Hi - I need an opinion and B&B is always the place to get reasonable advice...next week I'm traveling to Europe with 3 coworkers. We all booked the same flights but separately so we're in different seats. I have flyer miles on the airline so I was planning on asking for an upgrade to business class or at least economy premium. Then I got to thinking that it wouldn't look good for me to have a better seat, early boarding, etc. while my coworkers passed by to the sardine section. Seems like we should all suffer equally? What do you think?
Business travel flight etiquette question
- Thread starter datzc
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Why feel hesitant for using your miles for an upgrade? You earned em! They would do the same and should be happy for you.
No way I would sit in coach if I had the opportunity/miles to upgrade.
No way I would sit in coach if I had the opportunity/miles to upgrade.
never sit in coach!
The ONLY reason that I can think of for you not to upgrade is if one of your coworkers going on that flight is your boss.
During my working years I traveled a lot and there is no way that I would fly in a coach seat (which seem to get smaller every year) if I had the option of a better seat. Just tell your associates that you had the mileage to get you an upgrade, so that they don't think that you are getting more than they are on the company "dime". I don't know how long your flight is, but on an overseas flight I wouldn't think twice.
I agree with everyone above. I would have no hesitation getting an upgrade. If you were all sitting together I could see the rub if you all the sudden told them you were upgraded but since you are all sitting separate I don't see the big deal. However, if you upgrade to business you should get access to the international lounge where they would be denied entrance. I would definitely ask if they can get in with you and if not, go sit in the terminal. I could see that causing a little resentment.
Seating together in the cargo class might provide good fodder for idle talk while waiting around in the airport, and might spur a stronger sense of comradery. But I don't think it is considered to be in bad taste if you upgrade, but rather something expected if you have one available and don't want to save it for some later trip. Myself and coworkers have been on the receiving end of this treatment, and it never got a second thought once the plane ride was over.
If you don't do it, how will you feel if one or both of them do it? It's a long flight, do it.
You are obviously not Australian.
Here a bloke would slip the hostie a few bucks, let her in on the plan, then sit down in economy with the other guys. A few minutes later the hostie would walk up to apologise, and say "I'm sorry Mr Datzc, we didn't realise who you were at first. We've made room in business class for you, I hope that will be satisfactory?"
You would then get up, adjust your suit, and reply "Yes, that would be fine. No harm done." Smile at your co-workers apologetically, and promise to wait for them at customs, before walking away.
Golden opportunity, my friend.
Here a bloke would slip the hostie a few bucks, let her in on the plan, then sit down in economy with the other guys. A few minutes later the hostie would walk up to apologise, and say "I'm sorry Mr Datzc, we didn't realise who you were at first. We've made room in business class for you, I hope that will be satisfactory?"
You would then get up, adjust your suit, and reply "Yes, that would be fine. No harm done." Smile at your co-workers apologetically, and promise to wait for them at customs, before walking away.
Golden opportunity, my friend.
+1! Stroke of genius =D
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