I had a mediocre day of cross-country travel yesterday that included a run-in and heated exchange with a UA Service Director at SFO. I am going to save the details for a post next week, but UA has some power-tripping, vindictive, and downright vicious employees both on the ground and in the skies.
But rather than harp today about the problems I ran into yesterday, I want to use this day, Thanksgiving Day, to voice my appreciation to United Airlines for all that United has done well this year.
I have accumulated 200,000 EQMs for the year on UA and with a straight face I can say that the good at UA far outweighs the bad and that UA earns high marks in my book for transporting me safely around the globe, taking care of me when hiccups such as mechanical or weather delays arise, and providing a level of service that I deem well-worth the ticket prices I pay.
I direct particular thanks to:
- Captain Denny Flanagan, for his tireless devotion to customer service and his perpetual effort to go the extra mile for the passengers on his plane. He is United’s greatest asset and I count myself fortunate that I have the honor of calling him my friend.
- Robin Urbanksi, United’s spokesperson, who along with Captain Flanagan coordinated a behind the scenes tour for me and other Flyertalkers at O’Hare in February. I was thoroughly impressed with United’s hospitality and graciousness that day.
- JoAnn Arquines, a Global Services agent at LAX who has repeatedly gone to great lengths to help me out and always conducts herself with professionalism and grace.
- Andy, a purser I have had the pleasure of flying with in First Class three times between LAX and JFK. Outstanding, personalized, and attentive service the entire flight. Passengers notice and appreciate when a purser is on top of his duties.
- The hundreds of flight attendants, pilots, and ground staff I have interacted with this year who have provided exceptional service and are still proud to work for UA despite the incompetency of Tilton and Co.
- All the helpful reservations agents I have spoken to and especially the Honolulu Call Center for their assistance with award reservations, upgrades, and other travel concerns.
I suspect there are people I am overlooking and apologize for any involuntary omissions, but I again want to express my thanks to everyone at UA for the great year of travel. I look forward to returning to the “Friendly Skies” Sunday night.
Happy Thanksgiving to all my readers.
I was on a Flanagan flight last month and agree with your sentiment about him. He’s a great guy.