11/26 UAL975 IAD-SFO Co-Pilot Medical Emergency
#17
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: RIC
Programs: UA 1K MM
Posts: 3,387
I was on the flight as well - United handled things extremely well, enough information that people did not panic during the diversion and then good customer service once on the ground in Denver. Lots of personnel and updates ... the sandwiches were a nice touch.
I was quite surprised United was able to find a replacement co-pilot at 7-8 PM on Thanksgiving night.
I was quite surprised United was able to find a replacement co-pilot at 7-8 PM on Thanksgiving night.
#18
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: FMO/FRA/SFO
Programs: M&M SEN
Posts: 255
Thanks for sharing and Welcome to FlyerTalk
#19
Join Date: Nov 2008
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Gold
Posts: 282
We were given an option to stay on or deboard. There were sandwiches, cookies and soda waiting for us outside Apparently the flight attendants had organized some thanksgiving meal and shared it with us (they said they shared the extras but who knows. hopefully they did not give up their meal!). There were gate agents waiting to re-route passengers. Many untied employees were there to help the passengers, including take them to their new gates, if that were the case. We were also offered compensation (choice being $250 voucher, 20% off economy or 10,000 miles; $300, 20% or 12,500 for premier). we also received great service (smiles..) on board, before and after the diversion.
My two cents... If everything you say above was really what was done, your flight staff did an AMAZING job! I can't believe they had food waiting for you at the gate and managed to find a spare crew that quickly. Luckily DEN is a good airport to get stuck at in terms of United (lots of flights) but even so...
I've been delayed tons in my travels, and never received service like you state above. Once JetBlue came close (they brought us snacks on a 6 hour delay), but your account sounded more organized.
Kudos to United
Thanks for sharing.
#20
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,107
Welcome to FT and thanks for sharing. And kudos to UA for handling this well.
Cheers.
Cheers.
#21
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: 1K 1MM; Bonvoy Ambassador; Nat'l EE; Hertz PC; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,465
I think this flight is cursed. About 2 months back there was a medical emergancy on this exact flight. It was a passenger though and he was having heart trouble and we diverted to ORD. I wish I could say that United handled it as well as this one, but it was horribly FUBAR'd. Hope the FO is doing ok.
#22
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,123
I think this flight is cursed. About 2 months back there was a medical emergancy on this exact flight. It was a passenger though and he was having heart trouble and we diverted to ORD. I wish I could say that United handled it as well as this one, but it was horribly FUBAR'd. Hope the FO is doing ok.
AD
#23
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Denver and Detroit
Programs: UA 1K, MM, SPG Gold, Marriott Silver
Posts: 95
Sounds like a first-rate performance by United, under the circumstances. Glad to hear that DEN treated you well, also. Crummy Thanksgiving for the co-pilot, though.
#24
In memoriam
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Danville, CA
Programs: AA EXP - UA *G MM - HH Diamond - Hertz PC
Posts: 3,242
#25
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: RIC
Programs: UA 1K MM
Posts: 3,387
I will add that I was offered a choice of the following:
$350 E-Certificate: For travel within the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, or U.S. Virgin Islands during the travel period specified. Save off published United fares on a qualifying flight purchased at united.com. Ticketing and travel by November 27, 2010.
20% Economy E-Certificate: For travel to worldwide destinations from the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Singapore or United Kingdom during the travel period specified. Save off published United Economy fares on a qualifying flight purchased at united.com. Ticketing and travel by November 27, 2010.
15000 bonus Mileage Plus miles: Members can redeem miles toward award travel. Mileage Plus offers our members the most extensive selection of award travel destinations including over 800 cities in more than 139 countries.
$350 E-Certificate: For travel within the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, or U.S. Virgin Islands during the travel period specified. Save off published United fares on a qualifying flight purchased at united.com. Ticketing and travel by November 27, 2010.
20% Economy E-Certificate: For travel to worldwide destinations from the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Singapore or United Kingdom during the travel period specified. Save off published United Economy fares on a qualifying flight purchased at united.com. Ticketing and travel by November 27, 2010.
15000 bonus Mileage Plus miles: Members can redeem miles toward award travel. Mileage Plus offers our members the most extensive selection of award travel destinations including over 800 cities in more than 139 countries.
#27
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: CLT
Programs: Choice Hotels/FFOCUS
Posts: 7,256
Hazel:
Welcome to Flyertalk. A BIG^ to UA on this one. I'm glad the f/o will be ok. He's in my thoughts & prayers.
Some one correct me if I'm wrong but I think Den is a UA crew base, so I would guess that's how they got the new f/o.
Welcome to Flyertalk. A BIG^ to UA on this one. I'm glad the f/o will be ok. He's in my thoughts & prayers.
Some one correct me if I'm wrong but I think Den is a UA crew base, so I would guess that's how they got the new f/o.
#30
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: 1K 1MM; Bonvoy Ambassador; Nat'l EE; Hertz PC; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,465