United’s Economy Plus Policy Stinks

Other posts by MountainMama

Beware: Rant ahead.

I understand the appeal of paying an extra $15 to $60 per plane seat on a domestic flight to get the few inches of extra leg room in United Airlines’ Economy Plus section. I’ve paid the fee myself when I’ve wanted confirmed assurance that I’d have a bit more comfort for my five-foot-nine-inch frame on a cross-country flight.

I certainly don’t begrudge anyone who pays a little more to sit in the exit rows and the coveted half-dozen Economy Plus rows of seats. And they shouldn’t begrudge me if the flight is less than half full, there are several of these spacious seats open, and I ask to scoot up into the roomy seating –- after all, Economy Plus patrons still have the extra space they’d reserved. I wouldn’t be taking away their precious extra five inches of legroom.

But that’s exactly why the flight attendant wouldn’t let me move up to an empty exit row on my flight from San Francisco to Denver earlier today.

It comes down to a bunch of whiners.

Nope, can't sit in any of those empty Economy Plus seats.
Don’t even think about sitting in any of those empty Economy Plus seats.

I asked a flight attendant if I could move up to one of TWO empty exit rows or one of the THREE totally empty rows 12, 13 and 14 on the aft side of the plane. Nope, couldn’t do it, “Those rows are reserved for people who paid for the upgrade. You’re welcome to purchase an upgrade now if you like.”

Since when did Economy Plus become First Class??

When I said I’d never had a problem moving up to a roomier seat before, the UA flight attendant said, “If I let you sit there, I could get fired.”

WHAT?

The only reason I couldn’t have the extra bit of legroom is because others’ paid for it. Um, so what. If there are empty seats, why can’t I snag one? It’s not like I’m displacing the other Economy Plus passengers, nor am I getting any extra services, like the passengers being served a hot lunch in First Class.

My guess is all those people who forked over the money to reserve an Economy Plus seat have been furious and complained when Economy passengers have scooted up front for free.

Just more nickel and diming from the airlines. They’ll take every dollar they can get.

Obviously, United Airlines has no interest in making passengers as comfortable as possible on a half-empty flight on a lousy two-and-a-half-hour flight (that had already been delayed an hour). Flight attendants shouldn’t fear for their jobs in situations like this. It’s a judgment call.

The next time I book an Economy Plus seat, and by chance someone moves up to share my row with me, I won’t complain to United Airlines’ Customer Service. Instead, I’ll say, “Good for you!” After all, plane travelers need to stick together these days. We’ve been knocked down so much lately, with extra baggage fees, reduced flight schedules and paying for on-board water and pillows and snacks. We should celebrate small victories amongst one another, since the airlines are growing stingier by the month and aren’t going out of their way to do us any favors.

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January 24, 2009 | Filed Under Flying High 

Comments

57 Responses to “United’s Economy Plus Policy Stinks”

  1. Lanora Mueller says:
    January 25, 2009 at

    Wow, Kara! What are they thinking? Or not thinking, as the case may be? American now requires elite status in order to select an exit row or one of a few other “preferred” aisle seats at the front of the economy cabin when booking. I can understand giving minor perks in that fashion without charging extra. But to refuse a passenger an empty seat in the same class of service, even if others might have paid a pittance for the “upgrade”? Absurd!

  2. Catherine says:
    January 25, 2009 at

    United messed with the wrong passenger! These kinds of “rules” smack in the face of common sense and basic business savvy. I’m fine (sort of) with airlines charging a nominal fee for those who want to guarantee the special seat upfront, but there’s no reason to ban others from moving there if a special seat happens to be unoccupied. Chances are, not many passengers will bother to switch so it’s not like the flight attendants will have to deal with a musical chairs scenario. Are they so concerned with this petty profit center that its worth sacrificing customer care?

  3. Charmian Christie says:
    January 25, 2009 at

    This is a classic case of being penny wise but pound foolish. Why not up all prices and give EVERYONE enough legroom? I’m just under 5′ 6″ and feel cramped — and my legs aren’t outrageously long. Let’s hope they smarten up before they’re out of business. In this economy, every little service makes a difference. Letting you move up wouldn’t have cost them a cent and earned the kind of word-of-mouth they spend million on with ads.

  4. Roxanne says:
    January 25, 2009 at

    Beyond the customer service issue … what makes me sad is that the flight attendant just might get in trouble for allowing it, and it’s sick that someone might put their job in jeopardy for such a thing.

  5. Sharlene Earnshaw says:
    January 25, 2009 at

    Silly, silly airline. When will you ever learn?

  6. Susan Wilson says:
    January 25, 2009 at

    Fly Southwest if at all possible. The flight attendants are unfailingly nice, everyone is treated equally, and they have the new program for those who want to board first (and pay a little extra) so those long-limbed people can pick an exit row seat. I will drive 30 minutes extra or take a train from an airport in order to fly Southwest. If more of us do, United will figure it out.

  7. Alisa Bowman says:
    January 25, 2009 at

    Yeah–this is why no one likes airlines, banks, and many other businesses. They whine about not being able to make ends meet, yet they treat their customers like crap. A little customer service would go a long way for all of these ailing businesses in this economy. They could take a lesson from Apple, Inc.

  8. LMarshall says:
    January 25, 2009 at

    Would you say the same thing about not being served a more expensive meal in a restaurant that was half full? Would you expect a steak when you only ordered a hamburg just because the restaurant had some on had and no-one was ordering it. Would you ‘feel sorry’ for the waitress who might get fired if she did provide you with the steak instead of the hamburg?

    You bought a seat on an airline flight for a certain price and were happy with it until you saw there was something better and wanted it (but didn’t want to pay for it. And now you’re bashing the company you bought it from
    and that does not seem fair.

  9. Guam-Hotel.Net » Blog Archive » Baja California Destination Spa - Review of Rancho La Puerta says:
    January 26, 2009 at

    [...] Rancho La Puerta destination spa with Traveling Mamas’ readers. I actually wrote this on my plane rides home this weekend. I hope I captured the essence of this special place while memories were still [...]

  10. Tracy says:
    January 26, 2009 at

    A few weeks ago, I took my son to the airport and was standing in the regular line to check him in as an unaccompanied minor. A Delta employee told me and the other parents waiting to do the same to stand in the empty first class line.

    The other two counter people just about had a fit though that non-first class people were standing in the first class line. They actually cowed the person behind me into moving back to the very end of the regular line, but I stood my ground and pointed to the supervisor that had told us to move in the first place.

    So, after the counter people fuss at him for letting non first class people stand in the first class line, one of them finally checks in my son but has to tell me the entire time how normally only first class people can stand in the first class line, and this was highly unusual and on and on and on.

    I really pulled one over on Delta, eh?

  11. Julie says:
    January 26, 2009 at

    Just to show there are all kinds of different ways to look at this, Marshall’s point was my first thought. If the seats are for sale, letting anyone sit there because they aren’t sold in fact is a slap in the face to those that did pay.

    I owned a retail business a few years ago where members at the studio had certain perks — free drinks being one of them. In order for those “free” drinks to mean anything, I had to charge everyone else who wanted to grab a water or Coke from the refrigerator, including my best friend and my SIL. It’s just the nature of the beast in business — if you want people to respect you, you have to protect what they’ve paid for.

  12. MountainMama says:
    January 26, 2009 at

    I appreciate all of your feedback, stories and different views.

    I guess what struck me was that “Economy Plus” is just a new term, perhaps, for “Business Class.” Perhaps if it were billed as a different class of service, I wouldn’t have been so bothered by not being able to move up.

    Still, my opinion stands. Those folks paid to GUARANTEE a seat. If exit rows are open, others in Economy class should get to move up – just their lucky day. (Then again, it’s rare for someone to “get to move up” into First Class – BUT that section is “behind the curtain.” Economy Plus is right there. It’s a lousy 5 inches of leg room, people!)

    Another thought: consider the flight that landed on the Hudson. Good thing there were “willing and able” people sitting in the exit row. Goes to show, people in the exit row may be called to service. If no one’s there, is it a free-for-all? (I realize this is a little far fetched, but just something that came to mind today.)

  13. kristi says:
    January 26, 2009 at

    Besides this lousy policy I think United has one of the worst frequent flier programs out there. I have tried 3-4 times now to use some United miles and have never been able to get the Saver awards in comparison to the American Airlines program which has many more economy awards available – one more reason not to use United.

  14. Jennifer Margulis says:
    January 26, 2009 at

    That really sucks. I don’t think they should have treated you that way, and I’ve run into that as well. I fly United ALL THE TIME (it’s one of the only airlines that services our small town and I’m a travel writer so I fly a lot for my job) and I’m usually pretty happy with their service but this “That’s only for people who pay” is totally inappropriate. I think you should send a letter to customer service and also send them this link via email. They need to rethink their policies!

  15. Meg - Backpack to Buggy says:
    January 27, 2009 at

    Hasn’t the airline revenue model always been that you might have paid $200 for your ticket, while the person sitting next to you paid $500?

    Thanks for telling it like it is as well. There are a lot of travel writers who follow the “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say it at all approach.” I would rather hear what you really think! (Not that I need any more reason to not like flying United.)

    Let me tell you about the time when I was 6 months pregnant and after great delays, Delta would not let eat my food…..

  16. Betsy Husband says:
    January 27, 2009 at

    Just another example of being herded around like cattle…MOO!

  17. Elizabeth Kricfalusi says:
    January 28, 2009 at

    I don’t agree with the commenters who are saying you were expecting too much. It’s a lot like flying standby. Those people pay less for the same seat as someone who booked months earlier. But they were paying to guarantee the seat — the guy on standby is taking the risk that he won’t get on the plane. Just like you were taking the risk that there wouldn’t be a better seat available.

    (And, of course, the point was made that airlines have always had the most bizarre pricing model of any industry, so they’re hardly in a position to argue that something’s not fair.)

    And it’s certainly not analogous to the steak/hamburger situation, because that increases the cost to the business. What you wanted to do adds no additional cost to anyone.

    I’ve been flying American more lately and the last couple of times I was able to upgrade to an exit row seat at check-in without paying anything extra. And people were able to move up to empty seats if they wanted once we were on the plane.

    In general, though, the airlines are really working hard to ensure they’ll have no happy customers left…

  18. One Mile at a Time » Traveling Mamas don’t seem to get it says:
    January 28, 2009 at

    [...] past weekend MountainMama of the TravelingMamas wrote a post entitled “United’s Economy Plus Policy Stinks.” While I’m no United [...]

  19. Ken says:
    January 28, 2009 at

    I’m afraid I totally disagree with MountainMama and most of these comments. One Mile at a Time (comment 18) has the best response, so I won’t belabor it. Basically, you get what you pay for. If you paid for a “regular” economy seat, that’s what you get. If you paid for Economy Plus, that’s what you should expect. I realize “freeloader” is a little strong, but that’s the feeling to me here.

  20. Olvier says:
    January 28, 2009 at

    I am sorry to say, but the only thing that stinks here is your sense of entitlement. United is selling a product, and you’re welcome to buy it. They are not a charity, so why should they give it to you for free? Your argument makes no sense whatsoever.

  21. you love freebies says:
    January 28, 2009 at

    you love freebies!
    why don’t you pay for a change..so the airlines wont go broke,you have this disgusting sense of entitlement:(

  22. brian says:
    January 28, 2009 at

    Have to say, you have rather the high sense of entitlement! As someone who has paid for E+ seating (both from airline status and as paid upgrades) I would not appreciate someone able to ‘wink-wink, nudge-nudge’ their way to something I pay for (one way or another).

  23. ptahcha says:
    January 28, 2009 at

    I’m not sure why you don’t understand the difference between “Economy” and “Economy Plus”. The Plus gives you up to 5 extra inches of legroom, which can be paid with a fee or through loyalty with United (25,000 miles or more per year). I believe the seat is even marked with “Reserved for Economy Plus” sticker. If you feel you are entitled to the E+ seat just because they are empty, I guess you are the same folks who buy nosebleeder seats at a concert and try to self upgrade to front row seats because “nobody is sitting there”.

    Also, it seems you are mixing up different airlines’ policies (for example, US Airways charges for water, not United), and have issues with the current state of air travel. Sorry you feel that way – perhaps you should try Greyhound instead?

  24. Please do not sit next to me! says:
    January 28, 2009 at

    So if I understand, your point here is that “it is ONLY 5 niches of extra legroom” and that is not worth extra $$. Then you should have no problem sitting in economy -, which is what you paid for. I do like your idea of adding a curtain to separate econ + from econ -. That would have spared your fellow unfortunate passengers from listening to you complain about getting exactly what you paid for. Your next post should be about people who write blogs about topics they clearly know nothing about. Please fly Southworst as one comment suggests, although for certain seats you will need to pay extra. Good job writing a post that brought me here, albeit for the last time.

  25. Jo says:
    January 28, 2009 at

    Mama, you have a few typos. You wrote this:
    “It comes down to a bunch of whiners.”

    Don’t you mean “It comes down to a whiner”?

    Also as a small biz owner, agree with those that aptly identify you whining about not being able to get something you didn’t pay for. Shame, girl…

  26. Lola says:
    January 28, 2009 at

    I generally really enjoy your entries, but I have to strongly disagree with you here. If you are in a back row at a concert, should you be able to move up to the orchestra area just because there are empty seats? At a ballgame, from the outfield to behind home plate? At the opera, to a viewing box? No, because that is not what you paid for. The symphony, ball team, and opera company are not “nickel and diming” you – they have distinct areas that are associated with distinct cost levels. If anyone could sit there, what is the incentive to for anyone to pay for the “premium” product the next time? It is the same with United, and Economy Plus.

  27. Hope I Never Fly With You says:
    January 28, 2009 at

    Ma’am,
    Obviously you feel like you deserved the empty seat just becasue it was empty. Would you feel that you deserved an empty seat in business or first if there was one? Economy Plus (E+) service that anyone who is a United Mileage Plus (P)member (free to join) can purchase for 1 year (day of purchase + 365 days) for $349 or for that flight for various amounts at the airport. It is also provided free to MP elite status members as a thank-you for flying with United. Why should you, a non-elite or one who hasn’t paid for a certain service be allowed to take it for free? Wanting to take something you didn’t pay for comes up to one simple would, Theft.

  28. dimramon says:
    January 28, 2009 at

    I applaud UA for not letting you move. There are some of us who fly more than 100K miles a year and have earned the right to take those seats. If they would let you sit there, with your 50 plastic bags and your 3 carry-ons, there would be no incentive for some of us to earn elite status with the airline.
    Kudos to UA for not giving in to your whining. Please use Greyhound next time you need to travel.

  29. Your Mama says:
    January 28, 2009 at

    I bet you tried to use the first class lavatory as well, even though you were not supposed to.

    They should ban people like you who don’t want to follow the rules from flying United.

  30. joediver says:
    January 29, 2009 at

    “Perhaps if it were billed as a different class of service, I wouldn’t have been so bothered by not being able to move up.” IT IS billed as a different class of service. Some people just don’t get it!

  31. Adam says:
    January 29, 2009 at

    I agree with the later comments that the Flight Attendant was right to deny you a free upgrade to E+, however, at sporting events in Toronto’s Air Canada Centre (Raptors games not Maple Leafs) if you ask the ushers, they will frequently allow you to move from the nosebleed seats to the lower bowl to take advantage of unused seats. It makes the game better for television to see the seats filled.

    Sidenote: Why do all the comments have “at” after the date? eg.
    joediver Says:
    January 29th, 2009 “at”?

  32. MatthewLAX says:
    January 29, 2009 at

    Kudos to UA for not giving in to your whining.

    You get what you pay for.

  33. Ramsey says:
    January 30, 2009 at

    You all seem to misunderstand the point of the fee. The idea is that you are guaranteed the extra legroom by paying that fee. If passengers choose not to pay the fee, they risk not getting that seat. But, if the flight is empty, other airlines allow you to move around as necessary as long as you are within the same class of service. Kara is not whining for the sake of whining, rather she is sharing her experience so that other people will know what to do in the future. In fact, she herself said that she has paid for the Economy Plus seat herself before. But when a row is entirely empty, it makes common sense to allow someone to move around. The concept is EXACTLY the same as getting complimentary first class upgrades. Are you saying someone should not accept the complimentary upgrade at the gate as an Elite member if they didnt pay for First Class?

  34. ptahcha says:
    January 30, 2009 at

    To Ramsey: there’s a difference between a comp upgrade offered by the upgrade, and someone who decided to upgrade themselves. Economy Plus is a different seating section than Economy.

    Based on your example, should Kara just move herself to first class because there’s an open seat? How is that common sense?

  35. PDILLM says:
    January 30, 2009 at

    I bet “MountainMama” left out some facts. I bet she told the FA that she had a blog and was going to write some nasty stuff if they didn’t move her up. Maybe she even said “Well, I’ll never fly United again”. I fly over 250k miles a year on United and see her kind all the time. No status and not willing to pay for upgrades, but can throw out “threats” with the best of them. Fortunately, it happens so often that its meaningless. Well, you did post on a blog and even more people know you are a freeloading, whiney, self absorbed person. Good for you United!!!

  36. MountainMama says:
    January 30, 2009 at

    Wow. I’m all for spirited discussion and sharing of views, but the comments that made snide remarks about my “belonging in the kitchen and the bedroom” (what the heck is that all about?) were removed.

    My favorite dissenting views have come from folks who chimed in before One Mile at a Time wrote about this blog post. They politely offered their opinions and made their points instead of claiming I had some “sense of entitlement.” Thanks to everyone who has offered their points of view politely!

    FYI: The flight attendant had no idea I was a professional travel writer, and I certainly didn’t threaten her that I was going to post something on this blog if she didn’t give me a seat. That’s funny.

  37. PTravel says:
    February 2, 2009 at

    Well, I don’t know who One Mile at a Time is, but I heard about your blog entry over on flyertalk.com. I’m sorry, but if you’re a professional travel writer then you are aware that the airlines are struggling to keep their heads above water. United’s Economy Plus is a specific product that generates revenue for the airline — it’s a free reward for its frequent fliers, encouraging them to fly more, and it’s a profit center for up-selling from standard coach. You are basically saying, “Since no one is buying it today, you should give it to me for free.” Honestly, would you walk into a restaurant and say, “Hey, if you have extra steaks, I’d like one for the price of a hamburger!” You wanted something that, clearly has value to both the airline and other passengers, for nothing and you have no rational argument for it being given to you.

    I’ll also note one other benefit of E+. As I indicated, UA elites have free access to E+. Up-selling is something relatively new, and elites tolerate it because, though it reduces the benefit of being elite by making E+ less available, it’s something that UA must do to generate desperately needed revenue. However, one reason I like E+ is that, often, it serves to segregate me from casual fliers — the ones who are more comfortable on a bus than in an airline seat and have made flying so much more unpleasant for those of us who have to do it on a regular basis. If, for no other reason, it spares me from the wife-beater wearing, too-many-carry-on-dragging, routine-disrupting, delay-causing, disturbance-causing casual flier, that is reason enough to enforce the separate sections.

  38. SA Traveler says:
    February 12, 2009 at

    I totally agree with Mountain Mamma. Had the same experience just a few weeks ago traveling from Portland to San Antonio. On the Denver to San Antonio leg, Rows 3 through 11 were empty while 12 through 26 were completely full. First time on United in sometime(booked by Travel Agent) and it will be my last if I have any other choice. Flight Attendents were rude, baggage fees ridiculous. $75 for a second pair of skis in the same ski bag!!! I’ll be back on Southwest whenever possible.

  39. josh says:
    February 16, 2009 at

    I’m glad they didn’t let you move. I have the right to E+ seating and would rather sit in an empty section with less noise and bother and more room for carry on luggage. If you’re not willing to pay or earn the privilege then be quiet ;)

  40. Peter Eklse says:
    March 3, 2009 at

    What no one has yet said, I will: do away with this artificial plus-class and give ALL economy seats more room! Extra room for a few means the suffering of the many. I wonder if United’s class system extends to safety where some people are just more valuable than others. Yuck. Fly another airline that’s not stuck in an 1870’s robber baron mentality.

  41. trojo805 says:
    March 13, 2009 at

    I think may of the commentators who feel that this is a good business decision on UAL’s behalf are well selfish and self-entitled. As an premier flyer with Mileage plus and a partner who is Global Services we enjoy the E+ benefit, if not an occasional bump out of the main cabin. But E+ is not a separate cabin, it is not a premium service, it is some extra leg room. We both feel the seats should be open or at very least sold at a deep discount to other MP members.

    Flying is pretty horrible, if everyone had a little bit more room on the plane…it could be better experience for everyone and probably boost UAL’s image.

    I guess some E+ flyers want to spread out over the row and hey maybe they are entitled to that for their loyalty or fees paid, but if an entire row or 5 are unoccupied, why not sell it for a REASONABLE fee or MP members…not $50, maybe $15-$20. And if in-flight they remain open, let people spread out to the unoccupied rows. Now some people lack courtesy, heck so many flight attendants, but why not.

    And for those of you who vehemently opposed or offended by the idea…relax! They are just chairs (crappy ones at that), you act as though someone is infringing on your personal property and it’s really quite sad.

  42. trojo805 says:
    March 13, 2009 at

    Oh and just to comment on those who don’t want to be seated next to a “casual flyer”, I’ve sat next to enough old chubby business execs, and over-perfumed WASP types in both E+ and premium cabins so get off your high horse and just invest in the upgrade or a fractional jet ownership to avoid the commoners. Babies are horrible though…haha. (But you know what? I somehow survive the experience and am happy to finally arrive to my destination)

  43. Allie says:
    March 24, 2009 at

    I am with you.

    Economy Plus *guarantees* someone a seat with 5 extra inches. The comparisons about moving into first class are inappropriate and not factual – as first class offers OTHER services such as the food and the lavatory. This is JUST the leg room.

    It is safer for people to have more leg room. There is less chance of DVT and a blood cloth with more room.

    *No one* is in those seats – so it really is the airlines making people MORE uncomfortable and less safe for NO reason – except to protect the “perceived” value for the current Economy Plus.

    Sometimes I buy Economy Plus – sometimes I don’t. It depends on the cost and the length of the leg (and whether there are only middle seats when I purchase it).

    If it is not into MY row, but into an empty row, I really don’t care AT ALL if an economy passenger moves up there. It would be asinine and pointless for me or the airline to care.

    It affects me not a whit. It affects the airline in that the economy class people are happier and safer.

    Really, there is NO point in not letting people move up there.

    It does decrease the value of my economy plus seats in the slightless.

    The people saying – you should get what you pay for are idiots.

    One time I paid for a Greyhound bus ticket on a full bus and had to sit on the floor the whole way. I didn’t get what I paid for, but I got where I needed to go.

    People who would whine about SOMEONE ELSE getting something – even though it doesnt’ affect them – really have issues. Why can’ tthey just want the best for everyone around them – if it costs them nothing at ALL?

  44. Jr. says:
    May 5, 2009 at

    Why pay for it in advance to ‘guarantee’ a seat when you can just sit there after boarding? If that’s the case, will United EVER have an up-sell to Economy Plus? Probably a few, but not many, as people will quickly figure out, “Heck, I’m not going to pay for it, I’ll just take my chances when I get on the plane”. On the flights I’ve been on where there are empty E+ seats, they give you plenty of options to buy-up…It’s offered at online check-in, at-airport check-in, and is often mentioned in the boarding area if you still want to buy up. Or if you fly a lot, but not enough to attain elite status, you can buy a subscription for a whole year!

    They’re not selling a ‘guaranteed seat’ as people are erroneously suggesting here, they’re selling the seat itself for that flight. IF YOU’RE TOO CHEAP TO BUY UP, THEN TAKE THE SEAT YOU PAID FOR…It’s a rather simple proposition made needlessly complicated with this blog.

  45. Traveler says:
    May 24, 2009 at

    As a graduate student who has to fly fairly often, I do not approve of non-payers sitting in Economy Plus. How do you think I feel when someone just moves up into a class of service I paid for and fly lots of miles each year to retain? It’s simply not fair no matter how you twist it. It’s especially unfair on the longest flights where the upgrade costs $99-110 or so. That’s a day’s worth of work for many people, and seeing other people avoid that stings and makes me feel foolish for having paid.

    I’m sorry, but the arguments that say Economy Plus is NOT a separate cabin are a complete and uninformed joke (Allie’s post). United defines it as a different class of service, and that’s all that’s necessary. 5 inches of legroom is enough, and it makes no sense to belittle the extra offering but desire to sit in it if empty. If you don’t feel that’s a differentiator, then don’t pay for the seat, but stay in regular Economy.

  46. кyкyшка says:
    May 31, 2009 at

    Добрый день! А можно ли ссылками с вами обменяться?

  47. Bart says:
    May 31, 2009 at

    its simple. you didn’t pay for economy plus, so you dont get it. It is unfair to those who paid for it, or received it as a gift for their loyalty to the airline (elite status).

    The flight attendant was correct, and you deserved to sit in Economy.

  48. Keith says:
    June 17, 2009 at

    I’m a dedicated United flier, and am quite familiar with the cabin layout you describe. I’m afraid I have to agree with LMarshall’s comments.

    If it’s the absence of a “curtain” that makes it difficult for you to distinguish between Economy and Economy Plus, perhaps you could simply imagine such a curtain, and therefore understand that the seats ARE a different class of service, and they cost more. You didn’t pay more, so you didn’t get to sit there. Shame on you for putting the flight attendant in the position of having to tell you that you can’t have something you didn’t pay for. And double shame for putting here on the net, attempting to make the company sound unreasonable.

  49. Juniper says:
    June 18, 2009 at

    I would be very upset if someone who had not paid for Economy Plus were moved into the section.

    However, perhaps United could SELL Economy Plus onboard a flight which has lots of empty seats. If so, I think the price ought to be double what it would cost someone to purchase an Economy Plus seat ahead of time.

  50. диcтpoфик says:
    June 20, 2009 at

    Естественно присоединяюсь к вышесказанному!

  51. Frank says:
    July 1, 2009 at

    I am United Premier Executive member (translation: I have no life). I disagree with everyone that is upset about not being able to just “move up”. Think about this for a minute. You have the option of buying the seat and it isn’t that much (Baltimore to Chicago is $29.00). You can also get an annual pass, which is about $350.00. You can also fly 25,000 miles (or in my case 60,000) in a year and then it’s complimentary as a perk of being a frequent flier…and everyone reading these posts knows that there are very, very few perks in these programs.

    So no, you can’t just move up to the more expensive seats that others pay for. And if there are empties there, like no middle seat, then that is a perk for the frequent fliers, but not the rest. That’s just the way it is. JetBlue also has premium seats (on top of already comfortable seats to start with). Are we going to villify them too? I just paid $40 on top of the regular fare from Chicago to Long Beach for the “extra legroom” seat. Yes, I will be annoyed if someone from the back (who gets to board first) just comes up. Pay the money and then enjoy the perk.

  52. Discount and cheap airline tickets,airfare prices and air travel says:
    July 12, 2009 at

    Discount and cheap airline tickets,airfare prices and air travel…

    How lovely to have two happy reports. The ‘quickie’ from richard and todays update at LOTL. All’s well with the world at the moment. The LG chicks are being fed yet again!!! By the way, Janeallport, Roy Dennis’ book of last year, ‘A Life of Osprey…

  53. Bob Paje says:
    July 17, 2009 at

    Let’s see, if people can move up for free, then how many would purchase the seats in advance? Doesn’t seem like the airline could do that and still make a business of it.

  54. Robert says:
    August 5, 2009 at

    Wow the attitude of entitlement here blows my mind. I can’t believe you’re whining because you did not get what you were not willing to pay for. I think it’s cool United can actually take your money for an upgrade onboard now. That, to me, is customer service and increases my choices when I fly. Cheers United.

  55. Daniel Healy says:
    August 6, 2009 at

    “Still, my opinion stands. Those folks paid to GUARANTEE a seat. If exit rows are open, others in Economy class should get to move up – just their lucky day.”

    Those folks paid to guarantee a seat? Who are you to define what customers pay a business for? United decided to define their economy plus service as paying for the privilege to sit in that section, not just the guarantee. If you don’t like that, don’t give them your money.

  56. Daniel Healy says:
    August 6, 2009 at

    Also, the DVT argument is ridiculous. Regardless of what class of seating you sit in, you should always get up and walk around regularly on long flights to avoid that problem.

  57. CB says:
    September 22, 2009 at

    I agree with United’s policy 100%. One of the reason people (such as myself) pay for the upgrades is knowing that the EP section is usually not 100% full. It makes for a more enjoyable and quieter ride. If United allowed all of the seats to be filled, it would heavily negate one of the reasons to pay for the upgrades.

    When I fly EP, I don’t ask to be put into an empty business or first class seat. People have either paid for those or have earned the miles. I didn’t pay for one of those, so I shouldn’t be allowed to sit there.

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