First cabin 'closed off' to MAD but then hen party 'upgraded' into it on board
#151
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 83
Just got a salubrious text from my sister - straight from WT to CW on a long haul out of LHR. Her best friend is a CSM and left a note for the crew. It worked apparently, as when my sister (she has BA Blue) boarded, the CSD discreetly walked her and her mother-in-law to seats in CW. It was a special occasion, so that was lovely for them. Great when it happens to family, although the CSM apparently said it was a rare occurrence.
#152
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold, AA 1MM lifetime gold, Starwood gold, Marriott Gold Elite
Posts: 719
Hope not - wouldn't want any trouble for the CSM.
#153
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: London, UK
Posts: 136
out of curiosity, what is CUV score? I saw it mentioned few times now, but couldn't find what is it.
#154
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: London, UK
Programs: BAEC GGL/GFl, HH Diamond, BW Diamond, Virgin Voyages Deep Blue Extra, Blue Peter Badge Holder
Posts: 3,937
#155
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: North East
Programs: Hilton HHonors, BAEC Silver
Posts: 1,204
Although I do see where you're coming from, I'm sure you agree this could have been perhaps a little better phrased. I have generally found that travelling with youngsters can have just as many benefits, or even perhaps more than not with regards seating/service/attention etc.
#156
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: US of A
Programs: Delta Diamond, United 1K, BA Blue, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold, Amex Platinum
Posts: 1,775
Too tempting not to chime in:
If the First cabin was fair game for one group of people from the next cabin down, it should be fair enough for anyone from the preceding cabin who may ask to sit there. Really not a fan when some people get preferential treatment.
If the First cabin was fair game for one group of people from the next cabin down, it should be fair enough for anyone from the preceding cabin who may ask to sit there. Really not a fan when some people get preferential treatment.
#157
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Programs: BA Silver - hard drop from GGL :( SPG Gold, Hilton Diamond, AC E50k
Posts: 567
even though you like to create it? As someone who has been upgraded from WT to CW with wife and baby (CSD asked us to discreetly grab our stuff and follow him) , and have also seen people with lower status (yes, they left their BP on the CW seat, and I have strong glasses) being upgraded, but not me...
It happens (likely every day). In this sense, you actually got upgrade (CE-> CW). Be happy for the better seat and leave it at that. If you would have pushed for the seat and received it, would you have moved if a GGL/Prem noticed the upgrade bonanza, and asked the CSM to kick you out? Also, as someone who frequently travels with wife and baby... upgrades will likely not happen.
It happens (likely every day). In this sense, you actually got upgrade (CE-> CW). Be happy for the better seat and leave it at that. If you would have pushed for the seat and received it, would you have moved if a GGL/Prem noticed the upgrade bonanza, and asked the CSM to kick you out? Also, as someone who frequently travels with wife and baby... upgrades will likely not happen.
#158
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: BRS
Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 4,983
Firstly, many thanks OP for posting; it has certainly led to a lively discussion which made for an interesting read after a long day working in A&E.
I would also apologies that you feel hard-done by by the decision to move the hen-party to F; although thankfully you’ve said that wasn’t an issue. However, since you have included the fact that they were a hen party in your post, I would like to emphasise we have no reason to discount that the Captain made the decision and indeed, as you admit, you don’t know the circumstances of the hen party. Your own suggestion that one could be terminal ill, others suggestion that one could have a higher states than you or including a traveller with higher status than you, all of which are indeed possible
However, I’m sorry if you felt that the CSM was rude to you. It may of course, not been within the CSMs power to move you it the captain had already made the call to only allow the hen party into F for example. I am, however, glad, that the CSM managed to apologies to you later in the flight, the ability to recognise when an apology is required, particularly when one has been at fault in any way. It is admirable.
Had you been travelling for a special occasion, it might be worth discretely letting the CC know, they may or may not be in a position to make your event even more special. Indeed, if you are traveling for a special occasion, may I recommend letting your hotel know; I've certainly received unexpected gifts and upgrades when those I've been travelling with have let the hotel know of my special occasion.
I can empathise with asking again when you have seen F was opened up to someone else, but from experience may I recommend that you do this without expectation to receive the answer you are looking for to avoid disappointment and it would have been better to also do this discretely (by your own admission the discussion was witnessed by other passengers so I assuming this was not the case).
Out of pure curiosity, may I enquire whether you would have questioned the decision had the same number of pax not connected as a hen group had been moved into F but not you (this is purely for interest and totally hypothetical I appreciate).
I do hope that the hen party had a good time experiencing First and hope you managed to get an opportunity to congratulate the Bride.
The OP has not stated that he feels more entitled than others to be moved to the First cabin, but to those who feel that this should be the case, despite my own status, I fully appreciate the reasons may be of a commercial nature and whilst awarding loyal pax is important, so it attracting other pax.
I’m glad you have taken the criticism well, you probably have coped better than I would in your shoes.
I hope you and your family have great time in Madrid, and who knows, you may be lucky on your next flight, I’m sure you willl be at some point.
I would also apologies that you feel hard-done by by the decision to move the hen-party to F; although thankfully you’ve said that wasn’t an issue. However, since you have included the fact that they were a hen party in your post, I would like to emphasise we have no reason to discount that the Captain made the decision and indeed, as you admit, you don’t know the circumstances of the hen party. Your own suggestion that one could be terminal ill, others suggestion that one could have a higher states than you or including a traveller with higher status than you, all of which are indeed possible
However, I’m sorry if you felt that the CSM was rude to you. It may of course, not been within the CSMs power to move you it the captain had already made the call to only allow the hen party into F for example. I am, however, glad, that the CSM managed to apologies to you later in the flight, the ability to recognise when an apology is required, particularly when one has been at fault in any way. It is admirable.
Had you been travelling for a special occasion, it might be worth discretely letting the CC know, they may or may not be in a position to make your event even more special. Indeed, if you are traveling for a special occasion, may I recommend letting your hotel know; I've certainly received unexpected gifts and upgrades when those I've been travelling with have let the hotel know of my special occasion.
I can empathise with asking again when you have seen F was opened up to someone else, but from experience may I recommend that you do this without expectation to receive the answer you are looking for to avoid disappointment and it would have been better to also do this discretely (by your own admission the discussion was witnessed by other passengers so I assuming this was not the case).
Out of pure curiosity, may I enquire whether you would have questioned the decision had the same number of pax not connected as a hen group had been moved into F but not you (this is purely for interest and totally hypothetical I appreciate).
I do hope that the hen party had a good time experiencing First and hope you managed to get an opportunity to congratulate the Bride.
The OP has not stated that he feels more entitled than others to be moved to the First cabin, but to those who feel that this should be the case, despite my own status, I fully appreciate the reasons may be of a commercial nature and whilst awarding loyal pax is important, so it attracting other pax.
I’m glad you have taken the criticism well, you probably have coped better than I would in your shoes.
I hope you and your family have great time in Madrid, and who knows, you may be lucky on your next flight, I’m sure you willl be at some point.
Are you the one who writes the copy and paste replies from BA customer services?
#159
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: UK
Programs: Lemonia. Best Greek ever.
Posts: 2,266
There is of course, only 1 rule about upgrades. It runs something like this......
I am incredibly important and the only person who should be upgraded on any flight that I am on is me.
Rule 2. See rule 1.
Whilst I know this rule, I want to know why it doesn't apply to me.
I am incredibly important and the only person who should be upgraded on any flight that I am on is me.
Rule 2. See rule 1.
Whilst I know this rule, I want to know why it doesn't apply to me.
#160
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: UK
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 1,173
Excluding this hen party... Have people seen the F cabin in use on this sector?
#161
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: UK
Programs: Lemonia. Best Greek ever.
Posts: 2,266
What if the original post had been by An entitled gold and their brood, who had all been upgraded to First but who had been upset by loud and tipsy behaviour of a small party on a ladies day out?
Who should have been back downgraded in that case?
Who should have been back downgraded in that case?
#162
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: London, UK
Programs: BAEC GGL/GFl, HH Diamond, BW Diamond, Virgin Voyages Deep Blue Extra, Blue Peter Badge Holder
Posts: 3,937
It is, of course, important to read previous messages carefully and offer a balance opinion based on one's experience, but it is clear that I can strive to improve the service that I deliver. I will ensure that this feedback is reflected upon by the individual concerned.
I wish you all the best with your future posts and trust this message draws this matter to a close, but should you wish to discuss this matter further, please do use the contact me personally in the details provided.
Yours
Navylad
Last edited by navylad; Apr 15, 2017 at 5:05 pm
#163
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: London UK
Programs: BAEC Silver, IHG Diamond Ambassador
Posts: 2,042
#164
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Brighton. UK
Programs: BA Gold / VS /IHG Diamond & Ambassador
Posts: 14,167
So you simply asked (once) if you could be moved and were told no. That should have been the end of it. Why was there then a 2 minute conversation? What you describe as vocally aggressive I suggest was most likely the CSM becoming more assertive with someone who clearly wasn't going to take no for an answer
- on phone with gold line
- at check in
- at the lounge
- at the gate
- on board.
#165
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: London UK
Programs: BAEC Silver, IHG Diamond Ambassador
Posts: 2,042
I know! I was referring to on board. Asking just once on board as stated by the OP and then accepting the answer was clearly not what happened if a two minute conversation then ensued