Downgraded from EP/bulkhead to back
Oct 2, 2016, 1:09 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Virginia City Highlands
Programs: Nothing anymore after 20 years
Posts: 6,900
Downgraded from EP/bulkhead to back
Writing this from UA1851. Had seat 7F, at bulkhead. After boarding discovered that my seat was given to another pax which was accompanying disabled person - actually everyone at row 7 was moved.
I instead was given 27F and when asked why I was given non-EP seat (I have Gold status), I was told by FA 'take the seat and don't give me trouble if you don't want to get into trouble'.
Could you tell me how properly communicate this situation to UA in writing and is there anything I can get from this?
Thank you.
I instead was given 27F and when asked why I was given non-EP seat (I have Gold status), I was told by FA 'take the seat and don't give me trouble if you don't want to get into trouble'.
Could you tell me how properly communicate this situation to UA in writing and is there anything I can get from this?
Thank you.
Oct 2, 2016, 1:13 pm
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
If there were no other E+ seats available then there's not really much to do. If there was E+ available and you weren't allowed to move there then that's worth complaining about.
But accommodating pax with mobility issues will trump your comfort every time and there's nothing you get for that.
But accommodating pax with mobility issues will trump your comfort every time and there's nothing you get for that.
Oct 2, 2016, 1:14 pm
#3
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 72
Writing this from UA1851. Had seat 7F, at bulkhead. After boarding discovered that my seat was given to another pax which was accompanying disabled person - actually everyone at row 7 was moved.
I instead was given 27F and when asked why I was given non-EP seat (I have Gold status), I was told by FA 'take the seat and don't give me trouble if you don't want to get into trouble'.
Could you tell me how properly communicate this situation to UA in writing and is there anything I can get from this?
Thank you.
I instead was given 27F and when asked why I was given non-EP seat (I have Gold status), I was told by FA 'take the seat and don't give me trouble if you don't want to get into trouble'.
Could you tell me how properly communicate this situation to UA in writing and is there anything I can get from this?
Thank you.
A simple note to UA describing the facts and how you were treated is all you can do - and perhaps you'll get lucky and get some compensation....
Oct 2, 2016, 1:31 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Houston
Programs: UA Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 12,693
Row 7 gets bumped all the time for the disabled and their companions.
Your new seat assignment could be for W&B. Or a lousy GA who didn't care about your status. Certainly a lousy FA delivering the message.
You can complain to customer service. You might get a few miles. I wouldn't bother.
Your new seat assignment could be for W&B. Or a lousy GA who didn't care about your status. Certainly a lousy FA delivering the message.
You can complain to customer service. You might get a few miles. I wouldn't bother.
Oct 2, 2016, 1:39 pm
#5
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Morris County, NJ
Programs: UA 1K/*G, Avis Pres, Marriott Plat
Posts: 2,305
Writing this from UA1851. Had seat 7F, at bulkhead. After boarding discovered that my seat was given to another pax which was accompanying disabled person - actually everyone at row 7 was moved.
I instead was given 27F and when asked why I was given non-EP seat (I have Gold status), I was told by FA 'take the seat and don't give me trouble if you don't want to get into trouble'.
Could you tell me how properly communicate this situation to UA in writing and is there anything I can get from this?
Thank you.
I instead was given 27F and when asked why I was given non-EP seat (I have Gold status), I was told by FA 'take the seat and don't give me trouble if you don't want to get into trouble'.
Could you tell me how properly communicate this situation to UA in writing and is there anything I can get from this?
Thank you.
But the asking "what can I get" part drives me absolutely nuts. This "they owe me something" culture permeates FT and is a pet peeve of mine. I apologize if it sounds personal -- it isn't -- but the FT culture needs to change. Big time.
Oct 2, 2016, 1:43 pm
#6
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Location: Houston
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If they'd give you a credit of the E+ fee for the seat you lost there'd be a lot more writing in. I don't think they should be required to, but they have the option to.
Oct 2, 2016, 2:27 pm
#7
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Northern California
Programs: I want to be free! Free!
Posts: 3,455
What is the E+ upcharge for a 3 hour flight like this? I think an ETC credit in that amount is due. There is no "part of the deal" that you're subject to lose bulkhead seats to disabled passengers without recompense.
Not a short flight and a significant downgrade in a seat to which he was entitled by virtue of his status.
Not a short flight and a significant downgrade in a seat to which he was entitled by virtue of his status.
Oct 2, 2016, 2:31 pm
#8
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Oct 2, 2016, 2:42 pm
#11
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I'm a bit surprised bymany responses here. If the flight attendants said this, and if the original poster didn't leave out any relevant information (like if he rose his voice, etc), I would expect something as well.
Oct 2, 2016, 2:43 pm
#12
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1k, SPG Plat 100
Posts: 619
You were probably given an E- seat because there were no E+ seats left. I believe you're due your E+ fee back which, given your status, is probably $0.
If the GA/FA used those exact words, that's pretty unprofessional. If you're looking to get something out of this (and it sounds like you are), focus on that part.
If the GA/FA used those exact words, that's pretty unprofessional. If you're looking to get something out of this (and it sounds like you are), focus on that part.
Oct 2, 2016, 3:21 pm
#13
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Oct 2, 2016, 3:25 pm
#14
formerly FrequentFlyKid
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Programs: United Global Services, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador, National Executive Elite
Posts: 981
Wait a second, am I the only one that thinks the FA's response to this passenger was totally and completely unprofessional and in no way acceptable?
Being moved from bulkhead for a disabled pax is no issue at all. The FA's response on the other hand....
Being moved from bulkhead for a disabled pax is no issue at all. The FA's response on the other hand....
Last edited by In The 216; Oct 2, 2016 at 3:38 pm Reason: FA, not GA
Oct 2, 2016, 3:25 pm
#15
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Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Ewa Beach, Hawaii
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Writing this from UA1851. Had seat 7F, at bulkhead. After boarding discovered that my seat was given to another pax which was accompanying disabled person - actually everyone at row 7 was moved.
I instead was given 27F and when asked why I was given non-EP seat (I have Gold status), I was told by FA 'take the seat and don't give me trouble if you don't want to get into trouble'.
Could you tell me how properly communicate this situation to UA in writing and is there anything I can get from this?
Thank you.
I instead was given 27F and when asked why I was given non-EP seat (I have Gold status), I was told by FA 'take the seat and don't give me trouble if you don't want to get into trouble'.
Could you tell me how properly communicate this situation to UA in writing and is there anything I can get from this?
Thank you.
1. Are you United Premier Gold or Star Alliance Gold with another airline?
2. If the latter, did you pay an E+ fee for the E+ seat?