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United Airlines getting downright silly with their "Travel Options"
Look, I understand that the airlines are in a pretty bad shape. But United Airlines is taking things a little too far.
The Chicago based airline started offering "a la carte" options to their flights last year. What started with basic upgrades to First/Business, has now morphed into a ridiculous array of nickel-and-diming.
Their newest tactic to squeeze that last bit of cash out of you is called "Premier Line". This add-on starts at $25 (each way) and allows you to use the same check-in line, security line and boarding group that United offers its lower tier elite fliers.
This is insulting to two groups of people; those that actually flew the airline enough to earn status the hard way, and those that spent their money expecting some decent service from the airline. Sure; nobody is forcing you to add any of these options, but I can't help feel that the airline should be paying more attention to increasing service for everyone, not just those willing to pay more for it.
I'm honestly not sure where this madness will end. Every time I fly United, I expect to see a coin operated door to enter the bathroom or the captain asking for donations to pay the fuel truck driver.
Filed under: Airlines
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
mr. Obsession Dec 9th 2008 2:20PM
I personally LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea. Now it'll only cost me $25 to jump lines instead of sprinting for status every year.
Beautiful - although Clear isn't a bad option if your airports support it.
Either way, this helps alleviate some of what I hate about flying.
Danke UAL!
Liz Kao Dec 9th 2008 2:25PM
OMG, I have had nightmares about coin-opping the bathroom on a plane! Please let's hope we didn't just give them that idea..... :-{
Ako Dec 18th 2008 10:53PM
My last trip was a nightmare of lines. I was at the airport 2.5 hours in advance and barely made my flight. Gheez. I was seriously dreading a wedding in Aspen this coming February. This Premiere Line option is a Godsend. I am not wealthy, but I gladly purchased it for me and my daughter at $40/pp. It's worth my sanity.