[danmac]

After sitting through a 2 hour delay with no announcments, we finally boarded a flight from Chicago Ohare to Madison, Wi.(23 minute flight) The front cabin door was closed and then a short while later, the captain came out of the cockpit and opened the door and left the plane. After 40 minutes, and many people coming on board the flight attended announced that we had a "weight and balance" problem.

They had 2 people get off the flight and spent the next 45 minutes moving luggage from the cargo hold to the cabin.

Finally, front door closed again, ready to go!

15 minutes later, captain then exits the cockpit again, and leaves the plane. The co-pilot announces that the flight has been canceled because weather had moved into Madison and visability was zero. He also said that in a few minutes a customer service rep would board the plane and explain what would be done to make new arrangments.

20 minutes later, the co-pilot mentioned to passangers at the front of the plane that they could leave. (no sign of any customer service)

Once deplaned and inside the terminal, it was announced that "all flights into Madison were canceled and that United was not responsible because it was weather related, and that we were on our own." A sheet of paper was handed out with the local bus companies phone number on it. We were told that we had to make our own travel arrangments, and that no luggage was being taken off the plane. It would be sent on the next available flight to Madison.

My business colleague and I opted to rent a car and drive the 3 1/2 hrs to Madison.

To summarize my complaints:
1) In the time it took to solve the weight and ballance problem, we could have flown round trip to and from Madison, before the weather became an issue.
2) The total lack of customer service, including lack of communication with passengers

But here's the worst!!!
3) The following day, we went to retrieve our luggage at the Madison Airport. We were informed that one bag had arrived at 6:30pm and the other at 1:00am, THE PREVIOUS NIGHT. So there were at least 2 other flights that night that were not cancelled. (I hate being lied to)

4) A few days later I called my travel agent to make some changes in my return flights, and found out that United had de-activated my reservations because, "I FAILED TO USE THE CHICAGO TO MADSION PORTION OF MY RESERVATION"

I am flying home tomorrow on USAIR,

If I chose to ever fly with United again, it would be acknowledging that this type of business practice is okay. I will not reward them with my business (or money) ever again.