What do people do when you are flying with a client/prospect (and others) who are not flying first/upgraded/have status?

I flew with a client this week - 1 hour flight. I had no idea whether client had status, etc so night before called AA to see if he was in first, on upgrade list. Found out he wasn't so I had them reverse my upgrade to fly in coach.

Get to gate, they announce my name and tell me they op up'd me because coach was oversold. Ironic considering the number of times I really want an upgrade and it's a no go.

Assigned 4A rather than 6E (my original choice). Turns out 4B is a pretty young lady and 6F is an older gentleman. Client boards to coach, chuckles and afterwards reminds me of the episode where Seinfeld is in first next to a supermodel and Elaine is in coach. No negative consequences from client but me thinks God must certainly have a twisted sense of humor.

As a matter of client relations, you either sit with the client in F or Y as the case may be or if there's an UG, give it to the client. No matter what anybody says, it causes resentment, bad stories about you and is bad for business.

I've only been in this situation once, and I managed to upgrade both of us since we were traveling together. Granted, I knew him well enough so I did see any awkward issues with appearances or anything of the sort.

I can definitely see how this situation would get complicated, but sounds like your client had a good sense of humor and wasn't the type to make a fuss.

If the client is paying your bill, you need to sit with the client in the class that he/she travels or give him/her the upgrade. Never sit in F, while client sits in Y... Basic Business etiquette

The most obvious question is, why didn't you upgrade the client as your companion instead of removing your upgrade request?

Secondly, when you were op up'd, why didn't you tell the GA that you are traveling with a client and ask if he could he be op up'd with you?

I have upgraded clients and sat in a lessor class of service more than a few times. It pays off in the long run especially if the client's firm does not allow paid travel in a higher class of service. At that point it becomes a treat for the person who is usually obligated to economy class.

I don't brag about my AA status in any case.

And if someone says 'why bother with the miles?' I really try to keep quiet on the subject.

As this topic/scenario is not specific to one airline, let's move this to TravelBuzz for further discussion. Thanks! /JY1024, AA and TravelBuzz co-moderator

I didn't request the upgrade for the client originally because I was already upgraded and didn't know how/where he was booked. That's why I checked. He is senior enough (top 10 exec in a Fortune 500) that he could have easily be in F anyhow (or corp jet). He flew into one of their locations to join us for some meetings and then was flying back with us to their HQ for other meetings. As a result, I just figured it would be easiest to fly coach. We have a good relationship - heck, he called me when I landed and said he would pick us up so we didn't have to go get the rental car and he drove us (I had two people with me) around for a day. He's a down-to-earth person and also took us out for a great dinner with great wine (which they paid for directly).

Relative to the op up, I went to the gate and asked about the chance for upgrading me and a companion. Was told no go - pretty full. Figured if it was a chance, I would talk to him and see if he wanted it but GA made it clear no go. Curve ball as they called as they were boarding, went up to ask what was up and was told they op up'd me because they were oversold in back. I could have asked them to undo it but they had already issued my seat and it would have caused work for the GA and slowed down boarding. I decided to just take it and explain what happened to him.

Yes - that is why I downgraded (also I had two associates on the plane as well traveling with us). Giving him the upgrade would have been awkward so it was just better to explain that it was an op up. He's a pretty savvy traveler and knows how these things work.

He ribbed me about the young lady, I told him my wife thinks I always sit next to beautiful women when I fly, he said he'd be sure to tell her that I did when he met her and i said that ain't gonna happen. We got a good laugh out of it.

You're right, bragging about status is pretty stupid - particularly to somebody who flies corporate which, for me, is a rare treat. Heck, I'm thrilled when I get an op up and don't have to burn stickers.

+1