I'm just shy of 30, but I look closer to 25 -- and I'm constantly stopped on UA. I've had gate agents who are coming on the plane to move me up to first laugh and say they must have the wrong seat, I've been stopped going into the United Club (several times) -- including once by an agent who said "I just looked way too young to be a 1K." Most times it comes from older employees -- and I'm often treated the best by younger UAX employees on regional jets.

I've brought it up with a few of my friends who work for UA, and they say unfortunately the ageism can be rampant with crews, too. I've brought it up with customer service a couple times, but it's hard to prove. Not sure what the solution is.