Originally Posted by rodsren

I find on the GRU gig flights that you have VERY senior crew. That said, they have been promised raises after 5 years, only to see instead a request for them to take a pay cut. If you approach them as you understand they are underpaid and overworked ( it's not like there is an excess if decent good paying jobs in the US hiring in recent memory) they are sort of stuck. Pre 9/11 they were thinking they were going to have a pension, a somewhat glamorous life, flight benefits ( which they charge them more I think tan any other airline unless they have 25 years in, in which case they get free first class-unless that has been conceded by the union as well.

Approach them with the attitude that you know they are overworked and you do not want to add to their burden, but you really would appreciate whatever you are trying to get out if them ( with the one noted exception of an in-flight upgrade- that just isn't going to happen or has happened much j the last 12 years), then you will probably get what you need. What I am telling you is true as I know a lot if F/A's and they really have not been treated great by the company. They stay at inferior hotels as compared with Thr pilots in many cases, I could go on and on. So, all that said , I think you can get good service if you treat them with respect and perhaps mention you know they are not well treated by the company , and you may indeed make a friend as well as have an enjoyable flight . Happy flying . It's a real luxury to be able to in premium cabins . We are lucky.

Best if luck!