How do we feel about the term SLF?
Paxing All Over The World
As a pax of 44 years (man and boy 
) I first heard the term in here and thought it hilariously funny. As others have said, each business has pet names for it's customers. The ONLY thing that counts is service and that is adequately covered elsewhere.
Both TS and Flaps know of what they speak and this question gets asked about once a year, because folks don't use SEARCH before posting. As to BA CC? It's their job and they can do what they like with it. There will always be plenty of airlines.
I would vote this thread to be closed and the next time the question is asked - for it to be closed with links to all the other threads. Now, to lighten the load ..
Donkey497
Sir Terry Pratchett already invented this. In the Discworld stories, there is a large cabin trunk with many legs on it and it is entirely self-propelled.
Rincewind - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
[an extract] The Luggage is a large chest that follows Rincewind wherever he goes. It is made of sapient pearwood (a magical, intelligent plant which is nearly extinct, impervious to magic, and only grows in a few places outside the Agatean Empire, generally on sites of very old magic). It can produce hundreds of little legs protruding from its underside and can move very fast if the need arises. It has been described as "half suitcase, half homicidal maniac"
Its function is to act as both a luggage carrier and bodyguard for its owner, against whom no threatening motion should be made. The Luggage is fiercely defensive of its owner, and is generally homicidal in nature, killing or eating several people and monsters and destroying various ships, walls, doors, geographic features, and other obstacles throughout the series. Its mouth contains "lots of big square teeth, white as sycamore, and a pulsating tongue, red as mahogany." The inside area of The Luggage does not appear to be constrained by its external dimensions, and contains many conveniences: even when it has just devoured a monster, the next time it opens the owner will find his underwear, neatly pressed and smelling slightly of lavender.
Micro Art Studio - Discworld Miniatures Luggage (1)
) I first heard the term in here and thought it hilariously funny. As others have said, each business has pet names for it's customers. The ONLY thing that counts is service and that is adequately covered elsewhere.Both TS and Flaps know of what they speak and this question gets asked about once a year, because folks don't use SEARCH before posting. As to BA CC? It's their job and they can do what they like with it. There will always be plenty of airlines.
I would vote this thread to be closed and the next time the question is asked - for it to be closed with links to all the other threads. Now, to lighten the load ..
Donkey497
What the airlines really need is SLB - Self Loading Baggage.
Rincewind - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
[an extract] The Luggage is a large chest that follows Rincewind wherever he goes. It is made of sapient pearwood (a magical, intelligent plant which is nearly extinct, impervious to magic, and only grows in a few places outside the Agatean Empire, generally on sites of very old magic). It can produce hundreds of little legs protruding from its underside and can move very fast if the need arises. It has been described as "half suitcase, half homicidal maniac"
Its function is to act as both a luggage carrier and bodyguard for its owner, against whom no threatening motion should be made. The Luggage is fiercely defensive of its owner, and is generally homicidal in nature, killing or eating several people and monsters and destroying various ships, walls, doors, geographic features, and other obstacles throughout the series. Its mouth contains "lots of big square teeth, white as sycamore, and a pulsating tongue, red as mahogany." The inside area of The Luggage does not appear to be constrained by its external dimensions, and contains many conveniences: even when it has just devoured a monster, the next time it opens the owner will find his underwear, neatly pressed and smelling slightly of lavender.
Micro Art Studio - Discworld Miniatures Luggage (1)
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Ancient Observer-as iterated many times by various people-the term isn't often used if at all amongst those that have any customer contact. No need for all the "Customer focus"/"producer focus" tripe
I first came across an amusing freight/passenger comparison when, about 47 years ago, as a young marine engineer officer on steam turbine banana boats, I heard the Chief Engineer advise one of our passengers that the really important payload reposed below deck - in bunches - at 54deg F
For those few who object to the term, SLF, trust me, most of us are in no doubt that we work(ed) in a service industry and from whence comes our income
For those few who object to the term, SLF, trust me, most of us are in no doubt that we work(ed) in a service industry and from whence comes our income
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I've only been flying for 28 years (first flight was Libya Arab to Tripoli) and I am perfectly happy to be called SLF. Unless flying long haul then I also have SLB as I carry it on.
Anyone who gets uptight about this is suffering from chronic sense of humour failure.
Anyone who gets uptight about this is suffering from chronic sense of humour failure.
Just read this on the BBC website - re the B777 incident:
Now that's rude! 
Indeed some of the passengers interviewed by the BBC, had not realised what had happened until they were ordered to evacuate. To them, it had just seemed like a "hard landing".
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Originally Posted by Basil
I first came across an amusing freight/passenger comparison when, about 47 years ago, as a young marine engineer officer on steam turbine banana boats, I heard the Chief Engineer advise one of our passengers that the really important payload reposed below deck - in bunches - at 54deg F
If Fyffes ran airlines ....
I do agree with PAXboy, though, and with Ancient Observer.
But Enough is Enough.
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Looking at how passengers are willing to allow the way they are treated generally, it amazes me how sensitive some can be about a fairly accurate description. In 30 years or more I have not heard them called SLF except on here. I have, however, heard them called far worse, depending where they are in the handling chain.....I have also heard passengers who have less than complimentary names for the various people who aid their passage.
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Doesn't bother me ...
I've always thought it applied collectively - rather than individually. i.e. that aeroplane is full of SLF and not a SLF just got on that 'plane.
In either case it is an euphemism for (a) passenger(s), and a descriptive one.
In either case it is an euphemism for (a) passenger(s), and a descriptive one.
Silly Old Git
In Papua New Guinea at least 40 years ago the term was SLC
Self Loading Cargo
At least SLF don't have to endure the indignity of having a cargo net chucked over them
Self Loading Cargo
At least SLF don't have to endure the indignity of having a cargo net chucked over them
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As SLF, when on a BA long haul, in conversation with some FAs, I have used the term to refer to myself. I find it endearing, and amusing, as they sometimes do. Never had a problem being called it. FAR too many more serious things going on in the world to be upset by that!!. Looking forward to travelling longhaul in March. With BA of course [who else!!!]
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Good luck, JEM60 - I'm booked LH in April, and just hoping it happens.
Oh, and don't call British ones "Flight Attendants" ... they don't like that. They're called "Cabin Crew".
Oh, and don't call British ones "Flight Attendants" ... they don't like that. They're called "Cabin Crew".
Paxing All Over The World
Basil With regards the BA777 (we might as well make this thread serve some useful purpose) as well as reporting that some SLF did not realise it was a crash (like LAND / TAXI / PA about staying in your seat until we reach the terminal building / etc.) some proved that they WERE only SLF by trying to take their hand luggage with them ... 
As far as I'm concerned, if we behave like that, the CC/FAs/Hosties can call us anything they like.
As far as I'm concerned, if we behave like that, the CC/FAs/Hosties can call us anything they like.
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SLF speaking (to anyone offended by the term SLF):
For god sake. Can no one take a joke anymore? Why are there so many idiots in the world looking for offence in every damn thing?
Why does the world have to stop coming up with funny sayings or names because some idiots are born without a sense of humour?
Are you really that high up on your horse that you can't fathom the need for humour to brighten up and colour our lives a little? Yes there's a butt of the joke in this instance - as there is with every joke. We're humans, we take the p!$$ out of each other. It's not done with malice, it's actually done to cheer each other up. Get on with it.
So to anyone who is GENUINLY offended by the innocuous, silly and cheeky term "Self Loading Freight" then I say GROW UP, for god's sake.
If you can't laugh at yourself then you're probably missing the biggest joke ever told.
For god sake. Can no one take a joke anymore? Why are there so many idiots in the world looking for offence in every damn thing?
Why does the world have to stop coming up with funny sayings or names because some idiots are born without a sense of humour?
Are you really that high up on your horse that you can't fathom the need for humour to brighten up and colour our lives a little? Yes there's a butt of the joke in this instance - as there is with every joke. We're humans, we take the p!$$ out of each other. It's not done with malice, it's actually done to cheer each other up. Get on with it.
So to anyone who is GENUINLY offended by the innocuous, silly and cheeky term "Self Loading Freight" then I say GROW UP, for god's sake.
If you can't laugh at yourself then you're probably missing the biggest joke ever told.
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In this instance maybe PPrune has become a victim of its own success. Here we have a forum where the boundaries between provider and customer are blurred.
As said many times before PPrune started as a place where pilots could talk to each other about their jobs. Due to the nature of the job, those that work in it are spread far and wide. Never are you all in the same place at the same time. So PPrune is absolutely perfectly placed to give colleagues in the industry an environment that would never happen in the 'real' world. There are very few careers where the same could be said.
The site has expanded to include those employed in other areas of aviation where the same limitations of talking amongst your colleagues apply.
Many pax who fly regularly enjoy the fact that they are more knowledgeable about flying than regular folk. (Note I don't use the term SLF, but pax which is still 3 letters and quicker to type than passenger or customer.) As such they feel an affinity to the business of flying and often have a misguided belief that they 'know' nearly as much about what goes on as those who are trained, qualified and experienced in the job. Even though they themselves are not.
In essence PPrune is like a members club where non members are welcome to enter and socialise. In the 'real' world if any of us went into a members club for a particular sport, would we as spectators even if we were life long fans, feel that we could assert our opposing views to how the game is played, with any authority? Of course our views as the spectator are vital but we are still in an environment that is not ours by right, we are guests. In the 'real' world we would see quite clearly that we were out of our depth or involved in conversations we had little technical knowledge about. Here in PPrune world the technical conversations are taking place in other areas of the clubhouse and essentially the 'guests' are huddled at the far end of the bar talking amongst themselves and the odd 'friendly' pro comes along to chat with you.
For those of you really against the term. Rather than pick on the 'in house' terminology, listen, you might learn more about the subject that you love.
SLF is not a term I've ever used or heard used outside here, but believe me we have far worse derogatory terms for each other in the industry. How would you like to be called a 'flying spanner'!!
Sorry longer than I anticipated...
6
As said many times before PPrune started as a place where pilots could talk to each other about their jobs. Due to the nature of the job, those that work in it are spread far and wide. Never are you all in the same place at the same time. So PPrune is absolutely perfectly placed to give colleagues in the industry an environment that would never happen in the 'real' world. There are very few careers where the same could be said.
The site has expanded to include those employed in other areas of aviation where the same limitations of talking amongst your colleagues apply.
Many pax who fly regularly enjoy the fact that they are more knowledgeable about flying than regular folk. (Note I don't use the term SLF, but pax which is still 3 letters and quicker to type than passenger or customer.) As such they feel an affinity to the business of flying and often have a misguided belief that they 'know' nearly as much about what goes on as those who are trained, qualified and experienced in the job. Even though they themselves are not.
In essence PPrune is like a members club where non members are welcome to enter and socialise. In the 'real' world if any of us went into a members club for a particular sport, would we as spectators even if we were life long fans, feel that we could assert our opposing views to how the game is played, with any authority? Of course our views as the spectator are vital but we are still in an environment that is not ours by right, we are guests. In the 'real' world we would see quite clearly that we were out of our depth or involved in conversations we had little technical knowledge about. Here in PPrune world the technical conversations are taking place in other areas of the clubhouse and essentially the 'guests' are huddled at the far end of the bar talking amongst themselves and the odd 'friendly' pro comes along to chat with you.
For those of you really against the term. Rather than pick on the 'in house' terminology, listen, you might learn more about the subject that you love.
SLF is not a term I've ever used or heard used outside here, but believe me we have far worse derogatory terms for each other in the industry. How would you like to be called a 'flying spanner'!!
Sorry longer than I anticipated...
6
Paxing All Over The World
6chimes
Of COURSE we know more than anyone else on board!! The very fact that you suggest otherwise means that you have no idea of the intelligence, understanding and sheer brilliance of us wot noes wot we noes. 
Really, these CC come into our PPRuNe cabin and fink they can boss us around ...
('cept for TS, of course) [Doffs cap] Thank you Guv for throwing us the chicken bones after you'd finished your dinner.
... have a misguided belief that they 'know' nearly as much about what goes on as those who are trained, qualified and experienced in the job.
Really, these CC come into our PPRuNe cabin and fink they can boss us around ...
('cept for TS, of course) [Doffs cap] Thank you Guv for throwing us the chicken bones after you'd finished your dinner.
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Paxboy 
. Somebody who hasn't had a sense of humour failure!!
I've been crew for a number of years and had never heard the term SLF used until I joined PPRune a few months ago. I thourght it really funny. It's not malicious in any way and can be quite apt at times for a number of reasons.....one outlined in your post yesterday
I started using it in this forum and got canned by a number of posters some of which are on this thread. For that reason, not wanting to upset ego's, I curtailed my use and now mostly only use the term if I'm reffering to myself when traveling as SLF.
TS is right. One can choose to take offence at anything or you can laugh it off. I laugh off the "trolleydolly" and "cart tart" labels as to me they are also humerous. In fact I chose my own user name to take the p!ss out of the stereotype. I'm not a "dolly" either in looks or intellect but I bet some pax may well have that perception in my use of this name.
Just to play devils advocate here please can I ask a question on feelings through the use of names.
In the pax forum there are some posters who frequently refer to security staff as "rejects" or "morons" or "animals" or even "retards" purely because of their job.
To those who are precious about the term SLF how do you think they might feel when reading that?
Just a thourght
. Somebody who hasn't had a sense of humour failure!!I've been crew for a number of years and had never heard the term SLF used until I joined PPRune a few months ago. I thourght it really funny. It's not malicious in any way and can be quite apt at times for a number of reasons.....one outlined in your post yesterday
I started using it in this forum and got canned by a number of posters some of which are on this thread. For that reason, not wanting to upset ego's, I curtailed my use and now mostly only use the term if I'm reffering to myself when traveling as SLF.
TS is right. One can choose to take offence at anything or you can laugh it off. I laugh off the "trolleydolly" and "cart tart" labels as to me they are also humerous. In fact I chose my own user name to take the p!ss out of the stereotype. I'm not a "dolly" either in looks or intellect but I bet some pax may well have that perception in my use of this name.
Just to play devils advocate here please can I ask a question on feelings through the use of names.
In the pax forum there are some posters who frequently refer to security staff as "rejects" or "morons" or "animals" or even "retards" purely because of their job.
To those who are precious about the term SLF how do you think they might feel when reading that?
Just a thourght