A couple of OMAAT readers pointed me to a FlyerTalk thread about an “influencer” flying in first class, and asked for my thoughts. So, here we go…
In this post:
Influencer detracts from Air France first class experience
FlyerTalk member burg_rtw (who has lots of great contributions) posted online about a flight in Air France La Premiere (first class) from Sao Paulo to Paris. He expresses his frustration about flying with an influencer in the cabin, so let me try to summarize the claims and source of frustration:
- It seems the influencer took advantage of a last minute upgrade from business class to first class
- The influencer was allowed to bring two guests into the La Premiere area of the lounge, where he bragged on camera about having taken advantage of a cheap upgrade option
- It didn’t help that the other two La Premiere passengers were also annoying, and watched videos on their cell phone without headphones
- Upon boarding, one of the influencer’s friends came up to first class and sat on the buddy seat, at which point they started to film, including the overall cabin
- At this point, the FlyerTalk member went to the galley and explained he didn’t want to be filmed or photographed, and also expressed frustration at the other passenger who was allowed in first class
- From that point forward, the situation was handled professionally by the crew, and there were no additional disturbances
Based on this, the FlyerTalk member concludes that Air France needs to do more to protect the first class cabin from “cheapo upgrades.” I think the frustration expressed here is fair, though it’s perhaps the responses that are most interesting, especially the heated anti-influencer takes.
I will say, I am curious who is being talked about here, as it’s not anyone I’ve seen (this seems to be for an August flight from Sao Paulo for Paris, so if anyone can point me to the video…).
My take on influencers flying in premium cabins
What’s my take on the overall discussion taking place here? Well, I think some people are way overthinking this, and that there’s perhaps a bit too much confirmation bias going on among the anti-influencer crowd.
I’d also be frustrated by some of the behavior described, like being in close proximity to someone watching entertainment without headphones, inviting a friend up to first class and then having them make a lot of noise, etc. There are basic violations of the golden rule.
But here’s the thing — there are plenty of non-influencers who act that way too (and similarly, there are lots of influencers who I imagine don’t act that way). For that matter, in this case it was a non-influencer who was watching entertainment without headphones.
Airlines absolutely should ensure that the experience is as good for all passengers as it can be, and the existence of an influencer shouldn’t detract from the experience of other passengers. If Air France’s policy is to not allow guests in the lounge or in the first class cabin, then that should also apply to influencers.
However, ultimately flying is a form of shared transportation, and we don’t have control over the people seated near us. I can’t even count the number of horribly behaved passengers I’ve traveled with, and none of them have to my knowledge been influencers.
If someone is being disruptive, that should be reported. But there are some things that nothing can be done about, from a crying baby, to travel companions talking at a slightly elevated volume, to someone sitting in their seat talking to their camera.
Now, if you ask me, I do think some influencers need to do a better job of respecting the privacy of others, and following rules around photographing or videoing fellow passengers or crew members. If someone is taking pictures or videoing you in violation of a carrier’s policy, you should let the crew know, and they should enforce that, whether someone is an influencer or not.
Still, I think one person having a bad experience with an influencer doesn’t mean that all influencers are poorly behaved.
And while we’re at it, this raises the question of what exactly constitutes an influencer? I mean, everyone from Taylor Swift to Elon Musk is an influencer in the traditional sense, in that they influence others. Are we talking specifically about vloggers and those who make money through social media, or…?
Bottom line
An Air France first class passenger was frustrated by the behavior of a fellow passenger, who was reportedly an influencer. Poor behavior on a plane shouldn’t be tolerated, whether someone is an influencer or not.
At the same time, I wouldn’t conclude based on this single experience that all influencers are poorly behaved. I absolutely think people should try to have good manners and use the golden rule on planes, but we see violations of that from all kinds of passengers…
What’s your take on this influencer in first class situation?
To be honest, the guy should be able to do whatever he wants. He paid for the seat fairly, and the 'buddy seat' is part of his seat. If he chooses to talk or film himself that's completely within his right. He paid his share to enjoy First Class and as long as it's not infringing on your space, he's alright.
Not sure how many of you read the whole discussion and the comments on the flyertalk forum, but the original poster, in his first post says “I am surprised it took so many flights for this to happen, but I had my first AF LP flight where an influencer was onboard. And so far, I 100% dislike it.” Then, in post #17, he doubled down, saying, "I am also in the camp that a lot...
Not sure how many of you read the whole discussion and the comments on the flyertalk forum, but the original poster, in his first post says “I am surprised it took so many flights for this to happen, but I had my first AF LP flight where an influencer was onboard. And so far, I 100% dislike it.” Then, in post #17, he doubled down, saying, "I am also in the camp that a lot (or most, really) of the influencers are fake, intrusive, and annoying around enclosed spaces." He had one encounter, and now it seems he has decided to categorize an entire group of people as intrusive and fake. That’s not just overgeneralizing, it’s downright irrational. This knee-jerk reaction, based on a single encounter, speaks more to one’s own biases than anything real. Some people flying La Première seem to expect an empty cabin all to themselves.If there are more than two people in the cabin, they get annoyed, and if someone happens to be recording, they act as if the other person is sitting right in their seat, filming their every move, and documenting their entire meal. The real question here is: what actually counts as a disturbance in the La Premiere cabin? In a cabin specifically designed for privacy with curtains, its clear that the issue is more about entitled passengers who have unrealistic expectations than any genuine invasion of space.
Why is the OP so bothered that someone else is receiving the same treatment as him? His frustration seems to come from the fact that someone else is enjoying the same privileges and luxury at a lower cost. If I were on a flight, my only concern would be about me, how Im getting picked up by the La Première agents, how Im being taken to the lounge, and how I plan to spend my time there. Meanwhile, the OP seemed to be more focused on what the influencer would do with his friend, how the crew would respond to his request, and then waiting to see the influencer made it to the lounge with his friend.
It's less about being an "influencer" and more about exhibiting appropriate decorum in shared space. Frankly, acting like a jackass transcends barriers--regardless of the fare type/class, how much one paid for a ticket, where the jackassery happened to take place, age, whatever.
And in this day and age, we're all influencers whether or not that's our primary source of income. We all influence how others perceive a product, service, and/or interpretation of aviation-related events.
Ben...
It's less about being an "influencer" and more about exhibiting appropriate decorum in shared space. Frankly, acting like a jackass transcends barriers--regardless of the fare type/class, how much one paid for a ticket, where the jackassery happened to take place, age, whatever.
And in this day and age, we're all influencers whether or not that's our primary source of income. We all influence how others perceive a product, service, and/or interpretation of aviation-related events.
Ben has the lucky (pun intended) platform where his expertise is discussed, interpreted and pontificated upon several posts a day, mostly by anonymous commenters. In that sense, he is an influencer. But does that put him in the same category as "professional" influencers whose mode of content generation include being loud in a shared space, inconveniencing others, and being a general jackass? I think not.
Ben goes out of his way to respect the privacy of other passengers during his journeys (refer to this post for details: https://onemileatatime.com/insights/unglamorous-reality-review-trips/), and seems to treat the people in the industry with respect. Until that time comes when he starts posting pictures and videos of himself twerking in business class suites and inciting Lufthansa attendants to do a conga line with him, I wouldn't remotely put Ben in the same category as "professional" influencers.
If other premium cabin passengers annoy you so much and you consider them to be peasants with "cheapo upgrades", then fly private. You're not as rich and elite as you think.
Sad that such a rich and powerful passenger has to report unruly behavior to the FA like they would to their teacher in school!
You are 100 right!
The complainer was probably some OPM flyer who was upset/jealous that the 'influencer' (as annoying as he sounds) was able to buy F with his own money.
Too right. Far too many corporates that get high status and think that 'they' earned it personally and then want the ladder pulled up after they've reached the lofty heights of the supposedly unobtainable (to most of the general public) RubyChairman'sCircleCEOExecutiveGoldPlatinumDiamond#1Club membership level.
Erm NO, your company PAID for it, but they act like they did and are somehow aggrieved if they don't get an upgrade, if others manage to get a seat on points...
Too right. Far too many corporates that get high status and think that 'they' earned it personally and then want the ladder pulled up after they've reached the lofty heights of the supposedly unobtainable (to most of the general public) RubyChairman'sCircleCEOExecutiveGoldPlatinumDiamond#1Club membership level.
Erm NO, your company PAID for it, but they act like they did and are somehow aggrieved if they don't get an upgrade, if others manage to get a seat on points that they legitimately earned themselves or they don't get a new shiny plastic card when they fly over a certain amount.
This is the elephant in the room in FF forums, people don't seem to realise it or call it out.
Define "influencer"?
All these folks writing travel blogs... wouldn't they fall into that category?
Influencers = Parasites
So true!!!!!! Peasents in a Porsche.
Influencers & celebrities - the two horsemen of the most pathetic job (if you'd ever call those a job). You won't change my mind.
You don't pay extra money to sit on a premium cabin, just to get disrupted by their yappuccinos and ret*rded mindset-based actions.
A more pathetic job is working for a corporate overlord....
In the end it depends on how people behave, I have flown with vloggers, and apart from recognising them when boarding their activities were un-noticeable even though I was seated very close by, but in seats that would not be captured.
If they were very loud about it I would probably ask them to tone it down, and I'd certainly ask to not be visible in a single post. But when they are quiet and...
In the end it depends on how people behave, I have flown with vloggers, and apart from recognising them when boarding their activities were un-noticeable even though I was seated very close by, but in seats that would not be captured.
If they were very loud about it I would probably ask them to tone it down, and I'd certainly ask to not be visible in a single post. But when they are quiet and going about their business with no fuss, I'll just ignore that they are there.
Dear Ben, you are not exactly a neutral opinion in this. For better or for worse, you are an influencer as well. I don't know if I shared a flight with you or not, if I did, good on you for keeping it low key, if I did not, I hope (and trust) that you will keep it as low key as the ones I know I have flown with.
Haven't read all the comments, but adding my 2 cents as a zillennial:
Being anti-influencer definitely comes off as pseudo-classist and very "kids these days!" to me. I grew up flying economy all my life, both domestically and internationally. As I have been getting older, with increased access to disposable income, I have become curious in exploring the landscape of nicer forms of travel. I have booked business class (for myself at first and then...
Haven't read all the comments, but adding my 2 cents as a zillennial:
Being anti-influencer definitely comes off as pseudo-classist and very "kids these days!" to me. I grew up flying economy all my life, both domestically and internationally. As I have been getting older, with increased access to disposable income, I have become curious in exploring the landscape of nicer forms of travel. I have booked business class (for myself at first and then for me and my wife) with points and error fares, but a large reason I've chosen to do so is because of the content I've absorbed from various sources online (obviously including Ben's articles - making him an influencer inherently). This 'slippery slope' has led me to finally buying my first (of many in the future - I'm sure) full fare business class international ticket. There's no doubt in my mind that companies run CLV analyses to determine the causality/incremental lift of influencer traffic on load factors in premium classes. As some people in FT have alluded to in their replies to the post, the sum of all the various videos/posts/media that I consumed at a younger age have definitely led me to vote with my wallet eventually (even if not immediately), and having that influencer media there to 'nudge' me onto the right path is (IMO) will pay dividends as young impressionable people who consume it like me happen into money as they grow older.
I had Sam Chui on a flight and what a condescending entitled complete lack lustre form of being. You could see the dramatics this crew were made to perform as they were clearly told by the company to make a charade so this clowns videos looked good. It detracted from them being who they are. But here goes I think the social.media platform and all these people making videos etc make travel.abd life in general...
I had Sam Chui on a flight and what a condescending entitled complete lack lustre form of being. You could see the dramatics this crew were made to perform as they were clearly told by the company to make a charade so this clowns videos looked good. It detracted from them being who they are. But here goes I think the social.media platform and all these people making videos etc make travel.abd life in general devalued. I've seen people.flash out phones during emergencies and incidents as opposed to offering humility and assistance. Airlines and I'm Air France stood up to this and made sure the experience wasn't compromised. Our friends in the Gulf... well obviously they'll do the max to.grab attention.... but kudos to the other carriers who empower their teams and crews to make it fair to those who paid fares and made use of credits to avail a service and delivered on it
This whole “no expectation of privacy in a public place” needs urgent review and a global consensus on how to deal with an individual’s right to privacy in an era of every facet of everyday life needs to be recorded and published online. I do believe it’s coming too ahead though as certain activities that yes are in public view should as much as possible not be filmed, I am thinking of YouTubers filming soldiers...
This whole “no expectation of privacy in a public place” needs urgent review and a global consensus on how to deal with an individual’s right to privacy in an era of every facet of everyday life needs to be recorded and published online. I do believe it’s coming too ahead though as certain activities that yes are in public view should as much as possible not be filmed, I am thinking of YouTubers filming soldiers at government establishments etc. in regards to travel bloggers/vloggers they should get permission to film/photograph in advance, the airlines should develop a policy and make it clear in the “terms of carriage”. Every effort should be made to blur and anonymise people, dates and times should be omitted. I much prefer the picture approach than the video as the latter will capture far more and will be harder to conceal people. Bottom line there is nothing really we as Joe Public can do until primary legislation is updated to ensure a person does have a right to privacy in more circumstances than is currently acceptable.
I get what you're saying but you're asking for a review of the constitution. We know that ain't happening.
The Constitution applies to what the US Government can do. It does not control what a private company can do within the space it wholly owns.
Review of which constitution? Limits on what can and can't be filmed are clearly established in the French law and I never heard any serious lawyer argue it's against the republic's constitution.
Once you leave the US you no longer have constitutional rights. One of the hallmarks of international travel.
"A global consensus?" Right. That's going to happen ;). Granted, I would love for that to happen, personally, but it will not. Therefore, it's up to us - the flying public who spend our money with these airlines - to help them understand what we will and will not tolerate, whether that's something written in their own rules/code of carriage they aren't enforcing, signs or placards they place around their planes, lounges, or other spaces,...
"A global consensus?" Right. That's going to happen ;). Granted, I would love for that to happen, personally, but it will not. Therefore, it's up to us - the flying public who spend our money with these airlines - to help them understand what we will and will not tolerate, whether that's something written in their own rules/code of carriage they aren't enforcing, signs or placards they place around their planes, lounges, or other spaces, announcements they make about in-flight behaviors (like using the bathroom in one's booked cabin), or just basic/common courtesy. Too many folks "don't want to cause any trouble" and don't say anything, and then - surprise! - problematic behaviors continue. We wouldn't have to deal with annoying influencers, after all, if we as a society didn't feed them...
Want to see something that'll really make you mad? Search "first amendment auditor" on YouTube. See these idiots who have nothing better to do but stand in a post office or government building filming people, antagonizing them, saying "no right to privacy in a public place" and refusing to leave when told to by staff.
And YouTube pays some of them $100,000s a year.
But Air France is a private place... you agree...
Want to see something that'll really make you mad? Search "first amendment auditor" on YouTube. See these idiots who have nothing better to do but stand in a post office or government building filming people, antagonizing them, saying "no right to privacy in a public place" and refusing to leave when told to by staff.
And YouTube pays some of them $100,000s a year.
But Air France is a private place... you agree to follow their staff instructions when you agree to the terms/conditions of purchasing a ticket.
The airlines are in a Catch-22 situation with vloggers that aspire to be influencers.
If the airline or their employees are harsh in making them discontinue filming or other activities that may disturb other passengers then the vloggers show the airline in a negative light. Instead of the YouTube video clickbait headline of "I scored an awesome upgrade to first class on Air France" they end up with "Why I would never fly Air...
The airlines are in a Catch-22 situation with vloggers that aspire to be influencers.
If the airline or their employees are harsh in making them discontinue filming or other activities that may disturb other passengers then the vloggers show the airline in a negative light. Instead of the YouTube video clickbait headline of "I scored an awesome upgrade to first class on Air France" they end up with "Why I would never fly Air France again, even in 1st Class".
Also at the end of the day, vloggers are just people and some are jerks and some aren't. I'm sure there is a big difference between Sam Chui, Noel Phillips, and Kara and Nate being on a plane with you. Many of the actual influencers in that space end up with airline company handlers to make sure they are treated well to protect the airline's reputation.
"Why I would never fly Air France again, even in 1st Class".
Who cares, they are doing the rest of us a favor. This is a disease and the airlines need to stop encouraging it. Most of the audience of these vloggers can't afford to fly all that often or are on Spirit, so they are not risking much by clamping down.
Influenzas are an absolute pox, but now everyone with a youtube acct and a camera can call themselves one.
The idiot was probably calling it a cheap upgrade to make it sound like they did something special.
Not really an "influencer" thing. It's just plain old poor manners. One can argue that most influencers also posses that quality (maybe helps them become influencers?) but ultimately other than get annoyed and angry, there's little you can do.
I am staying at a very nice hotel in Bangkok and for about 40 minutes today, during breakfast , the two ladies sitting across from me were holding court on Factime with their friends/colleagues/whatever from...
Not really an "influencer" thing. It's just plain old poor manners. One can argue that most influencers also posses that quality (maybe helps them become influencers?) but ultimately other than get annoyed and angry, there's little you can do.
I am staying at a very nice hotel in Bangkok and for about 40 minutes today, during breakfast , the two ladies sitting across from me were holding court on Factime with their friends/colleagues/whatever from China. All that while eating their noodles and calling the waiting stuff to get them more food so that they don't leave their phone.
There are days when I would love to have special camps for rude people, but sadly that's not how the world works. That annoying person mentioned in the story would have been annoying in the lounge, on the flight, wherever he goes and wherever he stays. Usually Karma catches up with these people.
The same old, same old commenters go ‘off piste’ time and time again …. no names, no pack drill.
Like influencers who are the subject of the article, they choose to high jack whatever situation for their own selfish reasons.
You know who you are, like the subject influencers who annoy fellow travellers, on these pages you are clearly annoying fellow readers.
Conclusion, stay on piste or stay off the comments page, yes?
As an International Flight Attendant with extensive experience in First Class and on Private Jets, I understand that decorum and basic etiquette are essential to creating a truly exceptional experience. While sitting in First Class may not automatically convey a sense of class, maintaining respectful behavior ensures that the experience remains special for those who regularly fly First Class and especially for those who may be enjoying this privilege for the first and only time...
As an International Flight Attendant with extensive experience in First Class and on Private Jets, I understand that decorum and basic etiquette are essential to creating a truly exceptional experience. While sitting in First Class may not automatically convey a sense of class, maintaining respectful behavior ensures that the experience remains special for those who regularly fly First Class and especially for those who may be enjoying this privilege for the first and only time in their lives.
Most of the people on here whining about influences have at some point watched a business/first class review on YouTube. They are a great way to get an idea of an airline's hard/soft product before you splash your hard earned cash or airmiles. If they are being disruptive then sure complain to cabin crew but most of the videos I have watched, the blogger remains in their seat, talking at a level like you would...
Most of the people on here whining about influences have at some point watched a business/first class review on YouTube. They are a great way to get an idea of an airline's hard/soft product before you splash your hard earned cash or airmiles. If they are being disruptive then sure complain to cabin crew but most of the videos I have watched, the blogger remains in their seat, talking at a level like you would to a companion. As for them being in the lounge, if they spent their money or points to upgrade then they have every right to be there.
I am not sure why influencers cannot record anything and everything as long as they are not getting in someone's way or space.
I also am not sure why like some comments say, someone drank half the amount of quality champagne, is the influencers problem. How about the airline load enough of quality champagne for all of its passengers in that class of service. Also have a way to distribute the product evenly.
But...
I am not sure why influencers cannot record anything and everything as long as they are not getting in someone's way or space.
I also am not sure why like some comments say, someone drank half the amount of quality champagne, is the influencers problem. How about the airline load enough of quality champagne for all of its passengers in that class of service. Also have a way to distribute the product evenly.
But yes, i do have a problem with people being loud or inviting friends and chatting with them like they are in their high school cafeteria. That's obnoxious and unacceptable behavior and should be called out. Same goes with people using speakerphones in public places. How can people be so clueless is beyond me.
Also it highlights why privacy doors are so great to have in premium classes of service.
Just put on headphones and problem solved. You're sitting in the nicer part of the bus, but it's still public transportation. The fix would be to remove upgrades/points for first class, but that would ruin the business model of using those seats to encourage people to collect airline monopoly money.
Gotta keep the riff-raff out right? Because people with money never act inappropriately in first class? Seriously? Removing upgrades/points for first class is a joke and does nothing to address the issue. I'm sure there are plenty of people in first class on points who behave better than people on a paid fare.
As long as the so-called "Influencer" is traveling on a ticket the cost of which is available to the public, whether paying cash or using points/miles, as long as their behaviour is not outside the norm of being objectionable, I have no issue of sharing the first class cabin with them. However, I do have an issue if their cost oftravel is comped or significantly reduced by the provider as part of their marketing strategy....
As long as the so-called "Influencer" is traveling on a ticket the cost of which is available to the public, whether paying cash or using points/miles, as long as their behaviour is not outside the norm of being objectionable, I have no issue of sharing the first class cabin with them. However, I do have an issue if their cost oftravel is comped or significantly reduced by the provider as part of their marketing strategy. The same goes for travel agents going on a "fam trip", which is particularly egregious on a cruise ship. One of the reasons I enjoy luxury travel, particularly on cruises, to to be with other paying guests who similarly value and pay for the experience. The last thing I ewant to encounter on a cruise ship is a bunch of freebie travel agents and/or so-called influencers.
I have been the highest level flyer for 16 years my wife and I fly internationally or transcontinental and I commuted from Miami. this sounds like an eastbound overnight
so I would. imagine most folks would want some sleep. any disturbances should not be tolerated
but just what do you do if you are in the middle of the Atlantic
Thank god I rarely bump into these so call influencers. I remember one time I went to some restaurant on big island and someone is taking food pictures with flash nonstop. It was annoying and hilarious at the same time.
La Premiere has individual curtains. I would just pull the curtain and put on AirPods. Problem solved (sort of).
The influencer complaining about other influencers. How precious.
Your tactics may be different, your purpose varied, but you are still the same.
An influencer can buy his ticket for F... it doesn't matter if your ticket is an upgrade or directly bought with money. He could annoy people anyway.
even though it's annoying. AF gave an upgrade but your article doesn't says about a range of price for this upgrade, does it? how do you assume it was really that cheap?
Good point. Ben didn’t really explain how much the customer paid, and it was a leap of faith to say that “cheap upgrades” are a problem. It’s classist and assumes those who pay for business class are more likely to be rowdy. Just wait to see what kind of mess Victoria Beckham makes when she travels.
Watching videos or listening to music without headphones? That's a huge no.
A right to privacy in first class? Nope, fly private.
Cheap upgrades are still passengers in the paid for cabin assignment. But bad behavior should be checked.
It’s not really a “ cheap “ upgrade to La premiere. Still a four figure sum, but subjective.
If the seat is available as is additional catering, it is more revenue.
As for not wearing ear phones , it’s bad enough on a bus let alone an aircraft.
By "influencers" are you talking about people who create content for the internet in order to make money by promoting certain products. Take a look in the mirror bud.
My take: By definition ‘influencers’ are obnoxious and annoying in all settings. If you aren’t obnoxious and annoying, you probably aren’t labeled as an ‘influencer’ even if you have a large following. So yeah, ‘influencers’ suck to fly with, as do all obnoxious and annoying individuals.
As a travel agent that gets discounted travel rates, occasionally with airlines as well, I am given a dress code and general rules and a warning to be respectful. And I think it's totally valid, I am getting a discount/potentially making money of the experience by selling my knowledge of the product to customers.
Influencers should be subject to the same requirements.
Back in my day it wasn't called influencing.
It was called payola.
I think it depends on the cabin and the person. La Premiere is open and small, so it’s hard to ignore the other pax. I have been in CX F, NH F and EK F with younger people and couples who wanted to video everything and were genuinely excited to be flying first class. And it didn’t bother me at all, because the hard product design kept them mainly out of view and they of course kept their enthusiasm respectful of other passengers.
General consensus seems to have a negative view on influencers.
I wonder what's their view on influencers who impact Ukraine or Israel or China or Russia or abortion or climate, or economy etc.
Still negative, hypocrites?
Many of you are about to elect the most powerful influencer in a few months.
Camera on YouTube or Nukes on NATO, where do you draw the line?
Sounds like a case of Childish Passengers vs Elitist Prick Passenger.
The influencer was childish and annoying, and that can be reasonably critiqued.
But the complaining passenger takes it a step too far by implying coorelation between how much money someone has to spend on airfare and their behavior.
There are jerks/childish adults of all financial situations. Not to mention, if you're extremely well off, you could bring your child/baby up to the First class...
Sounds like a case of Childish Passengers vs Elitist Prick Passenger.
The influencer was childish and annoying, and that can be reasonably critiqued.
But the complaining passenger takes it a step too far by implying coorelation between how much money someone has to spend on airfare and their behavior.
There are jerks/childish adults of all financial situations. Not to mention, if you're extremely well off, you could bring your child/baby up to the First class cabin, too. Is that acceptable to the complainer, then?
It really depends on the so-called influencer, some have social decorum while others were raised in a barn with no manners. People pay a small fortune in cash or in miles to be in first class and the airlines need to do more to ensure that the passengers are in a comfortable and civilized environment.
I was on a flight earlier this year next to Sam Chui. He was absolutely obnoxious and in the way of the service. Constantly up and down, in the galley, walking the plane with his camera. One F/A told me that they were told to basically let him do whatever he wanted as there was a rep from the airline on board.
I privacy struck his video on YouTube twice causing him to lose views and have to edit it.
Keep up the good work.
Someone who can negotiate with the airline to do whatever onboard is a MF baller. You having to cry to the flight crew and YouTube makes you a soy boy beta.
Obnoxious is your judgment and you’re a chronically online poster on this and View From The Wing (because you don’t have any real life friends who would listen to your comments).
Your perspective as a former frontline employee is valuable, but your negative assessment...
Someone who can negotiate with the airline to do whatever onboard is a MF baller. You having to cry to the flight crew and YouTube makes you a soy boy beta.
Obnoxious is your judgment and you’re a chronically online poster on this and View From The Wing (because you don’t have any real life friends who would listen to your comments).
Your perspective as a former frontline employee is valuable, but your negative assessment of people with influence and net worth a million times yours is unwelcome.
How do those Wheaties taste with urine in them?
negative or not, does the comparative net worth matter? (No).
Also, soy boy beta? In *my* judgment, that's a pretty obnoxious thing to say.
Good on you! I watched a view of his videos, involving stalking crew during meal preparations in the galley. I resolved to never click his videos again. Obnoxious.
I haven’t been next to, but watch Sam’s videos once in a while. I could totally see how it would be very annoying to be on a flight with him. He’s so disruptive to flight service and cabin crew, even though they seem to like it.
I agree. He’s on the obnoxious list with Josh Cahill and that non stop Dan. Full of himself.
Bravo! By far the most cringe and annoying one out there (yes, I am including Josh Cahill).
The fact that you (plural) even know who Sam Chui is (and Josh Cahill and Dan), means you're contributing to the problem of feeding these influencer filth with attention. The more that society ignores them on social media, or just abandons social media entirely, the better off we'll all be. Seems that nobody is able to travel anymore without needing attention for it.
@Jimbo1: once you've watched "some" airline review (regardless by whom it was made) on YouTube, YT hands you suggestions for others, including of these "influencers". An easy way to fill your blocklist...
Boarding Area promotes Sam Chui.
I agree that Sam Chui is an influencer I don’t care for. While I appreciate his passion for aviation, his interaction with the crew is almost always very cringe-worthy. I often feel bad for the crew who end up on his videos.
That whole idea about "influencers" and derivatives of that word (such as "finfluencer re finances, etc. etc.) is one of the more interesting fad phenomena of the times ...
I can't help myself but comment on this in an arrogant and tongue-in-cheek way:
1. There is no such thing as an 'influencer'
2. Every person has an influence in the world
3. 'Influencer' is a narcissistic word invention attempting to assign...
That whole idea about "influencers" and derivatives of that word (such as "finfluencer re finances, etc. etc.) is one of the more interesting fad phenomena of the times ...
I can't help myself but comment on this in an arrogant and tongue-in-cheek way:
1. There is no such thing as an 'influencer'
2. Every person has an influence in the world
3. 'Influencer' is a narcissistic word invention attempting to assign special value to nothing
4. The report here perfectly illustrates that, as folks annoyed by these kids 'influenced' the situation in a way where they had their peace in the cabin
5. Anyone with a real standing in life would feel naturally embarrassed to call themselves 'Influencer'; it's a stupid and ridiculous word invention that lasts until next week, and then the next stupidity will hit the scene
6. The invention of this term reflects the constant fad-hunger for false 'novelty' in bored lives
7. Watch for this term to mushroom into other stupidities in a short time
... so much for today's arrogant and judgmental rant ! :-)
So how much did the complainer pay for his LP ticket?
I would have died of second hand embarassement seeing this... And I don't meant to be elitist, I mean in like 'behave like how other passengers are expected to behave'.
It's not the person, it's the behavior.
Also if you wish to portray your experience with the product/service, it's a matter of what you plan on doing with the content and how genuine and honest you are with the review.
There are plenty of people who get a cheap upgrade who ARE NOT jerks. And, there are plenty of people who pay full fare F who ARE jerks. You're right. It's about the person's behavior.
It doesn't have to be first class. It's just common sense to be respectful when you're in public to not make a lot of noise, talk loud and be a general nuisance. But for some reason this needs to be explained in excruciating detail. A guy on the metro was upset that I told him to plug in some headphones because I didn't want to hear his YouTube video. He says what's the big deal,...
It doesn't have to be first class. It's just common sense to be respectful when you're in public to not make a lot of noise, talk loud and be a general nuisance. But for some reason this needs to be explained in excruciating detail. A guy on the metro was upset that I told him to plug in some headphones because I didn't want to hear his YouTube video. He says what's the big deal, the train announcement is louder than his phone so he believes it was ok. The fact that I had to explain why that logic was craptastic baffles me.
It's also common sense that you don't engage with strangers, particularly those who are already exhibiting behavior you deem contrary to common sense. Their standards of respect are either unlike yours, or they have absconded their own sense of respect.
Move to another train car, put your own headphones on, or deal with it - it's the metro.
@Paul Weiss
But we lead by example by not minding our own business and poke into other people's affairs.
If we moved to another train car, we wouldn't invade Vietnam or send weapons to Ukraine.
@Eskimo Except it's Russia that's the one that's invaded another country.
So we're just supporting the much smaller victim.
I disagree - it is okay to call out generally unacceptable social behavior, politely, once.
I’m not going to get in a shouting match, nor am I going to start a fist fight, over something like not using headphones. None the less this doesn’t mean we cannot ask the other people around us to participate in society respectfully.
Why deal with it ? It’s also completely disrespectful and ignorant. Sometimes it’s not just one person and can be several. It’s not only on trains and in a bus you’re trapped as I was the other day having to endure loud music from
various Indian genres. Then if you ask them to stop they will accuse you of racism. Sorry but it’s true.
I think it's honourable to engage with them. However, personally, I wouldn't as there are nowadays a lot of "nutjobs" and people have been assaulted or stabbed for less...
The big knock on influencers is that the "job" (sad that we can refer to it as that) is inherently self-centered and narcissistic. That's the point of the vast majority of their videos - look at me and what I'm doing!
As such, they do tend to have an amazing lack of awareness (as does this entire generation of kids who are growing up with social media).
Air France is also not nearly...
The big knock on influencers is that the "job" (sad that we can refer to it as that) is inherently self-centered and narcissistic. That's the point of the vast majority of their videos - look at me and what I'm doing!
As such, they do tend to have an amazing lack of awareness (as does this entire generation of kids who are growing up with social media).
Air France is also not nearly as private as people think. As great as the service is, I have clients who refuse to fly it because the curtains block the overhead compartment. It's great if you are alone up there or only with your party, but if other people are in the cabin then there is not much privacy and accessing the overheads is really awkward.
" is inherently self-centered and narcissistic" ...
Thank you !! Exactly right !!
I think there's a difference between an influencer and a travel writer for, say, One Mile at a Time. In the instance of the latter, I see professional travelers who are there to review a flight and who often are granted access to the cabin prior to other passengers (so they can film the cabin when it's empty).
But influencers are individuals who seek to get followers by showing themselves doing things that most...
I think there's a difference between an influencer and a travel writer for, say, One Mile at a Time. In the instance of the latter, I see professional travelers who are there to review a flight and who often are granted access to the cabin prior to other passengers (so they can film the cabin when it's empty).
But influencers are individuals who seek to get followers by showing themselves doing things that most others aren't able to do. It's a vanity thing.
A discreet influencer can still behave acceptably.
But under no circumstances should people be moving from cabin to cabin (especially from a lower cabin to an upper one. I've seen similar things with families and it's equally unacceptable (and annoying). Especially people who think it's ok for the parents to sit up front and their children in the rear. It can often set up a situation where the children come to their parents with concerns, complaints or just to visit. That's an interruption to paying customers in the forward cabins, and should not be allowed. At. All.
Found it I think
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_qctQuixuR/?igsh=c2ZxMnBtbWhuZmZl
wow, that guy is annOYing
Thanks !
No, that's not the video. Dan flew La Premiere (solo) months ago. Just posted his video this week though.
- Chris, Upgraded Points
Influencer or not, I've noticed that very few vloggers/bloggers blur other people's faces in their videos/photos. IMHO, that should be the default instead of the exception.
As for the influencers, well, I guess I agree with Ben's conclusion. So many people are just inconsiderate jerks. Maybe influencers are just more visible or are easier to blame?
Disagree. Unless you are in a private space (I.E, semi or fully-enclosed seat, bathroom, etc), OR unless you specifically ask somebody not to film you/share your image, I don't think anybody should have further expectation of privacy.
One further exception would be when the law/airline requires further privacy considerations.
Youre on a plane. By default it is a private space as its owned by the airline.
@frrp: you're arguing semantics, I'm arguing common sense.
Or do you treat every 'private space' exactly the same?
That is nonsense. You are in a confined space. You can't get away from the camera. People should not have a right to start filming you without your PRIOR consent in this situation. Its not a public street. You paid in one way or another to be on that flight. If people want to take pictures of themselves or their seat that is fine but that doesn't entitle them to film other passengers.
A lot of people find influencers annoying and I think the over the top response to this specific case just reflects that.
For example, I was annoyed when staying at The Cape in Los Cabos in 2022 and our waiter at breakfast was delayed because an influencer wearing a big hat and a flowy dress had to have him take over 2 dozen pictures (seriously) of her holding a champagne flute at her table...
A lot of people find influencers annoying and I think the over the top response to this specific case just reflects that.
For example, I was annoyed when staying at The Cape in Los Cabos in 2022 and our waiter at breakfast was delayed because an influencer wearing a big hat and a flowy dress had to have him take over 2 dozen pictures (seriously) of her holding a champagne flute at her table and get just the right angle. Bring your own photographer if you want to do that girl!
I try to avoid locations that are too influencer heavy when possible for this reason
If you are in public, others may look at you, or (gasp!) even photograph you, incidentally or deliberately, irrespective of whatever the local law or custom may hold. There is a way to stop this: travel with a phalanx of bodyguards and only in private modes.
I suggest staying fit and dressing well so that when you are seen or photographed, you are sharp.
It is however illegal in many countries. Many airlines actually state it in their conditions of carriage. Each time I’ve flown KLM they make an announcement.
In France it’s actually illegal under privacy laws without permission. Do you recall Princess Diana and the paparazzi ??
Of course of you are polite and ask the crew for a picture it’s different.
I see bloggers such as that Cahill filming other passengers. Worse are...
It is however illegal in many countries. Many airlines actually state it in their conditions of carriage. Each time I’ve flown KLM they make an announcement.
In France it’s actually illegal under privacy laws without permission. Do you recall Princess Diana and the paparazzi ??
Of course of you are polite and ask the crew for a picture it’s different.
I see bloggers such as that Cahill filming other passengers. Worse are Americans who film people for example in Europe and say it’s their right to do so as they don’t understand US law is irrelevant.
Seems like it's more of a failure on the La Premiere staff than anything else.
Playing videos loudly on speaker is not acceptable in public, especially not in a "First Class lounge". Could've been solved with lounge attendants offering them headphones on the ground to get them to stop playing it on speaker.
Are non-F guests allowed in the LP cabin? I didn't think that was the case. It's on the crew to enforce those...
Seems like it's more of a failure on the La Premiere staff than anything else.
Playing videos loudly on speaker is not acceptable in public, especially not in a "First Class lounge". Could've been solved with lounge attendants offering them headphones on the ground to get them to stop playing it on speaker.
Are non-F guests allowed in the LP cabin? I didn't think that was the case. It's on the crew to enforce those rules. None of these are specifically influencer related.
In this particular case, what is likely the case, is that the crew/FA were intimidated by the fact there was filming and didn't want to be caught on video in a confrontation that might be maliciously edited to put them in a bad light. This then is an influencer-created issue.
It's really a difficult situation, but I think it's more on the onus of Air France here to properly regulate, regardless of the influencers filming or not.
Of course. And all passengers should be allowed to use the first class toilets.
PLEASE just stop with this term "influencer". Who's being 'influenced' by these dbags? Doubt it's you Ben and I know it's not me. Stop giving these kettles the clout they so desperately seek with a silly title like "influencer."
There are two schools of thought:
1) If you want absolute privacy, fly private or fly a product with a wholly enclosed first-class seat. While Air France's product is very good, if not exceptional, it is exposed to other passengers. Then again, the French are generally not known for their privacy. Much of France's metropolitan elite or bourgeoisie culture is built around people watching.
2) Pulling out a camera phone to document an incident...
There are two schools of thought:
1) If you want absolute privacy, fly private or fly a product with a wholly enclosed first-class seat. While Air France's product is very good, if not exceptional, it is exposed to other passengers. Then again, the French are generally not known for their privacy. Much of France's metropolitan elite or bourgeoisie culture is built around people watching.
2) Pulling out a camera phone to document an incident or a small handheld camera for a snapshot is one thing. Filming a commercial video within the confines of an airplane during a commercial flight is something totally different. These videos are after all commercial, at least if they're put on YouTube and used to sell ads. While one can argue about whether other passengers on a plane have a reasonable expectation of privacy in a public setting, an airline is within its legal rights to prohibit commercial photography or video production. Moreover, other passengers and crew are certainly within their rights to stop their likeness from being used for commercial purposes.
You are wrong. France has very strict privacy legislation and it’s prohibited to film or photo others without their permission unless it’s a wide angle shot for example on a street. Not somewhere where you’re clearly attempting to ID someone.
La Premiere has 4 seats and you expect privacy. Their product is also exceptional and not just very good.
I cannot stand these so called influencers who generally make money from people’s...
You are wrong. France has very strict privacy legislation and it’s prohibited to film or photo others without their permission unless it’s a wide angle shot for example on a street. Not somewhere where you’re clearly attempting to ID someone.
La Premiere has 4 seats and you expect privacy. Their product is also exceptional and not just very good.
I cannot stand these so called influencers who generally make money from people’s stupidity, as this is the world we live in.
I have a similar reaction, which is that crew (especially in First class) should handle poor behavior consistently for all passengers regardless of their role or what they're trying to do.
There are certainly behaviors I've seen elsewhere from influencers - for example, using camera flash consistently during all video content made throughout a full meal in a restaurant - that I find incredibly annoying and rude and wish staff would handle more directly.
...I have a similar reaction, which is that crew (especially in First class) should handle poor behavior consistently for all passengers regardless of their role or what they're trying to do.
There are certainly behaviors I've seen elsewhere from influencers - for example, using camera flash consistently during all video content made throughout a full meal in a restaurant - that I find incredibly annoying and rude and wish staff would handle more directly.
Ultimately people have different standards for what they find acceptable in public and increasingly it seems those judgments are driven more by individual standards and the online bubble in which they exist vs. the actual people you are surrounded by...
My wife and I were flying JAL first class from Tokyo to Chicago and had the misfortune to have an influencer in the cabin with us. The taking pictures and selfies of absolutely everything was annoying but could be ignored. The monopolization of a FA and literally holding onto the entire bottle of crazy expensive Japanese whiskey was tougher to ignore, particularly after the guy cleaned out half of the quality champagne by himself. People...
My wife and I were flying JAL first class from Tokyo to Chicago and had the misfortune to have an influencer in the cabin with us. The taking pictures and selfies of absolutely everything was annoying but could be ignored. The monopolization of a FA and literally holding onto the entire bottle of crazy expensive Japanese whiskey was tougher to ignore, particularly after the guy cleaned out half of the quality champagne by himself. People like that are why I loathe influencers.
And yet he had every right to be there and do those things, just as you and your frumpy wife had a right to sit in your seats, arms crossed, and pass judgment on him.
Ah, so you enjoy when someone demands the ongoing attention of a flight attendant to such a degree that they can’t help anyone else, drinks four times their statistical amount of champagne (simply because it’s expensive), then literally hoards the super pricey bottle of whiskey, all to your detriment? Awesome! You are a very weird and interesting person.
But let’s not stop there, as the icing on the cake you toss out...
Ah, so you enjoy when someone demands the ongoing attention of a flight attendant to such a degree that they can’t help anyone else, drinks four times their statistical amount of champagne (simply because it’s expensive), then literally hoards the super pricey bottle of whiskey, all to your detriment? Awesome! You are a very weird and interesting person.
But let’s not stop there, as the icing on the cake you toss out stupid insults about a person you’ve neither met nor even seen. Congratulations dude, you’ve just managed to do the almost-impossible and be wrong in every single way.
I would say that a majority of those issues are the fault of the cabin crew rather than the passenger. It's their job to attend to all passengers equally, and to distribute any champagne fairly.
There is a world of difference between having the right to be somewhere and a right to do something vs the maturity to recognize when you should not do something for the benefit of everyone around you. If you can't understand that logic you have a lot of hurting to suffer through before you should consider yourself a functioning adult in life. Age does not automatically put you into that maturity category.
Up yours! Influencers suck!
@Christian
Your description doesn't fit the profile of an influencer or a vlogger at all.
As for drinking all the Salon and Hibiki.
Unless the FA refuse to serve you too. The availability is fair game. It's not uncommon for a heavy drinker to hydrate the entire supply of expensive alcohol.
They cater I think 6 bottles each flight, that's it.
I hate how some vloggers are disrespectful and record their videos with cameras pointing also at other passengers. Even if I was not in the frame I would hate Cahill recording nearby and constantly talking into his mic. Influencers like Taylor Swift don’t bother me, she can do whatever she likes in her private jet even should I get lucky enough to sit near her ;)
Just make sure you vote for her candidate!
I am just curious: why should I consider a pop music star a credible source when deciding whom to vote for?
Many things are not limited to influencers or premium cabins (watching movies without headphones for example is equally annoying in any cabin).
From my experience, there are just two issues I had with influencers in the past, and luckily just once each:
- Taking photos and videos all over the cabin including the other passengers; I totally don't like to be on any photo or video taken by others in the cabin, but...
Many things are not limited to influencers or premium cabins (watching movies without headphones for example is equally annoying in any cabin).
From my experience, there are just two issues I had with influencers in the past, and luckily just once each:
- Taking photos and videos all over the cabin including the other passengers; I totally don't like to be on any photo or video taken by others in the cabin, but unfortunately some people lack basic manners.
- In one case, an influencer started installing his camera and stuff immediately after boarding, which lead to the (business class) crew to care much more about that person and be less available for others. That's not the influencer's fault though, but rather the crew's.
I never had any other issues with influencers and given how many there are nowadays, I guess it's simply because most of them are considerate and respecting other passengers.
On the other hand, there are certain typical tourist routes where you can always expect issues with other "normal" passengers - being drunk, bragging about flying business class or whatever. So I think that's much more of an issue than influencers.
I think you misread the FT post. The OP is saying the other La Premiere guests were equally annoying (not equally annoyed). They were the ones watching videos without headphones (a capital offense, in my opinion :) ).
@ Kay_Elemeno -- You're right, I did misread that, thanks. Whoops.
All good! I'm impressed by your quick updates.
I'd tell the "influencer" that I'm sure all of his 50 subscribers on YouTube will be excited by this content.