There can be quite a thrill to redeeming miles for a first or business class ticket that would cost many thousands of dollars if paying cash, though it’s how many of us have gotten used to traveling.
Along those lines, I know many people redeeming miles might wonder if the crew is aware of what they paid for their ticket, and if they should feel sheepish about that. So I’d like to address that in this post. The short answer is that on some airlines flight attendants know, while on other airlines they don’t. Regardless, it absolutely shouldn’t make a difference in terms of how you’re treated.
In this post:
There are many different “categories” of passengers
It’s easy to feel like you scored a deal when you redeemed miles for a first or business class ticket, and are worried about whether that ticket makes you “worthy” of the full service. The important thing to understand is that it’s not as binary as there being full fare first and business class passengers and then award passengers.
Rather, when you look at the people seated in premium cabins, you have a combination of full fare passengers, passengers who purchased discounted tickets, passengers who booked award tickets, passengers who redeemed miles, instruments, or cash to upgrade, passengers who were operationally upgraded, and then employees or other people traveling on some sort of benefit.
In terms of hierarchy, generally speaking paid first and business class passengers are prioritized first, then award passengers, then those who upgraded, then operational upgrades and employees. So the point is, you’re not as far down the totem pole as you might think when redeeming miles, since an award ticket is generally considered a form of a “paid” ticket.
Can flight attendants see if you redeemed miles?
Not only does every airline have a different system for what information they show their flight attendants, but often there are differences in terms of what each crew member can see. For example, a cabin manager or purser’s tablet might show more detailed information about passengers than the tablets of the rest of the crew. It all depends on the airline.
As an example, on Emirates, a crew can see if you upgraded (either with miles or if you received an operational upgrade), while the crew can’t see if you redeemed miles. Instead, an award ticket on Emirates shows the same as if you outright paid cash for your ticket. So if you redeem miles for an award ticket, you’d actually be viewed the same as a full fare customer once onboard.
Don’t feel sheepish when redeeming miles
I’ve probably flown well over a million miles on award tickets, and not once have I felt like I was treated differently for having redeemed miles once onboard the aircraft.
Now, I think it’s important to acknowledge that sometimes airlines have systems in place for how they handle passenger priority for things like meal orders. Again, every airline has a different policy:
- On some airlines, they might take meal orders front to back, with no consideration for status or ticket type
- On other airlines, they might first come around to take meal orders for some elite passengers, and then take meal orders from other passengers
Regardless, on no airline should you find a system where they essentially just serve the leftovers to the unworthy passengers redeeming miles. 😉
Bottom line
Your experience in a premium cabin as an award passenger should be no different than that of anyone else, so don’t be afraid to expect the full service. You might actually be surprised to find out that for the airlines that do prioritize passengers for some purposes, award passengers typically come ahead of those upgrading.
Lastly, I should mention that all of this applies to the inflight experience. Some airlines do restrict certain ground products to award passengers, and in the event of irregular operations, some airlines don’t treat award passengers especially well. However, once the plane’s door closes, the above is what you should expect.
Has anyone ever felt like they were treated poorly onboard due to having redeemed miles?
Both Virgin and BA do. It even says it on Virgin boarding passes, and boarding passes when redeemed on virgin partners...
Once on BA - in F - when something I chose from the menu wasn't
available, the FA sneered something about me being on a 'free' ticket. The ~£1000 paid in taxes in addition to the high number of miles beg to differ, luv. I was GGL at the time too!
Hotels certainly do know you are using points. A more recent trend over the last few years, has been to be treated like squat.
We had such experience in Hyatt London Great Scotland Yard Hotel. Unmade bed and dirty greasy headboard. The Director of Operations thought he was funny breaking the DND and give me a Kids robe when I asked for a large robe. Mind you the DND there is one flag on...
Hotels certainly do know you are using points. A more recent trend over the last few years, has been to be treated like squat.
We had such experience in Hyatt London Great Scotland Yard Hotel. Unmade bed and dirty greasy headboard. The Director of Operations thought he was funny breaking the DND and give me a Kids robe when I asked for a large robe. Mind you the DND there is one flag on the door and another red light. Then get food poisoning at breakfast, so bad, had to go the ER, sick for days.
And then the European manager steps in as the GM did not care to take responsibilty for the failure and was benign to the situation. Well you use points, tough luck.
When flying first on Asian carriers, no mystery the individual boarding with three Louis Vuitton bags and sitting in 1K is the VIP.
Personally, I enjoy sleeping and eating on my schedule and leave well enough alone. After sleeping for 4-6 hours dinner is served. The staff often bring me a box of chocolates prior to arrival. The staff appreciate the opportunity to focus on the VIP passenger(s).
I am not sure about your blog and also other travel blogs anymore?! The content discussion goes more and more about unnecessary issues. Does many travellers feel second class guests because they have an award ticket? It’s all about fishing for recognition from the crew in meaning that everybody thinks I am the most important customer. Just believe it the time is over, Business Class is a mass produced product today , mostly all customer...
I am not sure about your blog and also other travel blogs anymore?! The content discussion goes more and more about unnecessary issues. Does many travellers feel second class guests because they have an award ticket? It’s all about fishing for recognition from the crew in meaning that everybody thinks I am the most important customer. Just believe it the time is over, Business Class is a mass produced product today , mostly all customer recognition is gone with and after the pandamic. They don’t care about customer segmentation anymore. For many airlines you can choose your meals in business class in advance, of course not for the last minute upgrades of staff member. So what’s the most important issue on your article? Maybe the most award seats are taken from the American passengers as they have millions of miles versus the Europeans!
Ha! Saudi FAs treat other staff, friends, buddies and relatives (plus themselves) like royalty in-flight.
It's the full-fare passengers who get the raw deal.
Getting back to the topic, after all the petty banter: On Virgin Atlantic paper boarding passes, award tix clearly say “NON REV 0 MILES ACCUM.” on them at the top.
It would be a nice optional feature for pax to be able to elect how they wish to be addressed by inflight crew. Of course, it would be limited to basic options such as 1st name only, full title/last name, etc. Certainly not left completely optional to preclude the usual 'cute' A-holes ...
Personally, I find that the whole 'theater' as insincere as it is pretentious....
However, I think a discreet acknowledgment of one's status would be generally be appreciated.
Yikes!
Yes, your Lordship.
Please, 'your Lordship' is my father. 'Your High Eminence' is fine.
Never been an issue on any of the award flights I've taken. Actually, the most surprising was at DXB in 2016 on EK award tickets for 3 in F booked via AS, on our way to a big family event.
Long connection and my dad wanted my cousin to join us in the lounge but she was traveling J on a different inbound. I told my family there was no way our relative who...
Never been an issue on any of the award flights I've taken. Actually, the most surprising was at DXB in 2016 on EK award tickets for 3 in F booked via AS, on our way to a big family event.
Long connection and my dad wanted my cousin to join us in the lounge but she was traveling J on a different inbound. I told my family there was no way our relative who was at DXB at the same time on a separate itinerary would be allowed into the massive F lounge structure. Explained the situation to the lounge dragons and expected them to deny me and mention my use of miles but nah, they let her come in and we all had a nice lunch. Made a point to thank the ladies up front for their kindness and flexibility.
If I had been an insane prick like some of the identities on this blog, probably would have been a bit different. Jk, love you guys.
Explain the term,”lounge dragon”. It sounds disparaging.
It is!
Being kind and patient pays off most of the time. I have yet to see someone rude to get what he (or she) wants right away. And even when they do, karma is real.
Ben, haven't you ever had a purser come up to you and acknowledge that you hold way more points than anyone else in your cabin? It happened to me several times over the years, especially on Delta. The first time, though, I didn't have the heart to tell her that I used a credit card to pay off the mortgage on a house, and that's how I accumulated many of the points.
Sharing that sort of information with staff who have no business knowing it (I mean, what's the DL purser going to do with it? Ask you to lend her a few thousand miles for a regional business class award on Kenya Airways?) is likely against GDPR and similar legislation in other parts of the [developed] world. It wouldn't be too hard for a network of scammers to recruit a couple of insiders targetting those with high mileage balances.
That the 2nd paranoid post you’ve made in this thread.
There's no paranoia in risk management. I'm not saying that this is all about to happen on a large scale and crash the infrastructure of numerous schemes, I'm just saying that there's no point in sharing that information with cabin crew and that it introduces a wholly unnecessary risk. The fact that the risk is pretty small doesn't actually change anything in that context.
I'm guessing you are either 007 or an A-hole.
But then, I've already made my choice.
On my first Emirates flight in first class over 10 years ago (DXB-LHR), using Alaska miles, the gate agents asked me if I was using an employee pass as the fare code was “O” if I recall correctly. I indicated that no, I was not an Emirates or airline employee.
It seemed to cause some confusion and a slight pause before I was allowed to board. Definitely not a great welcome experience, but once...
On my first Emirates flight in first class over 10 years ago (DXB-LHR), using Alaska miles, the gate agents asked me if I was using an employee pass as the fare code was “O” if I recall correctly. I indicated that no, I was not an Emirates or airline employee.
It seemed to cause some confusion and a slight pause before I was allowed to board. Definitely not a great welcome experience, but once onboard the A380, the cabin crew made it an amazing first-time experience.
I nearly always fly in paid business or first now. Occasionally opportunities pop up where I can use miles on AF/KL or TK to fly between Europe and the US. But it takes a lot more work now, and there is usually a big compromise in terms of dates and/or flight times when using miles. So the benefit continues to narrow as more people build their piles of points and learn about how to redeem.
Why was I always gifted a bottle of Champagne before disembarking at LHR from a BA flight?
I’m no spring chicken, undoubtedly Brad Pitt is better looking and the ‘Tango Trump’ has more pennies in his piggy bank.
No, I always greet/treat the airline ground staff, FA’s and flight crew as I hope they will greet/treat me. I present them with a cheery smile and personal greeting if they display a name tag....
Why was I always gifted a bottle of Champagne before disembarking at LHR from a BA flight?
I’m no spring chicken, undoubtedly Brad Pitt is better looking and the ‘Tango Trump’ has more pennies in his piggy bank.
No, I always greet/treat the airline ground staff, FA’s and flight crew as I hope they will greet/treat me. I present them with a cheery smile and personal greeting if they display a name tag. I find that the words … “Please”, “Thank you” and “May I have”, works wonders. I do not pay for my own flights with points, nor do I possess any flight status.
When flying as a passenger, I always treat those who are pleasant with the respect they deserve. Be rude crude or revolting in my presence and I will undoubtedly put you right in your place …. you will not like me for holding the mirror in front of your face. There are some who post herein who can testify to that.
Point, status, loyalty programs and all that nonsense might be all very well for some people, however, better treatment, respect, etc, has to be earned ….. not demanded!
Loser.
Yes! John, with the mirror placed directly in front of your face, you will see one of life’s “Losers” looking back at you straight in the eye …. thank you for this opportunity to make you aware of your considerable shortcomings and for putting a truly magnificent smile upon my face …. :-)
You are what 4'6" / trying to make up for your "Shortcomings" By talking BIG? Dumb S!
…. You …. one who is predictably, pathetic, please try to be pragmatic about your problematic personality.
Trying to hide behind duplicate anonymity simply amplifies your profoundly inadequate intelligence.
Do you enjoy word salads inflight @Aero?
The Snob culture from many "Top Tier" members is nauseating. I am Ex-Plat, have reached it many times as flying to Asia makes it easy, and I have flown millions of miles. I have experienced disgusting moments where fellow passengers and their companions, especially out of certain airports, think they are God's gift to Earth. Recognition is one thing, entitlement is another. I travel for business, I have flown first class, and have overheard business...
The Snob culture from many "Top Tier" members is nauseating. I am Ex-Plat, have reached it many times as flying to Asia makes it easy, and I have flown millions of miles. I have experienced disgusting moments where fellow passengers and their companions, especially out of certain airports, think they are God's gift to Earth. Recognition is one thing, entitlement is another. I travel for business, I have flown first class, and have overheard business class passengers snotty comments "must be and upgrade", "there is no way he paid for that", a specific flight HKG to Dallas comes to mind. I got in the wrong line, the business line, I was not sure there was a First class line, as my employee and I were the only ones in that cabin, so there was no cue. The agent starts checking tickets and passports in the line, As we were being removed from the business line, to what they thought was economy, but ended up being First class line, the comments were legendary, the agent removed the red rope removing us from the line; there was definitely a celebratory send off, like we were being put in our place, demeaning comments were overheard. This was later confirmed on board from business class passengers who were disgusted at what they listened to, and couldn't hold their laughter when they realized we were the only ones in First cabin. We had passengers who made it a point to make sure we knew what they heard from the "elite". We didnt fit their expected first class profile, so the comments had extra sauce.
I also think that the passenger status plays a role. A platinum or diamond passenger with a miles-booked ticket might get better treatment than a lower status flyer that normally flies economy.
Anecdotally, some of the worst service I've received in F was on paid tickets, and some of the best service was on award tickets. It really shouldn't matter. I've seen some very obvious first time F flyers who redeemed points and the FAs asked if they wanted their picture taken and otherwise were just as happy as them to show off the amazing F experience. Just enjoy your time whether you paid or not.
As a gate agent, I can see what elite status you are. I very much dislike when a customer comes up and said I am @*@*@* status. We can see that when we pull up the reservation. If you are high tier good for you. We see your status when we check you in and when you board the aircraft
As a passenger, I know you can see what elite status I have. I very much dislike when a crew ignores my status. I know you can see that when you pull up the reservation. (you even repeat this twice yet still no recognition) If you are high tier good for you. (see the mentality, just good for you?) You see my status when you check me in and when I board the aircraft, yet you do nothing. (except complaining 3 times about seeing my status)
Eskimo, if you were well behaved and self aware, you would receive the benefits of your status with discretion.
To wit, please do not invoke your own status.
Gate/ticketing agents rarely acknowledge my status explicitly but I am always given the extra flexibility and waivers that my status ought to confer.
Of course, I am incredibly handsome and well groomed as well. I have a high-end hair stylist, personal trainer and nutritionist, and all my...
Eskimo, if you were well behaved and self aware, you would receive the benefits of your status with discretion.
To wit, please do not invoke your own status.
Gate/ticketing agents rarely acknowledge my status explicitly but I am always given the extra flexibility and waivers that my status ought to confer.
Of course, I am incredibly handsome and well groomed as well. I have a high-end hair stylist, personal trainer and nutritionist, and all my clothes are tailored. I have impeccable poise and deportment which I learned from an intensive weeklong etiquette course in the UK.
@Long and Thick
thank you for confirming what Soft Power is :-)
@John, while I fully sympathise with airport staff having to tolerate entitled and/or rude pax, there are also situations where the passenger doesn't know whether the status is reflected on the boarding pass (e.g. because they want to credit the miles elsewhere and the reservation system can't handle the FQTV/FQTS distinction) or hasn't even been able to add their number because the drop-down menu on the XiamenAir app wasn't accepting their Air Europa number or...
@John, while I fully sympathise with airport staff having to tolerate entitled and/or rude pax, there are also situations where the passenger doesn't know whether the status is reflected on the boarding pass (e.g. because they want to credit the miles elsewhere and the reservation system can't handle the FQTV/FQTS distinction) or hasn't even been able to add their number because the drop-down menu on the XiamenAir app wasn't accepting their Air Europa number or whatever. If you make the assumption (BTW I am not saying that you definitely do make it) that anyone who ever mentions their FF status to a gate agent basically is an idiot, don't be surprised if you come across to pax in a way that increases the chances of a poor interaction with them.
I worked with agents like him for 32 years, both at the ticket counter when they could actually issue a ticket and the gates. With that attitude, they don’t belong in public contact. Go work the ramp.
Lucky’s point about IROPS and ground service highlight a benefit of non-airline rewards. If you book a flight using Chase, Amex, or CapOne points, using their respective travel agencies, you ARE a revenue passenger to the airline. It’s not a big deal most of the time, but some things, like AC’s Signature Suite dining rooms, aren’t accessible on an award ticket.
Yep. There's a certain peace of mind knowing you're a "rev" passenger should something go wrong. I've heard of people getting rebooked on full fare F on another airline during IROPS, even though they redeemed CC points on that CC travel portal. Would be an incredible way to experience Air France La Premiere for example ;)
AC's Signature is available on a reward ticket(From Air Canada): Air Canada Signature Class customers traveling on a non-stop Air Canada-operated flight (to Europe, Asia, and South America) originally booked and ticketed in the following booking classes will be eligible for access to the Air Canada Signature Suite: J, C, D, Z, P. Only Aeroplan flight rewards booked as a Business Class Flexible Reward or a First Class Flexible Reward in J, C, D, Z,...
AC's Signature is available on a reward ticket(From Air Canada): Air Canada Signature Class customers traveling on a non-stop Air Canada-operated flight (to Europe, Asia, and South America) originally booked and ticketed in the following booking classes will be eligible for access to the Air Canada Signature Suite: J, C, D, Z, P. Only Aeroplan flight rewards booked as a Business Class Flexible Reward or a First Class Flexible Reward in J, C, D, Z, P, I booking classes are eligible for access
As least US domestic airlines I doubt most flight attendants really care. At AA a shocking number have no clue to what the various status levels are. They don't know, or really care, the difference between a CK and some random flyer on a BE fare. Some do and as CK have personally welcome me onboard by name and thanking me for my status. Others just stare off into space.
I'm borderline uncomfortable when cabin crew address me by name. I appreciate the effort, but I don't necessarily want other passengers to know my name, speculate as to where I may be from, get the impression that I'm in some way 'special' to the airline etc.
So am I, but we are in the small minority. The vast majority like to hear their own names, something which is often mentioned in sales and customer service training.
They must be using a megaphone if you think others can hear your name, and big deal if others can hear your name. I'm always addressed by name on Qantas and I'm certainly not listening out to other names.
@crosscourt love this. I tell people all the time as an example of societal judgment, "do you remember the last time you noticed something in someone else's shopping cart?"
Americans are becoming more and more paranoid and suspicious. I am one of them, so I'm in that bunch.
@Crosscourt, when addressing the passenger who is sitting in a window seat in Y, the FA has to literally speak across the face of the pax sat in the aisle and middle seats.
Same goes for Eurobusiness (minus the middle seat passenger) and, at least to a certain extent, other regional business class configurations.
I'm not all that paranoid about it - I don't feel that awkward if e.g. I'm in an aisle seat...
@Crosscourt, when addressing the passenger who is sitting in a window seat in Y, the FA has to literally speak across the face of the pax sat in the aisle and middle seats.
Same goes for Eurobusiness (minus the middle seat passenger) and, at least to a certain extent, other regional business class configurations.
I'm not all that paranoid about it - I don't feel that awkward if e.g. I'm in an aisle seat in premium economy, and I certainly won't worry about it when I'm in an all-aisle-access business/first cabin where the next passenger is several metres away.
Wow!
Just my opinion, but ALL passengers SHOULD be special to the airline.
You are either 007 or an A-hole. But, I've made my choice.
How about check in agents? Im assuming they can see how you paid. Chime in on whether that affects your ancillary requests - e.g., checking luggage through on separate tickets, seat requests, etc..
Too many clicks to see that.
I'm too lazy so I'll just treat you like everyone else. I'm nice on a good day and on a power trip with bad days.
Seat requests can be awkward, a lot of the time the check in agent actively wants to help the status-holding passenger grab that exit row seat but is prevented by the system... but sometimes the opposite can also happen (the system allows it, but the agent just cannot be bothered).
They absolutely can see everything. And if you’re eligible for an upgrade.
Airline manifest will most likely have booking class attached to your name. I had this happen with China eastern airline recently where they said I booked in full J fare and offered a free upgrade to F. I was shown the passenger manifest and the booking class is indeed shown across each passenger.
If I was a flight attendant I’d probably not care whether revenue or points or upgrade.
If I had an upbeat grateful customer who treated me with respect I’d probably give better service and be more diligent. That’s how I fly.
I’ve flown loads of economy, business and first tickets (paid, mostly through work and also tons of points redemptions (I still love you lifemiles)) and have had very very few bad interactions...
If I was a flight attendant I’d probably not care whether revenue or points or upgrade.
If I had an upbeat grateful customer who treated me with respect I’d probably give better service and be more diligent. That’s how I fly.
I’ve flown loads of economy, business and first tickets (paid, mostly through work and also tons of points redemptions (I still love you lifemiles)) and have had very very few bad interactions with staff. I treat people well and it seems to come back to me the same way… not rocket science
Who cares what the lazy waitresses think? Do they even think?
"Do they even think?"
They likely (and rightly!) think you are an asshole. If you treat them with the contempt you show here, hopefully they will "accidentally" spill red wine on you. And then laugh.
I'm very handsome and in great shape, so no. To the point cabin crew greets my by name even if in economy with no status (happened again yesterday). I have an eightpack.
Try again, hunty.
You can tell a lot about a person’s character by the way they treat those in the service industry.
I’ll bet you have a textbook punchable face.
I don't think they will spill wine or punch anyone.
They're barricaded in the real galley never to be seen until landing.
Flew BA First on an award ticket couple of years ago and the FA seemed a bit too chill with me, about an hour into the flight he said something along the lines of “You’re flying as staff right”. I said, umm no, and the service became a lot more professional from that moment onwards.
Not sure if he mentioned that because of my age or because BA somehow showed my award ticket as a staff ticket.. (this was right after covid and the ticket did change 4x)
That's really funny actually. Did he just stop by to chit chat randomly?
I was once the only passenger in BA first (Business was completely full) for GRU-LHR.
When it came to the white wines for the meal, I was interested in trying a different one for the second glass, but I didn't want the rest of the bottle wasted.
I hesitated and he said "Why? You've paid thousands of pounds for this ticket."
Hmm, cash ex Brazil was minimal, and First v Business had...
I was once the only passenger in BA first (Business was completely full) for GRU-LHR.
When it came to the white wines for the meal, I was interested in trying a different one for the second glass, but I didn't want the rest of the bottle wasted.
I hesitated and he said "Why? You've paid thousands of pounds for this ticket."
Hmm, cash ex Brazil was minimal, and First v Business had been only another 15k Avios!
I did try the second wine, but asked him to share the rest of it with Business.
But why not be really compassionate and request the rest of the bottle be shared with those poor downtrodden unwashed 'untouchables' in the very back of the bus ?
... lol
Ah..... he misidentified you as a non-rev and was trying to enjoy being less obligated to provide that 'pretentious' & hiporcritical 'professional' service or maybe just flirting .... or both !
If you use your miles for a ticket, and staff are aware . They would know you are a regular traveller and probably a memeber of their rewards programme. They have no reason to treat you different , other than you mat get a pre or inflight upgrade to first, from business. Depending on you tier status.
On Virgin Atlantic they do.
I flew round trip in Upper Class and both ways the crew were aware that mine and my wife’s tickets were points redemptions.