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Originally Posted by hpn159
(Post 14791026)
I will be flying JFK-MSP-LNK for business in a few days. Yesterday, I surprisingly learned that a very senior member of upper management (4 levels above me on the org. chart) decided to "join" me on this trip. We've never traveled together before. This person is a loyal *A member (as are most people in my firm), whereas I am one of the few dedicated Delta / ST fliers.
For this year, I am 100% on upgrades (both business and leisure). On leisure trips, without hesitation I always give the upgrade to my spouse. However, for this particular trip, I for some reason feel awkward about sitting up front, while a a very senior member of the firm sits in the back. I am planning on inviting this person into SC on my behalf. However, I am unsure what to do regarding the upgrade on the JFK-MSP leg (although only 3.5 hours long). Should I: 1. Reject the upgrade and sit in coach (not necessarily next to this person, but hopefully an aisle seat). 2. Ask the GA to give the upgrade to this person, without telling them it was from me. Have the GA make up some story that DL appreciates their business. 3. Accept the upgrade, sit up front, while they sit in the back. It was this person's choice to fly with me, instead of UAL. Considering my career, general business etiquette, and my desire to continue flying DL / ST and not *A, which of the above is the best choice? Is there any standard practice in these situations? |
Suggestion
I doubt there exists a "standard practice" as suggested by the OP.
It would seem more dependent on the relationship between the 2 travelers (which is greatly influenced by specific corporate culture). Possibly the best course would be complete honesty regarding the situation, combined with a willingness to switch seats if requested/desired. In either event, both passengers emerge as "winners". |
Originally Posted by nwrep2009
(Post 14794712)
All wisecracks aside, I would suggest offering him your upgraded FC seat. If he declines, you can sit up front, but given his seniority, it behooves you to make this offer out of respect and deference. As a "very senior member" (your description), he is likely a Global Services or atleast 1K member on UA. He would greatly appreciate your gesture.
He would likely see it for what it was: the uncertain offering of an underling trying to score some points with his boss. Depending on the boss, he could as easily see this gesture as a sign of weakness. I think it’s better to confidently take what’s yours and, more importantly, what you’ve earned through your dedication to Boss’s company. YMMV |
I wouldn't offer him your FC seat for a good reason - if you get a retired Stasi member as GA/FA who decides it is not "yours" to give away (read the site - it happens!) you will end up looking like a prize melon.
Do what others have suggested, take your seat and demonstrate that you have the initiative and drive to figure out how to ride the front of the plane. Let's not kid ourselves, it's not like First Class on the route you are flying is anything that fantastic. |
I would just trade tickets with him when you are about to board. Yeah I know... not supposed to do that. Nobody will know, it's not a long trip, and he will definitely remember you and be thankful.
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Originally Posted by PaulMSN
(Post 14794687)
Posts 12 or 17.
Makes me glad I don't work in a corporate environment, if you feel you have to consider this. I would take the upgrade without a second thought. If you can, try to get them upgraded but I wouldn't go any further than using a few miles to do so. If upper management flies exclusively on another airline than he/she knows the upgrade game. You're only going to be left with a less than desired feeling if you offer your upgrade to them. At best they're going to think you're a pushover. |
^ well said!!!
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I always at least offer it to my companions who aren't upgraded. Even if they are a peer, and not a leader. And I insist on giving it to my reports.
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Originally Posted by Mdanner423
(Post 14791713)
Sucking up or not having a backbone are not good options in my opinion. If I knew a subordinate didn't take a perk to appear equal to me in such a silly situation as being on your airline of choice and getting upgrades, like he does when he is on his airline of choice, I would just feel like the person didn't have a backbone and wouldn't ever stick up for himself or anything else.
Honesty is the best policy in this situation. Shoot him an e-mail explaining that Delta gives space available companion upgrades and you wanted to see if he wanted DL to add him to the upgrade list. All he needs to do is register for a free FF account with DL and add it to his PNR and you can request the companion upgrade with DL. Just act like he knows the drill with AA and that you don't hold your breath for your own upgrade as a PL and say that companions don't clear until the lowest level elites on DL clear too. Hey Doc Brown, Thanks for flying DL with me on our upcoming trip. As you know in the frequent flyer game, upgrades are always a pleasant surprise to a trip. As a Platinum on DL I can sponsor you for a companion upgrade if you register for a frequent flyer account with DL and at to your reservation. Upgrades are pretty hard to get on some routes, so no guarantee we will both get upgraded (companions are the last to get upgraded), but since it's free, seems like it's worth a shot. Let me know what you think. -- Marty McFly I would write an email, or leave a message with his admin assistant or a voicemail on his office number stating the facts and suggesting that you could "Request an upgrade under the Companion upgrade' program, if you could obtain his DL Skymiles FF number. Yes, it is true that at many large publicly listed companies, the Travel policy stipulates that all travel under 5 or 6 hours duration is booked in Coach class ONLY. This is true even for Divisional Presidents and Senior VPs etc. The only exception is the CEO and the Chairman of the board of Directors, they are entitled to a First Class reservation on domestic travel. |
Spot test him
Do not mention it to him in advance. If you get the UG and he is stuck in Y, do not pre preboard with the Special People. ;) Hang with him and board when his zone is called. Then, past the GA scan, halfway down the jetway, tell him the situation and offer to switch BPs. Find out what kind of quick decision maker he is. Hope he says Thanks but No. You offered, you look good, he turns it down, he looks good. If he acccepts, you know he is a jerk and he just proved it to you. No loyalty to him in the future. You learned something valuable. For the cost of a couple of drinks.
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Originally Posted by Flaflyer
(Post 14797092)
Do not mention it to him in advance. If you get the UG and he is stuck in Y, do not pre preboard with the Special People. ;) Hang with him and board when his zone is called. Then, past the GA scan, halfway down the jetway, tell him the situation and offer to switch BPs. Find out what kind of quick decision maker he is. Hope he says Thanks but No. You offered, you look good, he turns it down, he looks good. If he acccepts, you know he is a jerk and he just proved it to you. No loyalty to him in the future. You learned something valuable. For the cost of a couple of drinks.
If you decide to offer the dang upgrade, don't resent the man/woman if they accept! Just sayin... |
Originally Posted by Flaflyer
(Post 14797092)
Do not mention it to him in advance. If you get the UG and he is stuck in Y, do not pre preboard with the Special People. ;) Hang with him and board when his zone is called. Then, past the GA scan, halfway down the jetway, tell him the situation and offer to switch BPs. Find out what kind of quick decision maker he is. Hope he says Thanks but No. You offered, you look good, he turns it down, he looks good. If he acccepts, you know he is a jerk and he just proved it to you. No loyalty to him in the future. You learned something valuable. For the cost of a couple of drinks.
i would just keep it and not even bring up the "issue". If the exec flies *A, they know the drill.... |
Depends on company culture, my firm would not look down on a junior level employee taking an upgrade while senior employee sits in back. He who earned it deserves it.
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On the flight I'm on right now, one of our VPs walked past me to his seat in Y while I sat in 3C on a -90 (I was not traveling on company business though in this case...this was personal travel).
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If the boss is that high up in a large company and is loyal to another airline, he knows the game. And unless he is complete a**, he will think less of you for offering the seat to him.
Do your best to get him a companion upgrade. Perhaps there are some a-class fares available that are close to your fare. Involve his admin in the game. Admins are usually happy for this assistance as they want to score points with the boss themselves. All that said, you should understand why this guy wants to travel with you? Is it merely because it is a non-stop on Delta? Or is it because you have knowledge and background that he wants to learn? Four levels up is a big gap, he either wants to get out of the office or you are working on something that has his interest. If the later, spending some face time with him in coach would be a good career move. |
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