Unfortunately I had to take another airline trip via United Airlines.
This time I decided to combine business with pleasure and after attending Vloggercon in San Francisco take a trip to Maui.
After examining the the many complex itinerary choices online for a trip from San Francisco to Maui and back to Las Vegas, I determined that a package deal including air, hotel and rental car would make the most sense.
I was going to stay at the Hyatt in Maui, so I went online to book the trip, though Hyatt Vacations I figured out the rate and then called the 800 # to make sure everything I'd planned seemed logical.
The problem with dealing with a package like this, and having to used a vacation packager like Hyatt vacations, is that they are limited by their computer system as to what they can do online.
I asked the operator if I should just go ahead and book online myself. No, they replied, you might save money if I do it for you.
Although, I usually prefer to do things myself online I went ahead and booked over the phone. It wasn't pleaasant.
Short story for this part of my experience is that due to computer issues or operator error, I had to repeat my address and credit card information three times. Then, I was assigned an online account username of stevegarfield7683034867, a username that I would never have chosen if doing it myself.
Next, I was told that they could only book me on a round trip from San Francisco and back. They were not able to book me to Las Vegas on my return flight. That, I was told, was going to have to be booked by me from San Francisco to Las Vegas.
Upon arrival at the airport I checked in, using the self serve terminal and was presented with an option to purchase more leg room for $48. Sold.
Charging a surcharge for an upgrade to United Plus seating at check in to get more legroom, which I feel should be standard anyway.
Duplicate Seats
Next up, Duplicate seats. When we arrived at out assigned seats, there was a young girl sitting in one of them. Hmm, one of our seats was double booked.
The problems with United continue. Happily, she had to move and Carol and I ended up sitting together.
XM Radio I was happy to see that XM radio was available on the flight. I was listening to the Top 20 station and then the music cut out. I asked the attendant if htere was a problem with the music system, and he informed me that I'd have to either jiggle my headset jack, or hold it in by hand. Those solutions didn't work, and then I noticed others around me complaining about the same thing.
Sad.
It's like when you go to a restaurant and they try to sit you directly under the airconditioner, and then when you complain, you get moved to a better table. Then when the next customer comes in, they sit them in the same place until someone is meek enough not to complain.
And I paid $48 extra for an upgrade to this seat!
Side note: When the TV's on JetBlue didn't work on one of their new planes one time, everyone on the flight automatically got a rebate towards theor next jet Blue flight. What did United offer me? Nothing.
So one hour and ten minutes into the flight that I swore I'd never take again, I'm listening to iTunes with 73% battery left.