Originally Posted by cbn42

I don't necessarily think the term "kettle" is offensive, although I can see why people might think so. It's perfectly ok to use the term in a light-hearted or humorous way, but not as an insult when someone new is asking for help.

I think there is a broader issue here of how welcoming these boards are to newcomers and infrequent fliers. Many times, infrequent fliers who ask questions that seem obvious to the elite are ridiculed and insulted. This only helps fuel the disdain that the public feels towards frequent business travelers.