Cancellation nightmares.
Jul 18, 23, 10:37 pm
#1
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Cancellation nightmares.
Starting 2-3 weeks ago when things got bad I missed multiple tries going to SYD due to cancellations of DCA-SFO, IAD-LAX, and IAD-SFO. Four times in seven days. Eventually had to abandon the vacation and move on.
Now? Four times in six days I’ve missed a trip to Europe due to more than half the DCA-EWR schedule being cancelled. Just got notice that my flight tomorrow will make five times in a week.
I don’t feel like leaving a four hour connection in Newark is unreasonable. I feel like that’s more than me doing my part when fights go every hour.
At what point is the paltry 30,000 miles they threw at us…insulting. It’s kind of hard to re-qualify for GS when they cancel all of your flights.
Now? Four times in six days I’ve missed a trip to Europe due to more than half the DCA-EWR schedule being cancelled. Just got notice that my flight tomorrow will make five times in a week.
I don’t feel like leaving a four hour connection in Newark is unreasonable. I feel like that’s more than me doing my part when fights go every hour.
At what point is the paltry 30,000 miles they threw at us…insulting. It’s kind of hard to re-qualify for GS when they cancel all of your flights.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Jul 18, 23 at 10:49 pm Reason: Discuss the issue, not the posters
Jul 18, 23, 10:45 pm
#2
Join Date: May 2002
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The weather on the East Coast has been pretty unfriendly to United recently. Couple that with very high aircraft utilization, few spares, crew out of place, and I can see why there have been more cancellations than normal.
DC to Newark is a pretty short hop. If you already know your flight is cancelled ahead of time, why not drive or take the train up? You could also connect in Europe instead of Newark, as international flights tend to be prioritized and you even get an extra 30 minutes of sleep heading over the pond that way
DC to Newark is a pretty short hop. If you already know your flight is cancelled ahead of time, why not drive or take the train up? You could also connect in Europe instead of Newark, as international flights tend to be prioritized and you even get an extra 30 minutes of sleep heading over the pond that way
Jul 18, 23, 10:47 pm
#3
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Starting 2-3 weeks ago when things got bad I missed multiple tries going to SYD due to cancellations of DCA-SFO, IAD-LAX, and IAD-SFO. Four times in seven days. Eventually had to abandon the vacation and move on.
Now? Four times in six days I’ve missed a trip to Europe due to more than half the DCA-EWR schedule being cancelled. Just got notice that my flight tomorrow will make five times in a week.
I don’t feel like leaving a four hour connection in Newark is unreasonable. I feel like that’s more than me doing my part when fights go every hour.
At what point is the paltry 30,000 miles they threw at us…insulting. It’s kind of hard to re-qualify for GS when they cancel all of your flights.
Now? Four times in six days I’ve missed a trip to Europe due to more than half the DCA-EWR schedule being cancelled. Just got notice that my flight tomorrow will make five times in a week.
I don’t feel like leaving a four hour connection in Newark is unreasonable. I feel like that’s more than me doing my part when fights go every hour.
At what point is the paltry 30,000 miles they threw at us…insulting. It’s kind of hard to re-qualify for GS when they cancel all of your flights.
Fundamentally, if you need to get to Europe, it sounds like either trying out of IAD or using AA or DL or another airline at this point.
David
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Jul 19, 23 at 12:51 pm Reason: quote updated to reflect Moderator edit
Jul 18, 23, 10:52 pm
#4
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I suspect the best course at this point is to choose another airline.
Jul 18, 23, 10:56 pm
#5
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DC to Newark is a pretty short hop. If you already know your flight is cancelled ahead of time, why not drive or take the train up? You could also connect in Europe instead of Newark, as international flights tend to be prioritized and you even get an extra 30 minutes of sleep heading over the pond that way
IAD is of course an alternate, but connecting in Europe means you get to your destination 3-5 hours later and lose the business day.
If UA cant deliver they shouldnt be selling. Full stop.
Jul 18, 23, 10:58 pm
#6
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Yes - UA's unusually high number of long-haul cancels recently has been noted here: Consolidated delayed/cancelled international flights (2023)
Jul 18, 23, 11:01 pm
#7
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agreed - fortunately Ive been spared the international cancellations but theyre also massively up the last month. Its getting to EWR/SFO/LAX thats proving the nightmare.
Jul 18, 23, 11:02 pm
#8
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In a similar vein, I've had a number of AA flights delayed recently due to no crew. I believe DL is having the same issues. All three carriers seem to be stretched very thin trying to fly schedules that don't take disruptions due to weather and staff shortages into account.
Jul 19, 23, 12:23 am
#9
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Truer words have not been spoken here.
Many posters here have been incredulous when I've pointed-out the string of IRROPS that I've experienced in the last 8 months. Reliability on UA is horrible. And it's not just due to weather. I've had 3 MX IRROPS in the last 2 months alone, and many more over the last 8 months. I've had to rent cars and drive one-way on more than one occasion because there was no hope for a recovery. Flying is horrible these days. I enjoy nothing about it anymore.
Many posters here have been incredulous when I've pointed-out the string of IRROPS that I've experienced in the last 8 months. Reliability on UA is horrible. And it's not just due to weather. I've had 3 MX IRROPS in the last 2 months alone, and many more over the last 8 months. I've had to rent cars and drive one-way on more than one occasion because there was no hope for a recovery. Flying is horrible these days. I enjoy nothing about it anymore.
Jul 19, 23, 3:34 am
#10
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United and other airlines cancel regional flights such as DCA to EWR to reduce volume and further disruption during IROOPs.
I have already abandoned my DCA-NYC twice in as many weeks in order to get back to NY timely, via Amtrak train. I know this is not feasible for everyone, especially those with checked luggage and through ticket. I don't check bags and usually have separate tickets, so no risks cancelling the short segment and dash out of the airport.
I have already abandoned my DCA-NYC twice in as many weeks in order to get back to NY timely, via Amtrak train. I know this is not feasible for everyone, especially those with checked luggage and through ticket. I don't check bags and usually have separate tickets, so no risks cancelling the short segment and dash out of the airport.
Jul 19, 23, 5:07 am
#11
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I live in ALX, so DCA is closer. If Im going to Europe, I prefer flying out of IAD. The DCA-EWR flights are all on regional jets, which are always the first flights to be cancelled.
Jul 19, 23, 6:20 am
#12
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Don't think anyone is suggesting you do that for all trips moving forward. This is just a suggestion to get to your vacation. Things will stabilize for United at some point.
Jul 19, 23, 6:50 am
#13
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Train? Drive? Either of these options means leaving northern Virginia a minimum of six hours before you’re transatlantic. That’s 3+ hours more than flying. That may be ok on vacation but when you’re flying GS volume you can’t afford that on the regular.
IAD is of course an alternate, but connecting in Europe means you get to your destination 3-5 hours later and lose the business day.
If UA can’t deliver they shouldn’t be selling. Full stop.
IAD is of course an alternate, but connecting in Europe means you get to your destination 3-5 hours later and lose the business day.
If UA can’t deliver they shouldn’t be selling. Full stop.
1. Accept an extension of your total travel time for your journey to include driving, longer connections, connections in Europe,etc to account for the current mess.
2. Fly private jet
3. Don't travel much, if at all until the airlines sort out their problems (2025 at the earliest?). Time it will take for more aircraft and staff to come on line.
Complaining makes you feel better but unfortunately does nothing to solve your problem of the misery of current air travel. Wish it was better but its not nor will it be in the near future
.All the best
Jul 19, 23, 7:11 am
#14
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In a similar vein, I've had a number of AA flights delayed recently due to no crew. I believe DL is having the same issues. All three carriers seem to be stretched very thin trying to fly schedules that don't take disruptions due to weather and staff shortages into account.
Jul 19, 23, 7:35 am
#15
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