SFO is notorious for its inconsistency. Last week, I had a full fare first class transcon ticket and was chastised by the rover for being in the wrong line.

I pointed out that it was a full fare first ticket and was soundly told that because my Firm has a corporate discount with the airline and the discounted fare is printed on the face of the ticket, even though it is booked in F, I didn't qualify for the line. While I was disagreeing with her, (without being disageeable), the next agent called me to the First Class check-in.

Before I could ask about this new turn of events, I was apologized to for having to wait in line, breezed through the questions, promptly issued my boarding pass, given access to the First Class transcon lounge and thanked for my patronage.

I was later greeted on the plane by Special Services to thank me for choosing UA, was everything okay, did I need anything else and introductions to the cabin staff. My only response was that I didn't understand what was going on up front at check-in. I was told that obviously, the rover didn't understand either, and that class of service being flown was where one could check in. How one got to F class was irrelevant; fare purchased, upgrades and elite status would not come into play.

Returning from IAD the next evening, I inquired again about my SFO experience and was bluntly told that "ya checks in in the line where yer butt's gonna set."

Same overall message with that little something extra that only the charm-free folks at IAD can muster.