Originally Posted by
cubsfan312
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.
This. Way back when I was 13 or so (I’m 30 now), When my parents got divorced I traveled between them every month cross country. I was accused of using my fathers elite card three times over a span of about 4 years. Also the looks I got on op-ups on the plane from a guy in a 3 piece suit were priceless!
It got to the point where I wrote into WorldPerks and requested they send me a written letter I could present to agents explaining I was the actual elite member and this was not my fathers card so I could avoid these confrontations.
I completely understand and agree with the OP and don’t doubt for a minute that what is happening, is happening. So don’t think you’re crazy. You’re not, and it’s really sad that US carriers have such horrible FA’s. Unfortunately it’s a real problem, and there isn’t much you can do about it. Especially on all the US-3 carriers. I’ve never had a problem traveling in J or F on a Gulf carrier or an Asian carrier.
When I book J/F on an American carrier I actually expect to be treated differently and sort of just go with the flow because there really isn’t much you can do from passive aggressive behavior towards you on an airplane. I just set my bar so low that nothing bothers me.