United - Positive Experiences in the air and on the ground 2014
Jan 3, 2014, 3:22 am
#16
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: LHR (sometimes CLE, SFO, BOS, LAX, SEA)
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 5,893
Jan 3, 2014, 3:39 am
#17
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Dubai / NYC
Programs: EK-IO, UA-1K2MM, ETIHAD-GOLD, SPG-PLAT LIFETIME, JUMEIRAH SERIUS GOLD
Posts: 5,220
It doesn't make any sense that someone working the flight was actually taking the flight - I've never heard of this before. Either she was joking, which is something I could see happening OR she was holding the seat for a colleague, relative or friend.
Did you see this GA on the flight in coach?
Now sometimes, an off-duty GA standing-by for a flight, BUT NOT ON THE CLOCK, will go behind the counter to check the flight-load. They can't touch the seats or manipulate the lists because it will show the actual GA signed in working the flight did it.
I've seen this happen a few times, nothing wrong with that if it helps the passengers and a swamped GA
Maybe OP approached an off-duty agent behind the counter and she helped him and indeed gave his gf the seat she blocked for herself.
but she should NOT have blocked anything for herself while paying pax were still on any kind of WL (unless on company business & how many GA's fly on company business!!
~~~~
Mindless thought - I've been flying way too much to know the above
Did you see this GA on the flight in coach?
Now sometimes, an off-duty GA standing-by for a flight, BUT NOT ON THE CLOCK, will go behind the counter to check the flight-load. They can't touch the seats or manipulate the lists because it will show the actual GA signed in working the flight did it.
I've seen this happen a few times, nothing wrong with that if it helps the passengers and a swamped GA
Maybe OP approached an off-duty agent behind the counter and she helped him and indeed gave his gf the seat she blocked for herself.
but she should NOT have blocked anything for herself while paying pax were still on any kind of WL (unless on company business & how many GA's fly on company business!!
~~~~
Mindless thought - I've been flying way too much to know the above
Jan 3, 2014, 2:53 pm
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, Virgin Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 204
Thanks for all the responses. In retrospect, it may have been odd (was just happy to get the upgrade last night). I'm not actually sure if she boarded the flight (was looking for her, but got distracted by the Sugar Bowl on the DirecTV): it might have indeed been a play on words. It was the last available seat on the plane (actually it didn't really seem available so much as blocked), so maybe she blocked it, was intending on upgrading us anyway, and had just got around to it when I walked up? So yes, perhaps she was just doing her job, but the outcome was positive, so I'm happy.
Jan 4, 2014, 12:12 am
#19
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 177
A friend was flying IAD-DEN-SEA on a last minute standard reward ticket from my account. IAD-DEN was delayed for 3 hrs due to late crew (which is due to weather) thus missed the last DEN-SEA of the day. The reservation was protected to next day's flight without question when sitting on the tarmac at IAD.
Upon deplane, the gate agent at DEN proactively provided a hotel voucher at Clarion and two food vouchers of $7 each. Not sure if my 1k status contributes to these vouchers.
Anyways, we appreciate the accommodation provided in this case.
Upon deplane, the gate agent at DEN proactively provided a hotel voucher at Clarion and two food vouchers of $7 each. Not sure if my 1k status contributes to these vouchers.
Anyways, we appreciate the accommodation provided in this case.
Jan 4, 2014, 5:31 pm
#20
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: MDE
Programs: AA EP, CM PP, AV GM, UA Silver, SPG Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Plat, Accor Plat
Posts: 1,002
Something Positive to Say About United
I've been among UA's critics of late, and I'm not saying they don't deserve it. In the interest of balance, however, I think it's also worthy of mention when they do something good.
I recently donated a GPU to a friend here in Costa Rica who was short one that he needed for a trip to Europe on UA. That trip required a schedule change, and by the time it occurred, he had received his 1K GPUs for 2014 mileage achievement. He used one of his own GPUs to expedite the change, so I was due a refund of the donated GPU. Instead, I was credited a single RPU.
I called the mileagePlus desk to get it straightened out, and the agent said that she was going to leave the RPU in my account for my trouble, plus redeposit the unused GPU. The entire call took about 10 minutes, so it wasn't much of an inconvenience.
As much as I whine, I thought I'd just share this act of goodwill on the part of UA. They do occasionally get something right.
I recently donated a GPU to a friend here in Costa Rica who was short one that he needed for a trip to Europe on UA. That trip required a schedule change, and by the time it occurred, he had received his 1K GPUs for 2014 mileage achievement. He used one of his own GPUs to expedite the change, so I was due a refund of the donated GPU. Instead, I was credited a single RPU.
I called the mileagePlus desk to get it straightened out, and the agent said that she was going to leave the RPU in my account for my trouble, plus redeposit the unused GPU. The entire call took about 10 minutes, so it wasn't much of an inconvenience.
As much as I whine, I thought I'd just share this act of goodwill on the part of UA. They do occasionally get something right.
Jan 4, 2014, 5:37 pm
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Posts: 10,908
I've been among UA's critics of late, and I'm not saying they don't deserve it. In the interest of balance, however, I think it's also worthy of mention when they do something good.
I recently donated a GPU to a friend here in Costa Rica who was short one that he needed for a trip to Europe on UA. That trip required a schedule change, and by the time it occurred, he had received his 1K GPUs for 2014 mileage achievement. He used one of his own GPUs to expedite the change, so I was due a refund of the donated GPU. Instead, I was credited a single RPU.
I called the mileagePlus desk to get it straightened out, and the agent said that she was going to leave the RPU in my account for my trouble, plus redeposit the unused GPU. The entire call took about 10 minutes, so it wasn't much of an inconvenience.
As much as I whine, I thought I'd just share this act of goodwill on the part of UA. They do occasionally get something right.
I recently donated a GPU to a friend here in Costa Rica who was short one that he needed for a trip to Europe on UA. That trip required a schedule change, and by the time it occurred, he had received his 1K GPUs for 2014 mileage achievement. He used one of his own GPUs to expedite the change, so I was due a refund of the donated GPU. Instead, I was credited a single RPU.
I called the mileagePlus desk to get it straightened out, and the agent said that she was going to leave the RPU in my account for my trouble, plus redeposit the unused GPU. The entire call took about 10 minutes, so it wasn't much of an inconvenience.
As much as I whine, I thought I'd just share this act of goodwill on the part of UA. They do occasionally get something right.
What's the expiration date of the RPU and the GPU?
Jan 4, 2014, 5:45 pm
#22
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Hold it down for The Bay, reppin' Oakland
Programs: Lowly UA silver, Marriott Ambassador/Tit4Lyf, IHG Plat
Posts: 1,763
Right now I am trying to check six people in for flights tomorrow on American. The website has repeated errors when I try to change seats to put everyone together and it will not allow me to reprint the boarding passes until we are w/in 24 hours of the connecting flight. So...as much as I gripe about the United website, I can say that it is better than American in this regard.
Jan 4, 2014, 6:25 pm
#23
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: SAN
Programs: UA-GS,1.95MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Explorer
Posts: 423
I'm a huge fan of United's Tito's vodka. While I would never pay their prices for it, when I get it for free it is greatly appreciated!
Jan 4, 2014, 6:26 pm
#24
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 233
Something Positive to Say About United
Less the airline than an awesome ticket agent, was polite and helpful in rebooking me (two days later) and issuing hotel and food vouchers after canceled connecting flight. Will definitely send UA a message complimenting his efforts.
Jan 4, 2014, 7:02 pm
#25
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: MDE
Programs: AA EP, CM PP, AV GM, UA Silver, SPG Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Plat, Accor Plat
Posts: 1,002
Jan 4, 2014, 7:29 pm
#26
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: UA Gold-MM, AA Gold-MM, F9-Silver, Hyatt Something, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 6,392
1. United makes a mistake and cheats the customer.
2. The customer notices, fortunately, and calls United on the mistake.
3. United corrects it then throws him a bone.
Rah! Rah!
2. The customer notices, fortunately, and calls United on the mistake.
3. United corrects it then throws him a bone.
Rah! Rah!
Jan 4, 2014, 7:41 pm
#27
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA GS>1K>Nothing; DL DM 2MM; AS 75K>Nothing>MVP
Posts: 9,341
How about...
UA used to be a great airline!
UA used to be a great airline!
Jan 4, 2014, 7:49 pm
#28
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Posts: 10,908
Jan 4, 2014, 10:24 pm
#29
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Somewhere I've Driven To
Programs: HiltonHonors, IHG Hotels, DL Skymiles
Posts: 2,070
I think it was a play on words. It "was" the GA's seat to release and she chose the OP's GF as she was #1 on the UG list. I don't think UA is doing much training in KOA for GA's, unless this a new way for the "new UA" to save money somehow. Perhaps they can conduct training on the beach and save on renting a training room at LAX.
They could also provide training at Venice Beach, CA, but the "GA students" might get distracted by all the freaks running around. To the OP: Was this GA flying in Y to KOA on your flt? If not, it was a joke.
If she was on the flight tell her Mahalo. Surfs up, dude!
They could also provide training at Venice Beach, CA, but the "GA students" might get distracted by all the freaks running around. To the OP: Was this GA flying in Y to KOA on your flt? If not, it was a joke.
If she was on the flight tell her Mahalo. Surfs up, dude!
This is most likely what was the case (a play on words as you say). Often times we use expressions such has "holding a seat in my pocket" meaning holding it aside till the very last minute. No shenanagins such as giving it to the wrong person but just a case of holding it for that last-second runner (are they going to make it ?, and if not, cutting the seat loose at the cut-off time to the next person who is supposed to get it).
Jan 5, 2014, 11:26 am
#30
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: MDE
Programs: AA EP, CM PP, AV GM, UA Silver, SPG Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Plat, Accor Plat
Posts: 1,002
As the owner of an internet based business, I'm very aware that sometimes things don't work as programmed, and there is often no way to figure out why.
All I wanted was my GPU back. I made no request for the "bone," so I thought it was good customer service to throw me said bone, therefore worthy of mention in this forum where we so quickly point out everything they do wrong.