There’s a funny moment that happens when many people redeem rewards points for their first luxury flying experience. It’s somewhat a feeling of imposter syndrome. Will anyone know that I just used points?
The short answer: maybe, but most likely not.
Each airline equips crew with different customer insights for different reasons and unless you plan on wearing a t-shirt announcing your booking method to the cabin, no passengers will know either.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t amusing exceptions or moments that are possible.
What Cabin Crew Know About You
I’ve written extensively about what cabin crew know about passengers, so let’s start with the main universally true things on all airlines.
For obvious reasons it’s important for cabin crew to know the names and seat number of passengers and any dietary or allergy restrictions noted on the bookings. Many of the best airlines also include some level of loyalty data too, such as whether they’re a frequent flyer.
With technology constantly improving airlines are able to share more with crew via iPads, iPhones and other systems that can utilize onboard wifi. Primarily this extra level of detail is only really used to identify missed connections or a need for service recovery, if something on a prior flight went wrong.
And yes — this means it’s also possible that some airlines will enable their crews to see what type of booking you’re on, or at least the type of fare.
The important note here is that it’s not all airlines. Many airlines don’t want crews to treat anyone differently at all so they restrict any information like whether someone used points from being known. The crew should simply be focused on delivering a great service so those details could only be distractions.
For what it’s worth, I’ve never seen someone treated as “less” in a cabin for using points. I’ve only witnessed encounters where people who are extreme frequent flyers get more. This is usually something like a first preference on meal, an extra greeting or maybe a note from the crew.
The airline is happy to have you however you paid and the crew doesn’t care. Their job is to provide a great service which helps their performance ratings and helps them to progress in their field.
I’ve Had Some Hilarious Moments Anyway
I’ve been lucky to enjoy some of the sweetest moments in travel, mostly thanks to points. Some of those haven’t always been exactly as the airline intended.
I’ve been on some flights that were “mistake fares” where you can’t help but overhear people all giddy about their luck. Conversations ensue and quickly you all admit you’re there because of a wild points or cash deal. Cheers to that.
Ultimately, thinking about whether someone knows you used points is wasted energy. Even if a crew could potentially look it up, as long as you’re just nice and relaxed they probably have better things to do. Unless you want to broadcast it with song or wear something that announces it, just enjoy the ride.
