Constantly changing seats
 

My mother and I traveled on United last summer from Germany and were given vouchers because of inflight entertainment problem. To use these we had to book our flights separately for this summer, which we did in November. In the past two months United has changed the flight numbers 4 times. Everytime this happens, our seats are changed and we end up in different rows. I have complained everytime to them and they still can't get it right. They blame their merger and their computers. Neither of which are my problem. Expecting sympathy rather than accepting responsibility for their problems only serves to irratate me further.

We started in the middle of the plane and now we are in the back of the plane because that's the only place I can still find two seats in the same side and row. What are they going to do when they have filled the plane and aren't able to seat us together. They'll just say it was the computer's fault and not give a ____.

I can't wait until this trip is over and I never have to deal with this airline again. I hope it goes bankrupt. I'd rather pay more to get quality customer service. The only thing they are "united" on is treating their customers like crap. The overpaid and underqualified management team should be embarrassed and have to return their salaries for the past decade.

I'm sorry if you've received less than sympathetic service on the phone, however the reasons behind what's happening with your reservations is true. As the two airlines continue their progress towards a single operation there will be numerous schedule and equipment changes. Is there any reason that you absolutely must be seated with your mother? Does she require any special assistance? If so let United know this and they can notate both of your reservations. It may not keep you from being split up again if the flight number or aircraft type changes again but when you get to the airport you can request from the gate agent that you be seated together and they can usually work something out. If not, then you can always try to negotiate a seat swap once on the plane.

Alternatively, don't fly United/continental until they become more responsive to their customers

Most airlines are equally "unresponsive" when it comes to changed seating assignments, now more than ever since they are pushing for more revenue by selecting "preferred" seats for an upcharge. Since all airlines that offer advanced seat selection sometimes change them one would eventually run out of options.

Most, but not all......therein lies the key. United is another company which consumers sent into bankruptcy. They were allowed to emerge, and then merge with Continental. It's ridiculous.. No wonder they are so anti consumer. This industry badly needs re-regulating.. And the local monopolies broken up.