United Airlines (UAL) Sucks
On 10/14/98, CNN.com had a
little story about carry-on restrictions,
and what airlines were planning to do about this problem. There was
another
related article on 11/25/98. I made
a little post, and started reading some of the others. Guess what?
In most instances when a specific airline was mentioned negatively,
it was my old pal, United. Most positive comments were directed
at Southwest.
Since the article talked about imposing restrictions,
and mentioned United as one of the airlines trying to do so, there were
many "bravos" at UAL's directions. However, a later explaination
revealed that it was basically PR, and UAL won't lift a finger to
enforce the regulations until it becomes mandatory by law.
Paul Di Julio - Wednesday, 10/14/98, 8:31:38pm
--snip--
The airlines need to make more storage room available and realize that if they
want to reduce the amount of flights to maximize their profits, spend a little
money and increase the size of the overheads, underseat storage, and the seat
size to comfortably accomodate adults in business class. Once again, this
oligolopy continues to maximize their profits at the customer's expense.
Continental has the right idea--United is trying to get away cheaply, and at our
expense.
Robert Sybrandt - Wednesday, 10/14/98, 10:37:59pm
Regarding United Airlines size restrictions on carry luggage I'm in aggrement,
but there are many carry ons that will fit under the seat larger than 9x14. Since
the airlines limit their liability for loss--what do we do, as in my case, with a
camara bag that will fit under the seat, but is an inch or two larger than the
accepted limit. I know if I check my camera bag with $8,000 worth of
cameras my chances in getting it when I arrive are zilch. Goodby UAL I'll
take another carrier that is more realistic.
Michael Edmonds - Wednesday, 10/14/98, 11:39:39pm
I applaud efforts to control carry ons and personally never carry on more than
two items which fit in existing carry on space . However, United's 9"X14"
standard is ridiculous. My briefcase is a standard sized case 12"X17"X6".
Evidently this won't make it under United's new standards. The briefcase fits
under every seat or in every overhead bin on every plane I've flown in, so
why would it be a problem?
I will fly about 100 thousand miles with United this year. If my very normal
sized briefcase is ever rejected as a carry on at United checkin it will be my
last United flight.
Continental's approach of adding larger overheads is a better solution
particularly if they then enforce a 'reasonable' size standard.
Melissa Harnish - Thursday, 10/15/98, 12:14:34am
My husband and I just returned home on a United 737.
Overall our flight was good...no crashes or anything...BUT we did have to
deal with the rude people that brought their HUGE bags aboard, like hockey
sized bags, which made some of the other people using the same overhead
carrier have to put their stuff in another one...you see how it goes.
We also noticed that many people were bringing their actual suitcases aboard,
and barely missing hitting those of us on the isle seat.
--snip--
William L. Brosius - Thursday, 10/15/98, 1:47:50pm
I agree with setting limits for carry on luggage. Create a reasonable max. size
and number and enforce it. I travel most every week for one or two nights,
but I don't want to wait at baggage claim for a small overnight bag. With
Delta, it's no problem, I get on first. With American and United, finding
overhead bin space is difficult.
Of course, there's always Southwest. It seems that there are fewer business
travelers and most people check their luggage. Never a problem. Maybe I'll
just fly them more often!
Jim Nolan - Friday, 10/16/98, 1:51:30am
I think that the carry on issue has not been adequately addressed by United or
the other carriers in regards as to what is important to the business traveler.
Tell me, what business traveler is willing to check his computer and briefcase
and then wait 3 or 4 days for the carrier to locate it when it turns up missing?
Can you imagine telling a client; "The airline lost my computer!"
--snip--
Jim Webster - Wednesday, 10/28/98, 3:19:21pm
--snip--
But the United and Delta representatives present during the hearing admitted
that they have **no plans** to change the number of bags allowed to be
checked, nor increase the number of baggage handlers or agents at counters.
This will of course means longer lines at check-in and baggage claim, and
more customers with lost bags. The airlines' response was (live on TV):
maybe this will teach people to travel lightly. That attitude seems very arrogant
to me. No wonder they want a law - with attitudes like that, United and Delta
should rightly be concerned about customers taking their business elsewhere.
I know I will.
Robert A Brown - Saturday, 11/07/98, 6:40:43am
I think the question of the airline taking responsibility for checked valuables is
a key missing link if they are going to expect customers to accept the
restrictive limits. A friend had her camcorder stolen from her checked suitcase
while in the custody of the airline (United). They denied any liability...read the
ticket!
--snip--
Tom Mills - Monday, 11/09/98, 9:53:13pm
In regards to the carryon limit of two bags and standardized sizes I can see
both sides, but understand the measures being taken to make it safer, easier,
and faster for boarding and deplaning. My wife's and my real concern as very
frequent fliers was emphasized yesterday on our United flight out of
Chicago(their hub). We have a necessity to travel with three bags of which
none will fit through the carryon slot. As such we think it is a real detriment to
their airline to have to be charged for that third bag which we used to carry
on,another concern was that 7 of the 9 ground personnel we had contact with
were rude, inconsiderate or both and none of 7 had any smile at all. We were
aware that there had been a computer break down just prior to our arriving at
the airport, but there must be some kind of acknowledgement for the
customers' concerns especially when stringent new guidelines are first being
enforced. We had three of the people including 2 ticket agents state that if we
weren't happy with the treatment we should go to another airline. And this
was to two of their customers who both fly in excess of 50,000-60,000 miles
every year. One would hope that this was just an abberation, but I was
prompted to write this after my wife and I talked to 2 other people who had
the nearly exact experience this week, including the statement of "GO TO
ANOTHER AIRLINE" Please let us know if any others have had similar
occurences this week or since the enforcement was started. PS. The flight
crew was not of the same negative states of mind. Tom and Jo Mills
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