biggs
Aug 31, 01, 7:38 am
Last night I experienced my typical delay using USE at night back to RDU from DCA. It was weather related so not all US' fault but I observed some interesting things. First, my 5PM flight was delayed due to slow downs and when it arrived I watched the RJs as they rolled up and other cities were called for RJs that came in later. Started wondering what was happening.
Second, the flight was overbooked so I did not have a seat assignment but the gate agent said not to worry. Waited for a longer time and still wondered why no RDU call. Checked with the agent about seats and she said that 43 pax had checked in so no problem for me. Then the announcement that the flight was cancelled due to ATC (never knew they had the right to cancel US flights). Ran up to the USAIR Club and got rebooked on the last flight out and standby for the delayed 7:50 flight. (The Club is a lifesaver). Noticed another guy asking the same questions and introduced myself and noticed he was a CP.
We wait on standby and I notice another CP waiting. They call that CP first, me second and the other one third. Then they board 4 more and I see Silver and Gold tags. Flight is full after 2 no shows and 1 volunteer (earlier flight or that one I do not know). Get back home in a thunderstorm 4 hours late but happy to be here.
Observations- US gate agent blames ATC for the cancellation (there were lots that night). For a 50 pax plane, at least 7 and more reservations do not show up which is 20% overbooking rate. For standby, they call the CPs first so I assume that status counts or was it that we were faster than anyone else by avoiding the mob scene at 35A. Also what is chance that 3 RDU based CPs are on the 50 seat RJ when on other hops I see the sheet and am surprised that few US1s are listed. The area at 35A is a zoo when congested and it is hard to hear announcements unless right there but at least they updated frequently. Finally, being a Club member is worth the money.
Second, the flight was overbooked so I did not have a seat assignment but the gate agent said not to worry. Waited for a longer time and still wondered why no RDU call. Checked with the agent about seats and she said that 43 pax had checked in so no problem for me. Then the announcement that the flight was cancelled due to ATC (never knew they had the right to cancel US flights). Ran up to the USAIR Club and got rebooked on the last flight out and standby for the delayed 7:50 flight. (The Club is a lifesaver). Noticed another guy asking the same questions and introduced myself and noticed he was a CP.
We wait on standby and I notice another CP waiting. They call that CP first, me second and the other one third. Then they board 4 more and I see Silver and Gold tags. Flight is full after 2 no shows and 1 volunteer (earlier flight or that one I do not know). Get back home in a thunderstorm 4 hours late but happy to be here.
Observations- US gate agent blames ATC for the cancellation (there were lots that night). For a 50 pax plane, at least 7 and more reservations do not show up which is 20% overbooking rate. For standby, they call the CPs first so I assume that status counts or was it that we were faster than anyone else by avoiding the mob scene at 35A. Also what is chance that 3 RDU based CPs are on the 50 seat RJ when on other hops I see the sheet and am surprised that few US1s are listed. The area at 35A is a zoo when congested and it is hard to hear announcements unless right there but at least they updated frequently. Finally, being a Club member is worth the money.