Committing a Faux-pas in Business Class
May 5, 2004, 2:46 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: UK
Posts: 53
Committing a Faux-pas in Business Class
I have a question for the forum. I have been a frequent transatlantic traveller and this has mostly been in Economy. I have now pushed the boat out and have purchased a business class ticket LGW-ATL-ORD-MCO-ATL-LGW. I am now worrying that I will commit 101 faux-pas whilst travelling in J.
Are they any unwritten rules in J class? I am totally housetrained but what would be the ultimate sin?
Are they any unwritten rules in J class? I am totally housetrained but what would be the ultimate sin?
May 5, 2004, 3:51 pm
#2
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Carlton VIC
Posts: 1,420
Originally Posted by rcslt
...Are they any unwritten rules in J class? I am totally housetrained but what would be the ultimate sin?
Seriously, just relax and do as you would normally. Business class isn't rarified in any form or fashion. The advantage is that you should hopefully be able to arrive at your destinations more rested and ready to get to work. I'd recommend on the LGW-ATL leg getting some work or reading in early, take a short break for a nap and then some more work or entertainment before arriving. On the ATL-LGW segment, have as quick a meal as possible and then sleep!.
May 5, 2004, 4:59 pm
#4
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Programs: UA MM, MB LifeTit
Posts: 1,831
The first time I flew in Business I was struck by how everyone very methodically took off their shoes right after they got everything stowed and were ready to sit. This made me very happy. So, my advice to you: wear nice socks and enjoy!
May 5, 2004, 5:22 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: west of DFW airport
Programs: AA LT Gold 1.9 MM flying my way to LT PLAT
Posts: 11,074
comfort items
Experienced travels tend to settle in fast with a selection of comfort items. Their own eye shades, pillows, comfy shoes, ear plugs, DVD or MP3 players and once organized carry on with the flight. One piece of advice I can offer is not to chat with folks unless it is perfectly clear that chat is desired. A 'hello' or a quick nod is sufficient in greeting. Part of what you are paying for is a zone of privacy.
Do I miss it when the bean counters put me in the back of the bus!!!!
Do I miss it when the bean counters put me in the back of the bus!!!!
May 5, 2004, 6:12 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,785
(1) Leave your children at home.
(2) Don't whine if they run out of your first meal choice. Be glad you get food at all, unlike those poor schmoes in the cattle car.
(3) Good fences make good neighbors.
(4) If you overindulge on the free booze, don't become an ahole.
(5) Don't expect the FAs to wait on you hand and foot, particularly on a long flight that spans continents. Feel free to get up and approach the galley if you need something.
(6) Enjoy!!!
(2) Don't whine if they run out of your first meal choice. Be glad you get food at all, unlike those poor schmoes in the cattle car.
(3) Good fences make good neighbors.
(4) If you overindulge on the free booze, don't become an ahole.
(5) Don't expect the FAs to wait on you hand and foot, particularly on a long flight that spans continents. Feel free to get up and approach the galley if you need something.
(6) Enjoy!!!
May 6, 2004, 3:55 am
#10
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 3,082
Originally Posted by EricH
The first time I flew in Business I was struck by how everyone very methodically took off their shoes right after they got everything stowed and were ready to sit. This made me very happy. So, my advice to you: wear nice socks and enjoy!
Maybe it's just me but I'm always amazed at how many people take their shoes off before take off and don't put them back on until they're disembarking. I know it's not likely to happen but if there is an emergency of some sort I want my shoes on for an evacuation.
Last edited by beergut; May 6, 2004 at 5:02 am
May 6, 2004, 4:56 am
#11
Moderator: InterContinental Hotels and Germany
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 6,563
I asked the question myself, before my first flight in Business some years ago.
But it was quite normal. Some people are doing work, but out of my experience mostly on day flights, seldom on a night flight.
You even do not have to wear something special, I fly in Jeans or Chinos and dress as usual on a flight.
So just relax and enjoy the experience of Business and the in-flight entertainment system etc. – and mostly important do not worry about a possible faux pas ....
Jan
P.S. I never put off my shoes if I do not get some slippers or have my own ones if I walk through the plane
But it was quite normal. Some people are doing work, but out of my experience mostly on day flights, seldom on a night flight.
You even do not have to wear something special, I fly in Jeans or Chinos and dress as usual on a flight.
So just relax and enjoy the experience of Business and the in-flight entertainment system etc. – and mostly important do not worry about a possible faux pas ....
Jan
P.S. I never put off my shoes if I do not get some slippers or have my own ones if I walk through the plane
May 6, 2004, 5:13 am
#12
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally Posted by beergut
Maybe it's just me but I'm always amazed at how many people take their shoes off before take off and don't put them back on until they're disembarking. I know it's not likely to happen but if there is an emergency of some sort I want my shoes on for an evacuation.
May 6, 2004, 6:03 am
#13
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Clearwater, FL
Posts: 1,006
FT Members are Appreciated
I've been a happy visitor to FT for only a few months but I would like to compliment all of you FTers for your expressions of sincere interest and assistance to those of us who are in need of your experiences and advice.
You are "Appreciated"! Thank You!
You are "Appreciated"! Thank You!
May 6, 2004, 9:47 am
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: ORD/MDW
Programs: BA/AA/AS/B6/WN/ UA/HH/MR and more like 'em but most felicitously & importantly MUCCI
Posts: 19,721
Don't fool with the seat, trying out all the buttons and positions like it's an amusement park ride. And don't pour down all the alcohol you can just because it's free.
May 6, 2004, 10:40 am
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: SE1, London
Posts: 23,510
While you may irritate the pax around you by drinking and eating everything, playing with toys etc., the crew will probably find the whole thing very entertaining! If they look the friendly sort, let them know it's your first time and you may get some extra-special treatment.
Out of interest, who are you flying with?
Out of interest, who are you flying with?
