Trip Report: ORD-EWR (VERY LONG!)
Jun 28, 1999, 12:05 am
#1
Commander Catcop
Original Poster
Join Date: May 1998
Posts: 10,259
Trip Report: ORD-EWR (VERY LONG!)
Or the Cat's feutal attempts to try to get home at a reasonable hour. (It was a FULL MOON, maybe that had something to do with it!)
Check-in at the PremEx line took about five minutes. The regular coach line went one for every. So did the FIRST CLASS/Premier line (WHY would they combine these two levels, they are so different.)
The agent tells me I can get on standby for the 3:30p or go on my originally scheduled 4:45p flight and have my upgraded seat confirmed. So I took the first class seat. Interesting that THIS TIME THEY ASKED FOR 1000 MI in Certificates. So I hand them over.
BIG, BIG MISTAKE!!!
With two hours plus to kill and in no mood to go to terminal L and find the Delta Crown Room I went to Bergoff's cafe. Waiting in line Mr. Mustachoed at the ice cream cashier asks for my order. I thought strange since they were taking orders in front of the food. SO I gave him mine: a Bratwurst with sauerkraut and a Beer. He also takes orders from several other people telling them NO CHARGE> He adds there was extra money on this big UA food voucher because the old lady who had it only wanted a cup of coffee.
Mass COnfusion because people went to checkout and were told we had to pay. I ended up getting the BratWurst for free but was told the vouchers do NOT pay for alcohol
NO problem, I pay and end up sitting with this dude who was still bombed from his best buddy's wedding saturday night and telling me not to get married. His alcohol breath made me smashed!
So I go to the gate for my 4:45p flight at four only to hear "FLIGHT 656 to EWR is cancelled." Run right to customer service and after waiting in line an hour am told I can go on standby for the 5:30p and can get confirmed for the 6:30p with a chance at First."
Take both, but I remind the clerk that I used my U-A certificates and wanted some type of reinbursement. So I get two One way Segment upgrades (HHUUMM< I can use these for the next long distance F-T get together or give to a dear F-T friend.)
The 5:30p flight is overbooked.
The 6:30p has NO gate assignment and the departure time changes to 7:15p, 7:45p, 7:50p... which prompts me to go BACK to Customer service. At 7:15p (another hour wait) I get on the 7:30p and run to the gate.
The 6:30p flight is now listed to depart at 8:55p. The plane has NOT arrived yet.
Flight ends up being a half hour delayed because they wanted to fill the plane with standbys.
Ende dup in seat 7A. right byt he window. The woman next to me was kind of upset because her husband was all the way in the back of th eplane. She ended up taking with the doctor in 7C, both in the medical profession. They both ignored me.
Meal looked like mush. The F-A handed it to me and I handed it right back. It was some Chicken in sauce mushed with rice and vegetables. I can eat at home.
The other F-A from First who looked like Calista Flockhart with a few more pounds had to help with the cleanup. I tried to hand over my Can of Coke and the cup and she snidely )Like Ally McBeal) said "OH you will have to wait until I collect everyone's trays (all of which had cans of soda and empty cups on them. All she had to do was put mine on one of the tohers.)
So Calista came back later and snatched the Crumbled up can of Coke and cup. Guess she was made she had to help with COACH cleanup.
Flight ended up being a half hour late getting in. I was so burend I took a SICK DAY from work. (I had an excuse... throbbign headache, lack of sleep, aggrevation and almost being knocked over by Calista Flockhart as I came out of the rest room.)
------------------
MEOW! MEOW! MEOW!!!
Check-in at the PremEx line took about five minutes. The regular coach line went one for every. So did the FIRST CLASS/Premier line (WHY would they combine these two levels, they are so different.)
The agent tells me I can get on standby for the 3:30p or go on my originally scheduled 4:45p flight and have my upgraded seat confirmed. So I took the first class seat. Interesting that THIS TIME THEY ASKED FOR 1000 MI in Certificates. So I hand them over.
BIG, BIG MISTAKE!!!
With two hours plus to kill and in no mood to go to terminal L and find the Delta Crown Room I went to Bergoff's cafe. Waiting in line Mr. Mustachoed at the ice cream cashier asks for my order. I thought strange since they were taking orders in front of the food. SO I gave him mine: a Bratwurst with sauerkraut and a Beer. He also takes orders from several other people telling them NO CHARGE> He adds there was extra money on this big UA food voucher because the old lady who had it only wanted a cup of coffee.
Mass COnfusion because people went to checkout and were told we had to pay. I ended up getting the BratWurst for free but was told the vouchers do NOT pay for alcohol
NO problem, I pay and end up sitting with this dude who was still bombed from his best buddy's wedding saturday night and telling me not to get married. His alcohol breath made me smashed!
So I go to the gate for my 4:45p flight at four only to hear "FLIGHT 656 to EWR is cancelled." Run right to customer service and after waiting in line an hour am told I can go on standby for the 5:30p and can get confirmed for the 6:30p with a chance at First."
Take both, but I remind the clerk that I used my U-A certificates and wanted some type of reinbursement. So I get two One way Segment upgrades (HHUUMM< I can use these for the next long distance F-T get together or give to a dear F-T friend.)
The 5:30p flight is overbooked.
The 6:30p has NO gate assignment and the departure time changes to 7:15p, 7:45p, 7:50p... which prompts me to go BACK to Customer service. At 7:15p (another hour wait) I get on the 7:30p and run to the gate.
The 6:30p flight is now listed to depart at 8:55p. The plane has NOT arrived yet.
Flight ends up being a half hour delayed because they wanted to fill the plane with standbys.
Ende dup in seat 7A. right byt he window. The woman next to me was kind of upset because her husband was all the way in the back of th eplane. She ended up taking with the doctor in 7C, both in the medical profession. They both ignored me.
Meal looked like mush. The F-A handed it to me and I handed it right back. It was some Chicken in sauce mushed with rice and vegetables. I can eat at home.
The other F-A from First who looked like Calista Flockhart with a few more pounds had to help with the cleanup. I tried to hand over my Can of Coke and the cup and she snidely )Like Ally McBeal) said "OH you will have to wait until I collect everyone's trays (all of which had cans of soda and empty cups on them. All she had to do was put mine on one of the tohers.)
So Calista came back later and snatched the Crumbled up can of Coke and cup. Guess she was made she had to help with COACH cleanup.
Flight ended up being a half hour late getting in. I was so burend I took a SICK DAY from work. (I had an excuse... throbbign headache, lack of sleep, aggrevation and almost being knocked over by Calista Flockhart as I came out of the rest room.)
------------------
MEOW! MEOW! MEOW!!!
Jun 29, 1999, 4:13 am
#3
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Honolulu,HI, USA
Programs: UA 1K 3MM
Posts: 839
Catman,
Next time don't stand in line at customer service, head for the nearest phone and call the PremEx number. They can book you on another flight much faster. Then ask about your upgrade certificate reimbursement after you've got your new flight. You'll feel much less stressed in line.
Better yet, join the RCC...
Next time don't stand in line at customer service, head for the nearest phone and call the PremEx number. They can book you on another flight much faster. Then ask about your upgrade certificate reimbursement after you've got your new flight. You'll feel much less stressed in line.
Better yet, join the RCC...
Jun 29, 1999, 6:51 am
#4
Original Member and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Kansas City, MO, USA
Programs: DL PM/MM, AA ExPlat, Hyatt Glob, HH Dia, National ECE, Hertz PC
Posts: 16,579
Better yet, fly DL where they rebook you automatically based on your status/fare paid/etc when a flight is cancelled! 
Jun 29, 1999, 9:37 am
#5
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Kirkland, WA
Posts: 6,932
Beckles,
Delta is a non-starter for me because they won't let you upgrade the cheapest fares. If United ever pulls that I will drop them so fast smoke will rise from my 1K card.
United has always automaticallly rebooked me on the next available flight. It still is worth checking either on the phone or (if 1K) at the 1K center because I'm very picky about what planes I fly. I'd rather wait another hour in the Denver RCC and fly a 757 in First back to Seattle than get the "automatic" next flight on a 737 in coach.
QL
Delta is a non-starter for me because they won't let you upgrade the cheapest fares. If United ever pulls that I will drop them so fast smoke will rise from my 1K card.
United has always automaticallly rebooked me on the next available flight. It still is worth checking either on the phone or (if 1K) at the 1K center because I'm very picky about what planes I fly. I'd rather wait another hour in the Denver RCC and fly a 757 in First back to Seattle than get the "automatic" next flight on a 737 in coach.
QL
Jun 29, 1999, 12:32 pm
#6
Commander Catcop
Original Poster
Join Date: May 1998
Posts: 10,259
The PremEx line was busy, and my cell phone was dying> Of course in my state I did not think of the PremEx line! Thank you Tropical Flyer, I am an idiot!
I had three people tell me (one verbally, two by e-mail) that I should just bite the bullet and pay for an RCC membership.
As my friend James said considering all the travel I do it's worth the investment. He notes I can just go right to the RCC get my tickets there and relax away from screaming couples and crying babies and people sparwled out on five seats.
I did not add to my trip report that I had to sit on the floor because there was no room at the waiting areas.
the Delta club was in Terminal L and I was too flustered to go hunting for it.
I walked by the RCC club 15 times and stood at teh door.
(while chorus of "come join us CATMAN" chanted inside like the whining Delta singing children theme!)
------------------
MEOW! MEOW! MEOW!!!
[This message has been edited by Catman (edited 06-29-1999).]
I had three people tell me (one verbally, two by e-mail) that I should just bite the bullet and pay for an RCC membership.
As my friend James said considering all the travel I do it's worth the investment. He notes I can just go right to the RCC get my tickets there and relax away from screaming couples and crying babies and people sparwled out on five seats.
I did not add to my trip report that I had to sit on the floor because there was no room at the waiting areas.
the Delta club was in Terminal L and I was too flustered to go hunting for it.
I walked by the RCC club 15 times and stood at teh door.
(while chorus of "come join us CATMAN" chanted inside like the whining Delta singing children theme!)
------------------
MEOW! MEOW! MEOW!!!
[This message has been edited by Catman (edited 06-29-1999).]
Jun 30, 1999, 6:18 am
#8
Original Member and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Kansas City, MO, USA
Programs: DL PM/MM, AA ExPlat, Hyatt Glob, HH Dia, National ECE, Hertz PC
Posts: 16,579
QuietLion ~ You think DL would let Catman buy a CRC membership?
He's got the Priority Pass, which now includes most domestic CRC's.
He's got the Priority Pass, which now includes most domestic CRC's.
Jun 30, 1999, 12:02 pm
#10
Commander Catcop
Original Poster
Join Date: May 1998
Posts: 10,259
The Priority Pass membership is not reciprocal to include U-A RCC as well as Delta. But I have written to Priority Pass saying that they should push U-A into accepting their card.
Then y'all see me all the time smiling with a PEPSI (or COKE) on workdays, Beer on non-work trips relaxed in the RCC lounge!
Mr. Lion: if you want to find me, just follow the strands of white and yellow and gold and orange cat hairs that adorn my luggage, clothes, etc. Especially more evident in summer when the cats shed for a summer coat!
------------------
MEOW! MEOW! MEOW!!!
Then y'all see me all the time smiling with a PEPSI (or COKE) on workdays, Beer on non-work trips relaxed in the RCC lounge!
Mr. Lion: if you want to find me, just follow the strands of white and yellow and gold and orange cat hairs that adorn my luggage, clothes, etc. Especially more evident in summer when the cats shed for a summer coat!
------------------
MEOW! MEOW! MEOW!!!
Jul 2, 1999, 5:11 pm
#12
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: DEN, UA PE, Hilton Gold, ** Reactivate Delete Feature**
Posts: 650
Follow the Yellow Hair Road
Follow the Yellow Hair Road
Follow follow follow follow
Follow the Yellow Hair Road
We're off to see the Catman
The Wonderful Catman of Paws
[Trying to get Siamese beige fur off of black slacks and Siamese brown fur off of tan slacks. Cantankerous continuous coloured cat.]
Follow the Yellow Hair Road
Follow follow follow follow
Follow the Yellow Hair Road
We're off to see the Catman
The Wonderful Catman of Paws
[Trying to get Siamese beige fur off of black slacks and Siamese brown fur off of tan slacks. Cantankerous continuous coloured cat.]
Jul 3, 1999, 6:21 am
#13
Commander Catcop
Original Poster
Join Date: May 1998
Posts: 10,259
OMNI: a little wooden sign in my kitchen says:
"Never trust anyone who doesn't have a little cat hair on their clothes."
I knew I could trust you Q-L.
Nice ditty too.
------------------
MEOW! MEOW! MEOW!!!
"Never trust anyone who doesn't have a little cat hair on their clothes."
I knew I could trust you Q-L.
Nice ditty too.
------------------
MEOW! MEOW! MEOW!!!
Jul 3, 1999, 3:13 pm
#14
In Memoriam
Join Date: May 1999
Location: San Francisco UA1K; AA Gold
Posts: 937
Back to the upgrades, I agree that it's disappointing to get bounced back to coach, but United is pretty fair to give us a confirmable upgrade good for long-hauls in North America (except Alaska, Hawaii, and San Juan)...even though the original flight (and coupon) may have been for much shorter. In fact, the last one I got because they changed aircraft after my waitlist for an upgrade cleared, but before I had given them my upgrade coupons!
[This message has been edited by johna (edited 07-03-1999).]
[This message has been edited by johna (edited 07-03-1999).]
Jul 3, 1999, 8:35 pm
#15
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: SEA
Posts: 3,178
Just thought I'd let you know Catman...I've got 3 felines. Orange, black & calico means I have a chance to have little hairs on every piece of clothing I own!!
Oh yeah...as soon as I put my garment bag or suitcase on the bed to pack, at least 2 of them jump into it.
[This message has been edited by shadow (edited 07-03-1999).]
Oh yeah...as soon as I put my garment bag or suitcase on the bed to pack, at least 2 of them jump into it.
[This message has been edited by shadow (edited 07-03-1999).]