Flight was late, the only reason I almost missed my flight was that my connection was also late.
Crew was great (professional, attentive, prompt). Snacks for 4 hrs flight is deplorable.
It was a pretty standard flight... until the almost hour and a half spent on the taxi way. I get that the weather has been poor but the delay had nothing to do with the weather and more to do with a plane with several issues tying up the gate. I get that that happens from time to time but this has been EVERY flight I've been on for the past 5 years and I fly 3 to 5 times a year. This isn't just United... it's American, it's Delta. It's an issue with the entire industry. I work for UPS and packages on a cargo plane get better service than people do these days. Anymore I HATE flying.
The schedule to Moline changed 5 times. The gate changed 6 times. That is a pathetic way to run an airline. No wonder that no one in our company flies on United Express to or from Moline. Changes happen most of the time. I learned my lesson on this trip…never again!
While the staff was pleasant and helpful, the following observations are for your awareness. There was some delay on the tarmac on take off and landing. The paid lunch/food offerings were limited. Entertainment was only available on WiFi at a cost.
The first flight was better in terms of the aircraft.
Flight was delayed by over an hour and gate checked bags took 15 minutes to be delivered to the jet bridge.
The Palm Springs to Chicago O’Hare was on Time and Palm Springs airport is easier navigate. As our connection was only an approximately 50 minutes, we asked staff for insights for the Chicago airport in terms of transferring into the other terminal from which our flight left, and they were unhelpful. However, the United App was very helpful in terms of notifications and even providing directions. The Chicago to Detroit flight was significantly delayed which we all know does happen. However, there were very few updates or notifications as to why this was happening when we would actually arrive. It took nearly 30 minutes for bags to make it to baggage claim. We arrived nearly 1 hour late on a 40 minute flight.
Wifi did not work. Cut off on and off every 10 min
When I purchased my ticket, I assumed it was a real ticket, as in, when I go to the airport I am guaranteed a seat. Not so. When I checked in 24 hours ahead of time, I noticed I did not have a seat assignment and my boarding pass said "Standby." I was informed at the gate that the flight was full and I may not get on that plane. I don't recall being offered the option of selecting a seat when I checked in, and apparently, for the honor of pre-selecting a seat, you must pay an additional fee. So, a ticket really isn't a ticket, it's actually a lottery and if you're lucky, you may make it on board - or you can choose to be extorted for extra money for the guarantee of a seat. It's like making reservations with the Godfather - one payment isn't enough, there's always another bribe you have to make. After the first few zones were called and I hadn't been informed of my status, I went to the gate agent and they handed me a boarding pass, for the very last row near the restrooms, in between two very large people. Apparently that was my punishment for not purchasing a seat ahead of time. Airline service has not only gotten more expensive, but the return on your money has shrunk and there is little regard for the passengers. This feels like a racket. I am not pleased, as you may have gathered.
