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

**29palms** · 20-Nov-2008, 09:48 AM

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.

**Jumper** · 20-Nov-2008, 10:37 AM

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.

**ColoAvs19** · 20-Nov-2008, 05:52 PM

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.

**DeltaFlyer** · 20-Nov-2008, 07:17 PM

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...

**Jumper** · 20-Nov-2008, 08:47 PM

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

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]

No, but I also don't act like a complete and utter **** to my fellow employees for trying to to put a nicer spin on it.

I'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's that time).

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

**Jumper** · 21-Nov-2008, 10:18 AM

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

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

Oh yeah? Well, you'll be waving from the AOP window '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*

**vulindlela** · 23-Nov-2008, 06:48 AM

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.

**29palms** · 24-Nov-2008, 07:56 AM

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't see any reason why it shouldn't be good enough now or anytime. I don't wear it myself while flying, but I did after 9/11 to go with the flow. I don'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'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.

**BRITSKI99** · 24-Nov-2008, 09:54 AM

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 ) ...

**Migflanker** · 24-Nov-2008, 10:50 AM

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

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]

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

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