Travelling in UC but have a friend in Economy

Hi,

Just wondering if someone would kindly help me with a question.

As per the subject header, I have a friend travelling in economy whilst I'm in UC. Will it be possible for me to invite him in the UC cabin for 1 drink (10 mins max), or will the cabin crew not allow this?

Cheers

[Darren Wheeler]

Hi and welcome to V-Flyer.

Best advice I can give is to speak to the FSM (wearing a black shirt) and ask nicely and suggesting a 10 minute visit.

Depending on the load and how busy the flight is, they may accommodate you. Having said that though, be prepared for the answer to be a no.

Of course, there is nothing stopping you from going back to visit them.

It does seem a bit cruel to let them enjoy the UC for just 10 minutes then send them back to their tiny hard cramped seat.
When I am fortunate to be in UC it doesn't bother me at all if a guest visits someone but I have seen badly behaved pax coming in and start behaving as if they bought a ticket even to the point of saying what they want off the dinner menu (at which point they were requested to leave).

From a sales point of view it makes sense to alow a visit as it may just make then dig deeper into their inheritance next time they fly.

I concur with Honey Lamb

It will depend on how busy the flight is and if you ask politly something hting like 'would it be possible, after the meal service when things have calmed down if .....'

Though the decision is down to the FSM.

As you are in UC you are also able to take a guest into the CH with you so that might be an option. They will also be able to check in with you and use the private security channel

[Neil]

I concur with Honey Lamb

Honey Lamb?!?!?!?!?

I think you need new glasses sir

I concur with Honey Lamb

Honey Lamb?!?!?!?!?

I think you need new glasses sir

Hmm not new but maybe a wipe with a damp rag.

But it is the sort of thing she would say !

I have now clearly insulted both HL and Darren.

Not sure who'll be offended the most though ...

Have a similar situation in a couple of weeks;

Myself and Mrs Monster in UC; the In-laws in Econ!

I've told the mother-in-law that they're definitely not allowed anywhere near the UC cabin - and I certainly wouldn't be allowed to visit them!

Obviously I'm joking, (does she read this...?)

I have often been in this situation and it definitely depends on the FSM. I have had a few firm No's and some who have been very sweet and given a friend a glass of bubbles for their visit.

I am always very conscious of the other UC passengers and would not dream of upsetting anyone with a long visit.

On one UC flight there was a very lax FSM and 3 non UC passengers sat at the bar for almost the whole flight and were very noisy v( I was not happy.

However Roxy Popsy visited me in UC from PE once and was thrown out in an embarrassing way even though I had asked permission v( It was upsetting for both of us. I was given a bottle of champers as an apology but RP didn't even get a sorry.....

Sunshine 8D

[honey lamb]

I concur with Honey Lamb

Honey Lamb?!?!?!?!?

I think you need new glasses sir

Hmm not new but maybe a wipe with a damp rag.

But it is the sort of thing she would say !

I have now clearly insulted both HL and Darren.

Not sure who'll be offended the most though ...

No you haven't offended me but I must confess to having been a little bit puzzled and worried. I started wondering if I was suffering from memory loss as I had no recollection of posting just as I had no recollection of Aer John coming in last night and my talking to him

[buns]

Have a similar situation in a couple of weeks;

Myself and Mrs Monster in UC; the In-laws in Econ!

I've told the mother-in-law that they're definitely not allowed anywhere near the UC cabin - and I certainly wouldn't be allowed to visit them!

Obviously I'm joking, (does she read this...?)

Be warned once Mrs Buns and I got an upgrade and were traveling with others - guess who never saw the UC Cabin :w B)

buns

Thank you all for your replies.

Hi spmcd the etiquette in this situation is pretty easy. Ask to speak to the FSM, tell him or her you have a friend in Y, enquire politely about the bar and a drink, and if you do your request may be granted.

However, expect a 'no' to be safe, ask when things are quiet (I.e. not during meal times or when the bar is buy), and whatever you do don't abuse the privilege.

Oh, have a great flight

Or you could ask the J CSS after all it's their cabin and it's only fair it goes via them first. Most FSMs will say they will get back to you then go and find their CSS. Most FSMs don't get involved with the day to day running of each cabin so to speak they just support where needed.

Most FSMs don't get involved with the day to day running of each cabin so to speak they just support where needed.

Hmmmmm interesting.

Perhaps if these FSMs did get involved a bit more then there would be more happier pax and less complaints from J/Au Pax.

You can read many TRs where the absence of the FSM in the cabin is activly commented on and not just because they didn't say 'hello' to Au pax but because the FSM failed to lead, help resolve problems and in some reports not even to speak to a pax who has specifically asked to speak to the FSM.

FSMs are there to lead and take overall responsibility for the flight CSSs are there to run their cabin each role has set guidelines. The FSM should be talking to
customers in all cabins especially when requested.

The team of OBMs get told that guests are not allowed in the J cabin. I would imangine it's because it's takes the exclusive feel of the cabin for other paying customers. Of course this can be changed on the day by the CSS/FSM but in my experience this has often led to people outstaying their welcome and general pee taking.

You can read many TRs where the absence of the FSM in the cabin is activly commented on and not just because they didn't say 'hello' to Au pax but because the FSM failed to lead, help resolve problems and in some reports not even to speak to a pax who has specifically asked to speak to the FSM.

Good point Tonty.
On the (sadly) rare occasions where they do bother, it is a real bonus. I was lucky enough to get a great FSM, Amanda Emmerson (use of name approved by cc) on a flight to LAX in May who went the extra mile to her huge personal credit. I have just re-read the responses on my trip report and it was the single most commented aspect. I fly with VS about 20 times a year and I'm still waiting for my next FSM to pop over and say hi.

FSMs are there to lead and take overall responsibility for the flight CSSs are there to run their cabin each role has set guidelines. The FSM should be talking to
customers in all cabins especially when requested.

As you say that's what they should do but experience from the TRs here are that only a few FSMs are actually doing this and in some cases are activly refusing to speak to pax who have specifically requested to speak to them.

Unfortunatly (just as in any profession) a few less than active FSMs given the rest a bad name.

Perhaps some need a refresher course. I'm sure a few v-flyers would be happy to go and teach on it !