Originally Posted by
Rivarix
I have a question for UA frequent flyers: Depending on the circumstances, will UA return to gate to pickup mis-connecting passengers when it's the last flight of the day? Currently on UA2418. We were already taxiing (and scheduled to arrive on time) when captain announced we needed to return to gate due to some maintenance log issue. Plane door opened, additional mis-connecting passengers boarded ... and apparently no maintenance issue. So now we're ready to go.
I normally fly OW so not familiar with how UA handles mis-connecting flights. Flying UA today as I was out in Loudoun and didn't feel like heading to DCA (to take AA) to fly back to NY.
Flight status says your delay was caused by a delay in fueling the plane. Is it possible that when the plane went back to the gate it was refueled (it would be under the wing so hard to see) -- thus allowing some late connecting passengers to get on board?
To answer your question -- in general I have not experienced planes going back to the gate like this very often. Yes - UA will sometimes "hold" the last flights to protect passengers -- but not for hours....