Is it common "Crew first" in GST/VAT refund counters
Jul 14, 2013 | 9:15 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 2
Is it common "Crew first" in GST/VAT refund counters
Just saw some photos that some stewards jump into the lane for VAT refund in Milan MXP airport and some crew claim that they have priority to be served first in GST/VAT refund at Milan MXP airport Italty as there is a sign board shows "Crew first' at that lane.
I have never been in MXP, does anyone have seen this kind board at MXP or somewhere else?
I have never been in MXP, does anyone have seen this kind board at MXP or somewhere else?
Jul 14, 2013 | 10:33 am
#3
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Not NJ--where I grew up.
Programs: AA EXP1 MM, HH Diamond, National Executive
Posts: 604
Is it common "Crew first" in GST/VAT refund counters
Customs (dedicated usually) and security are the two most common crew lines. Sometimes we sweet talk -- I personally never jump -- into security lines in front of pax when there is no dedicated employee/crew line. If pax fuss enough, I'll usually let them go but most understand: most employees have privileges in their workplaces their customers do not. Add to that the delays -- could actually be long enough to curtail a legal work day [kinda like weather] -- that may be incurred from normal processing, and most pax are not phased much. I've not seen VAT refunds, eats, or anything else favorable to crews that is standard Benny from airport to airport. I imagine MXP is an exceptions to every trend...
Jul 14, 2013 | 4:01 pm
#4
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: MSP
Posts: 203
I have mixed feelings about crew/employees jumping in front of passengers. I was at JFK last year and had no less than 10 airline employees jump in front of me at the security line, including some flight attendants who had two or three bags each. None of them said "sorry" or "excuse me," they just jumped right in.
I understand that they are working, and if they are delayed, a whole plane is delayed. But there should be some sort of limit to this. It just feels like they are showing disrespect for their customers by passively stating that their time is more important than their customers'.
IDK, maybe just a bad experience. Since MSP has a crew only line, I don't have a ton of experience with this.
I understand that they are working, and if they are delayed, a whole plane is delayed. But there should be some sort of limit to this. It just feels like they are showing disrespect for their customers by passively stating that their time is more important than their customers'.
IDK, maybe just a bad experience. Since MSP has a crew only line, I don't have a ton of experience with this.
Jul 15, 2013 | 9:15 am
#5
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 53,012
For customs or security, I completely understand letting crew in first...although I too have seen less-than-courteous crew and/or large groups of crew coming through together and wished there was a better way.
I *maybe* get it at a fast-food counter airside, although there I would expect the crew member to ask politely and *only* play that card if it's a tight connection and they need to eat quickly.
VAT counter? Um, no, I don't get that at all. I'd be rather annoyed if someone pulled that stunt there.
I *maybe* get it at a fast-food counter airside, although there I would expect the crew member to ask politely and *only* play that card if it's a tight connection and they need to eat quickly.
VAT counter? Um, no, I don't get that at all. I'd be rather annoyed if someone pulled that stunt there.
Jul 15, 2013 | 10:16 am
#6
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Laguna Niguel, CA
Programs: AA PLT, 1.8mm
Posts: 6,988
I have mixed feelings about crew/employees jumping in front of passengers. I was at JFK last year and had no less than 10 airline employees jump in front of me at the security line, including some flight attendants who had two or three bags each. None of them said "sorry" or "excuse me," they just jumped right in.
But FAs cutting at VAT ? Why not cut the line at Starbucks or at the food court ? The FA entitlement has gotten a little out of control.
Jul 15, 2013 | 2:13 pm
#7
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,814
Frustrated at people being able to cut the line??
Pretty much what non-status Y pax must feel like every flight. I understand it's not quite the same thing, but funny to me. I bet many elites would be happy if some how status gave them priority in these lines.
Pretty much what non-status Y pax must feel like every flight. I understand it's not quite the same thing, but funny to me. I bet many elites would be happy if some how status gave them priority in these lines.