WHAT TICKS OFF THE GATE AGENTS ABOUT NON-REVS???

Here is a question, maybe a gate agent can answer. What ticks off us non-revers the most to you? From my angle, I see alot of non-revers snooping around the counter and interupting the ladies when they are trying to seat the passengers. But I also see another angle as to why these people snoop around the counters, mainly when there seems to be confusion and usually stemming from gate agents that are not employed within the airlines but outsourced or run by a carrier that is not familiar with OUR airline non-rev procedures. Most of my gate agents in my airlines are pretty professional and up to par on how the standby list goes. They even print it most of the time to show the non revers.. In Little Rock for instance, they were not handled by our airlines so I had to ask the person to PRINT the non-rev list because I felt he bypassed me on a couple of flights until I made him print the list. Maybe he did, maybe he didn't but I didn't trust him as I would OUR OWN AGENTS. I have to hit rock bottom for me to have to go up and make a gate agent print a non-rev list because I feel I should have made the previous flight or two. So I may have ticked him off but procedures are procedures. I want to see who is bumping me when the last time I checked the computer, I was first on the list and like 5 open seats. Anyway, if you are a gate agent, what can you tell me to act like so I don't TEE you off. Give us some good tips please.

You know there's more to it than just empty seats, right? If they are hauling cargo, that always gets priority, especially over non revs.

I've not non reved on other airlines yet (I was going to go on Delta but they told me at the ticket counter the flight I wanted was already over by four and it had checked in full so I opted for old faithful) but I never 'push' the gate agents. Unlike me, they can't just hit a mute button when it comes to snotty pax, so I always give what I wish for.

So far, I've never 'missed' a flight *knock on wood* and have even scored a couple complimentary upgrades.

I had a similar situation in ATL. New gate agent. This gate had the GIDS(the screen showing info, among it, a standby list). So I could see exactly where I was. I was number 1, and there were 8 open seats. The next departure was to like BNA and there were a bunch of people(revenue pax) for a later flight coming up and bugging the gate agent to standby for the BNA in an hour, but he was trying to work my flight first. Well, he boards everyone. It's been a few minutes. I contemplate, to bug or not to bug. I wait a few more minutes, and then in my softest nicest voice, approach and ask if the plane still has 8 seats like the screen says. He says, "sir, give me a minute, just let me get this flight closed out and then I'll answer your question." I told him my question was about the flight he was closing out. I told him I'm a nonrev and the screen shows plenty of open seats, but it's been awhile since he boarded everyone. He told me that the plane taxied out a couple minutes ago...gone. He was upset with himself and actually offered to buy me lunch. I was of course frustrated, but I mess up my job from time to time.

The next flight was full, and the next one. I actually got on a plane home about 4-5 hours after this incident.

Most agents are honest and do a great job, but that stanby list can be cleared out of order, and some agents do that. Never leave the gate. I've seen agents tell a nonrev that the flight is full, and to go back to the ticket counter to list for a later flight, only to call their name 5 minutes later, label them a no-show, and clear their buddy pass.

I've never printed a standby list at the gate though.

When I was with Delta I had a few issues that irked me...

The worst for me is when we are making announcements that the flight is oversold and we are asking revenue passengers to take later flights and Non-revs keep coming up asking if they are going to get on the flight or not...

The other thing for me is if a flight is more then 15minutes late then alot of the passengers connections in ATL were shot to heck so I would have a line of passengers inquiring about their connections and nonrevs would constantly come up to inquire if I thought they would get on or not...

Another thing, not a major issue at Delta anymore, is breaking the dress code...yes there will be some gate agents that will let little things go, but some are strict on the rules - find out the dresscode for the airline you are flying on and stick to it...if ever in doubt dress business casual and you cant go wrong...working in West Palm Beach, FL I have had to make some nonrevs change clothes before allowing them to board, even after the change in dress code...

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (29Palms @ Nov 20 2008, 12:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

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You know, I never push the gate agents either but if there is a screw up in the making, do you point it out or do you sit there and "WISH" for the best?[/b]

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No, but I also don&#39;t act like a complete and utter **** to my fellow employees for trying to to put a nicer spin on it.

http://www.nonrev.net/forums/style_e..._DIR#>/dry.gif

I&#39;ve been told by gate agents that they had to let a few seats go because of weight issues, (on a trip to NY) and been promptly put on the next flight (I had flexibility when it came to apo&#39;s that time).

Damn guys, we&#39;re all in this together after all (unless you&#39;re trying to get on my flight and there&#39;s only one seat left, then it&#39;s every nom rev for themself!)

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (29Palms @ Nov 21 2008, 10:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

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If it&#39;s between you and I for a seat, I&#39;ll DECLARE a MUST RIDE while I wave to you as the plane pulls out of the jetway. seeyalatersuckah![/b]

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Oh yeah? Well, you&#39;ll be waving from the AOP window &#39;coz I pulled my priority 3 (while we still have them) to get aboard!

*Pay no attention to the copious amounts of chocolate sitting at the gate agents desk* http://www.nonrev.net/forums/style_e...IR#>/laugh.gif http://www.nonrev.net/forums/style_e...IR#>/laugh.gif http://www.nonrev.net/forums/style_e...IR#>/laugh.gif

When I was a gate agent, not much upset me regarding Nonrevs. I tried to help them out as much as I could, afterall, I am one too!
Now, when I was an FA, I used to comp drinks to employees all the time but I hated when it was expected. I would always see employees wearing their badge, which is not allowed, expecting to get a comp drink.

I can seem to remember that wearing of our badges on flights were recommended after 9/11, to show the passengers that if we thought it was safe enough to fly, then they should be safe too. So if its good enough to wear then, I don&#39;t see any reason why it shouldn&#39;t be good enough now or anytime. I don&#39;t wear it myself while flying, but I did after 9/11 to go with the flow. I don&#39;t recall getting free drinks over it unless I was up in first class with or without a badge.
I never buck for free drinks. In fact, it seems to me that FA&#39;s like to push drinks on me while riding in first. Almost recommending me to have one. "COMON, IT WILL RELAX YOU"...But down in coach, I just take the free soft drinks or water. I never pay the five bucks for a canned beer.

Still staggers me that you have to pay for drinks in any class on supposed full service carriers in the US ( as opposed to the low cost specialists ) ...

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BRITSKI99 @ Nov 24 2008, 06:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

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Still staggers me that you have to pay for drinks in any class on supposed full service carriers in the US ( as opposed to the low cost specialists ) ...[/b]

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The lines blur between full service and low cost. To think I now "fondly" look back at Bistro bags.

We&#39;ve had the ID badge discussion before; it&#39;s a no-no on DL to identify yourself in any way as employee except for check-in/secured areas. That said, my husband always introduces me when the crew is boarding and I&#39;m on a trip with him. Wonder if that&#39;s okay? hmmm...

I had my $7.00 (yeah, you read THAT right!!) for a split of cheap white wine but the FA discreetly "shushed" me and didn&#39;t take it. I feel sorry for some of the FA&#39;s on feeder lines because they have 3 diff prices for beer as per airline--$5, 6 and 7 (for DL) Pax seem to freak at $7 and I don&#39;t blame them!

$7 beer http://bestsmileys.com/fainting/1.gif

One time while up in first class, some idiot FA, male by the way, was taking dinner orders, and when he got to me, he blurted out "YOURE STANDBY RIGHT"? Well, needless to say, he identified me right there as an employee. I may as well had my badge on. I don&#39;t know why he did that, my only guess is that he wanted me to know that he knew I was a nonrev pax so I wouldn&#39;t be as demanding???

If I am flying with a carrier that assigns seats at the gate, the first thing I do is approach the Gate.
If there is another passenger along side me, I generally waive them in before me. I don&#39;t want to advertise the fact I&#39;m &#39; staff &#39;.
I show them my boarding card, if it is not visible that I&#39;m standby, I tell them I&#39;m a sub load and ask them what time they would like me to
return to the gate.
Once I&#39;m told, I steer clear and don&#39;t bother anyone. Either my name is called, or if I think it&#39;s getting tight, I&#39;ll make myself visible.

Likewise, if seats are assigned at check in, I always ask what time they would like me to return and if I should return to any specific desk.
I then disappear until the designated time.

The only time I make myself visible is if I&#39;m in a chaotic city, like Beirut, staff are shoving their tickets under their noses at check in, not wanting to be left out, I join in. It&#39;s rare !

On UA, standby&#39;s are added to the DM ( Departure Management List ).
The list also consists of passengers without seats etc ....
The check in mode automatically assigns our priority. On standby, we are boarded by seniority - regardless of years of service.
When the flight closes, the gate Agent works the DM List and they either automatically onload the standby&#39;s or manually work it.
I have never been bypassed by anyone with less seniority to myself, the system works well and ok, I have access to past dated check in, so I can check.
I have also signed into flights to assist colleagues sitting on their cell phones and I have never seen anyone &#39; jump &#39; the list.

On other carriers, I have never been mistreated onboard by a F/A. In fact the reverse, several times on BA I&#39;ve been informed that there may not be a meal for me and the F/A&#39;s always manage to rustle something together.

By the way, if there is anyone online that works for Air Trans or TACA, I managed 9 flights in 10 days some 3 weeks ago and I thought both carriers were fab, first time on each and oversold flights, but managed to get on everyone and treated well:-)

As for paying for drinks onboard full service carriers .... Errrrrrrr, Aer Lingus & BMI spring to mind ! ( LHR-NAP is not a 60 minute flight !!! )

So I see it from both sides, both when I travel, and as a gate agent. Employees are usually better "behaved" than buddy passes. When I announce a payload restriction and start soliciting for volunteers, and then I get 5 buddy passes bugging me to see if they cleared yet.

Another thing, nonrevs can speak among themselves. Don&#39;t aggressively argue with me why I didn&#39;t MAKE the nonreving pilot sit in the flight deck so that you can have a seat too. Don&#39;t yell at me that the nonrevs above you(Man, wife, infant) took 3 seats(for 3 pax) and used a car seat instead of juggling baby for 3 hours. I don&#39;t give many buddy passes, and when I do, I travel with them. I once had to ask a commuting pilot for the favor of him taking the jumpseat. He said it&#39;s fine and that he&#39;s been there before w/buddy passes. Don&#39;t tell the gate agent to send him to the jumpseat. Don&#39;t approach me upon me closing the door, raise your voice, and call me a liar and tell me you checked the flight yesterday and it had at least 3 seats and that I sent the plane out w/ empty space.

Most nonrevs are fine, and I try to look out for them w/exit row, bulkhead, empty seats around them, etc.

Happy travels

Wow, after hearing that I am thinking "have I ever done any of those things?" but I can&#39;t recall ever behaving that way. When I travel I always approach the gate agent when I first arrive and let them know I am there (often they seem to get minimal info from my checking in at the counter) and check the flight loads at the same time. After that, I leave them alone and do not approach the podium again unless a) my name is called or b)they close out the flight and I need to be rolled over to another one. I admit that I do, however, hover a bit within 10 minutes of departure. http://www.nonrev.net/forums/style_e...IR#>/laugh.gif

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mrs767er @ Nov 24 2008, 11:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

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I had my $7.00 (yeah, you read THAT right!!) for a split of cheap white wine but the FA discreetly "shushed" me and didn&#39;t take it. I feel sorry for some of the FA&#39;s on feeder lines because they have 3 diff prices for beer as per airline--$5, 6 and 7 (for DL) Pax seem to freak at $7 and I don&#39;t blame them![/b]

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I hope this does not change with the merger but I am sure it will.
NW gives free booze in coach class across the pond. I think it may be the only US carrier that still does.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (29Palms @ Nov 20 2008, 07:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

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In Little Rock for instance, they were not handled by our airlines so I had to ask the person to PRINT the non-rev list because I felt he bypassed me on a couple of flights until I made him print the list. Maybe he did, maybe he didn&#39;t but I didn&#39;t trust him as I would OUR OWN AGENTS.[/b]

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Hey Palms thought you might like to know that you can view the list on your cell phone. I know that they just announced this but it has been available for months. If you pull up the list it shows everyone in order by pass class just like the list.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ColoAvs19 @ Dec 1 2008, 04:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

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Most nonrevs are fine, and I try to look out for them w/exit row, bulkhead, empty seats around them, etc.[/b]

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Most gate agents are great and we appreciate you guys. This is one thing that I have often wondered. As a nonrev I often sit in first class or if not then exit rows or bulk head. This is much appreciated because I am 6&#39; 3". Sometimes after my name is called and I approach the counter because of my height the gate agent will give me the pre-assigned seat and then ask if I would prefer exit or bulk head instead. With all the times that I have been wronged at the gate I definitely been treated better than a paying pax the majority of the time. It&#39;s terrible to think that when I quit I will have to pay for my tickets and then sit in a less desirable seat than I do now.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (vulindlela @ Dec 2 2008, 07:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

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I hope this does not change with the merger but I am sure it will.
NW gives free booze in coach class across the pond. I think it may be the only US carrier that still does.[/b]

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DL gives one included with meal service for revs--varies w/FA and nonrev

How do you pull the nonrev list up on the cell phone? Is this a service you must pay for?

I figured out how to tick off a gate agent.

DL gate agent in JFK. 50 minutes prior to departure for LAS(for the 21st birthday), nothing yet going on---probably 10 minutes until the craziness starts.
I was on a standard priority because the flight had plenty of seats, but only a couple in F. I figured the upgrades would take all the F seats. There were very few upgrades, and it was an international 752 with Business Elite cabin. I found myself ONE spot out of business. I decided to use a priority day to move up the list(I know that bumps someone else, but it&#39;s happened to me and that&#39;s the game.) The gate agent would not change my priority. She said it cannot be done once you check in. I reminded her of the correct policy that you can change your priority as much as you want up to 30 minutes prior to departure. I kindly informed her that we were within the appropriate time frame, please change my priority. She again refused. I called someone at work and had them change my priority. I saw my name move to the top of the list. I gave the gate agent a nice smile and a thank you as she gave me my boarding pass.

I like to be a "good passenger," but the gate agent was wrong. I&#39;ve noticed in general that smaller outstations have the best people. ATL and JFK have alot of gate agents that don&#39;t know some policies(not just concerning nonrevs). Every pax goes through your hubs, you&#39;ve got to have good agents there. Of course there are some great agents in most cities, just not enough.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (29Palms @ Dec 3 2008, 06:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

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How do you pull the nonrev list up on the cell phone? Is this a service you must pay for?[/b]

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No cost just go to pda.continental.com

You can even check in for your flight there. All you need is your confirm number and you can pull up boarding totals, view a map of assigned seats and see the nonrev list.