusions.