I hate business travelers.
Jun 9, 2018, 4:44 am
#391
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW-In Plano & CDG-In the 11th
Programs: DL Diamond, AA revenue negative, Bonvoy Titanium +, Avis likes me
Posts: 3,209
It depends on the position. I was replying to the person who said he doesn't want to be talked to on the airplane and doesn't want to be talked to on the hotel and just wanted to be left alone. That doesn't seem like the person has any social skills at all or if the do they are not social at all.
Jun 9, 2018, 6:45 am
#393
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW-In Plano & CDG-In the 11th
Programs: DL Diamond, AA revenue negative, Bonvoy Titanium +, Avis likes me
Posts: 3,209
It depends on the position. I was replying to the person who said he doesn't want to be talked to on the airplane and doesn't want to be talked to on the hotel and just wanted to be left alone. That doesn't seem like the person has any social skills at all or if the do they are not social at all.
My guess one has NEVER travelled for business, or perhaps NEVER actually had a job!
My week 1982-1990:
Sunday: (Even though the 49ers are playing) Last nonstop non red eye SFO-JFK
Monday: Up at 5:30am. Out the door at 6:15, for a 7:45 mandatory staff meeting (I live in SFO with a NYC "staff" position) Meetings x 6+ and no or working lunch. Leave by 5:00 to catch 8:00 flight to to city #2. Go to RAC, go to hotel, check in behind family that has never been -----, get to room, Sleep at midnight maybe.
Tuesday: Wake in hotel, repeat Monday
Wednesday: See Monday /Tuesday
Thursday: See Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday
Friday: See Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday except fly home to SFO from wherever at 12-2 pm. Paper work on plane
Saturday: Do whatever the family has decided.
Sunday: Repeat
My week 1998-2014
Monday: Up at 4:30am. Out the door at 5:15, for a 7:00 flight, that if on time, will get me, including RAC, 45 minutes early, meetings x 6 + lunch. Return RAC, catch 6:00 flight to to city #2. Go to RAC, go to hotel, check in behind family that has never been -----, get to room, return e-mails, sleep at midnight maybe.
Tuesday: Wake in hotel, repeat Monday
Wednesday: See Monday /Tuesday
Thursday: See Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday
Friday: See Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday except fly home at 2-4 pm
Saturday: 6am-10am Weekly reports
Monday repeat
Now semi-retired.
Perhaps OP should get over its obvious jealousy and do the right thing :
APOLOGIZE to those of us that WORK(ed). And get over yourself.
Jun 9, 2018, 8:22 am
#394
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM
Posts: 23,294
(Almost) everyone works. You want an apology from the OP for your choice of lifestyle and job for 15 years?
Hopefully OP gets from this thread that there is nothing to be jealous of when it comes to work travel, and apologizes to himself for thinking that work flyers are worth getting all envious over.
Hope the status was worth all that time away from your family
Hopefully OP gets from this thread that there is nothing to be jealous of when it comes to work travel, and apologizes to himself for thinking that work flyers are worth getting all envious over.
Hope the status was worth all that time away from your family
Jun 9, 2018, 5:01 pm
#395
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW-In Plano & CDG-In the 11th
Programs: DL Diamond, AA revenue negative, Bonvoy Titanium +, Avis likes me
Posts: 3,209
(Almost) everyone works. You want an apology from the OP for your choice of lifestyle and job for 15 years?
Hopefully OP gets from this thread that there is nothing to be jealous of when it comes to work travel, and apologizes to himself for thinking that work flyers are worth getting all envious over.
Hope the status was worth all that time away from your family
Hopefully OP gets from this thread that there is nothing to be jealous of when it comes to work travel, and apologizes to himself for thinking that work flyers are worth getting all envious over.
Hope the status was worth all that time away from your family
JUST SO YOU KNOW: Status was a gift. The kids never benefitted until way later.
By design: Work (and bonus) got 5 kids from two marriages into "great" schools that helped them achieve their goals: One Major University department head, one youngest police LT ever in a major West Coast City, One Navy wife who also happens to be THE ESL "lady" for the navy (USN), one recent honors graduate from the design Institute in Milan. Oh, and the one I worried about the most: MD+++. Research Oncologist (Defining moment-Cancer killed her best friend her senior year in high school-now all she wants to do is KILL it back).
Currently semi-retired with wife, splitting time between DFW and CDG.
So excuse me when I "chip" at some of the DYKWIA low life "Family First" nonfrequent, nonflyers, who think the world revolves around them, and their spawn. KMRRA. Appointments available (PM me if you want to know how I really feel.)
Your Mileage WILL Vary
Last edited by Dallas49er; Jun 10, 2018 at 4:30 pm
Jun 9, 2018, 6:45 pm
#396
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Southern California
Programs: AA EXPlat, 2.4MM; HHonors Diamond
Posts: 580
Thank you for your heartfelt and well thought out comment.
JUST SO YOU KNOW: Status was a gift. The kids never benefitted until way later.
By design: Work (and bonus) got 5 kids into "great" schools that helped them achieve their goals: One Major University department head, one youngest police LT ever in a major West Coast City, One Navy wife who also happens to be THE ESL "lady" for the navy (USN), one recent honors graduate from the design Institute in Milan. Oh, and the one I worried about the most: MD+++. Research Oncologist (Defining moment-Cancer killed her best friend her senior year-now all she wants to do is KILL it back).
Currently semi-retired with wife, splitting time between DFW and CDG.
JUST SO YOU KNOW: Status was a gift. The kids never benefitted until way later.
By design: Work (and bonus) got 5 kids into "great" schools that helped them achieve their goals: One Major University department head, one youngest police LT ever in a major West Coast City, One Navy wife who also happens to be THE ESL "lady" for the navy (USN), one recent honors graduate from the design Institute in Milan. Oh, and the one I worried about the most: MD+++. Research Oncologist (Defining moment-Cancer killed her best friend her senior year-now all she wants to do is KILL it back).
Currently semi-retired with wife, splitting time between DFW and CDG.
Jun 9, 2018, 7:32 pm
#397
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW-In Plano & CDG-In the 11th
Programs: DL Diamond, AA revenue negative, Bonvoy Titanium +, Avis likes me
Posts: 3,209
Dr. daughter never hit goal until after her 1st semester at University. My wife suggested that since I set her goals, I take her. "Daddy, this place is holy f*****g wow! Now I know. Thank you!" Like her dad, she can't wait to get there, and can't wait to get back.
My kids enjoy successes in their fields that I envy, am proud of, am amazed at, create wonder ... and I could only hope for in my wildest dreams.
So, in these times of "Fake News", this explains my ultra low tolerance of "Fake Parents". They, and their spawn, can KMRRA. Appointments available by PM
Last edited by Dallas49er; Jun 9, 2018 at 9:45 pm
Jun 10, 2018, 2:14 am
#398
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson; Avis PC
Posts: 35,255
Paris was always a reward. Hit goals-you go. No goal-no go and spend time at home with 24/7 adult supervision.
Dr. daughter never hit goal until after her 1st semester at University. My wife suggested that since I set her goals, I take her. "Daddy, this place is holy f*****g wow! Now I know. Thank you!" Like her dad, she can't wait to get there, and can't wait to get back.
My kids enjoy successes in their fields that I envy, am proud of, am amazed at, create wonder ... and I could only hope for in my wildest dreams.
So, in these times of "Fake News", this explains my ultra low tolerance of "Fake Parents". They, and their spawn, can KMRRA. Appointments available by PM
Dr. daughter never hit goal until after her 1st semester at University. My wife suggested that since I set her goals, I take her. "Daddy, this place is holy f*****g wow! Now I know. Thank you!" Like her dad, she can't wait to get there, and can't wait to get back.
My kids enjoy successes in their fields that I envy, am proud of, am amazed at, create wonder ... and I could only hope for in my wildest dreams.
So, in these times of "Fake News", this explains my ultra low tolerance of "Fake Parents". They, and their spawn, can KMRRA. Appointments available by PM
Jun 10, 2018, 8:35 am
#400
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 9,304
Why would their different but just as valid choices give rise to such venom? If your goals could be achieved without the sacrifices, then that would surely be preferable.
Jun 10, 2018, 8:40 am
#401
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold / OW Emerald
Posts: 753
Jun 10, 2018, 9:55 am
#402
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW-In Plano & CDG-In the 11th
Programs: DL Diamond, AA revenue negative, Bonvoy Titanium +, Avis likes me
Posts: 3,209
)Great comment. Semi-retired, but still give semi annual presentations (at the request of 2 former work collegues) for major 2 Mutual Fund/Money Management companies. The title is: "You can work hard. You can work smart. Or you can do both, and get there sooner!"
Back on topic. Business travel today is a pain. Its nothing like pre 9/11, where airlines were run by airline people focused on PAX, and not the MBA/accountants of today focused on bottom line at all costs. DYKWIA "Fake parents" only make a tough experience even tougher.
Last edited by Dallas49er; Jun 10, 2018 at 10:00 am
Jun 24, 2018, 5:01 pm
#403
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 208
I'm the same. When I'm on the road, I generally keep quiet and don't chat. I am happy to talk to someone if want to talk, but am fine with a few hours of quiet on flights and have no interest in the hotel bar. I have plenty of interaction at home with work and kids - I love a little quiet time. What is depressing about that?
I don't see this at all. I see just as many casual fliers making noise as biz travelers. If I'm on a flight from DEN to LGA on a Thursday night, there are usually some loud business calls. If I'm on a flight from LAX to Cancun on a Saturday morning, there are some loud vacationers.
That's just silly. There are plenty of loud phone calls 'for show' by people of all walks of life. Most loud calls, though, are from people who are just kind of rude and don't consider how noisy they are being.
Agreed. It's not just a business traveller thing. Though, when it comes to travel spaces and airport hotels, it does seem to tend to usually be business travellers making the scene. Although, bachelor and bachelorette parties in airports can really get on my nerves too as far as rudeness. Thankfully they're not usually in the lounges though. Most business travellers are pretty much okay in my book (and it's definitely not a book of authority by any means, ha). I have my peeves about the obnoxious ones but thankfully they are usually few and far between in my own commutes.
I truly believe that the phone calls they make between boarding and taxiing are a power trip to let the other passengers know that they are important businessmen. I have never once overheard a pre-takeoff call that was urgent. It's for show, and it's always the same: "Hey, it's me. I just got on the plane in ____. Should be landing in ____ and I'll call you then. Oh, did so-and-so get back to you about ____? I'll have to deal with that later."
Jun 27, 2023, 2:53 pm
#404
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,716
In general it is silly to generalize about the behavior of a group based on a few anecdotes. Yes, there are biz travelers who behave poorly, but that's due to their inherent personalities, not because they happen to be traveling on biz. they would behave the same way on family travel.
Jun 27, 2023, 7:34 pm
#405
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London & Sonoma CA
Programs: UA 1K, MM *G for life, BAEC Gold
Posts: 10,221
As someone who travels on business and also for pleasure, I think I behave similarly in either scenario. I suppose my experiences of both scenarios affects my behaviour but it’s largely because I have seen better or worse.