Consolidated "United SYD/MEL Flight Delays or Cancellations" Thread [2014]
Feb 7, 2014, 2:29 pm
#106
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 8
This was the letter I got while sitting here at the united club at HNL after picking one of the options from the customer appreciation email.
On behalf of United Airlines please accept my apology for any concern or inconvenience you may have experienced during Flight 840 on February 7th.
After departure, I understand our flight crew reported smoke in the cabin, which resulted in the diversion to Honolulu and the cancellation of your flight. I want to assure you that your comfort and safety is our first priority each time you travel with us. While the event you experienced was certainly out of the ordinary, your captain took all precautionary measures. Nonetheless, I recognize this incident may have been discomforting for you and regret any anxiety you may have felt personally or on behalf of others. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we made preparations to get you safely back on your way to Los Angeles.
They rebooked me on the later flight to LAX and the email offer for me was either 15,000 miles, $300 e cert or 20% off future ticket purchase.
Since it was middle of the night most of the flight was asleep. I woke up as the flight crew were coming around the business class section to manually get the seats to takeoff/landing position.
United did a good job of keeping everyone informed on the status and what was going on. Just glad that everyone landed safely.
On behalf of United Airlines please accept my apology for any concern or inconvenience you may have experienced during Flight 840 on February 7th.
After departure, I understand our flight crew reported smoke in the cabin, which resulted in the diversion to Honolulu and the cancellation of your flight. I want to assure you that your comfort and safety is our first priority each time you travel with us. While the event you experienced was certainly out of the ordinary, your captain took all precautionary measures. Nonetheless, I recognize this incident may have been discomforting for you and regret any anxiety you may have felt personally or on behalf of others. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we made preparations to get you safely back on your way to Los Angeles.
They rebooked me on the later flight to LAX and the email offer for me was either 15,000 miles, $300 e cert or 20% off future ticket purchase.
Since it was middle of the night most of the flight was asleep. I woke up as the flight crew were coming around the business class section to manually get the seats to takeoff/landing position.
United did a good job of keeping everyone informed on the status and what was going on. Just glad that everyone landed safely.
Feb 7, 2014, 6:04 pm
#107
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: ORF
Programs: UA & DL Gold
Posts: 309
This was the letter I got while sitting here at the united club at HNL after picking one of the options from the customer appreciation email.
On behalf of United Airlines please accept my apology for any concern or inconvenience you may have experienced during Flight 840 on February 7th.
After departure, I understand our flight crew reported smoke in the cabin, which resulted in the diversion to Honolulu and the cancellation of your flight. I want to assure you that your comfort and safety is our first priority each time you travel with us. While the event you experienced was certainly out of the ordinary, your captain took all precautionary measures. Nonetheless, I recognize this incident may have been discomforting for you and regret any anxiety you may have felt personally or on behalf of others. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we made preparations to get you safely back on your way to Los Angeles.
They rebooked me on the later flight to LAX and the email offer for me was either 15,000 miles, $300 e cert or 20% off future ticket purchase.
Since it was middle of the night most of the flight was asleep. I woke up as the flight crew were coming around the business class section to manually get the seats to takeoff/landing position.
United did a good job of keeping everyone informed on the status and what was going on. Just glad that everyone landed safely.
On behalf of United Airlines please accept my apology for any concern or inconvenience you may have experienced during Flight 840 on February 7th.
After departure, I understand our flight crew reported smoke in the cabin, which resulted in the diversion to Honolulu and the cancellation of your flight. I want to assure you that your comfort and safety is our first priority each time you travel with us. While the event you experienced was certainly out of the ordinary, your captain took all precautionary measures. Nonetheless, I recognize this incident may have been discomforting for you and regret any anxiety you may have felt personally or on behalf of others. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we made preparations to get you safely back on your way to Los Angeles.
They rebooked me on the later flight to LAX and the email offer for me was either 15,000 miles, $300 e cert or 20% off future ticket purchase.
Since it was middle of the night most of the flight was asleep. I woke up as the flight crew were coming around the business class section to manually get the seats to takeoff/landing position.
United did a good job of keeping everyone informed on the status and what was going on. Just glad that everyone landed safely.
But glad to hear you made it out safely.
Feb 7, 2014, 11:43 pm
#108
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 8
Consolidated "United SYD/MEL Flight Delays or Cancellations" Thread [2014]
From what I heard over the PA system was that there was some smoke from the cockpit as I didn't smell any smoke towards the front. The lights in the cabin and bathroom were not working, the chair controls and the entertainment systems.
I am not sure when initial announcements were made as I was asleep.
At the same time the plane landed and taxied to gate. I am assuming if it was something more then plane would have gone to remote location or there would have been many fire trucks and emergency personnel
Just landed in LA about 12 hours later then originally scheduled which is not as bad as some of the other delays I read from previous post and other 747 delays from other cities. Of course Landing in Honolulu helped as there were multiple flights leaving to different destinations from there
I am not sure when initial announcements were made as I was asleep.
At the same time the plane landed and taxied to gate. I am assuming if it was something more then plane would have gone to remote location or there would have been many fire trucks and emergency personnel
Just landed in LA about 12 hours later then originally scheduled which is not as bad as some of the other delays I read from previous post and other 747 delays from other cities. Of course Landing in Honolulu helped as there were multiple flights leaving to different destinations from there
Feb 8, 2014, 8:49 pm
#109
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Francisco/Sydney
Programs: UA 1K/MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Something, IHG Gold, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 8,162
AV Herald Report - Incident: United B744 over Pacific on Feb 7th 2014, fumes on board
Interesting mistake on behalf of the cockpit crew - broadcasting their divert announcement to ATC rather than the cabin...
Interesting mistake on behalf of the cockpit crew - broadcasting their divert announcement to ATC rather than the cabin...
Feb 11, 2014, 11:44 pm
#110
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 77
Consolidated "United SYD/MEL Flight Delays or Cancellations" Thread [2014]
11 feb UA839 LAX-SYD fuel leak at LAX. All pax deplaned. Awaiting further info!
Feb 12, 2014, 1:03 am
#111
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: OOL
Programs: VA Plat, QF LTS, UA MM, Hilton Diamond, Rydges Black, ,Le-Club Gold
Posts: 3,659
10 Feb UA839 LAX-SYD returned to gate, one broken air-pack (air-conditioner). Departed an hour late without fixing it, evidently they carry a spare, made it OK to Sydney.
Feb 12, 2014, 2:26 am
#112
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 77
Consolidated "United SYD/MEL Flight Delays or Cancellations" Thread [2014]
11 feb UA839 LAX-SYD cancelled due to fuel leak. Pax accommodated at local hotels rescheduled departure 9pm 12 feb.
Feb 12, 2014, 11:31 am
#113
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Francisco/Sydney
Programs: UA 1K/MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Something, IHG Gold, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 8,162
The tag flight to MEL looks like it's still on, so it must also be being done with the plane from SFO.
At this stage I can't see a make-up LAX-SFO being run today. Tonights UA840 is basically at capacity so maybe they were able to move enough passengers to that and/or other carriers flights to avoid the extra flight.
Feb 12, 2014, 11:54 am
#114
Join Date: Nov 2009
Programs: United mileage Plus 1k and Million Miler, Krisflyer, Air New Zealand, Qantas, Virgin
Posts: 211
I can't say all this is inspiring a lot of confidence in the future flights I have to take on this route. I've got one rt booked, and am wavering on booking 2 more I had intended to book.
Feb 12, 2014, 1:42 pm
#115
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Houston
Programs: UA GS 2.6MM & Lifetime UC, Qantas Platinum, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Platinum, HawaiianMiles
Posts: 8,703
Feb 14, 2014, 1:58 pm
#116
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Carmel Valley(was Hawaii)
Programs: United 1K 2.7 MM
Posts: 1,174
We were on UA #870 the Sat 8th Feb.
In the Koru lounge, flight not posted on the Departures board. Annie said she'd make an announcement. First the 4:20 departure was delayed to 5pm. At 5 pm it was cancelled. Annie led all the passengers in a little herd down to Gate 61, where we waited a while: then back through customs to collect our bags. I had been on the phone to the 1K Desk while in line and rebooked ourselves. Luckily our B&B in Potts Point had rooms, so we just hopped into a taxi and went back to enjoy another few days in SYD. Fortunately, we had the extra time.
What I'm surprised at is that we have not heard a word from United customer appreciation about our flight cancellations/ compensation offers. My husband crossed 2 million miles on this flight.
I will be contacting 1K Voice, expect to see some reimbursement/miles
In the Koru lounge, flight not posted on the Departures board. Annie said she'd make an announcement. First the 4:20 departure was delayed to 5pm. At 5 pm it was cancelled. Annie led all the passengers in a little herd down to Gate 61, where we waited a while: then back through customs to collect our bags. I had been on the phone to the 1K Desk while in line and rebooked ourselves. Luckily our B&B in Potts Point had rooms, so we just hopped into a taxi and went back to enjoy another few days in SYD. Fortunately, we had the extra time.
What I'm surprised at is that we have not heard a word from United customer appreciation about our flight cancellations/ compensation offers. My husband crossed 2 million miles on this flight.
I will be contacting 1K Voice, expect to see some reimbursement/miles
Last edited by mmack; Feb 14, 2014 at 5:15 pm Reason: Wrong date
Feb 14, 2014, 4:39 pm
#117
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Francisco/Sydney
Programs: UA 1K/MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Something, IHG Gold, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 8,162
The only recent cancellation seems to be UA840 on the 13th as mentioned above - is that what you're referring to? I'm guessing not as that flight was canceled >12 hours in advance, but...
Maybe UA870 on Saturday the 8th of Feb?
Feb 14, 2014, 5:17 pm
#118
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Carmel Valley(was Hawaii)
Programs: United 1K 2.7 MM
Posts: 1,174
I'm guessing you've got the day/date wrong there, given that it's currently only 10:30am on the 15th in Sydney. I also can't see any UA870 cancellations for the past few days.
The only recent cancellation seems to be UA840 on the 13th as mentioned above - is that what you're referring to? I'm guessing not as that flight was canceled >12 hours in advance, but...
Maybe UA870 on Saturday the 8th of Feb?
The only recent cancellation seems to be UA840 on the 13th as mentioned above - is that what you're referring to? I'm guessing not as that flight was canceled >12 hours in advance, but...
Maybe UA870 on Saturday the 8th of Feb?
Feb 14, 2014, 8:38 pm
#119
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SRQ, PDX
Programs: UA 1 MM, AA, DL
Posts: 930
I am amazed at these postings about this route's reliability. It is worse than ORD/SFO HKG, and neither of those are what I would call "reliable." I take those routes 4-5 times a year, and it is like playing the slots.
I would love to know how, for example, Cathay Pacific manages to run their HKG routes close to schedule year 'round, using 744s. The fact is, on any given day, Mr. Smisek has no clue which of the 744s will be cancelled on these long haul routes. But one thing he can be absolutely sure of: at least one of his 744s today will not be leaving on time, and probably very late. Sorry, I just don't understand this. I'd love to hear a 744 captain's defense of this kind of operating philosophy.
I would love to know how, for example, Cathay Pacific manages to run their HKG routes close to schedule year 'round, using 744s. The fact is, on any given day, Mr. Smisek has no clue which of the 744s will be cancelled on these long haul routes. But one thing he can be absolutely sure of: at least one of his 744s today will not be leaving on time, and probably very late. Sorry, I just don't understand this. I'd love to hear a 744 captain's defense of this kind of operating philosophy.
Feb 15, 2014, 1:15 pm
#120
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 77
Consolidated "United SYD/MEL Flight Delays or Cancellations" Thread [2014]
Another annoying thing about this weeks 839 was that UA forgot to upload the APIS data for the new flight into the Australian immigration system so on arrival into SYD the smart gates rejected all pax on the cancelled 839 and immigration had to be manually processed by 1 immigration officer!