VS034 ANU-LGW 1 Aug 09 (PE)

This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin

Ground Staff

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First time flying PE overnight and as usual, being upstairs is quiet, civilized and in my opinion, more comfortable than on the main deck.
Everything went smoothly and although I hardly managed more than a doze, I could not fault the service at all.
However, I want to get something off my chest for those who might be interested; when I sit down next to someone on a plane I always say 'good evening' or 'hello' as a matter of courtesy. On this occasion, the gentleman next to me (middle-aged, British) barely managed a grunt as a reply and that was it for the entire 8 hours. Now, believe me; I am not the kind of person who wants to chat and reveal my life story to a stranger, nor would I want to be on the receiving end of that, but I actually found it uncomfortable to be sat next to someone who couldn't even say 'hi, or good evening'. I've had this experience on my last 2 flights in PE and wondered if perhaps that some PE customers might be resentful that they're not in Upper Class and consider themselves too grand to even be polite to a fellow passenger? I'm probably far too old-fashioned but I still believe in good manners and acting in a civil manner.

Agree that a polite hello and maybe even small talk before take off is acceptable!!

On my last flight in UC I had some guy come and sit on my ottoman while he spoke to me and the guy sitting next to me.. A bit over polite..!!

It costs nothing to be polite! Some people are full of their own self importance [V]

how rude!

Sometimes people get scared that if you say 'hi' back that you have given approval to 8 hours of continuous chat.....has happened to me, even with headphones on / trying to sleep!

At the very least they could try to be civil, and courteous. You never know, you might like the person sitting next to you, and actually enjoy exchanging a few words!

Some of my best flights are down to unexpected but great conversations with fellow passengers. Could he have been a nervous flyer?

[buns]

Maybe he was expecting to have two seats to himself[:w]

I agree with others - irrespective of your need to work / sleep / indulge a small display of manners and acknowledging your seat companion does not go amiss [:(!]


buns

Incredibly rude and i would have made the ignorant fella say something by repeating myself, doesnt this sum up how society is these days where people look down to the floor rather than having to make eye contact.

cheers

alex

Sad to say that passengers like that are only too common some days - it costs nothing to be polite.

How very rude.[V]