An Interesting Exchange in Polaris
Apr 26, 21, 7:13 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: Does Non Rev count?
Posts: 514
An Interesting Exchange in Polaris
A quick story from the flight deck...
The other day I was kicking off a trip, and we had a combat wounded veteran flying in the Polaris cabin. The GA who is a friend of mine made me aware of his presence. Boarding was underway, but I had a few minutes and wanted to introduce myself one veteran to another, and thank him for his service. I did so, and we had a pleasant exchange. As I turned to head back to the flight deck, a passenger 2 row's ahead, who had clearly heard our conversation says rather loudly, "Hey Captain, why are you thanking him? I'm a United 1K, and spend 45K a year flying your airline, where is my thanks?" To be honest, his comment stopped me in my tracks, and for a second I didn't know what to say. I smiled at him, said thank you, and that while I appreciated his business, I also appreciated the sacrifice a solider made in defense of our country. His reply?? "Who cares guys like me pay your salary." I looked him square in the eye, and told him to fly another airline next time.
I'm still bothered by the whole thing, 2 days later....
The other day I was kicking off a trip, and we had a combat wounded veteran flying in the Polaris cabin. The GA who is a friend of mine made me aware of his presence. Boarding was underway, but I had a few minutes and wanted to introduce myself one veteran to another, and thank him for his service. I did so, and we had a pleasant exchange. As I turned to head back to the flight deck, a passenger 2 row's ahead, who had clearly heard our conversation says rather loudly, "Hey Captain, why are you thanking him? I'm a United 1K, and spend 45K a year flying your airline, where is my thanks?" To be honest, his comment stopped me in my tracks, and for a second I didn't know what to say. I smiled at him, said thank you, and that while I appreciated his business, I also appreciated the sacrifice a solider made in defense of our country. His reply?? "Who cares guys like me pay your salary." I looked him square in the eye, and told him to fly another airline next time.
I'm still bothered by the whole thing, 2 days later....
Last edited by 757FO; Apr 26, 21 at 7:26 pm
Apr 26, 21, 7:27 pm
#2
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: If only I knew
Programs: Several of my own making in which I was recently fast-tracked to super-duper-über-elite status
Posts: 1,035
That's a DYKWIA story for the books. Thank YOU for your service and for putting him in his place.
Apr 26, 21, 7:29 pm
#3
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: On a plane or a beach
Programs: Yes
Posts: 2,538
You handled that situation with professionalism. Thank you, Captain.
p.s. if I had been in your position I may have added a joke at the end that said passenger should reach GS before expecting a personalized thank you from the CO.
p.s. if I had been in your position I may have added a joke at the end that said passenger should reach GS before expecting a personalized thank you from the CO.
Apr 26, 21, 7:47 pm
#4
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Our nation's capital
Programs: UA 1K & 0.6 MM
Posts: 733
Originally Posted by 757FO
A quick story from the flight deck...
I'm still bothered by the whole thing, 2 days later....
I'm still bothered by the whole thing, 2 days later....
And thank you for continuing to give me reasons to be proud to fly United. It's folks like you with integrity and compassion that keep me coming back.
Apr 26, 21, 8:21 pm
#5
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: No. California
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Posts: 1,874
Totally absurdly self centered.
Apr 26, 21, 8:25 pm
#6
Join Date: Feb 2006
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Posts: 3,654
Totally agree with your perspective.
Still during this time of trauma for us all, who knows what else was on the mind (and causing pain) for the insolent 1k?
Not defending at all, but realize it’s hard enough to understand my own triggers as I try to have empathy for the pain others hold however misdirected.
Still during this time of trauma for us all, who knows what else was on the mind (and causing pain) for the insolent 1k?
Not defending at all, but realize it’s hard enough to understand my own triggers as I try to have empathy for the pain others hold however misdirected.
Apr 26, 21, 8:43 pm
#7
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: USA
Programs: MYOB
Posts: 1,249
You were having a private exchange with someone else, and you thanked him for his service (not his business), and this (enter your choice of descriptor here) inserts himself and want to be thanked for his business.
Well..... he still needs to answer to the mirror. Probably not satisfied with what he sees. Wonder if he went home and kicked his dog.
Well..... he still needs to answer to the mirror. Probably not satisfied with what he sees. Wonder if he went home and kicked his dog.
Apr 26, 21, 9:13 pm
#8
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: RIC
Programs: UA 1K MM
Posts: 3,326
Originally Posted by worldwidedreamer
Still during this time of trauma for us all, who knows what else was on the mind (and causing pain) for the insolent 1k?
Apr 26, 21, 9:15 pm
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
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Originally Posted by worldwidedreamer
Still during this time of trauma for us all....
The guy was a jerk. What make excuses for the idiot?
Apr 26, 21, 9:44 pm
#10
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SRQ, PDX
Programs: UA 1 MM, AA Gold, DL
Posts: 887
Originally Posted by 757FO
A quick story from the flight deck...
The other day I was kicking off a trip, and we had a combat wounded veteran flying in the Polaris cabin. The GA who is a friend of mine made me aware of his presence. Boarding was underway, but I had a few minutes and wanted to introduce myself one veteran to another, and thank him for his service. I did so, and we had a pleasant exchange. As I turned to head back to the flight deck, a passenger 2 row's ahead, who had clearly heard our conversation says rather loudly, "Hey Captain, why are you thanking him? I'm a United 1K, and spend 45K a year flying your airline, where is my thanks?" To be honest, his comment stopped me in my tracks, and for a second I didn't know what to say. I smiled at him, said thank you, and that while I appreciated his business, I also appreciated the sacrifice a solider made in defense of our country. His reply?? "Who cares guys like me pay your salary." I looked him square in the eye, and told him to fly another airline next time.
I'm still bothered by the whole thing, 2 days later....
The other day I was kicking off a trip, and we had a combat wounded veteran flying in the Polaris cabin. The GA who is a friend of mine made me aware of his presence. Boarding was underway, but I had a few minutes and wanted to introduce myself one veteran to another, and thank him for his service. I did so, and we had a pleasant exchange. As I turned to head back to the flight deck, a passenger 2 row's ahead, who had clearly heard our conversation says rather loudly, "Hey Captain, why are you thanking him? I'm a United 1K, and spend 45K a year flying your airline, where is my thanks?" To be honest, his comment stopped me in my tracks, and for a second I didn't know what to say. I smiled at him, said thank you, and that while I appreciated his business, I also appreciated the sacrifice a solider made in defense of our country. His reply?? "Who cares guys like me pay your salary." I looked him square in the eye, and told him to fly another airline next time.
I'm still bothered by the whole thing, 2 days later....
Apr 26, 21, 9:47 pm
#11
Join Date: Mar 2003
Programs: MD-88 jumpseat Medallion. DL GM, AA & UA peon. Marriott Titanium / LT Plat
Posts: 715
For some people, it's just always gonna be all about them. I feel bad for our OP for having to start a trip with an interaction like that.
Apr 26, 21, 9:53 pm
#12
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: ORD / PHX
Programs: UA LT 1K 3MM (former 12 yr GS), Bonvoy Amb/LT Plat
Posts: 1,123
Throughout my career, it’s been internal or B2B. I give a Purple Heart to those who have to work with the general public.👍
Ugh! You handled it better than I would have!
Ugh! You handled it better than I would have!
Apr 26, 21, 11:49 pm
#13
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 9,837
Wow.
And thanks.
That's pretty much all I can say!
And thanks.
That's pretty much all I can say!
Apr 27, 21, 12:05 am
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Wow. The word idiot comes to mind.
David
David
Apr 27, 21, 12:10 am
#15
Join Date: Mar 2014
Programs: Mileage Plus 1K 2MM
Posts: 1,093
Wow, just wow. As my mom once said, "you can't fix stupid....... but you can smack arrogant in the nose when they need it" 
