Seat Upgrades

[Abu]

How do you pilots react when controllers ask if you can pay extra attention to a relative onboard your flight?

What are the chances of a passenger get upgraded when the tower controller puts this request to you on your taxi out?

Just interested....

[Left Coaster]

Be courteous, and try to do the best you can to help out, they usually do the same when we ask for a direct route, seems fair to return the favour, but if I'm in a bad mood they get the same as everyone else, Sh*te!:}

[Radar Pete]

Pretty un-professional to say the least. Direct routing (shorter) and upgrades are 2 different things.

I would think a slightly more PC approach like "xyz on board, please look after them...".

Crews should never feel obligated to bump up people in order to get preferential treatment and likewise, ATC's should not feel obligated to send direct because of an upgrade.

I would gladly accept an upgrade though were it ever offered though...........

[Abu]

Sorry if there was some confusion but I didnt meant to infer that a particluar flight would get a direct routing just cos I knew someone on the flight.

I always try to give the most expeditious routes when the oppertunity is possible regardless of the airline - I basically want to get you out of my airspace asap so I can concentrate on the next batch of traffic!

[BlueEagle]

If time permits a personal touch is best, I feel. Try and catch the skipper in briefing, either in person or by 'phone or, again if time/distance permits, a personal visit to the aircraft before departure. (I never objected to a call in the hotel during the hour between call-time and pick-up). Over the R/T is a last resort?

Every airline has a different policy regarding upgrades so there is no standard answer to fit all but most airlines agree that ATC should be looked after where ever possible.

[Fox3snapshot]

A good mate had to show cause to the fleet manager after upgrading me on a very quiet sector and putting in appropriate paperwork to justify it!

The fact that preference had often been given on oceanic levels and track shortening to said airline was not a factor as the comment was made "we are trying to promote a product!"

No more mr. nice guy, they go the long way around!


:hmm:

[Big Bus Boy]

Is it not just a case of looking after your own, it seems to be on the decline a little, everyone too busy, but if someone asks I will try to accomadate when ever possible.:ok: