Thank you for being 1K
Nov 8, 2019, 9:06 pm
#31
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Haze gray and underway
Programs: UA 1K 2MM, HH Diamond, Marriott 'clink clink' Titanium
Posts: 1,784
It seems like this line is suddenly everywhere. Every transaction with UA, even when they scan my BP at the gate, ends with "Thank you for being a loyal 1K member..." This morning when I had to call an agent with an issue it ended with "I hope you'll be able to keep your 1K statusfor next year." It's just part of every single conversation. It must be part of the instructions all agents have received.
Yesterday when they held a flight for me for 5 minutes at IAD to avoid a missed connection I heard it at least five times as they were rushing me through the gate area and onto the flight. This made it clear to me that they held the flight BECAUSE I was 1K - and I know several others on my incoming flight were trying to make the same connection and they were somewhere behind me when they rushed me on board and closed up.
A little bit is great, but this is getting a little annoying, especially since there is no way I'll be 1K next year, and will ride out my 2020 as Gold while explore other options for 2021 and then jump ship when my status goes away.
Yesterday when they held a flight for me for 5 minutes at IAD to avoid a missed connection I heard it at least five times as they were rushing me through the gate area and onto the flight. This made it clear to me that they held the flight BECAUSE I was 1K - and I know several others on my incoming flight were trying to make the same connection and they were somewhere behind me when they rushed me on board and closed up.
A little bit is great, but this is getting a little annoying, especially since there is no way I'll be 1K next year, and will ride out my 2020 as Gold while explore other options for 2021 and then jump ship when my status goes away.
Its seeing Priority tagged bags waiting sitting separately when you arrive at baggage claim.
Nov 8, 2019, 9:26 pm
#32
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: PWM
Programs: AA Plat
Posts: 1,335
Yesterday when they held a flight for me for 5 minutes at IAD to avoid a missed connection I heard it at least five times as they were rushing me through the gate area and onto the flight. This made it clear to me that they held the flight BECAUSE I was 1K - and I know several others on my incoming flight were trying to make the same connection and they were somewhere behind me when they rushed me on board and closed up.
I wonder if they realize they'll lose a ton of (high) elites next year and are trying to retain people with kindness.
Nov 8, 2019, 9:53 pm
#33
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: IAH / HOU
Programs: UA GS, DL-Plat, Hilton Gold, IHG Platinum, Hyatt Somethingist, Marriott Titanium Lifetime
Posts: 2,853
Nov 9, 2019, 12:44 am
#34
Join Date: Oct 2019
Programs: AA EXP, 2MM. UA 1k 1MM
Posts: 29
the above is an observation and not a complaint
Ahh, the internet...
Nov 9, 2019, 8:02 am
#36
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: MFR
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,882
Nov 9, 2019, 8:10 am
#37
Join Date: Oct 2009
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton ♦ , Hyatt Carbonado, Wyndham ♦, Marriott PE, "Stinking Bum" elsewhere.
Posts: 4,993
This is too funny.
The only time I get the fake gratitude is when I call the 1K number. No one ever says it to me at the gate, onboard, or in the Polaris lounge, etc. But, then again, I probably don't look like a 1K to them since I am always dressed down and exhibit no trappings of success.
My 1K elite "special treatment" expectations were tempered by a recent experience on a ORD-MUC flight, where I was denied my chosen PDB (Coke ), with the line that they were only offering what was on the tray, but that they would get my preferred drink shortly after take off. I also got some attitude with my denial when I told her that I didn't want anything on the tray. I thought that this was a new "enhancement", so on my return last week, I told the FA that I'll just wait until after takeoff so I can get a Coke. She looked confused and said that I could get a Coke right now. I told her that I thought it was a new policy because I had been denied on the outbound, and she said there was no such policy. Go figure!
By the way, this denial of a soft drink PDB has happened to me more than once, so I really did think it was a new policy.
"What do you call it when the assassins accuse the assassin." -Colonel Kurtz, Apocalypse Now.
The only time I get the fake gratitude is when I call the 1K number. No one ever says it to me at the gate, onboard, or in the Polaris lounge, etc. But, then again, I probably don't look like a 1K to them since I am always dressed down and exhibit no trappings of success.
My 1K elite "special treatment" expectations were tempered by a recent experience on a ORD-MUC flight, where I was denied my chosen PDB (Coke ), with the line that they were only offering what was on the tray, but that they would get my preferred drink shortly after take off. I also got some attitude with my denial when I told her that I didn't want anything on the tray. I thought that this was a new "enhancement", so on my return last week, I told the FA that I'll just wait until after takeoff so I can get a Coke. She looked confused and said that I could get a Coke right now. I told her that I thought it was a new policy because I had been denied on the outbound, and she said there was no such policy. Go figure!
By the way, this denial of a soft drink PDB has happened to me more than once, so I really did think it was a new policy.
"What do you call it when the assassins accuse the assassin." -Colonel Kurtz, Apocalypse Now.
Last edited by zombietooth; Nov 9, 2019 at 8:20 am
Nov 9, 2019, 8:57 am
#38
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,359
My 1K elite "special treatment" expectations were tempered by a recent experience on a ORD-MUC flight, where I was denied my chosen PDB (Coke ), with the line that they were only offering what was on the tray, but that they would get my preferred drink shortly after take off. I also got some attitude with my denial when I told her that I didn't want anything on the tray. I thought that this was a new "enhancement", so on my return last week, I told the FA that I'll just wait until after takeoff so I can get a Coke. She looked confused and said that I could get a Coke right now. I told her that I thought it was a new policy because I had been denied on the outbound, and she said there was no such policy. Go figure!
By the way, this denial of a soft drink PDB has happened to me more than once, so I really did think it was a new policy.
By the way, this denial of a soft drink PDB has happened to me more than once, so I really did think it was a new policy.
Meanwhile flying SQ last year in Y from SIN to DPS not only was a meal served but they gladly served me a Singapore sling on request. It’s experiences like these that make me wonder if I should move flying out of UA and towards SQ.
Last edited by FlyerTalker70; Nov 9, 2019 at 9:05 am
Nov 9, 2019, 9:07 am
#39
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: PHX, ICN
Programs: OZ Diamond Plus, Marriott Gold
Posts: 502
I'd hope this was standard. The stories here make it seem that, suddenly, UA is keenly motivated to recognize your status and loyalty, but a month ago didn't really bother. Am I reading that right?
Nov 9, 2019, 9:11 am
#40
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AS 75K, DL Silver, UA Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Platinum + LT Gold
Posts: 10,496
If you don't like what United is doing with what you perceive as "fake" gratitude, then move on. There are plenty of other airlines to choose from.
Action speaks louder than words (being posted on FT).
Action speaks louder than words (being posted on FT).
Nov 9, 2019, 9:18 am
#41
Join Date: Oct 2009
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton ♦ , Hyatt Carbonado, Wyndham ♦, Marriott PE, "Stinking Bum" elsewhere.
Posts: 4,993
I’ve had a similar thing happen flying TATL and TPAC Polaris a couple months ago. Requested the famous old fashioned on both flights and said not available. Fly on a domestic F service from DEN to YYZ no problem. Perhaps I’m being unreasonable expecting a common drink in Polaris J Meanwhile flying SQ last year in Y from SIN to DPS not only was a meal served but they gladly served me a Singapore sling on request. It’s experiences like these that make me wonder if I should move flying out of UA and towards SQ.
Meanwhile flying SQ last year in Y from SIN to DPS not only was a meal served but they gladly served me a Singapore sling on request. It’s experiences like these that make me wonder if I should move flying out of UA and towards SQ.Last edited by zombietooth; Nov 9, 2019 at 9:25 am
Nov 9, 2019, 9:52 am
#42
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: 42.1% in PDX , 49.9% in PVG & 8% in the air somewhere
Programs: Marriott Ambassador Elite, UA 1K, AS MVP GLD 75K, DL Pt
Posts: 1,086
LOL, with the new requirements in place all the loyalty won't change the fact my dollars/miles will do far better on other airlines. I don't fly for the perks but now that I've experienced UA, EVA, Delta, China Air, China Eastern, Hainan, and JAL as well as AS/DL/UA domestically all the thank yous and smiles are are too little and not enough with the new 1K requirements.
Even my Apple traveling son is considering moving away from UA.
Even my Apple traveling son is considering moving away from UA.
Nov 9, 2019, 9:57 am
#43
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Heading to Costco for more popcorn...
Programs: UA 1K 2MM Flier, SPG Plt, Hilton Dia
Posts: 8,461
Agreed - I’ve noticed the increase in verbal acknowledgment for both 1K and MM for several months, with several of the phone agents also commenting on how close I was getting to 2MM.
Nov 9, 2019, 10:03 am
#44
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,448
There definitely seems to be a new initiative.
I'm sure Kirby likes these "soft" enhancements, as they add no costs to the bottom line.
And likewise, it has no impact on my merits' based decision that UA will no longer work for my travel and spend patterns.
Nov 9, 2019, 10:07 am
#45
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Los Angeles, California
Programs: United, American, Delta, Hyatt, Hilton, Hertz, Marriott
Posts: 14,799
Or just pile it on “please, it is I who must thank you. It is an inestimable honor to be your customer. I thank God every day that I, a humble peon, have been elevated to the rank of 1K and *G on United. The great sacrifices of my parents and grandparents have finally paid off.”
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Nov 9, 2019 at 10:16 am Reason: merged consecutive posts by same member