Originally Posted by PeasantGate

Firstly, let me make it quite clear, I have never offered or paid a bribe to anyone!

Second, not much happens on an aircraft without a nod from the FD, CSD or FM either. So if something does happen (like an upgrade) it’s usually agreed by someone in authority or with discretion that they can justify later to their superiors!

Third, I do admit to flying as part of my job, I also stay in hotel and I am fairly sociable!

(Just for the record, the only time I’ve been asked to pay a bribe was from two policeman in Kiev when I inadvertently crossed the road at the wrong point. Was subsequently taken up a back alley where they whipped their truncheons out and proceeded to beat the palms of their hands with menace. I successfully resisted their invitation and played hardball for at least an hour. In the end they gave up on their quest, but I did find the whole affair disturbing).

I do however, admit to having several friends who work as cabin crew for both BA & VS (including CSD & FSM) and have exchanged plenty of very interesting tales over dinner about my exploits and theirs. Sadly, rarely have I ever met them the up-in-the-air. I don’t have family members who work for any airline either, so let me discount the effect of nepotism here too.

But I do tend to meet a lot of air crew so perhaps interact more easily with them. For example, last year I was away in a foreign land enjoying breakfast in a hotel when I was approached by a gentleman, he was a steward from SIA. He asked me if I was in town for a particular event, pointing to the logo on my T shirt. I said yes and a friendly conversation ensued. He asked me how he could get a ticket as it appeared sold-out. I explained it was sold-out but I would do my best to find out if anything’s available and get back to him. So we exchanged mobile telephone numbers and I went to work. I spoke to a PR/marketing girl I know and was given a free VIP ticket to the gig. I called said CC, explained I had some good news and made arrangements to meet him on the other side of the fence. As I handed him the ticket he was stunned and completely overjoyed, he just couldn’t believe it. I took great delight in seeing such enthusiasm turning it into genuine happiness against the odds.

Just three weeks ago I was in a hotel bar, somewhere else in the world with a crowd from Emirates. They started talking to one of my colleagues about work and before I knew it I was invited to join their table for drinks. I spent the next two hours chatting with the FO of their A380 about all things, in particular flying and very enjoyable it was too. They had some down time the next day so I managed to get them some free tickets for another gig.

Sometimes it also works just like this up-in-the-air.

What I really like is no money changed hands, no one lost their job, no company went bust, no customer missed out and certainly no one died! It was just a spare ticket that’s all and given to someone who least expected it.