Consolidated "Delayed/Cancelled" International Flights (2012/13)
Apr 21, 2012, 5:19 pm
#32
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Seattle WA, USA
Programs: UA MP 1K 2MM
Posts: 527
fogs in Sydney
Sorry that someone is sitting at BNE when they want to be in SYD, but
this weather pattern is not uncommon flying into Sydney in mid-winter. I think I have been on at least two LAX-SYD UA flights that diverted to BNE for additional fuel and for a landing slot. The issue, as explained to me, was not unlike the SFO on a bad day situation--limits to inbound flights requiring delays in spacing. I recall the last time, the fog was really bad and SYD was in chaos for all concerned. I had to wait in line for 2 hours at Quantas to rebook a connection. Apart from the delay, Australia does not have the policy of the USA that passengers must be disembarked and cleared through immigration and customs at the first point of landing. (Indeed UA through pax to MEL clear customs at MEL.) On a related side issue, this may explain why TATL 757s divert to Newfoundland or Montreal for refueling, since landing at Bangor would require the whole customs, immigration unloading procedures. (I recall many years ago PanAm's LHR-SEA non-stop (of beloved memory alas), had waited on the tarmac at LHR for four hours during a work-to-rule by British air traffic controllers). As a result, they had to refuel and so a 747 full of pax landed at MSP around 1:00 am, and no one could disembark until 3:00 as they had to round up customs and immigration staff from their slumbers to process the plane. Wilkommen in Amerika!!
As I recall, at BNE the UA pax also were not allowed to disembark.
Flyer 420
back from LHR in SEA
this weather pattern is not uncommon flying into Sydney in mid-winter. I think I have been on at least two LAX-SYD UA flights that diverted to BNE for additional fuel and for a landing slot. The issue, as explained to me, was not unlike the SFO on a bad day situation--limits to inbound flights requiring delays in spacing. I recall the last time, the fog was really bad and SYD was in chaos for all concerned. I had to wait in line for 2 hours at Quantas to rebook a connection. Apart from the delay, Australia does not have the policy of the USA that passengers must be disembarked and cleared through immigration and customs at the first point of landing. (Indeed UA through pax to MEL clear customs at MEL.) On a related side issue, this may explain why TATL 757s divert to Newfoundland or Montreal for refueling, since landing at Bangor would require the whole customs, immigration unloading procedures. (I recall many years ago PanAm's LHR-SEA non-stop (of beloved memory alas), had waited on the tarmac at LHR for four hours during a work-to-rule by British air traffic controllers). As a result, they had to refuel and so a 747 full of pax landed at MSP around 1:00 am, and no one could disembark until 3:00 as they had to round up customs and immigration staff from their slumbers to process the plane. Wilkommen in Amerika!!
As I recall, at BNE the UA pax also were not allowed to disembark.
Flyer 420
back from LHR in SEA
Apr 21, 2012, 5:37 pm
#33
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Floating around
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Posts: 10,345
Looks like SYD was bad today for outbounds as well.
SYD->LAX left just under 3 hours late and arrived in LAX 2hr53min late. This was due to weather.
SYD-> SFO left just under 3 hours late and arrived in SFO 2hr7min late. This was due to the late arrival of the inbound aircraft (probably went to BNE but I ddin't look it up).
-RM
SYD->LAX left just under 3 hours late and arrived in LAX 2hr53min late. This was due to weather.
SYD-> SFO left just under 3 hours late and arrived in SFO 2hr7min late. This was due to the late arrival of the inbound aircraft (probably went to BNE but I ddin't look it up).
-RM
Apr 21, 2012, 5:46 pm
#34
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: NCL
Programs: UA 1MM/*G. DL Gold for one more year.
Posts: 5,305
Apart from the delay, Australia does not have the policy of the USA that passengers must be disembarked and cleared through immigration and customs at the first point of landing. (Indeed UA through pax to MEL clear customs at MEL.) On a related side issue, this may explain why TATL 757s divert to Newfoundland or Montreal for refueling, since landing at Bangor would require the whole customs, immigration unloading procedures. (I recall many years ago PanAm's LHR-SEA non-stop (of beloved memory alas), had waited on the tarmac at LHR for four hours during a work-to-rule by British air traffic controllers). As a result, they had to refuel and so a 747 full of pax landed at MSP around 1:00 am, and no one could disembark until 3:00 as they had to round up customs and immigration staff from their slumbers to process the plane. Wilkommen in Amerika!!
Apr 22, 2012, 1:04 am
#35
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVP Gold75K
Posts: 850
I feel your friend's pain.
In June 2006, I was on SFO-SYD that diverted to BNE and then MEL. We stayed on the plane at BNE but had to disembark in MEL. We parked in a freight area and it took about 2 hours to disembark, take a bus, and clear immigration and customs.
We had to check in again for the onward flight to SYD, but UA had just let go of its Australia employees and outsourced their GA staff. It took 5 hours (yes, 5 hours) to check in at the Business Class line (longer in Economy) because of the incompetence of the GAs. The flight had MX and a part had to be flown in from SYD, but the evening curfew prevented the part from coming in.
The next day, we had to check in AGAIN for some reason, but it took "only" 3 hours. After more delays, we finally got to SYD at 3 pm (34 hours delayed). The plane was continuing to LAX.
At baggage claim, we realized that the Priority bag bins got switched: the SYD bags went to LAX, and the LAX bags were unloaded in SYD. It was a bit of a shock to see bags tagged JFK, BOS, ORD, MIA, on the carousel in Australia. It took 2 more days to get our luggage.
And our visit to Australia was only 5 days!
Beautiful country once we actually saw it. Our kids were 5 and 6 at that time, and they are fortunate to remember the kangaroos and the Opera House but not the IRROPS.
In June 2006, I was on SFO-SYD that diverted to BNE and then MEL. We stayed on the plane at BNE but had to disembark in MEL. We parked in a freight area and it took about 2 hours to disembark, take a bus, and clear immigration and customs.
We had to check in again for the onward flight to SYD, but UA had just let go of its Australia employees and outsourced their GA staff. It took 5 hours (yes, 5 hours) to check in at the Business Class line (longer in Economy) because of the incompetence of the GAs. The flight had MX and a part had to be flown in from SYD, but the evening curfew prevented the part from coming in.
The next day, we had to check in AGAIN for some reason, but it took "only" 3 hours. After more delays, we finally got to SYD at 3 pm (34 hours delayed). The plane was continuing to LAX.
At baggage claim, we realized that the Priority bag bins got switched: the SYD bags went to LAX, and the LAX bags were unloaded in SYD. It was a bit of a shock to see bags tagged JFK, BOS, ORD, MIA, on the carousel in Australia. It took 2 more days to get our luggage.
And our visit to Australia was only 5 days!
Beautiful country once we actually saw it. Our kids were 5 and 6 at that time, and they are fortunate to remember the kangaroos and the Opera House but not the IRROPS.
Last edited by uwr; Apr 22, 2012 at 1:11 am
May 2, 2012, 11:47 am
#36
Original Member, Ambassador: External Miles and Points Resources
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Digital Nomad Wandering the Earth - Currently in LIMA, PERU
Posts: 58,612
Lots of 'service' on 747s today...?
Both the ORD-NRT and the ORD-HKG 747s are reporting 'aircraft servicing' delays of 3 and 5 hours today.
And according to the folks here, the planes just landed. Serviced in Asia, perhaps....
Odd.
Or lies?
And according to the folks here, the planes just landed. Serviced in Asia, perhaps....
Odd.
Or lies?
May 2, 2012, 1:22 pm
#37
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: AA, UA, GE
Posts: 5,123
On Flightaware, N177UA flew UA900 (SFO-FRA) yesterday. And today it is coming to ORD as UA941 (FRA-ORD). I believe UA941 is typically a 772.
N171UA flew into ORD on 4/30 and I don't think it has been active since then.
Have there been a lot of maintenance delays on the older 744s recently?
Update:
8471 is listed for UA895 today. Already delayed 2 hours for maintenance.
Last edited by cheltzel; May 3, 2012 at 12:15 pm
May 3, 2012, 7:06 pm
#38
Original Member, Ambassador: External Miles and Points Resources
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Digital Nomad Wandering the Earth - Currently in LIMA, PERU
Posts: 58,612
They changed the plane this morning on UA895 (ORD-HKG). According to the flight status yesterday, it was supposed to be #8471 (N171UA). Now the UA website say it is #8477 (N177UA).
On Flightaware, N177UA flew UA900 (SFO-FRA) yesterday. And today it is coming to ORD as UA941 (FRA-ORD). I believe UA941 is typically a 772.
N171UA flew into ORD on 4/30 and I don't think it has been active since then.
Have there been a lot of maintenance delays on the older 744s recently?
Update:
8471 is listed for UA895 today. Already delayed 2 hours for maintenance.
On Flightaware, N177UA flew UA900 (SFO-FRA) yesterday. And today it is coming to ORD as UA941 (FRA-ORD). I believe UA941 is typically a 772.
N171UA flew into ORD on 4/30 and I don't think it has been active since then.
Have there been a lot of maintenance delays on the older 744s recently?
Update:
8471 is listed for UA895 today. Already delayed 2 hours for maintenance.
May 3, 2012, 8:06 pm
#39
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: People's Republic of HotTubistan
Posts: 1,408
Stress on the 744 fleet made worse by starting the extra summer peak 744 rotation ORD-FRA-ORD (supposed to be mostly ORD-FRA-SFO and SFO-FRA-ORD; doesn't always work that way) as of 1 May -- just as mass illness among aircraft hit..................
May 4, 2012, 7:34 am
#40
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: BOS<>NYC<>BKK
Programs: UA 4.3MM LT-GS; AA1MM; Amtrak SE; MAR LT TITAN; PC Plat; HIL DIA; HYA GLOB
Posts: 4,392
It's a Bad, Bad Day at ORD
Four flights ORD to Asia today, only one is on-time:
UA835 ORD-PVG 777, on-time
UA881 ORD-NRT, 747, 3 hour, 51 minute delay for maintenance
UA895 ORD-HKG, 747, 5 hour, 29 minute delay for maintenance
UA851 ORD-PEK, 777, 7 hour, 22 minute delay for maintenance
Fortunately, I'm on the PVG flight.
UA835 ORD-PVG 777, on-time
UA881 ORD-NRT, 747, 3 hour, 51 minute delay for maintenance
UA895 ORD-HKG, 747, 5 hour, 29 minute delay for maintenance
UA851 ORD-PEK, 777, 7 hour, 22 minute delay for maintenance
Fortunately, I'm on the PVG flight.
May 4, 2012, 11:43 am
#41
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: AA, UA, GE
Posts: 5,123
Yup. Five out of service today (Thursday, the 3rd): two planned (121 PEK; 178 SFO); three unplanned (127, 171, 174,). 837/838 SFO-NRT-SFO cancelled Wednesday from SFO, Thursday from NRT; 889/888 cancelled Thursday from SFO, Saturday from PEK; forced to turn inbound from FRA (182) to cover 895 at ORD again today after short-turning 128 and 177 at ORD yesterday: four hours or so late. 175 off 888-04 for 893-04 went tech: 6 hour delay estimated for 893; haven't checked to see if he got out.
Stress on the 744 fleet made worse by starting the extra summer peak 744 rotation ORD-FRA-ORD (supposed to be mostly ORD-FRA-SFO and SFO-FRA-ORD; doesn't always work that way) as of 1 May -- just as mass illness among aircraft hit..................
Stress on the 744 fleet made worse by starting the extra summer peak 744 rotation ORD-FRA-ORD (supposed to be mostly ORD-FRA-SFO and SFO-FRA-ORD; doesn't always work that way) as of 1 May -- just as mass illness among aircraft hit..................
I saw on one of the fleet tracking sites that UA has 3 744s in storage at VCV. If this is true, I wonder when it becomes cost effective to pull one one, and convert it to have a little extra capacity.
May 4, 2012, 11:57 am
#42
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 467
Really should have checked this forum before booking tickets. Flying UA895 with a two hour connection in HKG. I forsee spending the night in HKG (my onward flight is the last flight of the day).
Oh well, it isn't until December, so things might change since it seems like maintenance is huge issue right now (though UA895 seems to have been cursed for years) and it's a reward F ticket, so I didn't have a huge amount of choice.
Oh well, it isn't until December, so things might change since it seems like maintenance is huge issue right now (though UA895 seems to have been cursed for years) and it's a reward F ticket, so I didn't have a huge amount of choice.
May 4, 2012, 12:14 pm
#43
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: AA, UA, GE
Posts: 5,123
Really should have checked this forum before booking tickets. Flying UA895 with a two hour connection in HKG. I forsee spending the night in HKG (my onward flight is the last flight of the day).
Oh well, it isn't until December, so things might change since it seems like maintenance is huge issue right now (though UA895 seems to have been cursed for years) and it's a reward F ticket, so I didn't have a huge amount of choice.
Oh well, it isn't until December, so things might change since it seems like maintenance is huge issue right now (though UA895 seems to have been cursed for years) and it's a reward F ticket, so I didn't have a huge amount of choice.
May 4, 2012, 12:24 pm
#44
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: California
Programs: DeltaSilver/MM, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 494
If I was on the last flight of the day, and I was in traffic, they would certainly charge me for being rescheduled the next day.
May 7, 2012, 11:10 pm
#45
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: DEN
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Posts: 2,862
UA932: IAD-FRA Perpetually delayed
Flew UA932 over the weekend and was delayed by 50-60 mins. Looking at the track record for this flight, it seems to be delayed almost every day. So the question for the UA schedulers - at what point do you throw in the towel and pad another 1-2 hrs to the flight time to ensure it arrives "on time" and passengers can quit running around trying to make connections; for the ones who miss the connection having to put up with 4-5 hours of connecting times?
IMO they have padded domestic flights quite well that a 1000 mile flight takes 3 hrs and we arrive successfully "ahead of schedule" by 20-30 mins and wait for a gate or gate personnel.
IMO they have padded domestic flights quite well that a 1000 mile flight takes 3 hrs and we arrive successfully "ahead of schedule" by 20-30 mins and wait for a gate or gate personnel.