Originally Posted by
moondog
While I realize that we have existing threads on both automated check-in annoyances and flights with no service because of possible turbulence, I happened to encounter both on the same flight yesterday, and the cumulative impact left me feeling sour.
1. I wanted to check in with a human being because my bag needs to come with me to Shanghai (i.e. not just ORD or YVR). The gatekeeper in the UA check-in area forced me to use the kiosk, and chastised me for not knowing my confirmation number.
2. I honestly don't care about onboard service between JAX and ORD, but the lead FA made at least 5 PA announcements explaining that there would be zero contact with us passengers because the captain advised that there "might" be turbulence. As it turns out, there wasn't any turbulence of substance.
3. The plane went to the penalty box after landing because there was no gate for us for 15 minutes. I decided to use the bathroom (seatbelt sign off) and the lead FA immediately got on her phone with the captain to tell him that "a passenger was standing".
The short of it is that I've had a streak of 30 good/great UA flights during the past 2 years...and just this one bad one. Unfortunately. the single bad apple is likely to push me closer to Delta.
Please accept my apologies for the rant post, but also note that I almost never do this.
I share your dislike of the kiosks, especially for multi PNR travel. Even though you can get the BP for the self-connecting flight I cannot figure out how to get the connection on the luggage tag. Then you have to go to the counter, have your first bag tag canceled and a new one put on. But the number of people doing this must be exceedingly low. Especially a station like JAX.
The kiosks cannot be escaped, they are showing up on airlines around the world. Go with the flow or you will end up only flying the most technologically unsophisticated airlines.
If you feel the personal interaction was not professional, there is always
United Customer Care Don't hesitate to use it if you feel you were not treated respectfully.
I think you know that planes cannot taxi in, out or about without all passengers seated and belted. The FA has a duty to inform the pilot when a passenger is up, even for a call of nature. I'd bet there is an FAA regulation on that.