My wife is trying to get to Atlanta tomorrow. (from NY) We both have flight benefits and fly for free (standby). All the flights are full. Here’s my question…My wife is a massage therapist, and 2 of her clients, a husband and wife who are very, VERY rich are chartering a plane to Georgia tomorrow. She has been seeing this couple and some of their family for about 3 years. Do you think it’s okay to ask to hitch a ride with them.
I wouldn’t ask. Then again I like to keep my professional and personal life seperated.
I wouldn’t ask for a ride, but I would strike up a convo about how interesting it is that we’re all headed to Atlanta at the same time. Isn’t that coincidental? And then I’d be hoping the very, very rich people* offer*. If they offer, I’d go. But I wouldn’t invite myself.
They know she’s going and they didn’t offer, but that’s because they know she flys on a pass.
I’ve learned to ask for things I want. The worst that can happen is someone says no. I’d probably say something along the lines of “hey, I know you’re headed to the ATL on a charter the same time I need to go, and I can’t get a flight for whatever reason – mind if I hitch along? By the way, it’s totally cool if not, I just thought I’d ask.” People that know me know full well that I don’t mind being told no and it’s no big deal, though, so it works for me, maybe not for someone else.
I agree. Don’t ask, as it could be awkward, and possibly damage the professional relationship.
I guess maybe if she’s going to a funeral or something and this is the only way she’ll get there then that’s one thing. But it’s in lieu of paying for her own tickets, then I could see them being put off. They know she’s going, if it was a favor they were happy to offer then they would mention it.
and she might offend 2 “very, VERY rich” clients. Depends on if she thinks it’s worth it or not.
I don’t really know the etiquette on this, though. If someone has more experience with chartered flights then I defer to them.
I’m sure your wife is a very nice lady, but one of the reasons people charter a plane is so they don’t have to fly with anyone else.
If I asked, I’d do so in a way that gave them a easy way to say no. Something along the lines of “I assume you don’t have any spare seats as you probably have friends coming along or something, so I feel stupid even asking, but …” Then all they have to do is say “Ah, gee, sorry, you’re right, we don’t have any spare seats.”
I’d also make it very, very clear that you would only ever ask THIS ONE TIME. They might not mind doing it once, but it could be that they’d feel uncomfortable setting a precedent where you might go along again.
There are some things here I don’t get.
How do you know these patrons are hiring a plane.
The other thing is (okay different country) I flew today and the plane was half empty. Far few people seem to be flying due to circumstances. Was not only the plane but the carpark at the airport was only half full where normally it is packed.
Depends on the flight I think Cicero. I’ve flown on full aircraft recently. Also, the airline will sometimes cut flights or use smaller aircraft so although the number of passengers may be down there may still be full flights.
Well, it’s tomorrow. She didn’t ask. She didn’t go. Thanks for the input.