Non-rev. dress code.

[traveler]

Now I'm big time in favor of staff travel. I do it all the time.
So on my last trip we have two partners of f.a.'s along. Very nice guy's. But they just really didn't look the part. I know people in Holland dress very, very casual anyway (to say it nice). I know, I'm Dutch. But when I travel I have to dress up, especially if I hope to get business or first. So we take these guys along, and there is room so they're in business. (they don't have the privileges but if I can help it and it is legal, nobody gets left behind. I've been there and try to be nice about it). But after the flight when I try to say it delicately to one of the f.a.'s ... I'm the asshole. I guess I shouldn't bother. Its really up to the gate agent, I suppose. (!?!)

[Captain_Googly]

It seems that no one really cares anymore or is to afrqaid to say something about it...
I was held up at the gate in Paris one time because two passengers were missing. Did we want to wait. Since it was the late flight and we could spare a few minutes and still be on time we deceided to give it a chance. In come two giggling ladies, dressed in ripped jeans and sneakers etc.
Later we found out that they were F.A.'s!
Where does this stop?
And here you are all dressed up, in tourist with business half empty!
I know it's a given thing, but still....

[GalleyWench]

Traveler, Maybe a word to the gate agents who can see if they can change their clothes ? Please keep up your efforts to get staff on, KLM has always been great in getting our commuters on your flights! Our captains would not be so kind as you seem to be about getting staff on flights.

[Grondmeneertje]

But then again, being well dressed is not always a guarantee to get well seated.
Here we were at Bangkok airport. Luckily we got a seat immediately upon checkin. So far so good. Then at the gate area we came across two colleagues of the same dept as we are working. They were there in Thailand together with two members of the flightcrew. We got to chat a bit and finally we were asked to go on board. The two other ladies waited a while, while we were going on board just as we were asked. When seated we saw the two other ladies coming in, and turning left........ to the Business Class!!!! Same priority, same sorts of tickets. I would say as flight crew: All in Business or none in Business!
I also don't quite understand why pilots get the nonrev Business-class tkts and the rest of the company gets nonrev Tourist, but that's something else.... http://www.crewstart.com/ubb/images/icons/mad.gif

[traveler]

I do agree with you,
however what you say is not exactly true.

[Grondmeneertje]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Arial, Verdana ">quote:<HR>Originally posted by traveler:
I do agree with you,
however what you say is not exactly true.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
OK, OK, pilots, 'important' people from the headoffice and pursers 10 or 15 yrs in service. But do they work harder, do they deserve Business more than the working bees do?

[traveler]

You're almost there. Not all pilots get it either. Maybe there is a point to not having this privilege right away, you do appreciate it when you get it. Something to look forward too ? Anyway, I do agree with you that all employees should, after a little while (say 2 years ?) receive this benefit. We all try hard to make our airline successful so we have jobs for years to come. There is also pride involved. And what do we care when the door is closed whether you occupy a business or tourist class seat. Sure the catering of a bis. Cl. meal is slightly more expansive but our high non-rev ticket prices ( way above industry standard ) should more than adequately cover those costs. Any other airlines have a non-rev travel department that actually makes a profit ? Naturally we need to dress according our guidelines and not piss off the paying pax or working crew. I also think this way of travel should not be viewed upon as a gift from management but should be included in our CAO as part of our rightfully earned compensation package. Than we can start the next interesting debate over priority numbers. Who goes ahead of who ? I, like most, am strongly in favor that I should receive the best number. Right ?

[Erin]

Grondmeneertje,

I think the crew on board can be a bit more friendly sometimes to "other" staff from the airline, I know because I am fa myself. Sometimes the purser upgrades colleagues from the groundstaff, but most of the time this only happens when flightdech or cabin crewmembers are involved... On the other site I see the same thing happen, some groundstaff do only a bit extra for "their" colleagues, some of them do their utmost for cabin staff as well, ( and don't send them away before the doors are closed...)

------------------
If we are what we eat, then some pilots should eat more chicken

[Belg1972]

I fully agree on the dresscode for travelling flight attendants...but the captain arriving in his shorts. A little later, during my service in business class, this gentleman wanted to say hello in the cockpit. I refused... He looked like that cliche Miami tourist.

Perhaps a good idea to all travelling crew. In my company there is a kind of agreement if you get the chance to be accepted on board the aircraft as a non-rev, you offer them a little extra. It isn't mandatory but it is a nice way to thank you. Mostly it is a box of chocolates or good quality cookies... well appreciated by the crew...
(especially our belgian chockies http://www.crewstart.com/ubb/images/icons/smile.gif )

[traveler]

That is a very nice thought indeed. In my experience you can usually count on the flight deck crew to have liquorish or other munchies to share with all working crew. It is nice and also a bit of self interest since visits up front (especially on those long flights) are highly appreciated.
It shouldn't become a bribing tool to get on the flight though !