I hate business travelers.
May 8, 2018, 10:38 am
#136
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 208
During my earlier flying days, I remember having to walk through first class on the way to my center seat in row 129. There was a slight sense of disappointment that others were luxuriating up front and I had to look at them on the way to my cramped seat, sure. Mostly, I always wondered what they did to get up there, and what it was really like in the ivory tower of first class. I don't think I really had any actual resentment or negative feelings towards those passengers - a little envy maybe.
I have flown up-front many times and have never heard a single comment or glare, from anyone, ever. I'm a middle-aged white guy with a laptop, so I'm the basic stereotype of the first class flyer and not even a hard look from someone passing through. I think that's unusual and most economy passengers aren't putting a lot of thought into resenting the elites.
The resentment on this thread, I would guess, goes like this:
1) OP is a new flyer
2) judging by his thread history, he or she is working the award cards and other attempts to maximize miles and benefit
3) OP is frustrated over how hard it can actually be to earn elite status, in any way, and is resentful of those who seem to 'so easily' have it
4) OP hasn't been exposed to corporate America enough to realize what the lives of most of those elites is like
5) OP vents general frustrations on everyone and anyone who is supposedly having some kind of a free ride: bigwigs, fatcats, greedy companies, etc.
Then a bunch of frequent fliers jump into the thread and toy with him without mercy, and in slightly condescending terms. (Ok, I'm talking about myself now).
I have flown up-front many times and have never heard a single comment or glare, from anyone, ever. I'm a middle-aged white guy with a laptop, so I'm the basic stereotype of the first class flyer and not even a hard look from someone passing through. I think that's unusual and most economy passengers aren't putting a lot of thought into resenting the elites.
The resentment on this thread, I would guess, goes like this:
1) OP is a new flyer
2) judging by his thread history, he or she is working the award cards and other attempts to maximize miles and benefit
3) OP is frustrated over how hard it can actually be to earn elite status, in any way, and is resentful of those who seem to 'so easily' have it
4) OP hasn't been exposed to corporate America enough to realize what the lives of most of those elites is like
5) OP vents general frustrations on everyone and anyone who is supposedly having some kind of a free ride: bigwigs, fatcats, greedy companies, etc.
Then a bunch of frequent fliers jump into the thread and toy with him without mercy, and in slightly condescending terms. (Ok, I'm talking about myself now).
May 8, 2018, 10:59 am
#137
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: n.y.c.
Posts: 13,988
If they weren't why would this thread even exist? The glares and occasional remarks as they go through business class to the back or as I proceed past a long line of kettles and gate lice plane are reminders of my success in life. I appreciate the recognition. Thank-you.
May 8, 2018, 11:30 am
#138
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: AMS, BER, KUL, SIN
Programs: Miles and More
Posts: 90
The grass is indeed greener (and has lie-flat seats) on the other side of the fence. But travelling for work is indeed no picnic. It's fun if you only do it 2 or 3 times a year, but if you approach 35 work trips a year, it can be physically and mentally challenging. Not an excuse for misbehaving business travellers, but they are in minority.
May 8, 2018, 12:04 pm
#139
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM
Posts: 23,297
If they weren't why would this thread even exist? The glares and occasional remarks as they go through business class to the back or as I proceed past a long line of kettles and gate lice plane are reminders of my success in life. I appreciate the recognition. Thank-you.
You just keep working on that super important power point hoping to impress the boss man on Monday morning, while I sit next to you in business class (ooh lal la) enjoying my drink heading on another vacation.
May 8, 2018, 2:59 pm
#140
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Canada, USA, Europe
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 31,452
I don't know how often you fly, but I have NEVER gotten a checked bag in 10 minutes unless it was gate checked on a regional jet in the USA and even then sometimes not. My last trip to Orlando I waited an hour and a half to get my checked bags. Again - the airlines have decided on this system so it's really not a question of "the greater good" - these are for profit businesses, not Aeroflot from the Soviet days - a great example of an airline run for the "greater good" that was crappy as a result.
May 8, 2018, 3:18 pm
#141
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 75
75% percent of my travel is business related and I still agree with this 100%. The travelers I see queuing up 25 minutes before boarding are in the Premier Lines. I fly up front 100% of the time using either money or miles. On single aisle airplanes with full loads I usually voluntarily gate check my bag and board last so I can minimize the time on the plane. My backpack goes on the plane with me and always under the seat. My wait for luggage is usually shorter that the time it takes to clean up my email and possibly call my wife or one of my children. I am on planes a lot and this method works best for me without any stress.
May 8, 2018, 3:18 pm
#142
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Economy, mostly :(
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 7,801
I don't know how often you fly, but I have NEVER gotten a checked bag in 10 minutes unless it was gate checked on a regional jet in the USA and even then sometimes not. My last trip to Orlando I waited an hour and a half to get my checked bags. Again - the airlines have decided on this system so it's really not a question of "the greater good" - these are for profit businesses, not Aeroflot from the Soviet days - a great example of an airline run for the "greater good" that was crappy as a result.
May 8, 2018, 3:26 pm
#143
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 208
75% percent of my travel is business related and I still agree with this 100%. The travelers I see queuing up 25 minutes before boarding are in the Premier Lines. I fly up front 100% of the time using either money or miles. On single aisle airplanes with full loads I usually voluntarily gate check my bag and board last so I can minimize the time on the plane. My backpack goes on the plane with me and always under the seat. My wait for luggage is usually shorter that the time it takes to clean up my email and possibly call my wife or one of my children. I am on planes a lot and this method works best for me without any stress.
As for voluntarily checking a bag because it's somehow just as easy as carrying on, that's really hard for me to imagine. Of course, sometimes the checked bags come quickly, but usually it's 15-20 minutes. Sometimes it's much more, and sometimes they lose the bags - that's a real bummer for me when I'm on the road. Checking bags is worth avoiding for people who really want to avoid any issues, and are able to do so.
May 8, 2018, 3:52 pm
#144
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM
Posts: 23,297
I'm surprised when I read this. Yes, a lot of business travelers will line up early, jockeying for overhead space. But, they tend to be quiet and not really offensive in any way. The line for group 4 is typically huge, and a lot of gabbing on the phone and chatting - also no problem. But, if 'lining up early' is the biggest offense of the biz traveler, I'm not really getting what's so bad about that.
.
.
Just google image gate lice, and most pics will be just like the one above - work flyers in the standard work flyer uniform outfits carrying on loads upon loads of crap.
May 8, 2018, 4:01 pm
#145
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 75
I'm surprised when I read this. Yes, a lot of business travelers will line up early, jockeying for overhead space. But, they tend to be quiet and not really offensive in any way. The line for group 4 is typically huge, and a lot of gabbing on the phone and chatting - also no problem. But, if 'lining up early' is the biggest offense of the biz traveler, I'm not really getting what's so bad about that.
As for voluntarily checking a bag because it's somehow just as easy as carrying on, that's really hard for me to imagine. Of course, sometimes the checked bags come quickly, but usually it's 15-20 minutes. Sometimes it's much more, and sometimes they lose the bags - that's a real bummer for me when I'm on the road. Checking bags is worth avoiding for people who really want to avoid any issues, and are able to do so.
As for voluntarily checking a bag because it's somehow just as easy as carrying on, that's really hard for me to imagine. Of course, sometimes the checked bags come quickly, but usually it's 15-20 minutes. Sometimes it's much more, and sometimes they lose the bags - that's a real bummer for me when I'm on the road. Checking bags is worth avoiding for people who really want to avoid any issues, and are able to do so.
I didn't say it was an offense to line up early in any line. It doesn't bother me at all when people in Premier/Elite/Diamond lines queue up, I just choose not to join them! It just seems miserable for those who stress that much up getting their bags in a certain spot. I am not going to waste 30 minutes (Line up, board first, wait for everyone else to board while confined in a tube) of my time to save 15 - it doesn't seem rational TO ME. Maybe it does for others which is fine with me. I am tall so my only concern is that I have a seat with legroom up front. I am patient about the other stuff.
Group 4 (or equal) does tend to line up and there are a lot of people in those groups. They are rational though because they really are fighting for overhead space!
May 8, 2018, 10:47 pm
#146
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 208
There are threads on virtually every single airline forum on this site with badly behaved zone 1 DYKWIA stories, Pushing, ''gabbing" loudly on their phones, or worse bluetooth about the super important business and quarterly results.
Just google image gate lice, and most pics will be just like the one above - work flyers in the standard work flyer uniform outfits carrying on loads upon loads of crap.
May 8, 2018, 11:08 pm
#147
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Canada, USA, Europe
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 31,452
May 8, 2018, 11:54 pm
#148
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 9,307
Waiting 45 minutes or more for my bag does not make my life easier. In fact, it makes it harder - even when I'm "taking it easy" on vacation - I'd rather spend those 45 minutes lounging by the pool. You're basically asking me to check my bag and waste a lot of my time just so that you have more room to put your bags in the overhead. And you commented earlier "it's not all about you" - apparently you're the only one whose convenience matters here and you expect others to accommodate you.
May 8, 2018, 11:56 pm
#149
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 208
But it's just not true. I use carryon regularly at JFK, DEN, BKK, HKT, FRA and the vast majority of the time, I'm already outside grabbing an uber way before the bags come. The idea that getting your checked bags is even close to as fast as simply walking out of the airport makes no sense.
May 9, 2018, 1:17 am
#150
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Hilton, Hyatt House, Del Taco
Posts: 5,378
Well I'm seeing all the expected behaviors from both parties on the current trip.
#1 (biz): Get on the rental car shuttle at the terminal. The shuttle is only like 2/3 full, plenty of seats open. But these three business guys who boarded after me (they're not together; each traveling solo) stand next to the door with their rollerboards, partially blocking the entrance, and won't sit down. There're two more guys up front standing by the front door. We arrive at the rental car center and those guys jump off the moment the door opens.
#2 (leisure): This lady and her son are boarding (they have middle and window), and she tells the son to ask the aisle person to swap for window. She apparently has to have aisle. Son seems to say he doesn't want to. So the son takes the middle seat and the lady decides to poach and sit on the aisle. (the aisle guy, who looked like a student, boarded later and graciously accepted the swap)
#3 (biz): I'm at security getting ready to put my stuff through the xray when the tsa guy tells me I should get a tray for something instead of putting it directly on the belt. The tray is literally within arm's reach, except the business suit guy behind me is in my way so I had to go around him to go get the tray. In that split second, the business guy cuts in front of me. But then he of course has a huge rollerboard and he's fumbling around trying to get the tote off the handlebar. And then he has to take his laptop out (Pre was closed, and I guess he's not used to standard security). So this guy cuts in front of me while I tried to do something that would've literally taken 2 seconds, then he makes me wait. You'd think he's in a hurry, but he's actually not. He was on the same flight as me, and there was plenty of time to wait around at the gate.
#1 (biz): Get on the rental car shuttle at the terminal. The shuttle is only like 2/3 full, plenty of seats open. But these three business guys who boarded after me (they're not together; each traveling solo) stand next to the door with their rollerboards, partially blocking the entrance, and won't sit down. There're two more guys up front standing by the front door. We arrive at the rental car center and those guys jump off the moment the door opens.
#2 (leisure): This lady and her son are boarding (they have middle and window), and she tells the son to ask the aisle person to swap for window. She apparently has to have aisle. Son seems to say he doesn't want to. So the son takes the middle seat and the lady decides to poach and sit on the aisle. (the aisle guy, who looked like a student, boarded later and graciously accepted the swap)
#3 (biz): I'm at security getting ready to put my stuff through the xray when the tsa guy tells me I should get a tray for something instead of putting it directly on the belt. The tray is literally within arm's reach, except the business suit guy behind me is in my way so I had to go around him to go get the tray. In that split second, the business guy cuts in front of me. But then he of course has a huge rollerboard and he's fumbling around trying to get the tote off the handlebar. And then he has to take his laptop out (Pre was closed, and I guess he's not used to standard security). So this guy cuts in front of me while I tried to do something that would've literally taken 2 seconds, then he makes me wait. You'd think he's in a hurry, but he's actually not. He was on the same flight as me, and there was plenty of time to wait around at the gate.