Giving up First Class seat to Military personnel
Dec 19, 2019, 11:10 am
#1
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Indianapolis
Programs: Hilton-Diamond Lifetime Platinum AA UA, WN-CP, SPG Gold.
Posts: 7,377
I often guest them in the lounge, I have switched seats, but never on an International flight.
I am a war orphan..
I am a war orphan..
Dec 19, 2019, 11:48 am
#2
Join Date: Jul 2017
Programs: Delta Platinum; Hilton Diamond; Marriot Gold
Posts: 1,117
I’m PM and anytime I get upgraded to First Class I always pay attention when GA announces active military personnel can board and if there is anyone I always tell FA when she comes to take my PDB I would like to switch seats with our active military. The FA’s are always touched I offer and the person I switch with is always grateful. I do not do it for any recognition, just enjoy showing appreciation to our military. Anyone else ever do this?
Dec 19, 2019, 11:53 am
#3
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Either at the shooting range or anywhere good beer can be found...
Posts: 51,047
I'll start popping the popcorn. 
Dec 19, 2019, 12:24 pm
#4
Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: AS 100k, DL PM, New Sagaya
Posts: 1,291
Just be mindful that DoD employees including uniformed personnel have ethics rules regarding gifts. Transportation benefits are explicitly in DoD policy as gifts. It is probably not going to be an issue in this case (unless you are employed by someone that could be classified as a prohibited source.) But it could cause some concern.
Dec 19, 2019, 12:27 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,231
I only give up my seats for pregnant nuns.
Dec 19, 2019, 1:14 pm
#6
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: WAS
Programs: Free Agent
Posts: 1,757
I have never done this, nor have I seen this happen outside of the United States.
Dec 19, 2019, 1:51 pm
#7
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Roswell, GA
Programs: AA EXP 2.8m,Lifetime PLT, Hilton Diamond, IHG PlLT, SPG Gold
Posts: 3,191
I always give the upgrade to my wife
Dec 19, 2019, 2:04 pm
#8
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 354
What if there is more than one ? What’s the tiebreaker? Tours deployed, Kill shots, Medal count, rank, age, race, gender? Seems like “no good deed” in the making.
Dec 19, 2019, 3:09 pm
#10
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: PVD, BOS
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,664
No, never.
You say you don’t do it for recognition, but then you start this thread...
You say you don’t do it for recognition, but then you start this thread...
Dec 19, 2019, 3:28 pm
#11
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Treasure Coast, FL
Programs: DL Diamond, Marriott LT Plat, HH Diamond, Avis Preferred Plus, National Executive
Posts: 4,578
Dec 19, 2019, 3:43 pm
#12
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Thailand
Programs: Marriott LT Titanium; IHG Diamond Ambassador
Posts: 1,150
I don't give away my seat to military personnel.
They are no more special than my daughters preschool teacher or cancer doctors.
They have chosen a profession like we all do; its a noble profession that takes dedication and sacrifice.
I have bought Starbucks for military personnel on occasion in the Airport just as I sometimes do for a random stranger just to pay it forward.
They are no more special than my daughters preschool teacher or cancer doctors.
They have chosen a profession like we all do; its a noble profession that takes dedication and sacrifice.
I have bought Starbucks for military personnel on occasion in the Airport just as I sometimes do for a random stranger just to pay it forward.
Dec 19, 2019, 4:28 pm
#13
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: SLC, Ut ,USA
Programs: AAdvantage, Skymiles, Mileage Plus, BA Executive Club, WorldPerks
Posts: 405
Once, years ago, to Marine on remains escort duty.
Dec 19, 2019, 4:33 pm
#15
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,884
I have a close relative in the military who was telling me about this recently. They are in a white-collar job, non-combat role, but does a lot of travel in uniform and says this is somewhat common (although they are usually upgraded to F anyway because of elite status). Because they are in a non-combat role, and feel they have a very easy job, they really embarrassed by all the pressure to accept these benefits, not to mention the risk of running into anti-bribery/corruption laws. They 100% believe combat roles are deserving of this, but you don't know who is who, so be careful about forcing "benefits" on people who actually might be ashamed/embarrassed by it and get in trouble.