Gate Agent Etiquette

Sometimes my blog writes itself. Observe this humble little story clipped from Snoop Dogg's past traveling history (Wikipedia):

On April 26, 2006, Snoop Dogg and members of his entourage were arrested being turned away from British Airways’ first class lounge. Snoop and his party were not allowed to enter the lounge because some of the entourage were flying first class, other members of the party were flying economy class. After the group was escorted outside, they vandalized a duty-free shop by throwing whiskey bottles. Seven police officers were injured in the fracas. After a night in prison, Snoop Dogg and the other men were released on bail. On May 15, the Home Office decided that Snoop Dogg should be denied entry to the UK for the foreseeable future due to the fracas at Heathrow as well as his previous convictions in the United States for drugs and firearms offenses.

It amazes me that seven police officers were injured. In the USA, cops carry guns (rather than Billy-clubs and funny hats) so if you throw a whiskey bottle at one, you might just get shot, thus ending the fracas and severely impeding your ability to throw anything else like a good single malt Scotch or a case of vintage wine.

This entire saga only reinforces a point that I've made several times before. Gate agents, Elite Lounge receptionists, etc, are not placed there by accident. They have shown the mettle, the experience, the where-with-all, and the know-how to get the job done. They respond to kindness, civility, patience, and facts. Do not try to snow them, they've heard it all. If you approach them with alcohol on your breath, you've already opened the door to a messy situation. It's best to get your seat, your upgrade, whatever it is you are looking for, done before you do any of your slacking around at the airport.

In this case, not only did the gatekeepers bounce Snoop out of the lounge, they managed to have him bounced clear out of the country!

Sometime late in April of this year they voted to allow Snoop back into the country. I know some of you were worried…