I cannot understand why Mr Kean of Sydney thinks the world owes him an upgrade (Flight International 2-8 April). If you buy half a kilo of spam at the local butcher does he normally give you fillet steak because he likes your face?
The two main reasons for "non-revenue-generating" pilots travelling in business class are:
1. Flight safety. To enhance crew rest prior to and following duty. In any event if full fare passengers turn up, the crew will be bumped to economy.
2. Cost saving due to reduced hotel accommodation and flying allowances.
To turn Mr Kean's argument around, why should a full business class passenger sit next to an upgraded economy passenger who is paying a greatly reduced fare? How "angry and frustrated" must the full-fare passenger feel?
Mike Seed Singapore
Source: Flight International
