Lincoln From United States, joined Nov 2004, 3223 posts, RR: 8 Posted (3 years 9 months 1 week 5 days 13 hours ago) and read 1951 times:
Hi All, A bit of an oddball question, but this is the best place I can think of for it...
A perspective employer has offered to fly me out to CO hub city, expenses paid, to talk in person about a job.
Since I'm a Worldperks member, this means that I could technically clock mileage for the trip (since NW and CO are both skyteam) -- and it would finally give me a reason to fly CO, the only major US carrier still in business I've never flown.
The question I have is: Since the (perspective) employer is paying for the ticket, would it be right for me to get mileage for it? (And, on the other hand, could it bite me in the rear end).
The employer doesn't do the "corporate Miles" thing and their regular employees credit the miles to personal accounts*, so I don't think anyone would get miles for it if I didn't, but....
I guess, the major question is Would this be a major (or even minor) faux pas?
Lincoln
* -- The person I've been doing most of my talking to said that he averages 3 or 4 free tickets on CO a year... Quite appealing for someone like me
CO Is My Airline of Choice || Baggage Claim is an airline's last chance to disappoint a customer || Next flts in profile
FlyMeToTheMoon From United States, joined Jul 2004, 222 posts, RR: 1 Reply 1, posted (3 years 9 months 1 week 5 days 13 hours ago) and read 1907 times:
Unless strictly prohibited to accumulate the miles (US Gov't, some companies) they are yours. Enjoy them.
Avt007 From Canada, joined Jul 2000, 1997 posts, RR: 4 Reply 3, posted (3 years 9 months 1 week 5 days 13 hours ago) and read 1889 times:
I wouldn't touch them. Without the purchasers permission, (and how are you gonna get that without looking cheap) it would be presumptuous. You are not an employee (yet) and as such you aren't entitled to them. If I were interviewing you and found out you did that, I would not be impressed. Just my two cents.......
FoxBravo From United States, joined Nov 2003, 2514 posts, RR: 4 Reply 4, posted (3 years 9 months 1 week 5 days 13 hours ago) and read 1881 times:
Hmm...I don't think it would be a problem at all. I can't imagine anyone at the company would ever notice, and even if they did, I can't imagine they would care. After all, employees traveling on business routinely rack up loads of miles to their personal accounts. My wife has earned us numerous trips that way!
But I can absolutely understand your hesitation, since you're not an employee of this company yet, and you don't want to appear presumptuous or have this affect your chances at getting the job.
So, just to be safe, here's what I would do: go on your interview, without inputting your frequent flier number. But save your boarding passes. Then, once you know the outcome of the interview (i.e., whether you got the job or not), you can fax in your boarding passes and get the credit you deserve (especially if the b@stards don't hire you after making you schlep out to their offices!).
Alb222 From United States, joined Jan 2005, 222 posts, RR: 0 Reply 5, posted (3 years 9 months 1 week 5 days 13 hours ago) and read 1877 times:
If you are concerned, get the miles after the trip.................see how the interview goes........then send in your boarding passes to get the miles.
MoMan From United States, joined Aug 2004, 785 posts, RR: 15 Reply 6, posted (3 years 9 months 1 week 5 days 13 hours ago) and read 1862 times:
I'd go ahead and put my FF number in now. What are the chances the employer will check back? And if they did, what are the chances the secretary in the travel deptartment is going to be upset by it. I'd say pretty low.
The only reason I joined a frequent flyer program in the first place was because my boss told me to, since I was going to be doing a lot of flying.
SNATH From United States, joined Mar 2004, 2549 posts, RR: 19 Reply 7, posted (3 years 9 months 1 week 5 days 13 hours ago) and read 1851 times:
Quoting Jetstar (reply 2): The ticket has to be in your name, no matter who bought it. Once you receive the ticket call the airlines and assign your FF number to the ticket.
Absolutely. I can't see what the problem with getting miles for that ticket would be. Go for it. If you don't want to call the airline and give them your FF number, do it when you check in. When it comes to FF miles, you have to be ruthless. And if you're embarrassed, just imagine your next free trip to your favourite destination. In F class!
Tony
"4 engines for too long!", Randy Baseler on Airbus
Lincoln From United States, joined Nov 2004, 3223 posts, RR: 8 Reply 8, posted (3 years 9 months 1 week 5 days 13 hours ago) and read 1835 times:
Quoting FoxBravo (reply 4): So, just to be safe, here's what I would do: go on your interview, without inputting your frequent flier number. But save your boarding passes. Then, once you know the outcome of the interview
Thanks for all of the replies so far!
Part of my hesitation is that this isn't being called an interview (yet)... this is a "pre-interview" of sorts/seeing if I can stand the climate*. Real interview and decision time comes down the line after I wrap up current commitments. (In addition to not wanting to look presumptuous/cheap)
I hadn't thought of trying to get credit for the miles after the trip... On one hand that seems kind of underhanded, on the other it is probably the "safest" of the options, besides just forgoing mileage completely...not a major deal.
I really like the employer thus far, so I certainly don't want to do anything to cause them to lose interest/doubt my integrity/etc. They seem to have a great culture, be well run, and all of the other important stuff.
Thanks again and I look forward to any additional replies!
Lincoln
*-- Hey, I'm a Southern California boy, and a skinny one at that...I honestly don't know if I could live in a region that sees snow.
CO Is My Airline of Choice || Baggage Claim is an airline's last chance to disappoint a customer || Next flts in profile
TWFirst From Vatican City State (Holy See), joined Apr 2000, 5992 posts, RR: 50 Reply 9, posted (3 years 9 months 1 week 5 days 13 hours ago) and read 1827 times:
If the PROSPECTIVE (not perspective) employer has no problem with it (and it sounds like they don't), then of course get the miles.
Pilottim747 From United States, joined Jul 2001, 1606 posts, RR: 5 Reply 10, posted (3 years 9 months 1 week 5 days 12 hours ago) and read 1805 times:
I dont see why they'd have a problem with you getting miles for the trip. Frequent flier miles go to the passenger, not to who pays for the ticket. I'd give them your frequent flier number when you check-in. There's nothing to hide. You're not doing anything wrong.
pilottim747
Aviation Photographers & Enthusiasts--Coordinate your life.
Starrion From United States, joined Jul 2003, 841 posts, RR: 0 Reply 11, posted (3 years 9 months 1 week 5 days 12 hours ago) and read 1803 times:
Many corporate policies are that FF miles on corporate tickets go to the traveller. I have racked up hundred of thousands of miles between the majors. Once you have the ticket, go ahead and put your FF # on them. It's your tail in the seat after all.
BillElliott9 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 12, posted (3 years 9 months 1 week 5 days 12 hours ago) and read 1768 times:
This is a "kick the tires" interview, right? Although you are excited about the prospects you are still giving up your time etc.
Put your FF number in and take the miles. You are not taking advantage of the prospective employer, you are playing the hand you are dealt. Nothing more, nothing less.
RogerThat From United States, joined Dec 2003, 444 posts, RR: 0 Reply 13, posted (3 years 9 months 1 week 5 days 12 hours ago) and read 1756 times:
FF programs took off because the employee traveler receives a benefit that does not cost the employer anything, so says former AA VP Marketing Mike Gunn. If they got a problem with it, you don't want to work for them.
I like the advice on calling in your FF number directly to the airline after the reservation is made. That way, it doesn't look like you are taking the pre-interview trip just to rack up the miles.
Your prospective employer should tell you what you can expect for expense reimbursement on this trip. Don't nickel and dime them and don't go overboard to avoid making a bad impression.
Good Luck
from a former California boy, but not a skinny one
DesertJets From United States, joined Feb 2000, 6704 posts, RR: 18 Reply 14, posted (3 years 9 months 1 week 5 days 12 hours ago) and read 1717 times:
First of all it isn't like FF miles have any real monetary value. And the amount of miles you will earn flying from California to your employer won't equal a free trip.
And when I have flown for work I clock the FF miles, same goes for the hotel if the place I am staying at I have a card for. In fact I will be racking up a few Marriott Rewards points this upcoming month on two different trips.
Stop drop and roll will not save you in hell. --- seen on a church marque in rural Virginia
Fbgdavidson From United Kingdom (England), joined Oct 2004, 3252 posts, RR: 22 Reply 15, posted (3 years 9 months 1 week 5 days 12 hours ago) and read 1712 times:
If a company gets flustered about a few poxy FF miles would you really want to work for such a petty outfit?
Miles are a non-taxable benefit to the employee for having to endure the hardship of regular travel. With a family member who was away more often than he was at home it was nice to be able to travel in style when we went away on vacation.....I have somewhat picked up the torch now
"My first job was selling doors, door to door, that's a tough job innit" - Bill Bailey
Bobster2 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 16, posted (3 years 9 months 1 week 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 1646 times:
The question was answered in Reply #1. Why is this thread still going? If you're entitled to the miles and you don't claim them and the company has a way of finding out that you didn't claim they won't think you are very bright.
Unfortunately, Reply #1 was not completely correct. Federal employees are now permitted to keep FF miles earned while on official business.
Nwafflyer From United States, joined Jul 2004, 936 posts, RR: 2 Reply 17, posted (3 years 9 months 1 week 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 1641 times:
Most potential employers actually ask for you ff flyer #'s prior to an interview, but, whether or not that happens, it is you who is flying, and it doesn't matter who is paying
USAFHummer From United States, joined May 2000, 10685 posts, RR: 56 Reply 18, posted (3 years 9 months 1 week 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 1621 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW CHAT OPERATOR
Quoting Bobster2 (reply 16): The question was answered in Reply #1. Why is this thread still going?
Because it's an interesting debate on ethics and morals...
Greg
Chief A.net college football stadium self-pic guru
Sllevin From United States, joined Jan 2002, 3376 posts, RR: 6 Reply 19, posted (3 years 9 months 1 week 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 1587 times:
I wouldn't work for a company that required me not to earn miles.
That said, the company is entitled to put you on the carrier of their choice to save themselves money. So that might not be CO, flying into a hub.
With my company I try and accumulate WP miles as well. Now, I'm willing to endure a layover, or three legs, or to leave on a different day (and sacrifice my time) to do that...if I can.
MoMan From United States, joined Aug 2004, 785 posts, RR: 15 Reply 20, posted (3 years 9 months 1 week 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 1589 times:
Quoting USAFHummer (reply 18): Because it's an interesting debate on ethics and morals...
Not quite sure how this is a debate on either ethics or morals.
The person has already stated they were taking the trip to inquire about a job. If a company is willing to pay for a round trip ticket, why would they care if you get FF miles in the process? I would bet they wouldn't even know if you put your number on after the ticket is issued.
And as an earlier poster said, if a company I worked for or was interested in made a hassle about it, I don't want to think what other kind of hassles they would make.
The company I work for encourages employees to sign up for FF miles when booking flights. They don't want people booking certain carriers that are more expensive just to get FF miles, and that could be an ethics issue.
Bkonner From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 21, posted (3 years 9 months 1 week 5 days 10 hours ago) and read 1566 times:
Howdy,
Do you want the job or the points? The purpose of the interview is to look good! You do not want to give them absolutely any pause on why they should hire you. Hey, it's your call, but if I wanted the job, and the company looked real good, why give human resources (I assume you are meeting with HR among others) any reason at all to kill your job prospects with them. As was indicated above, if you don't get the job, then submit your boarding pass later on. You can always claim I gave it to the agent.
Look at it another way, is your future worth a few thousand airline miles? I doubt it!
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