J Passenger insists on sitting in F: A DYKWIA Story
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 116
J Passenger insists on sitting in F: A DYKWIA Story
Hi Flyertalk! long time lurker and random commenter, but this is my first thread. Thank you all for providing so much insight - I am now considered the travel guru amongst my friends and it's all because of you I've now planned an even bigger, better trip to Asia this Fall using everything I've learned!
On to the story...
This is a story about a DYKWIA situation I've never experienced before. My husband and I were flying ICN-JFK in F on the A380 and we were super excited as it was our first real international F. We had boarded first and were poking around our seats (me in 1J, Mr.GPY in 2J) and there were 4 other passengers (in 1A, 2A, 2D, 3A) so we had a side of the plane all to ourselves. The FA had warmly welcomed us and was getting our PDBs.
As we were busy acting like kids on Christmas morning a British woman with a cane and a very noticeable limp boards and takes the seat behind us. Within seconds an FA comes and very politely asks for her boarding pass and lets her know that business is up the stairs. The woman says she knows but she doesn't EVER climb stairs and it would be impossible with her leg and she MUST sit in first - look! cane! she can barely even walk! There is a lot of back and forth as the FA (and another FA) explain to her over and over that they understand and they can help her up the stairs but that she can not sit in First. Mrs.DYKWIA refuses to move and says had she knows business was only on the upper level she would have paid for first and that they should have told her at check in since it was "obvious" she had trouble walking. At this point I went back to exploring my seat and she was escorted out of F back towards economy.
We had an awesome flight. Had some champagne, some red, Mr.GPY cracked open the JWBlue, we took a field trip to the bar upstairs where made friends with Mrs.2D. It turns out her husband is a KE pilot and she was flying with her mother in law in 2A. Her husband was sitting in coach with their sons and let her have the other seat in F. What a husband! I slept fitfully for 6 hours since it was too warm, but all in all - it was amazing.
When we landed in JFK J passengers had already starting coming down the stairs but were being held back so we could get off first. We made our way through immigration, picked up our checked bag and as we headed to the taxi line someone raced by us - why, by some miracle Mrs.DYKWIA had been blessed by the angels in heaven during the flight and no longer needed her cane to walk! Hallellujah, praise Jesus! She jogged past us without the slightest sign of a limp so she could cut us in the taxi line. I would like to say I didn't make a slightly snarky comment to Mr.GPY just loud enough to be overheard...but I would be lying.
On to the story...
This is a story about a DYKWIA situation I've never experienced before. My husband and I were flying ICN-JFK in F on the A380 and we were super excited as it was our first real international F. We had boarded first and were poking around our seats (me in 1J, Mr.GPY in 2J) and there were 4 other passengers (in 1A, 2A, 2D, 3A) so we had a side of the plane all to ourselves. The FA had warmly welcomed us and was getting our PDBs.
As we were busy acting like kids on Christmas morning a British woman with a cane and a very noticeable limp boards and takes the seat behind us. Within seconds an FA comes and very politely asks for her boarding pass and lets her know that business is up the stairs. The woman says she knows but she doesn't EVER climb stairs and it would be impossible with her leg and she MUST sit in first - look! cane! she can barely even walk! There is a lot of back and forth as the FA (and another FA) explain to her over and over that they understand and they can help her up the stairs but that she can not sit in First. Mrs.DYKWIA refuses to move and says had she knows business was only on the upper level she would have paid for first and that they should have told her at check in since it was "obvious" she had trouble walking. At this point I went back to exploring my seat and she was escorted out of F back towards economy.
We had an awesome flight. Had some champagne, some red, Mr.GPY cracked open the JWBlue, we took a field trip to the bar upstairs where made friends with Mrs.2D. It turns out her husband is a KE pilot and she was flying with her mother in law in 2A. Her husband was sitting in coach with their sons and let her have the other seat in F. What a husband! I slept fitfully for 6 hours since it was too warm, but all in all - it was amazing.
When we landed in JFK J passengers had already starting coming down the stairs but were being held back so we could get off first. We made our way through immigration, picked up our checked bag and as we headed to the taxi line someone raced by us - why, by some miracle Mrs.DYKWIA had been blessed by the angels in heaven during the flight and no longer needed her cane to walk! Hallellujah, praise Jesus! She jogged past us without the slightest sign of a limp so she could cut us in the taxi line. I would like to say I didn't make a slightly snarky comment to Mr.GPY just loud enough to be overheard...but I would be lying.
#2
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 578
Hi Flyertalk! long time lurker and random commenter, but this is my first thread. Thank you all for providing so much insight - I am now considered the travel guru amongst my friends and it's all because of you I've now planned an even bigger, better trip to Asia this Fall using everything I've learned!
On to the story...
This is a story about a DYKWIA situation I've never experienced before. My husband and I were flying ICN-JFK in F on the A380 and we were super excited as it was our first real international F. We had boarded first and were poking around our seats (me in 1J, Mr.GPY in 2J) and there were 4 other passengers (in 1A, 2A, 2D, 3A) so we had a side of the plane all to ourselves. The FA had warmly welcomed us and was getting our PDBs.
As we were busy acting like kids on Christmas morning a British woman with a cane and a very noticeable limp boards and takes the seat behind us. Within seconds an FA comes and very politely asks for her boarding pass and lets her know that business is up the stairs. The woman says she knows but she doesn't EVER climb stairs and it would be impossible with her leg and she MUST sit in first - look! cane! she can barely even walk! There is a lot of back and forth as the FA (and another FA) explain to her over and over that they understand and they can help her up the stairs but that she can not sit in First. Mrs.DYKWIA refuses to move and says had she knows business was only on the upper level she would have paid for first and that they should have told her at check in since it was "obvious" she had trouble walking. At this point I went back to exploring my seat and she was escorted out of F back towards economy.
We had an awesome flight. Had some champagne, some red, Mr.GPY cracked open the JWBlue, we took a field trip to the bar upstairs where made friends with Mrs.2D. It turns out her husband is a KE pilot and she was flying with her mother in law in 2A. Her husband was sitting in coach with their sons and let her have the other seat in F. What a husband! I slept fitfully for 6 hours since it was too warm, but all in all - it was amazing.
When we landed in JFK J passengers had already starting coming down the stairs but were being held back so we could get off first. We made our way through immigration, picked up our checked bag and as we headed to the taxi line someone raced by us - why, by some miracle Mrs.DYKWIA had been blessed by the angels in heaven during the flight and no longer needed her cane to walk! Hallellujah, praise Jesus! She jogged past us without the slightest sign of a limp so she could cut us in the taxi line. I would like to say I didn't make a slightly snarky comment to Mr.GPY just loud enough to be overheard...but I would be lying.
On to the story...
This is a story about a DYKWIA situation I've never experienced before. My husband and I were flying ICN-JFK in F on the A380 and we were super excited as it was our first real international F. We had boarded first and were poking around our seats (me in 1J, Mr.GPY in 2J) and there were 4 other passengers (in 1A, 2A, 2D, 3A) so we had a side of the plane all to ourselves. The FA had warmly welcomed us and was getting our PDBs.
As we were busy acting like kids on Christmas morning a British woman with a cane and a very noticeable limp boards and takes the seat behind us. Within seconds an FA comes and very politely asks for her boarding pass and lets her know that business is up the stairs. The woman says she knows but she doesn't EVER climb stairs and it would be impossible with her leg and she MUST sit in first - look! cane! she can barely even walk! There is a lot of back and forth as the FA (and another FA) explain to her over and over that they understand and they can help her up the stairs but that she can not sit in First. Mrs.DYKWIA refuses to move and says had she knows business was only on the upper level she would have paid for first and that they should have told her at check in since it was "obvious" she had trouble walking. At this point I went back to exploring my seat and she was escorted out of F back towards economy.
We had an awesome flight. Had some champagne, some red, Mr.GPY cracked open the JWBlue, we took a field trip to the bar upstairs where made friends with Mrs.2D. It turns out her husband is a KE pilot and she was flying with her mother in law in 2A. Her husband was sitting in coach with their sons and let her have the other seat in F. What a husband! I slept fitfully for 6 hours since it was too warm, but all in all - it was amazing.
When we landed in JFK J passengers had already starting coming down the stairs but were being held back so we could get off first. We made our way through immigration, picked up our checked bag and as we headed to the taxi line someone raced by us - why, by some miracle Mrs.DYKWIA had been blessed by the angels in heaven during the flight and no longer needed her cane to walk! Hallellujah, praise Jesus! She jogged past us without the slightest sign of a limp so she could cut us in the taxi line. I would like to say I didn't make a slightly snarky comment to Mr.GPY just loud enough to be overheard...but I would be lying.
#5
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 6
Great story and good for the FA to stick to what is right.
Now, I may have a similar situation coming up.
Soon, my wife, me, and a new born (no seat) will be on F. My 3 year old daughter will be on J with her own seat with grandpa and grandma.
Being only 3-year old, I think she will be on our laps most of the time anyway. In addition, she is a daddy-girl and will go where I go . I am not sure if she will stay in J with grandma while I seat in F.
I am hoping the FA will allow her to seat at F with me during the flight. Do you think that is possible?
Anyway, I am prepare to switch seat with one of the grandparent and seat with her in J.
Now, I may have a similar situation coming up.
Soon, my wife, me, and a new born (no seat) will be on F. My 3 year old daughter will be on J with her own seat with grandpa and grandma.
Being only 3-year old, I think she will be on our laps most of the time anyway. In addition, she is a daddy-girl and will go where I go . I am not sure if she will stay in J with grandma while I seat in F.
I am hoping the FA will allow her to seat at F with me during the flight. Do you think that is possible?
Anyway, I am prepare to switch seat with one of the grandparent and seat with her in J.
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 116
I would guess not, particularly if there are other guests in F who may not be fans of toddlers in F, much less those without a ticketed seat. You could trade with one of your in laws? Though I'm sure that's not ideal
The woman in 1A was very elderly and was traveling with a companion who was in economy. The woman could barely walk or feed herself and it would have been much more helpful for the companion to sit next to her but that was not allowed so I'm guessing they are quite strict with the rules.
The woman in 1A was very elderly and was traveling with a companion who was in economy. The woman could barely walk or feed herself and it would have been much more helpful for the companion to sit next to her but that was not allowed so I'm guessing they are quite strict with the rules.
#8
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: New York
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Delta Skymiles Platinum
Posts: 650
Hi Flyertalk! long time lurker and random commenter, but this is my first thread. Thank you all for providing so much insight - I am now considered the travel guru amongst my friends and it's all because of you I've now planned an even bigger, better trip to Asia this Fall using everything I've learned!
On to the story...
This is a story about a DYKWIA situation I've never experienced before. My husband and I were flying ICN-JFK in F on the A380 and we were super excited as it was our first real international F. We had boarded first and were poking around our seats (me in 1J, Mr.GPY in 2J) and there were 4 other passengers (in 1A, 2A, 2D, 3A) so we had a side of the plane all to ourselves. The FA had warmly welcomed us and was getting our PDBs.
As we were busy acting like kids on Christmas morning a British woman with a cane and a very noticeable limp boards and takes the seat behind us. Within seconds an FA comes and very politely asks for her boarding pass and lets her know that business is up the stairs. The woman says she knows but she doesn't EVER climb stairs and it would be impossible with her leg and she MUST sit in first - look! cane! she can barely even walk! There is a lot of back and forth as the FA (and another FA) explain to her over and over that they understand and they can help her up the stairs but that she can not sit in First. Mrs.DYKWIA refuses to move and says had she knows business was only on the upper level she would have paid for first and that they should have told her at check in since it was "obvious" she had trouble walking. At this point I went back to exploring my seat and she was escorted out of F back towards economy.
We had an awesome flight. Had some champagne, some red, Mr.GPY cracked open the JWBlue, we took a field trip to the bar upstairs where made friends with Mrs.2D. It turns out her husband is a KE pilot and she was flying with her mother in law in 2A. Her husband was sitting in coach with their sons and let her have the other seat in F. What a husband! I slept fitfully for 6 hours since it was too warm, but all in all - it was amazing.
When we landed in JFK J passengers had already starting coming down the stairs but were being held back so we could get off first. We made our way through immigration, picked up our checked bag and as we headed to the taxi line someone raced by us - why, by some miracle Mrs.DYKWIA had been blessed by the angels in heaven during the flight and no longer needed her cane to walk! Hallellujah, praise Jesus! She jogged past us without the slightest sign of a limp so she could cut us in the taxi line. I would like to say I didn't make a slightly snarky comment to Mr.GPY just loud enough to be overheard...but I would be lying.
On to the story...
This is a story about a DYKWIA situation I've never experienced before. My husband and I were flying ICN-JFK in F on the A380 and we were super excited as it was our first real international F. We had boarded first and were poking around our seats (me in 1J, Mr.GPY in 2J) and there were 4 other passengers (in 1A, 2A, 2D, 3A) so we had a side of the plane all to ourselves. The FA had warmly welcomed us and was getting our PDBs.
As we were busy acting like kids on Christmas morning a British woman with a cane and a very noticeable limp boards and takes the seat behind us. Within seconds an FA comes and very politely asks for her boarding pass and lets her know that business is up the stairs. The woman says she knows but she doesn't EVER climb stairs and it would be impossible with her leg and she MUST sit in first - look! cane! she can barely even walk! There is a lot of back and forth as the FA (and another FA) explain to her over and over that they understand and they can help her up the stairs but that she can not sit in First. Mrs.DYKWIA refuses to move and says had she knows business was only on the upper level she would have paid for first and that they should have told her at check in since it was "obvious" she had trouble walking. At this point I went back to exploring my seat and she was escorted out of F back towards economy.
We had an awesome flight. Had some champagne, some red, Mr.GPY cracked open the JWBlue, we took a field trip to the bar upstairs where made friends with Mrs.2D. It turns out her husband is a KE pilot and she was flying with her mother in law in 2A. Her husband was sitting in coach with their sons and let her have the other seat in F. What a husband! I slept fitfully for 6 hours since it was too warm, but all in all - it was amazing.
When we landed in JFK J passengers had already starting coming down the stairs but were being held back so we could get off first. We made our way through immigration, picked up our checked bag and as we headed to the taxi line someone raced by us - why, by some miracle Mrs.DYKWIA had been blessed by the angels in heaven during the flight and no longer needed her cane to walk! Hallellujah, praise Jesus! She jogged past us without the slightest sign of a limp so she could cut us in the taxi line. I would like to say I didn't make a slightly snarky comment to Mr.GPY just loud enough to be overheard...but I would be lying.
In regard to the bold, I have found that if you are very polite but very firm, they WILL turn down the temperature. I cannot understand why they keep it so warm - standard seems to be 27 degrees C. More than once I have been able to get them to turn it down to 22. Which is hardly cold, but is bearable. I actually travel with a small batter operated fan just in case.
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 116
Great tip! We have 4 upcoming F flights on KE so I'm definitely going to try and get them to turn the heat down. We just bought USB fans after reading this tip elsewhere. They'll also come in handy in some of the Asian hotels where the AC is controlled by the building. I love Asia but the lack of AC really can get to me after a while.
#10
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 790
Hi Flyertalk! long time lurker and random commenter, but this is my first thread. Thank you all for providing so much insight - I am now considered the travel guru amongst my friends and it's all because of you I've now planned an even bigger, better trip to Asia this Fall using everything I've learned!
On to the story...
This is a story about a DYKWIA situation I've never experienced before. My husband and I were flying ICN-JFK in F on the A380 and we were super excited as it was our first real international F. We had boarded first and were poking around our seats (me in 1J, Mr.GPY in 2J) and there were 4 other passengers (in 1A, 2A, 2D, 3A) so we had a side of the plane all to ourselves. The FA had warmly welcomed us and was getting our PDBs.
As we were busy acting like kids on Christmas morning a British woman with a cane and a very noticeable limp boards and takes the seat behind us. Within seconds an FA comes and very politely asks for her boarding pass and lets her know that business is up the stairs. The woman says she knows but she doesn't EVER climb stairs and it would be impossible with her leg and she MUST sit in first - look! cane! she can barely even walk! There is a lot of back and forth as the FA (and another FA) explain to her over and over that they understand and they can help her up the stairs but that she can not sit in First. Mrs.DYKWIA refuses to move and says had she knows business was only on the upper level she would have paid for first and that they should have told her at check in since it was "obvious" she had trouble walking. At this point I went back to exploring my seat and she was escorted out of F back towards economy.
We had an awesome flight. Had some champagne, some red, Mr.GPY cracked open the JWBlue, we took a field trip to the bar upstairs where made friends with Mrs.2D. It turns out her husband is a KE pilot and she was flying with her mother in law in 2A. Her husband was sitting in coach with their sons and let her have the other seat in F. What a husband! I slept fitfully for 6 hours since it was too warm, but all in all - it was amazing.
When we landed in JFK J passengers had already starting coming down the stairs but were being held back so we could get off first. We made our way through immigration, picked up our checked bag and as we headed to the taxi line someone raced by us - why, by some miracle Mrs.DYKWIA had been blessed by the angels in heaven during the flight and no longer needed her cane to walk! Hallellujah, praise Jesus! She jogged past us without the slightest sign of a limp so she could cut us in the taxi line. I would like to say I didn't make a slightly snarky comment to Mr.GPY just loud enough to be overheard...but I would be lying.
On to the story...
This is a story about a DYKWIA situation I've never experienced before. My husband and I were flying ICN-JFK in F on the A380 and we were super excited as it was our first real international F. We had boarded first and were poking around our seats (me in 1J, Mr.GPY in 2J) and there were 4 other passengers (in 1A, 2A, 2D, 3A) so we had a side of the plane all to ourselves. The FA had warmly welcomed us and was getting our PDBs.
As we were busy acting like kids on Christmas morning a British woman with a cane and a very noticeable limp boards and takes the seat behind us. Within seconds an FA comes and very politely asks for her boarding pass and lets her know that business is up the stairs. The woman says she knows but she doesn't EVER climb stairs and it would be impossible with her leg and she MUST sit in first - look! cane! she can barely even walk! There is a lot of back and forth as the FA (and another FA) explain to her over and over that they understand and they can help her up the stairs but that she can not sit in First. Mrs.DYKWIA refuses to move and says had she knows business was only on the upper level she would have paid for first and that they should have told her at check in since it was "obvious" she had trouble walking. At this point I went back to exploring my seat and she was escorted out of F back towards economy.
We had an awesome flight. Had some champagne, some red, Mr.GPY cracked open the JWBlue, we took a field trip to the bar upstairs where made friends with Mrs.2D. It turns out her husband is a KE pilot and she was flying with her mother in law in 2A. Her husband was sitting in coach with their sons and let her have the other seat in F. What a husband! I slept fitfully for 6 hours since it was too warm, but all in all - it was amazing.
When we landed in JFK J passengers had already starting coming down the stairs but were being held back so we could get off first. We made our way through immigration, picked up our checked bag and as we headed to the taxi line someone raced by us - why, by some miracle Mrs.DYKWIA had been blessed by the angels in heaven during the flight and no longer needed her cane to walk! Hallellujah, praise Jesus! She jogged past us without the slightest sign of a limp so she could cut us in the taxi line. I would like to say I didn't make a slightly snarky comment to Mr.GPY just loud enough to be overheard...but I would be lying.
#11
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,326
The NYC-Florida flights are known for their miracle cures, with people using wheelchairs to board early and then sprinting off the aircraft at the destination, but this is the first time I heard of this phenomenon TPAC. The attempt to use the faked disability to get a free upgrade to FC is creative too. I'm glad it didn't work.
#12
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
Programs: KE Skypass Morning Calm Member, OZ Club
Posts: 2,349
Even in Y, which I always travel, I have had no issues telling them I am too hot and ask to turn the cool air a bit stronger. They have always apologized, checked the temperature, brought me a glass of ice water, and turned the air on for a bit.
#15
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: RTM
Programs: TK*G, AB G ;), HH D
Posts: 87
Google/wiki ''Environmental control system'', its quite interesting.