Is it rude to use premier benefits?
#47
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Haze gray and underway
Programs: UA 1K 2MM, HH Diamond, Marriott 'clink clink' Titanium
Posts: 1,782
#48
Join Date: Jul 2016
Programs: UA1K | *A Gold
Posts: 767
I always feel bad doing this especially when there's an IRROP situation and everyone is waiting in line. Then again if you fly enough to qualify for the Premier line, then you'll probably encounter a couple of IRROPs every year, whereas most of the people in the regular line probably only see something like this happen once every few years.
I know this will sound a little DYKWIA, but I hate to see non-Premier or even Premier members use the 1K/Polaris line at smaller airports just because the line is shorter... We all need to get somewhere, and if the agent is free, they'll call you over. No need for people to balance out the lines. /end rant.
I know this will sound a little DYKWIA, but I hate to see non-Premier or even Premier members use the 1K/Polaris line at smaller airports just because the line is shorter... We all need to get somewhere, and if the agent is free, they'll call you over. No need for people to balance out the lines. /end rant.
#49
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: LAX
Programs: AAdvantage EXPLAT, Hilton Diamond, SPG/Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum, Citi Exec MC, Amex Plat
Posts: 1,443
The other thing is Premier members are often served quicker because they fly a lot and are more familiar with rules and policies. For instance, a 1K doesnt have to care about baggage weights until 70 lbs and can check 3 bags, and most 1Ks are aware of their perks so they know exactly what they can do. More awareness means less surprises and fewer questions and quicker service time.
#50
Join Date: Dec 2011
Programs: UA 1P
Posts: 545
It's not rude, but I know how you feel.
Last week I had to sprint across ORD to get from Concourse F to Concourse C in time to catch a really tight connection. I arrived toward the tail end of Group 2 boarding but queued up in the Group 1 line. The GA motioned me through ahead of the Group 2-ers, scanned my boarding pass, and then announced, "Okay, that's the last carry-on we can accommodate."
I felt really bad for the guy who had been in the front of the Group 2 line until I showed up. Not bad enough to gate check, mind you, but I guess there was a little bit of retribution in the fact that the only space for my rollaboard was in the way back of the plane and I was in row 7. I was the last one off.
Last week I had to sprint across ORD to get from Concourse F to Concourse C in time to catch a really tight connection. I arrived toward the tail end of Group 2 boarding but queued up in the Group 1 line. The GA motioned me through ahead of the Group 2-ers, scanned my boarding pass, and then announced, "Okay, that's the last carry-on we can accommodate."
I felt really bad for the guy who had been in the front of the Group 2 line until I showed up. Not bad enough to gate check, mind you, but I guess there was a little bit of retribution in the fact that the only space for my rollaboard was in the way back of the plane and I was in row 7. I was the last one off.
Last edited by LTBoston; Aug 28, 2018 at 5:12 pm
#51
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: SJC / DPS
Programs: AS G75K, UA Silver
Posts: 1,751
And yes, if I stroll up late to the gate (which is rare - I like to board early), I will usually get in the group 1 lane, and wait till they waive me over. It's about saving time and having less stress. It is too bad flying is so complicated and stressful, but it is possible to learn how to make it easier. Nothing to apologize for in that.
After a few seconds I cut ahead and I'm on my way with lots of stares and comments.
#52
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,359
Not rude at all! Keep in mind Premier Access is often offered as a $10-$20 fee during OLCI and I suspect a number of travellers just assumed you paid the fee. Obviously there would be nothing unfair in their mind if you paid $20 to get to the front of the line.
-James
-James
#53
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Chicago
Posts: 11,509
#54
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: NYC, FLL
Programs: UA PP 1MM, Marriott Bonvoy LTTE, BA Bronze
Posts: 6,260
Not rude. Happens to most of us when boarding late and you walk to the Group 1 line and cut in front of Group 3 or later. Just wait for the agent to call you over and it's no longer your problem.
#55
Join Date: Mar 2007
Programs: United Mileage Plus Premier
Posts: 775
About to board 1604 in LAS this morning, standing next to the group 1 line with my wife who was already upgraded when the GA called my name. I walked over to the side of the podium, handed her my old BP, got my new one for 2E and said thank you very much. The gentleman standing in front of her was not happy because he was trying to bargain for an upgrade...and finally offered to buy and I got my BP. Oh well, sometimes being Premier has it perks. No, I did not feel bad. If I was in the OP's shoes I would have done the same thing he did. We don't make the rules, UA does that, we, hopefully, just follow them. Before I retired I ran my own business for 17 years, I had preferred customers and regular customers. The preferred, the ones who spend a lot of money and paid their bills on time always got their requests filled first.
#56
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Chicago IL US
Programs: UA 1K; National Executive Elite; Hertz PC & Hotels Galore
Posts: 946
Be curious as to people's thoughts on the opposite problem. I have had a few instances where I had to go to customer service behind security (usually ORD), where there is a line for Premier and a regular line. I'll be the only one on the Premier line and then ignored/not seen for what feels like a long time (>5-10 customers taken from the regular line, or >20 minutes). At what point is it appropriate to just walk up the the next available agent or try to wave at the agents so I can be sure they saw me?
I may be a bit biased but with the exceptions of check-in during ski season (and requests for home delivery of same at ORD baggage claim) and claiming VDB bounty, I haven't had reason to stand in a UA line for a couple of years now...
#57
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Portland OR
Programs: United 1K 1MM, Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton HHonors Gold
Posts: 560
But as Im leaving the UC to go to a hotel the number of J pax Id recognized lining up (in the long long line) for the 10.45pm skeleton CS desk service was incredible. I asked one of them (who Id talked to on the plane) why he, wife and daughter were lining up. He didnt have the app and didnt know which number to call. I suggested they go to the UC before it closed (he had about 15 minutes).
#58
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,359
Its amazing how many people dont understand that though. I was on the (ultimately canceled) DEN-LHR at the end of July after we departed and returned due to a medical emergency. I and a few others went to the UC, checked the app, called reservations and got the rebooking about 25 minutes after the cancellation.
But as Im leaving the UC to go to a hotel the number of J pax Id recognized lining up (in the long long line) for the 10.45pm skeleton CS desk service was incredible. I asked one of them (who Id talked to on the plane) why he, wife and daughter were lining up. He didnt have the app and didnt know which number to call. I suggested they go to the UC before it closed (he had about 15 minutes).
Safe Travels,
James
#59
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 12,551
Just walk through the G1 lane with your BP out and merge smoothly without breaking stride like it's what you're supposed to do. People will probably comment less than if you hesitate.
#60
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 409
Its amazing how many people dont understand that though. I was on the (ultimately canceled) DEN-LHR at the end of July after we departed and returned due to a medical emergency. I and a few others went to the UC, checked the app, called reservations and got the rebooking about 25 minutes after the cancellation.
But as Im leaving the UC to go to a hotel the number of J pax Id recognized lining up (in the long long line) for the 10.45pm skeleton CS desk service was incredible. I asked one of them (who Id talked to on the plane) why he, wife and daughter were lining up. He didnt have the app and didnt know which number to call. I suggested they go to the UC before it closed (he had about 15 minutes).