Wait....Your not implying that pilots aren't entitled to "special treatment" are you.

If we as pilots don't have our self-esteemed sense of entitlement than what do we have????

 

You're not jumpseating so you have no reason to "check in" with the crew. You bought a ticket, sit in the seat. If what you're looking for is a possible upgrade into first class, you could do a couple things:

1. If you have bennies on whoever your flying on, list you and your new wife for 1st class. If there's seats available, sit in them and refund your ticket.

2. Assuming you probably bought your ticket off Orbitz like everyone else and can't refund your ticket, talk to the gate agent. Tell her you're an employee and if there's any way she can bump you up it would be appreciated. Make sure you actually talk to them and feel them out. If it's a bad day, you're probably hosed.

3. Wear your ID when you get on the airplane. Say hi the FA, strike up some convo, tell him/her that you're going on your honeymoon and bought a ticket. Don't ask about 1st class...if they have common sense (and most mainline FA's have been there awhile) they'll bump you up if they can.

Don't bother the crew with this kind of thing. They don't know, nor do they care. All it's going to do is get in the way of the boarding process and make you look cheap. Maybe you'll get up front, maybe you won't. Since I'm a commuter, I'd be excited just about having a guaranteed seat on a plane.

Well, sorta guaranteed...you never know these days.

 

Wow, he messed up the title of the thread. Everyone talks about common-sense here, yet don't use it with something as simple as interpreting what he actually meant in his original post... hope it didnt ruin anyones day.


I agree with Lambourne (except that unfortunently its not only at the regional level). Some of you act like it would be some sort of criminal act on the same level with murder if he introduced himself to the crew and head F/A, and asked them if there is a possibility of an upgrade if theres extra room. I see absolutly nothing wrong with that, and I would try it.. just board towards the end. It is a special occasion that you will not be able to repeat (at least with the same person) so why not, if they say no, the o well, at least you tried.

There is absolutly no solidarity between pilots, at least that is how it seems on this board. Everyone constantly complains about reduced terms and conditions, but acts like it is some sort of travesty to expect anything more then the normal PAX does.

 

Don't do this, as this is generally prohibited by nonrev rules. If you buy a ticket on a flight only to nonrev on it and return your ticket, you screw with their yield management.

This is probably your best option, but expect to get blown off.

There's nothing worse than some hotshot employee walking into an airplane wearing their ID badge. There's no reason to wear your badge while nonreving, and most nonrev rules prohibit this anyway.

Even if you're jumpseating (and not in uniform, it's different obviously if you're wearing the monkey suit), just keep your badge in your pocket and produce it when needed. You don't wear your pilot certificate or medical around your neck, so why wear your ID bage?

 

I have to disagree with Sharky about trying to travel space available on a flight that you have tickets on. First, many airlines prohibit the practice. Second, even if you succeed, they may cancel the return portion of your ticket, assuming you bought a round trip.

Joe

 

Usually when I non-rev Int'l or on a different carrier, I bring something for the crew. I don't do it with any expectations, but having been on the receiving end of gifts for the crew, and know how nice it is. A box of chocolate, and a "thanks, we are really grateful for the ride" is always appreciated. Oftentimes the crew, in return, goes out of their way to make you comfortable... though they might not be able to move you up to first class, they might offer you a few glasses of bubbly from the front, or a spare amenity kit. Do at least let them know discreetly you are celebrating something special, as most cabin crew enjoy trying to make it a special experience if they can. Congrats, and good luck

 

These kind of threads are what made me retire from aviation and the airlines in particular, at 59.5 even though I could have stayed 'til 65.