Agents refusing to wear their name tags
Aug 14, 2015, 8:42 am
#31
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Why? Why? Zed! / Why? You? Elle! / Gee! Are You!
Programs: Irrelevant
Posts: 3,543
Regarding FAs, I've had a few chats with a few about wearing tags with their names, why some do, some don't, and why others just have one that says "Flight Attendant".
While there may be other reasons, the main one I've heard was harassment from pax, and this seems to have been a serious problem on more than one occasion. This is extremely unfortunate because these individuals really like their profession. I imagine it is not much fun to go to work wondering who the next idiot they encounter might be.
While there may be other reasons, the main one I've heard was harassment from pax, and this seems to have been a serious problem on more than one occasion. This is extremely unfortunate because these individuals really like their profession. I imagine it is not much fun to go to work wondering who the next idiot they encounter might be.
There are too many male flyers (frequent and otherwise) that seem to this it's okay to get grabby and touchy feely with some of the flight attendants.
I have heard more than a few complaints from some regarding how they feel after such an occurrence. 
Sadly, many FA's feel powerless to do anything, because in many cases the douche bag is a SE, for ExxK, MM, etc and feel that the company will not do much about this because the FA feels (rightly or wrongly is of no consequence here) the company position is not to do anything because the copany does not want to give a traveler a reason to fly another airlines, and/or the FA does not want to be perceived as being a complainer trouble maker.
Having said that, I have also seen some very confident FA's give a really good (and highly intelligent) tongue lashing to these douche bags in such a way that the perp isn't quite sure if they've been told off or not. ^ I lol'd pretty loudly when I saw that.
Aug 14, 2015, 10:09 am
#32
Suspended
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: YKF
Programs: AC Elite 50K, Amex AP Plat, Choice Privileges, National Exec Elite, Via Prefrence
Posts: 2,996
Sadly this is a more common occurrence that many here would believe or even acknowledge.
There are too many male flyers (frequent and otherwise) that seem to this it's okay to get grabby and touchy feely with some of the flight attendants. I have heard more than a few complaints from some regarding how they feel after such an occurrence.
Sadly, many FA's feel powerless to do anything, because in many cases the douche bag is a SE, for ExxK, MM, etc and feel that the company will not do much about this because the FA feels (rightly or wrongly is of no consequence here) the company position is not to do anything because the copany does not want to give a traveler a reason to fly another airlines, and/or the FA does not want to be perceived as being a complainer trouble maker.
Having said that, I have also seen some very confident FA's give a really good (and highly intelligent) tongue lashing to these douche bags in such a way that the perp isn't quite sure if they've been told off or not. ^ I lol'd pretty loudly when I saw that.
There are too many male flyers (frequent and otherwise) that seem to this it's okay to get grabby and touchy feely with some of the flight attendants.
I have heard more than a few complaints from some regarding how they feel after such an occurrence. Sadly, many FA's feel powerless to do anything, because in many cases the douche bag is a SE, for ExxK, MM, etc and feel that the company will not do much about this because the FA feels (rightly or wrongly is of no consequence here) the company position is not to do anything because the copany does not want to give a traveler a reason to fly another airlines, and/or the FA does not want to be perceived as being a complainer trouble maker.
Having said that, I have also seen some very confident FA's give a really good (and highly intelligent) tongue lashing to these douche bags in such a way that the perp isn't quite sure if they've been told off or not. ^ I lol'd pretty loudly when I saw that.
FA's (and ground staff) have a lot more power than you think when dealing with unruly pax and the airline will always back its employees in such situations. AC has banned top tier members before for abusing contract staff at outstations, never mind permanent mainline employees
I've seen very highly compliance with flight crew wearing name tags (and I'm sure some can put out outliers). This thread is more about the large discrepancy of ground staff not wearing their brevets and/or refusing to give their name when asked. All of which is against AC's current regulations.
Last edited by kwflyer; Aug 14, 2015 at 10:15 am
Aug 14, 2015, 12:19 pm
#33
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: YYZ
Posts: 1,629
I know that, in my case, wearing your name tag is "mandatory", but I still didn't do it at times (even when I was in charge of enforcing it too).
But even when some of my employees didn't wear name tags, it had 0 effect of accountability. If a customer had any problem or concern, the employee related to the encounter/transaction could be identified in 30 seconds tops.
But even when some of my employees didn't wear name tags, it had 0 effect of accountability. If a customer had any problem or concern, the employee related to the encounter/transaction could be identified in 30 seconds tops.
Aug 14, 2015, 2:46 pm
#34
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 7,875
Sadly this is a more common occurrence that many here would believe or even acknowledge.
There are too many male flyers (frequent and otherwise) that seem to this it's okay to get grabby and touchy feely with some of the flight attendants. I have heard more than a few complaints from some regarding how they feel after such an occurrence.
Sadly, many FA's feel powerless to do anything, because in many cases the douche bag is a SE, for ExxK, MM, etc and feel that the company will not do much about this because the FA feels (rightly or wrongly is of no consequence here) the company position is not to do anything because the copany does not want to give a traveler a reason to fly another airlines, and/or the FA does not want to be perceived as being a complainer trouble maker.
Having said that, I have also seen some very confident FA's give a really good (and highly intelligent) tongue lashing to these douche bags in such a way that the perp isn't quite sure if they've been told off or not. ^ I lol'd pretty loudly when I saw that.
There are too many male flyers (frequent and otherwise) that seem to this it's okay to get grabby and touchy feely with some of the flight attendants.
I have heard more than a few complaints from some regarding how they feel after such an occurrence. Sadly, many FA's feel powerless to do anything, because in many cases the douche bag is a SE, for ExxK, MM, etc and feel that the company will not do much about this because the FA feels (rightly or wrongly is of no consequence here) the company position is not to do anything because the copany does not want to give a traveler a reason to fly another airlines, and/or the FA does not want to be perceived as being a complainer trouble maker.
Having said that, I have also seen some very confident FA's give a really good (and highly intelligent) tongue lashing to these douche bags in such a way that the perp isn't quite sure if they've been told off or not. ^ I lol'd pretty loudly when I saw that.
Aug 14, 2015, 8:07 pm
#35
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson; Avis PC
Posts: 35,255
I'm confused as to why this is considered new news? You all know that the no-name nametags have been worn by many levels of front-line staff ever since the wheel was invented...!
Aug 15, 2015, 6:23 am
#36
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Montreal
Posts: 260
They should just have everyone pick an alias and put that on the tag. Protect privacy and not generate friction like this.
China, happens all the time as people pick a western name in hotels, etc.
Of course we're used to it with Indian call center agents.
In Thailand people will sometimes use their nickname. Relatively sure that this girl was not named "Apple" and that one is not "Poo". Well maybe on the poo.
China, happens all the time as people pick a western name in hotels, etc.
Of course we're used to it with Indian call center agents.
In Thailand people will sometimes use their nickname. Relatively sure that this girl was not named "Apple" and that one is not "Poo". Well maybe on the poo.
Aug 15, 2015, 2:30 pm
#37
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson; Avis PC
Posts: 35,255
They should just have everyone pick an alias and put that on the tag. Protect privacy and not generate friction like this.
China, happens all the time as people pick a western name in hotels, etc.
Of course we're used to it with Indian call center agents.
In Thailand people will sometimes use their nickname. Relatively sure that this girl was not named "Apple" and that one is not "Poo". Well maybe on the poo.
China, happens all the time as people pick a western name in hotels, etc.
Of course we're used to it with Indian call center agents.
In Thailand people will sometimes use their nickname. Relatively sure that this girl was not named "Apple" and that one is not "Poo". Well maybe on the poo.
Aug 15, 2015, 4:06 pm
#38
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: YVR
Programs: OZ Diamond, Jiffypark Manhattan Gold
Posts: 4,485
I then asked her how would one be able identify who you are, and she replied ''that's exactly why we don't wear them anymore!'', so I then asked her for Agent ID which she reluctantly showed, as I later found out they have to have with them at all times in the airport and show on demand.
Nothing much to add to the nametag conversation, but I thought I'd explain this fwiw.
As an airport employee (I'm 99% sure these rules are nationwide at all A class airports) you have to have your RAIC (Restricted Area Identity Card) not only on your person, but on display, above the waist on your outer layer. Now in practice, this is not only impractical, but many employees don't do this. I know I never did as a baggage handler having it on your outer layer it constantly gets caught on bags and in the way. Anyone is allowed to challenge you to see your pass. But, these rules ONLY apply to the secure area. Meaning a check-in agent, has no obligation to show you anything. A gate agent does though.
Transport Canada does spot checks on these as well, to the point where they will wait right on the other side of the secure doors and immediately catch you if you put your pass away. It serves a purpose, but it's rather annoying, they'll then give you a ticket after a few you get a suspension and there's always a possibility they have your RAIC revoked.
If we (airport employees) find someone without a RAIC displayed we are supposed to challenge them and Transport Canada (apparently) does checks on this as well and failure to challenge them after an interaction would result in the same tickets.
There's multiple types of passes as well that have more/different restrictions but I won't bore anyone with those unless they ask.
My point is, don't get all high and mighty demanding to see someone's badge if you aren't in the position to have the right to do so. (not saying that's what the OP did, just giving a fair warning)
Aug 28, 2015, 10:12 am
#39
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: YYZ
Posts: 1,629
China, happens all the time as people pick a western name in hotels, etc.
Of course we're used to it with Indian call center agents.
In Thailand people will sometimes use their nickname. Relatively sure that this girl was not named "Apple" and that one is not "Poo". Well maybe on the poo.
Of course we're used to it with Indian call center agents.
In Thailand people will sometimes use their nickname. Relatively sure that this girl was not named "Apple" and that one is not "Poo". Well maybe on the poo.
Aug 28, 2015, 10:21 am
#40
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: YVR
Programs: AC*SE MM, Marriott Titanium, National Executive
Posts: 1,586
It is my understanding that in China they pick a western name in English class in school.
Some Chinese names have common English "translations" but sometimes they try to use a literal translation and end up with a strange sounding English name (I met someone named Cloud East once).
Some Chinese names have common English "translations" but sometimes they try to use a literal translation and end up with a strange sounding English name (I met someone named Cloud East once).
Aug 28, 2015, 10:25 am
#41
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson; Avis PC
Posts: 35,255
It is my understanding that in China they pick a western name in English class in school.
Some Chinese names have common English "translations" but sometimes they try to use a literal translation and end up with a strange sounding English name (I met someone named Cloud East once).
Some Chinese names have common English "translations" but sometimes they try to use a literal translation and end up with a strange sounding English name (I met someone named Cloud East once).