Baobab:

I have to tell this story. I flew SLC-PDX - SEL - PEK recently. I had just gotten seated in business on the transpacific leg when the EM BEE AAY seated next to me started blathering about his degree from Temple. Suddenly, the lead flight attendent came by and said: "Dr Quan, we've upgraded you to First, come right this way!" MBA's jaw dropped to the floor as I waved 'bye.'

I have instructed my travel agent -not- to book me as Dr Quan but she slipped up this time. I don't associate travelling as an MD with any privileges. I don't relish being called to an inflight medical emergency with so little to work with and all that liability... In all my flying I've never received the 'Doctor upgrade.' I didn't think for a minute that was the reason. But it sure was fun to one up an MBA!

Jim