Gold member personal greeting
#587
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: London, ARN, HEL, ..... or MAN
Programs: BA GGL / GFL, Mucci Diamond!, HH Diamond, Radisson Premium, IHG Gold, Hertz Gold
Posts: 5,846
Interesting to see the comments about this becoming more frequent. I had a greeting this morning in CE before takeoff - and was the only one to be greeted. I doubt I was the only Gold as Row 1 was full. It was quick but sincere and felt positive!
#589
Fontaine d'honneur du Flyertalk
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Morbihan, France
Programs: Reine des Muccis de Pucci; Foreign Elitist (according to others)
Posts: 19,088
I honestly couldn’t care less if I’m greeted or not. I’m far more concerned that they get the bar rolling than come and welcome me. It’s nice when it happens and I appreciate being addressed as Madame Galore even if they would not recognise me again if I fell through their dining room ceiling.
#590
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Vale of Glamorgan
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 2,963
I had my first Gold Greeting in a very long time yesterday, on a short-haul flight into LHR, travelling in Euro Traveller. It started so well.
"Good morning, Mr xxx. I hope you're enjoying your flight with us today. Is everything to your satisfaction?"
I assured the young lady that I had no complaints. And then she went and ruined the illusion of personal attention by adding:
"We're supposed to ask, because you're Gold. Well, onto the next one..."
And off she went, further up the aisle, iPad in hand.
"Good morning, Mr xxx. I hope you're enjoying your flight with us today. Is everything to your satisfaction?"
I assured the young lady that I had no complaints. And then she went and ruined the illusion of personal attention by adding:
"We're supposed to ask, because you're Gold. Well, onto the next one..."
And off she went, further up the aisle, iPad in hand.
#591
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: London UK
Programs: BA Gold/Marriott Titanium Lifetime/UA/JetBlue
Posts: 618
Personal greetings are a big discussion point on here and reactions are very mixed, when I greet someone I also find very mixed reaction on board.
Some people struggle to remove their headset, and often clearly are not interested and others love it and want to chat which can also be a problem.
As a CSL on Worldwide Fleet I always try and take some of the pressure off my CSD and deliver the greetings in my cabin, which often also includes a message about the Exec club or a welcome to a higher tier. I often work in Traveller and World Traveller Plus so try also to offer a bottle of water as a gesture as well.
As a CSL on most aircraft I am also expected to be on a trolley offering normal cabin service so whenever I try and greet before the service this inevitably delays the start of the service. If I try and do it before take off I am rushing around trying to solve seating/hand baggage issues etc and I must look very rushed and stressed.
On some routes it is a delight, and there may be only one or two to speak to and then I enjoy it and I am sure it must seem very genuine. On other routes you would be surprised how many Golds and GGL we actually have, Sometimes on an A380 there might be 30-50 in the WT and WTP cabins which makes it very hard to do without looking a bit rushed. Sometimes i might manage a few before take off and then by the time I get another chance to say hello might be mid flight and often people are sleeping or watching movies etc.If there are more than a few to do it is almost impossible.
Needless to say on some routes virtually everyone in the Premium Cabins is a Gold or higher which obviously makes it virtually impossible to do, though that doesn't mean we do not value you.
Sometimes I just do not get the opportunity to do it and I have to accept defeat. Often there are things going on that you might not know about such as customer complaints/birthdays/honeymoons/broken seats or IFE, catering issues, medical issues or a combination of the above.
It mostly is not because we cannot be bothered it is more that we just are pushed to the limits with minimum crew and a service for nearly 500 customers to complete.
Some people struggle to remove their headset, and often clearly are not interested and others love it and want to chat which can also be a problem.
As a CSL on Worldwide Fleet I always try and take some of the pressure off my CSD and deliver the greetings in my cabin, which often also includes a message about the Exec club or a welcome to a higher tier. I often work in Traveller and World Traveller Plus so try also to offer a bottle of water as a gesture as well.
As a CSL on most aircraft I am also expected to be on a trolley offering normal cabin service so whenever I try and greet before the service this inevitably delays the start of the service. If I try and do it before take off I am rushing around trying to solve seating/hand baggage issues etc and I must look very rushed and stressed.
On some routes it is a delight, and there may be only one or two to speak to and then I enjoy it and I am sure it must seem very genuine. On other routes you would be surprised how many Golds and GGL we actually have, Sometimes on an A380 there might be 30-50 in the WT and WTP cabins which makes it very hard to do without looking a bit rushed. Sometimes i might manage a few before take off and then by the time I get another chance to say hello might be mid flight and often people are sleeping or watching movies etc.If there are more than a few to do it is almost impossible.
Needless to say on some routes virtually everyone in the Premium Cabins is a Gold or higher which obviously makes it virtually impossible to do, though that doesn't mean we do not value you.
Sometimes I just do not get the opportunity to do it and I have to accept defeat. Often there are things going on that you might not know about such as customer complaints/birthdays/honeymoons/broken seats or IFE, catering issues, medical issues or a combination of the above.
It mostly is not because we cannot be bothered it is more that we just are pushed to the limits with minimum crew and a service for nearly 500 customers to complete.
#592
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold; FB Silver; SPG; IHG Gold
Posts: 2,963
I've tended to have a greeting on what i imagine (though I may be wrong) less status heavy routes, or less busy flights. I even had one friendly chap shake my hand once, which took me by surprise. I certainly do not expect the cabin service to be slowed or urgent matters around securing the cabin to be delayed so that someone can say hello to me. I know Ba get slated for lack of consistency, but something like a Gold greeting, if it becomes a routine service standard, will inevitably simply feel like a going through the motions, whereas at the moment, it seems more heartfelt, precisely because it does not happen that often. I'd say this is pretty low on my list of Ba priorities.
#593
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: HAM
Programs: BA Gold, A3*G, LH FTL, IHG Diamond
Posts: 288
Recent experience on a BHD - LHR flight a "public" announcement after boarding was done:
"Since there are so many Gold card holders with us today, allow me to welcome you all in a bundle rather than invdiually."
Was not the exact wording, but the guy said so in a quite humorous way that I don't think anyone was upset about not getting a personal greeting
"Since there are so many Gold card holders with us today, allow me to welcome you all in a bundle rather than invdiually."
Was not the exact wording, but the guy said so in a quite humorous way that I don't think anyone was upset about not getting a personal greeting
#594
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Lausanne Switzerland
Programs: BA Gold; Swiss Blue
Posts: 1,244
Recent experience on a BHD - LHR flight a "public" announcement after boarding was done:
"Since there are so many Gold card holders with us today, allow me to welcome you all in a bundle rather than invdiually."
Was not the exact wording, but the guy said so in a quite humorous way that I don't think anyone was upset about not getting a personal greeting
"Since there are so many Gold card holders with us today, allow me to welcome you all in a bundle rather than invdiually."
Was not the exact wording, but the guy said so in a quite humorous way that I don't think anyone was upset about not getting a personal greeting
#595
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Manchester
Programs: BA Gold, VS Gold
Posts: 288
Thank you, markzz2 for explaining the other side of it. It makes a lot of sense.
I don’t expect a greeting but when it happens I like it - as an opportunity to have a brief connection with the people who are keeping me safe and comfortable (applies to all classes of travel). And it’s a good opportunity for me as a customer to show my appreciation. The nice thing about it is that, when done sincerely, it opens up a two-way dialogue.
I don’t expect a greeting but when it happens I like it - as an opportunity to have a brief connection with the people who are keeping me safe and comfortable (applies to all classes of travel). And it’s a good opportunity for me as a customer to show my appreciation. The nice thing about it is that, when done sincerely, it opens up a two-way dialogue.
Personal greetings are a big discussion point on here and reactions are very mixed, when I greet someone I also find very mixed reaction on board.
Some people struggle to remove their headset, and often clearly are not interested and others love it and want to chat which can also be a problem.
As a CSL on Worldwide Fleet I always try and take some of the pressure off my CSD and deliver the greetings in my cabin, which often also includes a message about the Exec club or a welcome to a higher tier. I often work in Traveller and World Traveller Plus so try also to offer a bottle of water as a gesture as well.
As a CSL on most aircraft I am also expected to be on a trolley offering normal cabin service so whenever I try and greet before the service this inevitably delays the start of the service. If I try and do it before take off I am rushing around trying to solve seating/hand baggage issues etc and I must look very rushed and stressed.
On some routes it is a delight, and there may be only one or two to speak to and then I enjoy it and I am sure it must seem very genuine. On other routes you would be surprised how many Golds and GGL we actually have, Sometimes on an A380 there might be 30-50 in the WT and WTP cabins which makes it very hard to do without looking a bit rushed. Sometimes i might manage a few before take off and then by the time I get another chance to say hello might be mid flight and often people are sleeping or watching movies etc.If there are more than a few to do it is almost impossible.
Needless to say on some routes virtually everyone in the Premium Cabins is a Gold or higher which obviously makes it virtually impossible to do, though that doesn't mean we do not value you.
Sometimes I just do not get the opportunity to do it and I have to accept defeat. Often there are things going on that you might not know about such as customer complaints/birthdays/honeymoons/broken seats or IFE, catering issues, medical issues or a combination of the above.
It mostly is not because we cannot be bothered it is more that we just are pushed to the limits with minimum crew and a service for nearly 500 customers to complete.
Some people struggle to remove their headset, and often clearly are not interested and others love it and want to chat which can also be a problem.
As a CSL on Worldwide Fleet I always try and take some of the pressure off my CSD and deliver the greetings in my cabin, which often also includes a message about the Exec club or a welcome to a higher tier. I often work in Traveller and World Traveller Plus so try also to offer a bottle of water as a gesture as well.
As a CSL on most aircraft I am also expected to be on a trolley offering normal cabin service so whenever I try and greet before the service this inevitably delays the start of the service. If I try and do it before take off I am rushing around trying to solve seating/hand baggage issues etc and I must look very rushed and stressed.
On some routes it is a delight, and there may be only one or two to speak to and then I enjoy it and I am sure it must seem very genuine. On other routes you would be surprised how many Golds and GGL we actually have, Sometimes on an A380 there might be 30-50 in the WT and WTP cabins which makes it very hard to do without looking a bit rushed. Sometimes i might manage a few before take off and then by the time I get another chance to say hello might be mid flight and often people are sleeping or watching movies etc.If there are more than a few to do it is almost impossible.
Needless to say on some routes virtually everyone in the Premium Cabins is a Gold or higher which obviously makes it virtually impossible to do, though that doesn't mean we do not value you.
Sometimes I just do not get the opportunity to do it and I have to accept defeat. Often there are things going on that you might not know about such as customer complaints/birthdays/honeymoons/broken seats or IFE, catering issues, medical issues or a combination of the above.
It mostly is not because we cannot be bothered it is more that we just are pushed to the limits with minimum crew and a service for nearly 500 customers to complete.
#596
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Bridport, Dorset
Programs: Mucci, BA Bronze, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,113
BA816 LHR CPH today, stunningly fantastic crew.
Thanked me for my loyalty, congratulated me on renewing gold this month and was just a step above any other crew member I have experienced. He also had his team offering a great level of service on board. Golden Tickets ahoy!
Thanked me for my loyalty, congratulated me on renewing gold this month and was just a step above any other crew member I have experienced. He also had his team offering a great level of service on board. Golden Tickets ahoy!
#597
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Bridport, Dorset
Programs: Mucci, BA Bronze, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,113
Personal greetings are a big discussion point on here and reactions are very mixed, when I greet someone I also find very mixed reaction on board.
Some people struggle to remove their headset, and often clearly are not interested and others love it and want to chat which can also be a problem.
As a CSL on Worldwide Fleet I always try and take some of the pressure off my CSD and deliver the greetings in my cabin, which often also includes a message about the Exec club or a welcome to a higher tier. I often work in Traveller and World Traveller Plus so try also to offer a bottle of water as a gesture as well.
As a CSL on most aircraft I am also expected to be on a trolley offering normal cabin service so whenever I try and greet before the service this inevitably delays the start of the service. If I try and do it before take off I am rushing around trying to solve seating/hand baggage issues etc and I must look very rushed and stressed.
On some routes it is a delight, and there may be only one or two to speak to and then I enjoy it and I am sure it must seem very genuine. On other routes you would be surprised how many Golds and GGL we actually have, Sometimes on an A380 there might be 30-50 in the WT and WTP cabins which makes it very hard to do without looking a bit rushed. Sometimes i might manage a few before take off and then by the time I get another chance to say hello might be mid flight and often people are sleeping or watching movies etc.If there are more than a few to do it is almost impossible.
Needless to say on some routes virtually everyone in the Premium Cabins is a Gold or higher which obviously makes it virtually impossible to do, though that doesn't mean we do not value you.
Sometimes I just do not get the opportunity to do it and I have to accept defeat. Often there are things going on that you might not know about such as customer complaints/birthdays/honeymoons/broken seats or IFE, catering issues, medical issues or a combination of the above.
It mostly is not because we cannot be bothered it is more that we just are pushed to the limits with minimum crew and a service for nearly 500 customers to complete.
Some people struggle to remove their headset, and often clearly are not interested and others love it and want to chat which can also be a problem.
As a CSL on Worldwide Fleet I always try and take some of the pressure off my CSD and deliver the greetings in my cabin, which often also includes a message about the Exec club or a welcome to a higher tier. I often work in Traveller and World Traveller Plus so try also to offer a bottle of water as a gesture as well.
As a CSL on most aircraft I am also expected to be on a trolley offering normal cabin service so whenever I try and greet before the service this inevitably delays the start of the service. If I try and do it before take off I am rushing around trying to solve seating/hand baggage issues etc and I must look very rushed and stressed.
On some routes it is a delight, and there may be only one or two to speak to and then I enjoy it and I am sure it must seem very genuine. On other routes you would be surprised how many Golds and GGL we actually have, Sometimes on an A380 there might be 30-50 in the WT and WTP cabins which makes it very hard to do without looking a bit rushed. Sometimes i might manage a few before take off and then by the time I get another chance to say hello might be mid flight and often people are sleeping or watching movies etc.If there are more than a few to do it is almost impossible.
Needless to say on some routes virtually everyone in the Premium Cabins is a Gold or higher which obviously makes it virtually impossible to do, though that doesn't mean we do not value you.
Sometimes I just do not get the opportunity to do it and I have to accept defeat. Often there are things going on that you might not know about such as customer complaints/birthdays/honeymoons/broken seats or IFE, catering issues, medical issues or a combination of the above.
It mostly is not because we cannot be bothered it is more that we just are pushed to the limits with minimum crew and a service for nearly 500 customers to complete.
#598
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: London
Programs: BA - Gold for Life, CCR & GGL; IC Spire Elite Ambassador; Diamond Hilton Honors; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 6,720
Coming back from the GIB Do on the Monday lunchtime flight, the CSM announced that there were 49 GGL/GCHs on the flight, so he was unable to welcome us all individually, but said that this was a special message for us all!
Last edited by TravellerFrequently; Mar 28, 2019 at 5:48 pm
#599
Join Date: Jan 2015
Programs: BA GGL
Posts: 251
On the way back, in economy I got a greeting from the Cabin Service Leader (I think that was what the badge said?) while still on the ground, then a few mins later the CSD/M came by to say hello and said it was a shame there weren’t two seats together in a cabin further forward. We opted to stay together but he would have moved us if we’d asked.
Anecdotally it continues to be the case for me that when there is a greeting the whole crew seems to be more up for it. Might just be coincidence.
#600
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: London
Programs: BA - Gold for Life, CCR & GGL; IC Spire Elite Ambassador; Diamond Hilton Honors; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 6,720
From LHR to JFK in WTP the other day, didn’t hear a peep.
On the way back, in economy I got a greeting from the Cabin Service Leader (I think that was what the badge said?) while still on the ground, then a few mins later the CSD/M came by to say hello and said it was a shame there weren’t two seats together in a cabin further forward. We opted to stay together but he would have moved us if we’d asked.
Anecdotally it continues to be the case for me that when there is a greeting the whole crew seems to be more up for it. Might just be coincidence.
Neither the CSD or CSL spoke to me or the GCH with whom I was travelling on either flight.