An interesting scenario I face next month:
1. Started new high profile job a few months ago
2. Attending important business meeting in US next month
3. My secretary books me return in BA Club World and I qualify for upgrade to F on return due to recent offer
4. Discover my boss also plans to go and wants to travel on same flights as me.
5. My secretary (covering for his secretary) books same flights but offer has expired and he is returning in Club.
My dilemma:
a. Do I front up to the upgrade and tell my boss "hard luck" for missing the deadline?
b. Do I offer him my seat in F?
c. Do I ask to be downgraded to Club?
d. Do I check in at the Club counter and express surprise that I got an upgrade, or...
e. Do I make a feeble excuse that I have to go to the airport early to buy some duty free, then hide away and try to sneak on board without him spotting?
Anyone faced a similar situation?
Potakas - 15/04/2011 18:15 GMT
Do not do e.!!!!
If I was in your place I would possibly go for b. hopping that he will reject it :D
BlackTower - 15/04/2011 18:41 GMT
Its an overnight return so there is little difference as you should both be asleep. If its an issue for him then tough. I have been in this situation with colleagues, clients and competitors a lot as i book ahead steeply discounted tickets in F
Depends how much you like your job.
I have downgraded myself to travel with clients in the past.
I'd go for b, explaining that it was a special offer (and you weren't wasting the company's money on a F ticket). He will either turn it down... then you win or he will take it and you get bonus points in his mind... you also win
KeaneJohn - 15/04/2011 23:33 GMT
Isnt there another offer on.?
Failing that couldnt the secretary contact BA and say well look we have this situation here can you upgrade the second traveller too as it will cause embarassment.
Loyal_BA - 16/04/2011 06:03 GMT
The offer is still available - although only for full fare tickets:
http://www.britishairways.com/travel/upgrade-to-first/public/en_gb?openxzoneid=302&openxcampaign=Upgrade&openxbanner=7112&openxtype=click
I would personally follow option D - and have done this in the past and then asked at the check in desk if there any chance of upgrading the other passenger!
Don't do 'c' as you will both lose out, and don't do 'e' in case your secretary lets slip. Option 'b' is safe, and club world is not exactly a hardship - and you get to look good in front of your boss without having to let him beat you at golf...
I did option 'b' once (econ to biz) to my elderly female boss, and managed to look good not only in front of her, but also my other colleagues on the same flight. Great result all round.
rogerfoodie - 17/04/2011 04:08 GMT
I chose a) once. Although slightly different scenario.
We a small company and was asked to attend an exhibition Melbourne as we had to travel with one of the new sharholders (that was new to our business). She had travelled a day before myself and my boss. She was nic enough to book me on a business ticket, but my boss, (whos wife works for the airline) was travelling stand by. He was in economy.
Although I did leave it until last minute (at check in) that I had been booked in business.
Henryp1 - 17/04/2011 10:25 GMT
FlightDoctor
I believe there are two options one of which you mention at 'c' this way you can sit together.
But you mention that you are new to a high profile job, so assume your boss is equally or more high profile. Why not be 100% honest and clarify that you will sit in 1st class and hope that he has a good flight too without adding in NCW.
To me this demonstrates an assertive and honest character who behaves well without any hidden agenda. As your boss I may feel a bit put out , but would ultimately see a strong and honest character who has integrity.
This seems to be the secretary's problem to me!
NorseFlyer - 23/04/2011 00:21 GMT
Hey, if I've just started in a high profile job I'd give a lot to have access the boss' ear or brain for a whole 7 hours. Option c) (if the secretary can keep shout) and use the opportunity to get to know the boss.
Something just occurred to me........what if one of you IS my boss!!!!!!
Inquisitive - 23/04/2011 11:22 GMT
Too late for light bulb!. Your boss has already noted your dilema. You are in deep shit!. Even if you follow alt b and offer your seat to boss, in your next appraisal your own decision making capability will be questioned. Ha ha!
I'd go for b, explaining why I had a first class ticket. If I were your boss I'd accept as well.
At least you'll be able to use the F lounge with him as your guest where you can get to know him better. it's at this point I'd offer him the F seat.
Sometime ago a girl I knew was going to Berne from Zurich by train. She had bought a first class ticket. She was surprised to see three of her directors on the platform going to the same event who were all travelling 2nd class. Instead of biting her tongue and sitting with them, she announced she had a 1st ticket and went off to sit by herself.
Three months later she was looking for another job. I'll say no more!
What has happened to the Queens flight, formely based at Benson, latterly at Northolt or has "flight" been disbanded.
I always believed that Government ministers could use these aircraft for official business. I do not believe it is right for cabinet ministers to be travelling in anything other than private jet or First Class, when on official busienss. 3 reasons:
1. security
2. confidentiality and people trying to take photos in "personal" situations
3. Their position in Governement
It was a great publicity stunt for Mr Cameron to fly Ryan Air with his family, but can you imagine President Obama taking his family on holiday via Jet Blue.
I do not believe that Mervyn or George should have been travelling together on a scheduled BA flight to a Washington meeting. Considering how may other officials were on board that flight paying their £4000+ tickets, a private jet should have been chartered.
The arrival of airforce 1 verses a Ryan Air arrival, the only winner would be a certain Irishman who would be up there with a smile the size of Grand Canyon.
For those who think it is extravagent and Government ministers should be flying economy, well then perhaps 10 Downing Street should be sold and the PM moves into a high rise council flat.
robsmith100 - 28/04/2011 12:28 GMT
FlightDoctor - I am not sure if this helps your situation but it appears BA still have the free upgrade offer running. Have a look and get yours/his PA to make the change.
http://www.britishairways.com/travel/upgrade-to-first/public/en_gb
I finally opted for option A but 'fessed up to my boss's secretary first to see what she thought he would think. Turns out he thought the whole thing was very amusing and even took time out to wind me up about it. He flies way more than I do so I guess it really wasn't a big deal. We both enjoyed a few drinks in the First lounge prior to departure!
MarkCymru - 23/05/2011 22:08 GMT
Almost 20 years ago, I got upgraded to First while a client sat in business. I thought she would see the funny side. The good news: 20 years on, she's still a client. The bad news: whenever she introduces me to a colleague she says, "he's very good but impossibly expensive. He always flies First Class. I caught him once." The more I protest, the worse it looks
