Spiff

Wall Street Journal Article

"And they almost always fly first class—something some airlines would like to change. With cockpit doors fortified and a history of attackers choosing coach seats, some airline executives and security experts question whether the first-class practice is really necessary—or even a good idea. It could weaken security by isolating marshals or making them easier for terrorists to identify, airline executives say...

...By law, airlines must provide seats to marshals at no cost in any cabin requested. With first-class and business-class seats in particular, the revenue loss to airlines can be substantial because they can't sell last-minute tickets or upgrades, and travelers sometimes get bumped to the back or lose out on upgrade opportunities. When travelers do get bumped, airlines are barred from divulging why the first-class seat was unexpectedly taken away, to keep the presence of a marshal a secret. Bumped travelers—airlines can't disclose how many passengers are affected—typically get coach seats and refunds on the cash or miles they paid for the better seat.

In a recent episode, the Air Transport Association said, a flight from Europe to the U.S. was about to depart with at least six marshals already on board in multiple cabins when a rival carrier canceled a flight. Marshals from that flight came over to demand first-class seats on the flight that was leaving. The airline refused, saying it would cancel the flight rather than empty the first-class cabin. Marshals backed off, airline officials say. Mr. Minerly of the Federal Air Marshal Service said he was unfamiliar with the incident, and that the agency does not comment on specific cases."

^

It's great to see the airlines finally starting to grow a spine and push back against government intrusion into commercial aviation security.

The federal government should be prohibited from stealing seats for its employees under any circumstances. And if federal government employees fly commercial, the class of service paid should be coach. Any upgrades should be completely on the employee's ability to use FF miles/points/certificates.

It's time for government theft of commercial aviation service to stop!!!

n4zhg

Not only should they get bumped to coach, they should be put in the rearmost row on coach. That way they can observe the entire compartment.

N965VJ

Wake the kids and call the neighbors, I just agreed with James May and the Air Transport Association!

docmonkey

This is a great sign.

Good Guy

If wishes were fishes.... Since airlines are mandated by congress to provide the seats, it would take a literal "Act of Congress" to change things. Good luck.

sbrower

[/QUOTE=Spiff;14845586] Mr. Minerly of the Federal Air Marshal Service said he was unfamiliar with the incident, and that the agency does not comment on specific cases."[/QUOTE]

Wow! He must be mortified with embarassment not to know about something that happened on his watch.

Or is the correct statement: "Mr Minerly of the Federal Air Marshall Service, who knew exactly what this reporter was talking about, ducked the issue by saying "the agency only comments on specific cases which improve the image of the agency."

docmonkey

Fortunately there's hope, since congress is bought by corporations.

Good Guy

Or it never happened.

sbrower

That is also possible. Actually, based on my personal experience over the last year, the number of FAMS in first has dropped precipitously. Unless:

a) FAM's are now allowed to drink alcohol on duty;
b) FAM's are employed under the age of 20 or over the age of 70;
c) FAM's are, as part of their cover, doing real work on real spreadsheets for private business.

Ari

FAMS can change their policy at any and decide to shift X% of FAMs from F/J to Y; no act of Congress is required.

I believe that some version of the story happened but I don't think the facts portrayed in the article is exactly how it happened; at the very least, the facts are grossly oversimplified.

LessO2

Facts are facts. You see more in coach and cockpit doors are fortified.

According to the Congressional Record, House Vol. 151, Pt. 8, dated May 19, 2005, page 10387, the ATA estimates airlines collectively lose $195 million annually because of the FAM program.

It might not be tomorrow, or even next year. But the mandate will be modified.

Capitalism always trumps security.

Good Guy

Valid point

docmonkey

I disagree. Reasonable security measures are very good for business. That's why banks pay for expensive vaults and alarm systems.

The situation is not really a trade-off between capitalism v. security. All of those first class seats being wasted on marshals is not currently buying enough security to justify the cost.

Wimpie

I vote we fly them as CARGO, where they belong. Besides, that's where the biggest risk is.

Global_Hi_Flyer

Unfortunately we are not a true capitalist society. And we're becoming less so every day.