Insulted by Crew Member -complain or not ?
Dec 1, 2016, 1:20 pm
#16
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 55
I have traveled with someone who needs an extension belt on roughly half of the planes, sometimes in business sometimes economy. I have always proactively asked for an extension for my companion when boarding to let the FAs handle when it works best for them. Despite the great variance in FA quality over the years, I've never seen any of them call attention to a large person. Maybe just lucky, but I have always felt the proactive polite and discreet request helped.
Sorry you got the business from that one, but don't let it get you down. I would take the apology you got from the purser and call it a day. Cheers.
Sorry you got the business from that one, but don't let it get you down. I would take the apology you got from the purser and call it a day. Cheers.
Dec 1, 2016, 1:30 pm
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: AA
Posts: 14,733
Yes, making sure that everyone has their seatbelt fastened is an important safety issue, but there are certainly more discrete passenger friendly ways of verifying than the way the OP's FA chose to address it, none of which would require any extra effort than shouting the words to the entire cabin.
Dec 1, 2016, 1:31 pm
#18
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: UK
Posts: 92
On a few recent short haul BA flights I have had the buckle right at the end of the belt. I am carrying a few extra pounds and there was me thinking things had got to the point I might have to shift a pound or two or ask for an extension belt. How pleased am I that I can now put it down to a clipped belt^
Never even crossed my mind that BA had been cost cutting on the seat belts. Now I won't feel so bad when I am eating my buy onboard M&S high fat sandwich and a bag of crisps.
Dec 1, 2016, 1:51 pm
#19
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Somewhere around Europe...
Programs: BA Gold; MB Ti; HH Diamond; IHG Plat; RR Gold
Posts: 530
Belt length does vary noticeably by aircraft type, I'm fine on most of the BA fleet... except for the A321, when I always require the extender. The difference is marginal, probably 1.5in, but just enough to tip the balance in my case!
I find though that most of the time the crew are more embarrassed to ask during final checks... occasionally you get someone who huffs a bit when asked for the extension, I just put that down to the usual tired/overworked/underpaid bored/homesick (change as appropriate) crew.
I find though that most of the time the crew are more embarrassed to ask during final checks... occasionally you get someone who huffs a bit when asked for the extension, I just put that down to the usual tired/overworked/underpaid bored/homesick (change as appropriate) crew.
Dec 1, 2016, 1:58 pm
#20
Join Date: Nov 2013
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 176
I am a larger lady but have not had any problem with the seat belts on BA or any other UK carrier but i more than likely would have replied "no i don't you cheeky blooming sod".
I fly some dosmetics in india and i do need a seat belt extension there,i take my own with me now after we took a flight to kerela,the head cabin crew spoke so loud the whole plane could hear,i felt awful as we were in row 1,lucky for our return he was on duty again and handed to me without asking.So i just take my own no more embarrassment for me.
I fly some dosmetics in india and i do need a seat belt extension there,i take my own with me now after we took a flight to kerela,the head cabin crew spoke so loud the whole plane could hear,i felt awful as we were in row 1,lucky for our return he was on duty again and handed to me without asking.So i just take my own no more embarrassment for me.
Dec 1, 2016, 2:11 pm
#21
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 323
Sometimes I've heard cabin crew sound quite B1tchy. Comes with the territory if you ask me. Take it with a pinch of salt and move on. I am sure he doesn't even remember now. Further action will be like telling a dog off a day after its shat on the floor
Dec 1, 2016, 3:49 pm
#26
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,832
Dec 1, 2016, 4:42 pm
#27
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Midwest
Programs: Marriott Titanium, IHG Plat, Hyatt Globalist, HHonors Diamond, AA Plat Pro, UA Silver
Posts: 571
I am fat enough to need an extension belt on some aircraft, and in my experience it virtually never occurs to BA crew pro-actively to offer one: I always have to ask. I would be delighted if my need was identified without me having to attract attention and ask every time.
Had the crewmember called you fat, you would be justified in complaining. But asking you if you want an extension belt is not 'effectively calling [you] fat' except in your own mind.
I have learned to accept that anyone I encounter who isn't blind may consider me fat (or worse), which in my case is fair enough because I absolutely am! Perhaps some people who encounter you may think you are fat, too. Who knows? What I do know is that you have the same level of control over what people you meet think as I have, i.e. none. I really don't think what was said to you would have affected the views of other passengers, and whilst I understand you may be upset, I really don't think you have much basis for a formal complaint.
Had the crewmember called you fat, you would be justified in complaining. But asking you if you want an extension belt is not 'effectively calling [you] fat' except in your own mind.
I have learned to accept that anyone I encounter who isn't blind may consider me fat (or worse), which in my case is fair enough because I absolutely am! Perhaps some people who encounter you may think you are fat, too. Who knows? What I do know is that you have the same level of control over what people you meet think as I have, i.e. none. I really don't think what was said to you would have affected the views of other passengers, and whilst I understand you may be upset, I really don't think you have much basis for a formal complaint.
I always wondered if I could just buy one of my own to carry. Having to google that
Dec 1, 2016, 4:44 pm
#28
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: North of Carlisle
Programs: BAEC Silver
Posts: 1,538
Dec 2, 2016, 12:51 am
#30
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 6,338
Really? Id suggest a quick apology is more of a an easy way to end the matter rather than an admission of wrongdoing.
I would also bet that virtually no one else in the cabin took any notice and that the" insult" is largely in the OPs own mind....YMMV of course.... but I'm with Luca Windus on this one...
I would also bet that virtually no one else in the cabin took any notice and that the" insult" is largely in the OPs own mind....YMMV of course.... but I'm with Luca Windus on this one...