Originally Posted by
lulubell
We always travel as a family of 2 adults and 2 kids. Moreover ,my kids are disabled one is epileptic and one is autistic- asthmatic.
God bless you (and your husband) for being caring enough parents to travel with your disabled children. It’s difficult enough to raise any children today, let alone those who are challenged in one way or another. And then to travel with them, internationally no less, you and your husband should be applauded.
Originally Posted by
lulubell
We travel every other month and have bent over backwards to use United and its Star Alliance members over the years even when it meant paying a bit more or waiting longer in international transits.
I agree completely, it’s very annoying when loyalty is a one-way street. It’s sad that our society has deteriorated to this point. Businesses used to understand the concept of good-will and customer satisfaction and repeat business, now they just care about the concept of the bottom line and no longer seem to understand that the 2 concepts are actually intertwined. To them repeat business is important, so long as it doesn’t require much in the way of extra effort. There are enough potential first timers so as to render repeaters just another commodity. I suggest repeating only when it had direct and tangible benefits, not for any possible future consideration. Elite status should be worthwhile to someone based on the concrete benefits (more award miles, upgrades, better seating), preferential treatment is merely a possible bonus.
I’m far from an expert and I don’t travel nearly as often as many here do but I’ve always done the same as you regarding checking seats. I check on-line periodically, perhaps once every 2-3 weeks if months out, once a week if a month out and then every 2-3 days when a couple of weeks out. Surprises, especially unpleasant surprises, are never welcome.
Depending no how much time you have until your flights, I suggest a certified letter mailed to the CEO of United. He won’t ever see it but is should be seen by someone at a higher level than you can reach by phone. You could also try email via the United.com website, sometimes that will get to sympathetic ears (or eyes) and at least it should garner a rapid reply. You could also try email to
[email protected] . (I believe this is the address for website submitted email.) You could do all of the above, you only need ONE sympathetic person and the more people you contact the greater the chances of finding that one.
Good luck. Have a wonderful trip!