Non-Working IFE and Reading Lights on my DEL-EWR Flight -Can I Complain to UA?
Mar 7, 2012, 2:36 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 6
Non-Working IFE and Reading Lights on my DEL-EWR Flight -Can I Complain to UA?
Hi,
I landed in EWR today after the 15 hr flight from DEL in economy. On the plus side, the flight attendants were excellent - very polite and attentive. On the negative, however, an entire cluster of In-Flight Entertainment was non-functional. Eg. seats 39D-F were non-functional, where as 39A-C were. This further resulted in being unable to turn on the overhead personal reading light.
Now, 15 hours without IFE is uncomfortable, but manageable. But spending more than 11 of those hours without the overhead personal light makes it significantly worse -(and, to me, is unacceptable) - so no TV and no books/magazines.
Has anyone else been in this situation recently? Can I complain to United and expect anything? The attendant did say that UA will make-up to us at EWR; but the ground staff at EWR were unhelpful
Thanks
I landed in EWR today after the 15 hr flight from DEL in economy. On the plus side, the flight attendants were excellent - very polite and attentive. On the negative, however, an entire cluster of In-Flight Entertainment was non-functional. Eg. seats 39D-F were non-functional, where as 39A-C were. This further resulted in being unable to turn on the overhead personal reading light.
Now, 15 hours without IFE is uncomfortable, but manageable. But spending more than 11 of those hours without the overhead personal light makes it significantly worse -(and, to me, is unacceptable) - so no TV and no books/magazines.
Has anyone else been in this situation recently? Can I complain to United and expect anything? The attendant did say that UA will make-up to us at EWR; but the ground staff at EWR were unhelpful
Thanks
Last edited by FlyinHawaiian; Mar 7, 2012 at 2:43 pm Reason: vague thread title
Mar 7, 2012, 2:42 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: CO - Gold, HHonors - Gold
Posts: 15
on recent Z class fare Flight UA950, LAX - IAD I had an IFE failure that did not affect overhead light, but equipment is very different from yours I'm sure.
One thing to note though is that flight attendant gave an on the spot "sorry for the inconvenience" card that I redeemed on their website for $US50 flight voucher. She seemed to have a stack of them available for such issues. I'm not sure if this is Biz class specific and dependent on routes.
One thing to note though is that flight attendant gave an on the spot "sorry for the inconvenience" card that I redeemed on their website for $US50 flight voucher. She seemed to have a stack of them available for such issues. I'm not sure if this is Biz class specific and dependent on routes.
Mar 7, 2012, 3:10 pm
#3
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 24,153
on recent Z class fare Flight UA950, LAX - IAD I had an IFE failure that did not affect overhead light, but equipment is very different from yours I'm sure.
One thing to note though is that flight attendant gave an on the spot "sorry for the inconvenience" card that I redeemed on their website for $US50 flight voucher. She seemed to have a stack of them available for such issues. I'm not sure if this is Biz class specific and dependent on routes.
One thing to note though is that flight attendant gave an on the spot "sorry for the inconvenience" card that I redeemed on their website for $US50 flight voucher. She seemed to have a stack of them available for such issues. I'm not sure if this is Biz class specific and dependent on routes.
Mar 7, 2012, 3:35 pm
#4
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: UA 1K, Hertz President's Circle, Hilton Platinum,
Posts: 661
PMUA used to be very good about taking care of Customers with flight issues.
Not sure what's going to happen in the new era. I'd file a complaint, take the survey and complain, post on the Twitter or FB pages.
It's important to be heard on the matter, I think.
Not sure what's going to happen in the new era. I'd file a complaint, take the survey and complain, post on the Twitter or FB pages.
It's important to be heard on the matter, I think.
Mar 7, 2012, 3:37 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
Programs: Amex Gold/Plat, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium
Posts: 21,603
Don't expect much from COdbaUA. Fredd recently reported that Mrs. Fredd received $50 for non-functioning IFE in C! on DEL-EWR. She is a 1K MM.
Mar 20, 2012, 8:18 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 6
As a follow up, we received a reply from United today - $100 for each of us (so $200 in total). The accompanying email, however, was a little disappointing - they apologized for the delay in responding, and blamed system integration for all problems (?). No mention of faulty equipment.
But we got something, so no grumblings there.
But we got something, so no grumblings there.
Mar 20, 2012, 8:46 pm
#7
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: HPN
Programs: not anymore! I'm FREE!
Posts: 3,459
After getting stuck with faulty reading lights one too many times, I've taken to packing a cheapo book light in my carry-on.
Mar 20, 2012, 9:20 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,170
As a follow up, we received a reply from United today - $100 for each of us (so $200 in total). The accompanying email, however, was a little disappointing - they apologized for the delay in responding, and blamed system integration for all problems (?). No mention of faulty equipment.
But we got something, so no grumblings there.
But we got something, so no grumblings there.