First Class as a Non-Rev

Posted in Airlines, check it out | 6 comments

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Who doesn’t like to fly first class, seriously? We all would love the extra room and attention wouldn’t we? Well for non-revs, its very rare that we end up sitting up there. They’re usually the first seats to sell out so they’re never available for us to be put into — and some airlines — don’t even allow non-revs into their first class cabins. They say, doing so, helps the cabin retain its “exclusivity.” However, what a nice perk it is to be able to enjoy a simple luxury every once and a while.

On my recent trip to Tampa I flew US Airways as I do most of the time when I non-rev. I have a lot of friends who work there and they’re able to tell me the exact flight loads so I’m not stuck in an airport for hours waiting to get on a flight. Anyway, I had prior notice that my first flight to Philadelphia still had 4 first class seats available before I got to the airport. On the way I picked up a few smaller boxes of chocolates for the crew and for the agents, we all know how well schmoozing works onboard, right?

I was traveling to Philly with my good friend and now, personal assistant, Patti. She was going onto Cincinnati once we landed when I took off for Tampa. We both checked in together, and I decided to let me chocolates and her good looks do the talking. A few moments later… 13D and E. Not what we expected.

That’s okay though. She’d just have to suffer with me sleeping on her for the 5 hours. I was okay with sitting in coach, as long as I was sitting next to her.

We moved to a secluded seating area while we waited to board and then it dawned on me, US Airways allows non-revs to upgrade to first class for a small fee, if seats are available. At least, I remember them allowing that years prior.

So, I handed Patti my credit card.. and sent her off to work her magic. I peered over to the gate podium while texting Patti to see how her work was going. She responded with “not yet..” so I waited. I even put my glasses on just to watch and see what was going on in the distance. Finally, she got them. I saw the agent printing the tickets. She texted me back and said “$150 each, thanks boss.”

I about died. $150 a PIECE?! What?! I was expecting like $20-40. I guess Patti deserved a bonus. As she walked over to me, she put this huge smile on her face and said, “did I scare you?” … “they were $40 each.”

So, we boarded right away and the first class flight attendant was overly gracious and attentive.

Anyway, to all of you non-revvers out there, US Airways, $40 for a transcon or $20 on a short haul. Treat yourself one of these days. I’ll do it at any chance I have.. with, or without, Patti. Special Holidays for all the Family can also warrant an upgrade. I never sat in first as a kid, but how awesome would that be?

 

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  • Frank

    I miss the days when first class consisted of FIRST CLASS passengers AND Non Rev’s.  Now it’s upgrade mania with a sense of entitlement.  Glad you got bumped up front.  I commute to and from work and the agents are amazing to me.  I consistently bring them treats for their thankless jobs.
    I always carry chocolates in my travel bag for that purpose.  They trully appreciate the kindness in return.

    • Peri Duncan

      I agree.  When it was people paying big bucks, and non-revs in the required dressy attire on their required best behavior, First Class was paradise.  That’s hilarious that some airlines think having these well-dressed, respectful non-revs damage the exclusivity!!!  Excuse me…it’s the riff-raff on upgrades in their pjs and sweatpants, with trashy behavior, that have eliminated the exclusivity of First Class!

  • Kevin

    Even though you paid $40 for your upgrade you were still technically a non-rev; you should know that better than anyone. Also, since you were flying offline under an Open Cabin agreement you should not have ordered alcohol. I work for US Airways and our reciprocal agreement with your airline does not allow offline passengers to consume alcohol.

    • Bobby

      Hi Kevin,

      For the record, it was offered to us, we didn’t specifically ask for it. We told them we were non-reving when we boarded as one of the flight attendants rode the employee shuttle with us to the airport and we had also spoken with her on board.

    • Cody

      Aren’t we all supposed to support each other in this crazy airline industry? I mean who else knows how tiring it is and under appreciated you are more than yourself?

  • Frank

    kevin………..seriously?  Anyone in First Class gets whatever they order, as far as I’ve ever seen, on any airline.  An Upgrade is just that, it entitles you to a premium cabin and it’s “SERVICE”.