Horrific United Flight Attendant - what to do
Jun 19, 2016, 3:29 pm
#121
Join Date: Jul 2013
Programs: DYKWIA, But I'm a "Diamond Guest" UA 1K/2MM
Posts: 2,258
My last GF experience: the dinner entree was so dinky, I actually ate the Sundae, which (as usual) was hard as a block of ice. As I was nearly bending my spoon to get a chunk off it, one of the FAs from the Business cabn walks by, looks at me and says:
"Little boy has his ice cream!"
Maybe she was trying to be humorous, though I'm still not sure. The problem is she didn't say it with even the hint of a smile or a nice look, so it only sounded really sarcastic. Quite incredible.
Jun 19, 2016, 3:35 pm
#122
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,470
My last GF experience: the dinner entree was so dinky, I actually ate the Sundae, which (as usual) was hard as a block of ice. As I was nearly bending my spoon to get a chunk off it, one of the FAs from the Business cabn walks by, looks at me and says:
"Little boy has his ice cream!"
Maybe she was trying to be humorous, though I'm still not sure. The problem is she didn't say it with even the hint of a smile or a nice look, so it only sounded really sarcastic. Quite incredible.
"Little boy has his ice cream!"
Maybe she was trying to be humorous, though I'm still not sure. The problem is she didn't say it with even the hint of a smile or a nice look, so it only sounded really sarcastic. Quite incredible.
edit: I'm still laughing about that comment. Thanks for sharing it.
Last edited by fumje; Jun 19, 2016 at 3:43 pm
Jun 19, 2016, 6:25 pm
#123
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC / TYO / Up in the Air
Programs: UA GS 1.7MM, AA 2.1MM, EK, BA, SQ, CX, Marriot LT, Accor P
Posts: 6,321
Flying United is like a box of chocolates... (or something).
My last GF experience: the dinner entree was so dinky, I actually ate the Sundae, which (as usual) was hard as a block of ice. As I was nearly bending my spoon to get a chunk off it, one of the FAs from the Business cabn walks by, looks at me and says:
"Little boy has his ice cream!"
Maybe she was trying to be humorous, though I'm still not sure. The problem is she didn't say it with even the hint of a smile or a nice look, so it only sounded really sarcastic. Quite incredible.
My last GF experience: the dinner entree was so dinky, I actually ate the Sundae, which (as usual) was hard as a block of ice. As I was nearly bending my spoon to get a chunk off it, one of the FAs from the Business cabn walks by, looks at me and says:
"Little boy has his ice cream!"
Maybe she was trying to be humorous, though I'm still not sure. The problem is she didn't say it with even the hint of a smile or a nice look, so it only sounded really sarcastic. Quite incredible.
Jun 19, 2016, 7:48 pm
#124
Formerly known as jsfrSuperElite
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Hong Kong, Montreal
Programs: Air Canada SE100K-1MM, Hilton Honors Lifetime Diamond
Posts: 590
Flying United is like a box of chocolates... (or something).
My last GF experience: the dinner entree was so dinky, I actually ate the Sundae, which (as usual) was hard as a block of ice. As I was nearly bending my spoon to get a chunk off it, one of the FAs from the Business cabn walks by, looks at me and says:
"Little boy has his ice cream!"
Maybe she was trying to be humorous, though I'm still not sure. The problem is she didn't say it with even the hint of a smile or a nice look, so it only sounded really sarcastic. Quite incredible.
My last GF experience: the dinner entree was so dinky, I actually ate the Sundae, which (as usual) was hard as a block of ice. As I was nearly bending my spoon to get a chunk off it, one of the FAs from the Business cabn walks by, looks at me and says:
"Little boy has his ice cream!"
Maybe she was trying to be humorous, though I'm still not sure. The problem is she didn't say it with even the hint of a smile or a nice look, so it only sounded really sarcastic. Quite incredible.
I'm trying to imagine a similar situation if you had been in First on CX, SQ or JAL... but I can't, as service would have been impeccable.
Jun 19, 2016, 7:56 pm
#125
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: 4éme
Posts: 12,044
Flying United is like a box of chocolates... (or something).
My last GF experience: the dinner entree was so dinky, I actually ate the Sundae, which (as usual) was hard as a block of ice. As I was nearly bending my spoon to get a chunk off it, one of the FAs from the Business cabn walks by, looks at me and says:
My last GF experience: the dinner entree was so dinky, I actually ate the Sundae, which (as usual) was hard as a block of ice. As I was nearly bending my spoon to get a chunk off it, one of the FAs from the Business cabn walks by, looks at me and says:
Jun 19, 2016, 8:22 pm
#126
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,971
If I didn't experience nasty FAs myself in premium cabin, I would never believe what I read here. Unfortunately, I did.
It seems part of this is related to workload. On a full BF cabin, it seems they feel they have to rush and get the job done fast. That means any request from the passengers become a bother.
A year ago, I had an FA who treated my seatmate poorly. I was thinking what a racist nasty FA. Then I was on his flight this year when BF was pretty empty and he did a wonderful job. Unfortunately BF is almost always full with upgrades. Of course, one can argue if an FA cannot do his/her job with grace with a full passenger load, how is he/her going to behave when there is an emergency?
I certainly they consider the workload issue with Polaris when it is likely to increase.
It seems part of this is related to workload. On a full BF cabin, it seems they feel they have to rush and get the job done fast. That means any request from the passengers become a bother.
A year ago, I had an FA who treated my seatmate poorly. I was thinking what a racist nasty FA. Then I was on his flight this year when BF was pretty empty and he did a wonderful job. Unfortunately BF is almost always full with upgrades. Of course, one can argue if an FA cannot do his/her job with grace with a full passenger load, how is he/her going to behave when there is an emergency?
I certainly they consider the workload issue with Polaris when it is likely to increase.
Jun 19, 2016, 8:35 pm
#127
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: MRY - CNX - TXL
Programs: UA 1K / *G / Marriott PE / Expedia Gold+ / Hertz PC
Posts: 7,058
Flying United is like a box of chocolates... (or something).
My last GF experience: the dinner entree was so dinky, I actually ate the Sundae, which (as usual) was hard as a block of ice. As I was nearly bending my spoon to get a chunk off it, one of the FAs from the Business cabn walks by, looks at me and says:
"Little boy has his ice cream!"
Maybe she was trying to be humorous, though I'm still not sure. The problem is she didn't say it with even the hint of a smile or a nice look, so it only sounded really sarcastic. Quite incredible.
My last GF experience: the dinner entree was so dinky, I actually ate the Sundae, which (as usual) was hard as a block of ice. As I was nearly bending my spoon to get a chunk off it, one of the FAs from the Business cabn walks by, looks at me and says:
"Little boy has his ice cream!"
Maybe she was trying to be humorous, though I'm still not sure. The problem is she didn't say it with even the hint of a smile or a nice look, so it only sounded really sarcastic. Quite incredible.
Jun 19, 2016, 8:38 pm
#128
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: MRY - CNX - TXL
Programs: UA 1K / *G / Marriott PE / Expedia Gold+ / Hertz PC
Posts: 7,058
UA J: FA snarls her nose when I order questioning if I actually like the JPN food.
Jun 19, 2016, 9:23 pm
#129
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: Bonvoy LT Plat, MP Gold, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 124
Had a very similar experience AMS-ORD - horrible interaction with an FA. Treated my spouse and another passenger like complete garbage for making routine requests. I did write to customer service and of course......got a boilerplate response and absolutely no additional follow-up. UA does not give two ..... about their customers and has absolutely no incentive for weeding out the bad apples. Preferred carrier for my company is UA so I'm out of luck for selecting alternate carrier - therefore I just grin and bear it. Just a shame that the union has the corporate office {redacted} and not a damn thing they can do crappy FAs.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Jun 19, 2016 at 9:43 pm Reason: language
Jun 19, 2016, 11:40 pm
#130
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,971
The scary thing is that there is supposed to be this re-focus on service...
Too bad we are prohibited from recording the crew. Otherwise, I bet there can be some pretty interesting videos
Where is Undercover Boss when you need it
Too bad we are prohibited from recording the crew. Otherwise, I bet there can be some pretty interesting videos
Where is Undercover Boss when you need it
Jun 22, 2016, 6:11 pm
#131
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: LAX
Programs: United Mileage Plus 1K, Delta SkyMiles, Hilton Honors , Marriott Silver, Starwood Silver, Hertz Gold
Posts: 13
Thanks to everyone for the great response. UA Insider also contacted me. Without trying to be judgmental, she did seem past retirement age so perhaps the act of collecting a tray was too overwhelming. We had and have had some wonderful FA's on most of our flights and I have sent a number of compliment emails to UA on previous flights. We're traveling again in fall but I booked paid F on AA after this experience. Guess I'll have something to compare.
Jun 22, 2016, 7:10 pm
#132
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO / LHR
Programs: UA GS 2.2MM / UC / AS Gold 75K / Bonvoy Plat / Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,028
Jun 22, 2016, 8:14 pm
#133
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: UA MM
Posts: 1,581
I did have to make a special request for my chopsticks as the meal came without any eating utensils either.
Jun 23, 2016, 5:06 am
#134
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: where lions are led by donkeys...
Programs: Lifetime Gold, Global Entry, Hertz PC, and my wallet
Posts: 20,348
Firing someone for not wearing ID may sound a little harsh. But, unfortunately the worst actors are precisely the ones who try to hide their identities.
My sister-in-law was recently on a United flight with an FA who was behaving particularly horribly. She didn't complain or anything, but the FA saw her looking towards her badge. The FA quickly and pointedly turned it around so nobody could see it.
Again, just a unique number would be adequate. No need to compromise anyone's privacy.
My sister-in-law was recently on a United flight with an FA who was behaving particularly horribly. She didn't complain or anything, but the FA saw her looking towards her badge. The FA quickly and pointedly turned it around so nobody could see it.
Again, just a unique number would be adequate. No need to compromise anyone's privacy.
Jun 23, 2016, 9:27 am
#135
Join Date: Dec 2004
Programs: UA-1K, MM, Hilton-Diamond, Marriott-Titanium
Posts: 4,433
I have never been on the receiving end of rogue UA FA behavior but I have seen it delivered to other pax. It's funny the only airline I have seen this on while in INtl J or F has been on UA. I have flown Intl. J or F on each US Legacy carrier and about 15 other carriers.
I have had great FAs on UA but have seen some downright nasty ones also.
I have had great FAs on UA but have seen some downright nasty ones also.