United Airlines Flight Problems

 Aircraft over London (Photo by Mike McLellan)

Looking down from a A380 over the Atlantic

     The big travel news today is about how United Airlines overbooked a flight out of Chicago and had a physician force-ably removed so they could seat their flight crew who needed to get to Louisville. It is a messy story about what has become a less-than-wonderful way to get places.

     While Jet Blue and Virgin America do not have a policy which would lead to this kind of problem, most other airlines do. They will bump passengers starting with those who paid the least and have the least miles on their airline.

     We have frequent flyer cards for Virgin, Delta, Alaska and Air France. The last three are partners so we can combine miles. We do not fly as often as many, especially those who travel on business, but we do see many hours in airports. Flying is actually a  great way to get somewhere considering the alternatives of driving or taking a ship. Granted that the higher the grade the better it is. Economy can be very uncomfortable for a person my size and age. Economy does not seem as bad for teens and preteens and shorter folks. Then again, I don't know how they actually feel.

     One thing we have learned about flying is that it is a necessary part of travel and we have to prepare for it. First, we have to learn the system and use it. Secondly, we have to be patient. Third, we try to be kind to others including the staff. (Karma is real.) Fourth, we have learned that you have to be flexible - not just in getting into the narrow seats, but in your expectations. Finally, if you know what they promised and what you promised when buying a ticket, you also know when to complain. 

     So, as an example, I was flying home from Paris. My spouse and granddaughter were at the window and aisle (A380) meaning that they had two sets together. I was across the aisle. Seated next to me was a college student from  Austria going to visit a friend in the U.S. We were on Air France (plug).  Both the student and my seat back entertainment screens were not working correctly. I asked that someone might reset the units at the central control panel. I said it was no hurry. Truth is, I did not care except to check on the mileage from time to time, but I felt the first time Austrian flyer might like to watch something. Then appears the Purser who apologized for the problem, had tried to fix it, and offered us either 50,000 mileage points or $50 at the duty-free shop in the airport. I took the miles, the student took the $50. I was happy. The student was happy. The airline did not have a crabby passenger.