My 14-year-old nephew is flying as an UM for the first time in late March from DTW-DCA to visit his sister. I was helping my sister tonight to get him WP account, apply to the flight, etc (she's never flown). I noticed they put in the back seat for both flights. One flight is full, but the other one, not so much.

My sister thinks they put him there to be near the FAs. I think he shouldn't be spending his whole trip in the back of the bus. And yes, it's an Airbus 319 and he's in row 22.

My question, just to be sure -- since he's not FC does he need to be back there (assuming he's well-behaved and doesn't bother adult passengers ... besides he's a tall kid (5-11) so he doesn't look that young)?

When I flew as a UM, I was always put in FC for domestic routes, and always very close to the front of the plane for international.

Goodness! When was this? I've seen UMs in row 5 - first row of coach - on a few flights on DC9s and A319s/A320s but not in first, as far as I can recall.

When I did most of my flying, bulkhead seats and seats in that general area were the most commonly used seats for UMs, in fact I had a several flights in 5A seated next to UMs. Now it seems like the most commonly used area is by the rear galley. I never saw UMs in F, although I did see a couple of elite SE UMs UGed into F.

The back row is standard for UM's.
1. Because it is close to the FA's
2. They are always last off the plane, because they need to be escorted by the FA's. Having them in the back helps since I have had more than a few try to get off with out the FA's. Yes they can sit anyware, but it becomes more difficult to keep an eye on them. The last row is designated for UM's like the first row is designated for dissabled person's.

I haven't been a UM in awhile (I feel like i've got one foot in the grave now), but it was definitely an experience I enjoyed But yes, the few times I did fly as UM (from MSY-MEM/DTW), I was put in the first row of FC all but once. Excellent experience. On the flight to AMS, I wasn't at the very front of the plane, but I definately was not put in the back. Usually around the middle to middle front of the first section of economy seats. The FA's would always come find me near the end of the flight and remind me to just stay in my seat until everyone else deplaned. Now on flights intra-Europe to AMS, I normally was in the back of the plane. I always loved getting taken to KLM's little UM room (it wasn't little at all though) at AMS. That place rocked. Ahhh...memories.... But now, on my upcoming trip over the pond, i'm looking forward to seeing the Crowne lounge.

When i'd fly back from Europe to the states, I just loved my big blue bag around my neck with UM nice and big. And the lovely fields:

Hi! My name is: _______________
I speak: _________________


LOOL. I think I Still have them somewhere... if they weren't lost in the storm.

jjvan said it............... it is so we can better keep an eye on the little ones. Of course, it would all be easier if we could just put them in the overhead bins, then take them out after all the passengers are off.... of course, you do this once or twice, then there is always going to be a parent that complains......etc, etc....

But seriously..... you can only imagine the moment of panic when you are trying to scan the crowd of passengers in the aisle during deplaning... trying to search out those UM's (which you've reminded numerous times to remain seated until we come to get them) and you can't see them.

Putting them in the last row is a process which allows us to better ensure their "safekeeping" until we officially hand them off.

I've flown Lead numerous times where I had seats open in 1st. When available, I've moved them up there..... I love the look on their faces when they realize that they are going to sit in first class.... but this also allows me to keep an eye on them during deplaning.

So NO, we don't put them in the "back of the bus" as some sort of punishment, it really TRULY is for their well-being.

Thanks for your responses, guys. That was very helpful. I've never dealt with UMs, so I had no clue.

FC on both flights are open except row one. He's going 3/28 to 4/6. The way back only has FC open right now (and some disabled and the choices, all the premiums are even gone), so I don't see him in FC for the way back.

On the way out is more open in coach, but with row 1 already gone, I'm thinking probably not ...

If he's checking a bag, it doesn't matter that much how quickly he gets off the plane... also, you'll should make arrangements to get his sister a gate pass.

Sounds like he'll be there for the cherry blossoms... one trick from our DC days, is to see them out Conn. Ave in Chevy Chase, or in Potomac.

Bob H

Row 1 is routinely held out as occupied, until about the week before departure. With elite UGs, which will come out of (mostly) the P and E seats, on an elite heavy route, I would be surprised if he gets seated in F, although he is going the right way for it to be more likely (into DCA on Fri and out of DCA on Sun.). If he wasn't traveling as an UM, the chances would look favorable for a VDB and almost impossible for F (if he's on NW237, 239, 231).

Actually, it does matter, as an UM, he must stay on board until the FAs leave the plane or turn him over to NW staff or his sister.

He's on NW237. That plane looks like a zoo already. But he won't get bumped. That's good.

I think they already know for his sister to get a gate pass, but will double checked.

But then I can't assume anything. My sis reluctantly got him a WP account, saying, it could wait until we all go out there until July.

Yes, but the 2,100 miles you get from WorldPerks University ... His bro-in-law is in the military, so he might get enough flying in before he's 18 to make it worthwhile (unless the merger goes through and WP pretty much dies).

It's too late for this booked travel, but did you (or someone) sign him up for the current NW promo: New Exciting NWA Great Race promo? If not, and he's traveling before the end of the promotion period, you need to sign him up before he travels and the same with all the new WP members.

IIRC, the next two flights look even worse. At least UMs won't get IDBed, so he's safe there, and there are two flights after in case his flight gets canceled.

Last trip with the boys to CUN in 2006 we took a bump and four hours later were up front. That was the first (and only, so far) time they had been in first class and are now spoiled for life. They just don't understand why we have to ride in coach all the time! So yes, I would think it would be priceless seeing the looks on UM faces when you put them up there.