Paul's Trip Reports not a transcontinental but did a lhr-iah-pns-ord-yyz- lhr (yyz-Lhr air Canada). All the flights I took were significantly delayed and their planes feel extremely cramped in the back. It also seems that every united plane has a mechanical fault. The IFE screen on lhr-iah leg was so unresponsive I gave up an hour into the flight. However, after all that negativity I can say the cabin crew were really awesome. (Still, can’t complain about a £300 ticket booked 2 weeks before travel.)
I have flown United for many time during the past 10 years and I never enjoyed their service. In my opinion United is just slightly better than low cost airlines. But I guess service is where all the American carriers can improve significantly.
If you live in the Newark area, United flies to most places non stop. People use United more for convenience rather than service. I fly business on United, and truthfully, it is better than the back, but their service is what economy used to be. It is a shame United and the other carriers really don't care.
Gordo even if it happened years ago, that’s not acceptable whatsoever and people should never stop reminding them of the shitty decisions they have made.
Thanks, Paul, for taking that bullet for us! How long did you scrub you hands before you decided they were clean? I’d would have taken at lease 20 minutes.
That passive-aggressive thing is the normal customer 'service' stance for United. They actually threatened to have my wife arrested for reporting an issue with broken equipment on our last flight with them. Will NEVER EVER set foot onto a United plane ever again.
id argue that american's customer service is worse they were getting mad at us for wanting to reschedule a delayed flight that would have made us miss our connecting flight
@@wta1518 not sure if you have flown recently but I had all good experiences with delta and United has been almost as bad aa and that's saying something JetBlue is pretty good except for arriving on time
Agreed. In 1980 I flew from LA to Kennedy for a whopping $99 in tourist. It was a 747. Food service was a self serve affair. I probably ate more in lox that the ticket cost. Of course, it was a special promotional fare, but still. :-)
I had flown United for almost 50 years [starting before deregulation], during both the financial difficulties and the current financial flush. Service has deteriorated continually while prices have risen exponentially. Other than management's payroll, I do not know where the increased profits are going: the planes are banged like a child's playground, your experience with dirt is actually less than most experience, and food service resembles prison cafeterias. And if you think your travel experience was bad, you have no idea how badly a passenger can be treated until you're dependant upon crutches - seating is impossible in all 3 classes, and the cabin crew reactions are they wish you had never boarded. It may be slower and less convenient, but I have switched my travel services to Amtrak, where a disabled person is at least treated with respect and dignity.
I think we need to lobby the government for more high speed rail. It’s cheaper for the passengers and way better for the environment. Not to mention more frequent travel service
I really think United out west must be way better than United in the eastern US. I don't recognize the negative comments, other than on tiny commuter hops, which suck on any airline.
My own experience with United (approx 7 years ago) put me off them for the rest of my life. They tried to bounce me and my wife off our connecting flight (booked 3 months earlier) having already boarded our luggage, telling us that the luggage would be "looked after at the destination" and that we could fly out (probably) the next day if they could find us a couple of seats (not much consolation for a two day visit to South Carolina). I had to remind them myself that the FAA (along with other International Flight Organisations) forbids boarding luggage if the passengers are not flying. Only then were we permitted to have our booked seats ... NEVER AGAIN!
The FAA doesn't forbid luggage from being boarded on an international flight without the passenger when the airline is the one that involuntarily separates the customer from their bag(s). In your case, the airline was bumping you off. They can do that without having to worry about your bags going or not. It is called PPBM (positive passenger bag match). If you initiated the separation from your luggage and it was an international flight, the bags can't go, they have to be pulled. On a domestic flight though, it doesn't matter. They didn't put you back on because of anything you reminded them about. They put you back on because they found another option. They probably found another person to be a "volunteer" and that is better than involuntarily denying you boarding. Better for them financially. They would have had to pay you real money and where as the volunteer receives the funny money voucher for a future flight.
@@jusdorange4720 Not true--only on international flights will the airline remove a passenger's luggage if he does not board the flight...because of Pan Am Lockerbie.... It's unfortunate what happened to them, but I can assure you that it also happens on every airline.
@@flymarkfly Agreed, I would have asked " What's in it for me?" Of course I never get bumped In fun places like Montego Bay Jamaica: " 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, no problem, just give me a call when you have another flight."
I was actually very surprised in what kind of state the US was when visiting a few years back. For a country that prides it self with being the very very best in the world (threw up in my mouth there), it's so far behind most western countries. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Giving your seat to someone else is dreadful. The last time they did that it ended in the biggest PR disaster in history, not learning any lessons it seems.
My family and I just flew United in late August of 2019 to Las Vegas from Newark and we honestly had a great flight! We didn't fly business class so perhaps our expectations were a bit lower but... We also got a GREAT price on our 4 rt to keys so we can't complain. they even have us blankets on the return flight sice we didn't leave til 10 pm and we totally didn't expect that at all!! We plan to use United next year for our trip to California from Newark. I'm thinking your next trip using United will be better!!
Are blankets not standard?.......... On every single flight I've been on, even low cost carriers, crew will provide blankets at request if not already on seat.
I ordered a second glass of wine on a United flight from SFO to ORD one time and the flight attendant asked me "what are you a nervous flier, thats all your getting" in an extremely rude manner. After that I stopped flying them. Southwest is my favorite. I luv Southwest.
You sound like a self entitled snob. No offense. "Oh no 1 person who has to deal with thousands of stuck up assholes showed they were human, i'm never gonna use this company who had no control over her voice box and mind at the time." lol.. such a tool.
Oh so true about Southwest. I had to fly out of BMI in November 2001, right after 9/11. We were lined up waiting to board, nervous, apprehensive, soldiers in full combat gear around us; and a Southwest Gate Agent went on the PA and belted out a perfect version of "Silent Night" for us. He put us at ease and reminded us we were going to be okay. That is Southwest Airlines.
@@justinmartinez7351 Not only that, a co worker of mine had a United ticket agent go off at him at the counter, and made fun of his profession. It was unbelievable.
Several years ago was returning from an overseas business trip using United. The ticket cost $5500 round trip in business class.They closed the door at LAX and announced that they were ready to depart. Just then an administrative type lady stormed in followed by two large male bouncers. She said you there get up and we are moving you to the back of the plain. If you refuse you will be removed from the flight. I said whats the problem. She said we have an employee that needs to fly at the last minuet to meet another flight and according to our union contract we can bump you out of business class. I said let him take the other seat, I paid over $5000.00 for this seat and just arrived after a 12 hour very turbulent flight from Australia with no sleep. The two men started to try to pull me out over the other seats and the other passengers crowded in and one lady screamed stop this craziness or we will all walk. They left the plane to obviously regroup. The lady came back with the employee. He went to the other seat in the back. She told me that because there was no time I would be allowed to remain in my seat but next time I might no be so lucky. Our company had booked 15 tickets for business class flights the next week with United but the owner of our corporation canceled them and booked with a competing airlines. We never used United again. They still need to retrain every employee at United and bounce the ones that dont meet the higher standards. These tactics are why they have lost so much business over the years. The fact that they later apologized hasnt change my opinion of their business model.
@@watershed44 Thanks Watershed44 for your comment. The president of the company called them on the phone and complained. She could be very convincing while making a threatening call. I think she said they refunded the entire ticket. Other employees who were frequent fliers had so many previous mishaps that her and the owner of the corporation decided not to use UAL again, and didnt.
@@watershed44 Thanks for your follow up remarks. You are correct and she did contact higher management. I worked for that corp. for 18 years. We were not allowed to question the owners in detail on anything. Was told to forget about it and that it had been handled. My job as a manager was to see that my employes performed. The friendly skies are no longer as friendly and even on the ground its not as friendly as it used to be. They have passed now and I am retired. Its a shame that for the last 20 years UAL have been making the same mistakes. I always liked to travel with TWA. With them you got first class treatment no matter what seat you were setting in.
This is the same airline that allow staff and security guard bashed an Asian doctor in Chicago Airport over seating for their staff. Shame United .We all should avoid United , send them to bankruptcy and all those arrogant staff into long term unemployment . United staff take notice -Do not bite the hand that feed you
I absolutely agree with your comments about a dirty cabin and waiting area. As an ex-flight attendant, I can say there is no excuse for a dirty plane. Food servings are more subjective as are the personal refreshing amenities. But presentation can and will make a difference. Overall, I think your review was fair and balanced. 👍
I think that some United executives need to start travelling United economy, then take some trips with other airlines to compare their product. I’d suggest, Thai Airways, China Southern, Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Vietnam Airlines, Bangkok Airways...they will be shocked how far the United level of amenity and service has fallen behind in comparison.
They’re actually the same thing, and the tape was originally called duck tape, from the Dutch “doek” meaning cloth or canvas. It’s a woven tape. “Duct” is the corruption.
American carriers, in general, have lost perspective of what good/quality service is. That is why I would like to see competition with foreign carriers come to the US. It will make the American carriers start treating their passengers with better amenities, cleaner service, and overall a better product or they with be finished. Competition, competition, competition....I can't say enough about it....a better product for the consumer is the result of more competition. Thanks Paul for showing United isn't changing fast enough. United doesn't care about the passengers; they care about the financial bottom line nothing more and it shows. More people need to speak up.
@@hanj31 Yes, I know that they fly into the United States, but what I was saying is, the foreign carriers would compete in the USA domestic market not just in the international segment.
@@hanj31 At the present time, yes, (due to the heavy lobbying of the US airlines), however, foreign carriers are in the US courts now trying to get permission from the FAA to fly US domestic. I can't wait for them to win!!! The US carriers will have to change their ways or they will cease to exist.
@@WadersInAlaska Those foreign airlines will be competing with the likes of Jet Blue Alaska and southwest who are low cost airlines that have top notch service. They either have to go the low cost route where they put planes in circulation constantly with minimal down time and no ideal connections for flights or go the expensive route where they use hubs so passengers can connect easily. we'll see what happens but I don't think foreign carriers will do well enough to be a viable thing for them. I'm sure if those airlines had domestic rights they would mostly just do a stop over flight from like Europe to LAX via JFK or East Asia to JFK via LAX and/ or SFO maybe even via Honolulu and let passengers in the US get on the trans continental leg of the flight.
The air traffic control was often a channel choice even on the old pre-tv screen days. I didn't understand one tenth, but it was nice to listen to the calm politeness of the chatter.
I appreciate your comment. My favorite TH-cam channel is Matt Guthmiller (that's the name of his channel, "Matt Guthmiller" in case you want to check his channel out) who is a young man who flies all over (including being the youngest pilot to fly around the world solo) and makes the most wonderful videos of his travels. So, upon watching his videos a lot, I hear a TON of his communications with air traffic controllers and i swear, I don't think I could ever be a pilot, because I can't imagine understanding what anyone is saying. Apparently one doesn't say, "Excuse me, do you mind saying that again, slowly?" So your comment gave me a good laugh, and yes, there is something soothing about the calm politeness of the chatter!
@@thomasdosborneii At our local airport there is an upstairs viewing lounge, so you can watch the planes take off and land. There are speakers there, and they pipe in the conversations between the pilots and the control towers. Every so often I can figure out a tiny fraction of what they're saying. It's like a really bad drive thru speaker at a fast food joint! They all sound like they haven't a csre in the world, though. I'd like to know how they do that!
I think the most important thing to consider, no matter which class you’re flying, is to try not to touch anything than you can’t wipe with an antibacterial wipe!!! NEVER take your shoes off!!!!
I think it could have been worse, remember that Asian gambling doctor dragged out feet first, but he won millions so id prefer to experience Uniteds dragged out feet first option
You should have been with the cattle in coach. Believe me, it's a whole lot worse than what you suffered in your (relatively) comfortable seat up front. Americans (and I've been one of them my whole life) have come to expect less and less from air carriers over the last 20-30 years. There was a time when one's vacation started at the airport. It was just a cool place to be, and everyone was excited to get on board and enjoy a relaxing flight. These days, the air travel is just something that must be endured in order to reach that exotic, fun destination. Flight attendants are all business. I haven't seen one smile in at least 10 years. They have a job to do (run through the safety demonstration, count the passengers, sling the food, prepare for landing, etc.), and they do it. Nothing more, nothing less. Passengers, for the most part, sit quietly like sheep. They know they'll be getting a microscopic-size bag of crunchy stuff and something to drink. There is no breakfast, no lunch and, usually, no dinner to speak of because there are now passenger seats in the space formerly reserved for meal preparation. Of course, passengers can purchase a box of sustenance, vintage two days ago, for the astronomical price of $8.00. This practice has been a boon to terminal food sellers, who charge about the same price for the same appetizing stuff. Better to load up before you board. First Class Lounges? Never saw the inside of one. I can sleep anywhere, so a seat by the gate is fine with me. The big benefit still remains: Air travel is faster than taking a bus. And that's the only difference. I do enjoy your videos, however. It's nice to see that some air carriers still give a thought to those they are carrying. But not in the U.S.
I fly jetBlue whenever possible, they charge a little more but the experience is nowhere near as bad as described above. I've enjoyed all of my flights on them over the past several years.
Flying in the US. Is either tolerable with Southwest & JetBlue. United, Delta, American are total crap. We jump for joy when the flight leaves on time and arrives on time has a gate and baggage is available 15 minutes after flight arrival.
@@appleiphone69 TBF, Delta's *international* flights have supposedly good service, courteous staff (some of which were absorbed Northwest employees), and competitive product with Delta One. But, yeah, American Domestic products aren't really inspiring compared to what Southeast Asians can deliver...
The most recent United flights I was on had a connection in one of their other big hubs, Denver. We left about an hour late (from LAX - big surprise) and therefore got to Denver late. However as we were approaching the gate they asked everyone who didn't have an immediate connection to stay put for a few minutes. With just carry-on baggage, we got up and walked just across the concourse to our connecting flight, where one of the pilots was waiting for us at the top of the jetway. He followed us onboard, closed the door, and we left immediately. I thought it was pretty cool.
When you're watching this video in your grand island home, 10 minutes away from the falls and you see your self driving home from a very long day of work that you contemplate quiting because your boss is an a-hole and wont give you off sundays from 36,000 ft...
I'm glad United still allows one to listen to the ATC chatter. It was one of my favorite amenities when I used to fly for business quite a few years ago. So far as I can recall, only United allows this.
@@chooch1995 Plenty of former Continental travelers, this one included, are profoundly disappointed with United. Service was a lot more civilized pre-merger.
I recently flew Sydney - Houston - Fort Lauderdale return on United in economy and had no complaints at all, I had a problem with luggage at Houston and the United staff were fantastic in locating the bags. I have nothing but praise for United
brabson, you need to STFU and stop believing everything you see on the "news." The AIRPORT COPS were the ones who dragged the guy off. United flight attendants did not attack him. They called the airport cops who got violent and dragged him out. I hate United but your comment was totally false.
@largol33t1 so they were in fact the cause. why would they have airport security forcibly remove a paying customer? did airport security force the little dog into the overhead bin as well?
I flew United in March. Was travelling with my elderly mother. When transiting through SFO and waiting for our final flight the captain came up and greeted us addressing my mother personally. On our way back our flight to SFO was delayed due to weather. The airline was not obligated to put us up in a hotel but they did anyway. We had a fantastic experience flying United. I guess we were lucky!👍👍
@@MJLeger-yj1ww Ummm.... Its a review. And, considering what he payed, compared to what he got. He also said others have had a different experience and to comment your experiences... Not Come and trash the uploader bc their experience was garbage. If I was watching this to decide if I should use UA, I'd pass. If you experienced it differently, then say so.
@@MJLeger-yj1ww Paul's Trip Reports is much closer to my experience. I've been a frequent flyer since the late 80's and when I first started traveling for business, you're right United was a great airline to fly. But ever since the merger they have just gotten worse and worse. I'm now considering driving to JFK or Philadelphia to fly another airline because I just can't deal with United anymore.
@@MJLeger-yj1ww oh, so a review should only be fluff about how wonderful everything is.That would make it completely useless. I was gold elite on united for many years and have friends that are lifetime elite, and even we recognise that there needs to be an expectation of excellence in the higher classes of service. Btw..I fly southwest mostly now, and really only miss the bigger seat, but for the extra $$ I'll pamper myself some other way..
Damn, that’s lower chance than all the planets, moons, and stars aligning at the same minute as me winning 2 lotteries under the northern lights in Florida
I would have said you get what you paid for but the fact you paid around $800 is CRAZY!!! You should have flown Delta for a better experience. But thanks a lot for this amazing trip report!
ThrillcraftMCG I would like to agree with you, but sadly having flown delta a few times transcontinental, as well as from Cincinnati to Denver and back a few times, I haven't had much fun on delta either. United are the absolute worst hairline on the planet. I have flown budget Airlines in China, that make United business class look awful. I dread flying internally in the USA, like it's living hell. With the rude staff, and the absolute terrible aircraft, which are dated, as well as the terrible food onboard, it's something that I put up with rather than look forward to. Last year I chartered a private jet to fly from East Coast to West coast, because I really couldn't stomach the idea of flying internally. I used NetJets, and got a discount, which was actually not too dissimilar to what Paul paid on this trip. And I ain't kidding. Ok, so it was a little bit more, but all things considered, $1,120 including transfers is not bad for a private jet from East Coast to the West coast. That included a Mercedes limousine from downtown to the airport, as well as incredible 5 course dining on board, which was beautiful, and served by my own air steward (there were 3 crew onboard) who was polite and attentive for the entire trip. The flight was on a G550, and I shared the flight with two other couples (which they call Jetshare). Not only that, they did onboard security, and they told me on board, that for those flying internationally, they do on board customs and immigration as well. I told him, that I shall be using them again internationally, I was that impressed with the service. For those of you with the money, I would highly recommend joining NetJets as it's a fantastic experience.
tessamersus well, it certainly isn't what you would call cheap, I will grant you that. However, if you want value for money, then there is no comparison to flying commercial. If you are lucky enough to use a jet share service, and fly with 4 to 6 other people to divide the cost, then it works out at around to $4,000 plus taxes and booking fees. I don't know how much it would be internationally as it would vary depending on where you're going to, and from, and aircraft used, and how many people flying on the Jetshare. But, I would imagine New York to London, that it would be no more than between $10,000-$15,000 each, if shared with say 6 other people. This sounds a lot, but compared to a full fare first class, over the same route on a good airline, then it might be worth thinking about if one can afford it. Limousine transfers, spectacular meals prepared on board, at least two or three crew serving just six people, free Wi-Fi, free onboard phone calls, a huge choice of pre-booked menus, prepared on board, security handled off apron, away from terminal buildings in VIP, Full insurance included, which, as far as I'm concerned, adds up to a spectacular way to fly. So in reality, you're comparing a $6 or $7,000 first class flight, to a $10 to $15,000 private jet. I don't think there's any comparison personally.
I don’t ever remember flying United in the almost forty years I’ve lived in the US. As a former airline employee both in the UK & US, I think the service on many airlines has definitely declined since deregulation. It allowed fares to become cheaper but at a cost. It will be interesting to see what happens after Covid passes since this will leave airlines financially weaker.
If you think the business class experience with United is bad, try the basic economy. I cannot afford even regular economy, and thus always have to book by the lowest price when I fly, and I can tell you that United treat the basic economy passengers like cattle. I very politely once at the check-in counter, asked the attendant if I can check in. They asked me what class my ticket was, then directed me to the machine, saying "you have to use the machine sir. I can't help you." Then, when I flagged down another United employee to very politely ask if all the window seats were taken, I was given a very harsh and rude reminder that "that's what you get for buying the basic economy ticket." Now, I totally understand that I get what I pay for, so I'm not complaining that I didn't get a window, and when I asked, I didn't even expect that I could get one, but I figured that it couldn't hurt to ask. Wow, was I wrong! It was akin to "You'll sit where we damn well tell you to sit." The only advantage about flying United domestically in the US is if you happen to get the SFO-DEN leg, because they service that route in the afternoon with a 777-200 (non ER.) It's nice having a wide-body on such a short flight, but that's about as far as the praise goes, because it's like a museum inside, it feels so old. Oh well, I love to fly anyway, and I appreciate every take-off and landing I get to experience on a 777 of any variant. Delta is not as bad, but still a bit poor. At least you have a good chance of getting a very new 738 or 739 (my favorite narrow body,) but the older A320's are getting pretty dated inside. I fly to Southeast Asia a lot, as I live most of the year in Denpasar, and I can tell you the every Asian airline that I have flown is superior to the US big three. Give me a 77W across the pacific with either a window, or the emergency exit seat, and I'm a happy camper (or should I say, "flyer.")
Yes, when you use Kayak.com, you get the cheap United prices, but basic economy which they charge you for everything. No early check in or assigned seating, bag fees $30 including your carry on! If I compare prices I alway add $30 to United then compare vs. American or others since they don’t charge that for carryon bags. Southwest would be more affordable for free check in bags up to 2. Alaska Air allows one carry on and assigned seats, free check in so I fly them the best I can!
@@traveldoc1234 Well two things: 1) There's a reason they say you should book directly through the airline instead of through a travel agency. 2) American and Delta do the same thing as United.
BayAreaLen Classic true I flew from New York to Manchester and the treated us like shit didn’t even get an option for our food just the vegetarian option.Never flying with them again
I flew ANA from Haneida to Okinawa and it was rather bland service. I remember the flight attendants walking around with little paper cups and a pouring a couple sips of water for each passenger.
Seat pitch in UA economy is inhumane! Business Class is reasonably comfortable. Used to fly UA across the US frequently on UA, but switched to Alaska Airlines because of overall better service and better seat pitch.
Great video. The 757 has always been my favourite aircraft. The sheer power of the take off. The last 757 flight I took was the second to last ever BA operated 757 flight and the pilot had permission for a total power take off rather than the the lower power take offs typically used.
United was really good in the 90s. I flew United from Hawaii to New York. The staff were all friendly. The food was typical airline food, but I was in economy class.
I will always avoid using airline toilets if possible because they're always disgusting. I flew from Newark to Amsterdam and held out till I could use the airport facilities there.
To be fair, the Polaris lounge in Chicago is said to be absolutely outstanding (I haven't gotten to visit it yet because I don't tend to ever travel through Chicago). The problem with Newark is, in general everyone is rude. I used to have to fly Continental through there to the UK at times (before the merger) and I hated the rudeness of staff at Newark (except for one Customs agent I kept going through who was Irish-American and always willing to have a laugh). I work for a company that handles travel insurance and so forth globally and United has been having a really bad 18 months in general. However, Delta actually was worse, though their newer CEO is desperately working to improve their abilities. I'm interested to see how you would feel the staff from SFO compares to that of EWR honestly.
I have not flown UA transcon, but had a great experience on their 787-8 from IAD to LHR earlier this year. Even though that AC didn’t feature the new Polaris seats the service was really really good, everyone was very friendly and attentive. I have often heard my colleagues talk about how they particularly avoid UA when they fly into NYC area.
United aggressively prioritises its status passengers so those passengers get much better value than those without. I would never recommend it to anyone without status. That said, your experience seems fairly typical of all US airlines - too many rude staff, bad food and quite a few ancient planes just waiting for retirement.
@@Massachamp08 But surely even fancy status(?) folk need a shit in a decent loo on a 6 hour flight sometimes! Only in 'merica, ah wait they all break the carsy cause they is tooo fat, ha ha!
Paul, as I mentioned to you on another blog yesterday; I flew Melbourne (Aust) to Los Angeles by United and again with United on a connecting flight to San Francisco, and again in reverse when flying back to Melbourne. In fact I went to the States to visit my sister who was dying of Cancer, and did pass away not long after I got home. In fact I got a phone call from my sister to tell me she was dying and asked if I could come over to see her for one last time as we hadn't seen one and other for some 10 years. I contacted various Travel Agents for an emergency flight to San Francisco, with Air NZ, QANTAS, British Airways et al but the only flight that was available was UNITED. I rue the day I flew with them. It was a hassle from start to finish each way, and I swore I'd NEVER fly with them again, and NEVER have. I used to always fly with QANTAS and had over 500 flights with them and found QANTAS to be great; then came that Leprechaun QANTAS employed as CEO; and service went down the shitter very fast. Sorry for swearing but there is no other way to put it in a nutshell. British Airways would have been preferable as would have Air New Zealand, but it was getting a flight urgently that had me stymied.
I actually a former employee of United, and my Mom just retired from EWR, as the Operations Manger for United there, the Airline has went down since the merger with Continental Airlines, anyway I love your videos, I also like the fact that United allows you to listen to the cockpit as they are taking off or during the flight in real time
I beg to differ Rashad. As a retired Captain of a UK Airline, I have used Continental many times for Staff Travel flights to Newark from the UK. The first time I used them after the United merger was completely different. The UK ex Continental staff were great, but on the return from Newark there was a simple glitch with our ticket. The United Staff at the airport were rude, unhelpful and it got to the stage where we thought we were not getting on the flight, until a reluctant member of staff found that the problem was with United & fixed it. Never again!
I live 30 mins away from EWR and haven’t flown United for years either domestically and internationally. This video shows exactly why. Thank you for sharing!
@@woodsmc Depends on where your trips are to. If they're international, or a mix between domestic and international, American is probably your best bet. Avoid United at all costs and measures unless you are willing to risk them improving (which seems to be happening but it's very slow progress)
I've flown United for years and had my daughter fly it to and from college for 4 years. I have had a very few minor negative events. Most of the personnel have been exceedingly kind.
Yikes! I just looked at my last trip from ATL to LAX and the nonstop roundtrip ticket cost me just under $300. Granted it's close to 5 hours each way in a coach seat and no food, but I can get far superior food packaged up for my trips for $15-20 at most. There's a deli close to my house that will make any sandwich with sides into a fantastic boxed meal that no US airline can touch, and that is my biggest advice to US air travelers: if you want decent food, you have to bring it yourself. The food in the airport is expensive and sketchy, and the onboard stuff is worse. Assuming they don't run out of it, which happened on both AA flights I took last year.
Just another normal flight in United. 1) I arrive at checkin at 6:20 am for an 8 am flight with my cat, a world traveller. But they have no record of me having purchased a pet in cabin ticket several days earlier, and so they force me to purchase it again. 2) I was in for more shocks...The clerk who handled the transaction tried to convince me I needed an import permit for the cat. Eventually after making me wait over 25 minutes she found out she was wrong. Of course I voiced several times that no permit was necessary, but she claims she was reading that on her screen. 3) Finally she sorts things out, but I have to wait over 25 minutes for her to process a simple credit card transaction. 4) Upon boarding I arrived at my seat, which turns out to be an emergency exit row. I think it odd that they should be as unprofessional as to do something like this, but I have learned after flying this airline for some years that the worse is possible and just around the corner. I slip my cat under the front seat, and notice a horrible gash on the back of the front seat, with exposed plastic edges so sharp that it could have severely injure anyone not careful enough. But again, I have learned to expect the worse from United. 5) The flight was uneventful, and the economy class food horrendous, so much so that even being offered it was a deeply felt insult. 6) Our plane was about to land with only a few minutes to go, when a flight attendant comes by and with great surprise tells me that I am not allowed to sit on an emergency exit row with a pet... 7) I explain that I was assigned that seat by an United agent who knew I would be flying with a pet. She orders that I move to another empty seat; all this with the plane only a few minutes from touching ground. I replied it was very dangerous to do so and that I would not do it. She insists, and threaten me with having the plane turn back after flying for over 3 hours and only a few minutes from touch down... I reply that I can't honor her request because it is too dangerous... Then she insists I move my cat's case to the next seat, which I do and almost accidentally stab him with the shards of plastic hanging from the back of the front chair. I tell the flight attendant I would complain about this. But she dismisses it.... the plane lands. 8) Still in shock and waiting to board my connecting flight, we hear over the intercom that the flight is delayed due to mechanical problems... Nothing is surprising when you fly United.
The amenity kit, you get to keep, but do you get to keep headphones, or are they just for the duration of flight. When we’ve been on United, they doubled booked our seats, even though we pay for a specific seat, due to my disabilities.
As an aircraft mechanic who has worked on Untied, Delta, and Alaska Aircraft I'd never recommend United they spend the least amount of money possible on their interior.
I remember when flying was such great fun. It was relaxing, the seats were big and full, and the food was plentiful on real plates (real metal ware, etc!) men wore suits, ladies wore dresses, it was a great experience. NOT ANYMORE. Now it's just a way to get from point A to point B quickly, in cramped uncomfortable seats with angry flight attendants, in crowded stressful airports. How sad... Think it will ever get better, Paul??
So I'm old enough to remember a BIT of those days. But the cost was outrageous. The stops were numerous. The connections were lengthy and the airports were crowded then, too. If you REALLY go back, the hijackings were regular, even weekly, events. Smoking was A-OK. The movies were terrible. And the FOOD! It was literally plentiful and literally the punchline to every 3rd comedian's joke how truly terrible it was. So I dunno...on the whole I'm amazed the whole thing works at all much less as smoothly as it does as regularly as it does. And there's something to be said for Democratizing the Skies and making them affordable and available to people the world over. In a podunk little backwater place like LIT, I'm no more than 2 connections away from any point on planet Earth. That's nearly unbelievable. People who were just coming of age in the 50's would be AMAZED at that notion, wouldn't they?
I agree 100%. I used to take the time to choose nice clothes to wear when flying. Now I see people wearing pyjamas at the airport. I guess it’s easier for the TSA to grope and fondle you in pyjamas lol. I remember my father picking out which tie he was going to wear. Now it’s a cattle car experience at best. Of course that’s all here in the USA. Very different overseas.
Me too. I flew United alone from Paris to San Francisco and then back to Paris, and the crew was very nice and attentive to me and made sure I was comfortable alone on such a long flight. Flying the same route next year too so I'm hoping it'll be the same.
I've never had a bad experience flying the friendly skies,I like United. I've flown on Alaska a couple times. Went to Vegas twice. Once flew on one of their MD80's.It was like flying inside a cigar tube,we were packed in that plane like a sardines. 😂 the other flights weren't too bad,they were 737-800's. I think Alaska has since retired the old MD80's now?
Same here. And I've flown all over the world with United , transcontinental and domestic. A British accent guy talking bad about a US airliner (it's just one of the biggest and oldest in the world). Maybe I'll do a video one day about British airlines i have a few good points about them as well
Nothing you show here would make me want to not fly United. It does however make me never want to pay for their Polaris product. I'll keep using United the way I always do, as the product I book when they are the cheapest and most convenient airline (aka no 14+ hour overnight layovers). Then my only expectations on these flights is to arrive alive. Honestly, with how flying has gotten now a days I think the only expectation I can reasonably have for any economy flight is that they get me there and back in one piece.
I can't help but think of how great Continental Airlines was to fly and how their employees must feel now, hoping that things will improve. Again Paul, love your videos. Cheers from The 'Cuse.
We do realize the continental management took over in the merger with UA and thats when the decline took place? It wasnt until their current ceo that UA has started to rebound
I used to say he must've had to sleep in a different place every night, with his bodyguards. He literally was hated by the Continental employees. @@watershed44
I flew 1st class during his tenure as CEO and I got instant coffee and nothing else! Second time I ever flew continental and the last. You could tell the employees weren't normal happy people.
TheAviator370 did you know in 2013 southwest made a nose landing and it was bad 2.southwest engine blew up and a woman almost fell out of the window it was scary delta I puffer is delta a good airline?Anywho I only go on United/THE WORST AIRLINE THERE IS.IS SPIRIT I HATE SPIRIT AIRLINES I DONT GO ON SPIRIT THAT MUCH BUT WHATEVER!
Typical United lackluster service. During the transition merger with Continental, they "lost" my Global Services top tier status and for a time I could not gain access to the Club and even ended up in the middle seat in coach when I should have had an upgrade. Not whining, just stating the facts. United is improving but still a long way to go so I gave up on them. Started flying Alaska Airlines and never looked back. Alaska is awesome and they treat you better in coach than United does in business. The Alaska pilots often come out before the flight and say things like "if it was not for you people, we would not have a job". That is part of what makes them the top US airline in many a survey. United will have to improve a lot to even come close. Sorry to all our foreign visitors to suffer through this lack of proper service; its an embarrassment. .
Thanks for the report. Just confirming what many people already knew... Having travelled to over 40 countries I'd have to say flying in the US ranks at the bottom. Many airports are beat up, stinky, over capacity and just a bad experience. The US airlines are all trying to compete with discount carriers while keeping some traditional offerings like biz class on domestic flights, which is a joke! You get better service in economy on Singapore Airlines than you do in biz class on any US carrier!
@@4thHorsemanRides That's because Singapore Airlines is subsidized by their government, like many Asian airlines, so the airline doesn't have to worry about its bottom line. I would be the first to agree that United States airlines, for the most part, offer rather poor service, although they do have a pretty good safety record.
@@athleticguy15 Not true with regards to SIngapore Airlines. As the Prime Minister warned on the eve of SIA's formation that the airline was not a prestige project. If they could not turn in a profit, "we should have no compunction in closing a service down", he warned. " So yes, the bottom line mattered.
First Paul I am sorry that you had a bad experience with United. Now with being said to being able to listen to the cockpit. United has being doing that for years. At least from 1995. My father who isn't a fan of flying loves the channel because it helps him feel like he is in control a little bit . I am glad you are going to give United another chance.
As for the air traffic control audio thing, this is a great touch (to an otherwise abysmal flight you seemed to have experienced haha) for an airline to have. I don’t think the ordinary passenger would care, but for those that are aviation enthusiasts, or Av Geeks, it is something these passengers would love! (Me included). I’m not a technology expert by any means, but to add air traffic control audio to the in flight entertainment would hardly be at any cost to the airline, but at the same time, a great benefit to the passenger, whether they are aviation enthusiasts or not. I recently flew on a Delta flight that had IFE, but did not have Air Traffic Control audio. Though I was quickly entertained by other options, the IFE would’ve been pretty cool to follow along with. Again, it’s not something an airline needs to incorporate, but some thing that would make the flying experience that much begter
Max's Roblox Lift Plane and plane Channel. America Airlines in my opinion has the best and only true First Class experience from JFK to LAX. Maybe you have been able to experience it. :)
@@sjnavaid9341 You might be right as I hear good things about them. I can only speak for American as they are mostly who I fly and I really believe it what route you fly. American has some really good international routes and even some great domestic ones as you can see from my video.
Back in 2017 me and my husband was new at riding in a commercial airplane and we took united, and didn't know what to expect. So we waited in the seating area waiting to be called to get boarded and we find our seats and put our carry on away. My husband was the scared half to death but i do my best to calm him down and we went our way. We was flying economy , so i didn't think too much to look around the entertainment in front of us was working and we have free wifi so we had something to watch while on board. The staff was nice to us and didn't have any complaints from them and when we got half way and they were passing out drinks and peanuts. I took a half a cup because that is all i wanted at the time and they gave my husband a full can of soda that he wanted and along the peanuts of course!
Paul, thanks for your honest report. I have flown United since the days of the DC6. My best flights were transPac in the 747-400, upstairs business class window. Sometimes the food was good, sometimes not. In the latter case I would send it back and request something else. Now that I am retired, I fly trans on in economy plus. It is an unpleasant experience at best. I bring protein bars. The food for purchase is ok, but not worth the effort of trying to eat in extremely uncomfortable conditions. Although I am Premiere Gold Elite for life, I never get upgraded. The seats are not comfortable at all. Although I have sufficient miles for three free transcon flights, I am saving those for emergencies. I sure miss flying SQ.
Jerome Weingart I once was hungry enough to pay $8.00 for HALF a PB&J sandwich rather than wait 6 hours to my destination to get a proper meal. $8.00.......PB&J! I pack my own sandwich now if I want to eat inflight. SMH
It’s very sad what has happened to United when I was a kid they were my favorite airline...now god you’d be hard pressed to find a single positive comment
I will never book another flight on United Airlines. I booked my flight to Columbus, Ohio with a layover in Chicago. When I arrived at LAX for the first leg of my flight it was 5:30 am ( for an 8:30 flight). Shortly after I arrived, I was notified by text that my flight had been delayed due to weather by three and a half hours and that my flight would leave at 12:00 pm. Since I knew my connector flight from Chicago had to be changed, I spoke with a customer service agent for United at LAX. I was booked on two different connector flights in case one was canceled. Within 45 minutes, BOTH connector flights were "canceled". I changed airlines and told them to forward my bag to Columbus since it was already on the United flight. Knowing I would have a challenge to get my bag since the connector flights had been canceled, I settled in for my flight and would resolve my baggage issue when I arrived in Columbus. When I arrived in Columbus, my bag was waiting for me...neat trick considering both connector flights were "canceled". Chances are my seat was given to someone who uses United frequently. Garbage customer service. Fly anyone but United.
I 100% agree with you. When I flew to Hawaii on one of United's domestic 777s, their was no IFE, no Food, and a 3-4-3 layout that was really uncomfortable. At the beginning of the Flight I asked the Flight Attendant if I could take a picture in the Cockpit, and she just screamed at me to get to my seat. If you ever want to fly in the U.S. Never fly United.
I’m sure on there domestic flights they don’t always include IFE since you can use your devices for it. Also I don’t think they served food since it’s a domestic flight and you have to pay for that.
TheApplereviewer97 but the thing is that the flight I was on was a 9 and a half hour flight from Chicago to Hawaii and having no IFE and no food served at all for a flight that long is probably the worst you could expect of a flight
Forza Aviation that is very true but you kind of had IFE by using your own device & connecting to there WiFi onboard and they have films & tv shows you could watch. Well technically there was food but you had to pay for but unfortunately that’s how there domestic flights work
United consistently has mediocre to bad service on their domestic business class. I flew business internationally one time (before Polaris) and I really enjoyed it. Service was great and the all the food was delicious. Their economy service is on par with the other two major carriers....nothing special although I have never had any major problems with them. Some of their 757s are getting quite old and in need of desperate repair or should be retired.
I love listening to the atc people talking to the pilots! I hadn't been on a plane in 30 years but had been working for the airport for years mowing the airfield. The chat on the headphones was soothing and I knew ahead of time when the aircraft was going to bank etc.....
As a pilot myself, I've always enjoyed listening to pilots/atc transmissions. That's something United has been doing for years. It's generally at the CP command pilot's discretion. As for the service, it's the main reason I NEVER fly United anymore. Doing it's bankrupt issues, the service was still excellent regardless. But since the merger it has bottomed completely. I fly from Chicago to Seattle several times an year and United is our carrier of choice but I take Alaska Airlines instead because of much better service.
Airlines services in the US were on a downward trajectory since the deregulation days(during the Carter administration). I don't think it has ever gone back to its glory days since then. Sad :(
Like very much to listen to air traffic control on United. I recall a flight Chicago to LaGuardia. Thunderstorms and heavy traffic in New York area, continual transmission on holding pattern until pilot had to divert to Philadelphia.
At least they got you there without breaking your things or beating you up. I flew from from Newark to Denver In the aisle seat next to the restroom. There was a constant line of people usually 4 or 5 deep for the entire flight and the smell got to be really bad about half way through the flight. Another time we flew from Rome to Boise through Newark. The flight from Rome was a few minutes late, so we rushed through as fast as we could, arriving at the gate 10-15 minutes prior to departure. The plane was still at the gate, but the gate was closed, there were 4 adults one child and two infants in our group. The gate attendant told us she had decided we wouldn't make it, which I think is airline speak for we gave your seats away. She was not the least bit apologetic, but instead seemed very bothered and aggressive that we were there. Despite the fact that it was only 1:00 pm, because there was only one daily flight from Newark to Boise the next available flight was tomorrow. My daughter a frequent United flier managed to talk customer service into squeezing us onto a flight to LA, where after a 6 hour layover, we could catch a Delta flight to Boise. Boarding the flight to LA my daughter asked for water to make up formula, and was told to sit down and that United had done enough for us. We had booked and paid for the round-trip flight from Boise to Rome several months in advance for $1500.00. I will not voluntarily fly United again.
morskojvolk Most definitely! Where I lived it was trashed! Drugs, gang violence, pot holes, pollution, anything and everything bad Newark has it. I was living with my Grandparents and my grandmother doesn’t have a license so I would have to stay in the cellar home with her, because we rented Out the top 2 apartments. I wasn’t aloud in the backyard because she didn’t want anyone running up and taking me etc etc.. It’s not just a shitty place to live, it’s downright dangerous. My grandfather actually worked at this airport for United as one of those baggage people.
Very few travelers at Newark Airport ever set foot in Newark proper. Less than 5%. Sucks you had to live there, but it doesn't have anything to do with air travel. Thanks.
Last november my wife had to attend a medical conference in San Diego CA and I decided to tag allong. This means three flights, one of which transcontinental. We had the misfortune of our flight from Munich to Washington Dulles being a codeshare between Lufthansa and United. The 777-200 was decrepit inside and the cabin service generally poor. Seating space though in Economy was quite generous (although no one can beat the Emirates 777 Economy service). Washington Dulles was absolutely squalid and really showing its age. And then came the nightmare. Washington - San Diego on some sort of 737 variant, I was so out of it, I couldn't remember my name at that point. It had a classic 3-3 seating arangment and the seats had so little space available that even my wife felt uncomfortable. Nearly six hours packed like a tin of sardines. This is the first flight ever where I felt claustrophobic! On our return flight, United made us pay extra fees for our luggage although our tickets clearly stated that we had purchased and were allowed two suitcases. We tried talking to the manager but unfortunately no one would budge. We paid the money and had to endure yet another 5 and a half hours of torture with zero leg room available. In the end, we got our money back for our luggage, but I'm never setting foot on United plane again. As someone mentioned previously, if you are flying into the US transcontinentally, make sure your foreign carrier flies you to your destination or as close as possible.
I just flew from EWR (Newark) to SFO (San Fran) on United. First Class. I don't miss the 757. The new jet is quite nice and I love the little gel pillow that they give you for the small of your back. Just a couple thoughts. The food. Eat first. As a fare paying customer, this disappointment should not be, especially for the price of a business class ticket. It's pretty close in the seat, even on the new jet. But that food. As the flight attendant (steward) said. Yesterdays egg on a croissant from last weekend and last week's ham. I passed. But at least I wasn't on a 757. United: if you're still flying this relic, it's time to retire them.. I miss the hot towels!
All american airlines suck, my flight from DC to Istanbul on American(maybe Delta, I don't remember) back in 2015, had a plane that had ventilation issues, so the whole cabin smelled like fart, plus the food was easily the worst I've ever eaten in my life(beef burrito). Reading through the comments, I see that most Americans standards are quite low when it comes to what they expect from Airlines, why not try out a European or the middle eastern carrier, at least you'll be able to eat the Food without immediately hurling.
Lufthansa is rated 5 star by Skytrax, an agency which merely takes a fee from airlines to give them a rating. No realistic person rates Lufthansa alongside airlines like Qatar or Singapore.
In July of this year 2018 I flew a transcontinental flight from New York Kennedy to San Francisco on Delta. It was also at 757 -200. While I was not in business class I was in premium economy. It was a fantastic flight. The food was good. The flight attendants were always around checking on the passengers and there was a constant supply of snacks after breakfast was served. Flying conditions were perfect. We actually arrived in San Francisco an hour early. I had never experienced that before. The only down part of that was because our gate was occupied we had to sit on the taxiway for 30 minutes before our gate opened up.
Your experience with United is pretty much across the board, whether you fly long haul international or domestic. I'm 1K member because I have flown so much last year--partly flying monthly from HK to Guam to see my husband and 6 work trips from HK to the US, my overall experiences still echo yours.
Have you flown United on a transcon route? What did you make of them? Do you think I’ll like the new 787-10 Polaris when it comes out? Happy Sunday 😁
Paul's Trip Reports When I was Premier Exec I did both Transcon and International trips. But this was way pre-merger and it was okay.
It will be Alright. You should try the 787-9 -8 and the Boeing 777-300ER.
Paul's Trip Reports not a transcontinental but did a lhr-iah-pns-ord-yyz- lhr (yyz-Lhr air Canada). All the flights I took were significantly delayed and their planes feel extremely cramped in the back. It also seems that every united plane has a mechanical fault. The IFE screen on lhr-iah leg was so unresponsive I gave up an hour into the flight. However, after all that negativity I can say the cabin crew were really awesome. (Still, can’t complain about a £300 ticket booked 2 weeks before travel.)
Did Dayton to Dulles to Dubai and back. Should have rowed. United is the Greyhound Bus Lines of the skies.
I have flown United for many time during the past 10 years and I never enjoyed their service. In my opinion United is just slightly better than low cost airlines. But I guess service is where all the American carriers can improve significantly.
"Dark, dingy, and dated." You just described Newark.
polifatts yep.. I grew up about 45 mins from it and have been through many times. Spot on
Yeah... pretty much.
The United terminal is palatial compared to Terminals A & B.
*Correction* - The entire state of New Jersey.
You described the whole of the United States.
After two videos of this chap travelling the best part of the US, I am not very impressed by it.
I never had a bad experience with united. Because I never fly with them.
southpakrules, what???
BRUH
*points finger at your own head
Haha
Hahaha right ?
If you live in the Newark area, United flies to most places non stop. People use United more for convenience rather than service. I fly business on United, and truthfully, it is better than the back, but their service is what economy used to be. It is a shame United and the other carriers really don't care.
steve3ri true they should go back to Pan Am days (in terms of service)
What if I filed Air Canada from EWR-YYZ-LAX?
Air Canada is part of the United Alliance. You will receive the same service or lack there of.
steve3ri So what about WestJet?
Don't know much about them. I know someone who lives in Calgary who flies them and never said anything bad about the airline.
Paul in 2018: "You will definitely never hear me complain about Ice cream onboard any flight.."
Delta in 2019: "Hold my beer..."
@@donaldducktrump5508 Eh not great not terrible
What video was that?
Alaska Airlines is the way to go
United Airlines: Not enough seating, prepare for a BEATING.
SHAYMOUSE06 SMILE MORE IS BEST shut up
@@Toasty_-jx6zk You must work for United as well lol
SHAYMOUSE06 SMILE MORE IS BEST nope.
Gordo even if it happened years ago, that’s not acceptable whatsoever and people should never stop reminding them of the shitty decisions they have made.
Amateur Asian just like don’t fly Malaysian Air your plane might never land anywhere.
Who else winced when he touched the toilet seat
I think we all did... lmao.. :)
Could not believe my eyes.
Yeah that was so gross. I take gloves & lysol wipes with me on flights 😂
Screw it. There's a sink right there.
Thanks, Paul, for taking that bullet for us! How long did you scrub you hands before you decided they were clean? I’d would have taken at lease 20 minutes.
That passive-aggressive thing is the normal customer 'service' stance for United. They actually threatened to have my wife arrested for reporting an issue with broken equipment on our last flight with them.
Will NEVER EVER set foot onto a United plane ever again.
id argue that american's customer service is worse
they were getting mad at us for wanting to reschedule a delayed flight that would have made us miss our connecting flight
@Bryce delta or Alaska stay far away from United and aa
Issac Jones delta is even worse. Try JetBlue or United.
@@wta1518 not sure if you have flown recently but I had all good experiences with delta and United has been almost as bad aa and that's saying something JetBlue is pretty good except for arriving on time
And evidently he has a lot in common with United!
Me: This looks nice.
Paul: This is rubbish.
Me: Oh....
Fxxk you off
yea most people are whiny little bitches like this guy
$800 one way!? Holy crap that's a rip off for that flight....
Trenton Pottruff Ryanair has more tbh
Trenton Pottruff for a flight on united
Not in business class! Perhaps an economy seat would have been, but business class is not given away!!!
Agreed. In 1980 I flew from LA to Kennedy for a whopping $99 in tourist. It was a 747. Food service was a self serve affair. I probably ate more in lox that the ticket cost. Of course, it was a special promotional fare, but still. :-)
William Nash was it business class? Because that fare is reasonable for business class.
I had flown United for almost 50 years [starting before deregulation], during both the financial difficulties and the current financial flush. Service has deteriorated continually while prices have risen exponentially. Other than management's payroll, I do not know where the increased profits are going: the planes are banged like a child's playground, your experience with dirt is actually less than most experience, and food service resembles prison cafeterias. And if you think your travel experience was bad, you have no idea how badly a passenger can be treated until you're dependant upon crutches - seating is impossible in all 3 classes, and the cabin crew reactions are they wish you had never boarded.
It may be slower and less convenient, but I have switched my travel services to Amtrak, where a disabled person is at least treated with respect and dignity.
I think we need to lobby the government for more high speed rail. It’s cheaper for the passengers and way better for the environment. Not to mention more frequent travel service
Wow good description
@@punman5392 THIS ☝️. If we had high speed rail as competition, the airlines would have to buck their ideas up quickly.
Matt Bowen This is a good idea, leave the planes for international travel, and international flights usually treat you much better too, even on United
I really think United out west must be way better than United in the eastern US. I don't recognize the negative comments, other than on tiny commuter hops, which suck on any airline.
My own experience with United (approx 7 years ago) put me off them for the rest of my life. They tried to bounce me and my wife off our connecting flight (booked 3 months earlier) having already boarded our luggage, telling us that the luggage would be "looked after at the destination" and that we could fly out (probably) the next day if they could find us a couple of seats (not much consolation for a two day visit to South Carolina). I had to remind them myself that the FAA (along with other International Flight Organisations) forbids boarding luggage if the passengers are not flying. Only then were we permitted to have our booked seats ... NEVER AGAIN!
oh lord i really need to learn the rules!
The FAA doesn't forbid luggage from being boarded on an international flight without the passenger when the airline is the one that involuntarily separates the customer from their bag(s). In your case, the airline was bumping you off. They can do that without having to worry about your bags going or not. It is called PPBM (positive passenger bag match). If you initiated the separation from your luggage and it was an international flight, the bags can't go, they have to be pulled. On a domestic flight though, it doesn't matter. They didn't put you back on because of anything you reminded them about. They put you back on because they found another option. They probably found another person to be a "volunteer" and that is better than involuntarily denying you boarding. Better for them financially. They would have had to pay you real money and where as the volunteer receives the funny money voucher for a future flight.
StonyRC United ground staff treated my family and I terribly. The worst service ever.
@@jusdorange4720 Not true--only on international flights will the airline remove a passenger's luggage if he does not board the flight...because of Pan Am Lockerbie.... It's unfortunate what happened to them, but I can assure you that it also happens on every airline.
@@flymarkfly Agreed, I would have asked " What's in it for me?"
Of course I never get bumped In fun places like Montego Bay Jamaica: " 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, no problem, just give me a call when you have another flight."
If you can fly foreign carriers for long haul in the US do it! Our infrastructure is third world.
I was actually very surprised in what kind of state the US was when visiting a few years back. For a country that prides it self with being the very very best in the world (threw up in my mouth there), it's so far behind most western countries. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
AmeWiCa bAd EuRoPE gOod
@@yourneighborhoodwierdo8349 Yea, pretty much at this point, but best of luck anyway!
@@dennis141288 That's because the infrastructure isn't broken. If it's not broken, dont fix it.
@@yourneighborhoodwierdo8349 very true.
"You'll definitely never hear me complain about ice cream on any flight" *Goes back to the Delta video XD
*clack clack clack*
Glad you called them out. This is pathetic.
Giving your seat to someone else is dreadful. The last time they did that it ended in the biggest PR disaster in history, not learning any lessons it seems.
My family and I just flew United in late August of 2019 to Las Vegas from Newark and we honestly had a great flight! We didn't fly business class so perhaps our expectations were a bit lower but... We also got a GREAT price on our 4 rt to keys so we can't complain. they even have us blankets on the return flight sice we didn't leave til 10 pm and we totally didn't expect that at all!! We plan to use United next year for our trip to California from Newark. I'm thinking your next trip using United will be better!!
Honestly
Same I fly United all the time, once 1st class and I think it is a great airline
Are blankets not standard?.......... On every single flight I've been on, even low cost carriers, crew will provide blankets at request if not already on seat.
@@DW_25 you get them sometimes, I really only got them on my ord to Hawaii flight
@@jkclash8559 weird, down in Australia we get blankets for even really short 3 hour flights
I ordered a second glass of wine on a United flight from SFO to ORD one time and the flight attendant asked me "what are you a nervous flier, thats all your getting" in an extremely rude manner. After that I stopped flying them. Southwest is my favorite. I luv Southwest.
You sound like a self entitled snob. No offense. "Oh no 1 person who has to deal with thousands of stuck up assholes showed they were human, i'm never gonna use this company who had no control over her voice box and mind at the time." lol.. such a tool.
Oh so true about Southwest. I had to fly out of BMI in November 2001, right after 9/11. We were lined up waiting to board, nervous, apprehensive, soldiers in full combat gear around us; and a Southwest Gate Agent went on the PA and belted out a perfect version of "Silent Night" for us. He put us at ease and reminded us we were going to be okay. That is Southwest Airlines.
That flight attendant represents the company. I would try to avoid using a company if treated like that too.
@@justinmartinez7351 Not only that, a co worker of mine had a United ticket agent go off at him at the counter, and made fun of his profession. It was unbelievable.
I would have screamed we all gonna die I hate united
Several years ago was returning from an overseas business trip using United. The ticket cost $5500 round trip in business class.They closed the door at LAX and announced that they were ready to depart. Just then an administrative type lady stormed in
followed by two large male bouncers. She said you there get up and we are moving you to the back of the plain. If you refuse you will be removed from the flight. I said whats the problem. She said we have an employee that needs to fly at the last minuet to meet another flight and according to our union contract we can bump you out of business class. I said let him take the other seat, I paid over $5000.00 for this seat and just arrived after a 12 hour very turbulent flight from Australia with no sleep. The two men started to try to pull me out over the other seats and the other passengers crowded in and one lady screamed stop this craziness or we will all walk. They left the plane to obviously regroup. The lady came back with the employee. He went to the other seat in the back. She told me that because there was no time I would be allowed to remain in my seat but next time I might no be so lucky. Our company had booked 15 tickets for business class flights the next week with United but the owner of our corporation canceled them and booked with a competing airlines. We never used United again.
They still need to retrain every employee at United and bounce the ones that dont meet the higher standards. These tactics are why they have lost so much business over the years. The fact that they later apologized hasnt change my opinion of their
business model.
@@watershed44 Thanks Watershed44 for your comment. The president of the company called them on the phone and complained. She could be very convincing while making a threatening call. I think she said they refunded the entire ticket. Other employees who were frequent fliers had so many previous mishaps that her and the owner of the corporation decided not to use UAL again, and didnt.
@@watershed44 Thanks for your follow up remarks. You are correct and she did contact higher management. I worked for that corp. for 18 years. We were not allowed to question the owners in detail on anything. Was told to forget about it and that it had been handled. My job as a manager was to see that my employes performed. The friendly skies are no longer as friendly and even on the ground its not as friendly as it used to be. They have passed now and I am retired. Its a shame that for the last 20 years UAL have been making the same mistakes. I always liked to travel with TWA. With them you got first class treatment no matter what seat you were setting in.
These little Hitlers think they have the most important job in the world, actually they are just cunts.
This is the same airline that allow staff and security guard bashed an Asian doctor in Chicago Airport over seating for their staff. Shame United .We all should avoid United , send them to bankruptcy and all those arrogant staff into long term unemployment . United staff take notice -Do not bite the hand that feed you
@@normangebhardt2092 Good for her! More people should do this.
I absolutely agree with your comments about a dirty cabin and waiting area. As an ex-flight attendant, I can say there is no excuse for a dirty plane. Food servings are more subjective as are the personal refreshing amenities. But presentation can and will make a difference. Overall, I think your review was fair and balanced. 👍
I think that some United executives need to start travelling United economy, then take some trips with other airlines to compare their product. I’d suggest, Thai Airways, China Southern, Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Vietnam Airlines, Bangkok Airways...they will be shocked how far the United level of amenity and service has fallen behind in comparison.
I feel like United is one step away from using Duck-tape to hold the outside together... and it’s slowly peeling off!
"Duct" tape. You're taping ducts together, not aquatic birds. :-)
They’re actually the same thing, and the tape was originally called duck tape, from the Dutch “doek” meaning cloth or canvas. It’s a woven tape. “Duct” is the corruption.
@@Paul_Lucas "Pahhhdon me....!!"
Lol
@@Paul_Lucas Bravo, good sir. Bravo. :-)
American carriers, in general, have lost perspective of what good/quality service is. That is why I would like to see competition with foreign carriers come to the US. It will make the American carriers start treating their passengers with better amenities, cleaner service, and overall a better product or they with be finished. Competition, competition, competition....I can't say enough about it....a better product for the consumer is the result of more competition. Thanks Paul for showing United isn't changing fast enough. United doesn't care about the passengers; they care about the financial bottom line nothing more and it shows. More people need to speak up.
WaderII they do come to the states but international flights to and from their home country.
@@hanj31 Yes, I know that they fly into the United States, but what I was saying is, the foreign carriers would compete in the USA domestic market not just in the international segment.
@@WadersInAlaska I agree but laws here in the US prevent them from doing so!
@@hanj31 At the present time, yes, (due to the heavy lobbying of the US airlines), however, foreign carriers are in the US courts now trying to get permission from the FAA to fly US domestic. I can't wait for them to win!!! The US carriers will have to change their ways or they will cease to exist.
@@WadersInAlaska Those foreign airlines will be competing with the likes of Jet Blue Alaska and southwest who are low cost airlines that have top notch service. They either have to go the low cost route where they put planes in circulation constantly with minimal down time and no ideal connections for flights or go the expensive route where they use hubs so passengers can connect easily. we'll see what happens but I don't think foreign carriers will do well enough to be a viable thing for them. I'm sure if those airlines had domestic rights they would mostly just do a stop over flight from like Europe to LAX via JFK or East Asia to JFK via LAX and/ or SFO maybe even via Honolulu and let passengers in the US get on the trans continental leg of the flight.
The air traffic control was often a channel choice even on the old pre-tv screen days. I didn't understand one tenth, but it was nice to listen to the calm politeness of the chatter.
I appreciate your comment. My favorite TH-cam channel is Matt Guthmiller (that's the name of his channel, "Matt Guthmiller" in case you want to check his channel out) who is a young man who flies all over (including being the youngest pilot to fly around the world solo) and makes the most wonderful videos of his travels. So, upon watching his videos a lot, I hear a TON of his communications with air traffic controllers and i swear, I don't think I could ever be a pilot, because I can't imagine understanding what anyone is saying. Apparently one doesn't say, "Excuse me, do you mind saying that again, slowly?" So your comment gave me a good laugh, and yes, there is something soothing about the calm politeness of the chatter!
@@thomasdosborneii At our local airport there is an upstairs viewing lounge, so you can watch the planes take off and land. There are speakers there, and they pipe in the conversations between the pilots and the control towers. Every so often I can figure out a tiny fraction of what they're saying. It's like a really bad drive thru speaker at a fast food joint! They all sound like they haven't a csre in the world, though. I'd like to know how they do that!
Channel 9!
@@thomasdosborneii You learn. It's a matter of listening carefully and getting used to the pace.
Yes. Good ol' Channel 9. No channel was better for lulling you into a peaceful nap.
I think the most important thing to consider, no matter which class you’re flying, is to try not to touch anything than you can’t wipe with an antibacterial wipe!!!
NEVER take your shoes off!!!!
That last one is something only Karens violate
Whoa germaphobe. Bet you aren’t fairing well during covid 😂
@QueenE Jj people like you are the reason why this is so bad.
I think it could have been worse, remember that Asian gambling doctor dragged out feet first, but he won millions so id prefer to experience Uniteds dragged out feet first option
He was dragged out by security.
You should have been with the cattle in coach. Believe me, it's a whole lot worse than what you suffered in your (relatively) comfortable seat up front.
Americans (and I've been one of them my whole life) have come to expect less and less from air carriers over the last 20-30 years. There was a time when one's vacation started at the airport. It was just a cool place to be, and everyone was excited to get on board and enjoy a relaxing flight.
These days, the air travel is just something that must be endured in order to reach that exotic, fun destination.
Flight attendants are all business. I haven't seen one smile in at least 10 years. They have a job to do (run through the safety demonstration, count the passengers, sling the food, prepare for landing, etc.), and they do it. Nothing more, nothing less.
Passengers, for the most part, sit quietly like sheep. They know they'll be getting a microscopic-size bag of crunchy stuff and something to drink. There is no breakfast, no lunch and, usually, no dinner to speak of because there are now passenger seats in the space formerly reserved for meal preparation. Of course, passengers can purchase a box of sustenance, vintage two days ago, for the astronomical price of $8.00. This practice has been a boon to terminal food sellers, who charge about the same price for the same appetizing stuff. Better to load up before you board.
First Class Lounges? Never saw the inside of one. I can sleep anywhere, so a seat by the gate is fine with me.
The big benefit still remains: Air travel is faster than taking a bus.
And that's the only difference.
I do enjoy your videos, however. It's nice to see that some air carriers still give a thought to those they are carrying.
But not in the U.S.
U.S. air travel sounds so depressing.
So it's even worse than the *THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES,* then.
I fly jetBlue whenever possible, they charge a little more but the experience is nowhere near as bad as described above. I've enjoyed all of my flights on them over the past several years.
Flying in the US. Is either tolerable with Southwest & JetBlue. United, Delta, American are total crap. We jump for joy when the flight leaves on time and arrives on time has a gate and baggage is available 15 minutes after flight arrival.
@@appleiphone69 TBF, Delta's *international* flights have supposedly good service, courteous staff (some of which were absorbed Northwest employees), and competitive product with Delta One.
But, yeah, American Domestic products aren't really inspiring compared to what Southeast Asians can deliver...
The most recent United flights I was on had a connection in one of their other big hubs, Denver. We left about an hour late (from LAX - big surprise) and therefore got to Denver late. However as we were approaching the gate they asked everyone who didn't have an immediate connection to stay put for a few minutes. With just carry-on baggage, we got up and walked just across the concourse to our connecting flight, where one of the pilots was waiting for us at the top of the jetway. He followed us onboard, closed the door, and we left immediately. I thought it was pretty cool.
When you're from south of Buffalo watching a random TH-cam video and unexpectedly see your house from 36,000 feet...
Proof?
proof? look at the roof!
David Eldar yes
David Eldar
Did someone say bomb?
When you're watching this video in your grand island home, 10 minutes away from the falls and you see your self driving home from a very long day of work that you contemplate quiting because your boss is an a-hole and wont give you off sundays from 36,000 ft...
I'm glad United still allows one to listen to the ATC chatter. It was one of my favorite amenities when I used to fly for business quite a few years ago. So far as I can recall, only United allows this.
I avoid United whenever I can.
The best experiences I’ve had with United are with former continental staff
Beketc Murden - you’re one of the former Continental staff, aren’t you??
This is a common observation from experienced road warriors.
@@chooch1995 Nope, it's the truth. All you need to experience is the difference between friendly Denver and surly Chicago to figure that out.
@@chooch1995 Plenty of former Continental travelers, this one included, are profoundly disappointed with United. Service was a lot more civilized pre-merger.
I recently flew Sydney - Houston - Fort Lauderdale return on United in economy and had no complaints at all, I had a problem with luggage at Houston and the United staff were fantastic in locating the bags. I have nothing but praise for United
For United, that's a pretty successful journey! They didn't physically beat you or turn you into an internet meme... Well done UA! :/
brabson, you need to STFU and stop believing everything you see on the "news." The AIRPORT COPS were the ones who dragged the guy off. United flight attendants did not attack him. They called the airport cops who got violent and dragged him out. I hate United but your comment was totally false.
@@GermanAviation Delta is great but making connections in Atlanta is is awful.
@largol33t1 so they were in fact the cause. why would they have airport security forcibly remove a paying customer? did airport security force the little dog into the overhead bin as well?
peter scozzari it wasn’t a United plane dumbass, it was a republic airlines
I flew United in March. Was travelling with my elderly mother. When transiting through SFO and waiting for our final flight the captain came up and greeted us addressing my mother personally. On our way back our flight to SFO was delayed due to weather. The airline was not obligated to put us up in a hotel but they did anyway. We had a fantastic experience flying United. I guess we were lucky!👍👍
@@MJLeger-yj1ww Ummm.... Its a review. And, considering what he payed, compared to what he got. He also said others have had a different experience and to comment your experiences... Not Come and trash the uploader bc their experience was garbage. If I was watching this to decide if I should use UA, I'd pass. If you experienced it differently, then say so.
You weren't just lucky, you are a statistical anomaly, Iv'e known nothing but pain and anguish from all Major US airlines.
@@MJLeger-yj1ww Paul's Trip Reports is much closer to my experience. I've been a frequent flyer since the late 80's and when I first started traveling for business, you're right United was a great airline to fly. But ever since the merger they have just gotten worse and worse. I'm now considering driving to JFK or Philadelphia to fly another airline because I just can't deal with United anymore.
@@MJLeger-yj1ww oh, so a review should only be fluff about how wonderful everything is.That would make it completely useless. I was gold elite on united for many years and have friends that are lifetime elite, and even we recognise that there needs to be an expectation of excellence in the higher classes of service. Btw..I fly southwest mostly now, and really only miss the bigger seat, but for the extra $$ I'll pamper myself some other way..
Damn, that’s lower chance than all the planets, moons, and stars aligning at the same minute as me winning 2 lotteries under the northern lights in Florida
I would have said you get what you paid for but the fact you paid around $800 is CRAZY!!!
You should have flown Delta for a better experience. But thanks a lot for this amazing trip report!
Yeah Delta is much better I flew with them I won't fly united I've heard nothing but bad about them
ThrillcraftMCG I would like to agree with you, but sadly having flown delta a few times transcontinental, as well as from Cincinnati to Denver and back a few times, I haven't had much fun on delta either.
United are the absolute worst hairline on the planet. I have flown budget Airlines in China, that make United business class look awful.
I dread flying internally in the USA, like it's living hell. With the rude staff, and the absolute terrible aircraft, which are dated, as well as the terrible food onboard, it's something that I put up with rather than look forward to.
Last year I chartered a private jet to fly from East Coast to West coast, because I really couldn't stomach the idea of flying internally. I used NetJets, and got a discount, which was actually not too dissimilar to what Paul paid on this trip. And I ain't kidding. Ok, so it was a little bit more, but all things considered, $1,120 including transfers is not bad for a private jet from East Coast to the West coast. That included a Mercedes limousine from downtown to the airport, as well as incredible 5 course dining on board, which was beautiful, and served by my own air steward (there were 3 crew onboard) who was polite and attentive for the entire trip. The flight was on a G550, and I shared the flight with two other couples (which they call Jetshare). Not only that, they did onboard security, and they told me on board, that for those flying internationally, they do on board customs and immigration as well.
I told him, that I shall be using them again internationally, I was that impressed with the service.
For those of you with the money, I would highly recommend joining NetJets as it's a fantastic experience.
Continental Airlines, is much better, awesome safety record. Delta has gone to crap over the last decade.
Clint Tapper: How much more money? It sounds possibly worth it.
tessamersus well, it certainly isn't what you would call cheap, I will grant you that.
However, if you want value for money, then there is no comparison to flying commercial. If you are lucky enough to use a jet share service, and fly with 4 to 6 other people to divide the cost, then it works out at around to $4,000 plus taxes and booking fees.
I don't know how much it would be internationally as it would vary depending on where you're going to, and from, and aircraft used, and how many people flying on the Jetshare.
But, I would imagine New York to London, that it would be no more than between $10,000-$15,000 each, if shared with say 6 other people.
This sounds a lot, but compared to a full fare first class, over the same route on a good airline, then it might be worth thinking about if one can afford it. Limousine transfers, spectacular meals prepared on board, at least two or three crew serving just six people, free Wi-Fi, free onboard phone calls, a huge choice of pre-booked menus, prepared on board, security handled off apron, away from terminal buildings in VIP, Full insurance included, which, as far as I'm concerned, adds up to a spectacular way to fly.
So in reality, you're comparing a $6 or $7,000 first class flight, to a $10 to $15,000 private jet.
I don't think there's any comparison personally.
I don’t ever remember flying United in the almost forty years I’ve lived in the US. As a former airline employee both in the UK & US, I think the service on many airlines has definitely declined since deregulation. It allowed fares to become cheaper but at a cost. It will be interesting to see what happens after Covid passes since this will leave airlines financially weaker.
Scenery? What scenery? All I saw was smog!
That's gross ass LA for you
@@nickjames7365, I though that they'd cleaned up most of the smog.
Lol the wind blowing east to riverside, san Bernardino counties doesnt make it clean.
@@Neville60001 How do you clean up smog?
LMAO
If you think the business class experience with United is bad, try the basic economy. I cannot afford even regular economy, and thus always have to book by the lowest price when I fly, and I can tell you that United treat the basic economy passengers like cattle. I very politely once at the check-in counter, asked the attendant if I can check in. They asked me what class my ticket was, then directed me to the machine, saying "you have to use the machine sir. I can't help you." Then, when I flagged down another United employee to very politely ask if all the window seats were taken, I was given a very harsh and rude reminder that "that's what you get for buying the basic economy ticket." Now, I totally understand that I get what I pay for, so I'm not complaining that I didn't get a window, and when I asked, I didn't even expect that I could get one, but I figured that it couldn't hurt to ask. Wow, was I wrong! It was akin to "You'll sit where we damn well tell you to sit." The only advantage about flying United domestically in the US is if you happen to get the SFO-DEN leg, because they service that route in the afternoon with a 777-200 (non ER.) It's nice having a wide-body on such a short flight, but that's about as far as the praise goes, because it's like a museum inside, it feels so old. Oh well, I love to fly anyway, and I appreciate every take-off and landing I get to experience on a 777 of any variant. Delta is not as bad, but still a bit poor. At least you have a good chance of getting a very new 738 or 739 (my favorite narrow body,) but the older A320's are getting pretty dated inside. I fly to Southeast Asia a lot, as I live most of the year in Denpasar, and I can tell you the every Asian airline that I have flown is superior to the US big three. Give me a 77W across the pacific with either a window, or the emergency exit seat, and I'm a happy camper (or should I say, "flyer.")
Yes, when you use Kayak.com, you get the cheap United prices, but basic economy which they charge you for everything. No early check in or assigned seating, bag fees $30 including your carry on! If I compare prices I alway add $30 to United then compare vs. American or others since they don’t charge that for carryon bags. Southwest would be more affordable for free check in bags up to 2. Alaska Air allows one carry on and assigned seats, free check in so I fly them the best I can!
What do you do in Denpasar?
@@traveldoc1234 Well two things: 1) There's a reason they say you should book directly through the airline instead of through a travel agency. 2) American and Delta do the same thing as United.
BayAreaLen Classic true I flew from New York to Manchester and the treated us like shit didn’t even get an option for our food just the vegetarian option.Never flying with them again
I flew ANA from Haneida to Okinawa and it was rather bland service. I remember the flight attendants walking around with little paper cups and a pouring a couple sips of water for each passenger.
Seat pitch in UA economy is inhumane! Business Class is reasonably comfortable. Used to fly UA across the US frequently on UA, but switched to Alaska Airlines because of overall better service and better seat pitch.
Alaska Airlines is freakin amazing.
@@general_hammond jetblue is good too
Seat pitch?
Great video. The 757 has always been my favourite aircraft. The sheer power of the take off. The last 757 flight I took was the second to last ever BA operated 757 flight and the pilot had permission for a total power take off rather than the the lower power take offs typically used.
My husband work at UA for 32 years and we been fly together recently and it was amazing experience to me... August 2019.
United was really good in the 90s. I flew United from Hawaii to New York. The staff were all friendly. The food was typical airline food, but I was in economy class.
9/11 was the turning point
Dude... you TOUCHED the toilet?!?!?!?! You're not making MY dinner! ;-)
I will always avoid using airline toilets if possible because they're always disgusting. I flew from Newark to Amsterdam and held out till I could use the airport facilities there.
I carry wipes when I travel to wipe down everything before I sit down and the over tables are the priority when being wiped down.
Quite disgusting, isn't it?
Bet you’ve had many meals prepared by those who didn’t wash their hands. Just saying.
I know right?? I use my freaking feet to lift the lid and if I ever go number two, i will cover the whole thing with toilet paper
To be fair, the Polaris lounge in Chicago is said to be absolutely outstanding (I haven't gotten to visit it yet because I don't tend to ever travel through Chicago). The problem with Newark is, in general everyone is rude. I used to have to fly Continental through there to the UK at times (before the merger) and I hated the rudeness of staff at Newark (except for one Customs agent I kept going through who was Irish-American and always willing to have a laugh).
I work for a company that handles travel insurance and so forth globally and United has been having a really bad 18 months in general. However, Delta actually was worse, though their newer CEO is desperately working to improve their abilities. I'm interested to see how you would feel the staff from SFO compares to that of EWR honestly.
9:30 imagine chilling when suddenly you hear the pilot screaming mayday
That’s funny stuff🤣
I have not flown UA transcon, but had a great experience on their 787-8 from IAD to LHR earlier this year. Even though that AC didn’t feature the new Polaris seats the service was really really good, everyone was very friendly and attentive.
I have often heard my colleagues talk about how they particularly avoid UA when they fly into NYC area.
I'm gonna start working at IAD next week. Will be seeing plenty of them there.
I miss Continental
TWA was my go-to airline back in the olden days.
So do I!
Bwahaaaaw. Braniff was the best. Rocky Mountain Airways Twin Otters were fun ASE-DEN.
United aggressively prioritises its status passengers so those passengers get much better value than those without. I would never recommend it to anyone without status. That said, your experience seems fairly typical of all US airlines - too many rude staff, bad food and quite a few ancient planes just waiting for retirement.
What about flying Air Canada from EWR-YYZ-LAX?
@@Massachamp08 But surely even fancy status(?) folk need a shit in a decent loo on a 6 hour flight sometimes! Only in 'merica, ah wait they all break the carsy cause they is tooo fat, ha ha!
Paul, as I mentioned to you on another blog yesterday; I flew Melbourne (Aust) to Los Angeles by United and again with United on a connecting flight to San Francisco, and again in reverse when flying back to Melbourne. In fact I went to the States to visit my sister who was dying of Cancer, and did pass away not long after I got home. In fact I got a phone call from my sister to tell me she was dying and asked if I could come over to see her for one last time as we hadn't seen one and other for some 10 years. I contacted various Travel Agents for an emergency flight to San Francisco, with Air NZ, QANTAS, British Airways et al but the only flight that was available was UNITED. I rue the day I flew with them. It was a hassle from start to finish each way, and I swore I'd NEVER fly with them again, and NEVER have. I used to always fly with QANTAS and had over 500 flights with them and found QANTAS to be great; then came that Leprechaun QANTAS employed as CEO; and service went down the shitter very fast. Sorry for swearing but there is no other way to put it in a nutshell. British Airways would have been preferable as would have Air New Zealand, but it was getting a flight urgently that had me stymied.
I'm still in shock over the state of the lavatory!!! 😱
I actually a former employee of United, and my Mom just retired from EWR, as the Operations Manger for United there, the Airline has went down since the merger with Continental Airlines, anyway I love your videos, I also like the fact that United allows you to listen to the cockpit as they are taking off or during the flight in real time
I beg to differ Rashad. As a retired Captain of a UK Airline, I have used Continental many times for Staff Travel flights to Newark from the UK. The first time I used them after the United merger was completely different. The UK ex Continental staff were great, but on the return from Newark there was a simple glitch with our ticket. The United Staff at the airport were rude, unhelpful and it got to the stage where we thought we were not getting on the flight, until a reluctant member of staff found that the problem was with United & fixed it. Never again!
Rashad Moore Question, how does they allow you to listen from the cockpit?
correction : CONTINENTAL AIRLINES has always been a great airline to fly. Customers (and employees) were All happy campers.!!!
I live 30 mins away from EWR and haven’t flown United for years either domestically and internationally. This video shows exactly why.
Thank you for sharing!
I've just moved to the same area, do you have a fave airline that I should look out for. Pref a full service one that I can use for work trips?
@@woodsmc Depends on where your trips are to. If they're international, or a mix between domestic and international, American is probably your best bet. Avoid United at all costs and measures unless you are willing to risk them improving (which seems to be happening but it's very slow progress)
@@woodsmc Jetblue is they fly where you need to go. Free broadband (20Mbps) Wifi on all flights gate to gate is a HUGE benefit.
Yup, EWR is my closest airport, but I'll use JFK if I have to to fly JetBlue
I've flown United for years and had my daughter fly it to and from college for 4 years. I have had a very few minor negative events. Most of the personnel have been exceedingly kind.
Yikes! I just looked at my last trip from ATL to LAX and the nonstop roundtrip ticket cost me just under $300. Granted it's close to 5 hours each way in a coach seat and no food, but I can get far superior food packaged up for my trips for $15-20 at most. There's a deli close to my house that will make any sandwich with sides into a fantastic boxed meal that no US airline can touch, and that is my biggest advice to US air travelers: if you want decent food, you have to bring it yourself. The food in the airport is expensive and sketchy, and the onboard stuff is worse. Assuming they don't run out of it, which happened on both AA flights I took last year.
Just another normal flight in United.
1) I arrive at checkin at 6:20 am for an 8 am flight with my cat, a world traveller. But they have no record of me having purchased a pet in cabin ticket several days earlier, and so they force me to purchase it again.
2) I was in for more shocks...The clerk who handled the transaction tried to convince me I needed an import permit for the cat. Eventually after making me wait over 25 minutes she found out she was wrong. Of course I voiced several times that no permit was necessary, but she claims she was reading that on her screen.
3) Finally she sorts things out, but I have to wait over 25 minutes for her to process a simple credit card transaction.
4) Upon boarding I arrived at my seat, which turns out to be an emergency exit row. I think it odd that they should be as unprofessional as to do something like this, but I have learned after flying this airline for some years that the worse is possible and just around the corner. I slip my cat under the front seat, and notice a horrible gash on the back of the front seat, with exposed plastic edges so sharp that it could have severely injure anyone not careful enough. But again, I have learned to expect the worse from United.
5) The flight was uneventful, and the economy class food horrendous, so much so that even being offered it was a deeply felt insult.
6) Our plane was about to land with only a few minutes to go, when a flight attendant comes by and with great surprise tells me that I am not allowed to sit on an emergency exit row with a pet...
7) I explain that I was assigned that seat by an United agent who knew I would be flying with a pet. She orders that I move to another empty seat; all this with the plane only a few minutes from touching ground. I replied it was very dangerous to do so and that I would not do it. She insists, and threaten me with having the plane turn back after flying for over 3 hours and only a few minutes from touch down... I reply that I can't honor her request because it is too dangerous... Then she insists I move my cat's case to the next seat, which I do and almost accidentally stab him with the shards of plastic hanging from the back of the front chair. I tell the flight attendant I would complain about this. But she dismisses it.... the plane lands.
8) Still in shock and waiting to board my connecting flight, we hear over the intercom that the flight is delayed due to mechanical problems... Nothing is surprising when you fly United.
Jet blue min class new York to Los Angeles is 600 dollar plus on Airbus a321 with self cabine
The amenity kit, you get to keep, but do you get to keep headphones, or are they just for the duration of flight. When we’ve been on United, they doubled booked our seats, even though we pay for a specific seat, due to my disabilities.
As an aircraft mechanic who has worked on Untied, Delta, and Alaska Aircraft I'd never recommend United they spend the least amount of money possible on their interior.
Did u really tho?
American Airlines has a great trans on service. They offer first-business-main cabin on their A321.
I remember when flying was such great fun. It was relaxing, the seats were big and full, and the food was plentiful on real plates (real metal ware, etc!) men wore suits, ladies wore dresses, it was a great experience. NOT ANYMORE. Now it's just a way to get from point A to point B quickly, in cramped uncomfortable seats with angry flight attendants, in crowded stressful airports. How sad... Think it will ever get better, Paul??
@@watershed44 I totally agree!
So I'm old enough to remember a BIT of those days. But the cost was outrageous. The stops were numerous. The connections were lengthy and the airports were crowded then, too. If you REALLY go back, the hijackings were regular, even weekly, events. Smoking was A-OK. The movies were terrible. And the FOOD! It was literally plentiful and literally the punchline to every 3rd comedian's joke how truly terrible it was. So I dunno...on the whole I'm amazed the whole thing works at all much less as smoothly as it does as regularly as it does. And there's something to be said for Democratizing the Skies and making them affordable and available to people the world over. In a podunk little backwater place like LIT, I'm no more than 2 connections away from any point on planet Earth. That's nearly unbelievable. People who were just coming of age in the 50's would be AMAZED at that notion, wouldn't they?
I agree 100%. I used to take the time to choose nice clothes to wear when flying. Now I see people wearing pyjamas at the airport. I guess it’s easier for the TSA to grope and fondle you in pyjamas lol. I remember my father picking out which tie he was going to wear. Now it’s a cattle car experience at best. Of course that’s all here in the USA. Very different overseas.
I would love to hear the transmission between the flight crew and the air traffic controller in flight.
You can go to liveatc.net to listen to ATC transmissions. It allows you to select airports as well.
Idk i’ve taken United Airlines so many times and i’ve never once had a bad experience. Maybe I’ve just been luck all these years?
Me too. I flew United alone from Paris to San Francisco and then back to Paris, and the crew was very nice and attentive to me and made sure I was comfortable alone on such a long flight. Flying the same route next year too so I'm hoping it'll be the same.
I've never had a bad experience flying the friendly skies,I like United. I've flown on Alaska a couple times. Went to Vegas twice. Once flew on one of their MD80's.It was like flying inside a cigar tube,we were packed in that plane like a sardines. 😂 the other flights weren't too bad,they were 737-800's. I think Alaska has since retired the old MD80's now?
Viosa Arifi people just bitch to much
Me too
Same here. And I've flown all over the world with United , transcontinental and domestic.
A British accent guy talking bad about a US airliner (it's just one of the biggest and oldest in the world).
Maybe I'll do a video one day about British airlines i have a few good points about them as well
Nothing you show here would make me want to not fly United. It does however make me never want to pay for their Polaris product. I'll keep using United the way I always do, as the product I book when they are the cheapest and most convenient airline (aka no 14+ hour overnight layovers). Then my only expectations on these flights is to arrive alive. Honestly, with how flying has gotten now a days I think the only expectation I can reasonably have for any economy flight is that they get me there and back in one piece.
How is saying, "For the benefit of those who weren't listening" rude or unacceptable?
You’re the first person in over 500,000 views to ask this question...
If that was business classm economy must be scary
Music Academy it is. Though you can get a complimentary drag through the cabin.
It is a nightmare.
It is can’t get any sleep on the plane but the older planes have way more space for some reason
Bandit Himself Too it’s because United only cares about cutting costs
Audrey Gavagan and any other airline is different?
I always have used the hot towel after I use it on my face and hands to clean my tray even if it looks clean.
good idea. and the walls if they are splashed with drinks or food
Wipe down the sticky arm rest. The wet towel actually turn gray. Not kidding.
I can't help but think of how great Continental Airlines was to fly and how their employees must feel now, hoping that things will improve. Again Paul, love your videos. Cheers from The 'Cuse.
I worked for Continental years ago. You're right, it's heartbreaking to see what happened with the "merger."
lookinup22 Continental were a top notch airline, I was hoping that the merger would help them but it didn’t which sucks
We do realize the continental management took over in the merger with UA and thats when the decline took place? It wasnt until their current ceo that UA has started to rebound
I used to say he must've had to sleep in a different place every night, with his bodyguards. He literally was hated by the Continental employees. @@watershed44
I flew 1st class during his tenure as CEO and I got instant coffee and nothing else! Second time I ever flew continental and the last. You could tell the employees weren't normal happy people.
When my boss makes my travel arrangements I pray I don't see United economy class. I'd rather Southwest, even.
Delta is by far my preferred airline.
If you want to travel to other countries, I prefer Singapore Airlines.
TheAviator370 did you know in 2013 southwest made a nose landing and it was bad 2.southwest engine blew up and a woman almost fell out of the window it was scary delta I puffer is delta a good airline?Anywho I only go on United/THE WORST AIRLINE THERE IS.IS SPIRIT I HATE SPIRIT AIRLINES I DONT GO ON SPIRIT THAT MUCH BUT WHATEVER!
Delta>Southwest>Alaska>United>American
@@butterbread566 Ehh. Emirates and Turkish have better rates.
Yeah Delta is a good one
Didnt you you know United CEO sayimg, "You cant please everybody"
Typical United lackluster service. During the transition merger with Continental, they "lost" my Global Services top tier status and for a time I could not gain access to the Club and even ended up in the middle seat in coach when I should have had an upgrade. Not whining, just stating the facts. United is improving but still a long way to go so I gave up on them. Started flying Alaska Airlines and never looked back. Alaska is awesome and they treat you better in coach than United does in business. The Alaska pilots often come out before the flight and say things like "if it was not for you people, we would not have a job". That is part of what makes them the top US airline in many a survey. United will have to improve a lot to even come close. Sorry to all our foreign visitors to suffer through this lack of proper service; its an embarrassment. .
The merger with Continental marks the exact time when United began rapidly going downhill.
Alaska all day, everyday
Alaska mmm as long as the roof don't come off!
@Wubba Wubba WHEN YOU EMPLOY SHITHEADS WHAT YOU GET IS SHITTY SERVICE
Thanks for the report. Just confirming what many people already knew...
Having travelled to over 40 countries I'd have to say flying in the US ranks at the bottom. Many airports are beat up, stinky, over capacity and just a bad experience. The US airlines are all trying to compete with discount carriers while keeping some traditional offerings like biz class on domestic flights, which is a joke! You get better service in economy on Singapore Airlines than you do in biz class on any US carrier!
So True lol
Singapore Airlines has set the bar pretty high. Their standards of quality are unattainable by any US airline.
@@4thHorsemanRides That's because Singapore Airlines is subsidized by their government, like many Asian airlines, so the airline doesn't have to worry about its bottom line. I would be the first to agree that United States airlines, for the most part, offer rather poor service, although they do have a pretty good safety record.
@@athleticguy15 Not true with regards to SIngapore Airlines. As the Prime Minister warned on the eve of SIA's formation that the airline was not a prestige project. If they could not turn in a profit, "we should have no compunction in closing a service down", he warned. " So yes, the bottom line mattered.
10:10
I smiled every time he said, "Los Angel-EEEE-se."
He's from out of town, son.
oubrioko Annoying
Paul, I commend you for your thoughts / commentaries. Considered, honest and constructive. More power to the old elbow !
Getting to listen to ATC while on board is COOL!
First Paul I am sorry that you had a bad experience with United. Now with being said to being able to listen to the cockpit. United has being doing that for years. At least from 1995. My father who isn't a fan of flying loves the channel because it helps him feel like he is in control a little bit . I am glad you are going to give United another chance.
I usually stick with the low cost carrier, why pay more for the same service. 🤷🏻♂️
sophaksun1 endless your plane crashes because idiot pilots
Southwest airlines is the definition of that
XXXKINGCATXXX
Finally someone who actually has a brain!
Thank you!
@@JalenDelgado name one time that south west had a fatal who plane crash. AA has had some so has United
As for the air traffic control audio thing, this is a great touch (to an otherwise abysmal flight you seemed to have experienced haha) for an airline to have. I don’t think the ordinary passenger would care, but for those that are aviation enthusiasts, or Av Geeks, it is something these passengers would love! (Me included). I’m not a technology expert by any means, but to add air traffic control audio to the in flight entertainment would hardly be at any cost to the airline, but at the same time, a great benefit to the passenger, whether they are aviation enthusiasts or not. I recently flew on a Delta flight that had IFE, but did not have Air Traffic Control audio. Though I was quickly entertained by other options, the IFE would’ve been pretty cool to follow along with. Again, it’s not something an airline needs to incorporate, but some thing that would make the flying experience that much begter
i had a good flight on united back in 1967 it was on a stretch DC-8 from jfk to ord abd really enjoyed listening to the cockpit radio
Woah that would be so cool to listen to the air traffic control!!!
I would take American Airlines or Delta from New York to Los Angeles. Nice review and you were right about the title.
Max's Roblox Lift Plane and plane Channel. America Airlines in my opinion has the best and only true First Class experience from JFK to LAX. Maybe you have been able to experience it. :)
JetBlue in the best
IMHO Delta is worse than United. JetBlue is a joy, however.
@@sjnavaid9341 You might be right as I hear good things about them. I can only speak for
American as they are mostly who I fly and I really believe it what route you fly. American
has some really good international routes and even some great domestic ones as you
can see from my video.
#Delta
Back in 2017 me and my husband was new at riding in a commercial airplane and we took united, and didn't know what to expect. So we waited in the seating area waiting to be called to get boarded and we find our seats and put our carry on away. My husband was the scared half to death but i do my best to calm him down and we went our way. We was flying economy , so i didn't think too much to look around the entertainment in front of us was working and we have free wifi so we had something to watch while on board. The staff was nice to us and didn't have any complaints from them and when we got half way and they were passing out drinks and peanuts. I took a half a cup because that is all i wanted at the time and they gave my husband a full can of soda that he wanted and along the peanuts of course!
Paul, thanks for your honest report. I have flown United since the days of the DC6. My best flights were transPac in the 747-400, upstairs business class window. Sometimes the food was good, sometimes not. In the latter case I would send it back and request something else. Now that I am retired, I fly trans on in economy plus. It is an unpleasant experience at best. I bring protein bars. The food for purchase is ok, but not worth the effort of trying to eat in extremely uncomfortable conditions. Although I am Premiere Gold Elite for life, I never get upgraded. The seats are not comfortable at all. Although I have sufficient miles for three free transcon flights, I am saving those for emergencies. I sure miss flying SQ.
Jerome Weingart I once was hungry enough to pay $8.00 for HALF a PB&J sandwich rather than wait 6 hours to my destination to get a proper meal. $8.00.......PB&J! I pack my own sandwich now if I want to eat inflight. SMH
I hate United Air Lines.The Staff on the plan are rude and ignorant.
Whaaatt????
It’s very sad what has happened to United when I was a kid they were my favorite airline...now god you’d be hard pressed to find a single positive comment
I will never book another flight on United Airlines. I booked my flight to Columbus, Ohio with a layover in Chicago. When I arrived at LAX for the first leg of my flight it was 5:30 am ( for an 8:30 flight). Shortly after I arrived, I was notified by text that my flight had been delayed due to weather by three and a half hours and that my flight would leave at 12:00 pm. Since I knew my connector flight from Chicago had to be changed, I spoke with a customer service agent for United at LAX. I was booked on two different connector flights in case one was canceled. Within 45 minutes, BOTH connector flights were "canceled". I changed airlines and told them to forward my bag to Columbus since it was already on the United flight. Knowing I would have a challenge to get my bag since the connector flights had been canceled, I settled in for my flight and would resolve my baggage issue when I arrived in Columbus. When I arrived in Columbus, my bag was waiting for me...neat trick considering both connector flights were "canceled". Chances are my seat was given to someone who uses United frequently. Garbage customer service. Fly anyone but United.
I 100% agree with you. When I flew to Hawaii on one of United's domestic 777s, their was no IFE, no Food, and a 3-4-3 layout that was really uncomfortable. At the beginning of the Flight I asked the Flight Attendant if I could take a picture in the Cockpit, and she just screamed at me to get to my seat. If you ever want to fly in the U.S. Never fly United.
I’m sure on there domestic flights they don’t always include IFE since you can use your devices for it. Also I don’t think they served food since it’s a domestic flight and you have to pay for that.
TheApplereviewer97 but the thing is that the flight I was on was a 9 and a half hour flight from Chicago to Hawaii and having no IFE and no food served at all for a flight that long is probably the worst you could expect of a flight
Forza Aviation that is very true but you kind of had IFE by using your own device & connecting to there WiFi onboard and they have films & tv shows you could watch. Well technically there was food but you had to pay for but unfortunately that’s how there domestic flights work
No excuse for screaming at a passenger. What happened to manners and just basic (courteous) customer service???
8:34 I couldn't stop imagining Paul doing a Gordon Ramsay's impressions, that food looks very depressing tho
At least it wasn't "RAAAW!!"
United consistently has mediocre to bad service on their domestic business class. I flew business internationally one time (before Polaris) and I really enjoyed it. Service was great and the all the food was delicious. Their economy service is on par with the other two major carriers....nothing special although I have never had any major problems with them. Some of their 757s are getting quite old and in need of desperate repair or should be retired.
I love listening to the atc people talking to the pilots! I hadn't been on a plane in 30 years but had been working for the airport for years mowing the airfield. The chat on the headphones was soothing and I knew ahead of time when the aircraft was going to bank etc.....
As a pilot myself, I've always enjoyed listening to pilots/atc transmissions. That's something United has
been doing for years. It's generally at the CP command pilot's discretion.
As for the service, it's the main reason I NEVER fly United anymore. Doing it's bankrupt issues, the service
was still excellent regardless. But since the merger it has bottomed completely. I fly from Chicago to Seattle several times an year and United is our carrier of choice but I take Alaska Airlines instead because of much better service.
Airlines services in the US were on a downward trajectory since the deregulation days(during the Carter administration). I don't think it has ever gone back to its glory days since then. Sad :(
Glory days, gtfo just cause you don’t fly good
phil1press airlines still employ the same stew... sorry... flight attendants from the Carter era.
I always found USAir delivered on price and performance.
Do you have any idea how much more efficient and affordable/accessible it is today for people to fly? Get some perspective.
@@brockjohnson100, deregulation isn't good if service is shitty and amenities are also shitty, as Paul experienced.
Like very much to listen to air traffic control on United. I recall a flight Chicago to LaGuardia. Thunderstorms and heavy traffic in New York area, continual transmission on holding pattern until pilot had to divert to Philadelphia.
At least they got you there without breaking your things or beating you up. I flew from from Newark to Denver In the aisle seat next to the restroom. There was a constant line of people usually 4 or 5 deep for the entire flight and the smell got to be really bad about half way through the flight. Another time we flew from Rome to Boise through Newark. The flight from Rome was a few minutes late, so we rushed through as fast as we could, arriving at the gate 10-15 minutes prior to departure. The plane was still at the gate, but the gate was closed, there were 4 adults one child and two infants in our group. The gate attendant told us she had decided we wouldn't make it, which I think is airline speak for we gave your seats away. She was not the least bit apologetic, but instead seemed very bothered and aggressive that we were there. Despite the fact that it was only 1:00 pm, because there was only one daily flight from Newark to Boise the next available flight was tomorrow. My daughter a frequent United flier managed to talk customer service into squeezing us onto a flight to LA, where after a 6 hour layover, we could catch a Delta flight to Boise. Boarding the flight to LA my daughter asked for water to make up formula, and was told to sit down and that United had done enough for us. We had booked and paid for the round-trip flight from Boise to Rome several months in advance for $1500.00. I will not voluntarily fly United again.
Newark sucks...trust me I lived there.
Worse than Hoboken?
morskojvolk Most definitely! Where I lived it was trashed! Drugs, gang violence, pot holes, pollution, anything and everything bad Newark has it. I was living with my Grandparents and my grandmother doesn’t have a license so I would have to stay in the cellar home with her, because we rented Out the top 2 apartments. I wasn’t aloud in the backyard because she didn’t want anyone running up and taking me etc etc.. It’s not just a shitty place to live, it’s downright dangerous. My grandfather actually worked at this airport for United as one of those baggage people.
Very few travelers at Newark Airport ever set foot in Newark proper. Less than 5%. Sucks you had to live there, but it doesn't have anything to do with air travel. Thanks.
Yes it does.
yeah fr, i'd go to jfk but the lyft is pretty expensive and it's just cheaper to pay more flying out newark
Last november my wife had to attend a medical conference in San Diego CA and I decided to tag allong. This means three flights, one of which transcontinental. We had the misfortune of our flight from Munich to Washington Dulles being a codeshare between Lufthansa and United. The 777-200 was decrepit inside and the cabin service generally poor. Seating space though in Economy was quite generous (although no one can beat the Emirates 777 Economy service). Washington Dulles was absolutely squalid and really showing its age. And then came the nightmare. Washington - San Diego on some sort of 737 variant, I was so out of it, I couldn't remember my name at that point. It had a classic 3-3 seating arangment and the seats had so little space available that even my wife felt uncomfortable. Nearly six hours packed like a tin of sardines. This is the first flight ever where I felt claustrophobic! On our return flight, United made us pay extra fees for our luggage although our tickets clearly stated that we had purchased and were allowed two suitcases. We tried talking to the manager but unfortunately no one would budge. We paid the money and had to endure yet another 5 and a half hours of torture with zero leg room available. In the end, we got our money back for our luggage, but I'm never setting foot on United plane again. As someone mentioned previously, if you are flying into the US transcontinentally, make sure your foreign carrier flies you to your destination or as close as possible.
Air travel just sucks in general. Ride the rails when you can I say. Not perfect...but all in all a better experience.
@@josfitz closed cup noise cancelling headphones. ¦>)
Me too I'd rather ride a train
I just flew from EWR (Newark) to SFO (San Fran) on United. First Class. I don't miss the 757. The new jet is quite nice and I love the little gel pillow that they give you for the small of your back. Just a couple thoughts. The food. Eat first. As a fare paying customer, this disappointment should not be, especially for the price of a business class ticket. It's pretty close in the seat, even on the new jet. But that food. As the flight attendant (steward) said. Yesterdays egg on a croissant from last weekend and last week's ham. I passed.
But at least I wasn't on a 757.
United: if you're still flying this relic, it's time to retire them..
I miss the hot towels!
All american airlines suck, my flight from DC to Istanbul on American(maybe Delta, I don't remember) back in 2015, had a plane that had ventilation issues, so the whole cabin smelled like fart, plus the food was easily the worst I've ever eaten in my life(beef burrito).
Reading through the comments, I see that most Americans standards are quite low when it comes to what they expect from Airlines, why not try out a European or the middle eastern carrier, at least you'll be able to eat the Food without immediately hurling.
Accept Delta Airlines, JetBlue and Hawaiian.
I advise Lufthansa
OneShotzz I'm flying Lufthansa from LHR To istumbal
@ubi dubium No, Lufthansa is one of the best airlines. It is a 5 star rated airline.
Lufthansa is rated 5 star by Skytrax, an agency which merely takes a fee from airlines to give them a rating. No realistic person rates Lufthansa alongside airlines like Qatar or Singapore.
In July of this year 2018 I flew a transcontinental flight from New York Kennedy to San Francisco on Delta. It was also at 757 -200. While I was not in business class I was in premium economy. It was a fantastic flight. The food was good. The flight attendants were always around checking on the passengers and there was a constant supply of snacks after breakfast was served. Flying conditions were perfect. We actually arrived in San Francisco an hour early. I had never experienced that before. The only down part of that was because our gate was occupied we had to sit on the taxiway for 30 minutes before our gate opened up.
Your experience with United is pretty much across the board, whether you fly long haul international or domestic. I'm 1K member because I have flown so much last year--partly flying monthly from HK to Guam to see my husband and 6 work trips from HK to the US, my overall experiences still echo yours.