Sneaking into First Class
Feb 28, 2006 | 5:40 pm
#121
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Buffalo, NY
Programs: DL,FL,B6
Posts: 118
Too bad these people cant be put on a list, a few SSSS boarding passes might help them learn that for every action, there IS an equal and opposite reaction. The TSA circus could fill their quota and hone their razer sharp screening skills on a group of people who apparently want some extra undeserved attention. And the rest of us could just zip thru the airport like OJ in a Hertz commercial. EVERONE WINS!
OK, it's just a dream.
OK, it's just a dream.
Feb 28, 2006 | 11:39 pm
#122
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: SJU
Posts: 1,542
I have to admit when I was 16 I successfully accomplished this on a ORD-MAD flight (IB). I sat in the last seat in C and was even asked if I wanted to move up because the phone was not working in that seat haha.
On the flight back MAD-ORD I was op-upped.
I haven't done it since as I usually find a way to (legally) sit in C.
On the flight back MAD-ORD I was op-upped.
I haven't done it since as I usually find a way to (legally) sit in C.
Mar 1, 2006 | 9:27 am
#123
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Home
Programs: Virgin FC, Qantas, Golden Circle, Sofitel, Hyatt, Starwood, Nectar, and my Tesco Club Card
Posts: 1,773
Moral dilema
Which is worse
(1) Sneaking an upgrade, as describe above, and moving if caught
(2) Bribing / enducing an official with a small sum of money to get an upgrade be it on an aircraft, at check-in, or even at a hotel for a better room?
And have any of those of you who cry fowl of (1) - sneaking an upgrade, practicised (2)?
(1) Sneaking an upgrade, as describe above, and moving if caught
(2) Bribing / enducing an official with a small sum of money to get an upgrade be it on an aircraft, at check-in, or even at a hotel for a better room?
And have any of those of you who cry fowl of (1) - sneaking an upgrade, practicised (2)?
Mar 1, 2006 | 12:12 pm
#124
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Tel Aviv, Israel
Programs: DL 360 | LY - Top Platinum | UA - Premier Gold
Posts: 514
Originally Posted by letiole
I don't have time to look up case law for you, perhaps some of the lawyers here could comment, but it's called theft of service and it's just as unlawful and criminal as theft of a tangible item (think about cases that have been successfully prosecuted for theft of cable transission services). Theft of service is when one knowingly secures the performance of a service by deception or threat. If you were caught stealing a F seat and did not move back, you could also be charged with interfering with a flight crew, a federal offense.
If you're still not sure there's such a thing as theft of service, next time you get a massage or a haircut or maybe have a hygenist clean your teeth, try walking out without paying and see what comes of it. Of course, keep in mind that a first class seat costs far more than these items - likely moves you into the grand theft category - so whatever happens is likely to not be as severe.
If you're still not sure there's such a thing as theft of service, next time you get a massage or a haircut or maybe have a hygenist clean your teeth, try walking out without paying and see what comes of it. Of course, keep in mind that a first class seat costs far more than these items - likely moves you into the grand theft category - so whatever happens is likely to not be as severe.
This assumes that you are flying the outbound segments though.
Mar 1, 2006 | 12:58 pm
#125
In Memoriam
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: EWR (Wayne Township, NJ) and PHX
Programs: CO OnePass Plat and SPG - Plat, Marriott Plat (don't use -it's a comp), AmericaWest CP
Posts: 4,810
Originally Posted by joshua-bwi
Here is a great solution... Allow the pax to stay in 1st... FA reports incident to gate agent upon arrival... your return ticket is invalidated for return travel.... or re-priced to compensate the airline for the seat. Price difference would need to be paid prior to return flight.
This assumes that you are flying the outbound segments though.
This assumes that you are flying the outbound segments though.
Oh I like that!
-Vincent
Mar 1, 2006 | 7:00 pm
#127
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 76
Originally Posted by g_leyser
My questions for all of you are: Ever seen (or done) anything similar?
Yes, I saw a couple from a non-English speaking country try it. The FA reseated them shortly after take-off when she discovered what was going on. They pretended they "didn't know".
What do you think of someone like this?
Not much.
Could this be considered stealing and therefore illegal?
My opinion is that it should be, at least if it's discovered well after the the perp has enjoyed the extra goodies afforded to the paying FC/Biz pax.
Compare it to shoplifting, the same principle applies...the company losses are passed on to the paying customers.
Could it be considered a security breach?
I don't think so, because they still have to go through the same security screening before boarding the aircraft.
I would love to hear any FAs views if you're out there.I'm not a FA, but my spouse is a cockpit crewmember.
Yes, I saw a couple from a non-English speaking country try it. The FA reseated them shortly after take-off when she discovered what was going on. They pretended they "didn't know".
What do you think of someone like this?
Not much.
Could this be considered stealing and therefore illegal?
My opinion is that it should be, at least if it's discovered well after the the perp has enjoyed the extra goodies afforded to the paying FC/Biz pax.
Compare it to shoplifting, the same principle applies...the company losses are passed on to the paying customers.
Could it be considered a security breach?
I don't think so, because they still have to go through the same security screening before boarding the aircraft.
I would love to hear any FAs views if you're out there.I'm not a FA, but my spouse is a cockpit crewmember.
Mar 1, 2006 | 10:53 pm
#130
Join Date: Nov 2005
Programs: VX elevate ,CO Gold,DL GM
Posts: 331
for the dregs of society that have stated that they feel they are not stealing when they knownly sit in FC
i then would have to assume if by your actions that walking out of a resturant after dinning and before paying the check if the server is slow to coming back to the table
you could say maybe they just felt like feeding you for free even though they are a resturant or they would just throw the the left over food out at the end of the night , you just help them do it a little sooner
YOU ARE A THIEF ANY WAY YOU LOOK AT IT
but thieves will always try to justify their actions by saying its just a empty train or plane seat
it is still up to the carrier if they would like you to sit there
a little belittling is called for as they are sent to the back of the plane
to much free goverment cheese makes people think they are intitled to something for nothing
i then would have to assume if by your actions that walking out of a resturant after dinning and before paying the check if the server is slow to coming back to the table
you could say maybe they just felt like feeding you for free even though they are a resturant or they would just throw the the left over food out at the end of the night , you just help them do it a little sooner
YOU ARE A THIEF ANY WAY YOU LOOK AT IT
but thieves will always try to justify their actions by saying its just a empty train or plane seat
it is still up to the carrier if they would like you to sit there
a little belittling is called for as they are sent to the back of the plane
to much free goverment cheese makes people think they are intitled to something for nothing
Mar 1, 2006 | 11:45 pm
#131
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Land of the Free
Programs: AA 1MM Plat, PC Plat RA, HHonors Gold, National EE
Posts: 1,440
If you'd like another wrinkle on this scam, just run down to the army/navy surplus store and buy yourself some fatigues. Wear them to the airport, and if there are any first or business seats available, you'll most likely get bumped up for free (as long as you're flying on a US airline)! You will burn in Hades, however. 
Mar 2, 2006 | 12:01 am
#132
Join Date: May 2005
Location: SF - PHX
Programs: US PLT, UA 1P
Posts: 364
Originally Posted by WonderDude
If you'd like another wrinkle on this scam, just run down to the army/navy surplus store and buy yourself some fatigues. Wear them to the airport, and if there are any first or business seats available, you'll most likely get bumped up for free (as long as you're flying on a US airline)! You will burn in Hades, however.
Mar 2, 2006 | 11:52 am
#133
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Studio City, CA
Programs: UAL Premier Executive
Posts: 42
Originally Posted by g_leyser
My questions for all of you are: Ever seen (or done) anything similar? What do you think of someone like this? Could this be considered stealing and therefore illegal? Could it be considered a security breach? I would love to hear any FAs views if you're out there.
Very cool to be here....
I'm Premier Exec and fly business half the time. Will hit 1K this year....
Personally, my ethics and pride would prevent me for being such a loser for trying to sneak into a class I shouldn't be in.
It's just very 'low' and while some people wouldn't care to be embarassed when they ceremoniously move you back, I'm ok with an occasional coach flight, which in every occasion for me (cos of PE) has been an emergency exit row....
Mar 2, 2006 | 1:14 pm
#134
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Massachusetts, USA; AA 2.996MM & Plat Pro, DL 1MM, GM & Flying Colonel
Posts: 25,036
Originally Posted by cpmairtight
Yes you would . . . imagine if there are others on the flight, and you know nothing about the military. . . this is a recipe for an arse kicking.
Of course, if they didn't carry a reasonably genuine-looking collection of that sort of stuff, they wouldn't get their wearer an upgrade either. I'm sure gate agents can tell the difference between a member of the military and someone who bought an outfit in an army surplus store.
Mar 3, 2006 | 4:21 pm
#135
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP/4MM, UA GS, AS MVP GOLD 75K
Posts: 3,362
This whole thread reminds me of the Seinfeld episode when Elaine and Jerry were flying and both were offered an upgrade because they were ovewrsold in coach and Jerry took it. Elaine was left in a middle seat with an undesirable seat companion on each side. During the flight she sneaks up to the then-curtain divided First cabin and takes teh back seat after climbing over someone in teh aisle seat. She pretends to be sleeping and the FA comes around and she waves them off. the FA then checks the list and sends her back to her coach "prison"