The Young(er) FlyerTalk Members
Apr 16, 2001 | 11:49 pm
#61
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: WILD ANIMAL PARK (SAN), CA> GOLD-CO, MARRIOTT, HH, STARWOOD, HYATT,
Posts: 1,373
Once upon a time, I was asked for ID into my 30's, then one day it stopped. When it stopped, that worried me more then being checked!
It always gave me a chuckle to be checked, and I know that most people are not mind readers. So they can't guess how you got to First Class. It is best to be most gracious and smile or even give a little light hearted chatter.
NEVER NEVER make the FA lose face! It just isn't KEWL! They are only trying to do their job, as best they can. And they just might be able to make your trip one to remember!
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It is never too late to have a HAPPY CHILDHOOD!
BEEP! BEEP!
It always gave me a chuckle to be checked, and I know that most people are not mind readers. So they can't guess how you got to First Class. It is best to be most gracious and smile or even give a little light hearted chatter.
NEVER NEVER make the FA lose face! It just isn't KEWL! They are only trying to do their job, as best they can. And they just might be able to make your trip one to remember!
------------------
It is never too late to have a HAPPY CHILDHOOD!
BEEP! BEEP!
Apr 17, 2001 | 12:04 am
#62
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: SNA/LAX
Programs: AA EXP 4MM
Posts: 1,609
Originally posted by ROADRUNNER:
Once upon a time, I was asked for ID into my 30's, then one day it stopped. When it stopped, that worried me more then being checked!
It always gave me a chuckle to be checked, and I know that most people are not mind readers. So they can't guess how you got to First Class. It is best to be most gracious and smile or even give a little light hearted chatter.
NEVER NEVER make the FA lose face! It just isn't KEWL! They are only trying to do their job, as best they can. And they just might be able to make your trip one to remember!
Once upon a time, I was asked for ID into my 30's, then one day it stopped. When it stopped, that worried me more then being checked!
It always gave me a chuckle to be checked, and I know that most people are not mind readers. So they can't guess how you got to First Class. It is best to be most gracious and smile or even give a little light hearted chatter.
NEVER NEVER make the FA lose face! It just isn't KEWL! They are only trying to do their job, as best they can. And they just might be able to make your trip one to remember!
I'm 27 plus a minority. I always travel in the most comfortable gear-fleece, T-shirt, jeans, and sneakers. Even when I carry my laptop around, I get the "This is the first class line. If you're flying coach go to that line over there." line sometimes. When I show the AA EXP card, they step back and then try to suck up to me. I don't have any problems at my usual airports, but I usually have to break the new ones in.
Now, I was wondering if anyone had any troubles with their lounge access. It hasn't happened to me, but my friend who is a couple of years younger than me had problems using a CX lounge due to dress code rules when he was an AA EXP. Why would you wear business attire if you had to fly for 14 hrs to HKG?
Apr 17, 2001 | 1:48 am
#63
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
Programs: QF Platinum One (LTG), UA Plat IHG Plat
Posts: 5,836
This is a great thread - thanks for all the stories 
I'm 30, so don't qualify as young, but I certainly seem to bring out the mother's instinct in some agents and f/a's! The number of times I've been called "sweetie" by an agent or F/A is amazing. I don't mind I just smile and thank them for whatever it was because I think it's funny. I must have an innocent face or something
I've never got the age thing though when flying alone internationally.
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RichardMEL, UA 1K
A Star Alliance Member.
I'm 30, so don't qualify as young, but I certainly seem to bring out the mother's instinct in some agents and f/a's! The number of times I've been called "sweetie" by an agent or F/A is amazing. I don't mind I just smile and thank them for whatever it was because I think it's funny. I must have an innocent face or something
I've never got the age thing though when flying alone internationally.
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RichardMEL, UA 1K
A Star Alliance Member.
Apr 17, 2001 | 7:09 pm
#64
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: San Francisco, California
Programs: UA 1K 2MM, AA EXP 2MM, DL DM 1MM, WN CP, AS MVPG, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt GLB, Hilton DM, Accor GLD
Posts: 943
I'm 24 (though I look a little older), and have been a UA 1K for three years, an AA Platinum for two. Also am Starwood Platinum, nearly Gold with Marriott and elite with Hyatt and Holiday Inn. I deal with US Customs and Immigration at least 2-3 times a month. For the most part, I haven't faced much discrimination from the airlines, hotels or Customs, despite being young, non-white and a citizen of a Third World country (though US Immigration in YYZ has been rude on occasion). I'm almost always properly dressed, try to be as polite as I can and travel with a laptop in tow.
There have been times when my age has actually worked in my favor, like on an international UA flight earlier this week: the FA upstairs on a 744 made it her personal mission to make my flight memorable, once she noted I was a 100,000 mile flyer!
I have received the "you don't belong here" treatment at times, though. I adore gourmet food and spend a good portion of my paycheck on fine dining. Three years ago, I was in Boston and staying at the Four Seasons. The hotel restaurant, Aujourd'hui, has won universal acclaim for fine food, excellent service and a fabulous wine list, so I was eager to try them out. As my friend (she was also 21 then) and I entered the restaurant, the maitre'd noted I was a hotel guest, and said "So are you employed by the Four Seasons?" in a sombre tone.
I wish I had the presence of mind to come up with a snappy response, but needless to say, I've given my business to Hamersley's or L'Espalier on return trips to the Boston area.
There have been times when my age has actually worked in my favor, like on an international UA flight earlier this week: the FA upstairs on a 744 made it her personal mission to make my flight memorable, once she noted I was a 100,000 mile flyer!
I have received the "you don't belong here" treatment at times, though. I adore gourmet food and spend a good portion of my paycheck on fine dining. Three years ago, I was in Boston and staying at the Four Seasons. The hotel restaurant, Aujourd'hui, has won universal acclaim for fine food, excellent service and a fabulous wine list, so I was eager to try them out. As my friend (she was also 21 then) and I entered the restaurant, the maitre'd noted I was a hotel guest, and said "So are you employed by the Four Seasons?" in a sombre tone.
I wish I had the presence of mind to come up with a snappy response, but needless to say, I've given my business to Hamersley's or L'Espalier on return trips to the Boston area.
Apr 17, 2001 | 10:37 pm
#66
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: WILD ANIMAL PARK (SAN), CA> GOLD-CO, MARRIOTT, HH, STARWOOD, HYATT,
Posts: 1,373
FOR THE 4 Seasons reply,
"Yes, we have been asked to evaluate the service and food from the front door to the exit"! or something like that.
------------------
It is never too late to have a HAPPY CHILDHOOD!
BEEP! BEEP!
"Yes, we have been asked to evaluate the service and food from the front door to the exit"! or something like that.
------------------
It is never too late to have a HAPPY CHILDHOOD!
BEEP! BEEP!
Apr 17, 2001 | 10:58 pm
#67
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Sunny SYDNEY!
Programs: UA Million Miler. (1.9M) Virgin Platinum. HH Diamond + SPG Gold
Posts: 32,351
Been a couple of decades since I was under 25, ( 
) but thought those reading this thread might like a similar one to add their comments to:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum.../003846-2.html
) but thought those reading this thread might like a similar one to add their comments to:http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum.../003846-2.html
Apr 18, 2001 | 2:01 am
#69
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Copenhagen
Programs: British Airways Gold (oneWorld Emerald), Starwood Preferred Guest Platinum
Posts: 1,713
This is really a great topic!
I had no idea that there were this many young FlyerTalkers around. My question is, why don't you show up for some of the FT meetings? Not that I mind speaking to people 20-30 years older than me (I actually enjoy doing so since I often learn a great deal) but a few people around my age would hardly harm anyone.
Remember:
FT in Vancouver (May)
FT in Copenhagen (June/July)
FT in Cannes (Nov)
I am going to attend all of the above.
Cheers
Goldlust - Now 19 and will make AC Elite (*G)
[This message has been edited by Goldlust (edited 04-18-2001).]
I had no idea that there were this many young FlyerTalkers around. My question is, why don't you show up for some of the FT meetings? Not that I mind speaking to people 20-30 years older than me (I actually enjoy doing so since I often learn a great deal) but a few people around my age would hardly harm anyone.
Remember:
FT in Vancouver (May)
FT in Copenhagen (June/July)
FT in Cannes (Nov)
I am going to attend all of the above.
Cheers
Goldlust - Now 19 and will make AC Elite (*G)
[This message has been edited by Goldlust (edited 04-18-2001).]
Apr 18, 2001 | 6:50 am
#70
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: West Seattle, WA
Posts: 10,469
Originally posted by Fly Boy:
I like Chexfan - he is kewl.
I like Chexfan - he is kewl.
Apr 18, 2001 | 7:55 am
#71
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Reality, Freedom
Programs: AF FB Platinum For Life (F+ Rouge Vintage) / Hertz President's Circle / SNCF Grand Voyageur Le Club
Posts: 10,111
I'm a little bit over 25 now, but I distinctly remember a few years back when I flew F on CX in from Paris to HK/Tokyo. This was a holiday trip - two of us, both tickets paid for by me and full fare.
Once on the plane(s), service and comfort were impeccable. But check in at Roissy and at Narita were both lacking in elegance on the part of CX staff: intense scrutinzing of tickets, summoning a supervisor, two IDs, etc. A 2-jetway boarding at Roissy (747) was hampered by overzealous security personnel who wanted to herd us toward the Y boarding even though we were carrying huge red F boarding passes!
Oh well - no big deal, but sort of annoying as these were full fare tickets paid for personally. And I'm not even a CX member - I fly United/Star All. exclusively.
Might add that I was dressed in coat and tie.
Also, not to open another thread, but I've seen some really shabby treatment of fliers at the opposite end of the age range. Some people of a "certain age" (as they say here in France) need a little more time to check in or to board or whatever. I've seen some elderly FFs (many with elite status) being treated in somewhat the same way as some of the younger FFs have been treated in this thread: rude questions, lack of respect, dismisiveness, the "we know what's best for you" specials, etc.
Once on the plane(s), service and comfort were impeccable. But check in at Roissy and at Narita were both lacking in elegance on the part of CX staff: intense scrutinzing of tickets, summoning a supervisor, two IDs, etc. A 2-jetway boarding at Roissy (747) was hampered by overzealous security personnel who wanted to herd us toward the Y boarding even though we were carrying huge red F boarding passes!
Oh well - no big deal, but sort of annoying as these were full fare tickets paid for personally. And I'm not even a CX member - I fly United/Star All. exclusively.
Might add that I was dressed in coat and tie.
Also, not to open another thread, but I've seen some really shabby treatment of fliers at the opposite end of the age range. Some people of a "certain age" (as they say here in France) need a little more time to check in or to board or whatever. I've seen some elderly FFs (many with elite status) being treated in somewhat the same way as some of the younger FFs have been treated in this thread: rude questions, lack of respect, dismisiveness, the "we know what's best for you" specials, etc.
Apr 18, 2001 | 8:04 am
#72
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Reality, Freedom
Programs: AF FB Platinum For Life (F+ Rouge Vintage) / Hertz President's Circle / SNCF Grand Voyageur Le Club
Posts: 10,111
I'm a little bit over 25 now, but I distinctly remember a few years back when I flew F on CX in from Paris to HK/Tokyo. This was a holiday trip - two of us, both tickets paid for by me and full fare.
Once on the plane(s), service and comfort were impeccable. But check in at Roissy and at Narita were both lacking in elegance on the part of CX staff: intense scrutinzing of tickets, summoning a supervisor, two IDs, etc. A 2-jetway boarding at Roissy (747) was hampered by overzealous security personnel who wanted to herd us toward the Y boarding even though we were carrying huge red F boarding passes!
Oh well - no big deal, but sort of annoying as these were full fare tickets paid for personally. And I'm not even a CX member - I fly United/Star All. exclusively.
Might add that I was dressed in coat and tie.
Also, not to open another thread, but I've seen some really shabby treatment of fliers at the opposite end of the age range. Some people of a "certain age" (as they say here in France) need a little more time to check in or to board or whatever. I've seen some elderly FFs (many with elite status) being treated in somewhat the same way as some of the younger FFs have been treated in this thread: rude questions, lack of respect, dismisiveness, the "we know what's best for you" specials, etc.
Once on the plane(s), service and comfort were impeccable. But check in at Roissy and at Narita were both lacking in elegance on the part of CX staff: intense scrutinzing of tickets, summoning a supervisor, two IDs, etc. A 2-jetway boarding at Roissy (747) was hampered by overzealous security personnel who wanted to herd us toward the Y boarding even though we were carrying huge red F boarding passes!
Oh well - no big deal, but sort of annoying as these were full fare tickets paid for personally. And I'm not even a CX member - I fly United/Star All. exclusively.
Might add that I was dressed in coat and tie.
Also, not to open another thread, but I've seen some really shabby treatment of fliers at the opposite end of the age range. Some people of a "certain age" (as they say here in France) need a little more time to check in or to board or whatever. I've seen some elderly FFs (many with elite status) being treated in somewhat the same way as some of the younger FFs have been treated in this thread: rude questions, lack of respect, dismisiveness, the "we know what's best for you" specials, etc.
Apr 18, 2001 | 7:43 pm
#74
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Posts: 7,149
I am 26, and dress comfortably and cleanly, but don't dress to impress unless I am in court, or meeting a client or other colleague I have not yet met. This means that I rarely wear a suit on a plane or at hotel check-in. I treat people like I expect to be treated, and generally (not always) feel as if I am not discriminated against because of my youth.
Apr 18, 2001 | 7:56 pm
#75
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Sunny SYDNEY!
Programs: UA Million Miler. (1.9M) Virgin Platinum. HH Diamond + SPG Gold
Posts: 32,351
Oz:
The link you put on your post... it IS this thread.
Maybe you didn't notice...
The link you put on your post... it IS this thread.
Maybe you didn't notice...
Stargold. OMG, I just realised it is somewhat MORE than 2 decades since I was 25. Think it must be Alzheimer's Disease coming on. Now, where did I leave those soon-to-expire Systemwide upgrade certs???
Anyway, this is the current link I meant to post originally. It will interest many of you here I think:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum50/HTML/005803.html
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~ Glen ~