Originally Posted by
toomanybooks
That may be what they told you, but UA at IAD lies so much I wouldn't bet on it.
My wife refuses ever to set foot on a UA plane because of it. Bummer for me with all these UR points.
This story was told to me by UA agents in Denver. There were weather issues in the IAD area and my flight number was one where it started in IAD. However, they change aircraft in Denver. So, I can't remember the flight number, but there was a flight 123 (or whatever) from IAD to DEN. That arrived as some gate in DEN. My flight was also flight 123, but departing from a different gate. My airplane was sitting at the gate with no one to fly it. The IAD-DEN was clearly a different physical aircraft. Both the in-bound and out-bound were A-320's. While I can't prove they weren't lying, the story was consistent with the facts. Why they do that (change aircraft, keeping the same flight number), I have no idea. Seems like just added confusion to me.
Also, if they were lying, they should have come up with a better lie ... because their lie didn't cast them in the best light. If you are going to lie, at least come up with a story that makes you (UA) look good, not stupid!
My wife will fly on anything (except Aeroflot and maybe Malaysia these days) Vacation? Bring it on! But, like me, neither of us want to get ripped off by the airline. Companion pass? Oh yeah, lets go flying! Non-stop on UA vs. connection/land travel on SWA? How much are the bag fees? Gee, that really would be nice not to fly into SEA, spend the night, then take a train or car to YVR. OK, let's pay that UA rip off price. Sure wish WN flew to YVR (maybe coming soon?)
Originally Posted by
Bonehead
I must admit that I have underestimated the importance of the "no change fee" policy to WN regulars, but don't folks get bitten by the upfare requirement at times? The free SDC on UA is great, but of course is of no use if your plans change three weeks out, whereas the WN policy is great in those circumstances.
In addition, the Companion Pass seems to be a big deal as well. Clearly there are advantages and disadvantages to both WN and UA, and one's flying patterns clearly play a big role in determining which airline works best. For me, I'm getting older and crankier and am a big guy (not a COS, but not a jockey either), so UA FC makes my travel bearable. I'm also able to pay the incremental cost in many cases, so I realize that I may be a bit of an outlier.
You've summed it up well. Nobody likes change fees or bag fees. Huge disadvantages of flying UA that they COULD get rid of if they wanted to.
Free SDC, a pretty nice benefit. I used to use it more on UA when I could book a cheaper later in the day flight and then jump to mid-day and know that I had a 95% chance of getting the earlier flight. I don't think that is the case anymore. Nice, but its usefulness varies, in my experience.
First class is truly a decent size seat. I appreciate your post. I will look more at UA. Trouble is, with companion pass, if UA first class is equal in price to WN devolve coach, when I am traveling with family, WN is still 33% cheaper for me (family of 3). But, if I am traveling alone... Yeah, UA, bring it on.
I LOVE Southwest, but I'm not married to Southwest. I will fly on someone other than Southwest when there is a logical argument for it. Southwest will still welcome me back, even if I have not been 100% faithful to them (although that Herb guy scares me just a little bit for "cheating" on SWA ... it is his baby daughter after all!)
