United Airlines Tells Flight Attendants: "Please Recognize 1K Members!"
Apr 11, 2021, 9:38 pm
#31
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2000
Location: أمريكا
Posts: 26,763
The number of 1Ks and GSs flying in past year is amazingly low. Pre-pandemic, OGG-SFO, there would be (on average) at least 1 GS and 4-5 1Ks (some with families). Now I'm often the only 1K/GS. The only time I get recognized as a 1K by a GA is at that airport - "You're my 1K!". You'd think it would be infrequent that it wouldn't be a hassle to toss a bone 
Apr 11, 2021, 10:53 pm
#32
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: New York, NY
Programs: UA, AA, DL, Hertz, Avis, National, Hyatt, Hilton, SPG, Marriott
Posts: 9,450
Agree that the 1K/GS population is much less on the flights I take.
Lately, that means I am #1 or 2 on the upgrade list, and still in the back because of what would appear to be very strong paid F demand... likely a result of pricing at a minimal premium over Y.
Lately, that means I am #1 or 2 on the upgrade list, and still in the back because of what would appear to be very strong paid F demand... likely a result of pricing at a minimal premium over Y.
Apr 12, 2021, 3:44 am
#33
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 57,571
LH doesn't seem to have problem with this aspect of service. I've been welcomed as a *A Gold on every long haul LH flight I've taken in the past 3 years. I'm recognized 50% of the time on Austrian and Swiss short haul flights.
Apr 12, 2021, 7:02 am
#34
Join Date: Jul 2013
Programs: DYKWIA, But I'm a "Diamond Guest" UA 1K/2MM
Posts: 2,256
It's been the same for me. In fact, several times now, flight attendants on Austrian and Swiss have even moved me up from coach to business after boarding, based solely on my "Gold" status (they didn't know I'm GS with UAL).
Apr 12, 2021, 8:58 am
#35
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: CLE, DCA, and 30k feet
Programs: Honors LT Diamond; United 1K; Hertz PC
Posts: 4,161
The number of 1Ks and GSs flying in past year is amazingly low. Pre-pandemic, OGG-SFO, there would be (on average) at least 1 GS and 4-5 1Ks (some with families). Now I'm often the only 1K/GS. The only time I get recognized as a 1K by a GA is at that airport - "You're my 1K!". You'd think it would be infrequent that it wouldn't be a hassle to toss a bone
Apr 12, 2021, 9:31 am
#36
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,018
...I know at least at one airport there's a daily Sharepoint printout carried by the leads and available to the agents listing the GS/1K expected that day -- I find it nice to be greeted "LincolnJKC! We've been expecting you..." with some factoid or observation about the destination, though I can see how others may find it unnerving...
This isn't too much of a tangent, but I do believe GS and 1Ks should board before front cabin as the 5-group system works (and is hopefully re-introduced). I understand some FAs prefer back to front, but sorry - loyalty programs do require some work and (admittedly) create some inefficiencies. If a GS or 1K is in front cabin, he/she should get recognition by being allowed to board early and stow bags as near seat as possible. The GSs/1Ks in coach are relatively efficient and are out of the way and (usually) not taking front cabin bin space from other front cabin passengers when they board. United obviously doesn't want to create two more groups (GSs and then 1Ks after First but before rest of coach).
Last edited by IAH-OIL-TRASH; Apr 12, 2021 at 9:51 am
Apr 12, 2021, 9:48 am
#37
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: K+K
Programs: *G
Posts: 4,866
actually the only time my *G status was ever recognized, was on a LH short haul in economy, where they offered me a J breakfast, without explicitly acknowledging status -- mr xxx, would you like to be served breakfast? -- that was kinda weird.
Apr 12, 2021, 10:18 am
#38
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: HNL
Programs: UA GS4MM, MR LT Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,447
You really can't please everyone - clearly some want/need the recognition and others such as myself would rather just fly under the radar and just be prioritized on board. I just want the benefits. It isn't going to make me feel any better to thank me for being GS.
Apr 12, 2021, 10:20 am
#39
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Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: 4éme
Posts: 12,038
we must be on different routes because with similar LH/OS/LX patterns, for me this has been virtually never.
actually the only time my *G status was ever recognized, was on a LH short haul in economy, where they offered me a J breakfast, without explicitly acknowledging status -- mr xxx, would you like to be served breakfast? -- that was kinda weird.
actually the only time my *G status was ever recognized, was on a LH short haul in economy, where they offered me a J breakfast, without explicitly acknowledging status -- mr xxx, would you like to be served breakfast? -- that was kinda weird.
You really can't please everyone - clearly some want/need the recognition and others such as myself would rather just fly under the radar and just be prioritized on board. I just want the benefits. It isn't going to make me feel any better to thank me for being GS.
Last edited by TomMM; Apr 12, 2021 at 10:27 am
Apr 12, 2021, 12:12 pm
#40
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: San Francisco
Programs: UA MM Plat, UA 1MM, Hilton Lifetime Gold, Marriott Gold, Hertz Gold, CLEAR, AS MVP Gold
Posts: 3,617
Just flew DEN-SFO I was 15 on the list as a 1K but admittedly the flight was fairly full. I had alot of this pre covid as well. I personally don't give a rat's behind about recognition anymore I just want basic services to improve, as others mentioned more UCs to open up with improved services and food, and improvement in routes. Flying back to SFO from SLC via DEN isn't going to make me want to book with UA!
Apr 12, 2021, 1:40 pm
#41
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: SFO
Posts: 3,941
we must be on different routes because with similar LH/OS/LX patterns, for me this has been virtually never.
actually the only time my *G status was ever recognized, was on a LH short haul in economy, where they offered me a J breakfast, without explicitly acknowledging status -- mr xxx, would you like to be served breakfast? -- that was kinda weird.
actually the only time my *G status was ever recognized, was on a LH short haul in economy, where they offered me a J breakfast, without explicitly acknowledging status -- mr xxx, would you like to be served breakfast? -- that was kinda weird.
Apr 12, 2021, 2:11 pm
#42
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: CT/NY
Programs: UA 1K/1MM, AA EXP, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Plat Amb
Posts: 6,020
Good for you, but you're not the average traveler filling up domestic flights. It is almost entirely leisure travelers. At least in my realm of tech, most companies aren't even going to re-assess getting back to the office before 4Q, let alone re start ANY business travel other than the rare [go to the field because something critical is broken] trip. International business travel will be last to return. 2021? Ha, no way. Not being an a$$, but you're the outlier; very uncommon.
It is just one example, but I flew on AA's premium transcon 3 cabin A321 on the Thursday 5:30pm flight this week. Business was no more than half full. Unheard of pre-Covid.
It is just one example, but I flew on AA's premium transcon 3 cabin A321 on the Thursday 5:30pm flight this week. Business was no more than half full. Unheard of pre-Covid.
Apr 12, 2021, 3:08 pm
#44
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Washington DC and Denver CO
Programs: UA 1K, Bonvoy Titanium/LT Gold
Posts: 379
No comments on the linked story which apparently prompted this???
https://liveandletsfly.com/nearly-kicked-off-flight/
Or was that covered in another thread? Truly disturbing.. And if United's answer is to just "recognize" us 1Ks, I'm not sure if that's going to solve the issue with employees who are openly hostile to us.
I do think a negative of the whole COVID debacle is that FA's now are even further entrenched in to their "we're here for your safety only" culture, and that service has now found a way to reach an even lower bar that might not ever find its way back.
I never understood why snack boxes and drinks were ok up front, but not in the back. If FAs are now going to use "COVID" as the excuse to be even more petty and pushy, I don't think a "thanks for being 1K" is going to help much.
https://liveandletsfly.com/nearly-kicked-off-flight/
Or was that covered in another thread? Truly disturbing.. And if United's answer is to just "recognize" us 1Ks, I'm not sure if that's going to solve the issue with employees who are openly hostile to us.
I do think a negative of the whole COVID debacle is that FA's now are even further entrenched in to their "we're here for your safety only" culture, and that service has now found a way to reach an even lower bar that might not ever find its way back.
I never understood why snack boxes and drinks were ok up front, but not in the back. If FAs are now going to use "COVID" as the excuse to be even more petty and pushy, I don't think a "thanks for being 1K" is going to help much.
Apr 12, 2021, 3:17 pm
#45
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: ORD / PHX
Programs: UA LT 1K 3MM (former 12 yr GS), Bonvoy Amb/LT Plat
Posts: 1,340
No comments on the linked story which apparently prompted this???
https://liveandletsfly.com/nearly-kicked-off-flight/
Or was that covered in another thread? Truly disturbing.. And if United's answer is to just "recognize" us 1Ks, I'm not sure if that's going to solve the issue with employees who are openly hostile to us.
I do think a negative of the whole COVID debacle is that FA's now are even further entrenched in to their "we're here for your safety only" culture, and that service has now found a way to reach an even lower bar that might not ever find its way back.
I never understood why snack boxes and drinks were ok up front, but not in the back. If FAs are now going to use "COVID" as the excuse to be even more petty and pushy, I don't think a "thanks for being 1K" is going to help much.
https://liveandletsfly.com/nearly-kicked-off-flight/
Or was that covered in another thread? Truly disturbing.. And if United's answer is to just "recognize" us 1Ks, I'm not sure if that's going to solve the issue with employees who are openly hostile to us.
I do think a negative of the whole COVID debacle is that FA's now are even further entrenched in to their "we're here for your safety only" culture, and that service has now found a way to reach an even lower bar that might not ever find its way back.
I never understood why snack boxes and drinks were ok up front, but not in the back. If FAs are now going to use "COVID" as the excuse to be even more petty and pushy, I don't think a "thanks for being 1K" is going to help much.