As this request/discussion is more "adult" in nature -- let those who are easily offended be warned.......

This evening on a flight from MIA to LGA the passenger sitting next to me in FIRST CLASS decided to "pleasure himself" (and for those who do not know what I am talking about -- send me an email) in the seat next to me (albeit under a blanket -- but it was quite obvious). As first calss was full -- no moving. I told the flight attendant after the gentleman had finished his deed into the blanket -- so they would know when the cleaned up and did not reuse his blanket. They apologized and told me they had seen it all (including one couple who rang the "flight attendant call button" to ask permission...).

1. Has anyone else ever experienced this?

2. What would you have done in my situation? (I chose to ignore it as not to make a scene in 1st -- there were 3 priests in 1st class (thats another story all together) and some older folks -- thought better of making a scene)

3. What should the airline do, if anything for me? I spoke with a supervisor and all I got was an apology -- I joked about getting some extra miles but no luck.

4. I guess this would be considered a British Airways Red Card offense -- too bad it was not BA.

Thanks for your input.

--Jim

Jimboliguy, I would call the airline, explain how offended you were and that "for this very embarrassing experience" you would like xx(number) of confirmed 1st class upgrade certificates. Or, you could ask for a 1st class ticket to anywhere they fly. In fact, the experience was "so embarrassing" that you are considering switching your loyalty to another airline. These folks will definitely be empathetic and you can probably get what you ask for.
No pun intended "Take 'em to the cleaners".

Yep. I agree. I think that regardless of what happened, if you felt uncomfortable for a mere minute you should always let them know. I'm sure flight attendants have seen it all and it's their duty to try to cope with every situation without making a scene. I have too seen couples engaging in compromising situations inside an airplane. But I suppose seeing a solo performance would have been quite different.

What a marvelous dinner party story. I only thought that kind of thing happend on trains. Of course that would never have happend on Virgin!!

I think I would try the subtle black-mail route. Write to the airline saying how shocked and offended you were, but don't ASK for anything. BUT DO mention that you have a journalist friend who is interested in writing an article about your experience for a major paper.

And then sit back and enjoy your comp flight to Maui (First Class of Course).

At the time I think I'd have been tempted to confront the guy with something like:

- I have a colleague who always says first class is full of w**kers, now I know it's true.

- Cum fly with me, takes on a whole new meaning.

- I usually do that at the airport.

MF


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Is this why you're known as a "Merry"Flyer?

Jimboliguy actually met Roberto! Or Emmett?

Obviously not every one in the front of an airplane is first class. You are to be commended for not making a scene. I probably would have personally stuff the guy down the loo...

star1 - Merry has a great set of put-downs, ready for any occasion.

Jimboliguy - I would definitely write to the airline about it: no one should have to put up with that sort of behaviour. If I'd been sitting next to the obnoxious individual in question I would probably have said something to him and/or summoned a flight attendant. There are times when making a scene can be effective.

Besides, what sort of pervert has such a sad life that he can't spend five minutes in a bathroom by himself??

Oh man! This sounds like a dream opportunity to earn a free ticket if I ever heard one. Contact the airline immediately.

Sorry, but I disagree with all of you. JIMBOLIGUY, you did nothing about your situation, so why should the airline reward you? If it bothered you so much, you should have asked to speak to the head flight attendant in private and requested to be immediately moved. You waited to say anything until the incident was over, so the airline can't do anything now. If anything, your seatmate should be the one you are trying to get some easy money out of.

Had you informed the head flight attendant and requested to be moved, but were not, then I would say you would be entitled to some sort of future voucher or upgrade, but you chose not to take action. I say that it is too late now - the airline had no part in your embarrassment or discomfort, therefore, the airline should do nothing.

How about smacking this Pee Wee Herman on the head while he was engaged in the act.

Aubie:

A couple of points (I've had a few to drink - it is POETS day by the way - so please forgive me).

1. Never has HEAD flight attendant sounded so funny.

2. Do you write those POP (piss-off-politely) letter the airlines send?

Complaining and seeking compensation is nothing to do with 'just cause' but everything to do with getting what you can, when you can.

3. Why should you have to move is some sad individual is pleasuring himself next to you? At the very least you want extra peanuts!
MF

Merry Flyer:

1. Ok, LEAD flight attendant. TOP flight attendant? Guy in charge? *s*

2. No.

3. Ok, ask to have your seatmate moved.

4. Seatmates from hell link:
http://www.usatoday.com/life/travel/business/t1120ai.htm

roberto no do bad tings on plane. My mama tich mi to be polite. i kant spel so gud, mebbe a bit stupid, but i am clin and polite to otha peepl. Betta than sum of yu tu mi.

I have to agree with both Aubie and pgupta011. If you did nothing while the act was in progress, why should you expect cmpensation? Of course, smacking the guy on the head might have been a good or bad option, depending on his size.

Oh Boy, Phil just opened up the window for some new jokes....