Give up your first class seat for someone in the military?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2010
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Give up your first class seat for someone in the military?
I saw this story - http://www.chron.com/news/nation-wor...rs-1987156.php
Candidly I've never considered it. I normally don't pay attention to who is on the flight. I want to board early, get situated quickly, and start reading. I'll admit that there are days where I wouldn't give up my first class seat to my own mother (I assume we've all had days like that) but certainly there are times where flying coach is more palatable.
So from now on I'll be more aware. Perhaps you should too??????
Candidly I've never considered it. I normally don't pay attention to who is on the flight. I want to board early, get situated quickly, and start reading. I'll admit that there are days where I wouldn't give up my first class seat to my own mother (I assume we've all had days like that) but certainly there are times where flying coach is more palatable.
So from now on I'll be more aware. Perhaps you should too??????
#2
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: DCA
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Posts: 927
It's a nice sentiment but no thanks. Not until we see people giving up their seats to hospice workers, school teachers, first responders, and any number of other "deserving" people who don't get to fly up-front most days. If this individual wanted to do something nice for a soldier, more power to him. I just don't feel obliged to follow suit.
#3
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: MSP/BER
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Posts: 139
I've given up my seats to random people before who probably haven't done anything for society. I'd give up my seat. It's just a cushy spot for a few hour flight. No big deal.
#4
Join Date: Apr 2005
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I would be more apt to give up my F-class seat for an Occupy Wall Street activist or a conscientious objector...
#5
Moderator: Hilton Honors forums
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Thread Alert
The new home for this thread is now the TravelBuzz! forum, as the topic has absolutely nothing to do with Delta Air Lines or the Delta SkyMiles frequent flier loyalty program.
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Canarsie
Co-Moderator, Delta SkyMiles forum
Regards,
Canarsie
Co-Moderator, Delta SkyMiles forum
#6
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 677
I think I normally sit next to them up front anyway...
I have given my seat up for a soldier before, especially when I hear something about how they are on their way home. I love seeing their face. Priceless.
I have given my seat up for a soldier before, especially when I hear something about how they are on their way home. I love seeing their face. Priceless.
#7
Join Date: Oct 2010
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Thank you. Yes off topic. Such human interest stories are best suited for Facebook posts, in my opinion.
#8
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,849
I don't agree with the hero worship of military members that is all too common these days.
#9
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,044
One does not need to worship them to recognize that they are doing a job that is highly dangerous, extremely demanding upon their families, and for much lower pay than you or I might choose to do it for. Rather than worship them, you might simply choose to thank them.
#10
Join Date: Oct 2005
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One does not need to worship them to recognize that they are doing a job that is highly dangerous, extremely demanding upon their families, and for much lower pay than you or I might choose to do it for. Rather than worship them, you might simply choose to thank them.
If you are getting first cause you paid for it or because of status, you earned it! Keep it!
#11
Join Date: May 2005
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You may be encouraging the serviceman/woman to violate policy. Not that this is enforced; I witnessed a violation of this policy by an officer a week ago.
Reference (see page 18).
An acquaintance of mine (USAF officer) said that he was told that he could not fly in first while wearing a uniform and that the way he got into first (miles, $, free, etc.) was irrelevant . Therefore he made sure to avoid flying while in uniform (to get elite upgrades).
ARMY POLICY: Members may not travel in any premium class (first class or business class) while in uniform, even if they pay for the upgrade with personal frequent flyer miles
An acquaintance of mine (USAF officer) said that he was told that he could not fly in first while wearing a uniform and that the way he got into first (miles, $, free, etc.) was irrelevant . Therefore he made sure to avoid flying while in uniform (to get elite upgrades).
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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One does not need to worship them to recognize that they are doing a job that is highly dangerous, extremely demanding upon their families, and for much lower pay than you or I might choose to do it for. Rather than worship them, you might simply choose to thank them.
#13
Join Date: Dec 2006
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One does not need to worship them to recognize that they are doing a job that is highly dangerous, extremely demanding upon their families, and for much lower pay than you or I might choose to do it for. Rather than worship them, you might simply choose to thank them.
FWIW many military personnel will turn down the offer of an upgrade as a military person in uniform in first class can be mis-interpreted by a casual observer as a waste of taxpayer money. Some turn it down because they say they're not in the military to get special treatment.
At any rate, if you really want to show support for the troops, I think there's many better ways. Perhaps go volunteer at your local VA hospital. On your way, drop off a couple of pizzas to your local fire department.
#14
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,044
Like everyone, they have made the choice to do this job. Police, fire all have a dangerous position. But they decide what they want to do in life. I have had brain tumor (let the jokes begin ), or you may have had a medical issues. Why not give it to you then? You did not decide to have the problem.
If you are getting first cause you paid for it or because of status, you earned it! Keep it!
If you are getting first cause you paid for it or because of status, you earned it! Keep it!
And yes, teachers, firefighters, police officers, and social workers are also worthy of our thanks, for doing jobs that are under-compensated relative to their importance for society. Investment bankers, not so much.
Last edited by DJGMaster1; Dec 23, 2011 at 2:37 pm
#15
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