Sitting in F
 

Ever have that "un-elite" person in first. The one who acts like they own the world in F class but who we all know either feels incredibly entitled all the time or has never been in first before and thinks they now own the world?

My first time in F class, I kept thanking the FA for taking my coat. Eventually, she told me that it was normal and in fact " it just part of my job". I thanked her again. This was 3 years ago.

Yesterday, in F class, I had some guy who kept trying to talk "business" with everyone around him. Said his jet was held up in another state so he was forced to fly in a "normal" (he actually did use this word to describe) plane. Also kept talking about how it's not that expensive to have a private jet "it's only about $15 mil a year" he said. I rolled my eyes and gave a sarcastic smile to the FA who in turn, laughed, excused herself and took the opportunity to refill my glass.. which was still half full.

He kept talking to the FA about this and that. I think he took the FA's kindness and willingness to listen as her giving a $*#& + he was in 1C.

As I got off the plane I thanked the FA when she handed me my suit bag. She responded, "of course Mr. MPMember. Thank you for flying with us". I shot back with "Well, I'm sure during this flight, you probably wanted to switch places with this bag."

She responded.. "Sometimes but ya know, it's part of our job." I thanked her again and walked off the plane.

Thank you UA FA - your grace is admirable. Thanks for putting up with all of us - good, bad and new.

You just have to love those guys pure entertainment if you ask me

some UA FA's are really patient
 

I was on a flight in F next to an older gentleman, and his young, attractive wife and child in front. The kid thought that he could speak at any pitch and volume that he wanted (I understand kids crying, but this kid was at the age where he could have been politer about his volume- across from me were two kids around the same age who read the whole flight). He was constantly pestering his parents, the FA's and people around him. At the end of the flight, he ran into the cockpit when the door opened. The FA at this point had it, but rather than confront them he just efficiently showed them the door. Keep it classy UA :D.

You mean when you're sitting in F and others are being annoying?

Damn i hate that..

#richpplproblems.

:p

I wouldn't say "rich people" problems.. but definetely #firstworldproblems

:)

I remember...
 

There are annoying people in every class and everywhere in the world, F, Y, the train, the bus, everywhere lol.

Never had that, but I do chuckle at the "F Amatures"...usually bumped to F for some operational reason, who then proceed to take pics of themselves, call everyone they know on their phone prior to take off ("guess where I am??? No! Guess!") and sometimes invite their coach companions up to look. It's cute, kind of like watching a teenage girl get Justin Bieber concert tickets from her parents..maybe a bit less screaming.

even sounds like domestic F to me(FA, not purser), no body buys UA F for international. crummy product compared to most other fleets.

Excellent story, thanks for sharing.

Elitism is part of human kind. Many thrive on it.

I'm glad it was worth a chuckle. It's a good thing I was not there, because when he said "only 15 mil a year for your own jet" I would have burst out laughing, and said".....

"Tell me about it! I've got two and wouldn't you know it! Both are in for an oil change, so here I am flying "NORMAL!" :D

I had much the same experience a few weeks ago when I sat beside a young guy who was upgraded to F and he was simply beaming. And you're right...it is quite entertaining.

I had an experience like that too. Younger fellow leaned over and ask me what is included. 8D
He was a great seatmate for the 2.5hr flight. I learn something about tech security and he learn how to fly as a passenger.
No, his jet was not in the hanger for an oil change. 8P

What's scarier is all the people that worship "them" and give them a big head.....

Well dang, I'm as un-elite as it gets, and always travel in Y but if I ever got bumped up to first I so would not let it go to my head. I'd be happy, mostly that I could rest and sleep well on my red-eye flights...but I certainly wouldn't let it go to my head. Then again I'm not rich...but even if I was...I wouldn't be annoying and be all "oooo look at me, I'm soooo elite". Maybe it's better I fly in coach...LOL

^^^

I also hate it when my jets are in for repair..
in theory i'm part owner of an entire fleet of jets.as a shareholder?
:p

It reminds me of a very true Northern English expression "There is nowt as queer as folk"

(queer as in strange, weird, not sexual orientation)

"O would some power the gift to give us to see ourselves as others see us."

Robert Burns

^
...without which FT would be a quiet and desolate place...

Happy R B day!

In celebration I am having a Caol Ila with my Haggis!

Last week my sister had to fly out to be with her spouse in an emergency. I snagged her a ticket on UA (same day) using some of my miles. When she got to the airport they asked her why she was flying same day and she told them she was flying to be with her hubby who had just been hospitalized in serious condition in another city. They quietly upgraded her to business class (F was full), and she was so grateful. She said she was able to get some rest (before what has turned out to be a frightening ordeal at the hospital). So, you might consider that some folks who get upgraded aren't just kettles who are gaga over getting to sit in the champagne seats. They might be people heading out to face a trying situation and need all the rest and consideration they can get.

^ Good comment. I find that people who are first class (in the true sense of the word, not the flying sense) really don't go around making fun of "kettles".

I find that people who deny the existence of the riff raff and ignorant pax who make life hard for everyone else are egalitarian to the point of delusion.

fooiyipupupup

Then again some of the big-headed people worship themselves enough-- they don't need someone to do it for them, although that's probably a job requirement lol

But it was in the shop, honest. I wasn't making it up.

I'd consider myself a rather seasoned traveler but i'm still snapping pics on the longhaul F flights for the benefit of our trip report forum (albeit not pictures of myself).

Ditto. Minus the "F", alas. Someday.

Look, I make a desent living. I'm well off I drive a nice BMW but that means nothing. I wouldnt consider myself rich. I make 195k BEFORE taxes, and when its all said and done (car payments, school, mortgage, groceries, medical bills, etc..) what's left?
Every personal travel flight I'm on I'm thankful for. Thankful that I can afford that luxury when so many people can't.

When I'm on a business trip and there's some kid or 20 something upgraded to F for the first time It reminds me of myself.

It seems that these days we forget about just how hard it is to bring home the bacon for the majority of the people.

SFO being so elite-heavy on UA, I rarely get upgraded, but it's always a treat when I do.

I blew some miles to upgrade The Spouse & I for an upcoming vacation and it will be his first time in F. I'm looking forward to him being the wide-eyed guy with the big smile. I promise he won't take a ton of photos or start calling people to brag though. :cool:

^ Good comment. I find that people who are first class (in the true sense of the word, not the flying sense) really don't go around making fun of "kettles".[/QUOTE]

I agree with this totally.

+1

If I see a twentysomething kid excited about a new experience like flying in F or J for the first time and some jaded soul scornfully rolling their eyes at them, guess which one of those two I am going to think of as an idiot?

Now, as a business owner whom watches expenses very carefully, I am constantly reminded of a quote I read by Wolfgang Puck many years ago. He said, "You have to operate very lean, no matter what the current status of your business, or you will be out of business very quickly." I've lived by that credo for quite some time now. That's my style. I don't ever pay for FIRST or BUSINESS any longer. I stopped that practice about 10 years ago. Before then, I flew First and Business ALL the time. Now, I chose to put my money elsewhere. Also, I fly Southwest a bit, and don't have to worry about such upgrades. ;) Along these lines I am always reminded of a peripheral acquaintance whom is extremely wealthy. He could literally buy and airline if he wished. He always flies Southwest in the states. He said to me when I asked him why "Southwest", that he flies them because, "They are FUN to fly and they take me where I want to go quickly and inexpensively. Why not?"

I've been upgraded to FIRST once in the last 10 years (to the best of my recollection). It was at the end of a very hard week. A family member had just died, and I was headed home. I remember the gate agent said to me as I was checking in, "You look weary. Hang on. There you go, enjoy your flight." He handed me a First Class boarding pass. I'll never forget that.

$1700/hr running nonstop
anyone know what usually runs $15mm a year?

and obvious question - no charter available?

[QUOTE=RobbieRunner;17905288]Now, as a business owner whom watches expenses very carefully, I am constantly reminded of a quote I read by Wolfgang Puck many years ago. He said, "You have to operate very lean, no matter what the current status of your business, or you will be out of business very quickly." I've lived by that credo for quite some time now. That's my style. I don't ever pay for FIRST or BUSINESS any longer. I stopped that practice about 10 years ago. Before then, I flew First and Business ALL the time. Now, I chose to put my money elsewhere. Also, I fly Southwest a bit, and don't have to worry about such upgrades. ;) Along these lines I am always reminded of a peripheral acquaintance whom is extremely wealthy. He could literally buy and airline if he wished. He always flies Southwest in the states. He said to me when I asked him why "Southwest", that he flies them because, "They are FUN to fly and they take me where I want to go quickly and inexpensively. Why not?"

If you and your friend are flying Southwest, you are harldy spending your money wisely or operating lean. They can be more expensive than the proper airlines these days.

Agreed. not to mention I would be wary of them given the $ of serious safety issues that have been raised over the past few years re. their maintenance. Flying a short domestic hop in Y isn't "fun" no matter who you're on. I can't imagine that open seating makes the experience more enjoyable. On the plus side no RJ routes I guess.

Not exactly true.
Two bags free is a perk to many. NO FEE FOR CHANGES is another huge perk if you (like me) change your itinerary frequently because of business demands. And you have to look at the flights from point A to B. MANY of the flights I take are more reasonable via Southwest. Some are not, so I go where the most reasonable fee that fits into my schedule takes me.
You can't just make a blanket statement like that without actually comparing.

Now, I'm not a superfan of ANY airline. I hop around. But this is not a Southwest thread so I apologize for not sticking to the subject. Sorry Mods.

So, I don't fly FIRST any longer. It's out of my model for business travel expenses. But hey, this way I don't have to worry about a Delta FA not serving me! ;)
And there is very little elitism in Coach. A bit in every place you travel, but very little in Coach.

I agree with this totally.[/QUOTE]

It saddens me when people i see on facebook posts non stop photos/updates about how 'great' their F class flight was.. the food, the bed, the movies..
seriously.. there's no need to brag.. It cheapens it imho.