MasseyBrown From United States of America, joined Dec 2002, 4474 posts, RR: 8 Posted (3 years 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 11944 times:
On the DL flight from ATL to DCA at 9:30AM this Sunday morning, a first class passenger asked my son if he was returning from Iraq. When my son answered yes, he gave my son his seat at moved to the back of the plane. Then he saw three more soldiers and convinced three more first class pax to give them seats.
My son described this gentleman as "older-than-you-are,dad", with white hair; the FA's all knew him and called him Bob.
Boston92 From United States of America, joined Aug 2006, 3390 posts, RR: 9 Reply 1, posted (3 years 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 11921 times:
Probably a heavy elite traveler or a DL executive. Either way, a very nice gesture.
"Why does a slight tax increase cost you $200 and a substantial tax cut save you 30 cents?"
RoseFlyer From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 7211 posts, RR: 50 Reply 2, posted (3 years 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 11897 times:
Yes I've heard of this before as well. A lot of first class passengers travel very frequently and sometimes will give up their seats to a person in the service. Often times they are veterans showing respect or others wanting to show appreciation. It's a kind gesture. I've known people from the Air Force Academy or elsewhere, who are required to travel in uniform, get upgrades by airport staff or other passengers. This time of the year, it is especially appreciated.
There still are kind people out there!
If you have never designed an airplane part before, let the real designers do the work!
DUALRATED From United States of America, joined May 2008, 1001 posts, RR: 0 Reply 3, posted (3 years 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 11872 times:
OzarkD9S From United States of America, joined Oct 2001, 4432 posts, RR: 28 Reply 4, posted (3 years 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 11872 times:
Nice to know there's still some class in the world.
ALL airline service is Local Service: Go Getters Go Ozark
Commavia From United States of America, joined Apr 2005, 9194 posts, RR: 63 Reply 5, posted (3 years 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 11814 times:
A few years back, the entire full F cabin of an AA MD80 flight ATL-ORD gave up their seats for a group of soldiers traveling home from Iraq.
Very impressive - that's the way it should be.
"The airline industry is like church - many attend, few understand." - Robert L. Crandall
Nycbjr From United States of America, joined Aug 2007, 447 posts, RR: 0 Reply 6, posted (3 years 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 11638 times:
This is how it should be done! Outstanding.. I do wonder if it was a DL exec, but likely just a thoughtful american.
Gave me the chills reading this.. so glad that some Americans are still thankful to our veterans no matter what the war is.
MasseyBrown From United States of America, joined Dec 2002, 4474 posts, RR: 8 Reply 7, posted (3 years 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 11623 times:
Quoting Nycbjr (Reply 6): I do wonder if it was a DL exec
United1 From United States of America, joined Oct 2003, 4766 posts, RR: 8 Reply 8, posted (3 years 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 3 hours ago) and read 11546 times:
Quoting MasseyBrown (Thread starter): a first class passenger asked my son if he was returning from Iraq.
Odysseus9001 From United States of America, joined Oct 2008, 111 posts, RR: 1 Reply 9, posted (3 years 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 3 hours ago) and read 11429 times:
This is a great idea. I know what I will do on my next ATL flight.
L1011buff From United States of America, joined Jan 2006, 109 posts, RR: 0 Reply 10, posted (3 years 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 3 hours ago) and read 11418 times:
Would be curious to know if they'd do it for a TATL flt. or eqivalent. Either way very nice! Kev
DocLightning From United States of America, joined Nov 2005, 13035 posts, RR: 55 Reply 12, posted (3 years 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 11094 times:
Quoting MasseyBrown (Thread starter): When my son answered yes, he gave my son his seat at moved to the back of the plane.
Jkj777 From United States of America, joined Aug 2007, 391 posts, RR: 0 Reply 13, posted (3 years 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 11089 times:
When coming from STL-ATL this past June, I noticed a younger looking soldier hanging around the DL agent trying to get a window seat. I heard him explaining how much he loves flying and all I could think of is myself at that age.....and still today. I was flying with my fiance who is a silver elite and had not received her upgrade as I had. We were both seated in an exit row together and when I received my upgrade it left my seat open. When it came time to board, I gave my first class seat to him and went back to my original window exit row seat next to her. On the MD-88 the exit row is more than comfortable for the 75 minute flight. When you are given something at no extra charge it does not make you hesitate twice about doing this for someone who is making tons of sacrifices. The flight attendant from First came back to us and gave myself and fiance an alcoholic drink of our choosing and a hand shake. She was somewhat moved by the event that did not even phase us. I grew up in a military town and know what the lives of these families. consist of. A nice gesture goes a long way and this is happening more than we think. I have even seen it happen before on an LAX-ATL flight. I would love to hear other stories from those of you that have experienced this.
Well done to this anonymous person!
Happy Holidays
Mbm3 From United States of America, joined Jul 2005, 729 posts, RR: 2 Reply 14, posted (3 years 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 10990 times:
I have given up my first class seat before and pulled some soldiers in to the President's Club during a long MX delay. Regardless of my politics, these soldiers are bravely serving our country and it was my pleasure to make their life a bit more comfortable, even for a short time.
Let Me Tell You, Landing A 772ER Is Harder Than It Looks!
Bagpipes From United States of America, joined Jul 2008, 83 posts, RR: 1 Reply 15, posted (3 years 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 10926 times:
i was going to LAX on the 23rd on Nov and I was in uniform and someone gave me there seat in First, I thanked them and told him it wasnt necessary but he insisted, that was a great 5 hour ride from TPA. When i was a gate agent for FL i used to put military personnel up front if it was available, until i got fired for it.
Fbgdavidson From United Kingdom, joined Oct 2004, 3636 posts, RR: 36 Reply 16, posted (3 years 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 10874 times:
I've heard several stories on Flyertalk of people giving away their upgrades to serving military, didn't ever hear about anyone on a paid fare do so though . I think it is a nice gesture and I've been on several flights where guys in uniform have been given empty seats in F.
I've seen signs at Admirals Clubs noting that if you have certain papers (I can't remember the exact name) they'll accommodate you in the lounge.
"My first job was selling doors, door to door, that's a tough job innit" - Bill Bailey
DeltaMD90 From United States of America, joined Apr 2008, 2682 posts, RR: 24 Reply 17, posted (3 years 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 10874 times:
It is always nice to see citizens supporting us, it really does mean a lot to us. I know Delta (and probably the other airlines) give the empty first class seats to servicemen, glad to see that chivalry really isn't dead.
N104UA From United States of America, joined Dec 2007, 886 posts, RR: 0 Reply 18, posted (3 years 1 month 4 weeks 1 day ago) and read 10759 times:
I love hearing of things like this since I am from a Military community and some of my friends are in the military
When I was on a flight from BWI-ORD in mid October there were probably 25 soldiers on the flight on the man behind me in F told them that anything that they buy is on his dime and I do not know the exact amount he spend but it was a few hundred dollars and the soldiers sure did have a good time
"Learn the rules, so you know how to break them properly." -H.H. The Dalai Lama
Fridgmus From Kuwait, joined Oct 2006, 1206 posts, RR: 9 Reply 19, posted (3 years 1 month 4 weeks 23 hours ago) and read 10670 times:
Bob,
Wherever you are, thank you for taking care of one of our own! As an ex-GI myself, your kind gesture is very much appreciated!
On the few times I travel in the US, whenever I see any our Brothers and Sisters in uniform, their food and drinks are on me! A lot of my fellow contractors do the same. They deserve no less!
My heartfelt thanks to all of my fellow A.netters for supporting our Troops!
F
The Lockheed Super Constellation, the REAL Queen of the Skies!
DingDong From United States of America, joined Jan 2007, 661 posts, RR: 0 Reply 20, posted (3 years 1 month 4 weeks 23 hours ago) and read 10630 times:
Quoting Fbgdavidson (Reply 16): I've heard several stories on Flyertalk of people giving away their upgrades to serving military, didn't ever hear about anyone on a paid fare do so though
I don't travel in F often but when I do, it's on paid fare. Still, I'd happily trade seats with a deserving active duty soldier from any branch of the U.S. military, even if I'm on a paid fare out of my own pocket.
My cousin voluntarily served three tours in Iraq and one or two in the Korean DMZ as an U.S. Army Captain with a West Point education he earned the real hard way as a farm boy. From what little he says about his line of work, the military has my full respect, period. It's a hellish job, regardless of what our individual politics (in general, not Fbgdavidson's) may be.
You bet I'm trading places with an active duty soldier should I be seated in F and I see a soldier in uniform in Y without a second thought and with a big smile on my face.
Dispatchguy From United States of America, joined Jan 2006, 1175 posts, RR: 2 Reply 21, posted (3 years 1 month 4 weeks 20 hours ago) and read 10371 times:
OOH-RAH
Welcome home.
I was behind a soldier that was paying for a few things at ATL, after just coming off their chartered flight from the sandbox. He had been on the go for like 30 hours, and he just wanted a shaving kit. However, he didnt have enough cash, and was going to put it back.
He didnt want to accept it at first, but I insisted on paying for it. He was very appreciative; I assume he didnt want to smell like a desert for his girl in a few hours. He wanted to pay me back when he could - and all I told him was his money was no good, welcome home, and job well done.
I always get a chill coming up the long escalator into bag claim at ATL when a few of our fighting men and women are getting their applause from the USO volunteers at the top of the escalator - usually the entire area erupts in applause. I also like it that at most airports they have signs that US military in uniform go to the head of the checkpoint line, and behind them I will be more than happy to wait my turn.
DL offduty employees have setup a special military lounge at ATL in the B Concourse where military personnel in transit can go relax and enjoy some homecooked food and treats. Think of it as a USO office, but behind the security checkpoint.
Flighty From United States of America, joined Apr 2007, 6470 posts, RR: 3 Reply 22, posted (3 years 1 month 4 weeks 19 hours ago) and read 10286 times:
That is an absolute class act situation. Very much hope to do that one day.
Halophila From United States of America, joined Aug 2005, 619 posts, RR: 0 Reply 23, posted (3 years 1 month 4 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 10151 times:
Done once. I have never paid to be in F, so when I was upgraded and saw a soldier in uniform (not sure if returning from iraq or whatnought, I gave up my seat for him. Seemed appropriate at the time.
B777LRF From Luxembourg, joined Nov 2008, 650 posts, RR: 3 Reply 24, posted (3 years 1 month 4 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 10072 times:
For those of us who spend more time in aircraft than we care to think about, it's just the right thing to do. For everybody else, it is indeed a very nice gesture.
I've seen a middle-aged couple, by the looks of it hardly shy of dime, giving up their C seats on a IAD-FRA flight with UA for two servicemen. The couple could of course have been on a mileage run or company paid tickets, but they could also very well have paid themselves. In either case, a very nice gesture - especially on such a long trip.
Never had the oppertunity of giving up a seat myself, but would not hesitate a second to do so. I've been serving in the armed forces myself, albeit not under the Stars & Stripes. I know what it would mean to a lad coming home - showing respect for the covenant we have with those who guard our country. And that's something very nice indeed.
From receips and radials over straight pipes to big fans - been there, done that, got the hearing defects to prove
25 LoveTheSkies: I don't think it makes any difference how you came by that first class seat. Whether you paid for it with money or miles you earned sitting on a plane
26 WAH64D: Agreed 100%. If the British public were as appreciative, we in the UK armed forces would be a lot happier. Well done that man.
27 PWM2TXLHopper: I've seen this several times as well. Either this scenario, or somebody going up to the counter at the gate and using frequent flier miles to upgrade
28 Elite: There's a difference between supporting the war and supporting the troops Glad people still know that!
29 Zrs70: Gets me thinking.... How often do we give up a seat for an older person when on a train? How about a pregnant woman? How often do we hold a door open
31 Phishphan70: this is the kind of story that makes me proud to be an American! no matter how opposed to any war we are in, you gotta give credit, thanks, and an und
32 CO767FA: Great points - I am all for these examples, in addition to the one posted by the OP. The gesture of giving up a first class to seat to someone "battl
33 AndrewUber: I have done this several times on AirTran through ATL. In my opinion it is much more enjoyable sitting in the back and seeing them enjoy the seat up f
34 MAC26000: What a class move by a classy gentlemen..Iam so happ to see this.
35 Crjflyer35: This happened to me when I was coming home for Christmas from Ft. Huachuca to GRR. I was on a Mesaba Bae-146 from BNA to GRR, and a first class pax ap
36 ADent: I was on UAX (Mesa) last week IAD-ORF on a CR7 and one of the flight deck crew came out and said hi, we were running a couple of minutes late but will
37 MD88Captain: I skipped most of the responses on this board, because I just wanted to say that I have seen this repeated many times at DAL. It is awesome every time
38 DocLightning: I dunno about you, but for me, I always do those things.
39 Lexy: On my flight from DTW to MDW the other day, I had a soldier on the flight and let me tell ya, great guy. I would've done the same thing had it been me
40 Davescj: My guess is "traveling on orders". I have also seen serving military in uniform in the DL CRC, most recently in PHL. I still do as well. I am convinc
41 Deaphen: Moral of the story, always dress like your from the US Army when your flying Y, and you get a seat in First Nitin
42 ArcrftLvr: I hope you're joking. Along the same lines as the story relayed by the OP, I was at the DFW AA International terminal a few years back when a World A
44 LH431: Very patriotic thread but of course a nice gesture. I just imagine how it would be, if one in Germany would give up his seat on the ICE train in order
45 Slider: Off the cuff, that reminded me of that Anheuser-Busch commercial from a few years ago--the one they showed during the Super Bowl with the soldiers re
46 CAP2008: I sat next to an Army guy (in civilian clothes) coming back from Afghanistan on a flight from AMS-DTW, just after thanksgiving, there were open seats
47 CatIII: So you're the guy that's going to try and ruin it for our armed forces? Classy... And yes, that was sarcasm.
48 FlyDreamliner: Good for him. Especially this time of year, appreciation to the brave men and women in uniform is really great, and hopefully we will see more of it.
49 IAirAllie: I love bringing troops into DFW. Some of the best moments of my job. The airport gives us a water cannon salute as we taxi in. The have lots of great
50 Deaphen: You ARE serious or are NOT serious? I totally agree its a low low low behaviour... But hey, this is an aviation website, anything goes for F class tr
51 Q120: I love hearing stories like this. I would do the same if I had the $$
52 PanAm747: I am very sorry to hear that you were fired for such a classy thing. Shameful that some mid-level manager was such a grinch. I hope that's not reflec
53 Bagpipes: i appreciate your sympaty and i was raised the same way, Kudos to you and i know the national gaurdsman was very appreciative of you. Im adding you t
54 ArcrftLvr: You're a real class act....I'm embarassed for you.
55 Litz: You see exactly that happen at ATL all the time ... after the USO people (and usually everyone else on the escalators) applaud the servicemen/women c
56 YULWinterSkies: OK, what I am serious about is that i would NOT be surpised to hear about dudes dressed in US army uniforms in order to try to get an upgrade, from g
57 PiedmontINT: Not to take away from the very nice gesture from the gentleman in first, but the sort of constant freebies and giveaways that people give to the troop
58 WAH64D: I understand the sentiment of your post, Police Officers and firefighters do a very dangerous job the benefits everybody in society. However, saying
59 Panam330: That is terrible. I hope, as others have said, that this isn't the view of the airline but only a mid-level manager with a grudge. You did the right
60 PiedmontINT: I didn't say that they didn't have a dangerous job, what I said was that many people who arent in those line of fire positions take advantage of it a
61 FlyASAGuy2005: Official travel orders to/from certain countries, or R&R paperwork from certain countries. You know, where i'm from, it's not uncommon to hold a door
62 PWM2TXLHopper: Depends of what part of the country you're in. In places like the New York and LA, probably not very often.
63 Bagpipes: I know how dangerous a job they have, i was a Hospital Corpsman in tha navy and i was wounded in both ankles from shrapnel, so I truly appreciate the
64 DeltaL1011man: anytime i get the chance i do(hell i'm small I can deal with Y for a few hours) .........I have been on a few DL flights where they have said on the
65 PRINAIR: At UA we have been instructed to waive change fees and upgrade military personnel to economy plus as long as there are seats available at check-in in
66 KaiGywer: If I have open seats in F and no elites standing by, I will always give the soldier a first class seat and thank them for their service.
67 WAH64D: Happy holidays my friend. As has been said above, the young men and women expect nothing in return for their service other than a modest salary and t
68 Flyboy97502: I'm at a somewhat small station with regional service, but every time I see a service member's bag when I'm the one taking the bags to the carousel,
69 Tapman: Reading some of the above stories made me feel a bit shivery. How nice it is to hear that people out their will do such nice things to their troops. I
70 United_Fan: Thanks,I was just wondering whoes commercial that was,I was thinking AA,but now i know. I'll have to find it on Youtube.
71 DingDong: Here you go. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnVBw0EcXB0
72 United_Fan: " target=_blank>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnVBw...EcXB0 Thanks,I was gonna wait til I get home,Youtube is blocked @ work
73 Kappel: Why? Remember, not everybody feels the same about military. I used to live in a country where there was a military dictatorship at the time (Surinam
74 ArcrftLvr: How often do you see a Police officer or Firefighter travelling in uniform? If they did, I'm sure they would see comps as well. I don't think you're
75 Kappel: That was not my point, but I absolutely agree with you on that.
76 PiedmontINT: Because I work at a station 5 miles away from a large army base, Ft. Riley. The attitudes that many of the soldiers that fly on my airline is appauli
Sponsor Message: 
From United States of America, joined Dec 2002, 4474 posts, 
Outstanding.
From United Kingdom, joined Oct 2004, 3636 posts, 
. I think it is a nice gesture and I've been on several flights where guys in uniform have been given empty seats in F.
From Kuwait, joined Oct 2006, 1206 posts, 
From Luxembourg, joined Nov 2008, 650 posts, 
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