forthefight

had one of those great moments in customer service today on my way though PVD, just thought I would share since its worth a laugh.

Scene: Boarding for DCA > PBI, ForTheFight upgraded to First. ForTHeFight, in jeans, SCUBA diving shirt and baseball cap wearing ratty shoes approaches boarding door.

Agent (on PA): Now boarding our First Class Cabin
Passengers: (mill about like cattle)
Me: (approaches boarding door with pass in hand)
Agent: Sir, First Class only at this time
Me: Yes, here is my boarding pass
Agent: Sir, you need to wait your turn
Me: (Confused) You just said First Class, didnt you?
Agent: Yes sir, First Class ONLY
Me: But I am in first (holding out pass)
Agent: No sir, first class only
Me: Okay....whatever
Agent (On PA): Now welcoming zones.....
Me: (gets in priority line, holding out boarding pass)
Agent: Sir, that is the priority line
Me: Yes
Agent: Sir, that line is for elite customers only
Me: Please just take the pass
Agent: (reaches for pass)
Ticket Machine: Beep
Agent: Oh
Me: Yes
Agent: Ummm
Me: (walking down jetway)

A few moments later on the aircraft

Agent: (having hustled down the jetway) Mr ForTheFight, I am so sorry, I didnt think you were seated here
Me: Its really okay
Agent: I mean, most people dress up to fly
Me: Do they? I wasnt aware it was a pre-requisite
Agent: Well it really helps with customer service
Me: I am sure
Agent: (walks away)
FA: She does that at least one a week
Me: Cant make it up
FA: Nope...

mikeef

Hmm, don't know why the gate agent had a problem. Sounds to me like you were dressed fine. ^

Mike

GoodOmens

Reminds me when, long time ago, my dad was trying to use a Geo Tracker (it was inherited from his Aunt) as a trade in for a land rover. Dealership treated him like crap so he went across the street and bought an Infiniti.

A few days later he ran into the salesman and showed him his new car - told me the look on his face more then made up for it.

You really can't judge customers by their appearance.

macabus

I used to consult MGM Grand Air back in 1985 and always wore a suit and tie for the all-F flights between LAX-JFK.

However, many of the movie-star passengers wore ratty jeans and T-shirts - DeNiro in particular was dressed like a hobo.

Just goes to show that you can't judge a book by its cover.

bkafrick

this cant be for USAirways... we all know there are no priority/elite lines at the gate...

DCAorBust

That was my first reaction too. Other things that don't add up: US is the only carrier that flies DCA>PBI. The first flight from DCA to PBI was in the air at the time the OP posted.

So where he was going and on whom is a mystery.

BoeingBoy

I'm guessing forthefight started in PVD, where the exchange took place:

Also guessing that he connected in DCA but used somewhat non-standard shorthand:

meaning boarding at PVD for the connection in DCA to the PBI flight. The time would fit the 9:29am flight PVD-DCA and the noon DCA-PBI flight.

Jim

Sparrow_Hawk

This is actually quite interesting regardless of whether it was a US flight.

If I'm upgraded to First, I ALWAYS wear a pair of slacks (think Dockers) and a shirt with a collar. My thought process being that maybe, just maybe I might have paid for the ticket.

I did this religously utill Chocolate Thunder, aka Daryll Dawkins sat next to me wearing his bright purple crushed velour jogging suit.

Don't get me wrong he's a great guy and funny as can be on a trans con. Just that he totally burst my bubble with "dressing" for First Class. Now I wear whatever suits me

me4yankees

If I knew dressing up helped with customer service, I'd dress in a ball gown every time I flew!

PS. My dad was from AL and was a country boy, but a brilliant computer systems analyst for a civilian office of the Air Force. He went once to buy a car with cash one Saturday in his weekend dress, overalls. No one would assist him, so he walked up to a salesman and said, "I am interested in buying a car." The salesman looked at him funny and my dad said, "Well, I was going to pay cash, but if you're not interested, I'll go somewhere else" and turned and started walking out. The salesman had to run after him and apologize profusely.

So yeah, never judge someone by their clothing and/or accessories.

mikeef

Believe me, so would I.

Mike

soitgoes

You'd think she'd learn that her preconceived notions are ill-informed...

forthefight

Quite right - incorrectly posted in the US Air section, meant for United. Sorry - new to this.

safetymom

Moved to United forum.

SEA1K4EVR

So where was this flight? Out of PVD... IAD, ORD? It definitely wasn't to DCA or PBI..

GimmeLegRoom

I feel like this topic has been hashed out a million times, but I do like to dress nicely (and that might be nice jeans, or nice open toe sandals... casual does not necessarily mean sloppy or cheap) because I think it does engender respect. My husband and I also like to be nice to staff, because it makes for fun conversations, a pleasant trip, and sometimes a token (free drink or BOB) that is appreciated but not expected. Everyone should be treated with respect while flying, but why start from a defensive position of having to prove your status/class/etc? It's extra work all the way around when there's a misunderstanding.