Annie is a rock star (aka United in Australia) (retired 2020)
Apr 6, 2009, 9:12 pm
#76
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Toronto YYZ UA-1K 1MM,QFgold
Programs: Royal Ambassador/ SPG Platinum 75/Marriott gold
Posts: 14,283
Wow big day in the lounge, the big shots from NZ are here also.
I just met the Monna the regional Manager for NZ. I told her to keep up the great work NZ has the BEST lounges in Star for sure!^
I just met the Monna the regional Manager for NZ. I told her to keep up the great work NZ has the BEST lounges in Star for sure!^
Apr 6, 2009, 9:15 pm
#77
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: SFO, SJC
Programs: UA MM /Gold ; AS MVP Gold; SWA A LIst and CP; HH Gold; Bonvoy Titanium; IHG Plat Elite
Posts: 588
If only the HNL RCC dragon was competant enough.... she tried some typing, then called someone, then finally showed me a piece of paper that stated only RCC members and United First. Business pax only. When I... um... very patiently... pointed out that this was for T-mobile access only and again showed her my A* benefits printout she ungraciously let me in. I still think they need a touch of "annie" training.
Apr 6, 2009, 10:33 pm
#78
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: ORD & DEN
Programs: UA Premier 1K 1MM, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 239
I was in SYD on Tuesday but I missed Annie as she took the day off. I spoke with her boss and she told me the same thing - thanks to FT and this thread, someone from WHQ was coming out to do an interview which will appear in Hemispheres. She is definitely a "rock star" around the world. 
Apr 7, 2009, 12:44 am
#79
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Stanmore, Sydney, Australia.
Programs: NZ Airpoints GE
Posts: 1,360
I don't think I have ever seen such an accolade about a single employee of any airline on FT that has been given to Annie and rightly so. I met her last year and what a lady! She should be proud to be -and is - both an ouststanding UA employee and a true Australian. You are a credit to both.
We salute you Annie!
We salute you Annie!
Apr 13, 2009, 1:47 pm
#80
In Memoriam
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: BUR/LAX
Programs: UA 1K, RCC; AA EXP; HH Diamond; CC Gold
Posts: 693
Apr 14, 2009, 3:54 am
#81
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: UK/Australia
Programs: BAEC Silver, UA2MM, QF Platinum, VA Platinum., Volare Executive Club
Posts: 2,512
Apr 14, 2009, 5:16 am
#82
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Mileage Plus, Skymiles, EleVAte founding member, SPG
Posts: 1,910
I was in the 1K line with a few others before the counters opened that day. The employees were standing and having a quick meeting. As the meeting broke up, Annie walked over to the First, GS, 1K, Business lines and made sure that they knew they were welcome to come to her club for a hot meal. She's great.
Apr 17, 2009, 4:53 pm
#83
Company Representative - United Airlines
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: United Public Relations
Posts: 151
Hello,
I don't normally post internal communications that are sent out, but I know you were all excited about Annie. This was for an internal communications channel, not Hemispheres
, but I hope you will enjoy nonetheless.
Cheers,
United PR
Win Australia: Annie's Wow Factor
Posted April 17, 2009
"That must be 'Annie' over there -- I can tell by her smile," said a customer at our counter in the Air New Zealand lounge at Sydney Airport as Anne Walton approached.
Anne, known to her colleagues and our best customers as "Annie," has served as a customer service representative (CSR) in her hometown Sydney for more than 20 years, becoming a much sought after representative, friend and confidant to our best customers.
Annie's supervisor, Leanne, Sydney station manager, is often stopped by Global Services (GS) customers who ask about Annie.
Recently, one of these customers found Leanne in the departures area to ask if Annie would be checking him in that day. He said he had heard of the "Annie experience," but had yet to meet her himself and was hoping to say hello to her that day.
"This kind of thing happens with Annie everyday," says Leanne. "She is a legend here."
When Annie's name is mentioned on customer Web sites, like Flyertalk, the comments flow, such as this recent string:
* Annie is simply the best. There is no other employee working for United worldwide that even comes close to her ability to recognize and service passengers.
* She is a master-diplomat with a firm hand on the mic unrivaled throughout the RCC network worldwide.
* I have not seen her for about a year, but I get to see her on Wednesday. I am truly looking forward to her big smile every time she sees me. Last year I even got to introduce my wife, to whom I am always talking about how great Annie is.
* Just got to meet her last week for the first time. I now understand.
* Annie's not the type of person to "toot her own horn" much, and we're not going to SYD for some time, but I hope someone tips her off to the compliments she's getting and so richly deserves!
Not that she's counting, of course.
"I don't read the comments -- it's not why I do this," says Annie. "I'm so happy doing what I do and I want to make our passengers' experience with us the most positive experience possible. It is my job...and I absolutely love it."
She adds, "If I can greet each person with a smile, put them at ease and make them feel welcome and valued, then I'm doing my job."
Back in the lounge, after being checked in by Annie, another GS customer shares, "I fly all the time and I always look forward to seeing Annie. She makes my experience so enjoyable each and every time."
Adding that he has status on both United and one of our competitors, he mentions that he finds our premium service far superior "because of the people like Annie."
To Annie, one of the keys to help us "win Australia" is very simple.
"I treat each and every customer that walks through my door as an individual." True enough, Annie even knows each of her passengers by name, not to mention their birthdays and children's names.
She adds, "Every customer is valuable, whether they are traveling in economy or first class. As far as I see it, everyone deserves the best service possible."
I don't normally post internal communications that are sent out, but I know you were all excited about Annie. This was for an internal communications channel, not Hemispheres
, but I hope you will enjoy nonetheless.Cheers,
United PR
Win Australia: Annie's Wow Factor
Posted April 17, 2009
"That must be 'Annie' over there -- I can tell by her smile," said a customer at our counter in the Air New Zealand lounge at Sydney Airport as Anne Walton approached.
Anne, known to her colleagues and our best customers as "Annie," has served as a customer service representative (CSR) in her hometown Sydney for more than 20 years, becoming a much sought after representative, friend and confidant to our best customers.
Annie's supervisor, Leanne, Sydney station manager, is often stopped by Global Services (GS) customers who ask about Annie.
Recently, one of these customers found Leanne in the departures area to ask if Annie would be checking him in that day. He said he had heard of the "Annie experience," but had yet to meet her himself and was hoping to say hello to her that day.
"This kind of thing happens with Annie everyday," says Leanne. "She is a legend here."
When Annie's name is mentioned on customer Web sites, like Flyertalk, the comments flow, such as this recent string:
* Annie is simply the best. There is no other employee working for United worldwide that even comes close to her ability to recognize and service passengers.
* She is a master-diplomat with a firm hand on the mic unrivaled throughout the RCC network worldwide.
* I have not seen her for about a year, but I get to see her on Wednesday. I am truly looking forward to her big smile every time she sees me. Last year I even got to introduce my wife, to whom I am always talking about how great Annie is.
* Just got to meet her last week for the first time. I now understand.
* Annie's not the type of person to "toot her own horn" much, and we're not going to SYD for some time, but I hope someone tips her off to the compliments she's getting and so richly deserves!
Not that she's counting, of course.
"I don't read the comments -- it's not why I do this," says Annie. "I'm so happy doing what I do and I want to make our passengers' experience with us the most positive experience possible. It is my job...and I absolutely love it."
She adds, "If I can greet each person with a smile, put them at ease and make them feel welcome and valued, then I'm doing my job."
Back in the lounge, after being checked in by Annie, another GS customer shares, "I fly all the time and I always look forward to seeing Annie. She makes my experience so enjoyable each and every time."
Adding that he has status on both United and one of our competitors, he mentions that he finds our premium service far superior "because of the people like Annie."
To Annie, one of the keys to help us "win Australia" is very simple.
"I treat each and every customer that walks through my door as an individual." True enough, Annie even knows each of her passengers by name, not to mention their birthdays and children's names.
She adds, "Every customer is valuable, whether they are traveling in economy or first class. As far as I see it, everyone deserves the best service possible."
Last edited by iluv2fly; Apr 17, 2009 at 8:46 pm Reason: per policy
Apr 17, 2009, 5:02 pm
#84
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: SFO
Programs: UA S
Posts: 1,335
Thanks for posting this United PR. Hope it makes Hemispheres eventually, great to learn about such an awesome employee
Apr 17, 2009, 5:19 pm
#85
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: ASE
Programs: UA 1MM, AA1MM PLTPRO, Hertz PC, National EXC, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton/Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 3,357
I agree, thanks United PR for posting this. While Annie is not the only great employee in that customers get to interact with, I hope this article serves as an example for the less-than-stellar employees out there. Kudos to United for recognizing their strength with people such as Annie and Capt. Flannagan, etc.
Apr 17, 2009, 5:49 pm
#86
Join Date: May 2001
Location: RNO, NV, USA.
Programs: UA 2MM
Posts: 5,062
United PR - Thank you for posting this. I'm glad to see Annie is getting the recognition she deserves. 
Edited to add: Hopefully I will be able to meet her again when I'm in the SYD Air NZ lounge 5/25/09.
Edited to add: Hopefully I will be able to meet her again when I'm in the SYD Air NZ lounge 5/25/09.
Last edited by restlessinRNO; Apr 17, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Apr 17, 2009, 6:28 pm
#87
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Between SFO and SJC
Programs: UA 1K-MM
Posts: 1,406
I actually got two hugs and a kiss from Annie on the 13th - The box of Ghiardelli chocolate I gave her for helping me the last time I was through there could have had something to do with it
Apr 18, 2009, 9:47 pm
#88
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: WLG, New Zealand
Programs: UA LTG QF LTG/P1 NZ*E
Posts: 1,890
Thanks United PR for posting this. I showed the post to Annie who was very excited and gracious. The NZ reps also wanted a look and were very pleased for Annie
Also, btw, unless i'm mistaken Nick Cave is in the lounge
Jeff
Also, btw, unless i'm mistaken Nick Cave is in the lounge
Jeff
Apr 19, 2009, 8:19 am
#89
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: VA Gold, UA, SPG Gold, HH Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Ambassador
Posts: 3,644
Annie was very sweet to my daughter, MINI DG when we were in the RCC with her ^. She was also working the check in area one time when I nearly missed check in due to terrible traffic and a broken suitcase handle
. A few kind words from Annie, and I was checked-in smoothly and feeling calm again .Way to go Annie :-:. I am so hoping you are working on Thurs 21 May as I would love to stop by and say HI again
.Keep up the great customer friendly service, you are a credit to UA ^ ^ !
Apr 26, 2009, 8:50 pm
#90
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: LAX
Programs: UA Premier Plat (1.2 MM), Hertz PC, Marriott Gold, HH Gold, GE
Posts: 154
I'm sitting in the Star Alliance Lounge at SYD waiting for my flight to LA (UA 840) and enjoying the beautiful lounge and Annie's warm hospitality. She is indeed, very special. A wonderful way to end my first MR to SYD.