Global Services Etiquette
 

So here I am at PHL flying AC to GRU via YYZ... waiting my turn in line to check in.

In PHL the UA agent handles the AC flights through a single check in desk next to the UA desks.

There was no specific *G line for AC so I was just waiting.

From out of the blue blasts Mr. bluetooth headset bypassing any line whatsoever running up to any UA agent who would listen (this happened to be the one working the AC desk). He kept repeating (loudly) "I am a GLOBAL SERVICES" and I need xyz..."

OK... so I know that as US CP I represent the ugly stepsister of the *A, but the likes of this I have never seen before.

Is this typical? It certainly would make me think twice about booking on UA.

We'll have to remind him to read his super secret GS Emily Post Airport Etiquette booklet in the GS Welcome Kit :D

Not unique to UA GS, it is pretty well across the board for every FF program.... there is actually an acronymn to describe it (i can remember what it is:confused:). But is is something like a Self-Important Business traveler??? (help someone).

If you every get a chance to listen to the "bob & tom" show... they have a character named "Kenny Tarmac" who is the guy you describe.

DYKWIA?

:)

The guy is just a jerk. It has nothing to do with United or the GS program. The same could happen at AA: "I'm an EXP, and I need xyz...!"

How could this possibly make you think twice about booking UA??? :confused:

No, but along those lines...... maybe it was in a different forum. but there were acronymns for leisure travelers, famlies w/kids, etc.

there are jerks everywhere, inconsiderate self important people, they can be GS, 1p, or generally members

i would chalk it up to that

You've never seen a member of the public acting like a jerk in this way before???

In all industries there will always be jerks as customers, I certainly wouldn't alienate the company for that reason :confused:

What did he need??

Anyway, I was at IAD a few weeks ago. Very long line at red carpet. Very long line at coach. For some reason our entry way was the exit way for a large international flight. And we were all standing around for 40 minutes for 'boarding to begin in 5 minutes'.

Eventually, a passenger went barrelling to the front of line line dismissively bumping half the other passengers along the way. When a few people politely let him know there was a line, he turned around, glared, waved his ticket, and said: "EXCUSE ME, BUT I'M A 1K!"

Well said; my thoughts as well.

Happens all the time. I used to respond to these idiots but now I just simply wave them right along. Here at my station it's always especially delightful when I let them go in front and the GAs (who know me) verbally correct the offender over the PA. Worth the price of admission ^

Here's a paragraph from the GS book they send you when you 'make level.'

"When the flight is late landing, sometimes the flight attendant will ask those without connections to remain seated. What she really means is those without GS status and without connections should stay seated.

When you hear this announcement, you should immediately ring your attendant call button and discretely show the pursar your GS card. This will ensure you are ushered to the exit door prior to the rush of non-GS passengers.

You did not fly the segments required to make United GS last year to keep sitting on an aircraft any longer than absolutely necessary. You are our best customers. The elite of the elite." (Winky sign)

Actually roger this is totally wrong... they make the (self important)GS STAY in thier seats and make everyone on the plane kiss his card as they get off the plane:D

LOL. Just had a similar situation in PHL. The boarding announcement was made for GS, First, 1K, etc and the line on the red carpet started to form as they did not open it for some reason. My wife and I (both 1Ks) were about 6 people back when some moron came pushing (really pushing) his way thru saying "I am a 1K, I am a 1K" over and over. The guy in front of us stepped in front of him and said very loudly "..so is everyone else standing here sport..get to the back of the line".
The whole line broke out in laughter at the fool.:D

I could have sworn it was policy in these cases for all the seated pax to pass the GS by hand overhead to the front of the plane. Once, I swear it, there were rose petals in the jetbridge for GS to walk over. Of course, the rose petals ended at the chariot that took the GS to their next gate.