Originally Posted by
mahasamatman
One would be wrong.
And i'm ok with being wrong. In the end, gate agents have the ultimate call as they should.
Originally Posted by
emanon256
Actually, after re-reading the OP, the 4 PAX were not even on the standby list. They were transfered to this flight. So there was space available, that the OP was waiting for on standby. The other PAX were then re-ticket onto the flight, and the GA asked that the 4 pax not be IVDBd. Then no standby space was available for the OP. So basically, the OP was standby, and other PAX were confirmed for the flight, making the Sort Order moot.
very good point. If the flight was full when the OP tried to get on it and the other four passengers got on, it's possible that the other agent opened up space or it's also possible they were already confirmed before he got there. We really don't know and anything else is speculation. But, being that they did have confirmed seats (even if it's by an agent opening up availability) then the OP was indeed the only person on the Standby list and not disserviced.
Originally Posted by
emcampbe
The fact is - UA could have had four pax that would have required overnight stays in SFO/LAX and a full 24-hour delay vs. 1 who possibly had to stay in SFO and a few hour delay. Had the OP been proactive, after the flight closed, they should have requested to be put on another carrier. Everytime delays have caused me to miss my last connection, I have always called and asked to be routed on another carrier. As a 2P, i have never once been denied, and the cause has always been delays due to WX or ATC. While it is possible, as UA can be inconsistent, I would think chances are good that a 1K wouldn't have much trouble getting the same.
And that is the right thing to do. I do the same. I've learned that if you're helpful and offer suggestions, they will generally help you get your request.
Originally Posted by
emcampbe
How would this have averted "a situation?" Sure, it would have averted the OP's situation, but the situation of the 4 stuck GM's would have been worse. UA made the right call here.
Originally Posted by
Ripper3785
I think fozz meant having the GA ask for 1 other pax to VDB, not one of the 4 pax.
That's exactly what I was saying.
Originally Posted by
emanon256
But why should they ask a confirmed PAX to VDB, so someone on the standby list can go. That makes no sense. They were not over booked.
And you're correct, the part I missed was that the other four folks weren't standby and were confirmed. There is a difference.
It sucks for the OP that UA opened up seats for the other four folks but not them, but it's the luck of the draw and it was the right thing to do. Stranding four people in SFO for 24 hours vs one person for 8 should be a no-brainer to anyone.
As for the VDB, what I was saying is that if UA knew he would misconnect, they should have considered VDB'ing someone else on the LAX flight to get the OP to their destination.