FAMed Again, but maybe a solution
Dec 7, 2007, 2:50 pm
#166
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: constantly questioning DHS
Posts: 43
Actually, no it does not, at least not on carriers with no upgraded passengers.
Dec 9, 2007, 8:32 pm
#167
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,704
Dec 10, 2007, 12:43 am
#168
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 361
Checked in last night for my flight today on a A319. Selected 2B and confirmed my check in.
This morning I check my itineraries for a future flight but accidentally take a look at today's flight.
My seat is shown as N/A.
I go to seat assignments and all of 2 and most of 1 is taken, leaving me with a choice of 1A or 1D.
Call 1K and they say they have no record of my seat selection, etc.
I say three words: Federal Air Marshal.
The CSR says yup.
I go on about how I hate those .......s. Etc.... She says that given the fact that they have no control over which flights these guys are on, at least UA should block FAM favorite seats and open them up at the airport if no FAM is on board... this would at least keep us from being so pissed off.
What do you think? Should they automatically block one FAM fav on every flight and release at the gate for non-FAM flown flights?
I wouldn't have been so pissed if it was already occupied.
This morning I check my itineraries for a future flight but accidentally take a look at today's flight.
My seat is shown as N/A.
I go to seat assignments and all of 2 and most of 1 is taken, leaving me with a choice of 1A or 1D.
Call 1K and they say they have no record of my seat selection, etc.I say three words: Federal Air Marshal.
The CSR says yup.
I go on about how I hate those .......s. Etc.... She says that given the fact that they have no control over which flights these guys are on, at least UA should block FAM favorite seats and open them up at the airport if no FAM is on board... this would at least keep us from being so pissed off.
What do you think? Should they automatically block one FAM fav on every flight and release at the gate for non-FAM flown flights?
I wouldn't have been so pissed if it was already occupied.
Temper tantrums won't do.
FAMs can over-ride for ANY seat(s) they so desire.
GAs and FAs are NOT at fault.
Sorry, but You CANNOT win this one.
There is also an airline disclaimer that even when seats are assigned
and or confirmed that they are NOT guaranteed ....
Dec 10, 2007, 12:49 am
#170
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 361
Dec 10, 2007, 1:01 am
#171
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 361
Despite my continued belief that guns do not belong on planes, period, what you are proposing is quite logical.
Of course, the management of the Federal Air Marshal program has lacked any training in logic, and as such, such a reasonable approach will never see the light of day.
In the interim, back to your bulky shirt, khaki wearing guys walking through exit doors and boarding before others at your friendly local airport.
Of course, the management of the Federal Air Marshal program has lacked any training in logic, and as such, such a reasonable approach will never see the light of day.
In the interim, back to your bulky shirt, khaki wearing guys walking through exit doors and boarding before others at your friendly local airport.
don't see too many bulky shirts in khaki... FAMs are not uniformed
many don't wear dark suits and sunglasses, ie "the man in black" ...
most are so blended-in you'd take them either for young
business executives or obnoxious tourists on holiday...
depending on the flight/destination(s)...
Dec 10, 2007, 1:17 am
#172
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 361
I rarely, if ever, fly FC, so the FAM seat situation doesn't really affect me in the least. However, I still don't quite understand the logic on seating them so close to the flight deck.
1) If the flight deck is still so vulnerable, why did we go through the trouble of installing the new reinforced cockpit doors? Isn't the purpose of these "reinforced" doors to stop so-called "evil-doers" from entering the cockpit?
2) Wouldn't an aisle seat further back in the cabin allow the FAM to survey more of the landscape of the aircraft, therefore increasing his/her effectiveness? Wouldn't it be easier to incapacitate a FAM or suspected FAM from the rear (i.e. from behind them)?
1) If the flight deck is still so vulnerable, why did we go through the trouble of installing the new reinforced cockpit doors? Isn't the purpose of these "reinforced" doors to stop so-called "evil-doers" from entering the cockpit?
2) Wouldn't an aisle seat further back in the cabin allow the FAM to survey more of the landscape of the aircraft, therefore increasing his/her effectiveness? Wouldn't it be easier to incapacitate a FAM or suspected FAM from the rear (i.e. from behind them)?
IF there is an FAM upfront you can COUNT on (at least) a second FAM
to the rear.
While I am NOT an FAM, in my capacity travelling on government
business, and previous experience with Executive protection,
I've recognized several of these fine folk on a variety of flights.
Believe me, ALL scenarios have been played out...and contingency plans
in place to prevent another 9-11 from the air....
Dec 10, 2007, 1:28 am
#173
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 361
Have to agree with you across the board. A family 'friend' is now a DHS version FAM. She's a moron who's been promoted based on her face not what lies behind it.... and a serious anger management/authority complex. The thought of that bimbo on a plane with a loaded gun is terrifying! I'd worry more about her doing something to down the plane before a terrorist.
IF you truly feel that way -- AND -- * IF * you can justify
your fear WITH FACTS, then you are responsible to report
the information to proper federal authority for them to investigate.
Otherwise, SHOULD something go awry as you fear, you can
consider yourself semi-responsible for whatever may occur.
Dec 10, 2007, 1:49 am
#174
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 361
bbc1969:
. . . So sorry you think you're the only ones with "problems"
IF you make ES- bring hip-waders. you'll need 'em for those
accountability hearings on The Hill....
Dec 10, 2007, 7:29 am
#176
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 42,217
Otherwise, SHOULD something go awry as you fear, you can consider yourself semi-responsible for whatever may occur.
Believe me, ALL scenarios have been played out...and contingency plans in place to prevent another 9-11 from the air....
What your employer focuses on is fear mongering, theatrics and showmanship - not real work.
most are so blended-in you'd take them either for young business executives or obnoxious tourists on holiday depending on the flight/destination(s)...
Dec 10, 2007, 9:40 am
#177
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: BOS
Programs: Recovering AA flyer, LT PLT 2.6 MM
Posts: 1,543
- Muscle bound
- Buzz cut
- Never reclined
- Only drank water
- Kept all possessions in underseat storage, and then next to him after take-off, despite having an entire, large overhead bin to himself in that cabin
- FAs addressed all passengers by name except him
- Sitting in a FAM favorite seat on an AA 777, 2A
His rather hot female colleague in business was less easy to spot, but spotted she was. I pointed them out to my colleague as we headed for passport control and said, "FAMs -- watch them head for the 'crew' line" and, indeed, they did.
As I said earlier in this thread, the greatest threat to flight security is unscreened cargo -- they should be sitting in the hold if they really want to be close to the action.
Dec 10, 2007, 1:38 pm
#178
Join Date: May 2003
Location: IAH
Programs: formerly UA GS, now lowly MM lifetime gold :(
Posts: 1,204
Dec 10, 2007, 1:59 pm
#179
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA 1K, Starwood/Marriott Plat, Others of little note
Posts: 1,148
I know how they can really do their job well. How about getting assigned into a random seat, rather than the same one every time that just happens to be the best seat on the plane in that class?
Dec 10, 2007, 3:42 pm
#180
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,704