United Airlines Review

Overall Rating

How is it that over the course of 15 years, United is still the worst airline I've ever traveled?? I will be the first in line to invest in an internet startup that enables one to rate individual flight attendants because United (no doubt driven by the unions) has the most despicable staff. They treat passengers as if they are a burden with short responses, distasteful looks, jokes behind their backs, and as little effort on their behalf as possible.

My most recent experience? Besides the attendants just being rude to everyone: I had 3 kids on the flight, even brought little goodie bags for the people around us and the attendants knowing that 3 little ones can be... difficult. When passed to the attendant I received a raised eyebrow, smirk, and a 'thanks' before she walked to the center and threw them out! Ok... so most everyone else is shocked by the nice gesture and smiles at the kids to teach them good manners and gratitude, perhaps FAs are of a different breed.
After we get in the air, I ask a passing attendant for a blanket to which we simply replies, 'we don't have them' and walks on. Hm... again, benefit of the doubt, I would have apologized and maybe looked sorry but she must have been busy. Minutes later, another brings a blanket to the person sitting a row in front of us.

Icing on the cake? I think the word is Gall, or more frequently the attitude is conveyed through the saying "The nerve" as in, "the nerve of them for doing this". The audio on the movie didn't work. (no, that's not what I'm pissed about). The audio didn't work so they hand out these apology cards good toward a "token of their appreciation;" a form of goodwill they will fulfill for us. We immediately think, how nice! What a great idea. Then we laugh... it must be for something cheap like pin on airline wings or a United airplane toy.... still. When we get home we log on to the internet to redeem the card.
We have to give out email address, and phone number. Um, no, I'm not giving you information to market to me because you suck. Then we have to enter this ridiculously long code, flight number, date, etc. Like I remember or ever even knew the flight number!! So I have to look that up... why doesn't the code just tell them what they need to know?? Then I have to tell them what went wrong. Again, why doesn't the code tell them what they need to know!?!? Finally the gifts! Yay! Let's see, I can get $100 toward a future flight as long as I use it within a year. (Like I want to fly on United again!?) What else... 4000 airline miles, on United. Or 10% off a future United flight (which works out to an average, what? $30?). SERIOUSLY? You just gave me this apology card so you could get my personal information, which you will no doubt use, and offer more discounts to fly United again!?!
What's the word? Nerve or Gall??

I'm despise United so much that I'm starting a website dedicated to pointing out how awful they are; I want my first partnership to be with the company that lets me review flight attendants. I'm actually even annoyed at this site (reviewcentre.com) for making me review their "flight being on time" as more than one star (because, well, it was) because it gives United a better star rating overall than they deserve! Sorry Review Center, no offense, not your fault.

I'm really curious if this is a case study in what happens because of union labor. Not being critical as I don't know; I'm asking. Doesn't it seem reasonable to assume that Union labor, which means employees have some guarantee of employment, healthcare, retirement, etc., whatever, gives said employees more liberty to do what they want? I've seen responses to criticism of flight attendants that says (and I'm paraphrasing), "technically, flight attendants are there for the safety of the passengers" I'm in marketing and that definitely doesn't sound to me like something the airline would say; nor was it something you'd ever hear of flight attendants years ago. They are in the service business. They are there to make your flight enjoyable, comfortable, yes too, safe. Who is in a position to redefine the role of a flight attendant into one in which they can do as little work as possible. Being responsible only for passenger safety, after all, means you have have the demeanor of a highway patrol officer, stern, by the book, policy drive, and only there when you need them and not because you want.

But... I'm ranting. My point? I really wish the government would stop bailing out airlines and let those that suck, fail. (didn't see that coming did you?).