Non-revs in Business/First

Fair enough.

I simply think that US carriers are in such disrepair that it might be best to at least try to focus on the customer more, rather than simply protect perks and the status-quo. I expected a not-so-friendly response to this topic, but I'm surprised (or not) that very few seemed to even mention any willingness to improve customer service.
 
I don't think that anybody here will argue that an upgrade will not improve customer service, but if the airline gave away premium seats, how would they make money off those seats? It just doesn't make sense from a business standpoint. I'm surprised you find that hard to understand.
 
Chief Captain said:
I don't think that anybody here will argue that an upgrade will not improve customer service, but if the airline gave away premium seats, how would they make money off those seats? It just doesn't make sense from a business standpoint. I'm surprised you find that hard to understand.
Click to expand...
The idea is that the person in the back actually paid some money. The non-rev paid a total of $0 unless international where they paid taxes. Which is the greater loss, a free flyer taking first class or someone that paid to sit in coach getting upgraded?
 
This is beyond my pay grade, but obviously the airlines have figured out that that it is detrimental long term to give away their international premium class product to those who have only paid coach fare.
 
Marus,

I see where you're coming from, but it would never work. Here's what would happen-

Pax would want to travel first, but buy an econ ticket for a red eye flight, then go to the airport and expect to be upgraded. Hence the airline that invested the money on their premium product wouldn't see a return on their investment. I'm not against giving premium seats to pax to make up for an inconvenience, but when you start handing out premium tickets, they become not-so-premium.
 
I just had a very good business idea. Like really good business idea. I even created a business model in my head as I read the last two pages of this thread. Imma be a thousandaire...perhaps millionaire, but certainly hundreds of thousands annually in residual income based on the idea that I've had on this thread. I even know a guy I can exploit to actually do the work on this for a fraction of what I'll make. Thank you JC.
 
Chief Captain said:
...when you start handing out premium tickets, they become not-so-premium.
Click to expand...

So...again...why give them to non-revs for free? My point is, if you're going to put someone in those seats, why not reward your top frequent flyers instead of a pilot from an off-brand airline? People still buy business class tickets on domestic routes, even though upgrades are often freely available. I doubt the policy would cost the airline anything; it'd simply make for a better travel experience for 5-6 people who've patronized the airline frequently.

At least CAL was consistent; they didn't upgrade revenue for free, and they didn't put jumpseaters up there.
 
dasleben said:
So...again...why give them to non-revs for free? .
Click to expand...

Wall, meet forehead. Forehead, meet wall. Don't know why you are on a tear about this. Top men, at a higher paygrade have determined that this course of action is in the carrier's best interest. Top Men! Based on Delta's ability to generate revenue, and the sardine caneusqe load factors that they're filling the planes with, it seems to at least work for them.
 
Cptnchia said:
Wall, meet forehead. Forehead, meet wall. Don't know why you are on a tear about this. Top men, at a higher paygrade have determined that this course of action is in the carrier's best interest. Top Men! Based on Delta's ability to generate revenue, and the sardine caneusqe load factors that they're filling the planes with, it seems to at least work for them.
Click to expand...

Top men???

8180-15555.gif
 
Oookay, no need to get blood pressure up over this thread, guys. I'm in the middle of 20 days off, and have very little else to entertain myself other than post stuff on teh internetz that might get people thinking/discussing. Oh, but I'm learning the drums, too! :)

It's all fun and games until someone strokes out!
 
dasleben said:
So...again...why give them to non-revs for free? My point is, if you're going to put someone in those seats, why not reward your top frequent flyers instead of a pilot from an off-brand airline? People still buy business class tickets on domestic routes, even though upgrades are often freely available. I doubt the policy would cost the airline anything; it'd simply make for a better travel experience for 5-6 people who've patronized the airline frequently.

At least CAL was consistent; they didn't upgrade revenue for free, and they didn't put jumpseaters up there.
Click to expand...

Because nonrevs don't buy tickets. So for a nonrev, the thought of getting stuck in Econ results in bitching and moaning. To people who can and do buy biz class tickets, the thought of getting stuck in the back makes them buy a biz class ticket. If they knew they would get it free, they wouldn't buy it.

That and I think you are trolling.
 
I will go ahead and say I think that the airlines are upgrading too many people on domestic flights. I can't stand it when I hear someone at the ticket counter "well I should be in that seat before that person, he is only a silver". I just want to walk up to him and say, if you wanted the first class seat then you should buy the first class seat. People want to pay for the back and sit up front. I would like to see the upgrades domestically scaled way back.

As far as letting the nonrevs fly "free" in business class. It is simple, employee benefit. If there is an open seat.. meaning "that particular flight someone did not want to spend the money to sit in that seat, for either business or coach", then the employee will be given that seat. That includes the bbusinessclass cabin. So, even though you were willing to spend the money and sit in coach class, you WERE NOT WILLING TO SPEND the money for business class. Thus, that seat is open and given to a nonrev.

I would appreciate it if these passengers would stop showing up, after paying little or no money, and expect the world. I am not going to go to the Verizon store and say, let me have the cheapest phone in your store. However, if at closing time you still have the latest iphone available I would like to upgrade it complimentary. That said I think that a Verizon employee should be given (and expect) a sizable discount.

So to end my rant I say if you want the seat pay for the seat, very simple. Otherwise, let the airline treat their employees. Southwest proves happy employees do more for you than returning customers (in fact happy employees will keep the customers returning).

Of coarse we all have the things we don't like. Me, I would like to see a "commuter level" on the nonrev list. Something that puts those of us going to work ahead of the kids going to Spring Break. It would be a very controlled situation that you could only use from your home airport (and maybe a back up) to your domicile and it has to be used for going to or from work. But that is my arguement and meant for another post.
 
Sisson2011 said:
I will go ahead and say I think that the airlines are upgrading too many people on domestic flights. I can't stand it when I hear someone at the ticket counter "well I should be in that seat before that person, he is only a silver". I just want to walk up to him and say, if you wanted the first class seat then you should buy the first class seat. People want to pay for the back and sit up front. I would like to see the upgrades domestically scaled way back..
Click to expand...

Yes, that kind of elitism is annoying, not only in its mindset, but often too in it's condescending delivery tone, aimed at the obviously lower forms of peon life the person is usually referring to.
 
I really don't see the issue here. If you want a first class seat, then pay for it! If your company doesn't pay for it, then negotiate it in your next contract. First class seats should not be given away to passengers. As far as I'm concerned, that should go for domestic flights as well. Either spend your money or your FF miles on the upgrade. Otherwise, stay back in coach and get what you paid for.
 
dasleben said:
I find it rather funny (and telling) that so many airline pilots are arguing against the idea of passengers having extra benefits for returning business. Protect the perks, damn the customer. I do buy the argument that it's a different level of service on an international segment, but let's face it: The current American airline system is broken. People in this country hate flying. I've ridden on a wide range of international carriers, and almost all absolutely embarrass American carriers when it comes to customer service. I'm not talking about inflight amenities, though those are often better; simply, you're treated like a valued customer, rather than cattle getting on a bus. No rude, bitter FAs, no pilots failing to make even a single PA. It's a culture issue that we're falling way behind on.
Click to expand...
You don't want non-revs up front in first and buisness? Cool. You better be ready to pay a whole lot more to attract ground personal, because in Asia people may be willing to work without these perks, but we feel entitled here in America, its a fact of life. Like it or not, if United stopped putting non-revs in first and buisness international, they'd be canceling flights the next day after most of the hub employees walk out on them, myself included.

I don't understand how ANY airline employee can come onto a forum full of airline employees and say, "Hey guys, I don't think we deserve what is arguably the biggest perk of the job, lets move back into a middle seat in coach on a 16 hour flight so some random person with some miles can sit in first class". My mind is seriously blown, I don't even know what to say dude.
 
ChasenSFO said:
Like it or not, if United stopped putting non-revs in first and buisness international, they'd be canceling flights the next day after most of the hub employees walk out on them, myself included.
Click to expand...

I doubt it, but okay. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top