Back in early 70's, finished work in company offices in AMS, tried to get a non-rev seat AMS-LHR
No chance for a non-rev seat on a Friday afternoon.
Eventually after bouncing round all the desks was suggested to try VIASA because they did not have traffic rights AMS-LHR,
Once boarded, they solved the W&B problem by seating one pax in aisle seats, both sides, alternate rows the length of the DC8.
Airborne, it was demonstrated what they understood by step-climb.