Age discrimination when flying in premium cabins?
Jul 14, 2014, 1:37 am
#76
Join Date: Jul 2014
Programs: DL DM, DL AMEX Reserve
Posts: 275
After reading a few posts today, I'm a bit curious to hear if any younger people here have ever felt discriminated against and how while flying business or first class?
I've only really encountered two small hiccups along the way from check-in agents who didn't really seem convinced I was travelling in First when I was using the First Class check-in counters (once at SIN and once at TXL.) I've also gotten the occasional glare from other passengers in the cabin or as they walk by my seat, but thankfully, I haven't had crew actually question whether I was in the right seat or not.
I've only really encountered two small hiccups along the way from check-in agents who didn't really seem convinced I was travelling in First when I was using the First Class check-in counters (once at SIN and once at TXL.) I've also gotten the occasional glare from other passengers in the cabin or as they walk by my seat, but thankfully, I haven't had crew actually question whether I was in the right seat or not.
Jul 14, 2014, 7:11 am
#77
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Canada, USA, Europe
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 31,452
[*]Make the assumption directly to the passenger. "Economy is this way, sir." "Excellent, could you tell me the way to First?" "Erm, this lady will help you right away." (Singapore Airlines, surprisingly.)
Age discrimination or immaturity on my behalf. I recall about a year ago my husband and I having a rather animated game of Angry Birds in the Qantas Lounge at Sydney. Everyone was demure and quiet and we were quite chuffed at getting through a difficult level. Not sure they appreciated the loud "yeeeeesssss" and the excited arm pumping!!!
Were you drunk and rambunctious?
Last edited by Ocn Vw 1K; Jul 17, 2014 at 5:55 pm Reason: Combine consecutive posts of same member.
Jul 16, 2014, 9:07 pm
#79
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: PDX (wish I was in HNL)
Programs: Platinum
Posts: 1,687
I understand the frustration of younger frequent flyers.
My 10 year old was questioned by an FA when we were flying F once. A fellow passenger in F felt he did not deserve his seat. I asked the FA to tell the gentleman that my son was a UA Platinum member and he could use his RPU upgrade whenever he pleased; and if he had an issue with it he could discuss it with me in person. What an [edit for language]
My 10 year old was questioned by an FA when we were flying F once. A fellow passenger in F felt he did not deserve his seat. I asked the FA to tell the gentleman that my son was a UA Platinum member and he could use his RPU upgrade whenever he pleased; and if he had an issue with it he could discuss it with me in person. What an [edit for language]
Last edited by Ocn Vw 1K; Jul 17, 2014 at 5:56 pm Reason: Per FT Rules.
Jul 17, 2014, 1:20 am
#81
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,532
I've taken my pre-teen nephew with me in the premium cabin before. Usually, the FAs and I've heard other boarding passengers chuckle as he's having fun checking out all the features of the seat.
That said, maybe some of you need to get one of these:
http://vimeo.com/57276835
That said, maybe some of you need to get one of these:
http://vimeo.com/57276835
Jul 18, 2014, 10:27 am
#85
Join Date: May 2013
Location: MCO
Programs: Delta Sky Miles, AA Advantage, Marriot Rewards, Hyatt Gold Passport, Hilton HHonors, SPG
Posts: 16
I am 27 now and have only flown in premium cabins a hand full of times, starting at about 8 years old. Most recently flew on my honeymoon in DL F and CX J and was treated the same as everyone else, with no glares or questions.
As a lot of people have touched on I think it also depends on how the child is acting. When I was 8 flying LX J and when I was 13 flying DL Biz Elite, both times the FA's complemented my brother and I on our manners to our parents. (My father lives by the phrase "Please and Thank you are the gateway's to the world"). The only time my now wife and I were questioned was flying ATH-JFK-MCO a few years ago, Ground crew at both ATH and JFK stated boarding was only for DL Biz Elite pax, I quickly stated good, and handed them our BP's.
When I was younger traveling with my parents they would dress me up nicer, but lately on my honeymoon I dressed in just a button up, jeans and flip flops, always have to go for comfort flying those long haul routes
As a lot of people have touched on I think it also depends on how the child is acting. When I was 8 flying LX J and when I was 13 flying DL Biz Elite, both times the FA's complemented my brother and I on our manners to our parents. (My father lives by the phrase "Please and Thank you are the gateway's to the world"). The only time my now wife and I were questioned was flying ATH-JFK-MCO a few years ago, Ground crew at both ATH and JFK stated boarding was only for DL Biz Elite pax, I quickly stated good, and handed them our BP's.
When I was younger traveling with my parents they would dress me up nicer, but lately on my honeymoon I dressed in just a button up, jeans and flip flops, always have to go for comfort flying those long haul routes
Jul 19, 2014, 8:42 am
#87
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: AA ExPlat, UA Silver, Marriott Lifetime Gold
Posts: 715
At 27, I don't consider myself young for traveling but since I dress pretty casual (travel pants, sneakers and t shirts) I get questions about being in the "correct line/seat" all the time. Never a problem to show my BP, so all good.
The only time I thought it was annoying was when I ordered a Jack and coke siting in first and the FA asked me for my ID. Come on, she didn't ask anyone else in the cabin for their ID to get booze.
And then once when going thru the BP check at TSA, the officer asked if I wanted a gate pass so my parents could one with me to the gate. He was an older guy and said he thought I was under 18. I though it was pretty funny and took it as a compliment!
Maybe I should start dressing up...
The only time I thought it was annoying was when I ordered a Jack and coke siting in first and the FA asked me for my ID. Come on, she didn't ask anyone else in the cabin for their ID to get booze.
And then once when going thru the BP check at TSA, the officer asked if I wanted a gate pass so my parents could one with me to the gate. He was an older guy and said he thought I was under 18. I though it was pretty funny and took it as a compliment!
Maybe I should start dressing up...
Jul 19, 2014, 8:51 am
#88
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Indianapolis
Programs: Hilton-Diamond Lifetime Platinum AA UA, WN-CP, SPG Gold.
Posts: 7,377
Discrimination is often used as an excuse, to hide behind,
Face it you do not conform to the norm, to blend in, and in a way you want to call attention to yourself.
I look at kids in FC and wonder how they can afford it, companies use to pay for it, but hey in the old days very few flew for free,
I just feel lucky to have a ticket.
In today's world, many do get a free ride, crying discrimination, including Al Sharpton.
Face it you do not conform to the norm, to blend in, and in a way you want to call attention to yourself.
I look at kids in FC and wonder how they can afford it, companies use to pay for it, but hey in the old days very few flew for free,
I just feel lucky to have a ticket.
In today's world, many do get a free ride, crying discrimination, including Al Sharpton.
Jul 20, 2014, 12:04 pm
#89
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Singapore
Programs: SQ TPPS, Hyatt Dia, SPG Gold, Shangri-La(h) Jade
Posts: 216
1. What is the "norm?" I have seen a wide range of people in my F flights, 99% of which are on SQ (just FYI if it helps).
2. So by not being part of said "norm" I am automatically attention seeking?
No malicious intent on my part, hope it doesn't come across that way.
Jul 23, 2014, 11:22 am
#90
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,508
I'm assuming on any given days gate agents will deal with 100 people who they think are in the wrong line. 98 are going to be in the wrong line. The 2 that aren't are the people posting on threads like this where they feel "discriminated" against.
The vast majority of 1st class passengers look a certain way. They're usually older than 25, they usually are dressed well, and so on.
So when a 22 year old wearing flip flops and a and a hipster ironic t-shirt shows up to the counter, it's a very reasonable for the GA to assume this person is not in the right line. They're not mean people, they're not out to get you, they're just making an educated guess about which line you should be in. Don't get so defensive.
The vast majority of 1st class passengers look a certain way. They're usually older than 25, they usually are dressed well, and so on.
So when a 22 year old wearing flip flops and a and a hipster ironic t-shirt shows up to the counter, it's a very reasonable for the GA to assume this person is not in the right line. They're not mean people, they're not out to get you, they're just making an educated guess about which line you should be in. Don't get so defensive.