Do you fly? First class or coach? Sneak into first?
By raydene
@raydene (9871)
United States
May 20, 2008 8:30am CST
I haven't flown in a long time
but I used to fly alot.
I mostly flew coach but
have traveled in first class
a couple of times.
I did sneak into first class once
because I wanted to see what
it was like and the stewardess
turned around so I sat down real fast
and I spend the rest of the flight
there because I was afraid I'd get caught
if I stood up...weird...noone noticed
but there was alot of empty seats!
What about you? Done anything daring?
"When I fly I always fly first class. Not the whole way
but just 'til they kick me out."
- Pauly Shore
6 people like this
17 responses
@jetpilot (3)
• United States
11 Jan 09
raydene: Hello...i'm a captain for a major airline. I fly mostly international routes but the occasional domestic flight as well. Just though you'd like to know what I did to the last person my flight attendant in charge caught sneaking into first class...we pulled him aside and gave him a chance to apologize (which we don't have to do since theft-of-service for the average first class fare is a felony in the US and in most other countries we fly to and we had the right to have him arrested regardless)and he(stupidly) just mouthed off, so when we arrived in the states (he had 8 hours to think about what he had done) he was met by law enforcement and detained...I was asked whether we would press charges, and I agreed to do so. The airline legal team is taking him to court to sue him for over $4000.00 (I will bet that his lawyer will settle out of court). Incidentally, the arrest was witnessed by 2 friends with better heads on their shoulders who wisely did not follow him into the 1st class cabin...I think they worked with him so more than likely his employer knows about the incident. If I were you I'd think about it. You may have gotten away with it once but your luck is bound to run out. Felony is serious stuff. 'Nuff said.
Capt C H
Boeing 767 captain
1 person likes this
@callarse1 (4783)
• United States
11 Jan 09
Just saw this post. Interesting because I didn't know it was a crime--I do know it's wrong to do cos it's getting something for something you didn't pay. However since you fly the planes....do people ever ask to seat in first class (as an upgrade for free)? I would assume if they were permitted to do then it wouldn't be breaking the law. And, if they do it without asking then it would be a crime, right?
Cheers
Pablo
@jetpilot (3)
• United States
13 Jan 09
Pablo
For the most part, the captain or lead flight attendant (once called pursers!) can move individuals into another cabin. Obviously it is pretty rare for us to move someone out of first class who is ligitimately there, but it has been known to happen. More often than not we will move individuals from coach/tourist class into business or first class under certain limited circumstances. For example, a health professional tending to a first class passenger will always be invited to upgrade if there is a seat. Or, a passenger who has performed some other helpful duty for the crew might get the invitation. Recently I upgraded a soldier just for GP's (incidentally, I will not upgrade military memebers who ASK to be upgraded...they are taking advantage of the crew at that point). In fact anyone who demands to be upgraded because there is something wrong with their seat, etc, is rarely accommodated - the crew will seek out someone nice, someone deserving to be upgraded, and then move the ranter into that vacated coach seat instead. The best way to get a free upgrade is to be helpful and nice to the crew, especially the lead flight attendant/flight attendant in charge/purser whatever-you-want-to call him or her. But upgrades at the gate before the flight are often cheap. Do it legally and you'll have a wonderful experience. Hope that helps
@sun2day (1062)
• Virgin Islands (U.S.)
20 May 08
I always flew coach, and dont know how it is in first class; but my daughter has done quite a lot of travelling and she said it is really nice to fly first class, you have more privelges and it is a lot more comfee. e.g the seats can go right back like beds and you can sleep comfortable, lots of leg space.
@lingli_78 (12822)
• Australia
21 May 08
i never fly first class before and i don't dare to sneak in as well... i don't want to embarrass myself if i ever get caught and humiliate myself in front of the other passengers... for me, if i can't afford to pay the ticket price for first class, then i just have to be happy to stay in economic class... that's my opinion though... take care and have a nice day...
1 person likes this
@BYOLA2871 (4371)
• South Africa
23 May 08
i have nevr done first calss before though i have travelled by air a number of time but i have seen some pictures of the first calss cabin of some airlines and i hope one day soonest i will get to travel first class,its ob\ne of those things i plan top acvhieve ,it will be graet to have first class treatment in the air teeeeheee
1 person likes this
@newtondak (3946)
• United States
21 May 08
I don't fly very often, but fly coach when I do. Air fare from our closest airport is quite high because it's not a direct flight anywhere.
1 person likes this
@jetpilot (3)
• United States
11 Jan 09
Raydene:
Hi - just ran across your comment about sneaking into first class. I'm a captain for a major US air carrier and though you'd like to know that I've had at least 3 persons arrested for doing just that. The offense is called "theft of service" and, depending on the value of the average fist class seat, it is a felony, both in the US and in most countries we fly to. In the last case I was involved in, the arrest was witnessed by the offender's workmates, who, wisely did not follow him into first class...I am assuming his employer now knows. Incidentally, according to our legal department, his lawyers settled out of court. I was not privvy to the amount of settlement but he was being sued for over $5600.00 initially. You might get lucky once or twice, and maybe the crew will let you off if they don't want the hassle of pressing charges, but are you willing to gamble that for having a felony record? Just thought I'd pass that along since you seem to be an intelligent person.
1 person likes this
@danishcanadian (28955)
• Canada
25 May 08
I am just fine flying in economy class. Why would I want to sneak into first class? Isn't that the same as straling, getting something you did not pay for? I am entirely comfortable when I fly in ecconomy class.
@callarse1 (4783)
• United States
11 Jan 09
No, when we fly it's done as regular ticket, it's coach right? I don't like paying the extra money. Uh oh! I think it's wrong to go into first class. To be honest I think it could be illegal to do that because the tickets cost more. However if you ask someone there if it's okay and they allow you to (since the empty seats) then that's not breaking any rules because you asked. I don't think it would be worth my time to sneak around cos I HAVE to get out of my seat (to use the wash room and to walk around, etc).
Cheers and happy myLotting.
Pablo
@arcidy (5005)
• United States
21 May 08
When I go somewhere I usally fly coach. Even though my family can afford first class I guess they just dont want to waste the money. Cant blame them First class isnt really that much different sure its quiter and more the seats are bigger and you might get better food. The only time I would want and beg to fly first class is for a long trip like to hawaii or england or somewhere like that.
1 person likes this
@warmweatherwoman (2233)
• Atlantic City, New Jersey
21 May 08
I have never flown first class- although I would love the chance. I almost did last time I went to florida. When I was checking in at the automatic kiosk it asked if I wanted to upgrade to first class for $50.00. At the time I was kind of strapped for cash and wanted to make sure I had enough for my vacation so I declined- I now regret it- because I'll never get to fly first class at the price again ;(
1 person likes this
@faith210 (11224)
• Philippines
20 May 08
Hi raydene! I only fly in economy class as it is all I can afford. But I think the next time I will fly, I will sneak into the first class. haha..You just gave me an idea on how to get away with it. Hopefully! haha..
Take Care and God Bless! Happy Mylotting! 
Take Care and God Bless! Happy Mylotting! 1 person likes this
@moneyandgc (3428)
• United States
21 May 08
I have flown more times that I could possibly count. Only once did I fly in first class. The flight attendant brought me up there to sit for one reason or another. I can't remember why now.
All the other times I flew coach. The tickets are much less expensive.
My dad flies almost every week for work. I would say he flies first class about 95% of the time. He is part of the frequent flier program and gets upgrades though.
I should have joined a frequent flier program much sooner.
@ellie333 (21016)
•
20 May 08
Economy class for me Raydene I can't afford the luxury of first but have been upgraded before now and when I flew to LA I was in first class but my boss paid for that one. I do sit in first class on a train if it is empty and the other carriages are full as I get claustrohobic in crowds but will move along if a ticket officer comes round. Ellie :D
1 person likes this
@kel1483 (986)
• United States
20 May 08
It's been about 9 years since I last flew. I have only flown twice. I went to Europe twice while I was in high school and those are the only times I flew. Because I was on some tourist group stuff, we always flew coach. It's cheaper so they can keep prices down a bit. I've never snuck into first class.
I'm being reminded of the movie "The Wedding Singer" and Billy Idol being on the PA system saying how they let their first class passangers do anything they want haha.
1 person likes this
@aniraaj (134)
• United States
20 May 08
i have flown first class only once. Fist class is the most luxurious class of accomodation on a train, airplane or any other conveyance. It is usually more expensive than business class and economy class adn offers the best amenities ..
I like to travel in first class
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
20 May 08
I've flown pretty often but I've never had the good fortune to fly first class. I know of friends who got upgraded to first class on a flight from PA to Las Vegas and they really enjoyed it. They were served a truly "first class" dinner of shrimp cocktail and if I remember right lobster tail and a dessert they described as "decadent". They also actually had room to put their legs - what a unique flying experience that must be...lol! I'll bet these days there are even more empty seats in first class. Maybe one day I'll try to sneak of myself and check it out but my luck I'll get caught and get arrested as a suspected terrorist.
Annie
@megumiart (3771)
• United States
20 May 08
I Growing up my mom and I always went to Japan once a year to visit our relatives. We always flew in coach, but once when I was 8 or 9 I told my mom I'd go to use the bathroom but I really just snuck into business class and just sat there in an empty seat for a while. xD I've never flown in first class, though
