Hostility from ISM on CX Flight
Dec 11, 2016, 7:43 pm
#16
Join Date: Sep 2011
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Although second guessing is easy, had I been in your shoes, when she first asked for your original seat number, I might have responded something more along the lines of, "I'm assigned to 44X. I know that this isn't my seat; but my boyfriend was really nice and offered to switch seats with me so that I could sit in business class." ISM might have been more reasonable in her approach if she knew right from the start that you weren't a seat poacher. She probably approached you initially as a self-upgrader; and you didn't give her any contrary information until she asked for it. If that was the case, it would, IMO, explain the attitude.
I've seen two people on a seat across me 11D/G once, the ISM approached the and said "Gentlemen, I don't see you on my roster, may I see your boarding pass?" Then she said, "XXXXX is further down, thank you." She remained polite though out the situation.
By asking "What are you doing here?" she has already set a hostile tone. Something which is a clear no-no in the service industry.
Dec 11, 2016, 7:55 pm
#17
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I guess this is CX784? Sigh it's the horrible high-density 77Z and I've some minor but memorable service issues on that flight in the front also.
I think the ISM is within her rights to query the passenger but once the op-up is identified, there's no need to continue querying.
Service on that flight feels horribly rushed, which I thought was totally unnecessary given the length of the flight.
I think the ISM is within her rights to query the passenger but once the op-up is identified, there's no need to continue querying.
Service on that flight feels horribly rushed, which I thought was totally unnecessary given the length of the flight.
Dec 11, 2016, 7:59 pm
#18
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Dec 11, 2016, 8:01 pm
#19
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In this case, without justifying any rudeness, it is clear why the FA was rude. Her records did not match the person in the seat (different gender, at least) so she assumed you were self-upgrading (sneaking into a higher-class seat), which happens more often that one might think. (Just last month I found an economy passenger calmly sitting in my business-class seat.) So you were NOT the same as the other passengers except for your race; therefore your experience cannot be attributed to your race.
Dec 11, 2016, 8:17 pm
#20
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Dec 11, 2016, 8:47 pm
#21
Join Date: Jan 2014
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Seems like a storm in a teacup: reading your account, I don't see the evidence for your assertion that there was hostility, which is a strong word.
When the lady asked how to pronounce your name and you told her (basically) to look it up in her iPad, you come across to me at least as the one being hostile.
When the lady asked how to pronounce your name and you told her (basically) to look it up in her iPad, you come across to me at least as the one being hostile.
Dec 11, 2016, 8:48 pm
#22
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,633
You spoiled your case by making an overly serious accusation. Now that the word 'racism' has been deleted from the subject line, this is a more reasonable thread and discussion.
[PS I just remembered an additional detail about "my" self-upgrader. He was not only sitting calmly in my seat, he was calmly drinking a pre-departure beverage. The Etihad flight attendant politely but firmly took the half-empty glass away from him...]
Last edited by SeeBuyFly; Dec 11, 2016 at 9:02 pm
Dec 11, 2016, 8:49 pm
#23
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Dec 11, 2016, 10:35 pm
#24
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 942
Seems like a storm in a teacup: reading your account, I don't see the evidence for your assertion that there was hostility, which is a strong word.
When the lady asked how to pronounce your name and you told her (basically) to look it up in her iPad, you come across to me at least as the one being hostile.
When the lady asked how to pronounce your name and you told her (basically) to look it up in her iPad, you come across to me at least as the one being hostile.
Dec 12, 2016, 1:52 am
#25
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In my experience, don't let the crew dictate questions (eg: what was ur original seat, who are you flying with, what's your name etc..) I appreciate not everyone is as confident, but if you can take control of the situation fast, and overburden them with information you will put their mind at ease about your being there "My partner was allocated this seat, and he kindly gave it to me for extra brownie points, he is in 44E and his name is Mr Gold. I trust this seat swap is okay with your crew."
Crew see 'self-upgraders' on almost every flight and quite rightly, these people are promptly sent back. This is where the perceived negative attitude of the crew might come from.
Interestingly, I experienced the flip side of this on the weekend. On a non-CX flight (where I had no status), the pax next to me changed seats before takeoff, without speaking to the crew, as they didn't want to be next to Little Miss Doot (and with plenty of empty seats further back - it's perfectly understandable). I proceeded to move over one and take their original seat. The manager came to greet me after takeoff, offered me wine, anything I needed, etc. By not telling the crew - I assumed my old-seatmates in-flight status benefits :-) This is why you should always alert the crew prior to moving.
Crew see 'self-upgraders' on almost every flight and quite rightly, these people are promptly sent back. This is where the perceived negative attitude of the crew might come from.
Interestingly, I experienced the flip side of this on the weekend. On a non-CX flight (where I had no status), the pax next to me changed seats before takeoff, without speaking to the crew, as they didn't want to be next to Little Miss Doot (and with plenty of empty seats further back - it's perfectly understandable). I proceeded to move over one and take their original seat. The manager came to greet me after takeoff, offered me wine, anything I needed, etc. By not telling the crew - I assumed my old-seatmates in-flight status benefits :-) This is why you should always alert the crew prior to moving.
Dec 12, 2016, 2:11 am
#26
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Interesting to note that the purser (I assume FP) did not side with the ISM. perhaps the ISM is one of the 'top ten' or 'on list' ones, so all the crew knew that she was hard to deal with!
Dec 12, 2016, 2:39 am
#27
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Had the OP taken the front foot, been polite, explained the situation I'm sure the outcome would have been different.
I've done swaps before, but always informed the crew (not necessarily to ask 'permission', but at least to inform them).
I'm probably the odd one out here, but I'm siding with the ISM. For the ISM to have an unidentified passenger in the cabin and not challenge it would be worse (as the OP claims on previous flights).
Dec 12, 2016, 2:52 am
#28
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I'm basically with the ISM too. When you're doing something that is (very strictly) against the rules then being polite and proactive with the crew is the very least you can do.
Dec 12, 2016, 3:14 am
#29
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Without knowing all the facts, i think the ism is rude. I think some of her behaviour is not asked for.
However, to be easy on everyone, i always tell the ism right when i board if i were to swap seats w anyone between different class. At leadt i do my part.
However, to be easy on everyone, i always tell the ism right when i board if i were to swap seats w anyone between different class. At leadt i do my part.
Dec 12, 2016, 3:19 am
#30
Join Date: Nov 2007
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yea gotta agree with kaka here