View from the Back - Ask the Elites thread
Feb 19, 2009 | 8:13 pm
#122
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 661
...mostly directed at the FAs.... please do the selling of the headphones, the preview of the video, the welcoming on board, the reminder of the valuable OnePass miles we'll be earning, the recitation of the drink service schedule and anything else that comes at that two ding announcement while we're on the ground.
Feb 19, 2009 | 8:33 pm
#123
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NYC, LON
Programs: *
Posts: 3,174
What would elites do without upgrades?
I would like to know how elites would survive if all domestic aircraft had only one class - what would elites talk about? How would elites survive without upgrades? Without standbys? Without EUAs and without feeling gratification that you are sitting where others cannot? I flew in an SQ all business flight last year and I must say somehow it takes a buzz out of flying business because you all flying the same - no one is different, nothing to look forward to....
Feb 19, 2009 | 8:54 pm
#124
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: CLE
Posts: 9,816
I always chuckle when landing at LAX. It seems almost comical at how hard the guys up front hit the brakes, seeming aiming to make the first right turn and reduce taxi time.
Overall. most of my landing experiences have been a good one beyond a couple hopscotches down 24L here in CLE during a strong crosswind.
Well, let me add that that I almost took an MD80 ride on I480 after coming way to close to the end of 6R here in CLE. Wicked snowstorm and we were the last flight in for the night. It freaked me out seeing the terminal going by so fast and knowing we may not stop!
Overall. most of my landing experiences have been a good one beyond a couple hopscotches down 24L here in CLE during a strong crosswind.
Well, let me add that that I almost took an MD80 ride on I480 after coming way to close to the end of 6R here in CLE. Wicked snowstorm and we were the last flight in for the night. It freaked me out seeing the terminal going by so fast and knowing we may not stop!
Feb 19, 2009 | 9:28 pm
#125
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 943
a good F/A uses courtesy, common sense, and sound judgment when it comes to how closely what the big wigs behind desks (with little to zero customer interaction) say should be followed...
Feb 19, 2009 | 9:31 pm
#126
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Penn Valley, PA
Programs: United Gold, US Air Silver, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 100
Really enjoying all of the comments on this thread. What a great idea!
I usually fall asleep not long after I settle in and wake up when the wheels hit the ground (engines are white noise for me!) so most announcements are lost on me. However on those occasions when I keep my eyes open I do like to have updates on where we are in the queue and anticipated wheels up time.
It's also nice to hear about interesting things to see. During a recent trip to PDX it would have been good for some comment on the Mt Hood/Mt St Helen's view. I knew what I was looking at having been there multiple times, but a number of the pax around me were asking each other what those mountains were...
I usually fall asleep not long after I settle in and wake up when the wheels hit the ground (engines are white noise for me!) so most announcements are lost on me. However on those occasions when I keep my eyes open I do like to have updates on where we are in the queue and anticipated wheels up time.
It's also nice to hear about interesting things to see. During a recent trip to PDX it would have been good for some comment on the Mt Hood/Mt St Helen's view. I knew what I was looking at having been there multiple times, but a number of the pax around me were asking each other what those mountains were...
Feb 20, 2009 | 7:07 am
#127
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: A menace to everything in the sky. Yes. Even birds.
Programs: Eh+ Rapid Rolleyes
Posts: 14,522
Feb 20, 2009 | 7:12 am
#128
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: A menace to everything in the sky. Yes. Even birds.
Programs: Eh+ Rapid Rolleyes
Posts: 14,522
Feb 20, 2009 | 7:56 am
#129
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: North by God Royalton, Ohio
Programs: OnePass Ex-Platinum now dirtinum
Posts: 1,054
I would like to know how elites would survive if all domestic aircraft had only one class - what would elites talk about? How would elites survive without upgrades? Without standbys? Without EUAs and without feeling gratification that you are sitting where others cannot? I flew in an SQ all business flight last year and I must say somehow it takes a buzz out of flying business because you all flying the same - no one is different, nothing to look forward to....
Feb 20, 2009 | 9:04 am
#130
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: DL Diamond, B6 Mosaic, AS MPV Gold, UA Gold MM, Marriott Plat, SPG Plat, Nat'l Exec Elite
Posts: 16,679
Well, maybe not, if Y was actually semi-comfortable. Honestly, that's part of why WN has a pretty loyal business traveler following, especially in certain regions. It may be all Y, but the seats are pretty comfortable, with good cushioning both on the bottom and the back, and the seat design, coupled with 32" pitch on most aircraft, equates to a relatively comfortable Y flying experience, even for taller passengers.
Feb 20, 2009 | 9:20 am
#132
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: LAS, SAT, IAH
Programs: Flying Nut
Posts: 6,368
I would like to know how elites would survive if all domestic aircraft had only one class - what would elites talk about? How would elites survive without upgrades? Without standbys? Without EUAs and without feeling gratification that you are sitting where others cannot? I flew in an SQ all business flight last year and I must say somehow it takes a buzz out of flying business because you all flying the same - no one is different, nothing to look forward to....
Joking. For the past four years I have lived in markets where the ERJ and the CRJ were the aircraft of choice on flights. While I would prefer a Mainline to the regional, I understand that the markets I am flying to OKC, TUL, and LBB from IAH dont warrent such service.
As to the other perks you mention, I think these are resonable as there are lots of people like my self that will book only on CO because of the benefits. I think it is a tradeoff that CO says is important to keep others and I coming back.
Feb 21, 2009 | 12:42 pm
#133
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: NE
Posts: 195
On the redeyes, if it's a mandated announcement, I try to grab the PA first, and I talk in my best low, sultry, soothing voice. As an FA, I cringe when I hear another FA get on the mike with their normal, LOUD, everyday voice. "Thanks, you just woke everyone up!"
Feb 21, 2009 | 12:51 pm
#134
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: MCO
Programs: UA1K/2MM; LT United Club; HH Diamond; MR LT Titanium; IHG Plat; National EE
Posts: 467
Feb 21, 2009 | 5:21 pm
#135
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 3
Can anyone land an MD-80/DC-9 without bouncing off the runway?
whoops, wrong thread. sorry.
Last edited by T.J.; Feb 22, 2009 at 11:21 am Reason: I couldn't find a delete button so I'm just editing this post away.