Actually, I think the congresscreature bullied a gate agent(her MO). After the flight was closed out she had to explain why a paying frequent flyer had to be bought off to allow Jackson-Lee on in 1st.
Frequent flyers earn their upgrades and free trips by flying private purchased legs, congresscreatures do not. The taxpayer pays for all of congress’s segments, who then join the frequent flyer programs, pocketing the miles and perks. Elected officials that accrue the segments should put them into congress pool for future congressional travel for ALL of congress. The congressional travel office could book a trip for congresswoman green from somewhere and draw from the pool. The accrued miles to date should be taken from the Jackson-Lees and other congressional members in a frequent program and made available to all who need them for OFFICIAL travel..no upgrades..free drinks, etc. And when the accrued miles to date run out, we go back to square one. But this time, the carriers issue FF numbers to Congress as whole overseen by the travel office. But all they accrue are coach leg segments. If Jackson Lee wants First Class upgrade she pays for on HER debit/credit card, not a government card.
That’s the way it should be anyway.
I watched a Bush cabinet member line up in her boarding group (C) on SWA with her two body guards. No Rapid Rewards, free drink, preboard..didn’t use any SWA’s privileges, just sat the back in a middle seat. I thought it was classy..
“The taxpayer pays for all of congress’s segments, who then join the frequent flyer programs”
Yes they do. And it was a generally accepted practice throughout the rank and file of govt employees. I’ve seen it. But... it might not be allowed at this point in time... I’m no longer working for the govt and am out of touch with current rules and regs.
Back during my federal employment days I was also attentive at the annual ethics training. Questions were asked, it was a grey area. I chose not to participate. It didn’t pass my smell test. I never regretted my decision to not partake.