Jan 30, 2024, 12:22 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
This is an archive thread, the active thread is DYKWIA stories (Traveling on United Airlines)
DYKWIA stories (Travelling on United Airlines) (Archive)
Mar 22, 2019, 10:20 am
#2221
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Bucks County
Programs: UAL GS & Million Miler; Delta Lifetime Gold; Hilton Diamond; Marriott Platinum; Legion Etrangere
Posts: 1,609
A guy took my bag out of a bin and moved it across the aisle a couple of rows behind me to make space for his. If I had not seen him doing it, I would been in a total panic when we landed and I found my bag missing. I spoke up and of course he lied and said he would have told me but he had no way of knowing who to tell. It still makes me mad to think about it.
Apr 2, 2019, 3:26 pm
#2222
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,460
Coercive seat poacher
TPE-SFO (Polaris seats):
Just before boarding, more than ten non-rev passengers clear into J, including some odd-numbered window seats.
GS preboards, seats himself in 5A.
Passenger who lined up in Group 1 boards, brandishes her BP for 5A, says to seat-occupier, that's my seat.
Fake-5A claims he thought he had sat in 4A.
True-5A says no, gestures to placards.
Fake-5A says OK, hesitates, and then asks if True-5A wouldn't mind swapping since 'his stuff is all there already'.
True-5A explains the difference between 5A and 4A, including that 5A has windows.
Fake-5A stands up, reaches over to close the 4A cubby door and show that 4A has half of a window.
True-5A says something in a dissatisfied tone.
Fake-5A waits.
True-5A says nevermind, accepts swap.
Fake-5A says, Are you sure?, It's an expensive seat, I want to be sure you're happy.
True-5A wants nothing more to do with Fake-5A.
The poacher's appeal sounded disingenuous, and I'd imagine someone flying enough to be granted GS status should be familiar enough with aircraft to find the right seat. I would have liked to have said something to put things right, but couldn't think of a way to insert myself into the situation.
Just before boarding, more than ten non-rev passengers clear into J, including some odd-numbered window seats.
GS preboards, seats himself in 5A.
Passenger who lined up in Group 1 boards, brandishes her BP for 5A, says to seat-occupier, that's my seat.
Fake-5A claims he thought he had sat in 4A.
True-5A says no, gestures to placards.
Fake-5A says OK, hesitates, and then asks if True-5A wouldn't mind swapping since 'his stuff is all there already'.
True-5A explains the difference between 5A and 4A, including that 5A has windows.
Fake-5A stands up, reaches over to close the 4A cubby door and show that 4A has half of a window.
True-5A says something in a dissatisfied tone.
Fake-5A waits.
True-5A says nevermind, accepts swap.
Fake-5A says, Are you sure?, It's an expensive seat, I want to be sure you're happy.
True-5A wants nothing more to do with Fake-5A.
The poacher's appeal sounded disingenuous, and I'd imagine someone flying enough to be granted GS status should be familiar enough with aircraft to find the right seat. I would have liked to have said something to put things right, but couldn't think of a way to insert myself into the situation.
Last edited by fumje; Apr 5, 2019 at 12:45 pm Reason: clarify emphasis
Apr 2, 2019, 3:45 pm
#2223
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: DEN / SEA
Programs: UA Silver
Posts: 132
I've lost seats like that but thankfully it wasn't on an airplane and the ride only lasted 2 hours.
She had the audacity to tap on my phone while I was still looking at it seated with ear buds in.
Later I checked my own "boarding pass" and it turns out I was in the right seat all along, but she just wanted the window seat.
I didn't want anything to do with this person so I waited until I got off and all she said was "Oh".
She had the audacity to tap on my phone while I was still looking at it seated with ear buds in.
Later I checked my own "boarding pass" and it turns out I was in the right seat all along, but she just wanted the window seat.
I didn't want anything to do with this person so I waited until I got off and all she said was "Oh".
Apr 2, 2019, 3:49 pm
#2224
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SAN
Programs: 1K (since 2008), *G (since 1990), 1MM
Posts: 3,218
TPE-SFO (Polaris seats):
Just before boarding, more than ten non-rev passengers clear into J, including some odd-numbered window seats.
GS preboards, seats himself in 5A.
Passenger who lined up in Group 1 boards, brandishes her BP for 5A, says to seat-occupier, that's my seat.
Fake-5A claims he thought he had sat in 4A.
True-5A says no, gestures to placards.
Fake-5A says OK, hesitates, and then asks if True-5A wouldn't mind swapping since 'his stuff is all there already'.
True-5A explains the difference between 5A and 4A, including that 5A has windows.
Fake-5A stands up, reaches over to close the 4A cubby door and show that 4A has half of a window.
True-5A says something in a dissatisfied tone.
Fake-5A waits.
True-5A says nevermind, accepts swap.
Fake-5A says, Are you sure?, It's an expensive seat, I want to be sure you're happy.
True-5A wants nothing more to do with Fake-5A.
The poacher's appeal sounded disingenuous, and I'd imagine someone flying enough to be granted GS status should be familiar enough with aircraft to find the right seat. I would have liked to have said something to put things right, but couldn't think of a way to insert myself into the situation.
Just before boarding, more than ten non-rev passengers clear into J, including some odd-numbered window seats.
GS preboards, seats himself in 5A.
Passenger who lined up in Group 1 boards, brandishes her BP for 5A, says to seat-occupier, that's my seat.
Fake-5A claims he thought he had sat in 4A.
True-5A says no, gestures to placards.
Fake-5A says OK, hesitates, and then asks if True-5A wouldn't mind swapping since 'his stuff is all there already'.
True-5A explains the difference between 5A and 4A, including that 5A has windows.
Fake-5A stands up, reaches over to close the 4A cubby door and show that 4A has half of a window.
True-5A says something in a dissatisfied tone.
Fake-5A waits.
True-5A says nevermind, accepts swap.
Fake-5A says, Are you sure?, It's an expensive seat, I want to be sure you're happy.
True-5A wants nothing more to do with Fake-5A.
The poacher's appeal sounded disingenuous, and I'd imagine someone flying enough to be granted GS status should be familiar enough with aircraft to find the right seat. I would have liked to have said something to put things right, but couldn't think of a way to insert myself into the situation.
Apr 2, 2019, 4:14 pm
#2225
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,460
Good suggestion, and I'll have to keep that one in my catalogue.
Apr 2, 2019, 7:09 pm
#2226
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.8MM
Posts: 6,349
Apr 2, 2019, 7:09 pm
#2227
Join Date: Nov 2010
Programs: United 1K
Posts: 38
TPE-SFO (Polaris seats):
Just before boarding, more than ten non-rev passengers clear into J, including some odd-numbered window seats.
GS preboards, seats himself in 5A.
Passenger who lined up in Group 1 boards, brandishes her BP for 5A, says to seat-occupier, that's my seat.
Fake-5A claims he thought he had sat in 4A.
True-5A says no, gestures to placards.
Fake-5A says OK, hesitates, and then asks if True-5A wouldn't mind swapping since 'his stuff is all there already'.
True-5A explains the difference between 5A and 4A, including that 5A has windows.
Fake-5A stands up, reaches over to close the 4A cubby door and show that 4A has half of a window.
True-5A says something in a dissatisfied tone.
Fake-5A waits.
True-5A says nevermind, accepts swap.
Fake-5A says, Are you sure?, It's an expensive seat, I want to be sure you're happy.
True-5A wants nothing more to do with Fake-5A.
The poacher's appeal sounded disingenuous, and I'd imagine someone flying enough to be granted GS status should be familiar enough with aircraft to find the right seat. I would have liked to have said something to put things right, but couldn't think of a way to insert myself into the situation.
Just before boarding, more than ten non-rev passengers clear into J, including some odd-numbered window seats.
GS preboards, seats himself in 5A.
Passenger who lined up in Group 1 boards, brandishes her BP for 5A, says to seat-occupier, that's my seat.
Fake-5A claims he thought he had sat in 4A.
True-5A says no, gestures to placards.
Fake-5A says OK, hesitates, and then asks if True-5A wouldn't mind swapping since 'his stuff is all there already'.
True-5A explains the difference between 5A and 4A, including that 5A has windows.
Fake-5A stands up, reaches over to close the 4A cubby door and show that 4A has half of a window.
True-5A says something in a dissatisfied tone.
Fake-5A waits.
True-5A says nevermind, accepts swap.
Fake-5A says, Are you sure?, It's an expensive seat, I want to be sure you're happy.
True-5A wants nothing more to do with Fake-5A.
The poacher's appeal sounded disingenuous, and I'd imagine someone flying enough to be granted GS status should be familiar enough with aircraft to find the right seat. I would have liked to have said something to put things right, but couldn't think of a way to insert myself into the situation.
"clearly, you know 5A is a more desirable seat, and you're trying to pressure this passenger into switching with you. should i call the FA over?"
feels a bit like cornering someone and repeatedly asking them to go on a date with you until they acquiesce.
Apr 2, 2019, 7:26 pm
#2228
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,452
Apr 2, 2019, 8:48 pm
#2230
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 42,200
"Get out of my seat!" also works well when it's an obnoxious poacher who obviously knows what they are doing. Honestly I just don't have any patience with those people - another reason I try to board as early as possible.
Apr 2, 2019, 8:53 pm
#2231
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.8MM
Posts: 6,349
Regrettably, in this case, a show of force would have been the only way to get this bully to go to their proper seat.
Apr 2, 2019, 9:00 pm
#2232
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: USA
Programs: UA Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,194
I like public shaming when dealing with a self-entitled jerk like that. "I'm sorry you unpacked everything and got yourself settled in my seat but an experienced traveler like you must know that people select seats for a reason. I appreciate the fact you like my seat, I chose it for a reason and it's too bad you didn't select it first but don't give me your song-and-dance or try to bully me, just get out of my seat please."
Apr 2, 2019, 9:19 pm
#2233
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: PNS
Programs: DL FO, UA, AA
Posts: 700
I like public shaming when dealing with a self-entitled jerk like that. "I'm sorry you unpacked everything and got yourself settled in my seat but an experienced traveler like you must know that people select seats for a reason. I appreciate the fact you like my seat, I chose it for a reason and it's too bad you didn't select it first but don't give me your song-and-dance or try to bully me, just get out of my seat please."
Tell the offending passenger "hold on a second I have to get something out of my wallet/purse.. then begin to read from the laminated card" That would make them think twice/thrice..
Apr 2, 2019, 9:29 pm
#2234
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: EWR, PHL
Programs: UA1k 3MM, AA Plt, peasant on everybody else, elite something or other at a bunch of hotels.
Posts: 4,637
While the voice inside my head would be thinking of all kinds of snarky responses, I would suggest that this is neither the time nor the place to act on those impulses. Politely standing your ground should be all that is necessary, following up by asking an FA to intervene if that does not work.
Apr 2, 2019, 10:47 pm
#2235
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: PNS
Programs: DL FO, UA, AA
Posts: 700
While the voice inside my head would be thinking of all kinds of snarky responses, I would suggest that this is neither the time nor the place to act on those impulses. Politely standing your ground should be all that is necessary, following up by asking an FA to intervene if that does not work.