h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

My experience is that all passengers are not treated equally.

I was sitting in my seat on the aeroplane when I was approached by the cabin crew who asked me, rather forcefully, if I would mind giving up my seat so that one of their execs could get back to Canada for Christmas Day. The only reason they asked me was because I was flying on a cheap student discount ticket, and hence they thought me unprofitable and disposable. They very soon backed off when I told them that I worked as a travel journalist for a student newspaper.

So, just for clarification.. Did you actually work as a travel journalist, or was it just real quick thinking? Cause it was a really nifty trick to get them off your back.

It was just quick thinking. I had seen the cabin crew discussing something and looking at me as if to say, "thats the cheapskate we're going to bump." But as I was at the very back of the plane it took them a few more seconds to get to me. Very useful thinking time

As to being a real journalist? I've more chance of growing wings and flying.

Well, anyone can pick up a pen and write stuff for a paper. Being a "real" journalist is a different thing, though.
I have to that I'm impressed with your quick thinking. I don't think I'd have thought of anything like that. I probablyjust would have told them that I would be happy to, but couldn't, as I was going to a funeral or something.

"...pick up a pen and just write stuff..." Ha. I can barely write my own name

My Mum has a great technique for dealing with problematic airline (or any) staff. She puts her point clearly, concisely and unfailingly politely. But importantly she does it at volume that is just slightly louder than it really needs to be. Its never failed