Will UA use Purser, Lead or Service Mgr? - UA to standardize on "Purser" post-Oct2018
#91
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: EWR, BDL
Posts: 4,471
Here's why it matters to me. It's not about the title, but about how the responsibilities are split. I mostly fly domestically, and when I'm in first, I expect a higher level of service (I know, silly me). When flying PMUA, the purser/lead FA works the first class cabin, and when flying PMCO, the purser/lead FA generally doesn't. My experience, based on hundreds of flights over the last few years, is that I get better service when the purser/lead FA is providing the service. In PMUA, the purser tends to be attentive throughout the flight. In PMCO, the FA tends to do the minimum and then disappear to his or her seat.
#92
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: EWR, PHL
Programs: UA1k 3MM, AA Plt, peasant on everybody else, elite something or other at a bunch of hotels.
Posts: 4,637
Regardless what they call themselves or the position, is anyone truly in charge of in-flight services while that multi-million dollar asset is in the air?
Maybe I'm old fashioned, but IMHO, someone should have supervisory responsibility.
Maybe I'm old fashioned, but IMHO, someone should have supervisory responsibility.
#93
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HaMerkaz/Exit 145
Programs: UA, LY, BA, AA
Posts: 13,167
Here's why it matters to me. It's not about the title, but about how the responsibilities are split. I mostly fly domestically, and when I'm in first, I expect a higher level of service (I know, silly me). When flying PMUA, the purser/lead FA works the first class cabin, and when flying PMCO, the purser/lead FA generally doesn't. My experience, based on hundreds of flights over the last few years, is that I get better service when the purser/lead FA is providing the service. In PMUA, the purser tends to be attentive throughout the flight. In PMCO, the FA tends to do the minimum and then disappear to his or her seat.
The opposite as in they don't exist until after the F meal service?
#94
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 57,616
sUA crews don't disappear from the front cabin after meal service. At least one FA walks around filling water glasses, and is available in the galley if you're hungry while on a TPAC.
IME, most sCO crews disappear after meal service. And I'm not the only who has noted this.
IME, most sCO crews disappear after meal service. And I'm not the only who has noted this.
#95
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: CT/NY
Programs: UA 1K/1MM, AA EXP, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Plat Amb
Posts: 6,020
From AFA:
It appears that Domestic Purser and International Purser will be the new titles after the FA crew merge.
Beginning October 1, 2018 our on-board leaders will be referred to as International Pursers.
#96
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC (Primarily EWR)
Programs: UA 1K / *G, Marriott Bonvoy Gold; Avis PC
Posts: 9,009
I prefer that. International Service Manager sounds too generic. That said, it is just a title, and all I really care about is consistency of onboard service (which UA lacks in spades).
#97
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,478
#98
It'll technically require a side letter to be signed, but with the United AFA MEC meetings this week, I'd imagine that letter is coming shortly.
Current staffing sheets and some other company reports suggest it will continue to be this way for the foreseeable future.
#99
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,478
#100
#101
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: EWR, BDL
Posts: 4,471
#102
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: CT/NY
Programs: UA 1K/1MM, AA EXP, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Plat Amb
Posts: 6,020
#104
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,324
The name, from what I heard approx. 4 years ago, was to use Purser. Then it changed to the sCO term ISM during the wanying days of Smisek, went BACK to Purser, before the (awkward) FSL was then created. That lasted only a little longer than the bizarre pmCO livery typeface for “United Airlines”.
Now it’s back to pmUA purser like it rightfully should be.
Great to see it finally confirmed.
Now it’s back to pmUA purser like it rightfully should be.
Great to see it finally confirmed.