Hi all,

Just wanted to respond to some of the comments on 'Employee Class'.

I haven't been on Flyertalk for over a year now, and people raged and b*tched about 'employee class' then, and there was a well documented multi-page thread on the United Forum which dealt with these issues in depth. I am disappointed to see this topic raised again, particularly in the context above. I would like to note that I am an airline employee, but commute to work, usually flying on REVENUE fare paid tickets. I also work at a second job that requires me to travel for business on full revenue fares. Therefore, I post to this forum as both a Frequent Flyer, as well as an 'industry insider'.

In relation to the points raised earlier in this thread: First of all, AC does not *usually* upgrade employees on leisure travel, unless Y is full.

Second, deadheading crew often are upgraded. I don't see why this policy should be confined just to flight deck crew and not flight attendants. If the seats are going to go empty (i.e. all Exec pax have been accommodated/upgrades processed) and AC requires their employees to be positioned / dead-headed, then I don't see why both pilots and f/a's cannot be accommodated in a higher class of service. Both employee groups work hard enough in their respective right!

Finally, I have always held a firm belief that affording airline employees the chance to experience business / exec class when on leisure travel is a welcome and appreciated privilege. The constant 'employee class' rants and references are, IMHO, not only unneccesary, they're unjustified.

I commend United on their policy which allows employees and their eligibles the opportunity to travel in upgraded classes of service. I take into account and appreciate the concerns of some on this board in relation to employees riding 'up front' detracting from the integrity of the premium product. I would point out however, that strict policies exist (at United and other carriers offering similar benefits) whereby stringent codes of conduct apply to employees riding up front (as in all classes) as well as strict dress codes and behavioural guidelines.

I know that there are occasions when the odd employee will act or behave inappropriately in first / bsns / exec class, and this is inexcusable. Like in every major multi-national corporation, there are the odd employees who let down the hard working and responsible ones. On the whole though, most of us try to act discreetly, respect the need to maintain the integrity of the product, and try to ensure we do not place any demands on gate staff or flight attendants that could hinder them delivering superior service to our revenue guests.

As with most jobs, working in the aviation industry can come with some nice perks. Likewise, if you work for Ford, you get a great deal on a car, if you work for a bank, you typically get a great rate on your mortgage etc. Enjoying an 'upgrade' when on employee travel is a nicety for those in the industry. Yes, we already get lower fares. But it is prudent to note that if you take a good hard look at our benefits, often by the time you add on taxes and fees to our service charges - (service charges usually calculated on the top full fare) - often our fares work out around the same price as the lowest fares available for sale to the public. Add to this the fact that we need to go Standby, have no guarantee of if and when we will get a seat, and have to potentially face splitting up with family or travel companions - I think it really is a case of taking the rough with the smooth (or in the case of upgrades, enjoying the smooth and not the rough for once). I am not trying to paint a picture of 'hard done by' aviation employees, but just trying to present a balanced picture of where most aviation employees stand.

Again, I re-iterate that I fully agree that poor behaviour by employees is unacceptable, whether it be in the gate lounge or in the first class (or economy) cabin. But for those hard working, responsible employees, it leaves a sour taste to hear the level of complaining out there sometimes when we enjoy one of the few remaining privileges of the job.

I realise that this post may have taken this thread somewhat out of its original direction (apologies!) but I felt compelled to respond to some of the sentiments expressed above.

Safe flying to you all.

S



[This message has been edited by SamuelYYC (edited 03-01-2003).]