[al_c]

How is it that airlines are allowed to give these government employees free gifts of airline ticket upgrades and first-class seating?

Frequent flyers often get upgrades. On my flights to Chicago and back (to Dallas) I occasionally get moved up to business class and I don't fly even nearly as often as a senator.

[gridlock]

Frequent flyers often get upgrades (to first class)....

When you fly on the FedGov's dime, the frequent flier miles belong to the FedGov, and can't be used by the traveler for upgrades or any other consideration.

[The Electrician]

When is the last time that you demanded a whole row of seats for yourself only, and the airline granted that to you?

[SpyGuy]

"...and I don't fly even nearly as often as a senator."

Lee is not a Senator; she's a Congressman. And a piss-poor one at that!

[Kozak]

Frequent flyers often get upgrades. On my flights to Chicago and back (to Dallas) I occasionally get moved up to business class and I don't fly even nearly as often as a senator.

Only if She's paying for the tickets.Government employees are not allowed to keep their frequent flyer miles. They have to be turned over. Ask anyone in the militay who has to fly on government buisiness.

[Kozak]

So if you are fat, you have to pay for the extra seat, but if you are Phat congresscritter it's on the house?

[gitmo]

Frequent flyers often get upgrades. On my flights to Chicago and back (to Dallas) I occasionally get moved up to business class and I don't fly even nearly as often as a senator.

But she didn't ask for an upgrade based on her frequent flyer status. She DEMANDED an upgrade based on her status as a Congresswoman. "When she saw that she had to sit with other people, she started shouting that she was in Congress and worked hard." I work in IS and I guarandamntee you I work harder than this leech.