UAPremierExec
Dec 30, 02, 4:46 pm
Well after getting pulled from 8 fights this week, I did in fact make it to Decatur, Illinois.
Most of you think us Non-Rever's are a spoiled bunch, but I beg to differ. When flying Space Available, we're just happy to get on the plane most of the time... the First/business class just makes it nicer.
So, after getting bumped all day Saturday, I made it out Sunday morning (with no sleep).
Ft. Lauderdale to Atlanta
Air Tran #180
Lv 600AM (actual was 630AM)
Ar 745AM (actual was 810AM)
B717
14E, dreaded middle seat
I got to the Tower Lot at 5am to try to catch the departing shuttle to the airport... only to miss it. I park in the Tower lot because it's not as full as Park-n-Save and less gestapo as the Employee Lot @ FLL. And it's a reasonable $5 per day.
After the shuttle departed the lot, with me running behind it, the next shuttle pulled up and let me on, only to hear "it will be 6 minutes before I can leave"... I look at my watch (still set to Mountain Time), and figure I can afford that, as the AirTran counter will have a VERY long line.
6 Minutes passed and we're still sitting there, no one has entered the lot, so I get on my phone (as a hint) and call Air Tran to tell them I won't make the 6A flight and asked about the 7A flight. My driver somehow couldn't hear me.
6 more minutes passed and it was now 515AM... I was getting nervous because not only are the lines at the counter long, but the lines at security in Terminal 4 at Ft. Lauderdale are just as bad.
The driver didn't seem to care... I think got into a conversation with him about who dictates the shuttles, and he said the dispatcher... << I was hoping this would hint to him I'm in a rush >>.
We finally pulled out of the lot at 525AM and began our 5 minute jog to the terminals...
It was 535AM by the time I got into Terminal 4, went to the counter and checked-in. She said that the gate will clear me, which is wierd as AirTran has always cleared us at the counter (normally the station manager does my listings, so that may have something to do with it).
I go down thru security and they refuse to let me in without a boarding pass, I explain i'm a Non-Rev and another TSA Rent-a-terrorist-screener looks at that, my ID, then my Airline Travelcard, and lets me through.
Security takes all of 1 minute.
I grab my things and run down to the gate... they hand me seat 14E, which is a middle and I thanked him, and asked if I took the 7AM flight if I would get an aisle or window, explaining i'm a fat ... and I'm not sure the people next to me would like me... he shook his head and said 'its a good thing you got on this one... otherwise we'd be pulling you off of planes all day, again". this kid, while I didn't see him yesterday, probably heard about the horror stories from Saturday.
I get on the 717 and notice 5 open seats in Business (which we are normally entitled to as a non-rev, and MANAGER, 20 mins prior depature). I told the FA I was going to wait until everyone boarded and laughed "hon, we're wide open up front".
After a few mins and no more passengers walking, the FA advised they are done loading bags and I should take my seat, and she'll let me switch after take-off.
Seat 14D and F had two petite sized women in them, thank god, and accepted my apologizes when I gave them the bad news that I was in the middle (isn't this evey straight man's wildest dream???)
The doors still didn't close.
We sat a bit longer.
Still no word.
then 5 or 6 people come flying down the jetway and on to the plane. I overheard them saying "I'm glad we caught this one, didn't want to wait for the 7A..."
my mind is thinking "early off loads".
There was 1 seat open in Business, 1C, and I saw an FA go to the back, grab a kid, and escort them to 1C, hearing the child say "YES!!".
Later on in the flight I found out the kid was in fact her daughter. Did this make me upset, yes. But can I complain as a non-rev, NO.
We finally pulled out of the gate at 625AM and did a very VERY slow taxi out to 27R.
Takeoff was very powerful and fast, and before I knew it, we were heading north towards Palm Beach (normally you go out over the 'glades, then turn north).
The flight, well, needed some work. Of the 3 FAs, only one smiled, and she was the one that told me I could move after takeoff.
The FA who placed her daughter in F was obviously very pissed off, as I couldn't even get a smile out of her... its like she refused to smile in coach.
The drink service was by far the most expedient I've experienced, even on Southwest. The smiling FA even told her to "slow down" 5 or 6 times.
Want water? sure. cup, dump, thanks, next.
Want coffee? sure. cup, dump, thanks, next.
no smile.
want a cookie? take one, pass it down. next
want something else? no. wait till i'm done.
too bad when she was done she was kneeling at 1C for the entire flight.
If I were a revenue passenger, I don't think I would have been impressed with this flight.
For some reason, over Melbourne, Florida, the copilot said we'd being our decent into Atlanta.
I looked out the window, waving goodbye to the Treasure Coast, and hello to the Space Coast, thinking what drugs is he on.
The mean FA came through again and gave me a candy cane, courtesy of the other FA... I asked her about the decent, and she said "I have no idea, I just work here, I don't fly it". I asked her if she could tell the copilot if AirTran invented time travel. She didn't smile. I was just trying to get her to laugh.
We landed firmly in Atlanta on one of the runways that has a nice inward slope... didn't realize how far we coasted down the runway.
I got off the plane and went to the customer service center to check-in for Air Tran #602 to Milwaukee, leaving in a little over an hour. The agent laughed and said "for some reason, you have 14E to Milwaukee".
She read some notes in my record and asked for my airline ID. She asked what my role with the airline was, and spit out a boarding pass for 3A, window in business class. She apologized and said that FLL made an error (comments BY a sup at Air Tran in FLL!) and that I should have been put in biz on FLL-ATL. I didn't think anything of it, and gave the candy cane to the agent in FLL... she was the friendliest girl i've met so far today (FLL agents are good, they were too busy to be overly nice that day). I figure the folks in FLL were swamped, so no reason to say a thing to Corey when I get back (he's the FLL Mgr). As a non-rev, I'll be happy just getting on the plane!!!!
I had some time to kill, so I went over to the Red Carpet Club in ATL... which is about the size of a small trailer.
The ladies in the club remembered me and pampered me... I wish UA employees would do this to *EVERY* passenger, and not just me, otherwise UA could get thousands more per passenger.
the club emptied and we were all alone and talking shop till I had to leave for my gate on the C concourse... they both said thanks for coming by, and gave me a bag of goodies for my next flight (she said to pass them out courtesy of United Airlines.. lol).
My next flight was 602, Tail # 972AT, one of the original 717 ordered aircraft for Air Tran.
Departure time was closing in and I was still chatting with Jennie, the 'older' ex Flight Attendant from Vanguard, and we both knew something was up... we both were hanging around the galley and heard "collect their bags and go.." so I figured it's a tail swap.
bingo.
One of the 3 computers in the 717 wasn't working right, so they put is in N950AT. The gate agent told me this was the newest plane (uh, try first?) delivered...
Atlanta to Milwaukee
Air Tran #602
lv 925A (actual was 1030A)
ar 1024A (actual was 1145A)
seat 3A, business class
717 N950AT
After hundreds of apologies, we were on our way.
I can't comment on this flight because I slept through most of it, but I did awake with the tray table next to me down, 2 biscoff crackers and a TWIST apple crunch snack bar in a cup (and done in a napkin, veyr nice touch). there was also a glass of water.
This, I can't seem to get from United. why?
why can't United FAs, when they see a sleeping passenger, put down the tray table (next to them, if open), give them a munchie AND water.. is it that hard?
They woke me a few mins before landing and looked out to see a fog bank all over Milwaukee.
ugh.
I looked out my window and saw the building that says "Welcome to Cleveland" on it's roof... My cam wasn't powered up so no picture http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif
We finally landed and got off in a hurry, scuring down to the AWAC/United check-in.
I proceeded to check-in and the agent put me on the DM list.
I asked "don't I need flight coupons?" and he responded "let me look.."
duh. yes you need flight coupons to travel.
he looked in the record and said "your airlines pass bureau should have isssued you tickets."
I politely responded "I am the pass bureau and Sherry @$* from Appleton had authorized you to ticket it."
'well we don't do that here'
so I fired back, a bit agitated "you mean to tell me, the LARGEST Air Wisconsin out station, does not have any NRSA ticket stock".
He apologized and went in the back, and came out with the same answer.. he said that a sup will be right out.
Now this time, there were 2 people coming out.. they both said "we don't know a sherry in Appleton.."
my mouth was floored
"so you don't know your own pass bureau mgr?"
One sup typed away, and I saw the initial agent smile and pointed to something "Authorize to tkt NRSA pass per XXXXXX ATWZW".
I smile.
both sups said "normally other airlines ticket themselves on us".. I apologized and said our airline was paperless, 100% and they shrugged and walked in the back. The other sup came out and handed the agent a 4 coupon NRSA pass and said "have him fill this out".
The agent explained he isn't ticket trained and I said it's all good...
Anyway, after explaining to the non-ticket trained agent he needed his auditor coupon, etc, he sent me on my way, thanked me for his help, and apologized. I also apologized if I was cranky as I have not had sleep in the past few days.
I go up to security where the Rent-a-terrorist- screeners went through my bags a total of 4 times. somehow they didn't realize I had a digital camera with me.
Then didn't realize I keep a ziplock bag full of change (for payphones, us Non-revers have to call our relatives/friends to tell them we're finally home!).
then didn't realize I had a palm m505 with me.
ugh.
time was now 1pm and my flight was to push back at 112PM. Although I could see my shiny 1990 build BAE 146-300 through the windows, I started to ask if there was anything else they wanted to x-ray (although I should not have asked when I am getting my rectal exam).
I was on my way at 110PM and rushed to the gate, handed the agent my pass, and was given 20F. Only issue w/ this seat is they have tray tables in the armrests.
Milwaukee - Chicago O'Hare
United Express 5617
Lv 112PM (actual 115PM)
Ar no idea (actual was 140PM)
Seat 21F (I moved to accomodate a family)
BAe 146-300 (100 seat) N611AW (2nd original delivered)
I got on board and the FA and co pilot smiled as I was wearing my old United parka and AWAC pin. They both welcomed me aboard.
I went to the very back in 20F when the FA asked if I could move, I said 'no problem' and curled up in 21F.
the seats were quite nice and plush, which is something I'll never say about coach cabin. The seats even had the "wingtip" extensions on them, so if you wanted to sleep, you had some plus material to help.
The flight was very smooth and non-eventful.
We landed on time and I hopped over to the Red Carpet Club for a bit.
O'Hare to Springfield, IL
United Express 5793
lv 435PM (actual was 440PM)
ar 521PM (actual was 524PM)
seat 12C CRJ tail #604
This plane was one of the oldest, but original Air Wisconsin orders. The plane was OK... although I kept looking and lookin for the difference in seat pitch that SFO1K keeps talking about.
I ended up sleeping for the entire flight... all 35 mins of it *lol*.
I guess service was good, because I woke up to find a small bottled water in my seat... again, something new from United.
--------------------------------------------
Traveling NRSA has it's perk, mainly no fights to change a ticket or change a date. The biggest issue we have is just getting on a plane. I could have easily spent $400 to fly Ft. laudedale - St. Louis - Decatur, but I do not make that much money. When I was working full time for the airline, I barely cleared $250 a week, just enough to pay rent, keep current on my bills, and have enough for some food... and every blue moon I'd have enough to go on a date or see a movie.
sometimes these Non-Rev benefits are the only thing we have of value....
The trip home will not be fun, but a bit more direct, as I think i'll be ok to get to Atlanta from Bloomington, IL, then on to Ft. Lauderdale. My backup will put me on Frontier to Denver, then Spirit to Ft. Lauderdale.
-nate
[This message has been edited by UAPremierExec (edited 12-30-2002).]
Most of you think us Non-Rever's are a spoiled bunch, but I beg to differ. When flying Space Available, we're just happy to get on the plane most of the time... the First/business class just makes it nicer.
So, after getting bumped all day Saturday, I made it out Sunday morning (with no sleep).
Ft. Lauderdale to Atlanta
Air Tran #180
Lv 600AM (actual was 630AM)
Ar 745AM (actual was 810AM)
B717
14E, dreaded middle seat
I got to the Tower Lot at 5am to try to catch the departing shuttle to the airport... only to miss it. I park in the Tower lot because it's not as full as Park-n-Save and less gestapo as the Employee Lot @ FLL. And it's a reasonable $5 per day.
After the shuttle departed the lot, with me running behind it, the next shuttle pulled up and let me on, only to hear "it will be 6 minutes before I can leave"... I look at my watch (still set to Mountain Time), and figure I can afford that, as the AirTran counter will have a VERY long line.
6 Minutes passed and we're still sitting there, no one has entered the lot, so I get on my phone (as a hint) and call Air Tran to tell them I won't make the 6A flight and asked about the 7A flight. My driver somehow couldn't hear me.
6 more minutes passed and it was now 515AM... I was getting nervous because not only are the lines at the counter long, but the lines at security in Terminal 4 at Ft. Lauderdale are just as bad.
The driver didn't seem to care... I think got into a conversation with him about who dictates the shuttles, and he said the dispatcher... << I was hoping this would hint to him I'm in a rush >>.
We finally pulled out of the lot at 525AM and began our 5 minute jog to the terminals...
It was 535AM by the time I got into Terminal 4, went to the counter and checked-in. She said that the gate will clear me, which is wierd as AirTran has always cleared us at the counter (normally the station manager does my listings, so that may have something to do with it).
I go down thru security and they refuse to let me in without a boarding pass, I explain i'm a Non-Rev and another TSA Rent-a-terrorist-screener looks at that, my ID, then my Airline Travelcard, and lets me through.
Security takes all of 1 minute.
I grab my things and run down to the gate... they hand me seat 14E, which is a middle and I thanked him, and asked if I took the 7AM flight if I would get an aisle or window, explaining i'm a fat ... and I'm not sure the people next to me would like me... he shook his head and said 'its a good thing you got on this one... otherwise we'd be pulling you off of planes all day, again". this kid, while I didn't see him yesterday, probably heard about the horror stories from Saturday.
I get on the 717 and notice 5 open seats in Business (which we are normally entitled to as a non-rev, and MANAGER, 20 mins prior depature). I told the FA I was going to wait until everyone boarded and laughed "hon, we're wide open up front".
After a few mins and no more passengers walking, the FA advised they are done loading bags and I should take my seat, and she'll let me switch after take-off.
Seat 14D and F had two petite sized women in them, thank god, and accepted my apologizes when I gave them the bad news that I was in the middle (isn't this evey straight man's wildest dream???)
The doors still didn't close.
We sat a bit longer.
Still no word.
then 5 or 6 people come flying down the jetway and on to the plane. I overheard them saying "I'm glad we caught this one, didn't want to wait for the 7A..."
my mind is thinking "early off loads".
There was 1 seat open in Business, 1C, and I saw an FA go to the back, grab a kid, and escort them to 1C, hearing the child say "YES!!".
Later on in the flight I found out the kid was in fact her daughter. Did this make me upset, yes. But can I complain as a non-rev, NO.
We finally pulled out of the gate at 625AM and did a very VERY slow taxi out to 27R.
Takeoff was very powerful and fast, and before I knew it, we were heading north towards Palm Beach (normally you go out over the 'glades, then turn north).
The flight, well, needed some work. Of the 3 FAs, only one smiled, and she was the one that told me I could move after takeoff.
The FA who placed her daughter in F was obviously very pissed off, as I couldn't even get a smile out of her... its like she refused to smile in coach.
The drink service was by far the most expedient I've experienced, even on Southwest. The smiling FA even told her to "slow down" 5 or 6 times.
Want water? sure. cup, dump, thanks, next.
Want coffee? sure. cup, dump, thanks, next.
no smile.
want a cookie? take one, pass it down. next
want something else? no. wait till i'm done.
too bad when she was done she was kneeling at 1C for the entire flight.
If I were a revenue passenger, I don't think I would have been impressed with this flight.
For some reason, over Melbourne, Florida, the copilot said we'd being our decent into Atlanta.
I looked out the window, waving goodbye to the Treasure Coast, and hello to the Space Coast, thinking what drugs is he on.
The mean FA came through again and gave me a candy cane, courtesy of the other FA... I asked her about the decent, and she said "I have no idea, I just work here, I don't fly it". I asked her if she could tell the copilot if AirTran invented time travel. She didn't smile. I was just trying to get her to laugh.
We landed firmly in Atlanta on one of the runways that has a nice inward slope... didn't realize how far we coasted down the runway.
I got off the plane and went to the customer service center to check-in for Air Tran #602 to Milwaukee, leaving in a little over an hour. The agent laughed and said "for some reason, you have 14E to Milwaukee".
She read some notes in my record and asked for my airline ID. She asked what my role with the airline was, and spit out a boarding pass for 3A, window in business class. She apologized and said that FLL made an error (comments BY a sup at Air Tran in FLL!) and that I should have been put in biz on FLL-ATL. I didn't think anything of it, and gave the candy cane to the agent in FLL... she was the friendliest girl i've met so far today (FLL agents are good, they were too busy to be overly nice that day). I figure the folks in FLL were swamped, so no reason to say a thing to Corey when I get back (he's the FLL Mgr). As a non-rev, I'll be happy just getting on the plane!!!!
I had some time to kill, so I went over to the Red Carpet Club in ATL... which is about the size of a small trailer.
The ladies in the club remembered me and pampered me... I wish UA employees would do this to *EVERY* passenger, and not just me, otherwise UA could get thousands more per passenger.
the club emptied and we were all alone and talking shop till I had to leave for my gate on the C concourse... they both said thanks for coming by, and gave me a bag of goodies for my next flight (she said to pass them out courtesy of United Airlines.. lol).
My next flight was 602, Tail # 972AT, one of the original 717 ordered aircraft for Air Tran.
Departure time was closing in and I was still chatting with Jennie, the 'older' ex Flight Attendant from Vanguard, and we both knew something was up... we both were hanging around the galley and heard "collect their bags and go.." so I figured it's a tail swap.
bingo.
One of the 3 computers in the 717 wasn't working right, so they put is in N950AT. The gate agent told me this was the newest plane (uh, try first?) delivered...
Atlanta to Milwaukee
Air Tran #602
lv 925A (actual was 1030A)
ar 1024A (actual was 1145A)
seat 3A, business class
717 N950AT
After hundreds of apologies, we were on our way.
I can't comment on this flight because I slept through most of it, but I did awake with the tray table next to me down, 2 biscoff crackers and a TWIST apple crunch snack bar in a cup (and done in a napkin, veyr nice touch). there was also a glass of water.
This, I can't seem to get from United. why?
why can't United FAs, when they see a sleeping passenger, put down the tray table (next to them, if open), give them a munchie AND water.. is it that hard?
They woke me a few mins before landing and looked out to see a fog bank all over Milwaukee.
ugh.
I looked out my window and saw the building that says "Welcome to Cleveland" on it's roof... My cam wasn't powered up so no picture http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif
We finally landed and got off in a hurry, scuring down to the AWAC/United check-in.
I proceeded to check-in and the agent put me on the DM list.
I asked "don't I need flight coupons?" and he responded "let me look.."
duh. yes you need flight coupons to travel.
he looked in the record and said "your airlines pass bureau should have isssued you tickets."
I politely responded "I am the pass bureau and Sherry @$* from Appleton had authorized you to ticket it."
'well we don't do that here'
so I fired back, a bit agitated "you mean to tell me, the LARGEST Air Wisconsin out station, does not have any NRSA ticket stock".
He apologized and went in the back, and came out with the same answer.. he said that a sup will be right out.
Now this time, there were 2 people coming out.. they both said "we don't know a sherry in Appleton.."
my mouth was floored
"so you don't know your own pass bureau mgr?"
One sup typed away, and I saw the initial agent smile and pointed to something "Authorize to tkt NRSA pass per XXXXXX ATWZW".
I smile.
both sups said "normally other airlines ticket themselves on us".. I apologized and said our airline was paperless, 100% and they shrugged and walked in the back. The other sup came out and handed the agent a 4 coupon NRSA pass and said "have him fill this out".
The agent explained he isn't ticket trained and I said it's all good...
Anyway, after explaining to the non-ticket trained agent he needed his auditor coupon, etc, he sent me on my way, thanked me for his help, and apologized. I also apologized if I was cranky as I have not had sleep in the past few days.
I go up to security where the Rent-a-terrorist- screeners went through my bags a total of 4 times. somehow they didn't realize I had a digital camera with me.
Then didn't realize I keep a ziplock bag full of change (for payphones, us Non-revers have to call our relatives/friends to tell them we're finally home!).
then didn't realize I had a palm m505 with me.
ugh.
time was now 1pm and my flight was to push back at 112PM. Although I could see my shiny 1990 build BAE 146-300 through the windows, I started to ask if there was anything else they wanted to x-ray (although I should not have asked when I am getting my rectal exam).
I was on my way at 110PM and rushed to the gate, handed the agent my pass, and was given 20F. Only issue w/ this seat is they have tray tables in the armrests.
Milwaukee - Chicago O'Hare
United Express 5617
Lv 112PM (actual 115PM)
Ar no idea (actual was 140PM)
Seat 21F (I moved to accomodate a family)
BAe 146-300 (100 seat) N611AW (2nd original delivered)
I got on board and the FA and co pilot smiled as I was wearing my old United parka and AWAC pin. They both welcomed me aboard.
I went to the very back in 20F when the FA asked if I could move, I said 'no problem' and curled up in 21F.
the seats were quite nice and plush, which is something I'll never say about coach cabin. The seats even had the "wingtip" extensions on them, so if you wanted to sleep, you had some plus material to help.
The flight was very smooth and non-eventful.
We landed on time and I hopped over to the Red Carpet Club for a bit.
O'Hare to Springfield, IL
United Express 5793
lv 435PM (actual was 440PM)
ar 521PM (actual was 524PM)
seat 12C CRJ tail #604
This plane was one of the oldest, but original Air Wisconsin orders. The plane was OK... although I kept looking and lookin for the difference in seat pitch that SFO1K keeps talking about.
I ended up sleeping for the entire flight... all 35 mins of it *lol*.
I guess service was good, because I woke up to find a small bottled water in my seat... again, something new from United.
--------------------------------------------
Traveling NRSA has it's perk, mainly no fights to change a ticket or change a date. The biggest issue we have is just getting on a plane. I could have easily spent $400 to fly Ft. laudedale - St. Louis - Decatur, but I do not make that much money. When I was working full time for the airline, I barely cleared $250 a week, just enough to pay rent, keep current on my bills, and have enough for some food... and every blue moon I'd have enough to go on a date or see a movie.
sometimes these Non-Rev benefits are the only thing we have of value....
The trip home will not be fun, but a bit more direct, as I think i'll be ok to get to Atlanta from Bloomington, IL, then on to Ft. Lauderdale. My backup will put me on Frontier to Denver, then Spirit to Ft. Lauderdale.
-nate
[This message has been edited by UAPremierExec (edited 12-30-2002).]