Chris Elliott: "Elites ruining air travel"/Uses FT as example
Jun 17, 2008, 8:45 am
#16
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2 to 3 years ago, a a mr.philip.. something from microsoft financials used a few quotes from flyertalk to illustrate his point that Frequent flyers from flyertalk abuse corporate rate codes and are a prime group who "steal" money from companies. Now im reading a article from msnbc, is it a coincidence that this topic seem to eminate from affliates or are related to the microsoft group....
Jun 17, 2008, 9:07 am
#17
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From my "e" to Elliott...
......it was a little odd to lump "FlyerTalkers" in with the boorish examples you gave. Anyone who tries the stunts you catalogue in the article will most definitely get lambasted by FlyerTalkers, who are most definitely savvy in knowing what they benefits they are to receive and not receive.
The "rules are for the little people" attitude will certainly pop up from time to time, but anyone posting with such an attitude on FlyerTalk will quickly get put in their place.
......it was a little odd to lump "FlyerTalkers" in with the boorish examples you gave. Anyone who tries the stunts you catalogue in the article will most definitely get lambasted by FlyerTalkers, who are most definitely savvy in knowing what they benefits they are to receive and not receive.
The "rules are for the little people" attitude will certainly pop up from time to time, but anyone posting with such an attitude on FlyerTalk will quickly get put in their place.
Jun 17, 2008, 10:31 am
#18
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It's not sweeping, nor is it a generalization. The generalization writes itself for the uninitiated: this board almost entirely focuses on accrual of miles and points so as to attain status. OK, fine. Having said that, some cursory reading here will indeed reveal that there is a lot of complaining about minutiae along with whining about upgrades and airline policies that prevent overuse of same. Let's add to this that there are a group of posters spread all over the airline boards who seem to live for nothing else other than status, thereby leading the uninitiated to think they are status-obsessed and have nothing else in their lives. Never mind that these people are probably road warriors, so their status is indeed very important to them. But someone who peeks in on the site and doesn't have background information can easily reach the conclusion that any one poster on any given day could be a self-important toolbag.
Whether or not most FTer's are elitists in their off-website lives doesn't matter: perception by outsiders of their writings on the board is what counts in this example. And if they look to be elitists, that outsider (Elliott) will label them such. I personally think there are tons of people here who look down their nose at those who fly in Y or those who fly WN...and with terms like "Kettles" and "great unwashed" getting thrown around fairly regularly, I'm afraid that there might be a loss of understanding among those who do not frequent FT. Those people who look down their nose also do a great job of looking like they come off as better than those other people who do fly WN or regularly sit in Y, whether because of their personal means or their lack of status.
Long story short: perception is way more important than truth. And the truth is that a perception of elitism is dominant here. YMMV of course.
Whether or not most FTer's are elitists in their off-website lives doesn't matter: perception by outsiders of their writings on the board is what counts in this example. And if they look to be elitists, that outsider (Elliott) will label them such. I personally think there are tons of people here who look down their nose at those who fly in Y or those who fly WN...and with terms like "Kettles" and "great unwashed" getting thrown around fairly regularly, I'm afraid that there might be a loss of understanding among those who do not frequent FT. Those people who look down their nose also do a great job of looking like they come off as better than those other people who do fly WN or regularly sit in Y, whether because of their personal means or their lack of status.
Long story short: perception is way more important than truth. And the truth is that a perception of elitism is dominant here. YMMV of course.
Jun 17, 2008, 10:58 am
#20
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We have been questioning Chris Elliott's travel knowledge for years on FT it seems. Maybe if a journalist doesn't have the expertise, perhaps they can create a sensationalist concept to create interest in their articles?
Best you can do is not pay attention. I don't even bother reading them anymore.
Best you can do is not pay attention. I don't even bother reading them anymore.
Jun 17, 2008, 11:13 am
#21
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Jun 17, 2008, 11:36 am
#22
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His mention of Flyertalk in a negative light was unwarranted.
I've seen a much higher percentage of "issues" coming from coach than I've ever seen from the front of the plane. Any of us that fly weekly know this to be true.
In one way or another, people pay to be in first class, if someone in coach wants "the best of both worlds", they need to book in business class (if their airline has 'middle class') and shut up.
<snip>...
Leave the folks in the front of the plane alone. We're paying for the airline to exist for your benefit!
I've seen a much higher percentage of "issues" coming from coach than I've ever seen from the front of the plane. Any of us that fly weekly know this to be true.
In one way or another, people pay to be in first class, if someone in coach wants "the best of both worlds", they need to book in business class (if their airline has 'middle class') and shut up.
<snip>...
Leave the folks in the front of the plane alone. We're paying for the airline to exist for your benefit!
Jun 17, 2008, 11:42 am
#23
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mike
Jun 17, 2008, 12:03 pm
#25
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The fact is, if he has such a problem with elites and first class passengers, he can get pretty much anywhere in the country on Southwest, JetBlue, and Spirit and never have to worry about red carpets, lavish meals, or self-entitled card wavers again. Of course, he wouldn't get an F class seat then....
Jun 17, 2008, 12:05 pm
#26
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Well, I don't think he is an idiot. He got, what, 24 of you to read his column? 
I do think he is a jerk, which is why I stopped reading his useless column. (I didn't read this one.... probably just more of the past drivel.)
Remember, that as a journalist, he must sell his words. Sensationalism sells. Even "quiet sensationalism" like (non-existent) gourmet meals in domestic first.
BTW, I am sure he is gleefully reading this thread. DON'T FEED THE TROLL!
I do think he is a jerk, which is why I stopped reading his useless column. (I didn't read this one.... probably just more of the past drivel.)
Remember, that as a journalist, he must sell his words. Sensationalism sells. Even "quiet sensationalism" like (non-existent) gourmet meals in domestic first.
BTW, I am sure he is gleefully reading this thread. DON'T FEED THE TROLL!
Jun 17, 2008, 12:06 pm
#27
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....and don't forget when USA Today fired him back in 2003....
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=265893
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=265893
Jun 17, 2008, 12:30 pm
#28
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Mr. Elliott is just unhappy that the airlines operate in a capitalist environment. He would be much happier if all airlines were run in a single class, perhaps communist style, set up.
Here's what I wrote to him:
What I find ironic to your story is your example of Mr. Signore who seems to be one who wants to enjoy the perks of the "priviledged" class. Although I don't know the specifics (perhaps there were 10 people in line in back and maybe nature called in haste) he wanted to feel entitled to something he didn't pay for or earn.
Most of the time I'm in coach, and I know my place. If I had paid to sit in business or first class, or am there as a reward for loyalty, I can partake in the little luxuries that come with being up front. It's difficult for airlines to differentiate themselves, and having first class cabins is one way they can. For those who don't like this arrangement, there are plenty of single class airlines to fly on. Namely: Frontier, jetBlue, Expressjet and Southwest.
Here's what I wrote to him:
What I find ironic to your story is your example of Mr. Signore who seems to be one who wants to enjoy the perks of the "priviledged" class. Although I don't know the specifics (perhaps there were 10 people in line in back and maybe nature called in haste) he wanted to feel entitled to something he didn't pay for or earn.
Most of the time I'm in coach, and I know my place. If I had paid to sit in business or first class, or am there as a reward for loyalty, I can partake in the little luxuries that come with being up front. It's difficult for airlines to differentiate themselves, and having first class cabins is one way they can. For those who don't like this arrangement, there are plenty of single class airlines to fly on. Namely: Frontier, jetBlue, Expressjet and Southwest.
Last edited by oceanside greg; Jun 17, 2008 at 12:32 pm Reason: spelling correction
Jun 17, 2008, 12:42 pm
#29
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Just about every consumer business out there has a loyalty program to one extent or another, aimed at constant repeat business. This jerk needs to get a job.
Jun 17, 2008, 12:47 pm
#30
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My response:
I'm not a first class flier, just someone who feels the need to point out the ridiculousness of your diatribe. The best part is that you used Naomi Campbell and a third world airline as examples to strengthen your "argument." Here's the deal...THEY PAID FOR THE PRIVILEGES. Sounds like someone didn't do so well in economics. If you didn't realize this, we live in a free market society. That's right, comrade, we actually get to choose how to spend our money, and most companies even have the privilege of offering different levels of service at multiple price points! I look forward to your next column, let me guess..."The proper way to look disapprovingly upon luxury car owners?" Or maybe "I can't see the game from up here: Why the NBA should give me free courtside seats." Tell the sans-culottes "hi" for me.
I'm not a first class flier, just someone who feels the need to point out the ridiculousness of your diatribe. The best part is that you used Naomi Campbell and a third world airline as examples to strengthen your "argument." Here's the deal...THEY PAID FOR THE PRIVILEGES. Sounds like someone didn't do so well in economics. If you didn't realize this, we live in a free market society. That's right, comrade, we actually get to choose how to spend our money, and most companies even have the privilege of offering different levels of service at multiple price points! I look forward to your next column, let me guess..."The proper way to look disapprovingly upon luxury car owners?" Or maybe "I can't see the game from up here: Why the NBA should give me free courtside seats." Tell the sans-culottes "hi" for me.