Air fare bargains are appearing

[flyboy08]

Aug 8-16th NYC to Coz $368.00RT......just can’t beat that!

$396 to CUN...same dates.

 

[Kimela]

Chocolates. Always, always bring chocolates for both the crew and gate staff.

Ok, I'm willing to pop for the chocolates, but I need to be walked through this bribery/schmoozing process. Exactly how does one approach the gate agent with said chocolates? And do they need to be Ferrero Rocher or can I bring M&Ms?

 

[BoundForElsewhere]

Ok, I'm willing to pop for the chocolates, but I need to be walked through this bribery/schmoozing process. Exactly how does one approach the gate agent with said chocolates? And do they need to be Ferrero Rocher or can I bring M&Ms?

Ahh, young Padawan...

Yes. Go with the fancy chocolates. No one can resist Ferrero Rocher.

Just show genuine gratitude for someone who gets yelled at and unappreciated for doing their job. Expect nothing in return except for maybe a smile. If upgrades and treats come, great. If not, you made someone's day a wee bit brighter.

 

[DandyDon]

Wow, Italy is locking up the entire country now!

Ahh, young Padawan...

Yes. Go with the fancy chocolates. No one can resist Ferrero Rocher.

Just show genuine gratitude for someone who gets yelled at and unappreciated for doing their job. Expect nothing in return except for maybe a smile. If upgrades and treats come, great. If not, you made someone's day a wee bit brighter.

A nice approach. Do you use the 3 piece packs @ $1.48?

Chocolates. Always, always bring chocolates for both the crew and gate staff.

Ok, how wide does that umbrella cover? The two at the gate, the two or three FAs, per flight? Or let the gate agents and the flight crew share a package?

 

[Kimela]

Ahh, young Padawan...

Yes. Go with the fancy chocolates. No one can resist Ferrero Rocher.

Just show genuine gratitude for someone who gets yelled at and unappreciated for doing their job. Expect nothing in return except for maybe a smile. If upgrades and treats come, great. If not, you made someone's day a wee bit brighter.

I want to see this maneuver in action. Break out the GoPro next time you do this so we can see your charm at work! Seriously, I was on an FB group that is one of those "The Points Guy" groups and the members were talking about bringing chocolates for the crew and most of us were saying "WHAT? You do WHAT? It's enough to remember to bring my OWN snacks!" But now I understand. There is a little upgrade magic ya'll are angling for ... smart, very smart!!

 

[Snoweman]

I want to see this maneuver in action. Break out the GoPro next time you do this so we can see your charm at work! Seriously, I was on an FB group that is one of those "The Points Guy" groups and the members were talking about bringing chocolates for the crew and most of us were saying "WHAT? You do WHAT? It's enough to remember to bring my OWN snacks!" But now I understand. There is a little upgrade magic ya'll are angling for ... smart, very smart!!

I, too, would like to see the video of how it goes down. I haven't been offered an upgrade without having status since before 9/11. My buddy, currently platinum status with Delta, was a Diamond status person. I've seen him do some miraculous things with status, but it never involved throwing himself on the gate agents with "bribes".

 

[Manatee Diver]

I, too, would like to see the video of how it goes down. I haven't been offered an upgrade without having status since before 9/11. My buddy, currently platinum status with Delta, was a Diamond status person. I've seen him do some miraculous things with status, but it never involved throwing himself on the gate agents with "bribes".

It really depends on the airline and how the rules work out. Some airlines have a very strict set of rules for upgrading. Often membership status, and then fare class along with other rules like economy must be full. Others are less strict about who gets bumped.

I know my mom, who has maxed status with Delta, was denied an upgrade by the KLM gate agent in Amsterdam because KLM's rules is that economy must be full before anyone gets bumped. The economy purser of the flight, it was a Delta flight, was seriously surprised that a maxed status customer was in economy. She could've used one of her free upgrades on it, but it was a short flight (only like 8 hours) and she didn't want to waste two of them on it.

 

[Snoweman]

It really depends on the airline and how the rules work out. Some airlines have a very strict set of rules for upgrading. Often membership status, and then fare class along with other rules like economy must be full. Others are less strict about who gets bumped.

I know my mom, who has maxed status with Delta, was denied an upgrade by the KLM gate agent in Amsterdam because KLM's rules is that economy must be full before anyone gets bumped. The economy purser of the flight, it was a Delta flight, was seriously surprised that a maxed status customer was in economy. She could've used one of her free upgrades on it, but it was a short flight (only like 8 hours) and she didn't want to waste two of them on it.

So..., what US based carriers have relaxed rules?

 

[BoundForElsewhere]

I was flying Delta but I seriously don't do it for perks. These are people who will be serving us our food, literally coming to us when we ring a bell, and cleaning those nasty ass bathrooms. They deserve some appreciation. Also, I do it because that surprised smile when you hand over chocolates is worth a bazillion times more.

 

[DandyDon]

I was flying Delta but I seriously don't do it for perks. Theae are people who will be serving us our food, literally coming to us when we ring a bell, and cleaning those nasty ass bathrooms. They deserve some appreciation. Also, I do it because that surprised smile when you hand over chocolates is worth a bazillion times more.

I really like that attitude. Decades ago when I flew Delta and they started the Million Mile program, I always took M&Ms for the FAs, saying it was stamped on my boarding pass. My GF didn't like it as it looked like I was flirting to her. I wasn't, just being nice as well as highlighting my status. I'd given one of them enough bags for one each, even on big planes, in a variety of flavors, letting them sort them out. Delta quit West Texas several years ago, and my plane trips are less frequent now. Just an old tale.

I like your approach better. It'd be enough to take enough 3-packs for one to a smaller plane and one to the gate agents to share, just an appreciative gesture to the lower paid folks who put up with customers. No need to hope for reward.