US Airways Dividend Miles (Pre-FlightFund Merger) - USAirways Pisses Off Chairman's Preferred Member who is also a Reporter

From Gretta Van Susteren, host of Fox News Channel's "On the Record". From her website "blog" at http://www.gretawire.com

November 17, she writes:

"As you may know, our show "may" be "on the road" from Little Rock, Arkansas Wednesday night.

"We have an interview scheduled with the former first lady — now U.S. Senator from New York — Hillary Clinton (search) at the new Clinton library. If the show is not "on the road" from Little Rock, it will be "on the road" from the Charlotte, North Carolina airport... and via cell phone.

"I am writing this blog from the airport in D.C. having arrived at 6:15 a.m. (after three hours sleep) for my flight to Little Rock. I have a ticket to Little Rock via Charlotte, but can't get a seat assignment from Charlotte to Little Rock because the flight on that leg is oversold. They are "hoping" someone will give up a seat in exchange for a free roundtrip ticket. They are not hoping as much as I am. I need to get to Little Rock.

"Of course, when US Air sold FOX this ticket yesterday the airline "neglected" to inform FOX that the second leg of my journey was oversold. Yesterday, there were travel options — other airlines — for me to travel on. As I sit in the gate area in D.C. it is now too late for travel options. I am at the mercy of good luck. You can imagine how "happy" I am with US Air right now.

"Here is one other thought: I am a US Air Chairman's Preferred Passenger. This means that US Air recognizes me as a loyal patron — that I fly a zillion miles a year on their airline — and thus give me and all the other Chairman Preferred members "special" service.

"As for the show tonight, I hope you will watch. At this point I am very curious from where it will originate. By the way, if you think I am worried about whether I will make the show tonight, my producer doesn't know anything about this yet. She will not be thrilled when she reads this blog, unless I have boarded the second leg to Little Rock and then she can relax."

And Today, she writes:

"US Air is mad at me — but at least I know they read the blog! I was frustrated yesterday when there was a question about whether I would get a seat, or not into Little Rock on my ticketed US Air flight. I got an e-mail from a senior executive from US Air yesterday protesting the blog. Part of their frustration is that with so many passengers overbooking and canceling, so must they. I can see that view. But sooner or later we are going to have to do something about the airline industry — many are in bankruptcy, pilots and flight attendants are having to take pay cuts and the service is declining. Any suggestions?"

Dear Greta

First and foremost I suggest that if you travel as much as you claim, you should really spend some time on Flyertalk.com. You will learn much about the ins and outs of the various frequent flyer programs that my help you in the future.

And if you really are the CP you claim to be you would understand that CP's who book 24 hours in advance are GUARANTEED a seat on any US flight. So something doesn't add up here. If the flight was oversold they would not have given you a ticket unless you were a CP and CP"S are guaranteed a seat. Would you like to come clean here "on the record" and tell us what really happened prior to you acting like some one with special privileges and posting as such on your blog.

And in closing, I really don't care if Hillary had to wait for you or not. You are no more nor any less important than anyone else who had the foresight to book their trip before you did. Try taking some responsibility for your actions or lack there of, before you start lam blasting someone else for your lack of planning. Get over it.

Posted to her email at ontherecord@foxnews.com

Pretty Lame. She has nothing to complain about her trip hasn't even started and they should be able to accomodate her. Sounds like an egomaniac moment. She probably used the CP space positive gurantee as well--so they were doing her a favor not available to other lesser-preferred or non-preferred members. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :td:

She should be ashamed of herself for using her professional position to impose punitive actions over personal issues. Her using her public persona to air her grievance is akin to if she were a doctor and decided not to treat the child of a US employee.

Does this not smack akin of stereotypical and irresponsible journalism? She should vote her opinion with her wallet, like the rest of us, and not exploit her "celebrity status" for her own sake.

It's the opening of the Clinton Library today--of course the flights are oversold, you dingbat. Plan ahead.

Dear Greta: As a chairman's preferred member, you should be showing more loyalty to US Airways. You should be happy your flight was oversold because that means more revenue for US Airways in these precarious times. Remember Greta: US Air begins with you.

Dear Greta

And if you really are the CP you claim to be you would understand that CP's who book 24 hours in advance are GUARANTEED a seat on any US flight.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that only with a Y fare ticket? Even if purchased less than 24 hours out doesn't automatically make it a Y fare ticket.

Greta should stick with what she knows, which is obviously not the way airline ticketing/seating works. Not that I am a general fan with the way she conducts herself on air. I notice that she has very little control of the "panel" she has on her show at times.

I agree that writing this was very irresponsible and shows a lack of understanding on her part.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that only with a Y fare ticket? Even if purchased less than 24 hours out doesn't automatically make it a Y fare ticket.
You are correct. Ticket must be in Y. I've used it twice on oversold flight and y was the only thing available

Dear friends,
FOX is not considered a news organization in any other part of the world which has a somehow open society. So what do you expect? They are a propaganda organization with no intent the truth or any facts. It is a disgust to any journalist or person ever touched by the concept of truth and fair reporting. So do not expect her to leave this path when reporting about her travel.

While I differ with your opinion, isn't it ironic that USAirways used to show Fox News on the shutlle.

Dear friends,
FOX is not considered a news organization in any other part of the world which has a somehow open society. So what do you expect? They are a propaganda organization with no intent the truth or any facts. It is a disgust to any journalist or person ever touched by the concept of truth and fair reporting. So do not expect her to leave this path when reporting about her travel.

Yes, it has to be Y. And just for fun, I priced a ticket from DCA-LIT for tomorrow morning, and it came back with a flight in B. Also, I'm sure with the amount of travel Fox does, they probably have a corporate discount with US. Are corporate discount fares eligible for this guarantee?

Also, I'm sure Greta usually flies in F class, but CLT-LIT is on an RJ, so it wouldn't be booked in F.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that only with a Y fare ticket? Even if purchased less than 24 hours out doesn't automatically make it a Y fare ticket.

Dear friends,
FOX is not considered a news organization in any other part of the world which has a somehow open society.

I also differ with your opinion. Earlier this year, I stayed at the Hong Kong Conrad and Fox News was one of the stations that was available.

Also, I'm sure Greta usually flies in F class

Hmmm...I wouldn't be so sure about this. In August, I was sitting in first class while I watched another Fox News host (Morton Kondracke of the "Beltway Boys") make his way back to coach. In fairness, it could have been Roll Call who paid for his ticket though and not Fox News. And this was a biz trip for him as it was a Shuttle flight going to NYC at the start of the GOP Convention.

Hmmm...I wouldn't be so sure about this. In August, I was sitting in first class while I watched another Fox News host (Morton Kondracke of the "Beltway Boys") make his way back to coach. In fairness, it could have been Roll Call who paid for his ticket though and not Fox News. And this was a biz trip for him as it was a Shuttle flight going to NYC at the start of the GOP Convention.


Mort is a Democrat, its only fitting that a member of the modern day Robin Hood party sit with his people. ;)

Dear friends,
FOX is not considered a news organization in any other part of the world which has a somehow open society. So what do you expect? They are a propaganda organization with no intent the truth or any facts. It is a disgust to any journalist or person ever touched by the concept of truth and fair reporting. So do not expect her to leave this path when reporting about her travel.

Hmmm..Fox News = propaganda? I guess Dan Rather and CBS = truth.

Most times I am on the Shuttle (especially DCA-LGA) there are always newtypes on board--and usually in coach.

Also, I'm sure Greta usually flies in F class, but CLT-LIT is on an RJ, so it wouldn't be booked in F.

It's ALLLLLLL F on an RJ.

I'd like to make a motion that we coin a new term... the Greta... referring to the situation where a CP (or any other airline's highest elite leve) gets bumped off a flight and then tells the whole world about how bad an airline treated him/her.

Feel free to refine the definition and usage.

Example usage: I was Greta'ed off that flight last night and they didn't even put me up or give me dinner.

The thing is that she was not bumped, she just wasn't given a seat assignment. At least that is how I read it.

We just need to give her some cheese for her wine :rolleyes:

In any case, the political comments have taken this thread off course and I sense imminent closure. But greta bashing can be bi-partisan ;)

I'd like to make a motion that we coin a new term... the Greta... referring to the situation where a CP (or any other airline's highest elite leve) gets bumped off a flight and then tells the whole world about how bad an airline treated him/her.

Feel free to refine the definition and usage.

Example usage: I was Greta'ed off that flight last night and they didn't even put me up or give me dinner.

So I guess she got to Little Rock then? It would be nice if after all that whining she did about how she was booked on an overbooked flight she let her "loyal readers" know whether US Airways had to ask for volunteers and bump people or if yield management worked like it is supposed to.

[QUOTE=rd7242]From Gretta Van Susteren, host of Fox News Channel's "On the Record". From her website "blog" at http://www.gretawire.com

"Of course, when US Air sold FOX this ticket yesterday the airline "neglected" to inform FOX that the second leg of my journey was oversold. Yesterday, there were travel options — other airlines — for me to travel on. As I sit in the gate area in D.C. it is now too late for travel options. I am at the mercy of good luck. You can imagine how "happy" I am with US Air right now.


"US Air is mad at me — but at least I know they read the blog! QUOTE]
Her post is so FAIR AND BALANCED! I mean... fox excelles at presenting the truth, I'm glad she is holding up to that standard. I hope Bill O'riley covers this in the "no spin zone" that is another forum of truth and honesty.


-N

p.s. PLEASE PLEASE read massive ammounts of scarcasim into the statement above

I'd like to make a motion that we coin a new term... the Greta... referring to the situation where a CP (or any other airline's highest elite leve) gets bumped off a flight and then tells the whole world about how bad an airline treated him/her.

Feel free to refine the definition and usage.

Example usage: I was Greta'ed off that flight last night and they didn't even put me up or give me dinner.
I second!
Does it have to apply to CPs or only US for that matter?
For instance, the other night hertz didnt have my car ready and I pulled a Greta on the desk clerk.

Or, I might have to Greta Out right here in the gate area at Atlanta b/c I cannot get my upgrade and I'm gold...

I second!
Does it have to apply to CPs or only US for that matter?
For instance, the other night hertz didnt have my car ready and I pulled a Greta on the desk clerk.

Or, I might have to Greta Out right here in the gate area at Atlanta b/c I cannot get my upgrade and I'm gold...

Very good, SpaceBass!
:)

I second!
Does it have to apply to CPs or only US for that matter?
For instance, the other night hertz didnt have my car ready and I pulled a Greta on the desk clerk.

Or, I might have to Greta Out right here in the gate area at Atlanta b/c I cannot get my upgrade and I'm gold...

Yes, I like the use of Greta in the negative. ie: Look at that Greta over there yelling at the GA, like he was the one who made it snow and cancelled the flight.

They could be coded as a US1+ or a GCP.

Yes, excellent usage of Greta! I'm likin' it.... I think we should allow a "Greta" for any excessive whining. ^

Of course, "Greta" sounds an awful lot like "Gretchyn." So please take care in your pronounciation of "Greta." :D

Please keep your comments on topic. This is not the place to discuss Fox news,etc. If it strays off topic the thread may have to be closed.

Please keep your comments on topic. This is not the place to discuss Fox news,etc. If it strays off topic the thread may have to be closed.

Thank you for jumping in. Personal attacks have never been part of this nice forum.

I'm a little confused but can believe the story since a similar thing happened to me -- while USAirways is supposed to review status when it comes to bumping, agents do not always care, and they can (and do) use most recent booked in terms of bumping (so in other words a business traveller who books last minute are most likely to be bumped, regardless of status). So yes, she could have been bumped, even if she was Chairman's Preferred, which I think IS bad... however, I'm not sure if her blog was the right place to whine (that's what flyertalk is for, LOL!)

However, from what I can see, she was never scheduled to be bumped, they just would not give her a seat up front (probably whe she tried to check in online). In the end it looks like she made it (the followon blog entry says she's in Little Rock) so her complaint may be about bumping order (I had the same complaint and it never got resolved -- even after pointing out their own policy says that status should be considered for bumping). Still, pretty lame IMHO, without any comments added on opinions of Fox News .. other than I enjoy Fox News for its entertainment value :)

Dear friends,
FOX is not considered a news organization in any other part of the world which has a somehow open society. So what do you expect? They are a propaganda organization with no intent the truth or any facts. It is a disgust to any journalist or person ever touched by the concept of truth and fair reporting. So do not expect her to leave this path when reporting about her travel.

Thanks for you useless political drivel, adding nothing to this thread related to USAir or travel in general. Suffering from OMNI withdrawl?


I feel little sympathy for Greta. Did she not book an inteview with Big H until the day before? I doubt it - so why wait until the day before to book a ticket to get there?

And bashing US for something that "might" (and apparently did not) happen? I've received the "get a seat at the gate" message many times and have yet to not get on a flight (i.e., I've never been Greta'ed). Especially as a CP with a ticket - the chances are so close to zero it's not even worth worrying about. For someone who travels so much, and complains about a need to "do something about" the industry, she apparently doesn't undertand it very well.

I am getting sick and tired of people who recklessly bash this airline. Greta should have her DM account closed. She is not loyal to US Airways. I dont know why she thinks she has an inalienable right to a seat just because she happens to have a reservation.

I am getting sick and tired of people who recklessly bash this airline. Greta should have her DM account closed. She is not loyal to US Airways. I dont know why she thinks she has an inalienable right to a seat just because she happens to have a reservation.

Exactly. You have a right to carriage; as much as we think we own them :) seats (more particularly their assignments) are privileges.

And I'll continue to pay for the privilege! Heck, let Greta ride WN and see what happens when she *****es about not gettig a seat!

-JC

Dear Greta,

Allow me to introduce myself and our organization. I am one of the founders of Frequent Flyers Organized & Committed to US Airways Success (FFOCUS www.ffocus.org). My name is Robert Johnson (AKA:PineyBob) and I would like to formally extend to you an invitation to join our organization. FFOCUS is a group of loyal and dedicated customers of US Airways. We believe that our organization is unique to commercial aviation in that we have sprung up from the grass roots and have been heard in person by the highest levels of management on issues ranging from those similar to your well publicized situation and the challenges that ALL carriers face in this brave new world.

Like you we are concerned with the level of service that elite flyers will receive in the future. We are also deeply concerned for the employees of US Airways as they face new challenges brought on by the changes in the aviation landscape. We maintain an open and frank dialogue with US Airways management at the executive level. This is unheard of in the airline business. An airline that actually LISTENS to it's best customers.

I would gently remind you that Southwest Airlines, the media darlings of the sky can boast of no such group. The same can be said for the rest of the big six. Does Airways always get it right? NO! Since you got to Little Rock it seems that you were well served in the end.

Greta, come join us and learn why we feel as we do.

Warmest regards,



PS: Friends don't let friends fly Southwest

Good letter, Bob! I'd be interested in Greta's response, if there is one.

Dear friends,
FOX is not considered a news organization in any other part of the world which has a somehow open society. So what do you expect? They are a propaganda organization with no intent the truth or any facts. It is a disgust to any journalist or person ever touched by the concept of truth and fair reporting. So do not expect her to leave this path when reporting about her travel.


Fox is as legitimate as the English, French or German press! GOOD GRIEF how can you slam Fox as biased coming from the world capital of slanted stories?

If you're a CP, and you buy an F ticket, but the majority of your journey is in a Regional Jet and you can't even get a seat assignment on it, wouldn't you be a little peeved? I'm not saying she should have been rambling on about how US sold her the ticket even though the plane was oversold and that they hope people elect to get bumped off, but I can understand why she'd be upset. Using her Blog to get her opinion out to the world is not cool, but I know if I were CP and bought an F ticket and couldn't get a seat assignment on a freakin' RJ I would not be pleased. I probably wouldn't be yammering about not being able to get to Little Rock on my Blog, but I'd still be a little steamed. She should have posted that she got to Little Rock and whether or not they had to ask for volunteers/bump people though.

However, it sounds like she isn't the most informed traveller.

Those of you who are bashing her for complaining, she shouldn't be complaining, but do you really think it is a good idea for this perpetually on the brink of liquidation airline to close her DM account and black-list her? Come on, this airline needs CP's who buy last minute F tickets to continue to be customers. If US were to only accept business from "loyal" customers they would have died years ago.


Originally posted by PineyBob:
I would gently remind you that Southwest Airlines, the media darlings of the sky can boast of no such group.

I don't know what is better, for US to have a group like FFOCUS that cares about it, or for WN to be such a well-run airline that they don't need one. Is it really smart for US to boast that their product and service and operation has fallen so far that it necessitated the creation of a consumer group?

If you're a CP, and you buy an F ticket, but the majority of your journey is in a Regional Jet and you can't even get a seat assignment on it, wouldn't you be a little peeved?

If I waited until the day before the flight, when every single seat available had already been assigned to other pax, and knowing they hold some for airport release, and that I was at the top of the list and there was no way I would not get on - no I wouldn't be (and haven't been when it has happened).

i know she said she flew "a zillion miles" with USAirways to get CP status, as all CPs are assumed to have done. But......do airlines(including US) grant top level status to celebrity who is nearly guaranteed to spend $$$ on B/Y/F fares before they actually reach the threshold? Is it possible she was granted CP based on that, or perhaps a relationship Fox corporate travel has with USAirways to get certain frequent Fox VIP travellers such perks?

Her lack of knowledge, for being a CP, made me scratch my head and wonder this one.

I think if my employer sent me to interview Hillary, I would be kind of grateful to US Airways for giving me an excuse to do it remotely.

The issue here to me is that when it comes to the airlines and business travel in general, one should wait until an actual negative action occurs before getting so worked up. If those of us who travel weekly got hot about ever anticipated problem, then we wouldn't survive mentally for long.

I like Greta. While her news organization may be "fair and balanced," I hope she'll strive to remain "balanced" emotionally when it comes to traveling.

Thanks for letting me opine.

I agree that this shouldn't be a referendum on Fox News. After all, Greta worked for CNN for quite some time.

Just to make the point clear. I was not bashing all US new organizations. Like many educated europeans I am constantly reading and watching US news sources from CNN to the NYT but the simpel truth is that Fox is widely regarded as a propaganda channel. I am not aware of any other news organization which is that one sided in any other mayor democracy. And again there is no question that the US has a great tradition of the freedom of expression and the press which has been an example for other parts of the world. If you simply become a Government bulletin you leave this great tradition!
Good bless the US a country I love that`s why I am so upset about Fox otherwise I would not care.

Since you are educated you might want to look up the definition of off-topic as emphasized by safetymom.


Just to make the point clear. I was not bashing all US new organizations. Like many educated europeans I am constantly reading and watching US news sources from CNN to the NYT but the simpel truth is that Fox is widely regarded as a propaganda channel. I am not aware of any other news organization which is that one sided in any other mayor democracy. And again there is no question that the US has a great tradition of the freedom of expression and the press which has been an example for other parts of the world. If you simply become a Government bulletin you leave this great tradition!
Good bless the US a country I love that`s why I am so upset about Fox otherwise I would not care.