Feb 6, 2015, 9:47 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
If you need documentation of delay / cancellation for trip insurance or refunds from hotel / tour / .... operator, try this
Verification letters
Upon request, we can provide a statement of proof that a United flight was delayed or canceled. You may email your request to [email protected]. Be sure to include the names of all customers in your party, confirmation number, flight numbers and dates of travel, phone contact and the email address or mailing address where you would like it sent. Please allow 5-10 business days for processing.
Upon request, we can provide a statement of proof that a United flight was delayed or canceled. You may email your request to [email protected]. Be sure to include the names of all customers in your party, confirmation number, flight numbers and dates of travel, phone contact and the email address or mailing address where you would like it sent. Please allow 5-10 business days for processing.
Consolidated cancelled/delayed domestic flights [2015]
Jan 9, 2015, 1:42 pm
#31
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Lake Oswego, OR
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Posts: 3,202
Two Diversions for the Price of One
Executive Summary
UA 1481 on 1/7 was diverted not once but twice on its way from EWR to PDX. That evening, we diverted to ORD due to insufficient fuel caused by strong headwinds. The crew timed out and the flight was cancelled. A new segment, UA 2100, was added the next day but was diverted to SMF due to a mechanical problem. We finally arrived in PDX on the evening of 1/8.
TLDR Version
UA 1481 left EWR a little late on 1/7, then flew uneventfully for the first two hours in fairly smooth air and no obvious issues. Shortly thereafter, the pilot said the good news was that we would be arriving in PDX, the bad news was that we would be delayed. He explained that due to strong headwinds, we would be diverting to MSP but later announced that we would be diverting to ORD instead. Once in ORD, we refueled, mechanics checked the plane due to a heavy landing (excess fuel) and we waited for a replacement crew because our crew would time out. A replacement crew could not be found and the flight was canceled.
All 160ish passengers queued at the customer service desk located near the large dinosaur skeleton, which was staffed by three customer service agents. The line did not move at all due to computer issues. We were eventually rebooked on an extra segment added for the following morning at 10 AM. It was the same plane and crew but the agent insisted on rebooking me in Y, despite the fact that I had paid for the upgrade with an RPU. I was also issued a hotel voucher and a $7 meal voucher and made my way to a hotel. The fact that I had no jacket meant that at least I would not spoil as I awaited the hotel shuttle in the -5 degree weather.
The next morning, we departed ORD on time and made our way towards PDX, flying uneventfully for the first three hours. Just after crossing the Idaho border, I noticed the plane make a turn away from PDX and begin flying southwest. I queried the crew about it and was told that there was a mechanical problem but to keep it to myself until the pilot could make an announcement. Later, the pilot explained that we were diverting to SFO because of a problem with the plane that would necessitate a visual approach. Shortly thereafter, he said that we were diverting to Sacramento instead. Once on the ground at SMF, we exited the plane and awaited further instructions. Our crew, like friends and family at this point, bid us adieu.
We were eventually told that a new plane and crew was being ferried from SFO and would be arriving in a few hours. The friendly staff at SMF did an excellent job keeping us all up to date, making frequent announcements plus providing snacks and beverages. Once the new plane arrived, we eventually took off at 4:30 PM and landed in PDX a bit before 6 PM, to the great relief and happiness of the passengers. While exiting the plane, I quipped with the other passengers that UA must have a bad case of divert-iculitis that day.
I've flown with UA over 2.5 million miles thus far and have never been diverted before so I guess I got my money's worth this time around I'm heading out again this coming Tuesday, flying PDX-SFO-IAD-FRA. So if any of you are flying on that day, perhaps you might wish to stay away from my flights -- I am evidently a very diverting passenger.
UA 1481 on 1/7 was diverted not once but twice on its way from EWR to PDX. That evening, we diverted to ORD due to insufficient fuel caused by strong headwinds. The crew timed out and the flight was cancelled. A new segment, UA 2100, was added the next day but was diverted to SMF due to a mechanical problem. We finally arrived in PDX on the evening of 1/8.
TLDR Version
UA 1481 left EWR a little late on 1/7, then flew uneventfully for the first two hours in fairly smooth air and no obvious issues. Shortly thereafter, the pilot said the good news was that we would be arriving in PDX, the bad news was that we would be delayed. He explained that due to strong headwinds, we would be diverting to MSP but later announced that we would be diverting to ORD instead. Once in ORD, we refueled, mechanics checked the plane due to a heavy landing (excess fuel) and we waited for a replacement crew because our crew would time out. A replacement crew could not be found and the flight was canceled.
All 160ish passengers queued at the customer service desk located near the large dinosaur skeleton, which was staffed by three customer service agents. The line did not move at all due to computer issues. We were eventually rebooked on an extra segment added for the following morning at 10 AM. It was the same plane and crew but the agent insisted on rebooking me in Y, despite the fact that I had paid for the upgrade with an RPU. I was also issued a hotel voucher and a $7 meal voucher and made my way to a hotel. The fact that I had no jacket meant that at least I would not spoil as I awaited the hotel shuttle in the -5 degree weather.
The next morning, we departed ORD on time and made our way towards PDX, flying uneventfully for the first three hours. Just after crossing the Idaho border, I noticed the plane make a turn away from PDX and begin flying southwest. I queried the crew about it and was told that there was a mechanical problem but to keep it to myself until the pilot could make an announcement. Later, the pilot explained that we were diverting to SFO because of a problem with the plane that would necessitate a visual approach. Shortly thereafter, he said that we were diverting to Sacramento instead. Once on the ground at SMF, we exited the plane and awaited further instructions. Our crew, like friends and family at this point, bid us adieu.
We were eventually told that a new plane and crew was being ferried from SFO and would be arriving in a few hours. The friendly staff at SMF did an excellent job keeping us all up to date, making frequent announcements plus providing snacks and beverages. Once the new plane arrived, we eventually took off at 4:30 PM and landed in PDX a bit before 6 PM, to the great relief and happiness of the passengers. While exiting the plane, I quipped with the other passengers that UA must have a bad case of divert-iculitis that day.
I've flown with UA over 2.5 million miles thus far and have never been diverted before so I guess I got my money's worth this time around
I'm heading out again this coming Tuesday, flying PDX-SFO-IAD-FRA. So if any of you are flying on that day, perhaps you might wish to stay away from my flights -- I am evidently a very diverting passenger.
Jan 10, 2015, 7:44 pm
#32
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP, UA Platinum, Alaksa MVP 75K, Air Berlin Gold, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,389
Executive Summary
UA 1481 on 1/7 was diverted not once but twice on its way from EWR to PDX. That evening, we diverted to ORD due to insufficient fuel caused by strong headwinds. The crew timed out and the flight was cancelled. A new segment, UA 2100, was added the next day but was diverted to SMF due to a mechanical problem. We finally arrived in PDX on the evening of 1/8.
UA 1481 on 1/7 was diverted not once but twice on its way from EWR to PDX. That evening, we diverted to ORD due to insufficient fuel caused by strong headwinds. The crew timed out and the flight was cancelled. A new segment, UA 2100, was added the next day but was diverted to SMF due to a mechanical problem. We finally arrived in PDX on the evening of 1/8.
Jan 10, 2015, 7:54 pm
#33
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
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Posts: 21,592
Executive Summary
UA 1481 on 1/7 was diverted not once but twice on its way from EWR to PDX. That evening, we diverted to ORD due to insufficient fuel caused by strong headwinds. The crew timed out and the flight was cancelled. A new segment, UA 2100, was added the next day but was diverted to SMF due to a mechanical problem. We finally arrived in PDX on the evening of 1/8.
UA 1481 on 1/7 was diverted not once but twice on its way from EWR to PDX. That evening, we diverted to ORD due to insufficient fuel caused by strong headwinds. The crew timed out and the flight was cancelled. A new segment, UA 2100, was added the next day but was diverted to SMF due to a mechanical problem. We finally arrived in PDX on the evening of 1/8.
Jan 10, 2015, 7:55 pm
#34
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
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Wind is KNOWN, they can account for this. That's quite a trip, the OP should get miles as flown
Jan 10, 2015, 10:42 pm
#35
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Lake Oswego, OR
Programs: UA 1K 2MM, Marriott Lifetime Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,202
Nobody at ORD should have been surprised when a plane full of marooned passengers showed up at the terminal. These days, UA just appears to be allergic to the word "preemptive." Staff attitude at ORD seemed poor as well. On the other hand, the staff at SMF were a breath of fresh air and invited us all back for a longer stay when we had more time.
Jan 13, 2015, 5:58 pm
#36
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 1
1/9/15 UA1263 SFO - BOS 10:30p
Delayed three times, finally cancelled due to crew availability. Next rebook available was 15hrs later (and not applicable to my 9am EST meeting). At first was offered no "gesture", further pressing, 2500mi. Keeping it up, 2500mi is pretty low for a United-error.
Delayed three times, finally cancelled due to crew availability. Next rebook available was 15hrs later (and not applicable to my 9am EST meeting). At first was offered no "gesture", further pressing, 2500mi. Keeping it up, 2500mi is pretty low for a United-error.
Jan 17, 2015, 1:15 pm
#37
Join Date: Jan 2011
Programs: UA Platinum Marriott Platinum
Posts: 276
UA 1200 today delayed 8 hours sfo-Iah Red eye that didn't depart until 8:30 am. Ouch
Jan 21, 2015, 1:02 pm
#38
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: 6,274
On UA 597 today - UA swapped a domestic 757 for an international 767 and local crew here in Vegas can't load plane properly (according to pilot). Flight status in UA app says we departed about 30 min ago - still at gate though - hope I don't miss my connection!
Still sitting here at gate - over an hour late.... What a joke.
Still sitting here at gate - over an hour late.... What a joke.
Last edited by FlyinHawaiian; Feb 16, 2015 at 6:21 am
Jan 21, 2015, 1:36 pm
#39
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this morning's LAX-SMF UA5635 was grossly delayed, sched 802am, dep 1155am. inbound arrived 8min late to LAX from SMF, so no real reason is clear to me at this point, probably MX or crew. the DL flight arriving at 9:45am diverted to RNO after circling for awhile with heavy fog limiting arrivals.
Jan 29, 2015, 12:26 pm
#40
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
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DC-Bound United Plane Makes "Roller Coaster" Emergency Landing
A United plane that may have caught fire over California made a quick "roller coaster" descent into Ontario International Airport at about 9 a.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration and a passenger's account.
United flight 1181 turned back to Southern California from its original flight path to Washington Dulles International Airport from Los Angeles International Airport, according to the FAA.
"The flight landed safely after diverting to Ontario, California, due to reports of a burning smell," according to a statement released by United.
United flight 1181 turned back to Southern California from its original flight path to Washington Dulles International Airport from Los Angeles International Airport, according to the FAA.
"The flight landed safely after diverting to Ontario, California, due to reports of a burning smell," according to a statement released by United.
Feb 2, 2015, 6:05 am
#41
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Japan
Posts: 5,577
UA 1211 IAD-LAX is delayed at least 2 hrs this morning. Gate agent call it "Mechanical", United.com says "Aircraft Maintenance". Full flight with 75 on the upgrade list. We are not even on there although we had applied with SWU ( or whatever it's called now ).
Feb 2, 2015, 8:50 pm
#42
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Japan
Posts: 5,577
Update : Eventually flight left at noon and arrived 4 hrs late. No e-mail from United. Delay was mechanical.
Feb 3, 2015, 7:00 am
#43
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Suburban Philadelphia
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Posts: 3,392
Last evening UX 5271 flight ABE-ORD. Inbound plane comes in close to on time. We eventually board about 20 minutes or so late. Sitting on plane for a few minutes (longer then should have been necessary.)
Pilot finally comes on and says that the winds have increased 15 knots since they landed 45 minutes ago, and now the active runway is too short due to the crosswinds (ERJ145.) States that the other runway won't be available for about another 2 hours, and the pilot had been on since 6 AM and he timed out in about a minute and a half.
Re-booked the following day, arriving 24 hours late.
To UA's credit, they didn't mark the cx as "weather", but as "cancelled due to crew availability."
ETA: Was chatting with a guy at the gate who was on that flight the day before. Said they had gotten halfway to ORD and then turned around and went back to ABE because of the weather in ORD. Guess it was easier than a diversion?
Pilot finally comes on and says that the winds have increased 15 knots since they landed 45 minutes ago, and now the active runway is too short due to the crosswinds (ERJ145.) States that the other runway won't be available for about another 2 hours, and the pilot had been on since 6 AM and he timed out in about a minute and a half.
Re-booked the following day, arriving 24 hours late.
To UA's credit, they didn't mark the cx as "weather", but as "cancelled due to crew availability."
ETA: Was chatting with a guy at the gate who was on that flight the day before. Said they had gotten halfway to ORD and then turned around and went back to ABE because of the weather in ORD. Guess it was easier than a diversion?
Feb 3, 2015, 9:29 am
#44
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Naples - Chicago - Park City
Programs: UA 1K Million Miler, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, Amex Plat
Posts: 290
Consolidated cancelled/delayed domestic flights [2015]
6:00 a.m. 1198 LGA-ORD this morning started getting delayed immediately and for the first 4 hours of the delay the board and GAs announced it was crew issues with pilots and cabin crews not making it in from the city (however we all got here in time). After the crew arrived there were de-icing issues delaying us further. At that point the board changed to delayed by "Severe weather conditions" while other flights were getting out fine. Now we are officially delayed until 11:45 a.m. because according to the GA "a part in the cockpit needs to be changed". Of course the board still blames "Severe weather conditions." 5:45 delay and counting now.
Feb 3, 2015, 3:13 pm
#45
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Medics check 175 aboard United flight after emergency landing
(CNN)Passengers aboard a United Airlines flight from Chicago to Denver got sick from a cabin pressure issue that forced a quick landing, according to an airline spokeswoman.
United Airlines Flight 1218 took off at 9:01 a.m., but shortly after it reached 15,000 feet, the pilot took it below 10,000 feet and returned to O'Hare International Airport, according to tracking website FlightAware.com.
United Airlines Flight 1218 took off at 9:01 a.m., but shortly after it reached 15,000 feet, the pilot took it below 10,000 feet and returned to O'Hare International Airport, according to tracking website FlightAware.com.