Professionally qualified pax
 

Serious question here; so please don't just use this as excuse to berate: As a professional pilot of thirty years experience, I've never flown for the airlines but do hold a commercial fixed wing licence as well as my helicopter ATPL.

As a paying economy class pax (no concessions available for folks like me :p), I never let on that I am aircrew. Would cabin crew prefer that folk like me just STFU as I now do, or would you rather be aware that we are aircrew at the check in desk, from the viewpoint that we do understand the aircraft environment and one day we might be of use sitting by an emergency exit, at least more than an unqualified passenger?

Ta! :ok:

It all depends on your approach. It is always good to know there are crew on board travelling as pax. You could have a quick word at check in so they can enter your details to appear on the Pax information list for the cabin crew. Or you could always wait until an actual emergency and identify yourself then. If I were you, I would do it at check in.

It depends if you're genuinely wanting to be of assistance or angling for an upgrade. We can usually smell it a mile away. If you're genuine I would usually try and upgrade you anyway, just cos you're in the same industry and it's nice to look after each other.

Other than that it is nice to know that there is a helping hand available if we need it.

6

I've never "angled for an upgrade" in 35 years of flying; never asked for one; that's why I've never mentioned what I do for a living.

The advantage to me is that I might get slightly more legroom and peace of mind by knowing that in an emergency I'm more likely to do the right thing with the door at the right time.

Shy, years ago while I was welcoming the pax onboard at the door, a young lady said to me "Hi, I'm an FA with so-and-so airlines, I'm in seat 1X, and if you need an assisting pax in an emergency, please feel free to call on me".
It was polite, it was colleguial (spelling?) and made me aware of a potentially useful bit of information.
It also gave me an opportunity to upgrade a fellow fly-nut without her putting any pressure on me or asking me directly.

Since then, I have used the very same phrase whenever flying, and it is met with anything from a blank indifferent stare to great entusiasm and an upgrade. And it's all fine by me because I feel that I have done the polite, professional thing.

Maybe you could try something similar and see how you get on?
(boarding is a very hectic phase of 'flight' so be short and to the point)

So should I knock on the cockpit door and say...... :cool:

;) :E

I have had lots of KLM crew use the phrase mentioned above and it came across as very professional and friendly. I have adopted this approach when travelling with other carriers. I don't normally say at the boarding door as it's so hectic but will mention to one of the crew in the aisle.

The airline I work for, in a premeditated emergency, will ask for people with aircraft / military / medical experience to make themselves known and obviously, at this point, would greatly appreciate your assistance :eek:

You maybe met with a blank stare or a "so what" look by some, however others will pop an extra drink on your tray or whatever to acknowledge a fellow flyer.

Whilst boarding at LGW recently a guy came into the back galley, showed me his BAA airport ID, told me that he is a LGW based airport Fire Fighter and his seat number in case we needed his help.

He didn't wait around for a discussion, an upgrade, or any chit chat. He literally just told me what he did, where he was, and he was gone again.

I really appreciated it.

Would I upgrade him or treat him any differently? Absolutley not.

Was I grateful for his professionalism and courtesy? Absolutley yes I was. :D

I'm always grateful when CC or pilots introduce themselves when boarding. I like to know who is in the cabin, and who could give a hand in case we needed help. I know that there are some airlines that do not welcome this kind of introduction (some even forbid it to their staff) but personally I find it narrow minded and silly because it puts safety second behind what, the fact that pepole might think that you maybe are introducing yourself to get an upgrade? :rolleyes: I do introduce myself anyway, and if they decide not to use a piece of information that could be useful and to second guess my motives to do so, their loss!
And yes, I do upgrade airline staff if can when they introduce themselves politely. I think it is a nice gesture to people who could help you in case of need, and have enjoyed the same treatment many times from collegues from other companies (thanks BA and AZ CC and pilots :)), and when upgrade was not possible, the odd drink (thanks Easy CC!).

Last thing, I don't know how useful it would be to introduce yourself as airline at check in. When using staff travel (so it's easy to understand that you are crew) I've never been allocated a seat where I could be of help in case of emergency. I think it is more effective to introduce yourself directly to the CC, and when it's possible to the Purser, or Cabin Chief or whatever it's called in the airline. I have talked about it to check in staff many times (every time I ask for a seat change when the machines automatically gives me a window seat:bored:) and every time, even if they agreed to the idea, they admitted they never thought about it themselves.

Its really interesting to read the CC comments about whether to introduce or not introduce yourself. I guess I must be very cynical and always shy away from it as I assume the CC would think I was making it up, or just trying to be a poseur...
Without checking the person's licence, would you still go to them in the event of an emergency? There are some fantasists out there...
Our usual route home is with bmi, who I used to work for, but its been so long ago I rarely recognise any of the pilots or CC. Occasionally if we have started chatting to one fo the CC, I'll tell them I used to work there, but rarely say what I did.