What do First Class pax look like?
Mar 5, 2008 | 2:10 pm
#61
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: MEL
Programs: QF, VA, VN, BA, SQ, KC - all reds and blues.
Posts: 3,205
What does an F passenger look like? Here are some examples.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwy...7603637694275/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwy...7603695181748/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwy...7603858958249/
That's me in SQ, LX and TG.
Now, I didn't look like a typical F passenger. Most seemed to be either in suits or wearing expensive looking leisure clothes, and to be older than me. I guess most didn't have a straw hat or a backpack. But I knew I didn't look like a typical F passenger so I tried to pre-empt any misunderstandings. When people asked me at the F desks which class my ticket was, I replied First Class in a neutral tone, but made eye contact and smiled (not smirked - I was conscious that I was consuming a luxury product in a poor part of the world). Obviously this wasn't what people expected, but I'd hardly call it a reaction of jaws dropping. They simply thought I was in the wrong queue, found I wasn't, and offered perfectly friendly and hospitable service . Except on TG where the cabin crew were surly, but that didn't seem to mark me as being different from any other F passenger.
In terms of lines to get on, I just waited my turn like anyone else. If people wanted to push in, fair enough. I knew that I would have enough locker space and would have a comfortable seat and a drink soon enough.
I didn't get any adverse reaction from other pax, but I hope I was a good and thoughtful fellow passenger. And in terms of cabin crew, on SQ and LX, the cabin crew quickly identified me as someone who was out for a good time without being offensive and set out to deliver a very special experience that I would remember. They seemed to like having a stray from the back...
On SQ, they even posed for me:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwy...7603695181748/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwy...7603637694275/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwy...7603695181748/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwy...7603858958249/
That's me in SQ, LX and TG.
Now, I didn't look like a typical F passenger. Most seemed to be either in suits or wearing expensive looking leisure clothes, and to be older than me. I guess most didn't have a straw hat or a backpack. But I knew I didn't look like a typical F passenger so I tried to pre-empt any misunderstandings. When people asked me at the F desks which class my ticket was, I replied First Class in a neutral tone, but made eye contact and smiled (not smirked - I was conscious that I was consuming a luxury product in a poor part of the world). Obviously this wasn't what people expected, but I'd hardly call it a reaction of jaws dropping. They simply thought I was in the wrong queue, found I wasn't, and offered perfectly friendly and hospitable service . Except on TG where the cabin crew were surly, but that didn't seem to mark me as being different from any other F passenger.
In terms of lines to get on, I just waited my turn like anyone else. If people wanted to push in, fair enough. I knew that I would have enough locker space and would have a comfortable seat and a drink soon enough.
I didn't get any adverse reaction from other pax, but I hope I was a good and thoughtful fellow passenger. And in terms of cabin crew, on SQ and LX, the cabin crew quickly identified me as someone who was out for a good time without being offensive and set out to deliver a very special experience that I would remember. They seemed to like having a stray from the back...
On SQ, they even posed for me:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwy...7603695181748/
Last edited by Mr H; Mar 5, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Mar 5, 2008 | 2:30 pm
#63
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: SFO
Programs: UA, AS, some others
Posts: 1,369
I'm a 24 year old who recently attained status and my upgrades have cleared more often than not. I travel every other week for work but usually wear jeans and a t-shirt or a polo. I often get the comments while waiting for boarding, and the GA will ALWAYS give my BP a hard look.
The best was when I was running late and boarded with Y. I saw an open spot in the overhear and before I could get my bag up there, some A___hole in 5B, (I was in 5A) says "these bins are for FC only." I replied "I think it's great that someone is looking out for our interest, would you mind getting up so I can get to my seat." The nearby passengers got a good chuckle out of it.
Needless to say, I politely asked him to get up each time I felt the need to stretch my legs during the flight.
The best was when I was running late and boarded with Y. I saw an open spot in the overhear and before I could get my bag up there, some A___hole in 5B, (I was in 5A) says "these bins are for FC only." I replied "I think it's great that someone is looking out for our interest, would you mind getting up so I can get to my seat." The nearby passengers got a good chuckle out of it.
Needless to say, I politely asked him to get up each time I felt the need to stretch my legs during the flight.
I have a 7 segment trip in (my, before you ask) paid int'l C/dom F in november. Im 20 but look 16-17ish. Im gonna try to guess how many boarding line/lounge/overhead bin comments I get, and well see how many actually happen. I need to practice to get my sarcasm levels to that of the quoted story(exceptional stuff btw) so I can make things a little more interesting. Im generally very quiet but have no problem being an ... back to other asses. I guess I should dress in old, used jeans, flip flops, and a tye-dye t-shirt to try and get provoked the most? Should be fun times
Mar 5, 2008 | 2:39 pm
#64
Join Date: Oct 2003
Programs: MP, 1K 1MM
Posts: 1,255
On our Asia runs
R and I dress business casual--NO suitcoat, NO tie, but stuff from Banana Repub, Dockers, the occasional Bacharach top. NO sneakers/trainers/walkers.
Never been refused service nor upgrades.
Now, bopping LAX-OGG-LAX, it's a slightly different story...
Never been refused service nor upgrades.
Now, bopping LAX-OGG-LAX, it's a slightly different story...
Mar 5, 2008 | 2:46 pm
#65
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Biloxi, MS (GPT)
Programs: AA Gold, DL FO, HH Diamond
Posts: 1,278
To me, business casual also fits the "FC dress code stereotype" as much as suit/shirt/tie does. I think it's the t-shirt/shorts/sneakers-or-flip-flops that resembles "coach class garb" in the eyes of those who would presume or discriminate about it.
Mar 5, 2008 | 2:54 pm
#66
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Lahaina, Hawai'i
Programs: HA Pua. Platinum WP, PR, QF, UA, AA, DL, NW Prince Preferred
Posts: 4,786
I guess one of the cool things about flying F on Hawaiian Airlines is that casual, Island-style dress for the pax is de rigeur; and I've never noticed any type of different treatment from the HA employees towards the pax based on style of clothes or overall appearance. ^ ^
Mar 5, 2008 | 3:02 pm
#67
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Miami
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 423
I'm PM but fly pretty much exclusively coach as most of my flights are TATL and I can't afford to buy upgradeable tickets (so I'm thinking of putting my PMUs to some good use, maybe as drinks coasters). On a recent flight I was mistaken for a FA, as I was wearing a dark dress and cardigan, with knee-high boots. Earlier in the flight one of FAs had actually commented on my dress (which is very, very comfortable, as it's a bit stretchy and has no waistband).
So maybe the question is "What do Economy Class pax look like?"
So maybe the question is "What do Economy Class pax look like?"
Mar 5, 2008 | 6:51 pm
#68
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Programs: Delta, American, USAir, Continental, Northwest, United, AirTran, SouthWest, Midwest
Posts: 563
On a general note, I think it is unfortunate that dressing sloppy has become such a cultural norm. It affects both the way we act and the way we are treated.
Perhaps if we dress like we are "flying first class" a FA would be more inclined to treat us as such. Then we would not have endless threads about "I was flying first class but I was treated like economy".
I dont at all mean to be rude, but why is the general feeling on this thread one of gloating about how sloppy you are dressed when you fly, as if it is funny or a competition?
Perhaps if we dress like we are "flying first class" a FA would be more inclined to treat us as such. Then we would not have endless threads about "I was flying first class but I was treated like economy".
I dont at all mean to be rude, but why is the general feeling on this thread one of gloating about how sloppy you are dressed when you fly, as if it is funny or a competition?
Mar 5, 2008 | 7:05 pm
#69
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Location: USA
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Posts: 9,538
I don't think dressing "sloppy" is all that great either. When I fly, I'm going to dress comfortably - that's my bottom line. I'm not out to impress anyone when I'm flying. When some dude gets on the plane in a suit & tie, I just get the impression that he thinks he's a pretty damn self-important businessman.... and he wants everyone else to think so too.
Anyway, in a few minutes, I shall be walking over to the gate where the gate agent will notice my suit, determine that I am truly a man of distinction, beckon me toward her slowly with the index finger of her right hand while she begins to let down her hair with her left hand. She'll shake her head slowly to let her hair loose as I walk slowly toward the podium. By the time I reach the podium she will have a First Class Boarding Pass waiting for me on the counter. She'll write her phone number on the front and whisper "call me" as I pick up the boarding pass nonchalantly and proceed toward the red carpet to board my flight. The other gate agent will take my boarding pass, salute me and ask if he can touch my suit. I will decline and continue on down the jetway where I will be greeted and pampered by the FAs as I sit my self-important businessman arse down in seat 1B
Sometimes, it's good to wear a suit!
Mar 5, 2008 | 10:29 pm
#70
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Programs: Delta, American, USAir, Continental, Northwest, United, AirTran, SouthWest, Midwest
Posts: 563
Here's the deal. No one likes wearing a business suit period, let alone on a plane. I mean, right now I'm sitting here in the ORD RCC in B waiting for my flight to DFW looking like a penguin not because I think I'm James Bond, but because I've been presenting a final deliverable to a client all afternoon and have not had the time to change before I got to the airport. I would imagine the majority of businesspeople in suits have the same story to tell.
Anyway, in a few minutes, I shall be walking over to the gate where the gate agent will notice my suit, determine that I am truly a man of distinction, beckon me toward her slowly with the index finger of her right hand while she begins to let down her hair with her left hand. She'll shake her head slowly to let her hair loose as I walk slowly toward the podium. By the time I reach the podium she will have a First Class Boarding Pass waiting for me on the counter. She'll write her phone number on the front and whisper "call me" as I pick up the boarding pass nonchalantly and proceed toward the red carpet to board my flight. The other gate agent will take my boarding pass, salute me and ask if he can touch my suit. I will decline and continue on down the jetway where I will be greeted and pampered by the FAs as I sit my self-important businessman arse down in seat 1B
Sometimes, it's good to wear a suit!
Anyway, in a few minutes, I shall be walking over to the gate where the gate agent will notice my suit, determine that I am truly a man of distinction, beckon me toward her slowly with the index finger of her right hand while she begins to let down her hair with her left hand. She'll shake her head slowly to let her hair loose as I walk slowly toward the podium. By the time I reach the podium she will have a First Class Boarding Pass waiting for me on the counter. She'll write her phone number on the front and whisper "call me" as I pick up the boarding pass nonchalantly and proceed toward the red carpet to board my flight. The other gate agent will take my boarding pass, salute me and ask if he can touch my suit. I will decline and continue on down the jetway where I will be greeted and pampered by the FAs as I sit my self-important businessman arse down in seat 1B
Sometimes, it's good to wear a suit!
Mar 6, 2008 | 12:27 am
#72
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Mar 6, 2008 | 4:30 am
#74
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,452
Here's the deal. No one likes wearing a business suit period, let alone on a plane. I mean, right now I'm sitting here in the ORD RCC in B waiting for my flight to DFW looking like a penguin not because I think I'm James Bond, but because I've been presenting a final deliverable to a client all afternoon and have not had the time to change before I got to the airport. I would imagine the majority of businesspeople in suits have the same story to tell.
Anyway, in a few minutes, I shall be walking over to the gate where the gate agent will notice my suit, determine that I am truly a man of distinction, beckon me toward her slowly with the index finger of her right hand while she begins to let down her hair with her left hand. She'll shake her head slowly to let her hair loose as I walk slowly toward the podium. By the time I reach the podium she will have a First Class Boarding Pass waiting for me on the counter. She'll write her phone number on the front and whisper "call me" as I pick up the boarding pass nonchalantly and proceed toward the red carpet to board my flight. The other gate agent will take my boarding pass, salute me and ask if he can touch my suit. I will decline and continue on down the jetway where I will be greeted and pampered by the FAs as I sit my self-important businessman arse down in seat 1B
Sometimes, it's good to wear a suit!
Anyway, in a few minutes, I shall be walking over to the gate where the gate agent will notice my suit, determine that I am truly a man of distinction, beckon me toward her slowly with the index finger of her right hand while she begins to let down her hair with her left hand. She'll shake her head slowly to let her hair loose as I walk slowly toward the podium. By the time I reach the podium she will have a First Class Boarding Pass waiting for me on the counter. She'll write her phone number on the front and whisper "call me" as I pick up the boarding pass nonchalantly and proceed toward the red carpet to board my flight. The other gate agent will take my boarding pass, salute me and ask if he can touch my suit. I will decline and continue on down the jetway where I will be greeted and pampered by the FAs as I sit my self-important businessman arse down in seat 1B
Sometimes, it's good to wear a suit!
I mean, on ORD-DFW, the first class does not probably have privacy doors on your suite, because it is not a route flown by Emirates or Jet Airways. Even if you do have your suitcase or rollaboard with jeans et cetera packed inside, your neighbours in First Class would probably not appreciate your stripping off to your underwear before you can put on your jeans. One first class passenger, a certain Joseph Lau, was so shocked by such a sight that he promptly bought himself a VIP Boeing 787 and 5 other jets.
This leaves... what? Airplane toilets? That is probably where the passengers are supposed to put on their first class pajamas.
Mar 6, 2008 | 6:40 am
#75
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: NYC
Programs: CO Gold
Posts: 470
Anyway, in a few minutes, I shall be walking over to the gate where the gate agent will notice my suit, determine that I am truly a man of distinction, beckon me toward her slowly with the index finger of her right hand while she begins to let down her hair with her left hand. She'll shake her head slowly to let her hair loose as I walk slowly toward the podium. By the time I reach the podium she will have a First Class Boarding Pass waiting for me on the counter. She'll write her phone number on the front and whisper "call me" as I pick up the boarding pass nonchalantly and proceed toward the red carpet to board my flight. The other gate agent will take my boarding pass, salute me and ask if he can touch my suit. I will decline and continue on down the jetway where I will be greeted and pampered by the FAs as I sit my self-important businessman arse down in seat 1B
Sometimes, it's good to wear a suit!
Sometimes, it's good to wear a suit!