Last edit by: WineCountryUA
This is an archive thread, the active thread is DYKWIA stories (Traveling on United Airlines)
DYKWIA stories (Travelling on United Airlines) (Archive)
#301
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: 4éme
Posts: 12,012
Last week I was on a JAX-ORD flight in a CRJ-700. I have 7A with a guy already in 7B taking over the entire middle armrest. Not afraid of being in connect with another person I nudged my arm onto the armrest which resulted with him expanding his territory while "sleeping". When the FA delivered my drink I attempted to pull out the tray which is in the middle armrest which resulted in him expanding his territory again. This went on for 1.5 hours. The flight was about 2 hours 20 minutes. I could not figure out what his issue was until after landing and he retrieved his carry on which had a personalized Diamond Medallion tag with his name on it. I guess that was his method of saying "DYKWIA".
#302
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Hiding under the trees in Denver, CO
Programs: UA 1K 2.5MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium Elite, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 4,306
GS Early Boarding Dilemma
I've seen a lot of reverse-DYKWIA situations with GS passengers trying to jump the scrum at the beginning of the boarding sequence. They try to get past those of us choking the Boarding Group 1 area, as is their right, and other passengers hassle them for being "rude" -- even though the gate agent just called for GS passengers to board early.
Some GS passengers try to explain why they're boarding first; some ignore the hecklers; some become "gate lice" and are always careful to line up first (which is a lot of time on one's feet). Some don't bother to take the privilege because it's not worth the resentment it causes. And some don't get into the Priority 1 lane at all -- they just dart in from the side, thereby avoiding the scrum.
It's too bad this privilege causes dilemmas for those who try to take advantage of it. If I'm ever fortunate enough to be a GS, I probably won't take it.
Some GS passengers try to explain why they're boarding first; some ignore the hecklers; some become "gate lice" and are always careful to line up first (which is a lot of time on one's feet). Some don't bother to take the privilege because it's not worth the resentment it causes. And some don't get into the Priority 1 lane at all -- they just dart in from the side, thereby avoiding the scrum.
It's too bad this privilege causes dilemmas for those who try to take advantage of it. If I'm ever fortunate enough to be a GS, I probably won't take it.
#303
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Bangkok or San Francisco
Programs: United 1k, Marriott Lifetime PE, Former DL Gold, Former SQ Solitaire, HH Gold
Posts: 11,886
On UA 804 IAD-NRT 10/28:
A deadheading pilot (call him DP) was assigned seat 6B (I was in seat 6B). At the gate he was arguing with the GA about why he was not seated in F. Then ultimately he came on board. I had already put my carryon in the bin that partially hung over his seat. He told me rather rudely to move it, that this bin was guaranteed for him. I told him and the crew that the bin over 6C was much more difficult to get to and no one is ever guaranteed any bin space. I said that I would not move my case. He tried to pick it up and the purser said that the pilot would mediate. I never saw the pilot and DP vanished somewhere into F. I was ultimately told that I could keep my bag where it was.
How to build customer service? To have a DP explode at a paying passenger?
I have sent the above to two execs at UA.
A deadheading pilot (call him DP) was assigned seat 6B (I was in seat 6B). At the gate he was arguing with the GA about why he was not seated in F. Then ultimately he came on board. I had already put my carryon in the bin that partially hung over his seat. He told me rather rudely to move it, that this bin was guaranteed for him. I told him and the crew that the bin over 6C was much more difficult to get to and no one is ever guaranteed any bin space. I said that I would not move my case. He tried to pick it up and the purser said that the pilot would mediate. I never saw the pilot and DP vanished somewhere into F. I was ultimately told that I could keep my bag where it was.
How to build customer service? To have a DP explode at a paying passenger?
I have sent the above to two execs at UA.
AFAIC, you put your bags over your own seat. Telling someone else that they can't put their bags over their own seat because it's not convenient for you is rather rude. IMO, you were wrong in this case.
But, yes, having DP trash a passenger is not good PR.
#304
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: SLC
Programs: DL FO, KM, & 1.7MM; UA nothing; HH♦; National EE
Posts: 6,344
I agree that people shouldn't put their bag in the front of the cabin then walk back to their seat in row 45.
#305
Used to be 'IAD22066'
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: IAD
Programs: UA 1K AA
Posts: 282
After they scan your ticket at the gate, you walk down a peaceful empty gateway without having to wait for some slow person in front of your while the person behind you is standing on your heels.
You're not having to find a place to put your carry-on because there is nothing in the bins.
You can pull out your stuff and sit down before others enter the plane.
There are other little nuggets that make GS so nice. I think some people resent GS people because they seem to be showing off for everyone else. My favorite thing about it is that you don't have to jostle with everyone else.
#306
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Potomac MD
Programs: UA MP 1K
Posts: 7,182
I assume you meant in your first paragraph that you were in 6C. Otherwise the story makes no sense.
AFAIC, you put your bags over your own seat. Telling someone else that they can't put their bags over their own seat because it's not convenient for you is rather rude. IMO, you were wrong in this case.
AFAIC, you put your bags over your own seat. Telling someone else that they can't put their bags over their own seat because it's not convenient for you is rather rude. IMO, you were wrong in this case.
Howste is correct. I was in 6C and there are no rules about where you put your bag, except in your ticketed cabin (unless the crew gives you space elsewhere, which I regularly see).
#308
Moderator: Midwest, Las Vegas & Dining Buzz
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 17,970
Once in awhile I get the "I guess this guy doesn't know what a line is" or "Why are you cutting in front of everyone?". I don't bother to respond. I should just give them the finger. (Would that make me a DYKWIA?)
#309
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Bangkok or San Francisco
Programs: United 1k, Marriott Lifetime PE, Former DL Gold, Former SQ Solitaire, HH Gold
Posts: 11,886
#310
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC / TYO / Up in the Air
Programs: UA 1k (12 year fallen GS) 1.7MM, AA 2.1MM, EK, BA, SQ, CX, Marriot LT, Accor P
Posts: 6,263
#311
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: AADULtArer
Posts: 5,656
I bet you would. After a bunch of international travel last year they gave me GS (not likely for next year). You can't imagine how good it feels to not have to be part of what someone here called the "scrum" and to not have to worry about gate-checking your bag.
After they scan your ticket at the gate, you walk down a peaceful empty gateway without having to wait for some slow person in front of your while the person behind you is standing on your heels.
You're not having to find a place to put your carry-on because there is nothing in the bins.
You can pull out your stuff and sit down before others enter the plane.
There are other little nuggets that make GS so nice. I think some people resent GS people because they seem to be showing off for everyone else. My favorite thing about it is that you don't have to jostle with everyone else.
After they scan your ticket at the gate, you walk down a peaceful empty gateway without having to wait for some slow person in front of your while the person behind you is standing on your heels.
You're not having to find a place to put your carry-on because there is nothing in the bins.
You can pull out your stuff and sit down before others enter the plane.
There are other little nuggets that make GS so nice. I think some people resent GS people because they seem to be showing off for everyone else. My favorite thing about it is that you don't have to jostle with everyone else.
The GraSs is the same colour brown on boarding for GS, trust me.
#312
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Potomac MD
Programs: UA MP 1K
Posts: 7,182
"Common courtesy" is not making up a rule and chastizing others for not following it--and then challenging their character.
The overhead bin spaces are not marked for anyone in particular (contrary what DP argued) and the bins on the C/D/E/F sides are extremely difficult to reach.
What other rules have you made up? What are your other standards of "common courtesy"? Do they extend to crew? Or are they exempt to you?
The overhead bin spaces are not marked for anyone in particular (contrary what DP argued) and the bins on the C/D/E/F sides are extremely difficult to reach.
What other rules have you made up? What are your other standards of "common courtesy"? Do they extend to crew? Or are they exempt to you?
#313
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: SLC
Programs: DL FO, KM, & 1.7MM; UA nothing; HH♦; National EE
Posts: 6,344
"Common courtesy" or not, the laws of physics dictate that if my bag is in the bin over my seat, that my seatmate's bag cannot occupy the same space, which is over their seat.
#314
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: DEN
Programs: UA MM Plat; AA MM Gold; HHonors Diamond
Posts: 15,866
I'm starting to do this as well. It also reduces the gyrations involved in removing said carryons, which can be critical at my advanced age as the poor bod loses flexibility...
#315
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: SFO
Programs: GS UA+3MM
Posts: 265
I've seen a lot of reverse-DYKWIA situations with GS passengers trying to jump the scrum at the beginning of the boarding sequence. They try to get past those of us choking the Boarding Group 1 area, as is their right, and other passengers hassle them for being "rude" -- even though the gate agent just called for GS passengers to board early.
Usually I get in line first - which somehow annoys people here -- right? But in the event I dont make it, expect me to enter from the side when called.
Not sure why this is a DYKWIA? I am not asking.
Anyone who is unhappy about that can speak to the GA about it.
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