08-20-2016, 09:28 AM
quote:
Originally posted by gypsy69
...Also maybe we the public should have a say in how well all of our representatives are traveling or lodging elsewhere? I recently got bumped off of a stand-by flight from Oahu to Hilo a few months back by our senator Mr Ruderman, (he got the last seat). I thought to myself while waiting in Oahu for another two hours, why would he (our senator) be flying stand-by when he is also a millionaire? Then I thought could our "Mayor" also be flying standby between Islands?
Flying standby is pretty common for all kinds of folks who frequently travel between the islands, rich and poor. You have business on one island and make your return reservation for a time you think your business will be concluded, then you finish up early and end up flying standby to get home sooner, rather than spending another hour or two sitting around the airport. I've seen all kinds of people waiting for those standby seats: musicians, politicians, business people, government workers, my kids' teachers coming back from trainings, Kaiser medical providers, and construction workers who work on Oahu in their hard hats and boots. It is about time, not money.
I'm pretty sure Hawaiian gives those seats out on a first come, first serve basis, so Ruderman didn't really "bump" you, he was just ahead of you in line. If you had a reserved seat and he got it instead of you, he would have "bumped" you and you would have had every right to complain. My employer has flown me first class twice, once when there were no other seats available and I had to represent our organization on Oahu on short notice, and once when it was cheaper to fly me home first class than pay for a room overnight. Both times I had to explain to our accounts person why it was cheaper to fly me first class. Flying first class is sometimes the cheaper option, but you sure better be able to justify it.