Very rude SFO RCC agent re: mileage runs
#46
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Boulder, CO
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If you want to be really cynical (and who doesn't?), one should also consider that mileage runs (and even just extra, unnecessary connections) "artificially" inflate loads on those segments, perhaps preventing cutbacks in capacity and thereby preventing fuel savings and/or more efficient redistribution of equipment, lthus preventing a potential reduction in emissions... and drowning a polar bear cub.
In practicality, MRs and/or unnecessary connections probably account for a tiny fraction of a percent of total miles flown and therefore have negligible effect on the above... but in theory, fewer MRs could mean lower loads -> capacity reductions and/or fewer VDBs/IDBs -> less fuel used and/or more efficient use of equipment and/or fewer "unnecessary" vouchers given out -> lower operating costs and/or lower emissions -> healthier company and/or healthier planet.
In theory, anyway.
Ooo, good point. Upgrades are another issue, though obviously less important than standby. Because most MR'ers are high-status and therefore at the top of the standby list and upgrade waitlist, some "regular" (dare I say, "legitimate?" ) passengers waiting for standby space or upgrades could be displaced. By maximizing the number of connections, an MR'er also increases the likelihood of encountering irrops and therefore does increase the likelihood of potentially displacing a "regular" ("legitimate? ) passenger.
These probabilities may be small, but they are not zero. Don't get me wrong, I don't really have anything against mileage-running (though I don't, and probably would not, do it myself), but the above should be considered, methinks.
In practice, most likely. In theory, not necessarily. However, don't forget that more weight = more fuel required/burned, so even if the flight flies as usual, cutting weight (by cutting passengers) means lower fuel consumption. Moreover, on weight-limited flights, fewer passengers means more cargo, which would otherwise have to be shipped out on other flights. Even if the flight flies as usual, the ability to use that extra weight for something else (e.g. cargo) could indirectly lead to (some) fuel/emissions savings later.
In practicality, MRs and/or unnecessary connections probably account for a tiny fraction of a percent of total miles flown and therefore have negligible effect on the above... but in theory, fewer MRs could mean lower loads -> capacity reductions and/or fewer VDBs/IDBs -> less fuel used and/or more efficient use of equipment and/or fewer "unnecessary" vouchers given out -> lower operating costs and/or lower emissions -> healthier company and/or healthier planet.
In theory, anyway.
These probabilities may be small, but they are not zero. Don't get me wrong, I don't really have anything against mileage-running (though I don't, and probably would not, do it myself), but the above should be considered, methinks.
In practice, most likely. In theory, not necessarily. However, don't forget that more weight = more fuel required/burned, so even if the flight flies as usual, cutting weight (by cutting passengers) means lower fuel consumption. Moreover, on weight-limited flights, fewer passengers means more cargo, which would otherwise have to be shipped out on other flights. Even if the flight flies as usual, the ability to use that extra weight for something else (e.g. cargo) could indirectly lead to (some) fuel/emissions savings later.
#47
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I know exactly who OP is referring to. He also works the First/GS checkin desks and really is a major piece of work.
I was once checking in a bag for a flight and mid-way through the process another passenger interrupted us with a few questions. About 4 minutes later, when this agent eventually got rid of the other passenger (not very politely I might add) he resumes checking me in, looks at his screen then with a serious face looks up at me and says "You missed the baggage check-in deadline by 1 minute. We are now at 44 minutes before departure". You will have to sign this waiver which relieves United of any responsibility regarding your bag if it doesn't make it on to the flight. He also told me he would not be able to tag my bag as priority because I missed the deadline. I laughed at him and said "it'll make it on the flight, no matter how you tag it or don't tag it". I think his glasses began to steam up and his Bart Simpson style haircut stuck up even more when I said that.
I was once checking in a bag for a flight and mid-way through the process another passenger interrupted us with a few questions. About 4 minutes later, when this agent eventually got rid of the other passenger (not very politely I might add) he resumes checking me in, looks at his screen then with a serious face looks up at me and says "You missed the baggage check-in deadline by 1 minute. We are now at 44 minutes before departure". You will have to sign this waiver which relieves United of any responsibility regarding your bag if it doesn't make it on to the flight. He also told me he would not be able to tag my bag as priority because I missed the deadline. I laughed at him and said "it'll make it on the flight, no matter how you tag it or don't tag it". I think his glasses began to steam up and his Bart Simpson style haircut stuck up even more when I said that.
#48
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: SJC
Programs: UA MM
Posts: 1,195
That said, you'll probably use more fuel and create more emissions doing whatever else you'd be doing that day, so I'll withdraw that one.
#49
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Join Date: Mar 2004
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No; a MR is no different from any other booked itinerary under UA's rules. Would you be willing to accept the "danger" of an agent refusing to help if you had a business meeting you had to get to, but which irrops had messed up--when there was a solution readily apparent if only the agent would take it?
Lucky, I hope you use your "magic powers" to bring this agent's attitude to the attention of the appropriate people. That an agent would dare talk to any customer in that fashion is absolutely inexcusable.
#51
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Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: UA Plat/2MM [23-yr. 1K, now emeritus] clawing way back to WN-A List; MR LT Titanium; HY Whateverist.
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Some years ago, in Hemispheres or its predecessor mag., UA featured a retired flyer who did MRs to ensure his status requalif. I've regularly encountered UA agents over the years who offered to shorten my itinerary on account of irrops or just to make it more convenient for this 1K. Every time, that I mentioned my need for that extra segment to ensure 1K requalif., I was accommodated without hesitation -- or a lecture.
#52
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He probably has a Personnel file that's yea thick so I'm sure his manager would really appreciate any help you can offer in getting rid of this clown. However, I would urge you to do it as soon as possible.
#53
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Join Date: Apr 2003
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I cannot comment on MRs because I have never done one to qualify desired status.
I do have a comment about the unfriendly RCC agent in the OP. If UA does not like MR, then do something about it instead having a frontline employee making rude comments to a customer. The only party to blame is the airlines themselves by creating the system and fail to make changes based on changes in market condition.
I do have a comment about the unfriendly RCC agent in the OP. If UA does not like MR, then do something about it instead having a frontline employee making rude comments to a customer. The only party to blame is the airlines themselves by creating the system and fail to make changes based on changes in market condition.
#54
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#55
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Here is my experience reporting an agent who was rude at DFW some time ago. It's a long (and quite boring) description so here is the Cliffs note version...
During Check-in I ticked off a UA agent and she refuses to deal w/ me. OK, lot's of women refuse to have anything to do with me but this was different!
Another agent steps in and helps me. I report incident to a CSD. CSD and Manager both take statements from me over tea and stale bagels. Employee is fired the same day.
The complete version...
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...435&highlight=
During Check-in I ticked off a UA agent and she refuses to deal w/ me. OK, lot's of women refuse to have anything to do with me but this was different!
Another agent steps in and helps me. I report incident to a CSD. CSD and Manager both take statements from me over tea and stale bagels. Employee is fired the same day.
The complete version...
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...435&highlight=
#56
Join Date: Jan 2006
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#57
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: San Jose, CA, USA
Posts: 546
Lucky, you have to report this tool, you'll be doing all of us a favor. He needs to be fired. Today.
#58
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DEN, MCO
Programs: UA 1K/MM | DL Gold | AA Gold | Marriott Platinum | Hilton Gold
Posts: 248
I was also in the SFO RCC today (arrived from NRT). I luckily didn't see him though before I left for DEN. I make it a point to avoid him when I do see him. I will be doubly sure to avoid him in the future, especially if on a MR.
#59
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I imagine he is nothing more than a very intelligent bully. He knows when to be nice and when he can get away with being a jerk. For the most part probably messes with the right people (those who are not in a position to do much or who he knows won't say anything). There's probably thousands upon thousands of Asia based infrequent First class flyers that he has belittled over the years. Anyway, every bully makes a huge miscalculation sooner or later and his treatment of Lucky might just result in him being shown the door.
Last edited by iluv2fly; May 24, 2008 at 11:41 pm Reason: wording
#60
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Portland, Oregon
Programs: AA EXP UA 2KMM AMB
Posts: 2,399
I know this agent that Lucky had the pleasure of dealing with at RCC as well. The thing is, he's probably one of the more knowledgeable ones at SFO. Perhaps a little too knowledgeable .
He definitely has opinions on certain things and will tell you right on your face. I still remember the last interaction I had with him where I wanted a direct (the opposite of what the OP wanted) SFO-LAS rather than my original SFO-LAX-LAS and he was actually hesitant to do this at the time reminding me of a confirmed F seat on the SFO-LAX segment that I would no longer enjoy. In any case, I ended the successful and rather helpful change with, "Thank you, sir. I do appreciate that." To this he replied, "You know, you shouldn't sir any of us. It makes employees look down on you and that shouldn't be the case. We are employees and we are lower than you".
I thought that was a weird commentary regarding my mere attempt for polite and thankful address, but whatever. This guy is definitely a ____________ (you fill in the blank )
He definitely has opinions on certain things and will tell you right on your face. I still remember the last interaction I had with him where I wanted a direct (the opposite of what the OP wanted) SFO-LAS rather than my original SFO-LAX-LAS and he was actually hesitant to do this at the time reminding me of a confirmed F seat on the SFO-LAX segment that I would no longer enjoy. In any case, I ended the successful and rather helpful change with, "Thank you, sir. I do appreciate that." To this he replied, "You know, you shouldn't sir any of us. It makes employees look down on you and that shouldn't be the case. We are employees and we are lower than you".
I thought that was a weird commentary regarding my mere attempt for polite and thankful address, but whatever. This guy is definitely a ____________ (you fill in the blank )