Really don't know where to start..
Flew from Tulsa to Reno via Denver.
Arrive at Denver on time proceeded to "temporary gate 57"
Temporary gates 57-59-61-63-65 are all jammed into one small gate area with a total of 48 seats, all full.
We sit about 8 feet away across the way next to the walkway.
There is a party of 200 people standing around waiting.
We NEVER heard any announcements, we manage to miss the flight.
We go to United Customer Service, they tell us the speakers are all pointed inwards towards the occupied seats.
I ask "why?" She says "we like to keep the terminal quiet here and not disturb anyone."
Next flight is 6 hours later, and it goes to San Fran than Reno, with a 3 hour layover getting us to Reno at 2AM.
We take it as there is no other option.
We arrive in San Fran, kill 3 hours wandering terminals drinking beer, eating Dungenus crab sandwiches.
The flight is delayed even more, another hour passes, we finally board.
Sit on plane 30 minutes they announce possible mechanical
problems.
Another half hour goes by, we are not taking this plane announcement.
We board new plane,we go, its a 39 minute flight, arrive 3:30 local time.
Total elapsed time about 15 hours.
Nightmare part 2...the return trip
We have confirmed reservations for an early 9:30am flight, we are at airport 8:00 am.
United Airlines announces flight is over-booked and starts offering vouchers for $200-than $300 than $500 for volunteers to give up their seats.
I am really getting nervous but have, I thought, CONFIRMED SEATS, we are GOLDEN.
NO TAKERS....WE ARE BUMPED....
All remaining flights are full, they offer us standby for the rest of the day.
We say...Fuck NO....what are our options...
We are offered IDB cash money and a paid for hotel and meals if we go tomorrow.
I ask what it means. INVOLUNTARY DENIED BOARDING.
They cut us each on the spot, a check for $830.37, reserve us each a room at the downtown Eldorado, give us food vouchers.
They found us a next morning flight at 5:55 am (the ONLY option) and off we go to the Eldorado for an unexpected extra day in Reno.
We gamble some more, drink beer, eat more, got massages at our Paradise Fishing slot machines by Wendy (she is good).
First time I have been offered a 15 minute $15.00 massage while playing slots.
Go to bed about Midnight, set alarms and front desk wake up for 3AM.
I have been flying commercial since 1968, I have never seen a CLUSTERFUCK such as UNITED AIRLINES.
In all honesty, I have not flown in 5 years...the airline industry must be sinking to newer lows, flying used to be such a pleasure.
I am sticking with SOUTHWESTERN from now on....period.
Flew from Tulsa to Reno via Denver.
Arrive at Denver on time proceeded to "temporary gate 57"
Temporary gates 57-59-61-63-65 are all jammed into one small gate area with a total of 48 seats, all full.
We sit about 8 feet away across the way next to the walkway.
There is a party of 200 people standing around waiting.
We NEVER heard any announcements, we manage to miss the flight.
We go to United Customer Service, they tell us the speakers are all pointed inwards towards the occupied seats.
I ask "why?" She says "we like to keep the terminal quiet here and not disturb anyone."
Next flight is 6 hours later, and it goes to San Fran than Reno, with a 3 hour layover getting us to Reno at 2AM.
We take it as there is no other option.
We arrive in San Fran, kill 3 hours wandering terminals drinking beer, eating Dungenus crab sandwiches.
The flight is delayed even more, another hour passes, we finally board.
Sit on plane 30 minutes they announce possible mechanical
problems.
Another half hour goes by, we are not taking this plane announcement.
We board new plane,we go, its a 39 minute flight, arrive 3:30 local time.
Total elapsed time about 15 hours.
Nightmare part 2...the return trip
We have confirmed reservations for an early 9:30am flight, we are at airport 8:00 am.
United Airlines announces flight is over-booked and starts offering vouchers for $200-than $300 than $500 for volunteers to give up their seats.
I am really getting nervous but have, I thought, CONFIRMED SEATS, we are GOLDEN.
NO TAKERS....WE ARE BUMPED....
All remaining flights are full, they offer us standby for the rest of the day.
We say...Fuck NO....what are our options...
We are offered IDB cash money and a paid for hotel and meals if we go tomorrow.
I ask what it means. INVOLUNTARY DENIED BOARDING.
They cut us each on the spot, a check for $830.37, reserve us each a room at the downtown Eldorado, give us food vouchers.
They found us a next morning flight at 5:55 am (the ONLY option) and off we go to the Eldorado for an unexpected extra day in Reno.
We gamble some more, drink beer, eat more, got massages at our Paradise Fishing slot machines by Wendy (she is good).
First time I have been offered a 15 minute $15.00 massage while playing slots.
Go to bed about Midnight, set alarms and front desk wake up for 3AM.
I have been flying commercial since 1968, I have never seen a CLUSTERFUCK such as UNITED AIRLINES.
In all honesty, I have not flown in 5 years...the airline industry must be sinking to newer lows, flying used to be such a pleasure.
I am sticking with SOUTHWESTERN from now on....period.
