3 reasons why you should fly United again
Sep 25, 2017, 9:26 pm
#16
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,319
1. Great app
2. Ability to book partner awards directly online, and wide selection of partners
3. Best value points program (of the US majors anyway)
In the past I would have said nothing about the actual service. However, I've just flown TAP where (this is but one example of many) on one flight I was made to stand next to the toilet for 55 min, while cabin crew either ignored me or made derisive comments (that's one airline I am *really* never flying again). Now I come to appreciate high standards of catering, service and cabin comfort that United provides (by comparison). Remember - it could always be *much* worse.
2. Ability to book partner awards directly online, and wide selection of partners
3. Best value points program (of the US majors anyway)
In the past I would have said nothing about the actual service. However, I've just flown TAP where (this is but one example of many) on one flight I was made to stand next to the toilet for 55 min, while cabin crew either ignored me or made derisive comments (that's one airline I am *really* never flying again). Now I come to appreciate high standards of catering, service and cabin comfort that United provides (by comparison). Remember - it could always be *much* worse.
Sep 25, 2017, 9:42 pm
#17
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: ROC/NYC/MSP/LAX/HKG/SIN
Posts: 3,212
From an email I received today, with that subject line. They went on to say:
“We appreciate that you chose United® for your recent trip to *******. Did you notice anything different? We hope you were able to enjoy the latest offerings we've introduced to enhance your inflight experience. Here are a few reminders why you should think United when booking your next flight.”
They go on to talk about trivial upgrades and changes like more inflight programming (more 10-year-old sitcom reruns and menu upgrades (and the fact that I might even find a whole cashew mixed in with the fragments) and such. And finally, the Mobile App…really, that’s all you’ve got? Who chooses an airline based on their app?
I know they are trying but I have been so disappointed with the new International Service I just can’t make myself buy another ticket.
I love the subject line, but, here’s the real truth, in my opinion:
3 reasons why you should NOT fly United again:
1. International cabin service is inconsistent and in many cases better with other carriers on International flights (especially foreign carriers) Your cabin crews ARE grandmothers, flying international routes based on seniority, not performance. (Thanks for saying it out loud first, Akbar…… �� )
2. Your rollout of upgraded international cabins and lounges has been painfully slow and, in the case of SFO, you made the lounge situation worse to make it better……
3. Your planes are filthy. Take advantage of the lower labor rates in many of your destination countries and have them deep clean your aircraft on EVERY turnaround.
Feel free to add your three favorites to the list…..
DEN
“We appreciate that you chose United® for your recent trip to *******. Did you notice anything different? We hope you were able to enjoy the latest offerings we've introduced to enhance your inflight experience. Here are a few reminders why you should think United when booking your next flight.”
They go on to talk about trivial upgrades and changes like more inflight programming (more 10-year-old sitcom reruns and menu upgrades (and the fact that I might even find a whole cashew mixed in with the fragments) and such. And finally, the Mobile App…really, that’s all you’ve got? Who chooses an airline based on their app?
I know they are trying but I have been so disappointed with the new International Service I just can’t make myself buy another ticket.
I love the subject line, but, here’s the real truth, in my opinion:
3 reasons why you should NOT fly United again:
1. International cabin service is inconsistent and in many cases better with other carriers on International flights (especially foreign carriers) Your cabin crews ARE grandmothers, flying international routes based on seniority, not performance. (Thanks for saying it out loud first, Akbar…… �� )
2. Your rollout of upgraded international cabins and lounges has been painfully slow and, in the case of SFO, you made the lounge situation worse to make it better……
3. Your planes are filthy. Take advantage of the lower labor rates in many of your destination countries and have them deep clean your aircraft on EVERY turnaround.
Feel free to add your three favorites to the list…..
DEN
The title of this thread is a bit of a bait-'n-switch, no? Was expecting something positive, not a rant.
I agree that the app IS definitely a huge positive, and also find UA's inflight entertainment selection to be one of the best. Watched many awesome and interesting movies from their international selection.
Service is inconsistent, I agree there, but overall I find the whole experience better now than 10 years ago with CO.
I agree that the app IS definitely a huge positive, and also find UA's inflight entertainment selection to be one of the best. Watched many awesome and interesting movies from their international selection.
Service is inconsistent, I agree there, but overall I find the whole experience better now than 10 years ago with CO.
I must say, however, that you did a pretty good job with it.
Sep 25, 2017, 9:50 pm
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: UA*Lifetime GS, Hyatt* Lifetime Globalist
Posts: 12,318
After seeing the flight crew (on long interntional flights) wiping the seat/table religiously before they rest into the seats, I have been doing the wiping routine on each flight I take on United.
Sep 25, 2017, 10:43 pm
#19
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Sun & beach destinations
Programs: UA-lifetime Platinum (2MM), IHG-Amb, HH-Diamond, Hertz-PC, Marriott-Gold, CX-AM
Posts: 1,427
I guess it's not the airlines' own ground employees who clean the cabin, it's the airport authority contracted cleaning company who do the cleaning job, especially when the plane is landed overseas?
Sep 25, 2017, 10:47 pm
#20
Join Date: Jul 2013
Programs: DYKWIA, But I'm a "Diamond Guest" UA 1K/2MM
Posts: 2,251
I usually sit in the same seats. It's been so bad that I've come to recognize specific bits of debris from one flight to the next. For example, there was a big flake of croissant way down next to the 5F seat from SFO EWR. A few days later, it was still there on the way back. Look for it if you sit there!
This should hardly be a surprise, because the ridiculous turnarounds they schedule don't allow for any real cleaning at all.
I recently flew on HK Express. It was dirt cheap and they charged you for everything extra. But, what a contrast to United! The planes were absolutely pristine. Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, et al usually have spotless planes. Once again, United is the standout.
Sep 25, 2017, 11:32 pm
#22
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K, AA Plat Pro, VS Gold, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 838
1. Best network (domestic and worldwide) / Star Alliance
2. E+ (more seats, better access polices)
3. Million Miller
If there was a 4th & a 5th
4. GS
5. Best miles of any US major
Great app and self service options on United.com is a huge positive but not why I fly United.
2. E+ (more seats, better access polices)
3. Million Miller
If there was a 4th & a 5th
4. GS
5. Best miles of any US major
Great app and self service options on United.com is a huge positive but not why I fly United.
Sep 25, 2017, 11:33 pm
#23
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: HKG • Ex SFO, NYC
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Marriott Amb; Hyatt Globalist; Shangri-la Diamond; IHG SpireAmb; Hilton D; Accor G
Posts: 3,319
Not to take away from your rant, but the UA app is absolutely fantastic, and (gasp), actually fun and easy to use. It is the gold standard for flight apps out there. It's not a reason in enough to book United, but I can say managing flights and changes/monitoring reservations is worlds better on UA.
Coming from AA I couldn't do garbage.
Coming from AA I couldn't do garbage.
Sep 25, 2017, 11:35 pm
#24
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: SNA
Programs: UA LT Plat, 2.5mm, Hilton LTD, SPG LT Gold, Marriott Gold, Hertz Whatever
Posts: 161
I'm curious how this helps develop a resistance to anything. I have a few miles under my belt and there is only once in about thirty years that I could even vaguely attribute anything to a flight but even then I think it probably wasn't. I don't believe in sanitising everything as it means my body would be at the mercy of any germ that happens to be around. I've had a few unpleasant experiences in third world countries but no number of wipes in the world would have made any difference. Probably off topic but I don't understand why people would do that. Our bodies learn to fight things off by being exposed to them.
Sep 25, 2017, 11:42 pm
#25
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,424
Lots of reasons for me to fly UA:
1. Network from SFO.
2. Star Alliance. Easy to take for granted. UA has the best collection of partners overall.
3. Treated well as 1K.
4. SDC.
5. Free award changes.
6. Polaris seat (and on the long-haul routes I'm most likely to fly).
7. Free E+
And a few not:
1. UC's improved, but food options still weak, SFO clubs currently awful.
2. RPUs are (nearly) worthless.
3. Crazy fare pricing lately, including BE fiasco.
4. 739s.
5. HD widebody configurations.
1. Network from SFO.
2. Star Alliance. Easy to take for granted. UA has the best collection of partners overall.
3. Treated well as 1K.
4. SDC.
5. Free award changes.
6. Polaris seat (and on the long-haul routes I'm most likely to fly).
7. Free E+
And a few not:
1. UC's improved, but food options still weak, SFO clubs currently awful.
2. RPUs are (nearly) worthless.
3. Crazy fare pricing lately, including BE fiasco.
4. 739s.
5. HD widebody configurations.
Sep 25, 2017, 11:48 pm
#26
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Washington DC
Programs: Delta DM CO PE OZ GE AMTRAK
Posts: 524
are you kidding? United airplanes are much cleaner than some other airplanes like Jetblue, where cleaning is done artificially (like in 5 mins) by crews and nonrevs, whereas United actually pays a vendor to do the cleaning in between flights.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Sep 26, 2017 at 1:37 am Reason: Discuss the issues, not the poster(s)
Sep 26, 2017, 12:01 am
#27
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: NorCal
Posts: 658
I have two reasons for flying with United. One is 3 years old and her baby brother is 5 months old. They live in Las Vegas, I split my time between Las Vegas and NJ and only United has daily non-stops between the two airports. Yes, the planes are not the cleanest, in general the food, when offered is inedible at best, upgrades are rare and after 28 years as an Elite/Premier they really don't care much about me because they know I will be back to see my grandchildren. One more point on clean planes, we now wipe our seats down before flying. Recently on a EWR-LAS trip we were in first, wiped the seats down and the wipes came out black. I sent a picture to United, maybe you got a response because I never did.......
Sep 26, 2017, 12:46 am
#28
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: IAD
Programs: Delta AmEx Gold, United MileagePlus Explorer, Former Delta Silver Medallion & United Premier Silver
Posts: 121
As someone who flies both DL and UA regularly, UA's app is in no way better than DL's, especially when you consider how DL's app handles IROPS. That said, I personally think UA's is the second best of the airlines I use (DL, UA, AS, Southwest).
Sep 26, 2017, 1:05 am
#29
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: HKG • Ex SFO, NYC
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Marriott Amb; Hyatt Globalist; Shangri-la Diamond; IHG SpireAmb; Hilton D; Accor G
Posts: 3,319
Lots of reasons for me to fly UA:
1. Network from SFO.
2. Star Alliance. Easy to take for granted. UA has the best collection of partners overall.
3. Treated well as 1K.
4. SDC.
5. Free award changes.
6. Polaris seat (and on the long-haul routes I'm most likely to fly).
7. Free E+
And a few not:
1. UC's improved, but food options still weak, SFO clubs currently awful.
2. RPUs are (nearly) worthless.
3. Crazy fare pricing lately, including BE fiasco.
4. 739s.
5. HD widebody configurations.
1. Network from SFO.
2. Star Alliance. Easy to take for granted. UA has the best collection of partners overall.
3. Treated well as 1K.
4. SDC.
5. Free award changes.
6. Polaris seat (and on the long-haul routes I'm most likely to fly).
7. Free E+
And a few not:
1. UC's improved, but food options still weak, SFO clubs currently awful.
2. RPUs are (nearly) worthless.
3. Crazy fare pricing lately, including BE fiasco.
4. 739s.
5. HD widebody configurations.
Also, cleared an RPU into a Polaris seat EWR-SFO on a $199 fare last week!
Sep 26, 2017, 4:44 am
#30
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 134
1. International cabin service is inconsistent and in many cases better with other carriers on International flights (especially foreign carriers) Your cabin crews ARE grandmothers, flying international routes based on seniority, not performance. (Thanks for saying it out loud first, Akbar…… �� )
At this point I go out of my way to use other Star Alliance carriers for travel between PVG and the continental US. ANA is miles better, CA at the very least friendlier, Asiana is good China-Korea and outstanding Korea-US and Singapore... well, the only thing speaking against it is the long detour. It's a shame Cathay is not part of Star Alliance.
Bottom line: plenty of options and often they are not more expensive. So why bother. Let them get their act together first.