So how many members are there on this board that are younger-than-your typical frequent flying club member, ie 16-25?

I see from http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/003826.html that we seem to be getting a rough ride by some rude airline staff.

Any other young FT'ers had troubles?

Well, I haven't flown alone yet, but generally while I'm with my family, the crew seems very courteous and polite. However, my next trip may very well be alone, and with the way I look, if any young person would get poor service, it would be me. Well...I guess it's a good thing I'm not afraid to ask for a manager. =)

-matt-

Just turning 25 a few months ago, I'm one of the older-younger people, I guess. Having been Platinum on AA since 1995, and Elite 1 on TWA since 1996, I've had some hassles in the past (like, "This is the Business/First Class line, may I see your ticket?" and other such issues), but I typically excuse them as being inexperienced staff. With the advent of younger frequent flyers (and lots of them being dot-com geeks), I have gotten less of that in the past 2-3 years. Most of my status comes from personal miles, as my business miles usually don't add up to over 20K per year, so my tickets are not always full fare (but some RTWs here and there don't hurt).

It does happen. Let me tell you, it does. I've been with business colleagues who have been 'profiled' both at check-in and at boarding because they look young, and the airline staff has been apologetic and has admitted that they profiled him/us because he/we looked young (this being AA, BA, and UA).

I don't know. I typically always wear (at a minimum) a button-down shirt, pants, and non-casual (though comfortable) shoes when I am travelling Business/First, so it's definitely not for what I wear. Many of the international flights I am on - I'm better dressed than some of the other Biz/First passengers. :-)

i'm young(er) - 29 - and want to address this clothes thing

i understand the logic behind it - dress like you expect to be treated or like you deserve to be in the front of the plane or whatever

but

planes are uncomfortable. airports are even more so. clothes get wrinkled. so i refuse to wear nice ones when i travel - jeans only, with a t-shirt and maybe a fleece. makes me feel better. am i a slob? or just someone who wants to be comfortable? i don't know, but i would argue that the platinum stamp on my ticket should have more to do with how i'm treated than my levis

I'm 27 and I look a lot younger or so I'm told. My Picture

When I shave I look even younger, under 21. It's hard for some to believe that I was a cop full time (now just part time).

So far my treatment has been fine no matter how old I look or what I wear at the airport. (normally jeans when I fly)

BUT, I agree. I normally see some age discrimation but I just haven't at the airport as of yet. Probably because I don't fly as much. I know my wife and I got a lot of stares when we were in first from LAS to CLT. I think people thought we had rich parents or perhaps we were on a honeymoon. Actually neither...just a vacation.

I haven't really experienced any discrimination, just some disgruntling looks when I take my seat in 1C.

Actually checking into the SF Doubletree 2 weeks back was the best. Being Gold VIP w/ Hilton I was given a little box upon my arrival. An older gentleman (in a suit) checking in next to me asked why he didn't get one and only got the chocolate chip cookies. The employee checking him said, "You're not a Gold or Diamond VIP." Looking at chexfan wearing jeans and a fleece, he replied, "And he is?" With perfect timing, the person checking me in presented me with my complimentary breakfast coupons and said, "Enjoy breakfast tomorrow morning Mr. Chexfan." With a smile, I said thank You and walked away.

No problems here. I just turned 24 a month ago. As the earlier posters point out, it's likely because we young kids don't fly quite as much as our um ... "older" fellow FlyerTalkers.

I can certainly see these problems occuring occasionally though.

FewMiles..

------------------
Unofficial Guide to AAdvantage: http://home.webflyer.com/fewmiles/AA/

HAHAHAHAHA

You go Chexfan!

I'm now 33, but once when I was in my twenties a check-in agent told me that I couldn't use my father's CO Elite card. Of course, it was my card.

My advice, if they are not very apologetic, is to ask for a supervisor and to write a letter. If you are young and flying a lot, chances are that it will continue throughout your life. The airlines don't want to lose that business.

The greater agony of profiling can take place in international customs, regardless of country. Young? Long hair? Loose-fitting super-casual clothing? Carrying a back pack, perhaps? Then budget extra time for interrogation, luggage inspection, and maybe worse.

This discussion has come up a few times before, and as it turns out, there are more "younger" members here than you would think ...

Of course, there are some who don't like others to know how young they are and try to pass themselves off as being older ...

I'm 21...based in Canada.
I've been:
Canadian Plus Gold from 1998-2000
Aeroplan Elite from 1999-present
Starwood Gold from 1999-present

While I do get some questionable treatment because of my age... on the whole I find that service staff usually don't put too much weight into how young I look. I always try to dress well even when I'm not travelling, so perhaps that could have something to do with it. Rude service because I'm young is one thing I will not put up with. Luckily I don't have to deal with it too much.

No troubles so far for this kid.

23 here.

Platinum on AA since 97
Premier Exec on United since 99
Platinum on Starwood since the program started
Diamond on Hyatt JUST THIS YEAR!! YEAH!
Gold on Hilton just this year as well.

I usually am dressed down (jeans, tennis shoes, untucked shirt, hat, etc.) when traveling to my jobs on Sundays and have found that the service does not differ if your attitude is that of an experienced traveler.

I found my age to be an advantage when dealing with younger staff members of the hotel and airlines I frequent. I still keep in touch with a few of them.

I'm 23. I have no problems since I look a lot older than I am.