So, I flew recently (Government fare) and ended up in the last row of the plane. I made the comment on Facebook that I was in the last row. One of my Navy friends said "You should have wore your uniform and the airlines will treat you better and you may end up in First Class."

Frankly, I've heard a few of these stories but I think it depends on the airline and who's working that day. Anywhooo......I decided to conduct an experiment and see if wearing my uniform really made a difference. I flew to Dam Neck, VA in civilian clothes a week ago and flew back last Friday in my uniform. Here's how that experiment went:

- First, my plane was delayed leaving Norfolk due to weather problems. But, I still showed up at the airport for my regular flight to see if I can get another flight. I waited in line for over an hour and didn't even get a "hello" from the U.S. Air employee. But, I did get a better flight and still got me home on my original time!

- I headed to TSA at Norfolk and did the usual (remove shoes, laptop, belt buckle, etc.). Since I had my anchors and ribbons on, the metal detector went off. As such, I was sent to the side for special screening and got the full treatment. I was slowly 'wanded' from head to foot, front to back, to include the soles of my feet. After the wanding, I got the full hand pat down top to bottom, front to back, etc. This process took about 10 minutes and I got some weird looks from other passengers (the "Why is the Navy guy getting patted down?" looks.) The TSA agent found no explosives or terrorist items on me. At one point I must have had a funny look on my face because the 25 year old TSA guy asked if I had a problem. I somehow got the feeling he was hoping for an argument from me, but I'm not totally sure. I cooperated fully and never complained or said a word. And, to be fair, a 65 year old woman was having a hard time getting her bracelet off so she got the same full treatment that I got. To TSA's dismay (or relief), neither of us were armed or dangerous and TSA found nothing of interest on us. I'm sure the other passengers felt a sense of relief as well knowing the Navy Master Chief and the 65 year old white woman were not terrorists......

- I ended up in the second to last row (hey, better than the last row) on my flight to Washington National. So, my uniform did not get me any closer to First Class.

- My flight from Washington National to Phoenix had me in the second to last row as well and it was a much larger plane. So, the uniform got me no closer to the front. Since I was in the second to last row, I was nearly the last person served when the food was sold (no free food any longer). As such, there were no sandwiches, salads or good stuff left to buy for $7. They did have the cheese plate that no one else wanted and I decided to buy that. The flight attendant DID NOT charge for my meal (although it wasn't really a meal). I think she was sorry she was out of food and she wanted to be nice. I thanked her for the food and was happy to get something since I hadn't had anything to eat (no layovers so I had to run to catch each flight). Also, an older lady approached me and said "Thank you for your service." She also mentioned her husband, a Marine, got the same treatment from TSA when he wore his uniform when flying.

My flight from Phoenix to Santa Barbara was short and uneventful because it was a very small plane.

So, the experiment told me that, at a minimum, U.S. Air doesn't treat U.S. military uniformed personnel any different than they treat anyone else. I have heard other airlines do make concessions for uniformed personnel.

Now, before some of you say "you're nothing special and don't deserve special treatment" I think you should know I wasn't looking for special treatment nor do I think I should get special treatment. I was merely conducting a little experiment to see if it really made a difference at all since I had some Navy friends who thought it would be different. I usually don't wear the uniform, not because I'm not proud, but because it's hot and uncomfortable in the cramped confines of airline seating. The last time I wore a uniform while flying was about 4 years ago. I left a conference in San Antonio and went straight to the airport to catch my flight. I was selected for "special screening" and got the full treatment from TSA there as well (maybe it's me????).

Couple of issues:

US Airways is the worst thing flying and should be out of business.

You may have gotten some perks had you been wearing a "working man" uniform like Army or Marine camos.

Did you notice the TSA guy feeling in your crotchital region longer than usual? I mean with the "Thailor" uniform and stuff, what homo couldn't resist?

Bastids........Where's the Navy love?????

I do know Air Tran will greet you and give you first class if there is any space. I have seen it time and again. This of course happens on the plane..

Where's the Navy love?

Submarine duty!

Deep Water Outrage!

Seamen OUTRAGE!!!!

is that a french ship?

So if "Master Chief" puts you in the 2nd to the last row, anything less than "Senior Chief" puts you in the can or out on a wing?

I know American Airlines gives military personnel priority boarding, i.e. they get on before the rest of the passengers. I thought that was a nice gesture!

Then you get to sit in an airline seat longer!

I like this experiment.

BTW, I bet you would DEFINITELY get treated differently if a) you were a super hot chick, and b) you wore your Hooters uniform.

Re: 11

They only do that at some airports. DFW, active in uniform only. Retired = FU. I got early boarding out of Tampa, but nowhere else.

I'm like you. I don't feel like "whipping out the card" for some BS privledges. I get a retirement check and healthcare. Good enough for me.

^

And 10% off at Home Depot and Lowes.

All military, active, reserve, prior and retired - anything that can id you as having been in the military and the'll give you the discount.

The TSA makes me feel safe!

Wow!!!

Anyone read an article about the JetBlue employee who totally lost it?

Wild

Meh. I always hated flying in uniform, so I almost never did, unless I was required to.

I consistently see Continental giving early boarding to men in uniform. And as far as I am concerned you deserve it. As far as I am concerned you deserve any and every perk you get.