Very interesting post. We've all seen flyers lose their cool in airports, but there seems to be a theme of generalization in this post.

I take issue with one statement:

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

Well, I wouldn't claim to be "better" than someone else, but I'm certainly DIFFERENT than people with no status or an employee.

Let's first compare me to people with no status: UA has marketed to me that they will treat me like a VIP becuase of my loyalty to the airline. United created this whole status thing and decided that because I fly a all over the place and spend tens of thousands of dollars on airfare (company spends it actually) that I am different. I should be treated as such. Let's face it...when it's a Friday night, and I missed my connection due to weather, and there are only a handful of seats on the last flight to Orange County, I expect that my status will put me on top of that stand-by list (or do you suggest that I graciously bow out and give my spot to a flyer with no status or an employee who flys for free??).

As for the employee...please give me a break. I almost lost my dinner when I read about how you would gladly give your F class seat up to an employee. I respect the employees, but they are paid to do a job. I never asked to have my "ego stroked," but I certainly expect prompt, friendly, and courteous service. You grossly generalize that elite status flyers are all walking around with our noses in the air.

Oh, by the way...I'm the guy who started the post the other day regarding the pre-departure drinks. Oh my god! Am I out of line? Excuse me, is my ego too big? No, I simply want what UA advertises.

Be humble if that's what rocks your world. I'm just a paying customer that wants things delivered as promised....and excuse me if I speak up when they're not.