Amazing... I was on CO2 on 1/15 and it was the first time I've ever been in BF without it being full of non-revs. As a plat I had to pay the "service charge" plus miles to upgrade, but I don't mind that -- as long as EVERYBODY else in the cabin got there the same way. I would have been livid to see somebody move up front on that plane for fear of a missed connection -- especially considering that CO2 is usually serviced by the four-row BF 764 config which means that there is a coach section forward of door 2L.

On CO49 (IAH-OGG) earlier in the month I boarded the plane a little later than ususal (but still well within limits and with most of coach not on boarded). Out of twenty seats in BF I identified at least twelve as employees or other non-revs either by "CREW" tags on their bags or overheard conversations and greetings. When the FA eventually took time out from gossiping with one of her non-reving friends to hand me a menu I selected the steak. She informed me that the steaks were not available to which I replied "I guess I forgot how much non-revs love red meat." Shortly thereafter the lead FA informed me that a steak had become available. A meal choice isn't anything in the grand scheme - but at the same time as one of eight paying (either with a fare purchase or cash upgrade) BF passengers on the plane I'd expect to get some sort of priority in the ordering process. Mind you, as a US Chairman's Preferred I could have flown to OGG via PHX and been upgraded into F at no charge - albeit in a standard domestic F seat.

Lesson to CO: Treat your employees right, but not at the expense of your most loyal elites.