• Home
  • Reviews
    • Flight Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Lounge Reviews
    • Trip Reports
  • About
    • Press
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Award Expert
Live and Let's Fly
  • Home
  • Reviews
    • Flight Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Lounge Reviews
    • Trip Reports
  • About
    • Press
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Award Expert
Home  >  United Airlines • vdb  >  My Foolish $1,000 Airport Lounge Visit
United Airlinesvdb

My Foolish $1,000 Airport Lounge Visit

Matthew Klint Posted onMay 16, 2023May 15, 2023 54 Comments

Ok, confession time. I made a huge blunder yesterday that cost me $1,000. I underestimated something very important, but have learned an important lesson that I want to pass on to you.

My Choice To Visit An Airport Lounge Cost Me $1,000…

I have been in Pittsburgh for several days and flew home yesterday afternoon on United Airlines via Houston to Los Angeles.

When I checked in for my flights, I saw that the Pittsburgh to Houston flight was oversold and United was offering a number of alternate routings or an opportunity to add myself to the voluntary denied boarding (VDB) list. In essence, by joining the list I would indicate a willingness to give up my seat in exchange for compensation plus alternate routing.

Unlike last time when this opportunity arose, this time I had some extra time…not because I did not want to get home, but because I could have connected in a different hub and still reached home around the same time, but with a generous flight credit in my pocket that could be used to offset my family trip to Europe this summer (which I still have not booked, as I watch award space in dismay).

I got to Pittsburgh quite early and went to The Club, a Priority Pass lounge, simply to pass the time. This was my thought process: my name was already on the list and we would not know until 45 minutes before departure (check-in cutoff) if there were no-shows. I assumed United would not proactively bump me until it was confirmed that more passengers checked in than there were seats available. In fact, I figured that even if everyone checked in, I’d have to wait around until everyone boarded, just in case any stragglers missed the flight. Furthermore, I did not even think there would be a gate agent working the flight more than an hour before departure.

So I sat in the lounge for an hour, then proceeded over to the gate an hour before departure. I thought that left me plenty of time.

Since the flight was full, one of the gate agents was soliciting volunteers to check baggage for free, and there were about a dozen takers.

When the line emptied, I went up to the gate agent and identified myself as a passenger on the volunteer list. That’s when my heart was broken.

“Oh, Mr. Klint. We’ve been paging you. That’s a shame because we would have sent you home via Newark with a $1,000 flight credit. Now I can’t get you home same-day.”

My heart sank, but I clarified, “So you would have preemptively bumped me and rebooked me via Newark?”

Yes, said the gate agent.

You know what made that realization that I was too late even sadder? I was flying via Houston on two 737 jets. Had I connected in Newark I would have been flying home to Los Angeles on a 777 with a lie-flat bed.

“Do you still need me?”

“Well, probably not, but if we do you’re the man. We sort VBD priority by status and you’re the only 1K who volunteered.”

(1K is United’s top-tier elite status in the MileagePlus program)

As expected, there were a few no-shows and no volunteers were ultimately needed. However, that does not change the fact that had I been at the gate a bit earlier, I would have been on my way home with a lie-flat seat and $1,000 in future flight credit.

Since the David Dao incident, United has (wisely) empowered gate agents with more discretion. Bumping someone early on a heavily oversold flight makes a lot of sense, even if it ultimately would not have been necessary, because had there been no volunteers late, an involuntarily denied boarding situation would have cost more cash and potentially delayed the flight.

Thus, I could have been the insurance policy. And yet I was sitting in a lounge instead.

Now, I know. A very painful lesson, indeed.

So next time you want to get bumped, show up to the gate more than an hour in advance and see if you can take care of things proactively.

p.s. my flight ended up being delayed…

Guess what that did for my connection to LA?

Previous Article Drunk Passenger Wedges Her Elbow Onto My Tray Table…One Row Behind Her!
Next Article Flight Delays Mar My Trip Home, But Make Homecoming Sweeter

About Author

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

Related Posts

  • United Airlines Guam Fares

    United Airlines Clarifies Guam Fares, Sends Humanitarian Flight

    June 3, 2023
  • Will United Airlines Add First Class Seats To A320?

    June 3, 2023
  • United Airlines Worldwide Devaluation

    United Airlines MileagePlus Devaluation Spreads Worldwide

    June 2, 2023

54 Comments

  1. Wayne Reply
    May 16, 2023 at 1:14 pm

    On a potentially over sold Delta flight, a Seattle gate agent told me to return to the Sky Club and wait for a call. While in the club I was called to the counter and the gate agent told me my seat was needed. After the flight closed the gate agent came to the club and gave the paper work for the alternative itinerary I had chosen and a $1,200 voucher for a gift card of my choice. Perfect communication. Easy peasy.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      May 16, 2023 at 1:15 pm

      To be fair, United does not have a lounge in PIT; I was using a Priority Pass lounge not affiliated with UA.

      • Aztec Reply
        May 16, 2023 at 2:26 pm

        I hate that lounge – they still have pierogies but no kielbassa anymore…

        • Matthew Klint Reply
          May 16, 2023 at 5:18 pm

          I noticed though but did not even eat anything (I just had coffee). How are they?

          • Aztec
            May 17, 2023 at 12:32 am

            Dry, bland and rubbery. Sour cream would have made them better but they didn’t have any – unbelievable oversight.

        • mike Reply
          May 18, 2023 at 2:43 pm

          You people are disgusting!!! Crying over petty little things like sausage and They didn’t come to the club to get me… So pathetic it makes me cringe. Reading this story about self centered snowflakes while so many people struggle with real problems and you’re crying about your luxuries! Shame on you!

          • Mike Complains about Complaining
            May 18, 2023 at 10:08 pm

            You’re fun!

          • Mike's Barely Restrained Rage
            May 19, 2023 at 7:01 pm

            …and that’s when Mike realized he needed even more guns

  2. CR- Reply
    May 16, 2023 at 1:24 pm

    At least you were not out 1000.00 from your own money. You could have been given 1000.00 if you agreed to give up your seat earlier. No loss really. Just that feeling of missing out on the opportunity. Which is a crummy feeling.

  3. Greg Reply
    May 16, 2023 at 1:38 pm

    News to me they sort VDB by status

  4. Quest Fanning Reply
    May 16, 2023 at 2:28 pm

    They couldn’t simultaniously page you via the app or text?
    That’s surprising.

  5. Lars Reply
    May 16, 2023 at 2:31 pm

    I don’t get why the agent even broached the subject of the credit and re-routing with you. At the point that you presented at the gate, that ship had sailed. If it were me, I’d have just responded, “No bumps are needed at this time, sir.” and spared you the unnecessary disappointment.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      May 16, 2023 at 2:32 pm

      That’s fair, but this was a great gate agent and I appreciated the candor.

  6. Alison Reply
    May 16, 2023 at 2:53 pm

    Bummer! So sorry. They should have texted you! You have helped us with your story, though. Status matters for the list and hang out near the gate.

  7. Santastico Reply
    May 16, 2023 at 2:54 pm

    This did not cost you $1,000. You did not have to spend that money. Instead, you lost the opportunity to get $1,000.

    • Gregg Reply
      May 16, 2023 at 3:25 pm

      Semantics

  8. Ajay Reply
    May 16, 2023 at 3:38 pm

    You just lost the opportunity to earn a 1,000 dollars but the title made it seem like you lost a 1,000 of your own money. This is click-bait to be honest.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      May 16, 2023 at 5:28 pm

      The way I see it, I already agreed with United to take the bump on the app, United agreed to bump me, had the money ready to go, and only withheld it because I was missing. Thus, this was a lot more than a potential $1K.

    • Aaron Reply
      May 16, 2023 at 7:50 pm

      Yeah the title does sound like he spent $1,000 to visit a lounge…

    • Dan Reply
      May 16, 2023 at 9:17 pm

      First time on the internet?

    • Stuart Reply
      May 17, 2023 at 12:48 am

      You must be new here…

  9. Bob Reply
    May 16, 2023 at 4:09 pm

    Interesting story and a lesson for us too.

    Thanks for sharing it.

  10. BoardingAreaFlukie Reply
    May 16, 2023 at 4:51 pm

    I fully understand the desire to stay in a lounge than at a gate. You couldn’t have known. Don’t feel bad. It could’ve happened to an of us.

  11. Michael Reply
    May 16, 2023 at 4:53 pm

    How frustrating! Maybe next time….

  12. Mick Reply
    May 16, 2023 at 4:55 pm

    Great read (but sorry it ended badly for you)! Got to get a $1000 of clicks and you can break even ! 🙂

  13. Dom Reply
    May 16, 2023 at 5:24 pm

    Rookie mistake.

  14. Daren Reply
    May 16, 2023 at 5:42 pm

    Global Services is the top tier in United”s mileage program not 1K. Could quibble that you cant directly earn GS status but someone with it would have priority in this scenario.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      May 16, 2023 at 6:05 pm

      I guess I should have said top published tier. Other than 4MM status, there is no published path to GS status.

  15. Rob Reply
    May 16, 2023 at 7:13 pm

    Dismay is right. Summer award prices are through the roof – UA, AA… even formerly trusty Miles and More with their massive surcharges has next to zero availability from LAX. Economy prices are at the level of 2019 business class. For the day I need, the lowest-priced United business class award to Europe is a 30 hour itinerary through Boise.

  16. Christian Reply
    May 16, 2023 at 7:34 pm

    You mentioned your difficulty finding summer award space to Europe. I don’t know your specific destination but I just checked and AA has a pretty good amount of award space from LAX to FRA this summer for four people. It’s in coach but if nothing else you could hold something to see if something better shows up.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      May 16, 2023 at 7:52 pm

      Thanks. I’ll check again. We would do this trip in coach if necessary, though I’d like to review new airlines if possible. I specifically want to try Austrian in economy class.

  17. George Reply
    May 16, 2023 at 10:18 pm

    Why did you believe your replacement flight would be on time? You were flying United.

  18. Jake Reply
    May 16, 2023 at 11:26 pm

    What a sh*tty airline.

    United mandates you to give them an email address and a phone number, and you probably had their app running, and they resort to … paging? Are we in the 1980?

    Completely unacceptable.

    • Charlsie Reply
      May 17, 2023 at 7:33 pm

      Oops I asked similar questions. Paging is so archaic I agree with you! I can’t hear/understand the paging even if I’m at the gate!

  19. Stuart Reply
    May 17, 2023 at 12:45 am

    Or you can be like me and bid 100K miles for voluntary bumping and never get picked, lol.

  20. Christopher Schuster Reply
    May 17, 2023 at 9:13 am

    This did not cost you $1,000.

    Perhaps you should entertain learning the definition of “cost”.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      May 17, 2023 at 9:23 am

      Perhaps you should entertain thinking a bit more broadly about what cost actually means.

      • Roy Reply
        May 22, 2023 at 1:07 pm

        You still don’t know what cost is quite obviously. Opportunity cost still isn’t actually $1k because it would not have been used where without it you would have truly spent $1k of your own money. You can be an arrogant t*** all you want but this did not cost you $1k and the fact that you derped away in the lounge for only 45 minutes preventing you from this opportunity shows that you are a moron.

        • Matthew Klint Reply
          May 22, 2023 at 1:09 pm

          Lol. Thanks for the laugh honey.

  21. Neil Reply
    May 17, 2023 at 10:33 am

    The very definition of first world problem. Zero sympathy from this economy class cruiser.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      May 17, 2023 at 10:41 am

      I wasn’t looking for sympathy.

  22. Joe Thompson Reply
    May 17, 2023 at 3:43 pm

    Click bait at its finest.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      May 17, 2023 at 3:58 pm

      But a great story too. And instructive. Thanks for your click.

  23. Orlijr Reply
    May 17, 2023 at 6:06 pm

    People can be so rude. A little civility goes a long way. Matthew I appreciate you.

  24. Charlsie Reply
    May 17, 2023 at 7:29 pm

    Why would they have not sent you a text or notification through the app? Also, I thought they selected volunteers based on people that bid the least & not on status. Ugh UA is always changing the rules sorry that happened to you!

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      May 18, 2023 at 12:23 am

      I thought it was based upon bid as well (and I did have to place a bid), but this is what the gate agent told me. As always YMMV.

  25. George Reply
    May 17, 2023 at 8:33 pm

    A great read on over confidence and laziness tied in together.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      May 18, 2023 at 12:22 am

      Perhaps. I’ve learned my lesson!

  26. John Didier Reply
    May 17, 2023 at 11:46 pm

    If you had bought Apple for a $1 a share you would be a billionaire. Look at all the money that cost you!

  27. Paula Reply
    May 18, 2023 at 10:36 am

    Wow! I thought this was a valuable lesson to pass along and you used a catchy title to get my attention. And, I thank you. What is wrong with people? Why must they be so contentious ?

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      May 18, 2023 at 10:43 am

      Thank you, Paula.

  28. Al Reply
    May 20, 2023 at 1:03 pm

    Wow. You have a “job” that enables you to fly 200,000 miles a year and visit 135 countries. Poor guy, having to miss out on this perk.

  29. N1120A Reply
    May 20, 2023 at 2:20 pm

    I’ve had this happen before. I usually will skip the lounge if there is any chance at an oversell, or I’ll try and be there an hour before boarding. Agents tend to start opening up a gate about an hour before, especially if it is a potential oversell.

  30. Charlotte Reply
    May 20, 2023 at 3:51 pm

    Wow who cares. Sorry you were too comfortable in a lounge. Waste of 1 minute of my life.

Leave a Reply

Cancel reply

Search

Hot Deals for June

Note: Please see my Advertiser Disclosure

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Earn 60,000 Points
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Earn 75,000 Miles!
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Earn 75,000 Miles
Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Earn $750 Cash Back
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Earn 120,000 Membership Reward® Points

Recent Posts

  • Compelling: Save Up To 50% On Luxury Cruises Worldwide June 3, 2023
  • United Airlines Guam Fares
    United Airlines Clarifies Guam Fares, Sends Humanitarian Flight June 3, 2023
  • Will United Airlines Add First Class Seats To A320? June 3, 2023
  • Delta 97 Diversion
    Delta Air Lines A330-300 Diverts After Violent Passenger Breaks Free Of Restraints June 3, 2023

Categories

Popular Posts

  • American Airlines Pins Cockpit Door
    American Airlines First Class Passenger So Angry Over Meal Choices He Pins Flight Attendant To Cockpit Door May 11, 2023
  • Cursing Fight United Airlines
    “Don’t You Ever Tell Me To Speak English!” (Fight Breaks Out On My United Airlines Flight) May 17, 2023
  • Missed VDB United Airlines
    My Foolish $1,000 Airport Lounge Visit May 16, 2023
  • Spirit Airlines Flight Leaves Early
    Spirit Airlines Passengers Enraged After Flight Leaves Early May 8, 2023

Archives

June 2023
M T W T F S S
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
2627282930  
« May    

As seen on:

live_and_lets_fly

The @qatarairways Al Mourjan Business Lounge at Do The @qatarairways Al Mourjan Business Lounge at Doha Hamad International Airport is one of my favorite business class and @oneworld lounges in the world. It does get crowded at peak times, but the food is consistently delicious and always worth a stop. There’s even a separate café with grilled paninis made-to-order. With a second lounge now open (Al Mourjan Lounge at The Garden), hopefully the crowding won’t be as bad around midnight.
A lovely stay at the @fsdoha, one of the best hote A lovely stay at the @fsdoha, one of the best hotels I have ever stayed in.
A fabulous flight onboard @qatarairways on the A35 A fabulous flight onboard @qatarairways on the A350-1000 in Qsuite Business Class from DFW-DOH. Qatar offers the best all-around business class product in the world with a spacious suite, plenty of privacy, excellent service, and superb cuisine.
The new United Polaris Lounge at Washington Dulles The new United Polaris Lounge at Washington Dulles is the most beautiful of all Polaris Lounges. Stay tuned for a detailed look and many more photos on the blog tomorrow. Well done @united.
@malaysiaairlines just announced it would retire i @malaysiaairlines just announced it would retire its A380 fleet. While not surprising, it is sad to see the growing list of carriers retiring this superjumbo jet. On Malaysia Airlines, I flew the #A380 once from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to London (LHR) and had the entire first class cabin to myself (full review on the blog). It was a beautiful flight that I will always remember.
Welcome to @fly_bur @aveloair! I am so excited tha Welcome to @fly_bur @aveloair! I am so excited that a new carrier, Avelo, has launched, especially from an airport just 12 minutes from my home!
I greatly miss the @lufthansa #747-8 at @flylaxair I greatly miss the @lufthansa #747-8 at @flylaxairport. Hopefully this summer it will return.

.
.
.
.
#Lufthansa #FirstClass #747 #747-8 #StarAlliance #Miles #Points
I recently spent a weekend at the @ventanabigsur. I recently spent a weekend at the @ventanabigsur. This is not only a lovely, all-inclusive resort, but one of the best properties to use your @hyatt World of Hyatt points.
.
.
.
.
#Hyatt #BigSur #California #WorldofHyatt #CA-1 #Points #Hotels
In terms of a spacious first class product, the @E In terms of a spacious first class product, the @Emirates suite on a 777-300ER is hard to beat. My preference is Suite 2K.

.
.
.
.
#Emirates #777 #firstclass
Nearly five years ago, I took a “break” from I Nearly five years ago, I took a “break” from Instagram ahead of the birth of my first child. Goodness, how time flies. While I’ve enjoyed catching up on others over the years, now it is time for me to return to Instagram. In this first post, I highlight two joys in my life, my two children, whom I trust will grow up to be prolific travelers that circumnavigate the globe as ambassadors of love and respect.

.
.
.
.
.

#travel #airplanes #airlines #miles #points #familytravel #human #integrity #honor
United Airlines' new Polaris seat is a huge improv United Airlines' new Polaris seat is a huge improvement over UA's current business class seat. Check out my blog at liveandletsfly.com for 70+ photos of how @united is transforming its entire business class experience starting this December!
The perfect @flysas name tag for #Longyearben! The perfect @flysas name tag for #Longyearben!
Spotted four #polarbear outside of #longyearbyen - Spotted four #polarbear outside of #longyearbyen -- oh, and I love 40°F summer weather!
One of the best crews I have ever had the pleasure One of the best crews I have ever had the pleasure of flying with in all my years of flying. Thank you @flysas SK940 on 11 Aug 2016
Next stop ARN! But dear @flysas , next time if I a Next stop ARN! But dear @flysas , next time if I assign a window seat months in advance, don't move me to a center seat "for my convenience" with no way to get my original seat back... 😞
Ready for #PIA from #MAN to #JFK -- we will be rac Ready for #PIA from #MAN to #JFK -- we will be racing the #Delta flight to JFK at the gate next to us, which also departs at 12:45p. With @onemileatatime
Load More... Follow on Instagram
facebook twitter instagram rss

Privacy Policy

© Live and Let's Fly All Rights Reserved.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Live and Let's Fly with appropriate and specific directions to the original content.