futureacnp

in my experience, the answer is no.

TA

congratulations to him for getting a story, and for being treated well by the airline. Although in parts of the story, he sounds a little arrogant and self-important.

But something I always remember about stories like this -- he (and we) are just examples of people who work for a living. We fly a lot by any common measure, and so get a more special treatment by the airline. Still, we have to board just like everyone else and sit in the same plane, and wait to take off at their schedule. Don't start thinking that you're incredibly special because they treat you better within the same system. If he were fired from his job, he'd be back in the coach class that he so poo-poos, and UA wouldn't hesitate to drop him from the ranks of GS.

People who are in awe of GS, remember that the real VIPs (whether they're actually important in a human sense of the word) live in a completely different world. You never even see them -- they're flying into and out of places like Teterboro, Van Nuys, and the plane takes off when they want to. No one pats them down at a security checkpoint.

Just to keep it in perspective.

Viking547

I think they meant to say 'high-revenue' program, and not 'high-mileage'...since GS isn't technically an MP level.

mrswirl

This is true.

I happen to know a pilot for Netjets and we got to talking about this subject one day. The truly wealthy and VIP enjoy a fundamentally different kind of travel experience than you and I ever will.

It really is a completely different world for those that can afford it.

Jiangsu

If would be good if his family members travel with him once awhile, or redeem some points for award tickets for his family members.

I wonder when was the last time he stayed at home with his kids and wife.

Kiwi Flyer

That's common for me. Arrive somewhere in the morning, meetings for several hours then depart to next port, rinse and repeat. Note also meetings can be held at airport & in the air.

I haven't stopped to count how many meals in a row I've eaten onboard but suspect it will be around that level.

NH_Clark

I wish they'd do a story on Mr. Pillows.. now that would be a good read

aisleorwindow

Best line:

"If I was in coach, I would shoot myself,"

Gotta be an FTer....

Paolo01

I was invited to watch the crew turnover of a NetJet once. I did not see the client that had previously used it, only the crew turning the plane over to the following crew who was flying it to pick up another client for another trip. I realized then and there how trivial my 1P status truly was. Let's just say that those utilizing even these shared/fractional ownership jets are never discussing how warm their nuts were or whether the chapagne was really French (Check out the BA Champagn thread). Nor are they the slightest bit troubled by IROPS.

TA

ps. Or Moffett Field, at which point even the VIPs are envious of you.

deniah

I dont see how he makes the connection.

BTW, wonder if he enjoys pillows and warmed milk???

blueman2

Perhaps, but remember that articles say whatever the writer wants them to say. They can make Atilla the Hun look like Mother Theresa, and vice versa.

golakers32

^ Exactly. When I start thinking too much about becoming a 1K or GS, I remind myself that the ultimate goal is a private aviation. All of this mileage accrual becomes meaningless the moment you can book time in a GIV.

as219

I wonder if the "real" VIPs ever watch POTUS coming and going from Air Force 1 and think they really don't have it so good...

jgreen1024

Sure they are. Corporate jets are subject to the same weather and mechanical problems that shut down and delay airline traffic. Except there is no easy way to put you on another plane, or push you to another airline - you gotta sit and wait. Late for your meeting is late for your meeting, whether you got there by airline or by private jet.