Originally Posted by empedocles
I don't necessarily see a problem with air marshals, but I will agree that the conduct of some of them has been less than professional, which is partially due to the fact that they instituted the program fast instead of correctly. I do think, however, that the government needs to buy their seats. If they want them to sit up front, fine, pony up the $$$.
However, I as a taxpayer object to government employees flying in paid first or business class (if they want to use their own means to upgrade that's fine) and regardless of who is paying, they should never be able to steal another passenger's seat assignment.
I'd just as soon leave them at the gate.