Question: What should I request from the 1K desk as compensation for a flight delay (3 hours) that resulted in cancellation due to not having crew members to fly the plane (no weather involved). The next departing flight was overbooked with a wait list of 75 people (SFO-ORD, July 27th), and had been delayed over 7 hours when it finally departed, due to mechanical problems. I did finally get on this plane, but left over 4 hours later than I should have. Both of these rationale were not weather-related, but UA management-related. When we arrived into O'Hare at 4:45 AM, there was no one to "park" the aircraft, so we waited another 15 minutes. Then, there was no one to drive the jetway, which was another 5-10 minutes. I waited nearly half an hour for my bags--total wait on the ground after landing was over 1 hour.

Add to it that my attempts to rebook were met with indifference by the 1K desk person who answered my call, and with rudeness by the Red Carpet Club agent (SFO).

United non-weather delays are bad enough, but when the gate agents are rude and indifferent, the problem really escalates.

I'm planning to write the 1K desk, and need an idea of whether to ask for miles, upgrades, vouchers, or whatever. I'm sure there is a thread on this, but can't find it.