I just flew MSP-EWR on one of these flights and I have to say they are a complete mess. Yes they are using some back channels to make these flights work and optimize the combined fleet, but honestly as a frequent traveler I almost feel that it is not even worth dealing with them.

1.)Purchased on UA, but UA.com said to secure a seat on CO.com. Ok, I can handle that. I called CO to ask about the upgrade waitlist since I was on a B fare, she said that UA's upgrade rules were in affect until the airport when CO took over using the airport waitlist. Regardless she said F was full. I had read on here that EUA was in play, although maybe that was back when these flights had CO numbers.

2.) My original flight went Mechanical, they moved the departure from 615 to 715, then 815, then 915 and then cancelled it. There was no other aircraft to replace the flight. Has anyone else experienced these issues with cross fleeting? I am not sure where the aircraft was stuck, but is EWR equipped to handle mechanical issues on these birds?

3.)I am a frequent traveler so despite everything pointing to a UA flight I knew to check in with CO. Although the CO kiosk did not register that I had a reservation in the system. Even after I swipped my passport and then entered my OP # (I added my # online on CO.com with no issues) it required an agent to manually print my BP. Luckily she was also able to secure me a seat on an earlier flight (delayed 2 hours)

4.)We boarded and there was absolutely no mention of CO, I am not sure if this is to be expected due to the clause issue. Although the FA said "We would like to extend a special welcome to our SkyMiles members those Global Services, 1k, and premier executives"...huh? Do these FA's fly across different airlines or do they stick with all UAX, Delta, etc? Yes, it could be a honest mistake, my issue is why they don't acknowledge the CO elites (yes, trivial, but still)

5.)Online flight status of these flights is very confusing, you can't find it on CO.com unless you specifically put in the Flt# and as others have complained there is no status on the incoming flight and no upgrade waitlist. Also CO.com didn't list the delay until it was pushed back to 815, I had found out about the delay from CO messages at least 3 hours earlier.


Rant Off....I feel that UA and CO have to get these flights in line. I understand the "politics" behind it, but I can see this being extremely confusing and frustrating to an average passenger, hell it was for me and I fly every week.