Traveler Birthday recognitions by UA while Flying
Nov 7, 2014, 1:47 pm
#76
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: NYC, FLL
Programs: UA PP 1MM, Marriott Bonvoy LTTE, BA Gold
Posts: 6,303
I must admit I was quite surprised and felt really good. Nice touch. Then my flight was delayed 3.5 hours, we were offloaded, and I missed my connection to Florida
. (Side Note: Was rebooked the next day in F, unrequested, on a Y ticket, by a fantastic 1k desk agent).Hot and cold...
Nov 7, 2014, 2:33 pm
#77
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Canada
Programs: AC E50k, A3*G, UA*S, MR Titanium, HHonors Gold, Carlson Gold, NEXUS
Posts: 3,669
) and would love a card (from anyone, really!). I don't see it happening
Nov 7, 2014, 8:41 pm
#79
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 325
Back in the old fashion day when there was no United app that would show the upgrade list, you might have a better chance. Now a day, no agent would risk their career just to be nice and got written up for it. With the " most employee unfriendly airlines " management that they are dealing with right now, they are being watch for every move they make right now. Just one wrong move and that all it takes.
Nov 7, 2014, 10:10 pm
#80
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: UA Plat 2MM. DL Plat, AS MVP
Posts: 12,751
The recipient of the card didn't say anything about an upgrade. May be independent of that.
Nov 8, 2014, 8:42 am
#81
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: NYC, FLL
Programs: UA PP 1MM, Marriott Bonvoy LTTE, BA Gold
Posts: 6,303
Anyway, here's an image of the card I received:
Nov 8, 2014, 11:39 am
#82
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA 1K MM, Marriott Life Plat, various others of little note
Posts: 2,763
I am flying from newark to seattle on february 28th and as a MileagePlus account holder, do I have the possibility of receiving a birthday upgrade? Thought I'd ask, I dont have any status with them, dont fly often enough to get silver, gold, etc.
I might just ask the gate attendant if thats by best option.
I might just ask the gate attendant if thats by best option.
Dec 11, 2014, 2:57 pm
#83
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: YVR
Posts: 1,465
Flying on birthday
My father will be flying on his birthday on UA, Y, no status. Is there anything extra they do for birthday passengers? If not, it it possible to call UA and arrange something in advance, like birthday cake?
Dec 11, 2014, 3:30 pm
#86
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: CLE
Programs: UA 1K MM, DL Plat
Posts: 982
I flew on my birthday this year... they were out of my first choice meal, and the FA spilled coffee milk on my arm.
I guess that's a bonus? (Hey! Free milk!)
Sidenote: Don't mean to bash the FA - it was an accident, and she apologized profusely, including during deplaning. Still, not the world's BEST birthday happenings!
I guess that's a bonus? (Hey! Free milk!)
Sidenote: Don't mean to bash the FA - it was an accident, and she apologized profusely, including during deplaning. Still, not the world's BEST birthday happenings!
Dec 11, 2014, 4:34 pm
#87
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: DCA
Programs: UA 1K; *G and *A Top 1000; HHonors Diamond; *$ Gold; Global Entry
Posts: 2,270
Fly THY
Turkish Airlines offers celebration cake to their Miles and Smiles members if they fly on their birthday or wedding anniversary.
See link: http://www.turkishairlines.com/en-in...t-10000-meters
See link: http://www.turkishairlines.com/en-in...t-10000-meters
Dec 11, 2014, 5:04 pm
#88
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: CHI - LIS
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 452
Everyone is quick to say that special recognition and perks don't happen when you fly on your birthday. I have counter evidence:
I recently flew ORD-STL on AA Eagle operated by Republic, and after the door closed a flight attendant made a celebratory announcement about a passenger's birthday. She then proceeded to move the birthday couple from their Main Cabin seats to a first class bulkhead across the aisle from me (out for which, as a US Platinum, I had the pleasure of shelling $30). Over the course of the 40-minute flight they were showered with Jack Daniels and the flight attendant gave them one of everything from the buy-on-board bar cart—while I munched snack mix and was more or less ignored.
If you one is brash enough to announce a birthday to an airline crew, who knows what might happen.
I recently flew ORD-STL on AA Eagle operated by Republic, and after the door closed a flight attendant made a celebratory announcement about a passenger's birthday. She then proceeded to move the birthday couple from their Main Cabin seats to a first class bulkhead across the aisle from me (out for which, as a US Platinum, I had the pleasure of shelling $30). Over the course of the 40-minute flight they were showered with Jack Daniels and the flight attendant gave them one of everything from the buy-on-board bar cart—while I munched snack mix and was more or less ignored.
If you one is brash enough to announce a birthday to an airline crew, who knows what might happen.
Dec 11, 2014, 5:44 pm
#89
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Bangkok or San Francisco
Programs: United 1k, Marriott Lifetime PE, Former DL Gold, Former SQ Solitaire, HH Gold
Posts: 11,886
Given the number of people on a typical flight, most flights will have someone on board having a birthday. Trying to do some kind of recognition would not only be onerous, but someone who had a birthday and didn't get recognized might get bent out of shape about it.
Dec 11, 2014, 5:48 pm
#90
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: DCA
Programs: UA 1K; *G and *A Top 1000; HHonors Diamond; *$ Gold; Global Entry
Posts: 2,270
Another option is to have a family member write to Smisek's office, like this guy's family did:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJzFnexs4N0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJzFnexs4N0