[barb haumesser]

It is difficult enough just to fly these days with extra security, pat downs, my luggage taken out in front of other passengers, we all struggle to take half of our clothes off before the xray machine, etc etc etc. Im happy there are precautions taken because we all want security in the air but its becoming excessive in my opinion.

On top of airline flight hikes, cost of baggage both ways, no customer service AT ALL, the airline are now a do it all yourself industry! Its becoming so cumbersome and stressful to just take a two hr flight that my family and friends (and myself) are planning to drive vs fly for state to state traveling.

Last night as I was checking my luggage (myself) and weighing the luggage (myself) (with a pinch nerve in my back) the scale showed that I was 7 pounds over the 50 pound weight requirement. As I didnt have any additional clothes, etc in my luggage I dont see how this is possible!

Two agents were standing there, no assistance at all..just chatting to each other. No suggestions..nothing! Myone piece of luggage that cost $25 to fly to Texas was now going to cost me an additional $125.00 to fly home to Ohio!!!! so on top of my ticket price it cost me $250.00 for one piece of luggage round trip. It is absolutely ridiculous and the airlines continue in this fashion they will end up filing bankruptcy!!! I had a carry on and neither agent mentioned adjusting the luggage on the scale OR transferring something to a smaller bag.

It was a terrible all the way around and I wont fly United again. We sat on the runway for over a half hour, the flight attendant was unfriendly and surly (and dont even offer a hello or a snack I might add).

The flight landed and I saw my luggage sitting on the tarmack by itself, no people or other luggage around, i mentioned it to the agent and she seemed disinterested. I had to climb abt 40 steps (no escalator, elevator) with my computer bag, carry-on (and again with the bad back!) I spoke to a large man that worked there and asked him abt the steps and he laughed and said ..yes they didnt think it through did they?!?!?! No offer of help..nothing!!

I am livid about the whole United Airline experience and when I spoke to someone from United today she gave me the runaround. Seems its almost impossible to speak to a real person to hear complaints!!!!

Never Again..this airline is one of the worst and Ive flown for years. I will check compliants and reviews in the future before booking a flight anywhere!! Very very stressful and expensive!

[dfwgirl]

Why would it be an agent's job to tell you how to pack, or repack? Why would a large man be responsible for carrying YOUR carry-ons up the stairs?

[barb haumesser]

Im not implying that the airline owes me anything special....Im saying that there is absolutely no regard for the customer anymore. Flying used to be a different experience and not that long ago. Employees of an airline were friendly and helpful, that is gone forever it seems. Obviously you misunderstood what I was saying.

I think it doesnt have to be as stressful and difficult as it has become in the past decade or so. A little human interaction would be nice instead of everything being so inpersonal. Seems to be a lost art these days.

[cortney]

Sitting on the runway isnt just one airlines problem, talk to ATC, we sat in PHL for 25 minutes due to ATC today. My idea of thinking is you pack it, you carry it. when i check my bag, i put it on the scale myself. you had to climb the steps with your luggage and carry on...(as what i tell my family...)you pack it you carry it. You know you have a bad back, and i know it would cost more, but check it. Flying def. isn't what it use to be and customer service has taken a dive...but there are still some good employees out there. Today i had a great experience with USAirways, when before...it was awful. I deadheaded today in uniform and on my flight from PHL-SAV the woman in front of me boarding the plane asked if the flight attendant could put the bag up for her (of course im thinking...check the freaking bag if you cant lift it for pete sake!!, but kept quiet) I knew the flight attendant cant do it and waiting for somebody would cause a delay in boarding so i told her i would help her with it. (see there are good employees somewhere lol)

I dont really see where there is a complaint here with UA. all, if not most, airlines charge you for checked bags and overweight bags, wont help you with carryons (after all, they aren't covered for injuries), sitting on the tarmac are things you will encounter with ALL airlines

[chartman]

Originally Posted by barb haumesser

Im not implying that the airline owes me anything special....Im saying that there is absolutely no regard for the customer anymore.

If you ask me, it seems like most United employees are depressed. It started just after 9/11 and deregulation, but has been much worse since the merger with Continental. In my experience (and I unfortunately have to fly at least 2-3 times a month), they actively avoid customer contact because no one can tolerate being the face of a company for which they are tired of apologizing.

I for one would happily go back to the days when prices for flights were much higher but included all of the customary amenities: checking bags, a little entertainment without commercials, a pillow and/or blanket and meal service. Especially if those higher prices meant that employees were compensated fairly vs. what appears to be happening -- the price of my ticket going to line the pockets of a few 6-, 7- or 8-figure executives living it up at corporate HQ.

The "spin" that I'm paying less for service I don't use is just that -- spin. I'd rather pay a little more up front than be nickel-and-dimed at the back end. The latest? No more inflight entertainment without swiping a credit card. If you want to watch a movie, you can pay $6 or $8, depending on the length of the flight to access DirectTV and watch a lot of commercials. Or you can not swipe the credit card and be subject to non-stop commercials throughout the entire flight. Sure, *if* your armrest controls work, you can turn off your screen, but what about all those screens in your view that your neighbors failed to turn off? Yep, I get ALL those commercials. How much is United making off of that little scheme?

And whatever happened to the promise of WiFi? So far as I know, the only way to get it is LAX-JFK. What a joke.

I don't get to choose which airline I fly for business, just for personal travel. I used to be concerned about racking up miles so that I could fly free for vacation. Screw that now - I don't particularly want a free ticket if it means I have to suffer through United's lack of service. I'd rather pay some other airline where I might get a better customer service experience.