Ever wonder if all of this has just gotten a bit out of hand? All of these FF's need to take a deep breath and just calm down about what is really a glorified bus service.

Last week flying up to ORD from ATL, the equipment was changed from an A320 to an A319 again -- and the passengers confirmed in row 3 in FC were downgraded; I was one of these individuals. About 10 minutes prior the gate agent (ATL service director) called myself and another passenger up to the podium -- He gave me a seat assignment in first and then told the other individual that he had one more seat available and that he could not provide his companion with a seat.

The gentleman went crazy! Screaming and moaning -- launching obsenities at the service director because he was a 100k flier and he and his companion were confirmed -- finally, I told the gentleman to calm down, and asked the service director to give his companion my seat, and I happily took a seat in Economy. They agents were extremely relieved. It isn't their fault that UA changes flight equipment.

This isn't the first time I've seen someone be so at the gate or on an airplane. I hate sitting next to that whining pax in FC, complaining about the service or what they experienced at the airport. I am tired of premier's moaning and groaning over what they are not getting: No pre drink service, no diet 7up, no coat service, not receiving and upgrade b/c of an employee, not clearing a waitlist.

Since when are you better than someone with no status or an employee?

I flew 230,000+ miles last year, to some people that is quite alot of traveling and there are some that find that to be absolutely nothing -- We've been conditioned to learn that the more you fly, the more privileges are earned. But earning is different then deserving.

I would gladly let any employee (perhaps for the exception of James Goodwin) sit in my First Class seat over me <b>any day</b>, unless I <b>PAID</b> for that class -- pilots, flight attendents, airport personel, reservation agents do a THANKLESS job for us everyday -- always stroking our ego's, just so that we can get to point B having average wine and overcooked beef.

Don't you think it a reality check is in order here?

There is nothing wrong about discussing the system, figuring out how United operates -- but whether you like it our not, United is a human operation and yes, agents make mistakes, judgement calls, favors, etc...

And yet, when something doesn't go the way you like it, you still just write a letter to customer service and get your silly little voucher so that you can begin the process again.

So often do I see traveller's forgeting that the gate agent on the other side of the podium is a human just like you and me.

I really feel that United's only responsibility is to get me to the destination that I'm paying to get to within a reasonable time as promised. I also believe <b>I'm entitled to fly in the class that I PAY for</b>, and if I upgrade and upgrade successfully, it is just a perk, that is only truely mine until that boarding pass is in my hand.

Yet, United has such a loyal cult of fliers. All engaged in a love-hate relationship.

I would just like to see people be a little bit more compassionate, patient, and calm throughout the process -- and if you are unhappy, go elsewhere or just don't fly.


- Adam

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1K Superstar
[email protected]

[This message has been edited by 1Ksuperstar (edited 06-18-2001).]