Hi and welcome,
I remember feeling the same when I was much younger and first started to get elite upgrades (back when Barnie Rubble drove me to the Stone-port to fly on the Dino-flier to Boulder)
If you work for an airline, its Good news-Bad news: You will fly for much less (often just a fee and tax) but you will no longer be in the Mileage game nor the elite upgrade game. Employees can usually purchase positive space F/C. Otherwise, FC will be dolled out based on seniority/management level after revenue customers are accomodated (this is my understanding from friends in the biz).
Originally Posted by Underdog735
Bear with me, I am still new to the forums. I don't post often, but I read the posts everyday during class
I am still confused as to why FC seats are considered a right? Personally, I buy FC tickets until I have reached my status for the year, then i try to get get upgraded. If I don't get upgraded on a flight, I don't challenge it or throw a fit or push my way to make it a point to let the agent know that I am pissed. I might only be 21, and I might only be Gold Elite, but I still know my roll.
On a side note, I do get some sort of pleasure when people walk past me while I am in first class, and shoot me glares because of my age and the fact that I board in the elite line. I am sure people are really pissed when a "kid" is u/g over them, but hey, it's not like I was given elite status for nothing. This year, I WILL earn my Platinum status legitimately by flying, not comped or pleaded for.
By the way, what is the stance on Elite status if you work for the airline? Do you still enroll in the onepass system or are you guaranteed Elite priviledges as an employee? The reason I ask is because I am currently studying Aviation and will be Commercially licensed to fly upon completetion of my degree. Say I get hired by Continental as a pilot, what does that mean for elite priviledges? Gone for good?
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The Underdog