Grow up<BR>I can't resist. I'm sure I must be one of those people you are writing about. I work hard, play hard, make a lot of money, live in a real nice home, drive a big SUV and yes, I fly business and first class for the pure enjoyment. I can tell that it infuriates you that people like me don't have a clue that we are somehow supposed to be morally inferior to people like you. In reality though, what really sets you and I apart is the fact that I'm perfectly happy with my life.

What we really should do is make at least forty percent of first class seats available to those who cannot afford the first class fair or who do not have sufficient freuqent flyer points to upgrade. These individuals woould of foruse pay the minimum coach fare, and then aditinally receive an immediate cash rebate of $100.00 upn boarding. Everyone can benefit from being forced to socialize with all different types of individuals in society. Just think how much better off we all would be-- those paying first class fare or using ff miles socializing with people like &quot;Grow up&quot; who I am sure would be the first to take advantage of the new airline socialized flying program

You should hear all the calls that I get every day from folks who think that because they want it, they are entitled to it. To be fare, I should mention that there are some older folks who feel this way. Not all the people think this way, but you would probably feel disheartened if you heard all the calls that we get in reservations day in and day out.<BR>The ones that really get me are the ones who blame the airlines for their flight being delayed because of 12&quot; of snow on the ground. I told a passenger that even though his flight was delayed 90 minutes that he should still check in at the regular time. He ranted that that was rediculous and that he was not going to sit around in the airport that long. I wanted so badly to tell him that he could check in whenever he wanted to, but if he missed the flight it would be his fault. Stronger heads prevail though and I just kept quiet and do let him rant.<BR>I'm all for customer service, but despite what we are all told, the customer is NOT always right. If I tell you no and you start lecturing me about how terrble the airlines are, I will hit my mute button, stare off into space and think happy thoughts while you rant. When you are done, then we will talk.<BR><BR>Here's another hint for air travellers. Don't threaten reservationsists that you are going to fly Southwest or other airlines to try and get what you want. Lots of folks use this tactic. It will NOT work.

COairGirl,<BR>You sound exactly like the kind of reservationist that I hang up on when I first spot the crappy attitude and call back to get another. They ought to count the hangups and fire the ones who get the most.

Bravo Jack! I am also another one who Growup hates. Hubby and I fly first or business class frequently and we pay for it out of own pocket. We have worked long and hard to get where we are in life. Growup sounds like he has a serious case of class envy.

COairGirl,<BR>I do not have an &quot;attitude&quot; as evidenced by the numerous customer feedback notes that I get back from our director.<BR>But, I don't let the customer control the call nor do I give away the company to everyone who thinks that if they b**ch enough they will get their way.<BR><BR>I'm guessing that you are one of those who when you don't get your way, you hang up and keep calling back until you get your way or give up.<BR><BR>

COairBoy<BR>Sounds like you're on a power trip to me. One of those people who give service a bad name. I have never been rude to a reservations person and don't think I have ever been &quot;demanding&quot; in a negative sort of way. My experience with most airline reservation people is that they will go out of their way to help you in any way they can. This is especially true with those that I have dealt with at United and American, who have particularly gone out of their way to be helpful to me in planning trips, changing reservations, etc. Only rarely have I run into the ones like you who have a real attitude, are decidedly unhelpful and even a bit rude. Like the other poster, when that happens, I don't put up with it. I just call back and find I can easily get someone decent to work with.

I view it purely from an economic perspective.<BR><BR>You, flying business, pay say $2500 to go from the US to Europe (great rate).<BR><BR>I fly coach, paying $700.<BR><BR>$1800 difference.<BR><BR>Each hour, the stewardess comes by and hands me $200 cash. For nine hours.<BR><BR>At the end of the flight, I have $1800 in my pocket. You don't.<BR><BR>Sure, I'm a stiff and cranky. Which is why I spend $500 on a limo/5 star hotel and massage when I arrive. Still $1300 ahead.<BR><BR>Since I have a family of three, multiply by 3 and I make over $5000. Tax free.<BR><BR>If you use miles, I'm still making say $75-100.<BR><BR>You generally need a more expensive ticket to upgrade. And you're paying for something (coach ticket) that could otherwise be free.<BR><BR>Of course, if money's not an issue, then I'll fly first every time.<BR><BR>CoachBoy<BR><BR>PS. I zonk out on Xanax every time I fly anyway, so the time passes fairly easily.

The think is, you never get the same answer from airline sources. We had one coach and one business ticket to London and asked in London if we could go in the business lounge. Lady at desk said emphatically NO. Went to the lounge and we were welcomed in. Same trip, we asked for an upgrade on the coach ticket, man at counter said no, it was not their policy (BA) and whenwe boarded the plane we asked again, and ticket agent said yes. Same experience buying tickets with FF miles, you get a yhes or no answer depending on how 'uptight&quot; the rep. is at the moment. That's why we don't take NO for an answer. We have flown business class many times just by asking nicely. Of course, it may matter that my husband spent much of his career on airplanes, and brought much business to airlines.