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Hello
I see the occasional reference to bringing chocolates to crew members when you are flying non-rev. But who gets them -- gate agents? FA who greets you when you board? Bring enough for the pilots? What do you say to them? How much chocolate should you bring on an international flight? I'll be non-revving internationally soon and don't want to commit a faux pas.
To be quite honest I doubt giving chocolates to ANY agent will make a difference.
The receiving agent could be in a lot of trouble if it was discovered that the agent did something they should not have done because they got a box of chocolate!
How would you feel if you saw a non-rev give a chocolate bribe and got on a flight/upgrade before you when you know you had a higher priority??
To be honest i think it is a rediculous idea!!
I see no harm in providing the crew a few treats on arrival. I seriously doubt you''ll get upgraded, but maybe...graft works in mysterious ways.
I wouldn't count on a gate agent to do anything--that's a bit on the iffy side of policy in most cases. Certainly not to bypass anyone else' priority. I don't think the OP was suggesting that at all, flassher.
I would always look for the senior purser or team leader(DL) and offer a nice quantity of sharable chocolates, like Hershey miniatures--maybe a bag each front and aft?
At least you will be remembered for your thoughtfulness.
Love it!!.....I can just see a flight with several non-revs queing up to board all with a box of chocolates or similar under their arms.....and then a member of the crew walking through the plane with an arm full of chocolates heading fo the galley......non-revs are meant to blend in with other passengers are they not??Quote:
Originally Posted by mrs767er
Just brought a smile to my face thinking of that scenerio....Cheers.
On a serious note.....with airline security as it is...would you eat something given to you by a stranger on a plane....would you know what was in the chocolate....would you want the pilots to eat something from a stranger whilst flying.....I would imagine international crews would be very wary......
I do not knock anyone for trying it but I would not do it.
As an F/A, I never did like the nonrevs who thought they deserved something for free, whether it was done subtly or outright.
The usual was to come on board flashing a badge with the hopes of getting some comp. alcohol. I was more than happy to comp nonrevs but not when they demanded it.
Whenever I nonrev I always take treats for the crews. It is a thank you and nothing more than that. I often wait until we are in the air, and take the treats to the back galley. It is great to see the smile on the face of the crew who is working hard to help you get to where you are going.
Most of the time crews never get a good thank you from anyone... so I take it upon myself to say thanks for the ride.
I typed my words unwsiely--I should not have written "always" as I have never done that myself--I meant that IF someone wanted to that they should go the lead or purser (I did say a bag--as indicating a sealed retail bag of commercial individually wrapped little chocolate bars--you don't have a Cadbury version??) I have to say, I see the gesture often, perhaps the crew throws them away or eats them at the hotel....Thye have a galley fulll of goodies and from the size of some FA's--I don't think they throw them out!! Now, that's a scenario I just adore..and not w/a smile on my face!!Quote:
Originally Posted by flassher
I do take treats when I am flying with my husband's crew. ALL THE TIME. I'm a great baker and confectioner and have yet to poison anyone!! (that I am aware...)
Not so much in the US as in Australia and Asia where wearing your badge or telling anyone you work for the airline is considered sacrilegious. In the US it seemed that everyone liked to wear their badges and/or company material and/or uniforms etc. and that was totally acceptable...Quote:
Originally Posted by flassher
Yeah, it's strange really... people gripe about the airline industry all the time, but if you mention it to someone outside the airport it's suddenly the coolest thing ever. I wore mine most of the day today after training, as did everyone else in the hotel area. Gives occasion to give "the nod" :P
And when you look out of the aircraft window whilst still on the ground, do you see the hard working mechanics, baggage handlers etc working away in the heat, the freezing cold or the driving rain??? Poor buggers get nothing so why the crew if it's not a little "bribe"......Cheers.Quote:
Originally Posted by harry.farmer
My badge stays in my pocket.........Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick
It's one of those things you need to know WHEN to do.
As this topic has clearly shown, its a definite NO GO in some cultures (some even immediately think they will be poisoned), whereas at other airlines it bumps you up to First class.
My personal experience is that it doesn't help you at all on non-"Latin" airlines, and it helps you greatly on "Latin" airlines, Latin also including the European airlines like Iberia, Alitalia, Air France or Brussels Airlines... ;-)
I usually save current magazines or books I have just finished. It has helped me out a bunch and better on the hips:)
Hah, I'm going through OO training right now, and we learned how to onload pax from the waitlist. The instructor did say that sometimes you'll get offers and stuff from the nonrevs (I'm going to Starbucks, do you need anything?) even though it doesn't really change anything. Personally, I do it for the karma, and to thank them for the help in tricky situations.
Oh, and I think y'all would like to know that we did get a few words about nonrev karma... putting them in an exit row seat when possible, or the best seat available at the time :)
I'm glad they mentioned that. 90% of the time people are really friendly and helpful, and offer the best seat available. Then you have the others who place you in the row behind the exit, even though 2 of those exit seats remain vacant. I mean I can move later.... but come on!Quote:
Originally Posted by spongebue
Well, in all fairness, my instructor's family is very much in the industry, and he nonrevs a lot, but still... the tradition lives :)
I'm with Flasher on this one. End up looking more like a smooge. (Brown noser) If this backfires, the chocolates may end up melting not in your hands but rather, where the light don't shine. FLASHER......If you ever make it to San Francisco, I recommend SIERRA NEVADA PALE ALE. I tell you, three of those and it really kicks in. Pretty heavy stuff. Just got back yesterday. Great trip. Made it to Yosemite. Great little ride, pretty trecherous driving up through winding roads and hate to see what happens if you miss your curb by going too fast. Long drop to put it bluntly. Fresno was neat. Lots of incredilbe fruits and oranges, all organic.
G'day 29palms...was hoping you might comment being in MX.....
Was in a bar on Fishermans Wharf last year that had a huge amount of different beers that i did my best to sample...good chance I might have tried it, if not it's on my list for my next trip to SFO...love the place. Cheers.
When i first started in this industry i would always lanyard my badge around my neck when i would travel non-rev. Now days I just shove it in my pocket and only show it to TSA and gate agents to get my seat asignment. Just not worth the hastle of hearing passangers ask where (fill in the blank) while I'm off the clock.
I don't sport anything around, and I don't expect anything from gate agents or flight attendants whenever I travel. I just accept what is given. The least they know I'm a non rev the better. It's old hat to me now, don't need first class for only a few hours trip. They help in the long flights but not willing to kiss butt to get it. I'm just not the butt kissin type.
"...with airline security as it is...would you eat something given to you by a stranger on a plane....would you know what was in the chocolate...."
Everyone knows that strangers have the best candy.
My wife and I like to bring something for the crew. We just do it to be nice and never expect anything. (we are very easy to please passengers).
Now promise...next trip bring something for the guys and gals working the ramp...promise now!!Quote:
Originally Posted by drewmeister_sd