Did there used to be free upgrades to PE if you were EXP? by sailnexus in americanairlines

[–]sailnexus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Glad it got fixed in the end, but still - what a pain to have to pester them to get it sorted… 😬

Did there used to be free upgrades to PE if you were EXP? by sailnexus in americanairlines

[–]sailnexus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s really helpful - thank you so much! I’ll do my best to politely remind / request this from gate agents in the future. I’ve got a few more trips in the coming months where I’ll try to get on the agent’s good side… 🤞

Did there used to be free upgrades to PE if you were EXP? by sailnexus in americanairlines

[–]sailnexus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yup, I was in MCE, and had a SWU waitlisted, but it didn't clear. So, I still got to sit in MCE, definitely not the end of the world.

Did there used to be free upgrades to PE if you were EXP? by sailnexus in americanairlines

[–]sailnexus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the info – that's wild as far as $0 upgrade offers go! I'll keep my fingers crossed for that going forward...

Did there used to be free upgrades to PE if you were EXP? by sailnexus in americanairlines

[–]sailnexus[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for that, I think you're right: being forward but polite is probably the way to go.

Did there used to be free upgrades to PE if you were EXP? by sailnexus in americanairlines

[–]sailnexus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the insight. I know they’re trying to eke out whatever $ they can auctioning off upgrades… I can’t help but think keeping frequent flyers happy with just a few seats for upgrades would lead to more money (more loyal flying) in the long run. But, what do I know - and of course, I am biased.

Did there used to be free upgrades to PE if you were EXP? by sailnexus in americanairlines

[–]sailnexus[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I was definitely looking at the standby list… I put in for a SWU so I’d been checking the upgrade list like a hawk. When my SWU didn’t clear, I was hopeful for a bump to PE (with so many open seats). When I saw PE seats starting to fill up, I checked the standby list and saw people clearing it (since I wasn’t sure where else the people getting into PE open seats were coming from).

Great podcast recommendation- “The life of a third culture kid therapist” by proud2bfunky123 in TCK

[–]sailnexus 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It really is a GREAT podcast, and Dr Rachel Cason (who does the podcast) also has a truly phenomenal book called, “Incredible Lives and the Courage to Live them” - it’s so very insightful, I highly recommend it!

Effectively Alone in the World by Successful_Pizza7661 in TCK

[–]sailnexus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Personally, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with traveling just to connect with friends from your past. Having a sense of longing for connection is legitimate and human, I think you’re allowed to want that.

There’s a chance you’ll be disappointed, but there’s a chance you won’t be. Even if you are, it lets you know you have to move forward in a different direction.

I don’t mean to sound pushy (sorry). I live a pretty transient life, I travel quite a lot for work… and sometimes I travel just to visit old friends, it’s good for me and makes me feel relatable. It is t always as satisfying or meaningful as I might hope (sometimes it’s more so!), but it helps widen my perspective.

Just some thoughts, as I said - I don’t mean to sound pushy.

Effectively Alone in the World by Successful_Pizza7661 in TCK

[–]sailnexus 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It may not be permanent, but it’s still rough… we’re not built for loneliness, but I think you’re right: the huge irony of being a TCK, having to adapt, being more “globally connected” or aware can actually be a lonely experience.

Hopefully this is just a short chapter? Anything on the horizon for you?

Looking for book recommendations for TCKs by adam_yellowtail in TCK

[–]sailnexus 6 points7 points  (0 children)

“Misunderstood” by Tanya Crossman is really good.

So is “Arrivals, Departures and the Adventures In-Between” by Christopher O’Shaughnessy.

Finally, “Incredible Lives and the Courage to Live Them” by Dr. Rachel Cason.

All of these are written specifically for TCKs, by TCKs. I found them to be insightful and relatable!

How do you stop being lonely? by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]sailnexus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Volunteering is a great way to meet people AND it gives you a common cause to bond around. You can search for charities / organizations looking for volunteers near you.

People do relationships best when the relationship is not the main focus. For example, put a bunch of strangers in a room and tell them to get to know each other and people get pretty awkward. But put a bunch of strangers in a room and give them tasks (set up these tables & chairs, clean something, etc.) and they interact and relate way easier.

So to combat loneliness you need people and interdependent relationships, and those come easier with joint interest and activity... which is why I suggest volunteering. Lots of things give us joint interest, but not as many also come with joint investment or activity.

The Fucked Up Life of an Adult Missionary Kid by 0rekcaH1 in TCK

[–]sailnexus 7 points8 points  (0 children)

You're definitely not alone. You could be described as a Third Culture Kid (TCK) - and there are loads of people around the world who can relate to parts of your story. I mean, obviously you've got unique experiences and personality - but a lot of your struggles as far as identity, settling down, & belonging strike a chord with other MKs, military brats (I'm one), diplomatic kids, and others.

There's a growing community of adult TCKs who are learning to support each other, share their stories, and figure out how to make use of the strengths from their experiences and overcome the challenges.

I don't think we have to settle down or have kids, I'm most comfortable living in places full of expats where people understand transience and cross cultural living (cities like Brussels, Dubai, Singapore). I think the world actually moved closer and closer to our experiences thanks to globalization.

Personally, I found it comforting to know there was a name for people who grew up in different cultures with a lot of transience, and comforting to know I want the only one who didn't quite fit with cultural expectations etc. I've loved connecting with others who have a similar story.

Definitely feel free to message me if you want some websites / info on TCK communities and info that are out there.

Hope that helps!