Have we discovered another reason why the union representing American Airlines flight attendants demanded cutbacks in beverage and meal service onboard: so flight attendants can upgrade and fraternize with their significant others?
American Airlines Flight Attendant Upgrades Girlfriend, Spends The Flight Chatting With Her Instead Of Working
A reader, whom I trust, shared the following story with me:
On January 11th onboard American Airlines flight AA5597 from Washington (DCA) to Tallahassee (TLH) I was seated in a mostly empty domestic first class section. There were two male flight attendants servicing this leg.
Shortly after take off the taller of the two FAs approached the FA in the first class cabin and spoke to him. Immediately after they spoke, the taller FA waved a girl from the coach section to come up to first class. She seated herself at the window seat on the two seat side of the plane. Shortly thereafter (not long after beverage service was completed) the taller FA took the seat beside her.
I attempted to sleep on this 90-minute flight but soon found that impossible. The FA and this woman were looking at photos on their phones and carrying on hysterically for nearly the entire course of the flight. The FA neglected whatever duties he may have had to carry on with this woman until approximately 20 minutes before we landed.
What disturbed me most was the coach section was quite empty as well. If they wanted to engage in these activities why didn’t they go to the back of the plane? Instead the FA chose an area of the plane where people pay for a premium experience.
As I exited the airport I was wondering if I was making too much of this in my mind. But as I was leaving, the woman who was seated in front of this couple grabbed my arm and asked me if I was as upset as she was at their behavior. I thanked her for validating my feelings.
I will point out this is not the normal experience I have enjoyed from AA over the years. But there does appear to be a recent downward trend.
Pretty damning, isn’t it? Doesn’t matter how empty the flight was – there is no excuse for this behavior. The flight was operated by PSA Airlines, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Airlines. While not mainline, this was still an “American Airlines” flight attendant.
I write about this not to denigrate the many hard working flight attendants at American Airlines or PSA. Rather, I share this story so that flight attendants like this are rooted out and held accountable.
To the flight attendant: American Airlines does not pay you to sit down in first class and chat with your girlfriend during the flight. Those onboard upgrades are also unauthorized. Did you think no one would notice?
To everyone: so many negative stories about American Airlines lately and most of them, it seems to me, are unforced errors. I am not anti-American Airlines: I generally enjoy flight American Airlines and think the carrier has great potential to improve in so many areas. I look forward to seeing what Robert Isom will do to put his mark on AA.
But one thing that must be done for consumer confidence to be restored: root out flight attendants like this. They have no business wearing an AA uniform.
CONCLUSION
An American Airlines / PSA flight attendant was observed upgrading his girlfriend to first class onboard, then proceeding to sit next to her and chat during the flight, disturbing other first class passengers and neglecting his (already meager) duty to passengers.
I trust that American Airlines will look into this incident and take corrective action. It is simply unacceptable.
image: PSA Airlines
I’ve said it many many times and I’ll say it again – American Airlines is a complete joke and a disaster of an airline!
I feel bad for anyone who has to fly American frequently!
Couldn’t agree more- wish the large airlines would be broken up to the US Air, Delta, NWA, American, Alaska, Southwest, Virgin Amer, United, AirTran, and Continental days, and make these disastrous quasi-governmental non-competitive disasters compete. No reason to be a great airline when upon any major loss big Uncle Sam writes a blank check and then those who payed for the check get treated with disdain by horrendous FAs.
This Flight Attendant behavior was compleatly out of order. I am a former International Purser for American Airlines. I absolutely would not have put up with his behavior. He is being payed for the safety and comfort of his passengers. He is on board to serve them. Not him. Apparently he has forgotten this?
The plane was empty. Author was just angry that the attendant sat his friend to first class. I can’t stand people who can afford 1st class resents someone getting an upgrade. I believe the attendant should have upgraded everyone and filled the first class section. That would have made the author really freak out.
I agree with you 100% with the exception they could have been more considerate about the volume of their conversation.
BUT, it’s not allowed by the company.
Let’s be a little less dramatic. You can’t upgrade everyone in a plane to first class because obviously, weight Hass to be distributed on an airplane. There’s a lot of people that have more than others, there’s no reason to be in sound so resentful. If I paid $8000 for a first class flight, you damn right I’d be mad, not if someone is upgraded, but if that someone disturbed the peace that you obviously paid for.. And that’s the whole point here, if we all had a little bit more respect for one another, life would be great. SMH
Sounds to me like you have sour grapes yourself, seems to me like the real issue here was that they were disruptive and noisy the whole time. People who worked very hard to pay for that first-class Experience One consideration. That means not making noise the entire time. Consideration is a to 8th Street my friend
Seems to me people are missing the point on this…from my perspective anyway. Why do people jump to the conclusion that commenters are upset or jealous because someone got upgraded? Speaking as a person who generally flies AA economy, but who once in a while upgrades to first class to get a little more respite and room, I don’t care about who gets a free upgrade as it has nothing to do with me. I WOULD care though if someone was brought into First Class by a FA who then sat next to the person and proceeded to talk so loudly as to disturb me and other passengers.
Babies are one thing. That’s a part of life and you just have to deal with it. Even having people next to you talking loudly is annoying, as it’s really just rude and inconsiderate given you’re all in a confined area. People who don’t get that are usually the one who make all the noise. Lol Still, I try to tune it out, as I hate being “that guy” complaining about noise (plus, if things go the wrong way I might lose it ). But it’s a different situation entirely for me when the person making all the noise is the FA, who is supposed to be the person responsible for making the trip pleasant for everyone. It’s particularly bad, in my view, if the FA brings the noise to an area where people are paying a premium for comfort. If there is anyone who should be paying attention to that it’s the FA.
No issue with bringing the guest into FC, but if you’re going to make a lot of noise that disturbs others, stay in the bigger economy area away from other passengers. Otherwise, respect people and tone down the noise. If you’re an FA, you should know better. I say that recognizing that FAs have a hard time dealing with unruly or rude passengers. It’s a part of the job of an FA to be a part of the solution, not of the problem.
I agree with you also. The plane was close to empty. He probably didn’t have too many duties to perform on that flight. Aside from being too loud, I don’t think he did anything wrong. I wait tables. If we’re slow my coworkers and I will sit and talk.
A complaint to American airlines would have been sufficient, but you actually took the time to wrote and publish an entire article! And to further display that you are an
asshole, you are advocating for someone to lose their livelihood because you couldn’t take a nap! There is so much more to be said about your personality type, but you are not worth an entire thesis.
Live you life and stop worrying about evryone else life, if he would have paid for FC you would have come up with some lame excuse to make a negative coment. You know what sucks about FC . People like you that think the world revolves around you.
Agree. The author sounds more like a Karen, mad at the fact that someone he considers not to be his equal was sitting in the privileged FIRST CLASS section.
Your comment does not make sense. The author was already in first class. That’s why it’s important to read everything very carefully. The author stated that he was sitting in a empty domestic section in first class so why would he be jealous that the girlfriend got bumped up to first class? If that was you would you like someone interrupting your experience after you paid all your money? Especially if the flight attendant was literally sitting down with the girlfriend not doing his job. Let’s not say anything just to get 10 seconds of Fame on a blog.
I think the first class practice and attitude is a relic that should have gone down with the Titanic. Regarding the question at hand, neither the author nor the woman who validated him had the decency nor the common sense to use their ability for thought and speech to approach the people and diplomatically express their dissatisfaction. In doing so I feel they waived any right to complain and are merely passing along gossip aod smying dischord. I question if their issue was with the noise or the percfived assault on their ego that someone who didn’t pay as much as them recieved better treatment than they think they should have. Did he try to push the call button? Perhaps the attendants took a break because they didn’t think they were needed. If there had been rudeness in direct response to the author’s request for silence or assistance were ignored, this article may have been waranted. You are a human being, as are they. I suggest the author consider how he can improve how he views and interacts with other human beings rather than just complaining about things he could have tried to change.
Nope, I think you’re missing the point, and rather widely, too.
– The FA’s primary job is in-flight service. If he was sitting there chatting for much of the flight, then that duty to the rest of the paying passengers was neglected – they weren’t getting what they had paid for.
– People pay extra for first class for said service and yes, for the quiet. That’s the primary reason I save my extra nickels, dimes and shekels and pay extra to fly business/first, and I’m a mere public school teacher (as such, I”m hardly an elitist). I simply want a nice flying experience and I tend to get it in first class. The chatting and laughing interrupted that experience on the flight in question.
– There is a protocol for upgrading passengers. It appears that this protocol may not have been followed which would be a company rules violation. I personally have no issue with upgrades as long as they’re done BY THE RULES and FAIRLY. That may not have been the case here.
Typical “class envy” Marxist response.
FA stole from the airline & was dismissive of customers who paid more or earned it! plus he was not doing his J O B! not to mention his ignorance in being considerate to others w/his loud talking!
Then why don’t you hire this lackadaisic FA and put him on your payroll. Let’s see how that changes your rhetoric.
Sounds like you were prissy. He was not allowed to do what he did. Nor could he upgrade the whole cabin. Besides it was an rj class plane, 1st class is no better than coach really. 2 seats on 1 side and 1 seat on the other. No big deal.
This article is over the top. Key points: Flight was empty in both coach and First Class. The author stated he recieved his beverage and planned to sleep. Failed to mention what duties were neglected. Failed to mention what premium service the author was entitled but did not receive. Doesnt seem there was much to do if there were very few seated in the First Class section. If the FA and his girlfriend seem to be having a good time, sharing photos, but laughing or talking to loud why didn’t the author asked them to lower their voices so he could sleep. The FA would have honored the request immediately knowing the premium services they are entitled. I don’t believe a passenger sitting in the front of the FA and his girlfriend grabbed him by the arm and said, “Did you see that”? The author knew he was being petty and created a fictional person to validate his story. The author can do better!
Yes.. I really think Karen should have just kept this story to herself.. I just wasted 3 mins aid my life I’ll never get back
Upgrading everyone to first class would’ve been so much worse. I don’t know if you knew pilots have to get the airplaine’s weight and balance accounted on the airplanes computer so they can calculate take off and landing power/flaps and trims configs.
Couldn’t Agree more the author is just another pussies a jerk Mr so right I wonder how many dirty clothes he has on his closet? SOB
This is kind of snobby if you ask me. The flight attendant could have been quieter but in reality get over it. Put on the noise canceling headphones that they offer and watch a movie. Its not like they were drunk or something. Sounds like you’re very entitled and out of touch. It sounds so sweet that he offered that to his girlfriend. Go back to coach u lower class heathens where u can bother the underlings is kinda the attitude I get from you.
Don’t to many jobs you can get paid to visit with your girlfriend for an hour or so. He’s at work and being paid to work. Not saying you can’t visit with somebody for a little while, but you’re at work.
Dude, the way you think is absurd.
You sound like a teenager or, probably you are a relative of that AA flight attendant.
Guess you don’t know much about flying. The rules are not too ‘just upgrade because the plane is empty’.. If someone pays for an economy seat, that’s where they sit. You do not upgrade someone who paid $200 for a seat to sit next to someone who paid $1000 for a first class seat (and to be disturbing no less) unless the person had a legitimate upgrade. In this case, she did not.
The volume of the conversation would have been annoying no matter what – nonrevs, upgrades, or paid F. The moral of the story is to be respectful of your surroundings – especially if you’re already doing something questionable like a “friends and family” upgrade.
Like, remember those stories about people getting kicked off of friends and family passes for not being dressed up? Yeah, if you’re doing something like that, you’re going to be held to a higher standard. (Not exactly the same situation, but analogous)
Thank you, I bet if the shoe was on the other foot he wouldn’t bat an I. So what she got hooked up, don’t be mad because you had to pay for your seat. People just need to but out of others life, The only thing he has to really complain about is the noise and him not getting any sleep, but even then if it were a full flight and baby’s where on board it would be the same case
You wrote my thoughts.
A privileged person..no?
There also is something called weight and balance.
I agree with you. Although the fa could have been more considerate of others in his activities in first class, I think there needs to become more people who are upgraded when there is not a large amount of customers. These people with the viewpoint that they can pay for first class so they must be better than other people needs to come to an end. But it’s not going to until we as Americans make it happen.
I agree there i no need for this complaint the plan was empty and also lately the headaches that the flight attendant has do deal with lately with the fighting about wearing a mask and the Kens and Karen’s out the disrupting flights in the air fighting abusing and assaulting flight attendants, I say this this flight attendant and many others Earned the right to have a seat with a friend in flight especially that the flight was basically empty traveling with only a few numbers passengers on board, and plus it is okay by any airline to upgrade seats while in flight especially when the flight is basically empty,all a passenger has to do is ask the flight attendants if they can upgrade to any seat or change seat during onboard the flight .
You’re an idiot. The author WAS in 1st class, that’s the whole point. Go troll elsewhere lonely fat 60yr old white male living under a freeway bridge ina 1br 1bath tenement. You’re not helpful nor wanted. Shoo!
A lot of upset perennial Spirit passengers in this comment section trying to find fault with OP. We get it, you want a free upgrade too and you hate the folks that pay their way out of Cattle Class. FA still needs a write-up, and could’ve gone to the back with his girlfriend, which nobody seems to think is a valid option bc they’ll hurt his feelings. It’s always people that don’t want to pay the premium that take up for this kind of behavior…
George, you totally missed the moral of the story.
The gentleman who wrote the article was absolutely correct in pointing out that FA’s behavior whether there were 2 passengers or 200 the FA was paid for a service he did not do, the other attendant had to service the cabin his other FA probably was assigned to when he decided. He wd take a little time to date on AA’s dime. Shameful!!!!
I agree with you 100%. There are other things more important. And if they were too loud; how about asking politely to talk quieter.
Now there’s a mature response. Are you 16?
Selfish affermation. The fact is the first class pays for the comfort
By letting regular class occupy empty seat the comfort is no longer there
Anyway s. You look at it
Different set of behaviour take place
Or perhaps on your opinion that does’ nt matter?
Totally agree with you sounds like the author is just a tad jealous! I’m sure the attendent making almost min wage is worried about representing the uniform! Just another keyboard warrior trying to use their job to injure those who don’t kiss his ass!
I 100% agree. Before we get all itchy. flight attendants do sit for a good portion of the flight for safety. Often in empty seats. Was it overnight? It is rude to want the plane to be quiet so you can sleep. Now if it were a red eye flight I would get it. It is funny the first class flyer wants the poor to go to the back of the plane in their appropriate class. Wow, just wow. You don’t own the plane dude get a private jet if you can’t stand sharing. If people are being really loud just ask politely if they would mind lowering their voices. I would say the only issue is a flight attendent should know to keep their voice down but the attendents GF or wife is not obligated to she has the same right as you do to flying. It is one of the few good perks of being a flight attendant, having the option for family and friends to fly low cost and get free upgrades don’t be jelly man.
I agree I’ve been fortunate enough to fly first class for a few years now and have flown AA since 1974; flying average of 2-8 trips a year. In the ‘old’ days they did allow folks to change seats even watching out for me while I was traveling with a toddler in the 1980s. I won’t begrudge an attendant moving a family member up but for gods sake show some respect to the other passengers. I dread flying now and curtailed all domestic and international flights on American. Turkish Air is wonderful substitution.
This is not about upgrading his girlfriend, many FA and other Crew members often do this if there is availability.
I think the main problem here is the noise. If you want to chat with friends or family members do so at home not on the job. Imagine the pilot having his girlfriend on- board and decided to bring her to his side for chatting while piloting the plane, where is the safety.
This is common sense be ethical and responsible while on duty. I hate it when FA is rude or not considerate.
I agree, the writer of this article, Karen Klint, just seems like a bitter little brat. You flew American Airlines deal with the consequences. Life is too short to getting mad at someone for enjoying themselves. Maybe try asking them to be quiet, and confronting the situation instead of hiding behind a bunch of words on a page.
Shame on you for wanting someone fired. Disciplined yes, but fired no. That is the problem with this entitled and capitalist country and also the reason why we are burning from the inside out. We need to discipline and educate our youth, not burden them with poverty as punishment.
I was waiting for someone with this opinion. Nice! My question to the author is, “Would you feel differently had you been the one whose ticket was upgraded?”
This sounds like a very nosy person to me. I don’t support this kind of behaviors but then, this is outta pure jealousy.
Totally agree! Does it really matter if you can’t ‘nap’ on a 90 minutes flight???? Maybe just sit back and relax more in your personal life and you won’t need to wait until you are flying to get some (apparently much needed) rest…. Sweet dreams and hope you’ll enjoy your next nap sesh on another flight….
Perhaps things could have been calmly dealt with by asking the other FA to talk with his cohort to lower the conversation level so as not to disturb the paying customers. This FA could also pass on that passengers were very upset and seated FA should get back to his job.
The author was sitting in first class, stupid! That’s one of the reasons why he was complaining. His and other first class customers’ experiences were rudely interrupted. Please understand what you’ve read, before making a stupid reply.
Lol, I don’t have a problem with his girlfriend being upgraded. Hey the low pay (as a former airline worker) is accepted because we know we get great flight benefits. If the seat was empty, then that lady should have minded her own business. That’s where I stop on agreement. The flight attendant was on the clock, should have sat down on his break, or after all duties were finished. If the flight was practically empty and one flight attendant could handle it all well, I guess it’s ok so long as nobody went without being provided the services they would have received has he not sat down. The place where I sympathize with the woman is being super loud in first class. A lot of people do want to rest and not be bothered by loud laughing for pretty much the whole leg of the flight. I would think this would come off as pretty unprofessional for sure, but flying standards from when I worked in the industry over 20 years ago and what they are today are two completely different stories. I consider myself lucky if we get thru TSA without feeling groped and safely there on the plane without someone getting attacked and having to sit on the tarmac until the police board the flight to remove the perpetrator. By the way there is no excuse for attacking a flight attendant or any flight crew. They need to start barring people for life when they take it spin themselves to hit people because they can’t control themselves and use their language skills to convey or handle a situation. Things are definitely getting out of hand.
First of all, PSA is PSA weather it’s owned by Anerican or not they run their own show and is completely different, secondly dca-Tallahassee first class is definitely not 8k first class , lastly that’s your gripe? He upgraded someone one an got them free drinks? And you could sleep for 90 minutes tell me you’re a Karen without telling me you’re a karen vibe….
Another Karen in the air !!!
First of all, as a former AA flight attendant, we are not allowed to upgrade anyone, especially our personal friends to F/C. And him just sitting on his butt not doing his job is called lack of output which can cause a reason for termination. Every cabin deserves flight attendants doing their job of reordering drinks, snack, or just being quiet so their pacs can nap. The F/C pac had every right to to say something to the noisy flight attendant I hope he wrote a letter to the airline about this. That attendant would have been called in for questioning and might have been reprimanded fo lack of output. We’ll deserved. I retired at 40 years and I’ll honestly say I never received a negative letter about my actions. My pax’s were number 1 to me and were treated as such. To me, whether ur sitting in First or coach, ur important and u pay my wages. Without u, I wouldn’t have had a job. In all respect, that flight attendant was lazy and AA would say he was stealing from them for upgrading his friend.
With the short staff going on these days believe me wont s*** be doe but I hope you asked to be accommodated with a free ticket
Why does reverting have to come down to “free”. I know once ticket won’t put the company under, but why create the mentality of free if unhappy? Aren’t the other ways to rectify the situation, like being listened to?
I agree with you 100%. There are other things more important. And if they were too loud; how about asking politely to talk quieter.
Paid.
You all sound so entitled. It’s not a big deal. You just need to shut up and deal with it. Take the stick out of your rear end and realize that the world does not revolve around you because you paid for something.
It may be you complaining next time. You pay extra for a service and when you do, you are entitled to get what you paid extra for. You are unyielding because you feel what happened was fine, when it finally happens to you dont complain or point it out, just remember your response to some one else’s complaint of egregious behavior.
If the pax received dimished service as a result, then sure, he has a legitimate gripe. But the first class ticket doesn’t entitle him to a conversation free cabin.
AA surely may have reasons to want to know about this, but that’s not really the passengers problem.
And with all the power FAs now seem to have, had he complained during the flight, the FA may well have called the police or reported him as disruptive
Cabin decorum in first class should speak to a certain level of service he wasn’t asking for quiet as much as he was saying the loudest 2 people were the FA not doing what he was paid to do. And his girlfriend who paid for a ticket in one class and was upgraded by her boyfriend to first class and displayed characteristics that would not have been tolerated in coach where she belonged. Ponder that for a minute then put yourself in someone else’s shoes.
DW, flight attendants only have power to prove this pax’s and give them a service that h is required to do. So many of these flight attendants that do think their power is being too big for their britches, the Airlines listen to negative letters as well as good letters. I disagree with u. All pax’s and flight attendants that disturb any pax can be told to lower their voices and adhere to the attendants. Yes I can become if a pax doesn’t want to do as the attendant has told them. Comfort is our number one objective to create a quiet and safe environment for any pax. I flew for AA for 40 years. There are ways to deal with unruly paxs and a flight attendant such as the one who disturbed this first class gentleman. That flight attendant knows he could be reprimanded for his decision to upgrade a friend and then talk loudly. Termination can happen and it has. Most everyone making comments don’t know how the airlines look down on flight attendants like this. I’d have responded with getting his name and submitting an unhappy letter to his supervisor. It’s cold in the unemployment line.
This sh!t sounds very privileged. If they were so loud why didn’t he just ask them to quiet down?!?!?! Im pretty sure they would have complied. Instead he sat there fuming and then wrote a whole article about it. Aren’t there still children in cages???He was that upset that the man upgraded his girl and they enjoyed each other’s company? Miserable ass people that want to cost people their jobs need to be slapped hard.
What I don’t get is that there we’re 2 FA’s according to the story and 2 people seriously disturbed by their behavior, well especially the FA sitting with the gf. But what I don’t get is one of the 2 upset people could have just said something to the other FA so he could tell them politely that they might want to tone it down, People are getting annoyed . I’ve waited tables too, been in the service industry so, when the other FA could have been told that they were being too loud, and they didn’t say anything to remedy the situation when they could have tried to politely. I kind of think that’s on them. Maybe they didn’t realize anyone cared about their excitement. It could have been done with politeness and handled with politeness.. then sleep.. If nothing after that had been rectified, I would have then made a complaint.
Ahhh modern day American journalism. A story gets written for a third party perspective with no other side, or even proof it actually happend and the comments section arrives with torches and pitchforks
I’m sitting here with a puzzled look on my face like is this a real article and are people really debating in the comments? This article should be rem9ved… SMDH
Please do a spell check before sending your comments.
When I was in the military a stewardess came to couch and asked if I wanted to sat in 1st class since there was plenty of room up there? Maybe it was because I was in uniform? I said heck yeah. She didn’t know me from Adam. She didn’t say anything to me except when she was asking if I wanted refreshments. Many times during my travels to places like Morocco on Mar Airlines, you sat anywhere you wanted once the plane took and it was nearly empty.
Flight attendants can upgrade military such as u. I have also upgraded pax’s in the grieving process who needs that extra Pat or hug. It’s all by what I feel as a reason for added comfort. I’ve upgraded parents who lost their military child who is in the belly of the plane and to carry him back to his hometown for burial. But AA does not give us permission to upgrade family or girlfriends. It’s just the way it is and unless that flight attendant didn’t care, we’ll it’s a chance he’s taken for being reprimanded. I see a lot of things that could have been done but I do understand thirst paxs upsets. AA gives us choices to make and this was not one of them. I flew for AS for 40 years. I know what our policies are about. The public does not.
Thank u for ur service!!!!
American Airlines is my last choice!!! I have had horrible experiences!!! Southwest and delta far superior in customer service!!! That flight attendant should have to pay first class for girl friend and himself!!!
My wife was a flight attendant for 25 years. She started with Piedmont Airlines which through mergers became part of American Airlines. She not once came home without several stories of completely unacceptable behavior by passengers. Do you not see the news stories today about passenger behavior causing flights to turn around mid flight. Law enforcement waiting to arrest them. Does the behavior of these spoiled self centered people make your complaint seem incredibly petty? I agree that common decency should prevail here. Talk softly. Common sense doesn’t exist anymore. But one persons behavior does not define AA. Of course they have opportunities to improve customer service. What company doesn’t? 80/20 rule applies everywhere. They work hard and very long days. There will be that percentage of employees at every company that leave a bad taste. Social media (the downfall of this country) allows people to air their ridiculous petty thoughts. Bad experiences have existed forever. But one just moved on with life without the need to tell the world about their bad experience. When was the last time you shared your many good experiences. Sorry you missed a nap. Air travel does an amazing thing. It gets you from point A to point B to places we couldn’t otherwise go and in an amazingly short time. Be grateful. Get over the expectation of being treated like your someone special. Enjoy the fact you didn’t have to drive. My wife left AA years ago due to passenger behavior . I have no affiliation with AA and rarely travel by air. I decided to reply because your complaint is just another example of the petty nobody cares need to let everyone know you didn’t get a nap.
Totally agree! While common sense should be used at all times anywhere … quit jabbing and get on with life. It’s too short to complain about things and the poor me attitude.
Godwin,
You clearly missed the point of her complaint. And though your response took more than 5min out of my nap time, I still can’t wrap my head around why you’d respond with an antiquated backstory. The point is that there are company rules and policies which clearly the FA allegedly failed to adhere to. To then allegedly continue on a loud inconsiderate banter while at work, is also a fauxpas. I don’t understand why folks are having a hard time understanding the point of the FAs misappropriation of company time, policies, and perks. So, Godwin, go be the Ken doll to your Karen-ish wife.
Boo hoo
Talk about all seeing this unique individual who’s prized thoughts are to let others know of there nap time and hear the choir sing was it? I’ve never really read of a person who I truly thought was a preppy waste of atoms but you take the cake my friend from one all seeing to another. Best Regards
what a crybaby
Excellent response, I agree with you 100 percent, especially your comment in reference to social media, which allows these spoiled ridiculous individuals to voice such petty worthless crap that the whole world doesn’t need to know. There are other ways to let management know rather then crying to the world that you didn’t get you nap. There are just too may so called adults that continue to act with a grade school mentality and social media allows them to vent their childish behavior for the world to see. To the author. Just grow up!
Wow! Dear Mr. Klint this article seems a bit hypocritical. Do they actually pay you to write a column about complaining? That seems a bit personal and using your power of media for negative purposes to serve your own entitled egotistical needs. Your sense of entitlement is what other countries find unappealing and ahborring characteristics. You give Americans a bad name. Do you not see the climate we’re in right now? People are dying all around us and God forbid some young people are having a fleeting moment together. No not to be completely insensitive to your moment of peace, yes they should’ve been a bit more respectful, but obviously they were excited to see each other so their intentions were not malice. If you had said something I’m sure they would have curtailed their behavior. It was an easy resolution. I’m sorry you did not see that. Why do you feel the need to go to the extreme write an article that you shouldn’t get paid for complaining since it’s your personal opinion and furthermore I’m sure you probably complained and that is just absurd to possibly make someone lose their job over simply an emotional response of joy. What a sense of entitlement, even royalty like Queen Elizabeth or Prince Williams has way more etiquette than you. Shame on you, shame on you! Grow up. You’re probably older than they are forgotten the joys of youth. I hope they do not pay you for this article!
I agree. Had the author simply ask the FA to lower his voice, I think his request would be granted. Communication is key. The request would have taken 2 seconds. This blog took much more time you will never get back.
Airline Stewards do put up with a lot. The answer here is courtesy works both ways. You pay for first class for a number of reasons and you should get the bigger seats and the quiet and service you pay for. The fact that this steward was loudly talking and not working – why pay him? For what? The 30 or so minutes he was working? The author could have asked the steward to keep the noise down a little…. Some people use first class after coming from a funeral, seeing a loved one in the hospital or having had tests from a hospital (as was my brother in laws case with cancer) etc. it isn’t all about rich people being petty. It wouldn’t have hurt the steward to get up a couple of times to look over to see if anyone needed him and it wouldn’t have hurt if he didn’t talk loudly. He was getting paid the customers were paying. I would hate to go to any of the businesses that you all think it is okay for the employee to act that way… like ignore you while you are trying to order lunch or talk instead of working o. Your automobile and have to wait for it longer,, or have the usher in the movie seat his girlfriend down and talk loudly behind you.
I agree with you,there is always people who are ready to complain about another person , which happens to often, did the one person or people approach this gentleman, maybe he was not supposed to working and was in between flights, the complainer said the flight was empty on both sides, so again people, be glad we can travel and be courteous to your neighbors,
Douche bags feelings had to be validated to nark on FA.. how dumb. Customer bought first class tickets for the “premium experience” which didn’t involve talking? Then had the audacity to be like, it would have been fine if he went to coach and did all that.. Compliant thinks they are above people trying to buy something they don’t have, class.
Best reply EVER.
Stfu
That definitely sums things up. Everyone is full of what if’s which tells us one thing. Nobody was there to see it , hear it or touch it. Maybe they should have thrown the FA and the girlfriend who clearly was a whore ( she did something for that upgrade ) out the emergency exit in flight! Now that’s something to write home about! Ri?
Lol this is the prettiest and most embarrassing thing I’ve ever read. A grown up man wasting time to punish a flight attendant who did something nice for someone else. Until you have your private jet, your are just another peasant. They are flight attendants, not your maids. Crying babies, panic attacks, and delays will happen to everyone, you aren’t special. I had to medically assist someone on a transatlantic flight for free during my vacation. I was put in first class with this person so we could have space and some sense of privacy. I didn’t sleep, I was stressed over someone else’s life, and the staff was amazing and prepared. Not one person complained that we ruined their first class experience by doing this. Sometimes flight attendants allow someone to be upgraded, you should be happy for them instead of resentful and annoyed. None of these things can affect you directly except for the noise which you could ask them to tone down or wear headphones for. Classic Karen.
With everything going on in the USA.. this is what’s its come down to? You have nothing else to write about ? The guy was just trying to impress his girlfriend… we have all, at one point or another done the same thing. If it bothered you that much…you should have hit the attendant button and said something about the noise or requested service if needed.
Here is my conclusion.. sometimes when something bothered you say something , if not just let it go. The guy doesn’t need to
lose his job over this.
Hope you are happy now!!!
Virgin America? Dude 2019 is calling you, it doesn’t exist anymore.
The past years are unprecedented growth, then pandemic then negative spreadsheets. It’s a race to the bottom to be a low cost carrier whoxhanybif these brands were NEVER meant to be and here we are. With Frontier Spirit merger it’s probably going to get worse.
If you think you’re smarter and know better than please go work for the airlines. We all need you to tell us what to do.
Ok Karen. How dare the working class be allowed any of the same privileges or comforts as you, especially at their place of employment. They should have downgraded her to the cargo compartment, and then dragged him by a rope outside the bank of the plane
People PAY for these seats haha. Typical to expect a handout. Handouts do not equal equality.
People pay for ALL seats on aircrafts not just business. Nothing wrong with letting employees fly for free. This isn’t a handout, it’s a perk of the job.
Is sitting on the job also a “perk”? The main complaint wasn’t bringing someone from Economy to 1st Class. It was the rudeness of being LOUD, the employee who was working an ACTUAL shift….. and, well, not working, and IMO, this should have been arranged beforeboarding. Every employee who does fly Free (as a perk) gets this ‘Authorized’ prior to takeoff. There are RULES….
Thank you….. And I’m sure he knew his job and what he was allowed to do… And the passenger also said he went and spoke to the FC FA… therefore, I think he got permission to do said deed….
I agree with Jelly J. You can move away from the noise and ask for a refund.
Give me a break. Plenty of people who can afford to fly first class got their money from “handouts”. The generational “handouts” of the 1% are the ones that need to end. Not upgrading a working class person.
And God forbid a hard working FA relaxes for a moment on one nearly empty flight with his GF. Wow, you people.
No really. Not only this article but the comments show how entitled some people are. They’re acting as if flight attendants who make scraps and barely get to be home don’t deserve a break sometimes. The entitlement in this article is crazy to me and I hope all of these people experience the amount of work that flight attendants have to put in
As an RN I completely agree! These FAs have been working through Covid, masking, customers not masking, and people are getting more and more rude….give the guy a break-he had ONE EASY flight-he’s more than earned it! And upgrading a friend to first class is one of the few perks FAs get because they sure aren’t getting rich from their jobs! People need to be more gracious and easy on each other…because I believe most people are doing their best in the worst of times. God Bless and stay well! Signed a tired RN
The plane was empty though.
This is ridiculous some people have nothing else to do but complain. Sleep when you get home it was a short flight. I can’t believe this article made it on google trash. Guess she just wants a refund if you don’t want to hear conversations rent a private jet next time. We have bigger fish to fry like staying alive in a pandemic and should be more understanding and grateful. Everyone is understaffed and overworked. stay home if your gonna complain about your 90 minute flight lady.
Exactly, what did this woman loses??? Like what or how does that impact your child l’or your dog???? Get a life . !!!!
I think whomever did the right thing. I wouldn’t have been upgraded to first class. He gets paid to do his job and not sit with his girlfriend. Chat his butt at home with his girlfriend.
Exactly!! Delta Airlines just turned a flight around because coach passengers moved to first class. I just flew on American on Sunday. First class was only 30% full rest of the plane was packed. Someone commented that complaining in this case wasn’t valid because places are short staffed. Pre Covid or now, two flight attendants for first class on a PSA flight is all they’d have. They weren’t short staffed and he should be disciplined.
I fly American exclusively and my two hour flight on Sunday was made worse by one flight attendant being consistently rude. I’ve been in customer service all my life and she wouldn’t make my cut.
Jalapeño, “you can sleep when you get home”? Not the point, I don’t like hearing conversations and in a small aircraft an ongoing party would be unbearable, sleeping or not.
Very true; one time, flying internationally out of LAX to Asia, I got up to use the restroom (everyone was asleep already), and walked by the galley and voilà, there it was: a FC flight attendant making out with her bf, who had been sitting in FC; they were surprised,,to see me and really didn’t know what to say; soon after I returned to my seat, she immediately came over to ask me if I needed anything. Perhaps I should have said something to her or her supervisor, but I didn’t.
Someone forgot to take their “don’t be a tw@t” pills, didn’t they, Hazel?
Same way you can say what you said, the person issuing the complaint can complain. Who cares if it’s a short flight? Some people who travel regularly for work get very little sleep and look to flights for a short reprieve. Doesn’t matter if it was a 90 minute flight or a 9 hour flight. The flight attendant was out of line. Should never have brought his girlfriend to first class, and shouldn’t have spent almost the entire flight disrupting other passengers and sitting. If he were a passenger, sure, sit and chill the whole flight. Not when you’re working though.
By the way, Hazel, let’s put the gabby twins next to you on ANY flight when you’ve booked a seat in first class, disturbing you the entire time, and see how you appreciate it. I’m guaranteeing you’ll be pissed, and everyone reading this comment knows that I’m right, regardless of how much you try to deny it, simply because of a “short flight”, so can it, lady.
So true! I want peace and quiet when I fly! I don’t need to hear someone else chatting loudly! I am paying for an expensive seat and I deserve an excellent experience not a stressful and annoying one!
Flight attendants are often complaining about unruly passengers! It works both ways! Enjoy your flight perks but not at my expense! Remember if customers don’t want to fly because of your behavior or attitude then the airlines go bankrupt and you have no job! We also bailed you out twice and still get nickel and dimed with little if any gratitude!
We all don’t know that of all these post “your right” nice try however.
*STANDING OVATION!!*
She had the right to have peace and quiet! After all that is what she paid for. If the attendant was going to seat some there that didn’t pay for that class, at least they should have shown respect for the other passengers in any class. It sounds as if the both if them should have been on their own private jet, so they could make all the noise they desire to make. There’s just too many things now-a-day that no one respect’s anyone. Where is just doing right. When you are traveling on any mode of transportation in any class why not respect other’s. You can talk without been loud and rude like you on an outdoor sports event. Be polite in places where you should!
She had the right to have peace and quiet! After all that is what she paid for. If the attendant was going to seat someone there, that didn’t pay for that class, at least they should have shown respect for the other passengers in any class. It sounds as if the both if them should have been on their own private jet, so they could make all the noise they desire to make. There’s just too many things now-a-day that no one respect’s anyone. Where is just doing right. When you are traveling on any mode of transportation in any class why not respect other’s. You can talk without been loud and rude like you are at an outdoor sports event. Be polite in places where you should!
There’s a thing called headphones
Nah, she didn’t have a right to peace and quiet. She had a right to an airline seat (and even that can be recinded). Does she have a right to peace and quiet at a football game? On a city bus?
No. You’re in public. Expect disruptions.
This is like moving to NY city and being mad people are screaming down the block at 1 am lol. This stuff comes with the territory. Be glad it doesn’t happen every time.
There are often upgrades and seat reassignments after boarding. This is well within the rules, and oftentimes even necessary for weight distribution (especially if the front of the plane is too empty). The flight staff can reassign seats at their leisure if the need arises.
While etiquette could have been better, ie keeping the volume down, what exactly do you think flight attendants do that keeps them busy for most of a flight? On a 90 minute flight, there’s no meal service. Heck, often times it’s so short (and with current CoViD regulations) there might not even be a water service. Flight attendants arent scrubbing the bathrooms and cooking your meals from scratch. There is oftentimes ALOT of down time on flights, just like the passengers. The only difference is you don’t see them sitting behind a little curtain instead of in a seat in first class.
If this is as stated Google Trash why are you on this site? And not short staffed read it again. Two FAs in First alone, one was not during his job.
I see nothing wrong. He was rude by talking loud??? I fly every time and hear babies screaming the whole flight or someone snoring away.. People find the stupidest thing to cry about! If you don’t want to fly American Airlines over this then don’t! Some of us enjoy it and if that happened and I was on the flight it wouldn’t bother me. There’s too much more important things in life to worry about than worrying about people talking on the airplane
It always amazes me when people say something wouldn’t bother them. It doesn’t matter if it doesn’t bother you. Obviously it bothers this person, and they’re the ones telling how it affected them. Don’t downgrade how someone else feels about a situation because it doesn’t bother you. Also you mentioned babies crying or someone snoring. Those are things that can’t necessarily be controlled, but being loud most definitely can be controlled. The FA and his girlfriend were most definitely rude and inconsiderate. They aren’t the only people on the plane. Like one person mentioned, be aware of your surroundings and be considerate; everything’s not always about you. All that comes with home-training and maturity of which these two lacked. Lastly, of course there’s bigger things that are going on in the world, but that doesn’t mean that minor things should not be addressed. I will call out rude and inconsiderate persons in a minute. You don’t get to be like that under any circumstance. Remember, it’s not about you.
I co-sign I concurr I agree…. Karen was mad because she paid and the young didn’t have to pay for an upgrade…
I agree and more then likely his girlfriend was flying for free under him and once the plane door is locked that means no more passengers getting on then they can see what seats are open.Then he has the right to upgrade his girl people are just messy get a life. I work for a airlines. At the ticket counter and gate that’s how it works. 6 people I have on my paperwork fly’s basically free we just pay the taxes 11.00 one way. 22.00 round trip.
This is a legitimate complaint. I don’t give a rat’s ass about the woman going up to first class. It’s all about being inconsiderate and rude. I’ll call you out in a heartbeat if you’re being rude and inconsiderate; there’s no excuse for it. It’s from no home-training and being immature. They were both rude. I guess they thought they were the only ones on the plane. I don’t even care really that he was a FA and doing his job. He and his girlfriend were rude and inconsiderate; bottom line. I’m just glad I wasn’t on that flight. I don’t tolerate being inconsiderate; two adults? Oh hell no!!! You’re not toddlers.
You’re right Hazel. Matt is getting a company paid First Class seat
. If he didn’t like his neighbor he could have moved back to an economy seat next to a crying baby. Otherwise he should shut his eyes and shut his mouth.
Company-paid first class seat? I wish…
The bottom line is – they should have been considerate to other passengers and the flight attendant was not behaving professionally. He was on duty to probably over 100 passengers – he was on the clock. He could spend time with his girlfriend when they arrived.
Get a life. It seems this author is jealous that they don’t have anybody that wants to sit next to them for 90 minutes first class or otherwise
exactly, let the them keep complaining i dont see any problem here if need coffee or water easily you can ask him why complaining? man injoying his girlfriend few hours sick
100% agree! I have dealt with far behavior on an airplane from other passengers. How could a conversation bother you so much? I once had a man literally pick his nose for 30 minutes of the flight sitting right next to me. I had to try not to cry because it was just that disgusting. I don’t think someone enjoying a conversation is a big deal and you can simply put it in ear plugs.
There needs to be quite a bit of clarification and fact checking here. The author has every right to be annoyed and he needs to do his homework. I WORK FOR PSA and I’m telling you that this is not a matter of opinion; this behavior is not permitted. Period. Whether or not you see anything wrong with how unbelievably rude this was regardless of it being an employee, it simply isn’t allowed by the airline.
American Airlines has three wholly owned subsidiaries: PSA, Envoy and Piedmont. None of their employees are AA employees; regardless, the same standards apply.
That being said, staffing shortages are a real issue right now and many flight attendants are being abused by the greyvarea in contracts. We are not protected as people assume. Every time the airline wants to keep us out 6 or 7 days, each of which requiring q4-16 hours of flying, they simply declare “irregular operations ” and all bets are off. No matter what you think you know about this industry, you don’t unless you’re in it and it’s not glamorous in tje least. Moreover, I resent the “meager duties” comment. What we do mostly happens behind the scenes and WE ARE THERE FOR YOUR SAFETY, NOTHING ELSE! Food, drinks and all tje customer service nonsense is just that; it serves as a distraction for nervous flyers.
Believe me, I see both sides as someone who would have never done what this young man did; I also know that passengers think we are “Sky waitresses” and currently our lives are in danger just stepping on a plane. We are being beaten, kicked, yelled at. Spit on, harassed and of course there is a pandemic.
Have some empathy and common sense….all of you!!
Oh and by the way, none of us are being paid when the main cabin door is open. Fact!
Tragic point of view. It reveals so much…
You sound just like those people who complain. This thread is the most entitled responses I’ve ever read. If you paid $8000 for a flight, you wouldn’t be mad if your peace was disturbed? There’s all kinds of reasons that people pay for first class, don’t be mad if you can’t. And it’s obvious that you can’t because if you could, you’d be empathizing with the woman who paid it. Lol we all have to be reasonable, and there are some things about the situation that are not reasonable. Plus, this would be such a great world if we were all just kind. Imagine that!
If you pay $8k for a 90 minute flight, you’re a nitwit. If you pay it for a longer flight, I’ll bet you’d figure out how to “use your words” to ask for what you need.
This whining clown spent more time writing this article than he did on the plane. He knows nothing about FA rules, that passenger was either a buddy pass holder or a spouse or other family member. Once the doors close the FAs can and do move people, and that includes upgrades.
If there’s no work to do (and the plane was almost empty) there’s nothing wrong with a FA taking a seat.
If this entitled jerk wanted quiet, all he had to do was ASK. But no–instead he stewed for 90 minutes. Now I REALLY want to know if the FA was “ethnic” because I am suspecting a bit of bigotry in this diatribe of his. Was he afraid to confront the dusky guy with his dusky wife/gf? It’s a reasonable question.
So what if someone she considers a rightful first class passenger was loud? Does she get veto power over their behavior too or just the lesser people?
Really, who cares. If the person with the complaint would have just said something this would t even be on this thread. It’s his own fault and his victim mentality. Say something or shut up, telling your “friend” who has a penchant for writing about nothing burgers is a losers way of handling things. If it happens to, and you don’t like it, ask them to keep it down politely, then oh know, nothing to complain about, what will I do now, oh yeah, sleep.
My thoughts exactly!
I completely agree with you!
Hazel,
If u bought a Coach purse but they sent you cheap store brand you would pissed. Why?, Because you paid for something you didn’t get.
Earl Cancel, are you comparing rich people to name brands and people who are unable to afford first class to “Knock offs”?
Exactly. He sounds bitter . I don’t condone the loud chatter but apart from that the author sounds bitter and just wants to get the FA sacked. I hate people like this
I agree with you. I guess it’s too hard for some folk to just mind their business. Noise level aside, why was this news worthy? I thought I was going to read a good proposal story. That’s not news worthy either but a lot better than reading about whiners.
I love covering good news – but this seems to be a recurring problem and flight attendants seem absolutely emboldened to do what they wish onboard…this is a problem for AA in particular, whether it be mainline or their regional carriers.
No everything in life goes our way and how we want it. Specially when it comes to public transportation. Stop being a bitch and complaining so much. Can’t believe he made an article about this
I think you’re missing the point. This is an flight attendant. He should represent. Point taken, under staffed so why is he sitting down chatting instead of working. I’m a frequent traveler international most of the time so I get it you can’t do anything when people are talking but there is a thing call being considerate and polite. Nonetheless what makes it worse is that this is an employee. He should have been more courteous. You can carry on a conversation but you don’t have to be loud. There’s a difference. I think service for u.s. airlines in general need to learn more from the international airlines. The service is better, more courtesy and more organized.
The issue here was completely bc a economy class pax was moved to the front of the plane next to the *premium* pax veiled in the FA’s shirking his responsibilities – it would’ve been ok to do it in the economy class; wouldn’t he have been shirking his responsibilities there as well? I get that premium first is paid for somehow by the traveler or by a company, but let’s call this what it is – a disgruntled pax that was irritated by an FA’s (in)discretion to let the “cattle” move to the front.
For the moment I refuse to begrudge a flight attendant anything. Flown USAir since I was 16, got dragged along to American, had my ups and downs, but been exec plat for years until plat pro last year – this year will be last year as EP.
If you want to criticize American, do an in-depth on the disastrous “loyalty points” program.
But don’t pick on the FA’s. They clean up after AA’s messes, and now have to deal with threats of violence.
And so what? The seat was empty.
Thank you Larry. I’m now on a flight where the attendants are dealing with a planeload of people who refuse to wear masks, completely trashed the lavatories and one woman keeps leaving her child’s dirty diapers ON THE FLOOR IN THE AISLE. The fight attendants’ patience is astounding.
Dang are you on a flight or on a subway train…you better look out the window and make sure you see clouds I don’t think I’ve been on a plane long enough for anyone’s child to leave several dirty diapers in the aisle.
Thank you.
You DO realize that flight attendants are there to work.
If said flight attendant wanted to spend time on a plane with his girlfriend, they should have booked a flight together. 1st class passengers pay a steep premium, to sit where they are, and while upgrades do happen…
A flight attendant isn’t paid to sit as a passenger.
If I’m a customer who paid to sit in first class I don’t expect to be bothered by someone who didn’t pay to sit there. Not only that, AA employees who fly non-revinue are expected to not disturb paying customers.
Yes! My thoughts exactly. What a condescending miserable person that must be.
That is your “opinion” . Amazes me how those who cannot express themselves in a intelligent way revert to blanket name calling as “Karen”. If people want to be taken seriously they need to learn how. The FA was in error. “Premium Paying Passengers” pay more for the amenities.
You’re a jerk. People pay a premium for a better flying “experience,” not to watch a worker (who is on the clock, receiving a paycheck and THERE TO WORK) chat with his girlfriend and neglect their assigned duties. I think this man handled the situation correctly, I hope AA not only refunds the cost of the trip and also reprimands the flight attendant.
You must love handouts. You sound like a charity case! And a nut case! PAY like the rest of us bum lol
You’re kidding right? The people who enjoyed those luxuries paid for them! He was working! Not getting paid to sit and chat with his girlfriend. If she wanted a first class flight she should have paid just like everybody else! Clueless!
I agree, entitled jerks are so pre-pandemic!
Did you read the article?
I don’t have the comfort of not working while at work. For me, it’s actually against the law for my to shirk my duties.
Exactly
I’m convinced most of that comments are made by American Airlines flight attendants. Yes, people who pay for a flight are entitled to a comfortable well serviced flight. No, that doesn’t mean you get to talk to you bff the whole time loudly who was in coach and you decided to upgrade them.
Can you imagine if you did this at your job? Do you get paid to not do your job and talk to your friends?
People are so eager to criticize the one who complained instead of look at the person who was performing their job poorly. They are being paid to do this. Go talk your friends on your downtime like the rest of us.
The plane was empty. Author was just angry that the attendant sat his friend to first class. I can’t stand people who can afford 1st class resents someone getting an upgrade. I believe the attendant should have upgraded everyone and filled the first class section. That would have made the author really freak out.
I totally agree with you. So what if someone sat in first class and was loud, according to the author. What if there were other paying passengers in first class that were loud and obnoxious? Would he have had a problem then? He needs to to relax and find more important things to write about. I didn’t even read the entire ‘article’ it was so pathetic.
He needs to grow a pair or buy your own plane.
If 1st class was filled enough, the FA would not have had the time to talk to his friend. Re the noise, however, the complainant could have just requested the FA lower the chat. People should be more civil to one another. The complainer sounds like a snob, though. One is not better than anyone else because of more money.
People who pay for first class are working class too. What about the rest of the coach class passengers? Why not move everyone to first class? Next time you go to a store pick up something that you didn’t pay for and may be the store security will help you understand.
Your so right. Its probably the only perk in the joh. And the flight was only 90 minutes. Good for him to look after his own.as for all the Karen’s get a life and mind your own business.
Are you a flight attendant?
No. I am not a flight attendant. Just an observer of human interactions, with 71 years of experience.
No. I am not a flight attendant. Just an observer of human interactions, with 71 years of experience. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Silence in this case, allowed bad behavior. Extenuating circumstances, who knows? No harm in asking why the FA was allowed to take time off. Direct conversation could have prevented the situation from continuing.
You lead such a sad life. Perhaps you should have got in on the simply miles promo and you would be happier. All bloggers have millions of miles to book tons of free travel and …we’ll…you don’t.
Perks of the job, many jobs take advantage, ones that come to mind that you haven’t reported on are of our government and police for thinking the rules don’t apply to them. Maybe you should shed light on those matters of importance. Rather then some guy treating a family member to first class and making sure she had an exceptional experience. For all you know she could have been afraid to fly and this helped keep her grounded.
One i wish you would report correctly, this was not American Airlines but Envoy a airline made up of several other airlines. American Airlines keeps getting a bad rap for stuff like this.
Then American Airlines should not put its name on PSA planes or uniforms or flight numbers.
The author of the article is a man. His name is not Karen. He paid for first class service. I agree with him that the FA appeared out of line. Perhaps the author should have approached the FA, who allowed this situation, immediately. The whole problem could have been resolved. Remaining quiet along with other 1st class passengers gave the impression everyone was ok with the FA’s behavior. Speak up or persevere with bad behaviors.
I AGREE Suk!!…Who cares where the girlfriend sits or the FA (as long as he’s fulfilling his duties during the flight). Most FAs simply hang out in the galleys between service intervals. If First Class is open, friends/family of onboard inflight crew members often let them sit there to 1) promote EE benefits with family & friends as an airline employee 2) allow the friend the comfort and proximity to the galley/bulkhead FA stations and 3) it’s just damn nice to see someone smile if possible you miserable and possibly depressed frequent flier!! Just be glad you get up each morning, are able to have your health to work, can support yourself and any family with a job and have the often forgotten virtue of living in what’s unfortunately left of this country called the United States of America! So quit your whinnying self rant and mind your own damn business sir!
Good reply.
I don’t believe people are allowed to fly in the cargo hold. That just seems like a reckless suggestion.
I honestly can’t believe this is a story. People will complain and cry about anything. Definition of karen.
Chicken or the egg? Many of us work “long, hard days” Thats no excuse to be entitled [redacted by admin]. Is there a part of bad passenger behavior that is a result of this kind of FA behavior? Or is it other way around? Bottom line, we’ve all become a little too narc and it is slowly degrading our country
You seem a bit Delusional, Aubergine Cranium
You ought to learn how to Suk Üron Dík.
American has been circling the toilet bowl for years. Ever since they were purchased by America’s worst, and basically became them they’ve become a trashy airline. What’s left is only American and name only. I had executive Platinum status for well over 10 years, and still fly just as much. In fact more. And became so disgusted with the poor quality service and program. That I left about 5 years ago. A lot of my peers have done the same. Or just maintain minimal status.
At age 77 I have flown a lot. American Airlines went out ot their way to make my flight pleasant. Attendant asked me before takeoff if I had any special needs. (I ask for a wheelchair when time between flights too short.) Staff friendly and courteous. Flew both first and economy. Bag almost beat me off plane. Usually there is a long wait for baggage. One of best flights in years! I flew into Tallahassee also.
Glad you had a great flight.
For everything you claim to know. You should know a PSA regional flight is not an American Airlines flight attendant. Different entity.
Just for future reference…
Who owns PSA?
Matt
We probably don’t know the full story we only know what the passenger is stating. My wife was a flight attendant for American for 24 years and I have flown for years on standby. The flight attendant could of been dead heading and was helping out on the flight. The passenger friend can be moved up to first if it is ok with the crew. My wife has done the same when I flew. The article sounds a little snobby when people can’t talk in first class that seems a little unreasonable as I fly for work regularly and get upgraded for free because of my status with American. I usually wear noise canceling headphones for noise. Because I can’t control the environment around me but can mitigate the noise. Don’t always assume the worst in people.
Todd
I was thinking this too. I know that the FA is allowed to move people up with permission from the lead and FAs do seat in empty seats because those jumpseats are hell to sit in even for 90 minutes. The only thing I read that could even slightly be a probem with him talking while she/he was trying to get some rest. I think this could have been solved with just a polite request of speaking lower. I get it I do but this is being taken out of pocket. Also, someone said that a FA is there to provide a service and I want to clarify that they are not there just to hand out drinks and snacks. They are there to ensure your safety providing services outside of that comes second to last. Next time if its bothering you so much speak up politely ask them to lower their voice if that doesnt work ask for the lead FA and once you land ask for the manager and/or simply write into the company.
Doing the right thing when no one is looking..something many people find difficulty doing. If your on duty, do your duty period…Your employer doesn’t owe you crap except your check for honest work.
Mathew did you talk to the flight attendant while he was sitting in first class to tell him how you were feeling or did you talk to the flight manager (flight attendant in charge of the flight) while the situation was going on?
By the way you called the flight attendants by their height, “the taller” etc, already says the kind of person you are and confirms you did not even talk to them about you feeling uncomfortable about the situation. You did not talk to them right away because you did not want the situation to be fixed on the spot, all you ever really wanted was to let the situation go on that way you could show off your fancy writing while putting someone down and feed your first class ego at the same time. I got news for you; you not only look like a snake, you are one.
Reread story.
What’s wrong with a FA enjoying a small perk of such a thankless stressful job. You sound like a complainer and a bit of a snob. Get a life and quit making it hard for others
Did you read the article? The Attendant was on duty. Getting paid not to work is not a perk. It’s dishonesty. If he had wanted to take the same action while off duty then I’d say he was within his rights and the noise they were making could have been addressed in flight. However the same people I see saying this person is a Karen for having valid feelings would probably lose their minds if they went to a restaurant and their waiter took a seat with their girlfriend and neglected them. Would that be a job perk as well? Unreal that someone getting poor service from an employee should be considered in the wrong. First class or coach is irrelevant to me in this story. If I was looking to buy a drink refill and my flight Attendant was nowhere to be found, but could be heard having a loud and disturbing conversation at the front of the plane. I’d be saying something as well. I’m no snob either, I worked in the service industry for a decade and when I wore the uniform I did the job and tried to make people’s experience as enjoyable as possible. Even the rude ones because idk if they really are an ahole or maybe they are just having a bad day. Maybe it wasn’t my dream job, but someone has to do it. Why not try and do it in a positive manner? If you spread positivity then you find more joy in your work because positivity will be returned to you.
Indeed. This is a response with thorough thought. Yes, I salute you.
What’s wrong with it is that it’s against company policy. Airline employees who fly what’s called non-revinue are expected to be discreet. Not to flaunt the perks afforded them. And, to not disturb paying customers.
Correct, employees family can be upgraded with permission from the crew but need to adhere to the rules and be respectful and keep a low profile
Where is this printed? This would be a big news if this is the rule at American Airlines. Can you take a screenshot of it and link to it here?
There’s nothing at all wrong with the FA enjoying perks; don’t even care about the girlfriend sitting in first class. My problem with them is being rude and inconsiderate; no excuse for that. That comes with no home-training and being immature. I don’t care who you are, your position, your job, etc, rude is rude. I’ll call you out on it every time. They must have thought they were the only people on the plane. Be aware of your surroundings. These are adults, not toddlers. No excuse.
For all we know they weren’t loud at all and this women just expected everyone obey her wish for a silent flight. She was pissed about the upgrade. If it had been someone she considered worthy being loud she wouldn’t care.
I cannot believe the number of stupid people in this blog who obviously just do not understand the concept of the complaint. It has nothing to do with being entitled or being jealous or even upset. It has to do with respect and the fact that he wasn’t hired to sit with his girlfriend and torment other passengers whether it be fc or otherwise. He should’ve been doing the job he WAS hired to do. He shouldn’t be allowed to disturb others and upgrade against the rules at all. Not what they pay him to do. He’s behavior and other FA like him are probably one of the reasons that AA didn’t have many passengers in the first place.
You lowlifes really actually think “get over it” till it happens to you somehow. You obviously have no morals or cooth yourselves. Right from wrong, very simple.
Thank YOU for properly understanding the situation. I was beginning to wonder if I had simply not expressed the real issue clearly.
This is the problem with people today, your so busy name calling and belittling! The flight attendant position IS CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SAFTEY!! Alot of us have been working thru the pandemic the entire time, while the majority including the FA’s got paid to stay home, well welcome to working again. And getting perks through the job is not an issue, but he was on the job. My understanding is that second sevice got cut to prevent additional people contact, which seems a wasted effort if your seated in the cabin with the passengers that you won’t serve. Hmmm
Employees they are not what they used to be, and soft company policies are creating problems.
I cannot believe the number of stupid people in this blog who obviously just do not understand the concept of the complaint. It has nothing to do with being entitled or being jealous or even upset. It has to do with respect and the fact that he wasn’t hired to sit with his girlfriend and torment other passengers whether it be fc or otherwise. He should’ve been doing the job he WAS hired to do. He shouldn’t be allowed to disturb others and upgrade against the rules at all. Not what they pay him to do. He’s behavior and other FA like him are probably one of the reasons that AA didn’t have many passengers in the first place.
You lowlifes really actually think “get over it” till it happens to you somehow. You obviously have no morals or cooth yourselves. Right from wrong, very simple.
American is an airline that had many different experiences with in the past and now.
The real true good hart with love and care with a love and respect and not lied or cheat on each other person anymore and far-away love distance it’s not too good anymore it’s only true love in god’s word and respect and see each other better my only good fun hookup or live married…….if you want to move forward with a good fun ok not scammed just a little age35/45 ok that’s sounds good fun my dear….goods
I was Stewardess in 60, 61, 62. Was so different back then. We were professionals and above reproach. Not allowed to date passengers or pilots. Couldn’t be married. I see so many people in different jobs today that just don’t care. There’s no pride at all. I see poorly trained everywhere. Yey wages keep going up.
Couldn’t be married? What the heck does that have to do wi5 being a flight attendant? Or a professional? They probably had such a rule because the pilots viewed you all as playthings and eye candy? That’s a different type of “profession.”
When I started reading this article I was torn between the fact that she deserved her peace and quiet and the fact that she could have ended up with some couple the same as this that actually booked first class and then she would have had to such it up (not that chatting loudly is fine but that its a fact that it can happen in any flight and in any class)…..
But after reading that she wanted this couple should go to the back if they want to chat….
Why so the should disturb the poor not as privileged human beings ?!?! Who does this Karen think she is?!?! What a waste of a read!!!!
If the pax received dimished service as a result, then sure, he has a legitimate gripe. But the first class ticket doesn’t entitle him to a conversation free cabin.
AA surely may have reasons to want to know about this, but that’s not really the passengers problem.
And with all the power FAs now seem to have, had he complained during the flight, the FA may well have called the police or reported him as disruptive
Wow with everything going on in this world. Covid19, Racism,unemployment,Murder, Hate,Confusion On Every Hand, Drug Abuse Young And Old, teen trafficking, rise in home cost, violence in every city in nation have increased. And you want to complain about A Flight Attendant For Seating A Female Friend In 1st Class. Please get over it and Stop.
I would live to be a fly on the wall when you people who constantly complain are flying. More and more you sound like selfish, entitled people. I have flown AA a minimum of six times per year for the last 15 years and have never had a bad experience. Maybe, it’s because I treat the FAs like I want them to treat me. Their primary duty is to assure the safety of passengers not wait on surly, ungrateful passengers. I agree that this FA should not have been sitting in first class–or anywhere else–“carrying on” with a passenger, but how about not judging all FAs–or airlines–by the actions of one or two employees? And, try treating those employees the way you would want your son, daughter, father, or mother to be treated.
As a former senior FA with American, I wholly agree with your observations and insight into such a highly atypical flight! C. R. Smith was the CEO of American during my era of flying for AA, until he was tapped to become Secretary of Commerce.
Our training was in every detail, exceptional, as was out annual recurrent training.
Those of us with “clipped wings” would most assuredly performed in the manner expected.
I bristle almost every single day when I read such reports.
Who Cares…At Least he has a Perk on his Job
He isn’t making that much ..!!..So I’m not Mad
LOL
Never flown a first class, But i would find that really interesting and a thumb up for the FA. Who knows if that was the only opportunity he will ever have to impress his girl and the only opportunity to fly the first class. Beside, the plane was close to empty. He probably didn’t have too many duties to perform on that flight. Aside from being too noisy , I don’t think he did anything wrong. You could have just nicely ask them to lower their voices to a romantic mode. Somethings are better overlooked. Would you complain if the FA was your son or sibbling?
FIRST OFF ALL OF YOU LIVE SAD MISERABLE LIVES IF YOUR SUCH HATERS THAT YOUR UPSET BECAUSE THIS GUY WAS CHIVALROUS ENOUGH TO SOT DOWN AND MAKE TIME FOR HIS LOVE. YOU DON’T KNOW THEIR BACK STORY MAYBE SHE WAS MOVING MAYBE HER MOM WAS SICK OR SHE COULD BE GOING AWAY TO COLLEGE. WORK JS TO ALLOW PEOPLE BTO STAND ON THEIR OWN TWO FEET ANDALE TBEIR OWN WAYNOT TO CATER TO YOUR EVERY LITTLE WHIM AND IF YOU DONT HAVE A JOB WHERE YOU CAN FEEL FREE TO SIT A FLIGHT OUT ONCE IN A WHILE AND DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING THAN WTF ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIFE. NO OFFENSE BUT IM NEVER TRADING MY HEART AND SOUL TO JUST BE A CUTBACK ANY WAYS CORPORATE AMMERICA HAS NO LOVE GIVES NO PENSION AMD COULD GIVE A FLYING FORGET JT. YOU PEOPLE JUST GO ON AND NOT KNOWING ANYTHING JUST ASSUME THAT HE WAS SLACKING OFF HIS DUTIES. WHAT YOU COULDN’T PUT THE TRAY UP IN ITS SEAT OR WHATEVER. QUIT HATING ON A POOR SMUCK FORCED TO DEAL WITH OVER PRIVELEDGED NEW MONEY THAT DOESNT UNDERSTAND MONEY DOESN’T MAKE YOU ANYTHING. ITS A TOOL JUDT LIKE YOU ARE IN THE COG OF TAXATION AND FEES AND CHARGES AND ASSESSMENTS OF COSTS TO THE POINT HE PROBABLY BARELY HAS DISPOSABLE INCOME LIKE THOSE WHO GRIPE AND WHINE ABOUT HOW THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO GET IT BETTER THAN EVERYONE BECAUSE THLEY PAID. CASH IS NOT KING MOENEY CANNOT BUY RESPECT AND RUDE IS ALWAYS TRANSPARENT NNO Matter HOW FAR YOU THINK YOUVE MADE IT. IF YOU ARE LITERALLY SPENDING YOUR NIGHT COMPLAINING BECAUSE THIS GUY GOT TO SPEND A TRIP ONE WAY WITH HIS GIRLFRIEND. JUST STOP. SOCIETY DOESN’T NEED ONE MORE OF YOU LET ALONE YOU IN OUR LIVES. LOVE AND HAPPINESS AND ENJOYMENT ARE SO MUCH MORE SURE I MAKE MINIMUM WAGE AND MY FORMER BOSS TOOK MY IDEA AND SHUT ME OUT OF MY OWN BUSINESS I PRESENTED TO HER. SURE I HAVE RESENTMENT BUT DONT DOUBT FOR A SECOND IF I GOT A PLANE MY SIGNIFICANT OTHER IS GOING TO BE ABLE TO SPEND SOME TIME WITH ME NOT CAST TO THE SIDE IN THE NAME OF CUSTOMER SERVICE. YOU PISSED ME OFF THIS BADLY THAT I AM BLOGGING ON SOME NERD COMMENT SECTION. WHOEVER AGREES WITH ME I SAU WE TAKE BACK AMERICA AND START BQCK IN WITH COMMISSION PAY, WORK LE4KS LIKE FREEBIES AND PAID LUNCHES FREE STUFF BONUSES AND STOP LONWING THE CEOS TO PAY THEMSELVES LIKE AMAZON THAT SELFISH BASTARD. HE COULD HAVE GIVEN EVERY SINGLE EMPLOYEE ON THE PLANET A 5 DOLLAR AN HOUR RAISE FOR 5 YEARS AND IT WOULDN’T HAVE EVEN BEEN A BASIS POINT SO WCREW YOU CORPORATE AMERICA. I WANT MINE ROO. I WANT VACATION HOMES OR HEY A FULL TIME JOB WHERE ITS A REAL FULL TIME JOB NOT 3M2 OR 3 LART TIME JOBS THAT ALL MAKE YOU WORK THEBSAME SUNDAY BEING PAID A MONTH WHAT THEY GET AN HOUR TO NOTBEVEN HAVE SET FOOT INSIDE wheRE YOU MAKE IT HAPPEN. in 1997 i made more money and was the 6th highest volune of sales Nationwide of all sears making what i do now at 4.25 an hour with my 3 percent commission but now i work way more and earn way less with no benefits no profit sharing no bonus no incentive. Screw this way of wage.
Whaaat? I didn’t know this was an SAT essay question but you definitely wasted your time with your words all in caps. Delusional trollers.
I am glad she said something about it. If a customer is paying for coach she should have sat in her seat and also if an attendant is being paid for his job he should at least be working rather then chatting the entire time.
It is company’s responsibility to make sure to keep there customers happy or they will loose business.
Why didn’t the author just mind his business. The plane was empty. The attendant should’ve upgraded everyone to fill up first class. That would’ve really pissed off the author.
So he let a friend sit in first class and chatted with her. They normally sit where you can’t see them anyway. Karen mentioned that the plane was pretty empty so I’m sure the other FA was able to cater to everyone’s needs. If their talking was so bothersome why not politely ask them to speak softly? All everyone does is complain about EVERYTHING! With all FAs have had to deal with lately, give him a break. Stop trying to get someone fired when this could have been resolved on the flight by asking the other FA to ask them to be quiet.
Yay! I’ve been reading and reading these comments to see if anybody was going to mention the obvious! Just let the other fa know that the two were talking too loud and please ask them to be quieter. The fa sitting with his friend really should have thought about being more quiet himself but sounds like they were having a lot of fun looking at the photos. Just ask them politely to be more quiet
It would be so nice if people could just worry about themselves. Like who taught you to be a snitch and write a whole article . Find a life.
Shawn you are the Truth! I feel sorry for these people in here so low with their integrity/character’s considerations and high on their own white label Karen juice… People please don’t vote… We don’t need another Chaz
I think I would upgrade my gf too. That’s the perks of FA’s.
Although, American Airlines is the worst, right along with Spirit in my book.
See how long you WAIT on a flight attendant after you PUSH the button above you.
So what’s the problem? We’re you or any of the other passengers inconvenienced?
Maybe you should mind your business.
Who cares? Hell I would upgrade my S/O too. And so what if he was chatty patty! I’m sure he wasn’t the only flight attendant on board and there was no catastrophe that occurred. Sit down, shut up, and mind ya damn business in that order and stop being an asshole. And lastly stop acting like your perfect and play by the rules every damn time♀️
I have never understood when they asy they don’t have time for service.
In a 27 min flight from Doha to Maman Bahrain you get a sandwich and drink. We lack service on all American carriers
It’s quite possible that the FA was not on duty. Pilots and flight attendants often “dead head” back to their hub or reposition for future flights. There are maximum duty hours for safety purposes that are usually strictly enforced. This passenger does not know the situation with this particular flight attendant.
I’ve had horrible experiences with rude AA employees to the point that I would refuse to fly with them again even if they have a lower cost flight or shorter flight than others. I’ve said I rather walk to my destinations than fly on AA.
Better yet we were delayed 30 minutes at the gate so so AA employees could catch a flt home form the football game In mobile , al.
Then they kept ti themselves and talk about it’s like thier own private jet…..will never fly them again and neither will family or business partners.
Amen to that!
The miracle of this story is not the catty and jealous Karen writing the article. The real news is: THERES ACTUALLY A STRAIGHT FLIGHT ATTENDANT?
Didagree, Jared. AA has been my fav airline for many years. They have always gone beyond to help me when my 4 children and i were flying. They have gone to extra lengths to get me out when flights canceled. Attendants have always been super great on flights. When passengers were unruly they have handled it well. They have NEVER , in 25 yrs, lost my luggage. They are my fav airline. They typically have the best prices. I cant say enuf about AA.
This was a PSA Flight Attendant NOT an American Airlines flight attendant. PSA is part of American Eagle. 2 different companies!
No excuse for the PSA FA to be so loud and rude.
Are you kidding? Can we take a breath here? So long as the airline fulfills its duty to YOU what difference does it make to you ?
Why are you jealous of some who is upgraded? FYI People get up graded and no, you don’t get to choose who. Yes, people talk and laugh, is there a rule against talking and laughing?
You deserve to expect to get what you stated you received–exactly what you paid for. Nothing more. Be happy if you get more than you paid for. But most importantly, stop being outraged and jealous about someone else getting more than they paid for, it has nothing to do with you! And as for the, “I think the attendant should work harder” mentality, you have no idea what they are paid to do on that mostly-empty flight that has traumatized you so much. Choose to be happy. Be satisfied with getting what you paid for…and abandon the jealousy of others who are happy and having fun.
Okay Matthew we read your absolutely horrible experience on American Airlines. You also shared with us everything about you and how important you are. I think this is a little bit about upgrade Envy. I think you took up enough of people’s time explaining about yourself and what a horrible horrible experience that was for you. If in fact you have taken all the flights you say you did is this really the worst thing you have ever experienced on the flight? You might want to think again. But I forgot it’s all about you. I was with flight attendant for 25 years for TWA. I work very very hard and because of this I’ve had for hernia operations and several foot operations all of which the doctors have told me had to do with my job. Just because this person a question might not have worked so hard for one day you blasted them. Maybe next time you’ll think before you talk. Perhaps you should keep all of your vast experience out of this because again you were reading about someone else weren’t you?
PSA is not American Airlines. The flight attendants are not American Airlines FAs and the Anetican Airlines unuon (APFA) does not represent PSA FAs. Write your story about PSA.
Maybe if we weren’t so offended by people’s missteps the t really wouldn’t be that big if a deal. And may have even been privately and instantly corrected . . Now the dramatic and hyperbolic cancel train is under way… Choo choo coming together and helping each other realize what’s inportant
I could care less for an adult that needs the validation of someone, easy to stand up and have a less that 60 seconds request to keep it quiet. Problem solved.
But this has to be even published to have some attention, really?
Really, to the person who summited this report. I can see if this Guy had his Girlfriend on this Flight Frequently, it would be a problem. Obviously the person complaining doesn’t care for young love! They were probably excited sharing memories of a event they shared together. But is it worth having the Guy Fired or Reprimanded from his Job?? All Airlines have Issues from time to time, but I have much respect for what, & who they have to deal with every Flight! Especially during this Covid Pandemic! So to the Person who complained, GET A LIFE, & SOME LOVE!!
i have no knowledge of why you are upset with American and that is your peroggative, however my mom who is 74 years old just retired from the airline industry after a 5x year career as a flight attendant. i have rode on many flights in my 50 years of age. not once in all that time did my mom upgrade me for free and not once when she worked a flight i was on did she sit beside me and neglect her passengers. yea my my finished her carreer with American and she worked for TWA. Just because someone cann afford to sit in first class does not mean they should be treated with disrespect. and for calling the Airline a joke is not your place either. my mom was honored with employee of the year multiple times and employee of the month multiple times. She even had an article published about her and the flight crew she was working with at the time. so to say they are all a joke shows how insugnicient your opion really is. There will always be bad employees in every profession. like somone else commented 80% do the right thing and about 20% do the wrong things. That is what we call life. Some people di not fit well in jobs and those need to be weeded out. not by blanket comments, but with constructive critisism to which give opprotunities for improvement.
I am an American Airlines “brat.” My father worked for American Airlines for 25 years as a mechanics foreman from 1960s until he retired. He truly loved his job and was very proud to work for American Airlines. He considered it the best airlines in the world, bar none!
Said to say in all my years traveling, I have seen a great decline in the quality of American Airlines. It starts from when you reserve your ticket to actually being on the airline. I don’t see the pride that I used to see when I was growing up.
My father would, I think, have a far different opinion of American Airlines now.
Anyone who pays for first class is a wanker. I’ll invest my money because I’m not stupid. This person deserved the “horrible” experience. I cant stop laughing.
Southwest airlines in my opinion is the best airlines..they require over 10,000 + miles of training..for their
P
pilots..I know this because I know a pilot for Southwest.
Most other airlines require ALOT LESS miles of training..like 300.
No comparism!comparison!! Go SOUTHWEST!!
Ok so first of all no one knows if the girlfriend was traveling with a buddy pass which would allow her to move up to first class without any additional payment or points. It’s 100% allowed. I am sure that the flight attendant would give his girlfriend one of the 24 passes he is allowed yearly. Secondly, was the employee actually on the clock or was he traveling to his next point of departure? Many times pilots and flight attendants travel in their uniform to reach their point of departure. True they should not have been disrupting the cabin whether it was first class or coach but the rest is just assumptions.
I say so what? People spending too much time batching over stupid things. I’m sure the FA DOES HIS JOB 99% OF TIME. THE GOVERMENT SLACKS EVERYDAY. Give the guy a break. Put some headphones on.
I find it highly suspicious that the author who “witnessed” this behavior can’t be man or woman enough to publish their name. Maybe it’s because you blew this completely out of proportion? Is it possibly because you are just a bitter, breed of person who clearly isn’t being treated with love and affection like the FA’s girlfriend? And that random passenger who assuaged her fears that she indeed was offended by this employee? Hmmm. Also. Let’s break down facts. PSA is wholly owned. It is NOT mainline. They ARE NOT American Airlines flight attendants. They are PSA employees. Why do I bring this up? Because the author didn’t even know that the union they mentioned doesn’t even represent the regional FA’s. So clearly this individual can’t even get the basics right. Yet we are to take her word and at face value? No ma’am. Now with that said. What did this diatribe solve? What good came from this clickbait post? All I see is someone stirring shit up for no reason at all. Stop being such a bitter Betty and drop the nasty storytelling. It’s not a good look.
Sounds like the person who wrote this and those who replied are acting like entitled snobs. Sounds like your passed there was empty flight and help was presented. Sorry you weren’t the center of attention like you and those who responded disappointed with these actions. You and everyone else are not special. Keep bitching about nothing that’s the world we live in and post it on some site. You are as awful as the person you posted this about.
Not only that Jared. Long ago when flying AA, I said and keep saying, the AA union destroyed that company. Iconic company which no longer represents the american spirit of serving others, quality, and safety. That was lost long ago.
I couldn’t agree with you more. This an airline where a person can just walk off the plane with your carryon luggages and they don’t try to help you figure out what happened, or give you options of what you should do or even get the camera’s in the checked. They just tell you it’s your problem not theirs. True story… this just happened to me 2 and a half weeks ago on an AA international flight that landed at Washington Dulles airport. I don’t expect great things from this Airline. All disappointment. Still waiting for a resolution not that I will get one judging by how I have been treated so far.
I’m more surprised to hear that a male flight attendant is heterosexual lol.
U right American Airlines are thieves also. On our way to Jamaica we gave Flight Attendant a 50$ bill for a 10$ snack . Plane lands No Change No Flight Attendant and when we went to Airline they ignored us. Must be another one of their attractions. Never Flying them Again
You brag about all the miles & destinations you’ve been, and yet you say you have never heard people chat so loudly, or heard babies cry, or someone like you complain so much? Since you planned on sleeping on a day flight (very poor choice BTW), why didn’t YOU go back to your quieter Bilge Class? You couldn’t appreciate 1st Class amenities while sleeping anyway. American Airlines is arguably the best & Premier airline in the USA, along with United. If you were the FA, I doubt you’d act any differently, especially being with a loved one. Why are you so against 1st Class perks for employee families, when it seems you get them 200,000 miles per year? I suggest you get a window seat, order a drink, and enjoy our magnificent & beautiful planet that few people ever get a chance to view from 35,000 ft.
The way American upgrades people to first class happens when the correct occasion happens between a family on a plane and the correct flight attendants do it if it needs to happen.
I don’t agree with you. American Airlines is a wonderful carrier. I flew with them a couple time and my experiences were first class although I was in economy.
Don’t let the misguided behavior of one employee blacken the Airlines good name.
FA appears to be void of any Savoir faire. Something that should be Baked into his personality.
I am currently employed at AA, I have worked for another major airline as well. I completely agree with all the comments I have read. I remember when major airlines took pride in delivering a good product for the passengers, of course they cared about their employees. Unfortunately almost all of the carriers are becoming sad in delivering a good flight for their passengers. You can’t complain about the unruly passengers if you can’t provide a quality service. From the time you enter the airport till you reach your destination it should be stress free. Not anymore even for employees that fly. That flight attendant should be fired and the others working that flight should be reprimanded.
Thank you Dave. Appreciate your comment.
I get the feeling writer has exaggerated the situation to get an article in.
This guy should mind his business. With all that’s going on in this world…he chose “THIS” to complain about. GEEZ… grow up people and complain about something Real!
American Airlines is my airline of choice and I think everyone is overreacting here. Quit being jealous someone gets to spend time with their significant other and quit being a Karen. Grow up.
Like Caribbean Airlines too..no help from a Ticketing Agent yesterday at GAIA, Barbados to book a flight for a friend from Jamaica. She refused to help me so I walked away. 1.40 p.m. I hope she knows the Airline has $700 million losses and is restructuring.
Did OP miss out on any service? No, According to his post
Did OP have issues with his seating assignment? No.
Do you know for a fact the said girlfriend didn’t pay for the upgrade and subsequent move to FC? No.
Did anyone else on flight (by your own words plane was mostly empty) miss out on service? No it seems.
Did OP get his feelings hurt because he felt slighted for whatever reason? Yes IMO.
Maybe they needed time together. Maybe the other FA’s were okay with it. Maybe there’s a lot more to this But really just live and let live.
It sounds to me like these 2 women were just jealous they didn’t have a friend to laugh with and share pics. What is the harm in a flight attendant using some perks on 1 flight out of thousands he probably works very hard on. That job is not easy and this was more than likely a one time occasion that his friend was on his flight and he took 2 little hours to enjoy it and treat her special. And what cowards these women ate to not confront the flight attendant and ask him to quiet down. I am sure he would have obliged. You ladies never do anything personal at your job?? Oh wait… You both probably don’t work. Please we need less haters in this world and more love. Be happy that these 2 people were enjoying each others company. Writing a complaint later instead of just asking them to quiet down really takes the cake. My advice, find your own people to love and lay off hard working people just trying to make their world a little brighter for 2 lousy hours. Get a life Karen!!
All of you have the biggest sticks up your butts. Yeah sure they could’ve been a little quieter and possibly would have been had said passenger just freaking asked them to quiet down. You people seem like the most self-entitled boomers I’ve ever seen. He’s on a flight with his gf and who knows how long they’ve been apart so he was probably just excited to see her. It’s none of your business mind you. “I paid $8000 for a flight” the hell is wrong with you? Obviously you got money to spend and throwing that in other people’s stuff is just about the rudest thing you can do. Fact of the matter is you people need to take those sticks up your butts and yank them out. Maybe you’ll be a little happier in life.
If you want quiet and privacy, fly private jets. Nothing is wrong here except a spoiled wealthy person complaining. This is the same kind of person who’d complain if a mother had to travel with kids or if two gays were making out the whole time.
How hard is the airline workers job that his relationships suffer at the cost of your travel? Yes. It comes with the job. He took a flight with the girlfriend so they could have a romantic getaway-get over it. It was one flight where you didn’t get a nap. You shouldn’t be sleeping on a plane so I can hear you snore or make it difficult for others to get over you either. Get over your entitlement.
Why didn’t he just politely ask them to lower their voices?
Really? Honestly the only difference between porcupines and first class passengers would be that the pricks are on the inside. Their stupidity is only equaled to the airlines cupidity. To separate seating by class of what? All seating on public transportation should be equally sized and take into consideration the safety and comfort of all, not the unprincipled few that actually believe they deserve better than anyone else.
What is the big deal !? Would not any person do that for a friend, girlfriend, family member ? What is the big deal at all ?
It’s not the upgrade, it’s the fact they were LOUD. You don’t even see that as a little bit problematic?
As a former flight attendant, it makes me angry reading stories like this from privileged people. So you mean to tell me, first class is the only place where you aren’t allowed to talk loudly?? Really? You really have to be in the back of the plane to carry a loud conversation? You’d hate me and my baby then. I fly first class every other 2 weeks thanks to work, and my baby is LOUD in that front row of first class honey. If you wanted a true “private” experience, where no one was loud, no one “disturbed” your peace, then fly private and you’ll only have to please yourself! Cry me a river. This is the epitome of privileged!
The EMPLOYEE should not talk loudly. What is so hard about that, Amanda?
So dramatic. I thought the article was written by a Karen but made it worse that it was a man Karen. You are bothered because he sat down in first class but it would be okay if it was in economy? And talking about his duties and stuff as if you hired him? Get over it Karen!
People don’t realize you’re not dealing with AA because they were bought out by US Air. They kept the American Airlines for name recognition. Being an ex AA employee I can tell you the company is falling apart from the inside out. AA was a good airline to fly as well as work for in the pre US Air days. Now the US Air management is using their style of management and blaming the blunders and rude behavior on AA. It’s a sad commentary. Thanks for listening.
My husband, two kids (12 and 9), and myself flew in December. San Diego to Philly. Took the red eye so we could try to sleep a little, and the flight attendants talked the entire time after beverage service. Got to hear some juicy and personal info. TMI. My daughter, who sleeps like a rock, actually commented that they were loud. Same on the way back. Won’t be flying with them again
Why is minding your own business not a thing.
Haha. I think the author Klint, was jealous the male FA had a female girlfriend.
I will completely avoid AA. I’ve had nothing but bad experiences. They consistently send an email a day prior to your flight to let you know your flight has been cancelled and they have two other options for you. Example: I had to arrive in JFK from SAN at 3:30 pm to connect with my 5:30 pm flight to Europe. They canceled that flight and give an option to arrive at JFK at 7:30 pm (missing my connection) or arriving at JFK the NEXT day!! Another issue, they’re always late pulling out of the gate, and if you have a connection you miss it. They put you on another flight with 2 stop overs when you originally had only one or a direct flight. THEY ARE HORRIBLE!
Jared Houser, appreciate your comments and your article and obviously, it comes with some background which means that you’ve been previously hurt by somebody using first class that should not be there.
However, a lot depends on the circumstances, including the flight capacity, how long is the flight, etc., etc.
I am a frequent flyer with million miles on both American Airlines and a few others. I find American Airlines’ service and delivery onboard and a port a par with all major airlines, their aircraft like most USA aircraft lack what some Middle eastern Airlines may have, however, their cabin service is 2nd to none. I myself often gift 1st class tickets to people who may not have flown or experienced it. Most often I find frequent fliers behave just as good as bad then ones and fly first class for the first time.
In the words of Paul McCartney let it be.
American is just larger international Ryanair at this point (I’d rather fly Ryanair- at least the cost fits the product)
“ Instead the FA chose an area of the plane where people pay for a premium experience.”
Anyone “paying” for a premium experience on an AA flight to Tallahassee deserves what they get. It’s all upgrades and it’s a short flight so it’s a drink and a snack puck from the basket.
That said, no excuse for the behavior by the FA.
This isn’t his normal experience with AA? Lucky him. While this is beyond outrageous, this is by no means unusual in certain aspects (eg, AA FAs playing on their phone, texting, chatting, etc. for the vast duration of the flight instead of doing their duties in first or biz).
I avoid AA at all costs. They are the absolute worst of traditional airlines
“To the flight attendant: American Airlines does not pay you to sit down in first class and chat with your girlfriend during the flight”
No they don’t. They pay you to sit inside of the zipped curtain area of the galley and chat with the other FA during the flight.
Yep, that’s what I experience. I always fly first class. After drink service the first class FA seem to “disappear” in the back with the other FA. When I get up and look back it’s a sea of glowing faces…all on their phones.
legitimately asking do you want fa’s to walk down the aisle every 2 seconds? when no one calls them they have nothing to do. use your brain.
That’s why you have a call light. They “disappear” so people in the cabin can sleep and do work. They are only a button click away…
You folks should be ashamed of yourselves talking poorly about flight attendants. Are we sinking this low? They aren’t there to serve you snacks— they go through rigorous 8month training to be able to safely evacuate an aircraft, give you shock should you have a heart attack and perform cpr until a doctor arrives. You have no idea the multitude of things they are responsible for but you’d never know because they smile through missing their families every holiday and missing major life events all to get ungrateful people like you to your destination.
This article is trash.
Completely agree with you! Matthew needs to up his story lines. In the big scheme of things this story is [redacted].
Watch the language, please.
I’ve had great service in American Airlines. After the drinks are served on a short flight, what else is there’s to do. this is hardly worth mentioning let alone follow up on. You think somebody should lose their job over this? Good grief.
Im w Sur I’ve had great service in American Airlines. After the drinks are served on a short flight, what else is there’s to do. this is hardly worth mentioning let alone follow up on. You think somebody should lose their job over this? Good grief.
Who here realizes that a flight attendant can get you barred from flights for life? All he would have to do was submit this guys name to the no fly list and he would be toast! He handled it 100% perfectly!
I have no problem with them disappearing, sitting anywhere texting, or whatever. I don’t even care that he brought his girlfriend up to first class and he sat and talked with her. My issue is that they were loud, which means now you’re being inconsiderate and rude; violating my space. Now I have a problem. Being inconsiderate and rude is unacceptable, and I will call you out on it every time. I don’t care what you do, your position, your company, etc. You aren’t the only people on the plane. Be aware of your surroundings, bottom line.
Matthew: I am not Anti-American Airlines
Also Matthew: Daily topics on how shitty AA is (esp. around FL flights)
There’s a dialectic, which Matthew achieves, between not being anti-AA, and also writing about dumb things that AA does, particularly on a *aviation-based blog.” It’s a false choice to need to choose one or the other.
I have seen this happen many many times on international flights on Delta and AA. Right after door closes you see someone moving from coach to business. Why do I know they are acquainted to the FAs? Because what happened on the flight described above was very similar to what happened on my flights. There were instances where the upgraded person and one of the FAs even hugged and kissed (on the cheeks) when flight was completed. Many times the FA spent a lot of time next to the upgraded person during the flight chatting. It is a club!!! They always do that.
While I’m sure there are instances like you mentioned regarding FAs, if there are open seats in first or business class are closing boarding, they may move up non-rev passengers or revenue upgrades. It’s perfectly normal and not something to worry about…most airline companies do the same thing.
I’ve said it many times. AA is a marketing firm that flies airplanes…
Every AA supervisor I’ve spoken to in the last 12 years emphasized there’s no in-flight unpaid upgrades allowed by the airline and doing so constitute grounds for loss of union protection and cause for immediate termination.
He is NOT an AA employee. He is employed by, trained by and managed by PSA Airlines… And while is a wholly-owned subsidiary, it is a separate company.
You are absolutely correct, and the author should have fact checked this information prior to publication. American Airlines Mainline FAs are trained by AA to a different standard than the Regionals. The smaller “Regional” Jets are owned and operated by other companies who hire and train their own FAs. They are very often younger, less experienced FAs than the Mainline Crews. And while AA always takes full responsibility for these Crews and their behavior, I really wish that all FAs weren’t all clumped together by the public. Mainline FAs who fly for any major Airline – including AA, United, Delta and Alaska – are all different than the FAs who work on the smaller Regionals. They may fly under the same banner, but their training is definitely NOT the same.
Exactly, the author of the story is an idiot. The flight attendant does not work for American Airlines, nor does she belong to American’s union.
“PSA Airlines… And while is a wholly-owned subsidiary, it is a separate company.”
It cannot be both a “wholly owned subsidiary” and still be a “separate company”
You don’t seem to know what basic words mean. If a company is “wholly owned” by another company it is by definition… Not “separate”.
I don’t necessarily blame a flight attendant for doing this with a nearly empty first cabin on a short flight. However, nonrevs are a major source of irritation on international flights. No, I’m not happy nonrevs are sitting in business and then talking loudly with their friends in the galley. Nonrev perks for flight attendants and pilots should be eliminated. People are always going to behave differently when they are nonrev and didn’t have to fork over tons of points/miles or cash for business/or earn status.
Flight attendants make barely livable Money and you want to have nonrev privileges removed LMAO what a joke
I agree we need to worry about just trying to breathe normal air again not about a flight attendant moving his girlfriend on a short flight to first class
you realize the main perk of being a fa or pilot is nonrev right? for friends and family? we work insane hours and deal with so much and the nonrev is a benefit to go with our friends somewhere or help our friends and family, we deserve it. eliminate and everyone would quit. trust me.
Do you think every FA or pilot lives next to the airport? Over half of us commute to work every work using non rev benefits. You wanting those to be taken away shows that you know nothing about the aviation industry.
I am sure that you get perks on your job. Stop complaining and start flying more got your upgrades.
How do you know how much a nonrev pays. All companies have perks, for the airlines, travel, just happens to be ours. These days, lower tier nonrevs might pay more for their seats and behave better than full fare. And who pays full fare for anything anymore. Most of you try to get as much as you can and pay the least amount.
Good luck taking nonrev benefits away from Pilots and Flight attendants. There are already mass cancellations due to staff shortages, just see what happens if you take away the only upside of the job.
Wow. Expected to be demeaned by the general public but by a fellow FA who thinks they are better than their regional counter parts it’s just disrespectful. Wholly owned regional flights of AA account for 60% of AA’s routes. PSA flight attendants also have AA employee numbers as well as wear the exact same uniform as mainline. As a matter of fact the only way you would be able to tell the difference from a mainline FA to that of one of AA’s regional wholly owned companies is by looking at their wings which in passing most do not notice. At the end of the day my dear we ALL do the same job and no one is less experienced than anyone else and to imply that your training is better or more in depth is false due to the lack of standards that I’ve seen flying on mainline flights. But of course, that conversation isn’t ready to be had…
100% agree. Thank you for your comment.
Kudos. Yes the job is so hard already, the perc
Kudos. Yes the job is so hard already, the percs is all they have
This was NOT an American Airline flight attendant. This was an FA for PSA–and entirely different company with different training and management. Get the full story correct if you are going to be bashing… BTW…posting this information publicly, which is easily searchable, makes you the judge and jury…and you are getting this information SECOND HAND!!
SHAME ON YOU for doing this….you have no proof that it happened or the circumstances as you were not there!
I trust the source. Any other questions?
These FAs on this flight aren’t even in the same union as AA FA’s…in fact, their President is the President of the United Airlines FA Union…so perhaps you should check your sources and do your research better. Also, your ‘informer’ never said the woman was his girlfriend or significant other, YOU made that up.
I have a real issue with self-appointed ‘service police’ who go after front line, customer service people and try to get them disciplined or fired by attacking them personally- on the internet. It’s petty, intrusive and mostly immature… And you did it second-hand… And you call yourself an “industry expert”?
DCA to Tallahassee is typically a 2:15 to 2 hour and 30 minute flight. If you publish anecdotal material you should at least do your due diligence.
Matthew, you are full of s***. You obviously don’t know the difference between American Airlines and their contract carriers. And to repeat a story like that based on what someone told you? You sound like Donald Trump when he tells some lie paraphrased by the first words, “I was told” or “people are saying”. If you own liveable fly, I guess you can publish all the rubbish you care to, but if you have a boss, they should fire your dumb ass. You are no journalist. That I am positive of.
PSA is not a contract carrier. Along with PIEDMONT and ENVOY, PSA is wholly-owned and is part of the American Airlines Group. Republic is a contract carrier.
Do you have any friends? I would trust you about three feet from me , after that you are a crook.
No questions, but your constant bashing of AA is beyond tiresome. I do not work for AA, and never have, but I have many, many good experiences flying with them. “Me thinks thou dost protest too much!” Sounds more, and more like sour grapes. What happened? Did they not hire you when you wanted a job?
They are allowed to upgrade standbys. The flight was clearly regional given it’s PSA which means the ONLY duties the FA had was beverage service. After that they sit in their jump seats till they prepare for landing. So he did his job. The only thing he’s guilty of is being loud.
Source dude just trust me…
I don’t force you to read this…
Sounds like JPB is an American Airlines employee or a stockholder. Can’t see any other reason that he’s so offended and bent out of shape that someone would post a bad experience on American Airlines. Hahahaha!
You are as stupid as the author. The flight attendant in question DOES NOT WORK FOR AMERICAN AIRLINES.
He doesn’t work for American Airlines but PSA Airlines, a subsidiary of the American Airlines Group.
If you work for a wholly owned subsidiary, you essentially work for the parent company.
When your are wholly owned that means your are 100% part of the parent. That’s what wholly owned means. They are a subunit of the larger company, but still ultimately belong to the larger company.
sounds like a phony story from a pessimestic person living a very sad existence. If empty seats his girlfriend likely was flying non rev and could have had that first class seat anyways under company policy. Stop being such a karen. You got a free upgrade and feel all entitled lmao
EXACTLY…upgrades for non-revs are FREE. AND–the writer of this piece of garbage wasn’t even there and has no first-hand knowledge–some ‘reader’ he trusts sent it to him…. No wonder these self-appointed “industry experts” are viewed mostly as jokes now….
You have to list your partner/spouse/friend for business/first in order to get it…
Ummm..so? that’s easy…takes a couple mins. AND how do you know what transpired before..or even during this. You are posting 2nd-hand gossip from “a reader you trust”. WOW….
You are so lame. Such a hater…
Not entirely and also do you know this because you know someone that is a FA or even gate agent? That’s not how it works. How about you interview then about their experiences with any and all passengers. So.. therefore…That’s not doing your due diligence in providing such information..which makes this story ridiculous and providing with wrong and even misleading information. Also, non revs can and it is a right to be seated upfront(upgraded). It is part of the flight perks and it is a paid flight ticket still. Especially since the pay is ridiculous. .. it all sounds like a personal experience which to me doesn’t even validate the fact that FA have so much more to deal with on flight. Why not you write about that instead? Especially amid this crazy pandemic experience, especially when flying… tHAT sounds for a much better read. Also..
The passenger wasn’t complaining about the FA giving his girlfriend a 1st class seat. Read the article! They were complaining about the FA being loud and obnoxious with his gf the whole flight, Since the FA was supposed to be working, you’d think he would have been smart enough not to be disruptive to the other passengers. If he wasn’t so loud, no one would have noticed or cared that he was sitting with her, especially if when someone hit their call button, he got them what he needed. A FA’s job is not just keeping passengers safe You are glorified waiter/ waitresses and butlers /maids You knew that when you took the job. It’s what you get paid for. The pandemic doesn’t change that. And I’m not putting any of those jobs down. I was thinking about being a FA when I was younger. Obviously FA’s are not that overworked if he can sit there the whole flight. I know that you go through a lot of B S these days from out 9f line fliers and guess what– you complain about them when they get disruptive! Yet the passengers who are not causing any problems aren’t supposed to complain about an FA that’s being disruptive and keeping them from getting a nap in before they have to go to work when they get off the plane? If he gets written up or fired, he brought that on himself. All he had to do was keep his voice down and there wouldn’t have been a problem. Any employer expects their employees to conduct themselves professionally, when on the premises, in this case, the plane, and in uniform. The pandemic isn’t an excuse for not doing the job you get paid for, cause just going around calling people Karen’s isn’t going to help you when your living on the streets. I didn’t realize so many people are that illiterate that they can read a ( short) blog, (which is an opinion, so the writer has the right to write about anything) and not even be close to knowing what it is about.
Yes. I have been upgraded on a Delta flight even though I was non-rev. I can see that might have been the case. However the FA sitting and loudly chatting the entire flight is completely unacceptable. And I speak as a former AA employee.
Amen. What a bitchy little passive aggressive complaint. He blasts flight attendants for mitigating their exposure to COVID, publicly slams this flight attendant in this BS story, then turns around and kisses up to the overwhelming number of hardworking flight attendants at not just American mind you, but at all carriers. Dude, you are way to deep in your feelings. Get an effin grip, and GTFOH!!!
“Mitigating” exposure by wearing cloth masks, but God forbid the passengers need a drink of water on a six hour flight. What a logical move…
I’ve been critical of some of your stuff, but your dead on right here. The FAs at AA are just screwing passengers over using COVID as an excuse
they let you take off your mask to drink and eat. been on a flight during covid or nah?
they let you take off your mask to drink and eat. you been on a flight after covid or nah?
This is the [redacted] piece of content I’ve ever read. A little thought to less trite matters would make your opinions less painful to read.
Watch your language.
Did this FA ignore bells and/or refuse to give a glass of water to someone? You sound like a real smacked ass.
Also appears all these direct flights are on CR7-Canadair RJ 700 aircraft.
Again, what “Premium Experience” did this source expect?
The airlines need to figure out how to stop of this deterioration of service since the pandemic. There are more people willing to pay for domestic F than ever before. I certainly am. (I think there was even an article, maybe in the WSJ, about how people were redirecting spending from international business class to domestic F.) And people are less loyal than before. The airlines that fix this will be more likely to get the premium dollars. Those that don’t, like AA, will be competing with the other LCCs on price.
Incidentally, if this happened to me, I would have complained by email, mentioning names, and asked for compensation.
Makes no sense…if the “girlfriend’ was a non-rev, she would have been upgraded for free to an empty F/C seat.
That’s where the entire story lost me. It could not have been true after he said that, Mainline, PSA, Envoy and Piedmont employees pay NO extra to list anyone (other than their parents) in the Premium Cabin.
Airline Employees take care of their own, it will always be like that at least in North America. I’ve worked at several airlines and am now a registered guest of an AA employee who switched industries, and OP would be PISSED if they found out how many special favors are done for non-revs when agents and flight attendants feel like it.
I could write a book of every story of preferential treatment I’ve had from agents and FAs.
Mr. Klimt, chill. AA is a private company and the flight attendant did not use public funds. So please stop being so miserable and envious of ppl that have a relationship other than going around trying to get attention.
It was inappropriate conduct and grounds for discipline.
Says who?? You weren’t even there and know absolutely NO SPECIFICS of who the “girlfriend” was or what actually transpired…
Some would say you are a privileged, passive aggressive, part of the problem little b. What happened to respectfully asking for what you need. After the flight attendant gets fired, and hopefully next time you fly on that particular carrier, you will be denied your glass of red whine due to staffing shortages.
I’ve given up (most) drinking in 2022!
Have to agree. People pay good money for the comfort/space/more quiet in domestic first class. The passenger didn’t get what he or she paid for because most passengers wouldn’t be as loud as these to. Nonrev is an antiquated perk that has no place in any benefits package. This was an nonrev upgrade as the passenger was in economy, however, it’s the same issue. Paying passengers/those who used earned miles get the shaft.
What a loser
U dum
The FA in question is not even in the same union–so the basis for your article about the union ‘fighting to cut back service’ makes no sense. If you did your due diligence, you might have known this…
Cutbacks apply to all AA / AA Eagle flights, so…?
WRONG!! the AA union you are attributing this to and referring to at the beginning of your sad little article said NOTHING about AA Eagle flights because those carriers are not in it’s wheel-house, nor do they have any say in their policies or procedures. Just admit it, Mattie, you don’t know what you’re talking about here.
Your a Whiney little pussy posting gossip for clicks.
Instead of the FA, I think you needed to be “rooted out and held accountable” for your shoddy, inaccurate and petty blog post…which consists of second-hand gossip, and several inaccuracies that should have been researched first.
LOL. Struck a nerve, didn’t I? Was that you who brought up your GF. You going to justify the action? I would not have published it if I did not trust the source…
OOOH BOY….You are even more petty and personally vindictive than I thought.. You put karens to shame.
And the most amazing part, you were not even there! It’s teenage 2nd-hand gossip being pedaled as “industry news”. What a joke! You certainly are no industry expert
Good luck with the review board!
LOL….#1–it’s not me.
#2–there is no “review board” You continue to reveal with each snarky response how ignorant you are of how the industry works and how petty you are.
You’re digging yourself into a deeper hole.
See, I know you don’t like my classification of this Envoy FA as “AA” but such a designation was made deliberately, not out of ignorance that AA and Envoy are under different employment contracts. And flight attendants who break protocol are not simply fired, but are given a chance to defend their conduct. Whatever your term for it, it will come down to a review board if the FA in question is called out for his conduct.
Speaking of sitting flight attendants – has anyone else noticed over the past couple of years the increased frequency of the pilot’s announcement that “due to turbulence” the FAs are being asked to sit down? (And “sorry” for the disruption in service.) The announcement may or may not be followed by some very mild turbulence for a few minutes, while the FAs remain seated for essentially the rest of the flight. I’ve seen this pattern often enough in recent months to leave me with no doubt they are making excuses to limit interactions with the passengers (i.e., provide service) due to Covid.
Yes, I’ve seen it too!
No service in FIrst Class on an AA flight from TPA to PHL recently using that excuse. No drinks, and no contact or apology from the FA’s and I’ve been on far worse flights for turbulence before. It’s absolutely being used as an excuse.
It is called snowflake generation. A mild wind may move the plane a bit and affect their emotional conditions causing irreparable damage. I mentioned before that FAs are useless and won’t help at all in a case of emergency. They are there just to makes passengers lives miserable.
The only person with obvious issues with flight attendants….and grammar is you. I am not rude, and will always attend to customers needs. I prefer to work first class. I have proudly flown the purser position because I do believe in stepping up, and have done so for over 24 years. I have been with Anerican for 27 years, so I take exception to people like you lumping all us into your narrow minded basket. I don’t know what you do for a living, but whatever it is you do, you need to learn that just like you might have a bad day…..so might someone else. And speaking of snowflakes, in the case of an emergency, the way you rant-YOU would be last able body person that I would call on to assist….SNOWFLAKE ❄️
Wow! I am not, and have never been, employed by an airline, but your attitude amazes me. Aren’t you just soooo perfect? I can understand why you have a hard time getting service. No one wants to wait on such a selfish, entitled, condescending person. Why don’t you try being as nice to these “servants,”–as you obviously consider them to be–as you want them to be to you? Imagine, a “servant” want to sit down occasionally. You and Matthew, both. are completely out of line and way off base!
Would you quit being such a snowflake? Please.
Wow. We aren’t gonna risk getting hurt or hitting the ceiling so you can get your Diet Coke Earl. If the captain tells us to sit down, we sit down. It’s a precaution. Sometimes it’s not as bumpy as predicted. But it’s still better safe than sorry. And sometimes, by the time it’s ok to get up, there may not be time to do an entire service for the entire cabin as we are getting too close to landing. Are you gonna pay for any medical bills if an injury is incurred? Cause once the company asks if the captain told you to sit down and you weren’t in your seat buckled up, it’s not gonna be the company either. It’s not some grand conspiracy with the pilots and FAs so the FAs can sit down and not do a service. I’ve heard too many horror stories or injuries occurring during turbulence. Not risking it, sorry.
Not true!!! Turbulence most of the time is unexpected if the pilots get notified that there may be turbulence the only way to insure the safety of the crew is to have them sit until it’s safe to get up or for the whole flight‼️
This is PATHETIC. People like you are the reason so many flights attendants feel pressured to do service during bad turbulence and get very badly injured. I’m one of them! If the pilot tells us to sit because of turbulence it’s either because the reports from other pilots or they can see the weather. Just because it’s moderate doesn’t mean anyone wants to take the risk to go down the aisle with a huge cart and then have the severe turbulence start. Is your Diet Coke really that important?
With all that time talking, I hope he still had time to share that amazing opportunity from Barclays…
By the way folks, I love giving praise when praise is due:
https://liveandletsfly.com/american-airlines-777-300er-business-class-review/
What kind of shoddy reporting is this? First and foremost AA5597 is not operated by American Airlines, it’s operated by PSA airlines therefore the person in question isn’t even an AA flight attendant, nor do they share the same Union. He is a PSA flight attendant represented by a different Union and was hired, trained, and is compensated and managed by a different airline, PSA Airlines – they also sign his paychecks every month, not AA.
So had you done even a little of your due diligence you should have changed your title to “PSA flight attendant upgrades his girlfriend …” but then that wouldn’t be clickbait enough for you right? Which is what this garbage of an “article” is – clickbait, since it isn’t even based on facts but rather on hearsay from some random person who could’ve made entire thing up.
This is a a sad clickbait article, and shoddy excuse for reporting with zero due diligence done. Why do you even pretend to be unbiased at this point? You’re an AA hater and everything you post regarding AA is one of the following: negative, derogatory and/or ignorant.
Do some research, don’t be ignorant, be better.
Same IP address “Alex”. Try Express VPN next time.
I’m using Nord VPN actually. Thanks for the quick response. Any comment on your clickbait “article” or changing the title to reflect the actual subject matter and perhaps a disclaimer letting your readers know that it’s based entirely on hearsay?
– Alex
Busted, lol
YEP–Alex, he’s actually that petty.
Also, an edit function would be fantastic, there are a couple of grammatical errors I’d like to fix.
On January 17 I flew American from Charlottesville to Birmingham. We were first class from Charlotte to Birmingham. I was surprised by how unprofessional the flight attendants were. Two spent most of the flight talking in really loud voices about employee benefits packages after achieving certain levels of service. They cared nothing about the passengers. Their manner was rude. Then adding insult to injury they spent more time than anything done for passengers trying to sell some mileage plan or credit card. The difference between American and Delta is huge. This article is totally consistent with our recent experience.
Gee, I feel so sorry for you…that you have to live your life being so put upon by these “servants” of the air. I wish we could rate your articles. How miserable your life must be to have to put up with such terrible service, day after day. Imagine how they must feel having to put up with high and mighty you and those of your ilk. Why don’t you just drive or take a train or boat. No one is forcing any of you to fly.
Get off your high horse. I certainly don’t think that way. It doesn’t excuse the conduct of the flight attendant now, does it?
If the “cross contamination” is so egregious, why do I routinely see parents take their screaming kids from first class on walks down the peasant aisles?
Who said anything about “cross contamination”? The issue is not about class, it is primarily about redness. Or do you defend loud and obnoxious people?
Sure wish you flew on one of my flights, different major carrier , UA. I love my job.
Contrary to your belief & others, I was paid quite well, mind you 36 yrs tenure.
I work F/C mostly, however, have worked Economy as well. I always made it a point to treat all passengers as if they were first class within guidelines of course.
If ever I witnessed loud disturbances I always discreetly handled situation. Doesn’t matter who you are and/ or status, if anyone is causing a disturbance it needs to be quashed. Of course, if I’m purser I can’t be everywhere at all times and must rely on the passenger call light. If a passenger doesn’t make it known, I’ll never know. The inconsiderate loud behavior is unacceptable on an airplane no matter who you are, where you’re seated and especially by an employee, regardless of travel status. Bottomline: If a passenger is uncomfortable with surroundings, please contact Purser. Thank you for your time.
Perhaps I’ve flown with you, before! Never had this issue on UA.
Unless it’s a crew member in uniform positioning for work (and space is available) there is no reason that any non rev should be in premium cabins. Period. It’s a liability to the airline in their behavior off duty and it’s more than obvious to others around them. Let them endure off duty what everyone else must. Perhaps they will appreciate the experience a bit more.
What are you talking about? Non-revs behave better than paying customers since misbehaving while non-revving is a fireable offense. This article is entirely based on hearsay, I’ve never seen a non-rev misbehave.
I have witnessed non revs off duty totally taking over cabins and turning them into social clubs. The most common are Intl F cabins on AA which is a dumping ground of non revs. Why? Because who would actually pay (I learned my lesson after years of it) for this? Fly on the DFW-LHR flight sometime and witness The F cabin which is a complete free for all.
I’m honestly sorry that you’ve had such terrible experiences with non-revs. I actually live in London, have been commuting to and from there for work for many years and can say that pre-COVID non-revs almost never got to sit in first/business class as these cabins were mostly full of upgrades/full fare customers.
I’ve never been on an international flight where the purser would ever allow non-revs to create a disturbance, as again, that would be a fireable offense for the non-rev, the airline is actually incredibly strict with employee travel rules.
I’m not trying to invalidate your experience, but again, I’ve personally never witnessed non-revs misbehaving like that and not be reprimanded by the working crew, I hope you reported the incident though, they company would have taken swift action in that particular instance.
So you’re calling him a liar or not? You’re contradicting your self. As he stated “I have witnessed” that’s translates to he has personally seen it happen with his own eyes. Hope that is clear enough for you.
Everyone needs to caaaaaaaaalm down. You make it sounds like this is the worst thing I’m the history of travel, worse than the titanic.
You know, I used to think that FAs were often lazy, and frequently rude, but Alex, Tony, and JPB have made me realize that they’re all really hard working professionals who aren’t just primarily there for my safety, but to make me feel welcome onboard too. Thanks for changing my perception, guys… I hope to see you and your girlfriend onboard soon!
Thanks “Jerry”.
I’m a consumate professional, definitely hope to see you AND your girlfriend onboard soon!
p.s. you’re welcome for the correction on Matthew’s shoddy “reporting”.
My name doesn’t need to be in quotation marks, it really is Jerry, and I only post under one name. I also can’t tell if you got my sarcasm or not. I guess I’m not as funny as I think I am.
Sorry for repeat posting. But just going to say after reading the comments (that are mostly from one person?) that it’s pretty clear the FA’s are in the driver’s seat these days. With staff shortages and subsequent pressure they are now just exercising their laziness to demand doing less and less. Even so much as attacking anyone who dares to question it (as we see here). I would hate to be the one trying to manage this from a corporate level. I can say it as I hate being a customer and witnessing it.
It was bad enough before Covid. But wow, now? Instead of a lesson in how to be better, instead of saying, “yes, we should focus more on quality as it will be more rewarding as a profession,” it’s just attack anyone that questions laziness or being unprofessional.
JPB, you are part of the problem. I suggest you grab a copy of Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance so as to realign your engine and feel the hum of quality.
Speaking for myself, I’m merely here correcting Matthew’s shoddy and misinformed “article”. Also, I’m not excusing anyone’s behavior, I merely pointed out that this article wasn’t written based on verifiable facts, but purely on hearsay and correcting the record that this Flight Attendant doesn’t work for American Airlines, he works for PSA Airlines and he is a member of an entirely different union, again, attempting to correct Matthew’s shoddy reporting.
If what has been written is proven to be true though, this PSA flight attendant should definitely be punished, no question about it. I don’t advocate for laziness and/or unprofessionalism, I’m merely (respectfully) pointing out the inaccuracies in Matthew’s reporting and the fact that this is a clickbait article.
If you are a regular reader here you will know that Matthew is pretty diligent at vetting out sources and stories. I am not saying he is perfect, but he has proven himself to be more than fair over the years. Sure, I like him, I might be one-sided, but I am also an a-hole at times and the first to call out b-sh$t. If anyone on the Boarding Area platform is honest and sincere, it’s Matthew. With that, you are welcome to counter. However, there is no doubt that the degradation of service has and will lead to more of these stories. And it might be better used as a time to reflect and ask yourself some hard questions as to career, quality, and professionalism.
I don’t doubt what you’re saying, but he made some pretty egregious mistakes (that have been proven)
and has yet to correct them. Starting from the title of the article, this FA doesn’t work for AA, but he kept the title for clickbait purposes as changing it wouldn’t generate him enough traffic.
I addressed this issue in my story explicitly. You must read beyond the headline. Call it what you want, but to the vast majority of passengers, a flight attendant wearing an AA uniform who operates an AA flight number on a plane with AA livery with AA-branded safety cards and napkins…is an AA flight attendant.
It’s not like mainline flight attendants are all saints either…I’ve flown in first class between JFK-LAX, also known as the non-rev cabin, that has included raucous conversation between NRSAs and FAs. But I’m much more forgiving of that than sneaking a passenger into first class, sitting down, and proceeding to ignore other passengers and even disturbing those around him instead of working whilst on duty.
I’d be interested in hearing what “duties” the FA was “neglecting”. Since, as she says, the flight was pretty empty.
Your source sounds like a Karen. If they were being too loud, say so. Would she have any recourse if it had NOT involved the FA? No.
Also the idea of “paying for a premium experience” in ANY domestic US F/C cabin is ridiculous. You get free bags, a bigger seat, and maybe some food & drinks. It’s not The Apartment on Etihad and never will be.
The flight attendants that I fondly recall are those that constantly monitored the cabin to ensure that glasses were kept full, even on an early morning flight.
Do you have ANY idea how many enemies you just made with this petty article? You are one DUMB dude. Best you probably bring your own food and drink if you’re recognized. Wow.
Are you advocating for this?
I’m an Executive Platinum member and would love to experience this.
Monitoring a cabin, yes. Glasses are kept full though? A stretch. You are not at a restaurant. They are there for YOUR safety and the safety of the aircraft. Not to monitor your drink fullness. I do not agree with the flight attendants actions, however I do believe we do forget the primary function of a flight attendant. Your fond flight memories should be those that are conducted seamlessly, timely and SAFE. Not based on how well your drinks & snacks have been monitored. Also, remember that flight attendants are humans, and are entitled to mistakes without being this far criticized. It makes the job that much more difficult, especially in this atmosphere. I think the article was just a little tone deaf for the times. Violence in the air is at an all time high, mental health of FAs is at an all time low. A little encouragement might go a long way, but hey, what do I know?
Matthew, please stop being part of the problem. Write about real issues that need attention – this is not a real issue it’s an article about someone that decided to be a victim and you gave them a bigger platform to do it from. It’s not journalism, it’s not helpful information – it’s a negative article. Maybe next time advise your “trusted source” on how to make her feelings known POLIETLY AND IN THE MOMENT THEY ARE HAPPENING. Give people a chance to correct a behavior they may not be aware is disturbing anyone. COMMUNICATE. Amazing what can happen when we talk -politely and genuinely – with each other.
Hey Mathew thank you for the hearsay article, definitely got my attention enough to write something down. But unfortunately our assumptions make and a$$ out of you and me. I applaud you for bringing something like this up but this Alex guy has a point PSA is unfortunately paid to look like AA. You can do better and add some meat to this story and dig deeper, and help to actually affect change. Definitely left disappointed after reading everything and how you have handled your own criticism in the article comments. Definitely also realized it was most definitely click bait. Good luck with the writing career… you want to write some solid writing piece, start looking up the regional airline pay contracts. Interview a couple of those FAs about working conditions at the regional level not the mainline levels.
As others have pointed out american airlines blah blah blah……. is a joke of airline blah blah blah…….i will continue to fly aa blah blah blah…… i will also continue to whine here blah blah blah……
See you tomorrow.
One of the reasons I attain Platinum Pro with AA each year is that when seats are available in the First Class cabin, flyers with status are on the top of the list. Learning that flight crew can reserve seats for their significant others or themselves is troublesome for me. Granted, I have no problem with FAs getting a seat in First Class if they are not working as a fringe benefit, but being able to hold two seats is just being greedy and unfair to the folks that travel for their status. Thanks for the information.
In this case, the FA did not steal an upgrade from anyone – the flight went out with open seats and he just grabbed one. But it just seems so strange he would not book his GF directly into first class.
Perhaps some of our AA FA commenters can help – is there an additional fee to list friends in first class versus main cabin?
There is no fee or anything preventing an employee from listing guests in first class. Thank you for pointing out that the seat wasn’t stolen from a customer waiting for an upgrade.
Yup.
Sure is an extra fee for a non reve from a regional to
upgrade. Even on an empty short flight.
A non rev will NEVER ever bump a paying or upgradeable passenger or prevent them getting the upgrade.
Non revs are the very last to be put into what ever seat is left. They can list for first, but the closest they will get to it is walking past it after paying passengers and upgrades are taken care of.
What is wrong with you people? Why does it bother everyone that the girl was upgraded and you to pay for the privilege? While I agree it’s unacceptable for the flight attendant to sit down and disrupt other passengers but you could have also said something. Seriously, first world problems!
I don’t think it bothers anyone that his GF was upgraded. What is concerning is the manner in which he upgraded her and how he proceeded to neglect his job duties during the flight he was being paid to work.
You witnessed NONE OF THIS !!
Matthew,
Respectfully, you are not the vast majority of passengers. . You write about our industry, so you should definitely know better and do your due diligence before writing your articles – the title is inaccurate clickbait and you know it. I’m not saying all mainline flight attendants are saints, I (along with others) have pointed out the inaccuracies in your article, starting from the first paragraph about the union, which shouldn’t even be in this article since they have nothing to do with, nor have any control over what PSA Airlines does and doesn’t do.
Your responses, (while appreciated) have been sarcastic and disrespectful. Fine, you trust your source even though it’s unverified, but correct the title and the other inaccuracies pointed out. You know what we’re saying is true (it’s easily verified), because as of right now your article is flat out misleading for the regular passenger.
Fix the title and if the mainline unions controlled what other airlines operating as American Eagle do, these outsourced carriers wouldn’t be a thing at all.
Ok Karen
This is a very Karen-esque point of view to have. You feel disrespected because your self-percieved privilege was ever so slightly encroached upon. So disrespected you’re hoping a person loses their job over it. That is pety and gross, and a decent human being would be ashamed of themselves. You really believe a single hour of lost sleep is something worthy of possibly ruining someone’s life over? Sit down and have a long, hard think about that.
I’m surprised no one has mentioned the stereotypical obvious…
Did your friend arrive in Tallahassee? And was he/she served during the course or the flight? It seems like some of you expect flight attendants to wait on you hand and foot. As a frequent traveler, I find that odd.
It’s an airplane not a Michelin star restaurant. I agree that the FAs behavior was unprofessional but the sense of entitlement in this thread is something.
It is a common practice for Non Rev passengers to automatically get a free bump up to first class if there is room. The FA’s girlfriend, parents and and children are all eligible as a benefit to working for the airline. Not just AA but any airline. Sorry you feel cheated, but as a travel journalist, I thought that maybe you understood this.
Have on a many occasions had a reserved exit row isle seat and arrived just in time to make the flight. Now I know when I the flight attendant says just grab any open seat it’s because the working attendant realizes they put their friend / off duty colleague in the seat that might be mine.
It usually isn’t because we moved anyone we know. A lot of times passengers may want to move and we let them (sometimes depending on weight and balance and airline policies) when we are told boarding is complete.
But not from economy class to first class, except in extremely rare cases.
You’re a travel writer! LOL! More like a F Karen!!!
I’m sure your job doesn’t come w perks either!
It’s people like you that ruin it for employees.
Suc it up butter up, stay in your lane or fly private. You’re only renting a seat for a short time.
How did you know the lady wasn’t an off duty FA w another airline ? Yes believe it or not, they too have perks!
I hope you sit in front of me on a flight . I’ll give you something to complain about and you want know it till you’re off the plane !!!
Wow, thanks for your comment. Do you work for American Airlines?
PSA FAs are not covered by the agreement AA reached with it’s own FAs. That is publicly available information which the author could have found with one 40 second call to PSA. Or American. But never let the FACTS get in the way of the good story.
A tertiary issue Paul. What do you think about the FA in question?
If it’s a “tertiary issue” why is it in the first line of your article…you know, the one the supposed sets up the premise for the rest of the article. Your whole basis for this cr4p article is WRONG. Different company, different union, different training, different management. So no, no one at AA is going to do anything to this FA. Further…seeing your responses here, all the FA has to do is to bring a copy of this into his manager. They’ll laugh, roll their eyes, and apologize for calling the FA in.
Absolutely the WORST “industry insider” article I’ve ever read–and I’ve read lots of terrible, inaccurate and lousy article from self-appointed experts like you. You’ve proven here just how out of touch with the industry you really are. And what a karen you are…..
As someone else suggested, how about writing about something that matters…like airline safety, Boeing’s aircraft delays, fares, airline frequent flyer programs, or fleets? Quit trying to get people fired –especially when you were not even there.
Thank you Paul
I’m calling BS. There’s not a straight male FA in the United States. Not one. I’ll die on this hill.
I wish I could upvote this
i am literally dating one. and i am a woman. if woman can work anywhere so can men. don’t be sexist.
I’m pretty sure you missed the sarcasm in this comment please try again
I have nothing at all to do with the travel industry. Thank goodness. People treat them (flight attendants, employees who help with boarding, etc) terribly. This article is ridiculous. Find something important to attack. Someone takes advantage of a perk of the job? Good for them. I find the writer’s attitude holier than thou. Plus, snitches get stitches. One hopes.
Sounds like your trusted source needs to go back and do proper research. Every airline has regional airlines under it and PSA is not American. They don’t have the same training, contract or Union as main line American Flight. Attendants. Furthermore what is telling us about it supposed to do maybe the person should have took up the time to research who the operating airline was for his flight before they started a smear campaign of American.
Oh Karen…
Oh bless your heart… perhaps there is something better to report about? Or maybe you just hate AA that much you jump at any opportunity to crap on them!? yAAwn
Just FYI, if it was a subsidiary airline, a Commuter airline, contracted by AA to fly the short haul routes, it
was NOT an American Airlines flight Attendant. Non-the-less, the behavior is inexcusable. And that being said,
ALL of the airlines are having extreme difficulty with “new hires” not understanding that they are AT WORK!
Get off of the phone!!!
You are absolutely correct, and the author should have fact checked this information prior to publication. All Flight Attendants are NOT the same! American Airlines Mainline FAs are trained by AA to a different standard than the Regionals. The smaller “Regional” Jets are owned and operated by other companies who hire and train their own FAs. They are very often younger, less experienced FAs than the Mainline Crews. And while AA always takes full responsibility for these Crews and their behavior, I really wish that all FAs weren’t all clumped together by the public. Mainline FAs who fly for any major Airline – including AA, United, Delta and Alaska – are all different than the FAs who work on the smaller Regionals. They may fly under the same banner, but their training is definitely NOT the same.
there is nothing wrong with upgrading your loved one family or friend on an empty flight mr klint. while i don’t agree with sitting and being loud the whole time with the stuff fa’s go through they deserve to get a break or help out their loved one to sit in first class. some people have never and will never experience first class so this would be a nice memory for them.
First world problems. At the end of the day does it really matter that they got an upgrade to a non full cabin. I mean come on. Ifvyou want those perks be a flight attendant or date one. SMH. Did you ever think about speaking up and saying hey I need to get some sleep here could you keep it down a little bit? Let’s not forget the first people to get bumped on a plane are the employees of the airlines.
My granddaughter, age 24, paid to pre-select her aisle seat on Spirit. Then a FA told her to move to the center so an airline employee could sit on the aisle. She moved as she was quite naive. When they landed, she texted me and asked if she could get her money back. She did get it back but have you ever???
I’ve been here. I took a flight on AA in April 2021. I was in business class. The entire 2.5 hours the two FAs chatted loudly. I could not sleep because they were standing over us. I politely asked the FA over, and advised that I was glad they were having a good time. But, could they be more quiet. She nodded. When she returned the other FA asked loudly, “What did she want?” She replied, “for us to be quiet.” They then burst out laughing and continued to be loud. I wrote a complaint to AA and received a reply that they were sorry for my inconvenience and they hoped I’d fly again and have a better experience. At the end of the email it said it was illegal to share the email with anyone. Listen. If you use these perks, use them with class. All of us in Business Class are not on a company’s dime. We scrimped and saved for our seat too. Have some respect for those of us who also work hard every day, wait two years to take a trip and we just want a pleasant experience we paid for. Enjoy your family but be mindful of others.
I dated a FA before, from British Airways. I would go on long haul international.trips with them, non-rev, and if space was available I’d always get first, if not business.
But absolute discretion was required. Had to dress smart, like I belonged in the cabin with $8000 seats, and if he came to visit me up in first, it was a quick quiet hello every few hours on his break. This kind of behavior at AA would have absolutely not been tolerated and would have ended up in disciplinary action. This was made very clear.
This was comical! Definitely lots of AA Flight attendants nerves was touched because they know its a real story and they know its a quite common occurrence extended to them with the blessing of the flight pursuer. Personally, I don’t care, it really don’t bother me and I don’t see an issue with it. Im not sure why they are becoming so defensive and deflecting to make the story appear to be false.
As an Executive Platinum member, the reality is service at American is getting worse by the seconds, thats a fact! and the Flight attendants are a big part of the customer service experience free fall thats a fact! Now this is not all Flight Attendants and not even a majority, but it surely is a significant number. As of late, they are inattentive, they don’t even recognize top-tier customers, they dont want to do service, but they want to walk up and down the aisle with Aviator applications. I guess the applications protects them from Covid-19. who knows. They have a more than ever power trip since Covid-19. 75% of the people taken of these planes because of mask is a result of the flight attendants power trip and being overzealous, thats a fact! Of course that otger 25%, well they actually deserve what they got.
Then there is leadership, who seems not to be concerned about the customer experience. When you hear the comments Vasu Raja makes it becomes quite evident why customer experience is in a free fall. It also makes it quite appeaeant as to the possible reason Rick Elieson quit and left. Of course they’ll probably clean up the internal fall out that was the result of his departure, but sensible people can only draw conclusions it was probably because of the announcement of the biggest disaster of AA history: Loyalty Points. American Airlines announced this foolish disloyal to actual loyal customers scheme they have the audacity to call Loyalty Points, based on remarks by Vasu, he clearly believes its the best thing since slice bread. I beg to differ. I think it’s an insult to actual loyal, butt on the metal customers. AA, Citi and Barclay’s in making no money from the people who will actually rack up loyalty points just from credit card spend that’s a fact!
AA has taken the position, probably a US Air model, because definitely not legacy, that who cares about customers-they believe loyalty is a one streak evident of Loyalty Points, the new, disastrous and insulting elite status qualification scheme.
Someone said break up all these airlines and reform the airlines before merger, boy i wish AA could break away from the shackles of US Airways management – it’s the central reason why AA is so horrible. We have the worst seats in business class now, they took out all the inflight screens, the onboard service is trash, Ifvit was up these guys they probably wontt mind outfitting all the planes with lawn chairs.
Bottom line the story is very true and it commonly occurs. Is it a big deal? As An EP, absolutely not; who cares, its the perks of the job. We all enjoy perks of our jobs. The more pressing issue is the immediate dissolving of Loyalty Points and the immediate fixing of the overall customer experience.
So FAs no need to be defensive over your perks, we just ask for a better inflight experience.
Ummmm….there is no Purser on a CRJ or at PSA Airlines. 😉
I can’t believe you literally have likely ruined someone’s career due to this hearsay BS… what sort of petty small person vomits up hearsay like this ?
If someone you trust tells you something, do you dismiss it as false simply because you were not there?
And if the story isn’t true (but let’s face it, we all know it’s true or there would not be so much emotion in the comments section), the FA has nothing to worry about.
Right? I just keep thinking someone lost their job because he decided to have a moment to laugh on a half full flight— why did this even make the news?
Just a thought as a person who only flys first class… I honestly feel terrible for flight attendants over the past few years. Layoffs, verbal abuse, and physical altercations are in the news almost daily. I understand if it was a 6 hour plus flight, but 90 minutes? Has anyone else ever laughed too loud out work, or had too much fun on a business dinner? I know I’m guilty. This flight attendant might have needed the laughter after what he’s endured over the past few years. Put your noise canceling headphones in if you’re so incredibly inconvenienced, and look for the good. You’re truly fortunate to be someone who can fly first class. Maybe that was the girls first and only time.
Everyone has struggled the past two years. Everyone has had a hell trying to do their job. Most of us still do it. Most of us don’t do less as a result. In fact, most of us are having to do more now.
However, this is a history and culture amongst FA’s extending back before Covid. More pre-9/11. Now it’s even worse. Complete disrespect for job, appearance, quality etc. It’s a free for all to do as little and act entitled because, boo hoo. Sorry but not sorry. I spent 300 days traveling to keep my business afloat last year. I don’t have a union working for me to assure I can do as little as possible.
This post and FA rants in the comments. Wow. It’s no wonder U.S. flight attendants are the laughing stock of the rest of the world.
Hi Stuart,
I’m so very sorry you’ve had a crappy experience on ALL of your flights over the last 300 days. You are ABSOLUTELY correct. As a 38 year flight attendant I have had a history of doing as little as possible on my job, my appearance has gone by the wayside and I totally disrespect the job I do. The only reason I stay is to get away from my husband and family. I also totally agree with all those above that think airline employees shouldn’t have free tickets and seats up front. I think flight attendants are so horrible they should be in cargo. I just showed this article to my dad who is a retired 777 Captain. Laughed his butt off. He of course reminded me who I am, where I come from, my Fabulous work ethic he raised me to have and the job that I do. Now that I’ve acknowledged your ridiculous and laughable statement about ALL flight attendants, I’ll get back to my coffee and not waste another precious minute of my Wonderful life on all the keyboard cowboys on here. Thanks for the laugh.
Mr Klint, you know better. The next time I’m sitting next to an American Airlines flight attendant that was hired by PSA, Envoy, Mesa, etc. in my recurrent training class I’ll give you a call. You’ll be waiting forever and you darn well know it.
Read the comments in this post (and the one that follows) from people flying AA, United etc. Perhaps you have a complete disconnect as to what is work ethic and quality? It’s very clear that the vast majority find the attitudes, service level, and overall pride in U.S. FA’s as being dismal. But, according to you, everything is world class. It’s not. I suggest you fly European or Asian carriers in Premium classes and see why, as I said, you are all the laughing stock of most of the world.
You may be an outlier, there are some. But it’s more than clear that your customers, including me, find the overall level of laziness, attitude, and complete lack of self pride in your work to be more than apparent on a daily basis. Your own willingness to think otherwise is the very root of the problem. Try harder.
Stu, are you still here? I see you’ve been busy at the keyboard. I’m sure the incident happened. I fly along side people that are exactly what you described. The problem I have with you is that you have labeled ALL flight attendants in this category. I am definitely not an outlier as you have suggested. I have no idea what you do for a living but I do know that you also have people in your profession that are idiots and a-holes. There isn’t a profession in the World that doesn’t have these people floating around, even yours. Don’t tell me you’re not in customer service. Every profession is customer service in some way or another. My next door neighbor is a trauma surgeon. He’s in customer service. Stu, life is so short. I love social media but I also hate it. It really helps people in some ways but in other ways it makes people feel bad about themselves. You really could make a difference in someone’s life by putting a smile on your face and NOT putting everyone that works in a certain profession in the same category. I know nothing about you and you know nothing about me but I do hope you have a really nice day.
What a Karen! What an absolute trash article. Now off to my Google feed settings to ensure this garbage never ends up in my feed again.
Your loss Dan!
And you should really not use the word “Karen” in vain…
https://liveandletsfly.com/flight-attendant-karen/
This article is pure trash, maybe you should do your DD before posting this so called story. Your “trusted source” is a lie. Must be great to pick on flight attendants that doesn’t even have a designated break to eat let alone time to crap in a 12 hour day.
First, I did my DD and trust the source.
Second, if you hate your job so much why don’t you quit? It’s a great time to switch careers in the USA. Go for it! We won’t miss the bitterness.
Wish I could like this Twice. The nerve of him with this trash article doing the Very thing he wants the FA fired for….JUST TALKING
Yeah exactly! This article and the above customer just sound like overprivileged classists complaining about people enjoying themselves. As the passenger said the flight was only 90 minutes and relatively empty, his much attending actually needed to be done? Would this really have been the different if the two people talking were both paying passengers or are they just mad that both of them paid nothing to sit there? Author clearly has nothing better to write about.
Am I the only who thought a male flight attendant having a girlfriend was a typo?
Lol
Honestly just give passengers a small paper bag with the snack items and bottled water as they’re about to board and do away what flight attendants all together. Passengers can drink before or after they land. If they want a substantial meal they can pay for it and have it handed to them in a box before they board. What that’s much of the safety information automated before takeoff that leaves flight attendants to serve alcohol and harass passengers to keep masks over nose both of which passengers can easily do without. Pass the savings on to people that buy the tickets.
I have had this experience at least three times. Once coming back from London when the American Airlines flight attendant upgraded her friend and then sat with her the entire time laughing , hooting and yelling and never once checking on us in first class. I was too afraid to say anything and just excepted what it was. I had saved my money to upgrade to first class and I am not wealthy. It was disappointing and sad, but I felt intimidated and wouldn’t complain. I also felt like I was held hostage. They have so much power and most of us are afraid to complain because we don’t want to be seen as aggressive. I wish they were more professional, and valued how much money we spend, Because not all of us are wealthy.
Are you a travel blog or a tabloid? Think about it if you want to be taken seriously
If this happens in my airline, they would let the upgrader pay the full fare.
I just wasted minutes of sweet rest reading a false AA complaint over a Non-AA FA TALKING to a friend on a plane!! You actually want a person to be FIRED and lose their livelihood for this?? Was it because he was talking to a woman in FC or just talking….or having the nerve to sit down ? Waste of time. FIND A HOBBY!
Im a flight attendant myself, and while the flight attendant shouldnt have been distruptive and loud, don’t be upset because somone else got the handout that you wanted. Want perks? Be a flight attendant or in this case, know one. Want to sit in first class? Pay for it, simple as that. At the end of the day its the flight attendants who run the cabin, not you and they can upgrade who they see fit, and yes if caught they will gladly accept the consequences. I swear some of you in these comments are literally jealous of the flight attendant perks, and are probably mad because you never became one yourself lol. Unless someone is directly bothering or putting their hands on you, grow up, mind your business and stay in your lane when you travel. Happy flying and put your shoes on when you use the lavatory, you filthy animals.
Why don’t all FA’s take Jason’s advice–if you want to sit up front PAY FOR IT. Yourself. The very idea that a “non-rev” feels entitled that they should be upgraded to first or business class over any PAYING customer, even if the lowest fare on the plane, is enlightening. Tells me what they really think of their paying customers.
Matthew, first off, I want to let you know I have been following your blog for quite some time now.
Upon stumbling your article. I told my self whoa the title was very catchy. You got my undivided attention. That’s a success!
I hope you own up to your missed information and live up to the integrity of being a “reliable” and “credible” writer. Really disappointing.
It does show you have some following. Find within yourself that you are not perfect as everybody is. It is a lot easier to accept that you misrepresented yourself. I hope this serves as one big and hard lesson.
I agree with some people here. Most regional FAs are getting paid between 18-24 grand a year. Please do not deprive them or their loved ones who rarely non rev of an opportunity to take a more comfortable seat. You don’t know the other side of the story. What if that is his girlfriend’s graduation trip home, or a birthday? Do not be heartless, These airlines already are paying them meager. At least let them use their privilege. If you want to write responsibly, please interview regional FAs. You’ll be amazed at their struggles. You might buy them a cup of coffee or a meal,
So shouldn’t airline employees and their pass riders get treated if there are seats available? I’m sure all the people that were supposed to get upgraded, did. Every company has perks. I’m sure this happened, but is it necessary to post such a trivial thing? Did your “friend” ask them to keep the noise down? Did he ask them to go to the back? If so, there’s a bit of a problem, but do You think this incident was worth getting someone fired, because since it was made PUBLIC, He probably was! Such a shame they have to deal with so much BS with unruly pax due to covid and even pre-covid and others think they deserve their choice of meals because their company paid for a seat on the airplane? People need to remember that an airline is a means of transportation to get you from point A to point B, the rest are all amenities, yet these Flt Attendants have to deal with all this nonsense and have to force a smile because these times aren’t good for all of them. There are many of them that were furloughed and had Families to care for so I’ m glad they had the privilege and opportunity to have their friend sit upfront. Wouldn’t You do the same? Blah blah. Just a waste of energy. People are dieing in this world and you’re worried about a 90 min flight of friendly conversation? Would it have been better to have included him in it? Tell your “source”, next time he flies and it happens again, because I’m sure it will, to have the balls to tell them to keep the noise down or SUCK IT UP! All these sites are for complainers. And so tacky with the name calling. It happens with every job and establishment, unless of course you’re in India, Japan, and Korea because their work ethics are very different. Might be easier to fly privately. Just saying. Happy 2022. Let this world be free of negativity. Live in others’ shoes, if even for a day. ❤ Hug someone everyday. It’ll make You kinder and happier
This comment section was crazy. All you Karen’s and Ken’s need to settle down, you’re the real manace and downfall to how our society has been the last 10 years…rambling and complainjng aboout anything at all. Reading this is beyond embarrassing, what a trash article.
After reading all the snarky comments and remarks from OP (who doesn’t know what happened in the first place) and some others here.
I will happily say that I hope this guy and his girlfriend are here reading this, laughing all the way to their next flight, I hope his union rep and flight service manager take him in to discuss this incident, and I hope they leave in tears laughing at some of y’all’s BS comments.
Petty AF.
They can fly for free. Not while they’re working.
On what planet was this worth writing about?
Flight Attendant here! I can understand why someone would be frustrated over this. It’s also not allowed. I’ve moved non revs up to business sometimes but I never go and chat with them the whole flight obnoxiously. I think some of the people commenting are forgetting people pay a lot of extra money for these seats. If I’m gonna sit and chat loudly I do it in the back few rows on empty flights so I’m not bothering anyone
Hope that flight attendant is fired or at the least reprimanded. Abuse of your authority as a FA. So what’s,the point of paying for a first class ticket if you are not going to enjoy the experience due to the illegal actions of the FA.
Sorry, I’m a little confuse. How was the passenger affected by the FA sitting down? She didn’t get her snacks fast enough. That’s why he spoke to the other FA To cover him, so Karen could get her snack. Karen he’s complaining to get something for free. If the company takes away the perks, there wouldn’t be any more FA. They don’t make a lot of money, they do it mainly for the parks.
It seems the “expresses” of the airline world are here to and continue to sully the name of their parent company.
Think impaired cabin crew, guitars, ‘doctors’ and events that got a lot of press actually happened on express carriers but the parent company takes the hit.
That’s because regional flight attendants are paid a fraction of what mainline flight attendants are paid
As an Airline Employee I am as disgusted by the behavior of these two FAs on the DCA-TLH flight as some of the comments that try to paint All AA FAs with one brush stroke as lazy and lacking any service standards. Both of these PSA FAs involved on this flight need to be called In and more than likely terminated for their onboard nonsense. The Customer (Passenger) isn’t necessarily right all the time but when you see Great Service LET THE COMPANY KNOW via an email/tweet or phone call….when You see poor service, the “Sitters” and bad actors LET THE COMPANY KNOW…….the longer you look away and shake your head, Nothing will change. These ‘Bad Actors’ are not a pleasure to be around on the ground and sure as hell not in the air. This applies to All Airlines, not just AA.
Matthew Klint, PSA is not American Airlines. It’s a third party. Please correct your headline for accuracy.
Sorry, I’m a little confused. How was the passenger affected by the FA sitting down? She didn’t get her snacks fast enough. That’s why he spoke to the other FA To cover him, so Karen could get her snack. Karen he’s complaining to get something for free. If the company takes away the perks, there wouldn’t be any more FA. They don’t make a lot of money, they do it mainly for the parks.
FYI
Regional flight attendants have to BUY their flight benefits on AA.
Whether a second, Third or a fourth party, since American Airlines Contracted with them, American Airlines is solely responsible for whatever unacceptable activity occurs on and off the plane, involving American Airline employee. period. I have had so many bad experiences with American Airlines lately, that I have decided to completely stop flying American.
The most shocking thing about this incident is to discover there is a straight male AA flight attendant.
If people would mind their own business over trivial things this world would be a better place. I’m happy for you that you dont have bigger problems to deal with.
You should at least ensure you’re writing factual articles. The PSA FA union and AA FA union are completely different, you shouldn’t insinuate that they’re somehow connected because they’re most certainly not. No matter how it looks from your myopic viewpoint of the airline biz, a PSA FA is NOT the same as an AA FA. They simply work for an airline that has AA branding and just happen to be owned by the same parent company that owns American Airlines… They do the same job for a lot less money and benefits, but they’re not employees of AA. Just like those who work for Mesa, Skywest, etc. aren’t employees of AA. Also, employees and their dependents are often offered premium upgrades after the door closes. I’m not sure if this one was “legal” but their girlfriend was probably a registered companion on their travel benefits. Heck, I can speculate just like you did throughout this entire article and say they could’ve even been a fellow employee with their own benefits!
Hey Matthew, I’m sure you know that the actual readers of your site see through the 150+ comments on here and hope this traffic is making you some money! This comment section has the ramblings of an article about India, Pakistan, or China.
Yes, a lot of traffic on this one and it strikes me as so telling (and sad) that the FAs want to focus on AA vs. PSA than address the issue itself, which makes me think it goes on all the time.
As far as I am concerned, while AA has managed to separate mainline and Eagle employees in a way to save millions in annual labor cost, they still fly for AA and work for AA. I’m not willing to stipulate that only mainline employees are “real” AA employees…
While I can say I do not condone the actions of this fellow regional FA, I think it’s more sad how the mainline FA’s are very quick to be completely divisive between mainline and their regional counter parts as they are “mainline” and not the same as us penny FA’s. I know many regional flight attendants that take complete pride in their jobs and perform outstanding service on their flights and it is very true what you say, people can only see what is being portrayed. We really are no different from them, except for the pay, and between contracts… well let’s just say we put up with far more crap than they have to. In fact they are the only ones who see regionals as different from themselves and often Lower standards than they supposedly are (highly debatable as I’ve seen uniform/appearance standards constantly NOT being adhered to from the shiny “standard”so called mainline FA’s… )
Only AA employees are paid and treated like AA employees.
Regionals are a far different world.
What’s shocking to me as a regular reader of LALF is that there is more engagement on this post than many more consequential posts. And what’s clear from the comments is that they’re not from people who read his posts regularly. So clearly this was shared widely within FA communities and the “outrage” there is strong, not to the behavior, but to Matthew calling it out. On the one hand, I have some empathy for FA’s who have to deal with the rise of completely unacceptable behavior from unseasoned travelers. But you’re losing me when you come here to bash a blogger with a history of reasoned commentary and a valid observation about poor service. Fine to argue with his conclusions, but the wholesale attacks only contribute to the negative perceptions people are having about those who provide onboard service right now (whether those perceptions are fair or not).
Thanks for your comment. I’m not worried about all the negative comments here. I am worried for American Airlines, because I’ve never seen such a group of self-entitled employees. I hope Robert Isom really cracks down and is able to change hearts and minds from bitter entitlement to conscientious service.
What you should be worried about is the wages those regional flight attendants are making while AA is making billions. They make near poverty level
This merits a 5 star who gives a flying fagoo? Trying to sleep on a 90 minute flight on a commuter is unrealistic. You got your bag of snackage, a drink and arrived safe and on time but that’s not good enough for your entitled self. Give me a break! Do you want some cheese with that whine? Next time save your self the aggravation and drive that 400 miles.
Here. Write about this. But do some research first.
And don’t fool yourself–the ONLY reason this article got as much attention as it did is because how outrageous, inaccurate and petty it is.
Now do something useful….investigate and write a decent article about this: https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/boeing-reports-a-net-loss-in-2021-as-the-cost-of-the-787-delivery-halt-soars-to-5-5-billion/
You mean how outrageous, inaccurate and petty flight attendants in the U.S. are? I think that’s what you mean. I say this given most of the comments here are FA’s attempting to paint themselves as gods and goddesses of service. And somehow entitled to laziness. Meanwhile, the customers you are paid to service are in fact appalled at it all. And have been for years.
I will defend you in one way only, the executive teams have not exactly given you much to be proud of. But they also let you walk all over them. It’s a two way street that in the end makes the customer the victim over and over.
If you actually cared about your job and had pride in your work you would see that the rest of the world laughs at you as you traipse through the airports with your ugly clog shoes and clunky demeanor demanding LESS WORK, MORE PAY, SHUT UP CUSTOMERS! Meanwhile JAL, LH Group, Air France, etc FA’s walk by rolling their eyes and laughing at you.
Stu,
I don’t suppose you’ve ever worked as a flight attendant or even know one.
International flight attendants fly 1 flight over to the US. Their lay may be 30 hours or more.They have a rest area and a good portion of the time the passengers are sleeping after service.
Domestic flight attendant may work up to 6 flights a day and can be scheduled to 14 hour duty days that can be extended to 16. A lay over of 10 hours that starts 15 minutes after the aircraft doors are opened.
The flight attendant still has passengers on board, as they are looking for left items and trying to leave themselves. The clock on their 10 hour rest has started and they aren’t even off the plane. They may have 4 or even 6 days in a row like that.
So if your flight attendant doesn’t look like the polished European model and more like a janitor, please understand their life and responsibilities. Especially in today’s landscape as they go to work wondering if some drunk is going to attack them for doing what the airlines require of them.
Most GAs are hardworking and professional.
There is a significant minority that’s lazy, entitled, rude and completely unfit to work directly with customers.
The second category shows up here every day.
Do you realize the schedule and grind of many of your customer’s when they travel? What others are doing and enduring as well? Sure, many of us make much more money than a domestic FA, but we also deal with outrageous stress in relation to negotiations, clients etc. 24/7. Guess what, in my case I am still polished, take pride, and have a good attitude. It’s that very approach that allows me to love what I am doing and be happy at it despite the endless time zones, eating on the run, working the phones until 1 in the morning, sleeping five hours, and doing it again. Pride=Quality=Happiness. Period.
Further to your explanation, the reality is that domestic mainline FA’s are typically a bit better in attitude than International given they are often more junior and less jaded. Not always, but often. Your schedules for Intl. are no different whatsoever from the foreign carriers that provide exceptional service and product day in and day out. Emirates, whose FA’s are some of the best in the world, could be argued as having the most grueling schedule there is. Might they complain in private and work to get better conditions, sure. But it never reflects in their presentation. Or the quality and pride in their job as to interaction with the public. And you never hear them complaining that they want to give their customers less so as to make their jobs easier. Which is what U.S. flight attendants do and want. No, their issues will typically be regarding rest periods, schedules, pay etc. Areas that do not impact customers directly or are an attempt at having more galley gossip time.
Honestly, if the job is so bad, the life is so horrid as you try and paint, why are you doing it? I imagine there are plenty of young gentlemen and women working in Starbucks right now, providing smiles and great service each day, that would be happy for the job and benefits you have. In the meantime, you can find something that fulfills you and offers you a better opportunity as to taking pride in your work. Not sure if you noticed, but there are plenty hiring today in other sectors.
I am certain you are seeing from the sentiments here and in other blogs that we are no longer buying your complaints as customers. We are tired of it. You are getting no more sympathy. We empathized after 9/11, we supported changes as bad as they were and dealt with everything together. Yet, reading the comments of the FA’s here there is clearly a disconnect in your even understanding how bad it’s become since – and how your highest spend customers are disgusted at the state of service and the complete lack of care (in themselves and others) by front line employees at U.S. airlines.
It’s very unfortunate, that your source got it wrong because it was a customer upgrade, not a free employee upgrade.
Does it really mater? And say it was a customer upgrade…isn’t that even worse?
The point is not just the unauthorized upgrade, but especially what happened AFTER.
You wrote a whole article on hearsay. It’s very telling that “someone you trust” is reason enough to write this article.
Yes, unfortunately we cannot only base our writing upon first-hand experience.That’s the way the world works.
It’s a little alarming you’re even hoping to make an example out of this FA. Try minding your own business.
This is my business. I want AA to do well – it’s good for aviation and good for the consumers. I could not care less about a flight attendant who neglects his duty onboard.
I switched from American Airlines to Delta because of repeated bad service with no action on their part. It sounds like things have not changed, only gotten worse. I always fly First Class for the service and the peace and quit, if someone had pulled a stunt like that, I would have said something to them like, Shut-up and get a room.
Why not ask the “offenders” to lower volume of their voices ???
People complain too much .
Bruh do you need a hug?
So what? It was a short and slow flight. Let the poor flight attendant have some joy for a few minutes. Yes, he was there to work, so what? We’re all guilty of slacking at work once in awhile.
This article, the author and the source for the article are the definition of entitlement.
We all had this one friend who drove like a maniac and when he/she heard you complain at the end of the ride, they would say “…but, did you die!?!”, as their way of saying be glad you still got to your destination in one piece.
That’s exactly how I feel when I fly any American-based airlines. Their job is to make money off you and as long as they get you to your destination in one piece, they feel they accomplished their mission. All ancillary things like customer service or member experience are just a fluke.
Author is a giant pussy, suck it up loser. People talk on flights, big deal.
Weather it be first class or coach people should keep there voices down we ALLpay way too much for tickets now. I was recently on a flight from New York to orlando and this child screamed the whole flight. I was grieving my dad who had passed a few days before and just wanted to sleep but could not. Keep you voices down and you kids quiet….
Wow Karen – you are making way too much of this. You are the reason the rest of us have to put up with grumpy service people. After trying to satisfy entitled people like you it’s no wonder that they’re worn out.
Every one of you who is attacking the author instead of the flight attendant in question are part of the problem. Everyone sees it outside your circle jerk. Wake up!
So Karen said they should have done this in the “back of the plane” … In other words: I’m first class and entitled— so let coach deal with it!
Karen, please realize we are in a pandemic and have more things to deal with AND I agree with the other rely: Go home and sleep! Grow up! I hope the author doesn’t publish these type of silly “stories” again.
Where is Joe Chivas when I need him?
Lol! This is lost though on most of the people here for this post. Seriously though, where is he?
As for whether this was an AA flight attendant, if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck…it is a duck. No one cares if it was Envoy except for lazy flight attendants trying to cover their butts.
If it was PSA flight…it was a PSA flight attendant.
Nothing but the name on the aircraft is American. Except for the napkins and anything with an American logo.
That flight attendant isn’t paid by American or receives any type of American monetary benefits, health care or the like from American. Understand how regional flight attendants are treated and you’ll understand the service you received.
Regional airlines that are contracted by mainline airlines and negotiate price per seat. It is a completely separate entity even though you look at the plane and think it may be American. Often getting the aircraft catered correctly is a unnecessary challenge.
It seems that the root of what the author takes issue to isn’t that they were enjoying each other’s company. But that:
1) employees are not allowed to enjoy perks, privileges, or their shift for as long as they’re clocked in
2) that someone knew someone and got to enjoy a section that someone else would’ve had to pay for
3) that there is some rule that you can’t enjoy someone’s company beyond a whisper
Unfortunately for the author, you will continue to be upset and disappointed because people WANT yo enjoy themselves at work. If the FA was throwing a party on the plain that’s one thing, but to witness someone share their perks and privileges when you didn’t get to is not too shy of jealousy. This article making it’s way to my Google news feed is more concerning.
I assume you also get upset when they let certain people in the club without having to wait or pay but then YOU have to wait and fork over the $20 cover charge.
What furthers my point and really shows how you validate classism is that you said they should’ve gone to the back of the plain and enjoy each other’s company. So, what are you saying? What does it matter that they are at one end of the plane or the other? Is first class for only quiet people? And let’s take this into context, were they loud like they were at a VIP section in downtown LA or loud because you wanted it to be quieter than a babies breath? It’s the privileged life mentality that further puts service workers to NOT want to return to work and when they/we do, we won’t take your shit.
I am hoping on your next flight that there’s a raging baby sitting in the nearest coach seat next to first class lol
American made my wife and I set outside on concrete benches for 8 hours on Maui, after we had flown into Maui from Oahu to recover our luggage from another carrier. Eventually there were three mo couples that joined us with the same set of circumstances. No food, two soda machines were all we had. I asked an American customer service lady if they had any water for us
And she said she was not allowed to hand out water. We made it back to Tampa the next day but never will we fly American again.
I sat on a plane yesterday where the 2 passengers behind me talked in very loud voices for the entire flight including the safety demonstration, announcements and even when their drinks order was being taken. Flight attentendents don’t care anymore because many passengers don’t show them much respect. It has got a pretty low point. Meanwhile the airlines want to pay them pennies.
Unbelievable. You can report to the airline. The flight attendant and his gf’s behavior can be seen as stealing.
Someone always has to complain. You r in a public area and there are going to be crying babies, loud people and all sorts of noise. If that bothers you buy some ANC headsets. The FA was not doing his job? What about you do your job and write something worth reading!
Here is someone well suited to work at America West.
It was a 90 minute flight. What do you expect the FA’s to be doing for the entire 70 min after the snack and beverage service? Scrubbing the floors with a toothbrush or feeding the first class grapes that they are also expected to hand pick from the orchard. If your significant other was an FA you would also be traveling with them at every chance you got and doing the exact same thing this FA did if a first class seat was open.
Yeah!!! You tell them Gabrielle!!!
So insensitive of these pesky customers. I mean, he upgraded all the other passengers before upgrading his gf, right?
Right?
RIGHT????
Seems we have a troll.
How did the pax know that the flight attendant was working? He could of been DEADHEADING ,NON REV ,Get the facts !
Ok. I did not read any comments, but I did read the story and I just want to say, mind your own business. Do you work in customer service? I have for the last 30 years and I can tell you, the last 2 have made me loose compassion and respect for people. He is a is fellow human being, not your servant. He is there for your safety, not your entitlement. My roommate is a flight attendant, and I am a former flight attendant. We both have had enough.. I am not sure what happened to people’s compassion, But we are burnt out.. Flight attendants are there for your safety, not to entertain you. I am sure that this guy did all of his duties, and and had his girlfriend not been there he would have just sat in his seat and done nothing. The nerve of you taddling on him. Like a child, He did nothing wrong. Did you feel neglected, did you miss anything, Were you offended by his laughter? Did you not get your warmed nuts fast enough? I find it a embarrassing you would write an article about your entitlement. Did you not have your needs met? Did you not get from point A to B fast enough? Did you not have a bigger seat? Had it been another customer would you have been so offended? Mind your own business. He did nothing wrong, you said the flight was empty. Sounds like he did his job and you were just being entitled. Flight attendants are there for your safety, They give you drinks as a courtesy. I am more than confident that he did his job.. People have become too entitled.. shame on you. Mind your own business. And better yet, maybe go deeper and figure out why other people’s happiness offend you so much?
Yeah totally it’s not like the FA is the being paid to do a job or anything. But hey he’s a human being he should do whatever he wants! Great take!
Grumpy people complaining about happy people. Plane is empty no service to provide, and joy is too loud for grumpy writer. Gonna stick to the points guy stories.
Story could have just as easily been about the grumpy karen who agreed with you hating on happiness.
I’ve been flying AA for the past year as an Executive Platinum member and I have had great experiences! However, I feel they are being lazy to stop second drink service. We are all in an air tight airplane wearing mask, how is one more drink going to effect anything?! Come on American!
That FA was hired to not only do customer service. As well as for the SAFETY of the flying public. If an INFLIGHT emergency had occurred, I doubt he could have made it back to his area of RESPONSIBILITY in time. He therefore endangered every single passenger on that plane. Accountability needs to be upheld. This individual either needs to correct his downfalls or get a different job. This was a BLATANT SAFETY VIOLATION that needs to be addressed. It may just be his life he saves.