Upgrades are based on availability. Rude Person
Mar 18, 2007, 5:18 am
#16
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: London, England
Programs: United 1K MM, QR Platinum
Posts: 244
Wow sorry to hear about your bad experience. I'm in awe over your patience in this matter, I assure you that if that guy grabbed a boarding pass out of my parent's hand he would be staring at the ceiling of the jetway real quick and I probably wouldn't be flying.
I hope they pull his 1K status, he is an embarrassment to the rest of us.
I hope they pull his 1K status, he is an embarrassment to the rest of us.
Mar 18, 2007, 5:52 am
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: UA*Lifetime GS, Hyatt* Lifetime Globalist
Posts: 12,337
Sorry to hear what had happened to OP and his parents. I have strong views on the specific remarks made by the angry upgrade seeker, but this is not the right place for expressing these views.
I have always share the views that airline loyalty program creates the "sense of importance" in an individual that hotel and car rental loyalty programs don't seem to create. This sense of importance unfortunately brings out the worst of people.
I'd be interested to learn what happened at IAD.
I have always share the views that airline loyalty program creates the "sense of importance" in an individual that hotel and car rental loyalty programs don't seem to create. This sense of importance unfortunately brings out the worst of people.
I'd be interested to learn what happened at IAD.
Last edited by UA_Flyer; Mar 18, 2007 at 6:43 am
Mar 18, 2007, 6:20 am
#18
In memoriam
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Danville, CA
Programs: AA EXP - UA *G MM - HH Diamond - Hertz PC
Posts: 3,242
I'm surprised we haven't seen a thread here posted by the gentleman in question stating how UA had abused him by not giving him the upgrade he was entitled to.....
Mar 18, 2007, 7:21 am
#19
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: HNLICNSFO
Posts: 631
Really sorry to hear this.
Hope you and your parents had a great time in NYC and a nice flight back home after the fact.
Hope you and your parents had a great time in NYC and a nice flight back home after the fact.
Mar 18, 2007, 7:23 am
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 20,404
You could have let him take your father's BP, take his seat, and then board the plane only to find somebody sitting in the wrong seat. Call the FA and have him removed.
I would have called the airport police in a heartbeat.
I would have called the airport police in a heartbeat.
Mar 18, 2007, 7:33 am
#21
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: LON or YYZ
Programs: BA Silver & Hilton Diamond
Posts: 271
<inappropriate comment removed by moderator per FT rules> It's a shame to see this ignorance still present. 
Last edited by l etoile; Mar 18, 2007 at 8:17 am Reason: profanity
Mar 18, 2007, 7:40 am
#22
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: USA; UA-1K; Hyatt Diamond, SPG Platinum
Posts: 1,729
What a jerk. Sorry for what happened to you. It's a serious situation, and probably a little unnerving for your parents. I know from traveling with my parents who are in their 80's, and my father who grows more nervous about everything with each passing year. Someone grabbing his BP would have really shaken him.
I see guys - haven't seen a woman do this - they let the whole world know they're 1K as though they're the only one around. You know the type...pushes to the front to board first, as though there are no other 1Ks boarding (and it's fun when a GS member trumps them!!) ....shout out their status for upgrades, seat changes, etc.....not realizing that there are a dozen other 1Ks rolling their eyes or laughing at him.
Elite status doesn't guarantee good breeding or manners.
I see guys - haven't seen a woman do this - they let the whole world know they're 1K as though they're the only one around. You know the type...pushes to the front to board first, as though there are no other 1Ks boarding (and it's fun when a GS member trumps them!!) ....shout out their status for upgrades, seat changes, etc.....not realizing that there are a dozen other 1Ks rolling their eyes or laughing at him.
Elite status doesn't guarantee good breeding or manners.
Mar 18, 2007, 8:05 am
#23
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SFO
Programs: AA ExPlat,EX-UA 1K, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat,
Posts: 12,212
Great post to OP and thanks for sharing your story with us, sorry your parent have to see this.
Mar 18, 2007, 8:20 am
#24
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: MileagePlus Premier Gold
Posts: 11,522
I'm sorry to hear that the OP and his parents had to endure such horrible treatment from another passenger. It's always those very few bad eggs that tarnish experiences for the rest of the decent world.
I'm very happy to hear that our ground staff handled the situation professionally and expediently. Unfortunately, I've seen more than my fair share of self-important jerks (and that is just as a passenger!) over the years, so this puts into light what CSRs sometimes have to deal with on a day to day basis.
Kudos to the CSR involved! ^
I'm very happy to hear that our ground staff handled the situation professionally and expediently. Unfortunately, I've seen more than my fair share of self-important jerks (and that is just as a passenger!) over the years, so this puts into light what CSRs sometimes have to deal with on a day to day basis.
Kudos to the CSR involved! ^
Mar 18, 2007, 8:22 am
#25
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: MileagePlus Premier Gold
Posts: 11,522
I learn from the Marine Corps to never resort to a fight whenever possible. In addition, the purser was already coming toward us when the boarding pass was snatched from my dad's hand. I probably would have done something had the purser not been there. We were only 15 20 feets away from the jet bridge anyway. And I am very glad that the purser did come out because if I hurt this guy, I would not be allowed to board too and what about my parents. They would feel ashame as they have always teach me to be patient even during difficult time.
Mar 18, 2007, 9:03 am
#26
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Chicago, IL, US
Posts: 2,210
Instead of punching him, you should have "detained" him. Given the average guy who has this attitude, I'm sure you could have taken him down and had his arms behind his back without punching him. Then, you sit on him and tell the GA he assaulted your father and to call the police
Mar 18, 2007, 9:17 am
#27
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Since the BoSox and ChiSox won it, now it is the Cubs turn to take the Series. Go Cubs Go!
Posts: 3,685
There is only one word that describes this guy: SCHMUCK!
Mar 18, 2007, 10:00 am
#28
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: LAX
Programs: UA 1P
Posts: 291
What a jerk!
Does anyone know if United has ever revoked someones status because of behavior like this? Sounds like he would have deserved it.
Does anyone know if United has ever revoked someones status because of behavior like this? Sounds like he would have deserved it.
Mar 18, 2007, 10:06 am
#29
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: LAX
Programs: UA 1K MM, AA EXP, BA Silver, Marriott Plat., Hertz Pres. Circle, Avis First
Posts: 917
pvtwong,
This is a truly shocking and horrible event, which you clearly handled with grace and restraint. I am very glad to hear that United also handled this so well.
Thanks for your post.
Muckus
This is a truly shocking and horrible event, which you clearly handled with grace and restraint. I am very glad to hear that United also handled this so well.
Thanks for your post.
Muckus
Mar 18, 2007, 10:22 am
#30
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: OSL/IAH/ZRH (time, not preference)
Programs: UA1K, LH GM, AA EXP->GM
Posts: 38,265
A 'real' 1K should and must have known that such comportment is likely to get him off the plane.
If he really is one, I wonder how he survived the flying game so far
.