DYKWIA Tales for 2018 on AA
#151
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
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Posts: 11,245
Had to chime in here...I'm in shorts and flip flops in F and J all the time on early morning and evening/late night flights. I'm either heading home or to the hotel right when I land, so I never give it a second thought. I grew up flying non-rev AA so I always dressed up regardless. Now on paid fares, I don't care
But I do agree with a poster above that there's a slight grin when sitting down next to a DYKWIA. Normally one of the first questions asked is, "so what do you do for a living?" That said, I've actually exchanged countless biz cards with people, so doing my best to be a good ambassador for the t-shirt/sandals crowd lol
Btw love reading all of these stories!
But I do agree with a poster above that there's a slight grin when sitting down next to a DYKWIA. Normally one of the first questions asked is, "so what do you do for a living?" That said, I've actually exchanged countless biz cards with people, so doing my best to be a good ambassador for the t-shirt/sandals crowd lol
Btw love reading all of these stories!
Turns out I was right above them on the UG list and cleared while they did not. They weren't happy when they walked by me on the aircraft.
#152
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,313
Maybe not DWKWIA, more of a "Do You Know How Much I Know" moment. Traveling out of DFW on the early flight Tuesday after Memorial day (faux Monday), I was trying to be helpful, like normal, to PreCheck line enterers who freak out at the size of the beginning-of-the-week line, reassuring them that it's a fast line and they're probably better off right where they are. DFW really does a good job moving those early morning lines along. I offered my normal advice to the first traveller who was miffed at the length of the TSA line and said from where we were standing (gate C17), it would take 15 minutes or less to clear TSA (gate C21). After a genuine thank you, a DSM flyer standing in front of me boldly calls me out and informs everyone within an ear shot that she travels this route all of the time and that it's a minimum of 45 minutes to clear TSA from where we were standing. After a glance from the confused pax entering the line, I reassured him that 15 minutes is good estimate. That's when the fun begins.
DSM flyer, loudly, informs me that I have no idea what I'm talking about and that I a being extremely obnoxious. I don't say anything but I do look at my watch. DSM flyer sees this and challenges me to a wager, at which point I do get a little obnoxious, pull out my wallet which had about $400 in it and tell her sure. She does not accept.
Fast forward 10 minutes, we get to within 12 people of the TSA check station when DSM flyer goes into panic mode, claiming she doesn't have a boarding pass (which was clearly on her phone) and leaves the line to print a paper pass. Embarrassed, her traveling partner turns to me to apologize for her coworker's bad behavior.
DSM flyer, loudly, informs me that I have no idea what I'm talking about and that I a being extremely obnoxious. I don't say anything but I do look at my watch. DSM flyer sees this and challenges me to a wager, at which point I do get a little obnoxious, pull out my wallet which had about $400 in it and tell her sure. She does not accept.
Fast forward 10 minutes, we get to within 12 people of the TSA check station when DSM flyer goes into panic mode, claiming she doesn't have a boarding pass (which was clearly on her phone) and leaves the line to print a paper pass. Embarrassed, her traveling partner turns to me to apologize for her coworker's bad behavior.
DSM Flyer = ?
#156
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: TPA/DFW/K15
Programs: AA EXP, Mar AMB, HH LT DIA
Posts: 1,652
#158
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,107
#159
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: STL/ORD/MCI/SAN
Programs: AA CK MM, AC SE100K, BA Gold, UA 1K, DL Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 1,988
Earlier this year, I was flying LGA to STL on an E175 with a companion. We were in seats 1D and 1F. An older, but able-bodied, woman who boarded right in front of us stepped into seat 1A (the single seat side) and began fiddling with her bags. As she had fully left the aisle and stepped into her seat, we moved past her and placed our bags in the overhead on the D/F side near our seats. She saw what I was doing and immediately became very upset, challenging me, saying "I was going to put my bags there, and I boarded before you!" I told her I had no idea she intended to put her bags there and that our bags had to go up since we were in row 1. She said, "Yeah, but you're not in Group 1. I have Group 1 boarding, so I'm supposed to get that space first."
I was tempted to ignore her, but she continued to press the issue even after we were seated, so I couldn't resist showing her both our Group 1 boarding passes (not sure why she thought other passengers sitting in F would have a different group number, although I suspect that she is probably not a frequent flyer). A few minutes later, she was still huffing and puffing across the aisle from us on her cell phone, calling family (or who knows, perhaps anyone who would listen), telling them how mean we were, etc.
My companion, who was listening to all this in disbelief, elbowed me and quietly asked what we had done to upset her so much, and I explained the entire story (just loud enough for 1A to hear), about how she seemed to think she was entitled to personal reserved space in the overhead above our seats and apparently thought we had "lesser" tickets even though we were all flying First. I summed it up by saying, "Gosh, some people just have no class."
I briefly caught 1A's eye after that statement, and the look on her face was priceless. It was as though a light bulb had gone off in her head, and she suddenly realized how poorly she'd behaved. She didn't say another word the rest of the flight.
I was tempted to ignore her, but she continued to press the issue even after we were seated, so I couldn't resist showing her both our Group 1 boarding passes (not sure why she thought other passengers sitting in F would have a different group number, although I suspect that she is probably not a frequent flyer). A few minutes later, she was still huffing and puffing across the aisle from us on her cell phone, calling family (or who knows, perhaps anyone who would listen), telling them how mean we were, etc.
My companion, who was listening to all this in disbelief, elbowed me and quietly asked what we had done to upset her so much, and I explained the entire story (just loud enough for 1A to hear), about how she seemed to think she was entitled to personal reserved space in the overhead above our seats and apparently thought we had "lesser" tickets even though we were all flying First. I summed it up by saying, "Gosh, some people just have no class."
I briefly caught 1A's eye after that statement, and the look on her face was priceless. It was as though a light bulb had gone off in her head, and she suddenly realized how poorly she'd behaved. She didn't say another word the rest of the flight.
#160
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: New York, NY
Programs: BAEC Gold, Delta Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, AMEX Platinum (US)
Posts: 18,487
I did have an immigration officer when departing New Zealand remark sarcastically that it must be "nice to fly business class at your age* when you're unemployed" (I had to hand my boarding pass along with departure immigration card where it asked your occupation). Her sarcastic tone made me almost want to tell her the only reason I was downgrading to business class because I was on a RTW first class ticket and Qantas didn't offer First on trans-Tasman flights Yes, I realise if I had said that and someone heard me I've have ended up in this thread
*I was 24 at the time.
Last edited by Fraser; Jun 5, 2018 at 8:48 am
#161
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 5,270
#162
Join Date: Jun 2011
Programs: United Premier Platinum
Posts: 638
#163
Moderator: Qatar Airways
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: LHR/NCE/MIA
Programs: BAEC GfL & GGL, SQ Gold, Amex Centurion, Mucci des Chevaliers des Bons Mots et Qui Savent Moucher
Posts: 8,948
Boarded AA100 (JFK-LHR) yesterday, and most of the front J cabin on the 777-300 was taken.
I start to get comfortable in 3J, when the lady in 3G stares at me. I'm dressed ultra-casual for the overnight hop, and eventually sit down. 3G pops her head round again, and smiles. I smile back, being polite, but she takes this as a sign that I want to have a conversation with her.
She tells me she has a bad left leg, and thought she had picked 3D so she could put her leg in a more comfortable position. She tells me she would be more comfortable in my seat, and asks if I would switch. Now, after 4 days of solid flying (23 sectors), I'm in no mood to move, and tell her No thanks. She says'Don't worry, I wouldn't switch either if it was my seat'. What a charmer!
Fast forward to the end of boarding, and 3A is empty. 3G calls a Flight Attendant over, and says 'My right leg is very uncomfortable due to an operation. Could I move to 3A?'. Before she can answer, 3A boards, and 3G asks 'Could you see if she will switch?'. Needless to say everyone stayed put!
It get's better.
We land early, but due to a lack of available jetbridge at Terminal 3, we park up on a taxi way for about 15mins. 3G gets very anxious, and keeps saying 'I have a connecting flight. I'm going to be late. This is ridiculous'. I'm bored, so I continue listening to her diatribe.
The Head FA makes an announcement prior to us parking up, to ask passengers to let those with connections disembark first. Of course nobody listens, but 3G shouts 'I have a connection. I need to get off first'. However, I too have a connecting flight, and go ahead of her.
She tries to chastise me, but grins and says 'It doesn't matter. I have the AA 5 Star Service. They'll meet me at the plane and I'll be at Terminal 5 before you because they escort me. I take this flight every month'. I ask her what the service is, and when she starts explaining, I say 'Oh, it's similar to CK, but you actually pay for it'.
We disembark, and her escort is indeed at the door. He tells 3G that he will take over to Terminal 5 by bus.
A few feet ahead of the escort though, is a CK sign with my name on it. I smile, and ask loudly 'Will you be taking me to Terminal 5?' The guy responds, 'Yes of course MrMsm2000uk. I have a car downstairs for you'.
I turn to 3G, tell her to enjoy her bus ride, and walk off
Oddly, her legs seemed perfectly fine on rushing off the plane!
M
I start to get comfortable in 3J, when the lady in 3G stares at me. I'm dressed ultra-casual for the overnight hop, and eventually sit down. 3G pops her head round again, and smiles. I smile back, being polite, but she takes this as a sign that I want to have a conversation with her.
She tells me she has a bad left leg, and thought she had picked 3D so she could put her leg in a more comfortable position. She tells me she would be more comfortable in my seat, and asks if I would switch. Now, after 4 days of solid flying (23 sectors), I'm in no mood to move, and tell her No thanks. She says'Don't worry, I wouldn't switch either if it was my seat'. What a charmer!
Fast forward to the end of boarding, and 3A is empty. 3G calls a Flight Attendant over, and says 'My right leg is very uncomfortable due to an operation. Could I move to 3A?'. Before she can answer, 3A boards, and 3G asks 'Could you see if she will switch?'. Needless to say everyone stayed put!
It get's better.
We land early, but due to a lack of available jetbridge at Terminal 3, we park up on a taxi way for about 15mins. 3G gets very anxious, and keeps saying 'I have a connecting flight. I'm going to be late. This is ridiculous'. I'm bored, so I continue listening to her diatribe.
The Head FA makes an announcement prior to us parking up, to ask passengers to let those with connections disembark first. Of course nobody listens, but 3G shouts 'I have a connection. I need to get off first'. However, I too have a connecting flight, and go ahead of her.
She tries to chastise me, but grins and says 'It doesn't matter. I have the AA 5 Star Service. They'll meet me at the plane and I'll be at Terminal 5 before you because they escort me. I take this flight every month'. I ask her what the service is, and when she starts explaining, I say 'Oh, it's similar to CK, but you actually pay for it'.
We disembark, and her escort is indeed at the door. He tells 3G that he will take over to Terminal 5 by bus.
A few feet ahead of the escort though, is a CK sign with my name on it. I smile, and ask loudly 'Will you be taking me to Terminal 5?' The guy responds, 'Yes of course MrMsm2000uk. I have a car downstairs for you'.
I turn to 3G, tell her to enjoy her bus ride, and walk off
Oddly, her legs seemed perfectly fine on rushing off the plane!
M
#164
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 304
Boarded AA100 (JFK-LHR) yesterday, and most of the front J cabin on the 777-300 was taken.
I start to get comfortable in 3J, when the lady in 3G stares at me. I'm dressed ultra-casual for the overnight hop, and eventually sit down. 3G pops her head round again, and smiles. I smile back, being polite, but she takes this as a sign that I want to have a conversation with her.
She tells me she has a bad left leg, and thought she had picked 3D so she could put her leg in a more comfortable position. She tells me she would be more comfortable in my seat, and asks if I would switch. Now, after 4 days of solid flying (23 sectors), I'm in no mood to move, and tell her No thanks. She says'Don't worry, I wouldn't switch either if it was my seat'. What a charmer!
Fast forward to the end of boarding, and 3A is empty. 3G calls a Flight Attendant over, and says 'My right leg is very uncomfortable due to an operation. Could I move to 3A?'. Before she can answer, 3A boards, and 3G asks 'Could you see if she will switch?'. Needless to say everyone stayed put!
It get's better.
We land early, but due to a lack of available jetbridge at Terminal 3, we park up on a taxi way for about 15mins. 3G gets very anxious, and keeps saying 'I have a connecting flight. I'm going to be late. This is ridiculous'. I'm bored, so I continue listening to her diatribe.
The Head FA makes an announcement prior to us parking up, to ask passengers to let those with connections disembark first. Of course nobody listens, but 3G shouts 'I have a connection. I need to get off first'. However, I too have a connecting flight, and go ahead of her.
She tries to chastise me, but grins and says 'It doesn't matter. I have the AA 5 Star Service. They'll meet me at the plane and I'll be at Terminal 5 before you because they escort me. I take this flight every month'. I ask her what the service is, and when she starts explaining, I say 'Oh, it's similar to CK, but you actually pay for it'.
We disembark, and her escort is indeed at the door. He tells 3G that he will take over to Terminal 5 by bus.
A few feet ahead of the escort though, is a CK sign with my name on it. I smile, and ask loudly 'Will you be taking me to Terminal 5?' The guy responds, 'Yes of course MrMsm2000uk. I have a car downstairs for you'.
I turn to 3G, tell her to enjoy her bus ride, and walk off
Oddly, her legs seemed perfectly fine on rushing off the plane!
M
I start to get comfortable in 3J, when the lady in 3G stares at me. I'm dressed ultra-casual for the overnight hop, and eventually sit down. 3G pops her head round again, and smiles. I smile back, being polite, but she takes this as a sign that I want to have a conversation with her.
She tells me she has a bad left leg, and thought she had picked 3D so she could put her leg in a more comfortable position. She tells me she would be more comfortable in my seat, and asks if I would switch. Now, after 4 days of solid flying (23 sectors), I'm in no mood to move, and tell her No thanks. She says'Don't worry, I wouldn't switch either if it was my seat'. What a charmer!
Fast forward to the end of boarding, and 3A is empty. 3G calls a Flight Attendant over, and says 'My right leg is very uncomfortable due to an operation. Could I move to 3A?'. Before she can answer, 3A boards, and 3G asks 'Could you see if she will switch?'. Needless to say everyone stayed put!
It get's better.
We land early, but due to a lack of available jetbridge at Terminal 3, we park up on a taxi way for about 15mins. 3G gets very anxious, and keeps saying 'I have a connecting flight. I'm going to be late. This is ridiculous'. I'm bored, so I continue listening to her diatribe.
The Head FA makes an announcement prior to us parking up, to ask passengers to let those with connections disembark first. Of course nobody listens, but 3G shouts 'I have a connection. I need to get off first'. However, I too have a connecting flight, and go ahead of her.
She tries to chastise me, but grins and says 'It doesn't matter. I have the AA 5 Star Service. They'll meet me at the plane and I'll be at Terminal 5 before you because they escort me. I take this flight every month'. I ask her what the service is, and when she starts explaining, I say 'Oh, it's similar to CK, but you actually pay for it'.
We disembark, and her escort is indeed at the door. He tells 3G that he will take over to Terminal 5 by bus.
A few feet ahead of the escort though, is a CK sign with my name on it. I smile, and ask loudly 'Will you be taking me to Terminal 5?' The guy responds, 'Yes of course MrMsm2000uk. I have a car downstairs for you'.
I turn to 3G, tell her to enjoy her bus ride, and walk off
Oddly, her legs seemed perfectly fine on rushing off the plane!
M
#165
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW/DAL
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, AS MVPG, HH Diamond, NCL Platinum Plus, MSC Diamond
Posts: 21,422
Dr. Gillian Taylor: Don't tell me! You're from outer space.
Kirk: No, I'm from Iowa. I only work in outer space.