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Galley Gossip: A letter from a flight attendant to Jerry Seinfeld concerning Lady Gaga, bad behavior & free upgrades
Dear Mr. Seinfeld,May I call you Jerry? After Lady Gaga removed her shirt and held up her middle finger at a Mets game, she was escorted to your private box seats. Later on you complained about the singer's behavior by stating, "I can't believe they put her in my box that I paid for! You give people the finger and you get upgraded? Is that the world we're living in now?"
Hate to break it to you but the answer is yes, Jerry, this is the world we're living in now. Sad, isn't it? All one has to do is act up and they're instantly rewarded for bad behavior. Never mind the nice people. Let's just reward the jerk who yells the loudest. I see this happening all the time - on the airplane. I'm a flight attendant.
"Excuse me, Miss, my reading light doesn't work," said a woman seated in an aisle seat at the front of the cabin. An elderly gentleman rested his head upon her shoulder.
"Feel free to move to any open seat in coach," I told her.
"Do you have two seats together?"
I looked around. "No...sorry. But there's another aisle seat available three rows back."
She sighed. "What about first class?"
What about first class, I wanted to say, but didn't. Instead I smiled. "We don't upgrade for things like broken reading lights." She made a face. and rolled her eyes. She may as well have flipped me the bird because that's the kind of face we're talking about here. I suggested, "Why don't you open your window shade? It's still light outside."
She pointed to the man beside her. "Can't you see he's sleeping! This is ridiculous! I'd like to speak to someone in charge!"
Here we go, I thought, make a scene until you get your way.
Last week my commuter flight from New York to Los Angeles was delayed for three hours due to a mechanical. I wasn't dressed in uniform so no one knew I worked for the airline. Like most savvy travelers, I decided to jump ship and walk to the gate where the next flight bound for Los Angeles was already in the process of boarding. Patiently I waited my turn to speak to an agent. Finally I stepped up to the counter. I just wanted to quickly let her know I'd take the jump seat before another coworker beat me to it. That's it.
This is when an inconsiderate passenger walked past the long line of people standing behind me, practically pushing me out of his way, and yelled out his name, adding, "I'm on the standby list for first class!"
I understand he's a paying passenger and comes before me. Rightly so. But what about the passengers patiently waiting behind me? Don't they count? They could be on the first class standby list as well.
The frazzled agent continued to ignore me, typing away frantically at her keyboard, and then handed the loud mouth a boarding pass. Soon others were barging up to the counter and calling out their names, ignoring the long line behind me. The agent handed out one, two, three, boarding passes before I became so annoyed, I gave up and walked back to the broken airplane. I'm not sure what the other passengers did, ya know, the ones with manners who were ignored because they were nice.
I always say if you want to see what society is like, really like, today, get on an airplane and take a good look around. It's an A.D.D, me- me-me first kind of world on board, Jerry, and everyone is quick to react, expecting immediate results and upgrades for free. Lady Ga-Ga is a performer. Bad behavior, fishnet hose and platform heels are all part of the act. You should understand that. But what's the excuse for everyone else?
Sincerely,
The Flight Attendant
P.S. If I flip you the bird can I have your box seats?
Photo courtesy of Ama_lia
She pointed to the man beside her. "Can't you see he's sleeping! This is ridiculous! I'd like to speak to someone in charge!"
Here we go, I thought, make a scene until you get your way.
Last week my commuter flight from New York to Los Angeles was delayed for three hours due to a mechanical. I wasn't dressed in uniform so no one knew I worked for the airline. Like most savvy travelers, I decided to jump ship and walk to the gate where the next flight bound for Los Angeles was already in the process of boarding. Patiently I waited my turn to speak to an agent. Finally I stepped up to the counter. I just wanted to quickly let her know I'd take the jump seat before another coworker beat me to it. That's it.
This is when an inconsiderate passenger walked past the long line of people standing behind me, practically pushing me out of his way, and yelled out his name, adding, "I'm on the standby list for first class!"
I understand he's a paying passenger and comes before me. Rightly so. But what about the passengers patiently waiting behind me? Don't they count? They could be on the first class standby list as well.
The frazzled agent continued to ignore me, typing away frantically at her keyboard, and then handed the loud mouth a boarding pass. Soon others were barging up to the counter and calling out their names, ignoring the long line behind me. The agent handed out one, two, three, boarding passes before I became so annoyed, I gave up and walked back to the broken airplane. I'm not sure what the other passengers did, ya know, the ones with manners who were ignored because they were nice.
I always say if you want to see what society is like, really like, today, get on an airplane and take a good look around. It's an A.D.D, me- me-me first kind of world on board, Jerry, and everyone is quick to react, expecting immediate results and upgrades for free. Lady Ga-Ga is a performer. Bad behavior, fishnet hose and platform heels are all part of the act. You should understand that. But what's the excuse for everyone else?
Sincerely,
The Flight Attendant
P.S. If I flip you the bird can I have your box seats?
Photo courtesy of Ama_lia
Filed under: Galley Gossip
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Sally Jun 26th 2010 8:47AM
The problem is the person doing the rewarding, not the loudmouth. People are trying to get their needs met. Some people think waiting patiently in line is the way to do that. Others think that cutting in line and being loud is the way to do that. Whatever is rewarded will be what most people do. Why should any discretionary upgrades be awarded by airline staff? I have never been upgraded ever -- because I am not a business traveler. I am lucky if I am not treated as invisible by flight attendants and staff. The fair way to do things is to devise a policy and apply it fairly and consistently to all. Since that doesn't happen, why on earth are you complaining about Lady Gaga? The airlines have created this situation so the airlines must live with what they have created.
Wiliam Beem Jun 25th 2010 10:34AM
Blame the people who run the airline for creating this environment. If your industry rewards poor behavior and thereby punishes those who are polite, why are you blaming society?
Sue Greenwood Jun 25th 2010 11:03AM
I feel your pain - and you are right, we're forced to live with an "entitled" generation. For a little light relief . . . this is my favorite comedy sketch from Brian Regan:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9em-ZCddWk
Thank you for all the hard work you do - and for continuing to smile through it all!
Charley Jun 25th 2010 11:23AM
William: I agree with you in the sense that the airlines have stratified their cabins, which gives some people the impression that they are more important than those in steerage - and the airline the financial incentive to pander to them at the expense of other paying customers. What I find amusing is that some in first feel some sort of superiority, while I am thinking that if they were truly important, they would be flying private.
On a recent transatlantic flight, I flying solo back to the US on a packed Air Canada B767. I was seated in the back in a window seat - my favorite BTW - more shoulder room. A family was trying to rearrange seating so they could sit together. A FA asked if I would be willing to move to aisle seat to accommodate the family, and I agreed. The father thanked me kindly - fairly unusual btw. When I was reseated, it was by the bulkhead where - that's right - the families with screaming babies are sat. I mentioned to the FA that she didn't mention this when I was asked to move. Panic set in on her face. A few aisles up in Business, I could see some empty seats, and I suggested to send me up and her problem would be solved. She said that Air Canada policy does not allow for upgrades in situations like mine. Hmmm - I was upgraded to Business on the outgoing leg for reasons I don't even know, so.... Anyway, they eventually found a window seat next to a teenager and we had a great time chatting, looking out the window and watching movies across the Atlantic.
So what are the airline's policies on upgrades? Might be good to know.
Aurora Jun 25th 2010 12:30PM
Perhaps you should find another line of work. A line where people aren't stuffed into too-small seats, without enough leg or wriggle room, without ample & breathable air. Try to remember that these "horrible" passengers have weathered hostile employees at the check-in counters for airlines which have forgotten everything they once knew about customer service and politeness. They have stood in long lines in stockinged or bare feet, holding out there pathetic little baggies of mini-toiletries, while glaring, rude TSA folks treat the clients as the very terrorists they are meant to be protecting against. Now, imagine those same people waiting in an overly bright, incredibly noisy terminal until their flight arrives. And after a very uncomfortable flight with angry FAs, they get to do it all over again, in reverse. I don't think most people who fly feel entitled. They feel stuck, as, in the U.S., there is really no viable alternative to flying. And yes, if you've come this far in my rant, you may have guessed it - I have spent a great deal of time in airports and on planes.
Aurora Jun 25th 2010 6:50PM
That's "their" NOT "there" --- oh, ugh!
james Jun 25th 2010 12:48PM
I have been seething for the past few weeks after having missed a 7 hr. flight to Alaska because of a 1 hour wait in a TSA security line in Houston. Result: that 7 hr. flight which I dreaded to begin with turned into a far worse 11 and 1/2 hour ordeal. Air travel has become such a horrible thing that I dread every upcoming flight more and more and it seems that the experience becomes more and more onerous each time. I attribute it to incompetence. The general public is certainly incompetent and unconscious of their own contributions (not being ready to go through the security line, taking the bathroom sink into the cabin, self-centered behavior, etc., on an on), and the airlines and TSA don't seem to have a clue as to how to handle it. The result is the hostile environment that exists.
I have criticized the flight attendants for rude behavior, but thinking further I have sympathy for how they have to work in the 2 way street of hostility and anger.
There are answers to the problems and one day things will be better. Probably not in my lifetime, but some day.
MVFlyer Jun 25th 2010 12:59PM
While I fundamentally agree with Aurora that part of the unruliness comes from frustration, I think over the years a sense of entitlement has been growing. There are plenty of people who feel they *must* be upgraded on every flight, treated like royalty and given in to on every whim.
The example given by Heather, though, is pretty pathetic--the gate agent should have politely told the screamer to wait--wait lists are done in order, so the pax would still have his 'deserved' FC seat. Unfortunately, by giving in to these folks, the airlines encourage the behavior.
My personal favorite in dealing with these types: an 'entitled' passenger wants his first class seat, and when he's told that FC is full, he pulls out the "Do you know who I am?" line. The gate agent, without missing a beat, gets on the PA and asks: "We have a passenger here who doesn't know who he is. Can anyone help him?" Brilliant, and it completely humiliated this bozo.
GERIB Jun 25th 2010 7:42PM
I'm a F/A of 20 years (retired). This has been going on for a LONG time. My response - if I had to upgrade - would be to find a NICE couple to change seats with the complainers and upgrade the NICE people. I always felt better with myself. And of course, I loved the look on the complainers faces when I did it and enjoyed making the other couples trip one to remember! As to AURORA - there have been 'horrible' psgnrs. as long as the airlines have been flying. Check these people out when they leave the plane, no difference.. Flying is no longer fun, but I can't say that driving or the ease of taking the train has become any better.
Dean Jun 25th 2010 11:17PM
Heather,
I've learned the secret to getting decent, to good service at the airport, at the gates, and on the plane!! I'd like to share it with everyone. It doesn't take any extra effort, it may not net you an upgrade, but it will make for a much better flight experience. Here it is: BE NICE TO ANY AND EVERYONE YOU ENCOUNTER. From the guy who checks your bags, the agent at the counter, the TSA screener, the gate agent, and the flight attendant - GUESS WHAT? - they will respond in the manner you treat them! I have done this ever since I started flying at a very young age, and it's gotten me good service 99% of the time. I fly maybe 15,000 - 20,000 miles a year, not a lot by any stretch, but enough to show me that the above mentioned method works. If everyone would try what I suggest, you might find yourself pleasantly surprised!
tom Aug 18th 2010 12:07AM
Dean, you are so right! Been a supervisor for a major airline for 26 years and I never reward bad behavior! Usually when people are yelling at me (granted this doesn't happen often at my airline) I usually let them go on...think about what I have to do when I get home..."is he finished...no...so let's see...mow the lawn..water the plants" ok he's done. So I just say what I CAN do for him/her and send them on their way...usually the people behind that particular person are nicer bout it. It's the nice ones that I will TOTALLY go out of my way for. "Oh darn...I have nothing but first class on the next flight...I'm sure you'll suffer through it...here's your meal voucher...and a pass to the club (although we can't do that any longer). The guy before him woulda got the same treatment if he just acted halfway human!
Also...we KNOW where the infants are seated....also the heavy's....it really doesn't pay to be nasty to anyone at an airline. We do what we can for you...but we definitely take care of the nice ones! Also....line cutting is never tolerated...everyone is equally important!
AuroraFan4Evs Jun 25th 2010 8:07PM
THANK YOU, AURORA.
Finally, someone with the gutz (lolz) to say the truth! Yeah, Heather, you get another job. How dare you complain about rude people and ask a philosophical question about the state of societal selfishness, on the Internet no less? What gives you this "right?" Further, where to you get off demanding "respect" from other "people"? And while we're all finally being open, could you stop it with this weBLOG? It's exhausting to read your well-written, funny anecdotes and insights into a fascinating industry. I for one say you've respected our intelligence for the last time and will now go through all of your archives, so I can twist your posts into complaints about angry FAs ("flight attendants") who must be exactly like you because every person is exactly the same. I also suggest you post more videos of cute animals or people suffering random humiliations that have been posted to the Internet by strangers and/or close friends. That's the Web 2.0 "the kids" want these days.
Here's to you, Aurora, for opening my eyes.
I'm going to quit my job and change industries the next time I encounter rude behavior or have a "bad day." Can't wait! Thank you so much.
Jessie Jun 25th 2010 9:16PM
Wow. That is the most beautiful display of sarcasm that I have ever seen. (No I'm not being sarcastic. I'm actually rolling on the floor laughing so hard I feel like I'm going to pee.) Its too bad that there will be those who take you seriously. I hope Heather gets as much of a kick out of your response to Aurora as I did.
Heather, you are a darling. I love your posts and wish you'd do them more often. However, I fully understand the pressures of that lifestyle. My future Bro-in-law is a pilot and I hear often about his scheduling. I dont envy you. I do respect you. And I will admit, what I've read here has definitely made my flights (few and far between as they are) much easier. Thank you.
Tom Jun 26th 2010 12:52PM
I appreciate your post Heather. As a frequent flyer I get upset by the people who think they're entitled to stuff just because they fly a lot. I was recently in Atlanta for a layover and I was waiting in line for a boarding pass at the gate. I was 4th in a line of about 20 people. The gate agent, who couldn't be nicer, told us to give her a few minutes and she would begin helping us. As soon as she began helping the first lady in line another guy came up to the counter and stood beside said lady. When the gate agent was done with this lady this guy asked if he could get his upgrade now. Now this upset me because this guy needed to wait in line like the rest of us. So, I called out, "Hey Buddy, you need to go to the back of the line behind all these other nice folks." At this point you could have heard a pin drop. He said back to me, "I'm a first class passenger." My response was, "First class may get you to the front of the plane, but it doesn't get you to the front of the line." As he walked to the back of the line with a very unhappy look on his face everyone in line started clapping and a couple of these nice folks patted me on the back. Oh yeah, and the gate agent thanked me when I got up there for doing what I did and she gave me a first class upgrade, even though I wasn't trying to get one.
So, what is my point? I am tired of people who think they deserve treatment above and beyond what the everyday Joe should receive. I decided a few years ago that I will no longer be silent about this. When I see something like this I will now speak up and call people out. Someday it may get me punched in the mouth, but I will no longer allow people to take advantage of others when I'm around. So Heather, keep up the good work and keep denying these people their first class seats. They need to upgrade like everyone else.
Unexpected Traveller Jun 29th 2010 7:09AM
Mix the me-me-me attitude with a little alcohol and things can become very bad very quickly:
Tom Aug 18th 2010 12:14AM
I love when Herb Kellher of Southwest airlines (CEO) kept getting complaint letters from a certain woman...after a few of them of her saying she'd never fly their airline again.....he wrote back to her; "We will miss you!" You just know he wanted to include the word "NOT" in the ending! Gotta love a CEO with a sense of humor and knowing that his employees did whatever they could for her and she still was not satisfied!