The Art of Sneaking into First Class pt 2

I want to apologize for the long dealys in my postings, ive been really caught up with work lately and things finally just started to ease up. I do appreciate all of your comments and personal replys. I have to admit that it does feel good to actually know that somone is taking interest in your life story and business experiments. Oh, and kevin.. your questions are answered in this blog entry… unless i decide to make a part 3.

Let me start of by saying, in order to be effective at sneaking into first class, you need to be at least a little bit slick.  Sneaking into first class is an art, not a game and any blown cover can ruin it for the next guy on your plane.
(continued from previous entry)
Step #3 Pay Attention to the Little Things

Once you’ve met your mark, its all about paying attention to the little things. I like to be the last one to enter the plane for various reasons. The number one reason why is to pick my seat. By coming in last, you get to see how empty the first class section is, where your target is sitting and which seat you will strategically choose. Obviously you cannot just sit next to your guy and invade his personal space. Normally I would choose a spot in the aisle next to him or the seat in front. That way, you can maintain a conversation without being too much of a burden on him. Usually from my flight experiences (internationally),  first class has always been more than half empty. Once you choose your seat, you want to take note of a few things. The side of the plane its easiest to access from, where the nearest bathroom is located and where the first class hostess normally sits are all crucial pieces of information needed to conjure up your plan of attack.

Usually your time frame to make a mental image of the first class and business class cabins are no more than 15 secs. If you have trouble remembering everything in less than 15 sec’s, buy yourself a little bit more time by leaving your boarding pass in your bag. When the hostess asks you where you sit, turn to the first class cabin while you’re opening your bag and get yourself a better look.

Also take note that airlines normally have different entrances for their first/business class and economy class customers. Always mistakenly walk into the first class entrance. How else will you get all that inside info?

Now that youre route is planned, you need to figure out when you want to make your move. I like to go during the first bathroom break, 40 minutes after the first meal, usually when the first class host is helping other cabins with their cleanup.  Ive tried sneaking in at a later time in the flight, but by then the host had a good idea of who the first class passengers really were. Bonus points if you can walk into the plane during boarding and just grab a first class seat without being seen.

Step #4 Walk With Your Head Up

Once you have your plan set in action, the natural assumption is always to rush your way over there without getting caught. It’s kind of like running away from the police in a motorcycle. If you try to speed up and get away, the cop will turn on his sirens, call in for backup, and everybody merges to the right making it easier to catch you. The key is to act casual like you dont see him, find an opening, make a sharp turn, and then zoom away (ive never tried this btw). By rushing past business class to get to first class one of two things might happen. 1) You will raise a red flag with a tattle-tale business class passenger and 2) you will be seen by the first class hostess. You only get one shot at this so its too big of a risk to be called out by a passenger who feels you are doing something suspicious.

I like to play the part. I walk by with my head up tall and confident. You want to act like you belong there, and the only reason why you are up is to take a piss or grab a cup of some OJ. You want to use the bathroom as your neutral home base. A hostess will never ask you what you are doing because it is pretty obvious.. just dont look her in the eye. From the bathroom, you want to peak thru the curtain divider and see hwere the hostess is at. Usually, she isnt even there half the time so you can just walk to your seat. If she is there, its just a matter of timing.

Lastly, once you take your seat, you have to establish your credibility and sell yourself. Besides quickly engaging in conversation with your original target, here are a few ideas on how you can show the host you mean business and that you are not some average joe sneaking into first class.

  • Take out a legal pad with some notes on it already to show you are interacting with another passenger.
  • Put one of your business cards and place it in a plain view area.
  • Recline the seat back a little.
  • Take your shoes off and put on the first class slippers. Make yourself as comfortable as possible… like you actually belong there.

Once you really get caught up in your conversation, youre pretty much in good shape. The last thing anyone wants to do is interrupt a first class business discussion with an “excuse me sir, can I see your ticket?” If youre really feeling a bit gutsy, order a Heiniken while your at it.

(to be continued pt3 coming soon)

August 29, 2008 · Filed Under Other

Comments

3 Responses to “The Art of Sneaking into First Class pt 2”

  1. Kevin on August 29th, 2008 4:24 pm

    Damn, that’s ballsy as hell. I don’t think I’d have the guts to do that. Maybe that’s why you’re starting a business in the Philipines and I’m living at home.

  2. Ray on September 2nd, 2008 4:04 pm

    Balls, Errol. Have you ever been caught?

  3. Katherine on September 3rd, 2008 10:44 pm

    Goog Job B. I get more and more proud of you every time I read your new entries!

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