Government bureaucracy at it's best

Fieldmouse · 09-28-2011, 04:11 PM

So today, I flew home early on stand by. My awesome airline got a volunteer to give up his seat in exchange for a voucher in order to accommodate me. They gave me a first class seat that was taken out of service due to the button to recline it was broken. Mind you, it was locked in the up right position. That didn't matter to the FAA apparently. So I had to sit in the back of the bus with the common folk like HD on my first leg.

Champlain Islander · 09-29-2011, 03:52 AM

1st class or coach...really about the same on domestic flights unless when the plane flies straight into the ground you truly want to be first. I really don’t care where I sit as long as I get a seat. Almost every time I have flown recently the planes have gotten smaller and are booked solid. Seeing a standby list posted with the announcements looking for people willing to take vouchers is all too common. If I can drive it in 10 hours I take a vehicle since often times the trip is close to the same time and I can control when and if I get home that day. United with all their acquisitions has to be the worst. I used to be a pilot and now I hate to fly.

Fieldmouse · 09-29-2011, 04:04 AM

I don't know, it pays to be up front. After all these years of traveling, I really care about my upgrades than the free flights. Though I did have enough miles to take my family and my sister's family to Aruba. However, my point was the fact the FAA blocked a seat because it couldn't recline. Idiots!

BTW, I agree, United sucks. I avoid them even more than the other airlines.

Champlain Islander · 09-29-2011, 04:28 AM

Most of my most recent flights have been to DC area and to the west either through Chi Town or NY. I can understand having a 2X2 jet configuration out of BTV due to the small market but to have the same sized plane at a major hub going out makes me wonder. All the flights are booked with several standbys just salivating to get aboard. Last time I got a voucher was coming home from Antigua. Forced on me due to a serious screw up with the airlines and I never even used it and it is timed out now. How was Aruba…that is one of the islands I haven’t been to.

Fieldmouse · 09-29-2011, 07:34 AM

Been there many years ago and enjoyed it. Haven't gone on this trip yet. Just have it all lined up. Diving is dirt cheap. Got 5 dives lined up for my kids and I. 4 day dives and one night dive for 600 total. Can't beat that anywhere.

bergall · 09-29-2011, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fieldmouse

Been there many years ago and enjoyed it. Haven't gone on this trip yet. Just have it all lined up. Diving is dirt cheap. Got 5 dives lined up for my kids and I. 4 day dives and one night dive for 600 total. Can't beat that anywhere.

I used to have a time share on Aruba....the Divi Links or Divi Village or something like that. I like the Marriott nowadays....avoid Divi...they allow their properties to fall into shabbiness and disrepair and that's why I sold it.