Congratulations; then why complain further? FWIW I disagree with receiving compensation for all the reasons stated previously, but it doesn't surprise me that they gave some out... CR is often quick to give out compensation (especially to 1Ks) for what are essentially non-issues, just because it's cheaper and easier to do so than to allow the matter to go any further.

So, congratulations on getting what you wanted... now why continue the argument? It's clear that 80% or more of the people in this thread disagree with you, but you already "won" where it counts (you got compensation), so rehashing the same points over and over is really unproductive. I mean, we'd hate to distract you from the work you value so highly...

They'd give compensation if you did not get the kind of bagel you want in F, no wonder they are bleeding money. There are 1K's out there that complain about every detail, and are 1K year after year paying no new funds to UA, because they give out vouchers for every petty complaint, even if the people did not want a voucher!
Recently read someone was delayed and wanted meal voucher for $7 to cover a bowl of soup, they gave $150 voucher instead. He wanted a measly $7!!

The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Next time I am on a standby list and don't make it, I'll complain and see what I get too! No, really, I won't. I don't like people like that.

Obviously you asked the wrong questions to begin with. Next time be sure to ask the agent "Do you know who I am?" That may get you the appropriate response.

I'm thoroughly surprised that 1K's on FT don't actually value their status that much. Or at least the ones here in this thread. There's a difference being explained someone else's situation, and _asking_ you to relinquish the benefits of 1K, versus just taking it away.

How many threads has there been on people sitting in your seat first, and then asking you if you want to swap? I'm pretty sure everyone is against that.

As for work, it's now officially a work 'night' as the day has been dealing with UA and tracking down my bag. So no, you are not distracting me from anything. Well, maybe from my conversation with the UA guy.

May I recommend utilizing a travel agent then?

Me, too, but fortunately there's the whole Karma thing. One of these days the OP might find himself in the shoes of the SYD-bound travelers, and get bumped off his desperately needed vacation flight by some more-important traveler. I'll be patiently waiting for that thread.

Or perhaps they simply value their respect for others more... @:-)

Yes, there is a difference, but part of that difference is that the former is very often not practical, especially when in a time crunch. UA clearly feels that they would rather deal with the ire of a single 1K than 4 GMs - it's more practical and, on average, perhaps even more economical. I happen to agree with them in this circumstance.

Of course, I'm not a 1K, so I guess my opinion doesn't really mean much.

I guess you always just assume that the agents processed you correctly huh? And never look into if it was the right call or not?

That's actually quite alright. When I was 1P, I got bumped off flights by 1K's and never complained. I've also been bumped as 1K by GS, and never complained. The difference is that you know they followed the right procedures.

Or, s/he thinks there's more to life than retribution for perceived (whether real or not) wrongs.

Seeing as how I was standing right there, they could have simply explained the situation to me. They did not.

Yes. And that is also a great way to approach business

And based on your responses here, would you have acquiesced? I think not. It was more practical for UA to simply not give you the choice, especially as you were not entitled to confirmed space anyway. So, perhaps other people got something to which they were not entitled... so what? They "got away" with it, so you should, too?

Funny that 80+ % of the posters in this thread seem to think that UA followed the right procedures in your case. The fact that you found a UA agent who was willing to give you money (either because they agreed with you or to just make you go away) isn't exactly proof of anything, given the consistency of answers people tend to get from UA.

So be happy with your compensation. I personally am very happy with the overwhelming responses from fellow FT-ers here in this thread. ^

Thanks! And yes, I do.


Now I know who that PAX I always see telling the FA how to do her/his job is, even though they are usually doing it right!

You time must be VERY important since you are following this thread so closely!