Damn, United, way to sell

[glhs837]

So I've not flown to the West Coast since I think late Feb, to Seattle. Took Alaska out of DCA, my preferred airport. Heading to LAX to do some stuff out at Edwards end of the month. Sadly, if I want direct, the flight options are limited. To get the greatest options to fly out mid-morning and head back out of LA in the early morning, United out of Dulles is the best bet.

I'm used to having to pay for an "upgraded" seat which is really all the have left this close. And the upgrade isnt really. No more l;egroom, no exit row, not even front of the economy cabin, those first five rows are an extra $150.

So I see "upgraded seats $34", about what I used to seeing. Then I dive into the seating map. United has gone crazy.

All the way to back of the plane, every seat requires a "preferred seating" charge. Oh, the $34? That's just for center seats. Windows go for $44, and aisle seats go for $54........ EVERY. SINGLE. SEAT.

Sadly, looks like I'll just fly Alaska out of DCA and take American back. Costs about $100 more, but screw United.

 

[TPD]

airline fees have gotten ridiculous

 

[PeoplesElbow]

Why I like Southwest, Use to like American too, but its been so damn long since I've flown American I can't say any more, that was pre 9-11.

 

[glhs837]

Why I like Southwest, Use to like American too, but its been so damn long since I've flown American I can't say any more, that was pre 9-11.

So I checked them. A few direct flights, only out of BWI. 0630 and 330pm to head there. First one means I need to leave the house at 0330. And then get in way too early to check in but too exhausted to enjoy the time. Landing in LA at 6 pm means the trip out to Palmdale take a bit longer and I don't get in early enough to unwind, since I'll have to head out about 0600 the next day.

Thats why I like a 10am to 11am takeoff time. Gets me in early afternoon, less traffic. Early check in at the hotel. Lots of time to unwind and find a good dinner. Think I might take the Angeles Forest route. Been to China Lake a few times, always blasting up the 405 barring that one time I detoured through Hawthorne to see a Falcon rocket.

 

[vraiblonde]

Why I like Southwest, Use to like American too, but its been so damn long since I've flown American I can't say any more, that was pre 9-11.

I'll never fly American. If forced to fly somewhere, it will definitely not be them at any cost.

Help! Quick!

What's the best way to get from Reagan airport to BWI? Shuttle? Metro? Rent a car? Short version: American Airlines stranded me in Chicago overnight. They will NOT be returning me to BWI, where my car is parked and where I was ticketed to return, but to Reagan. They claim they have no...

forums.somd.com

Since then every time I've flown there's been a problem - flight canceled and stranded me somewhere, lost luggage, etc etc - so I avoid flying altogether. But the GFY attitude from American when they stranded me was the end for them.

 

[PeoplesElbow]

I'll never fly American. If forced to fly somewhere, it will definitely not be them at any cost.

Help! Quick!

What's the best way to get from Reagan airport to BWI? Shuttle? Metro? Rent a car? Short version: American Airlines stranded me in Chicago overnight. They will NOT be returning me to BWI, where my car is parked and where I was ticketed to return, but to Reagan. They claim they have no...

forums.somd.com

Since then every time I've flown there's been a problem - flight canceled and stranded me somewhere, lost luggage, etc etc - so I avoid flying altogether. But the GFY attitude from American when they stranded me was the end for them.

Oh I remember that, like I said last time I flew AA was pre 9-11, compared to US Air I thought I was treated like a king. US Air was all that flew out of my little Podunk airport.

 

[PeoplesElbow]

So I checked them. A few direct flights, only out of BWI. 0630 and 330pm to head there. First one means I need to leave the house at 0330. And then get in way too early to check in but too exhausted to enjoy the time. Landing in LA at 6 pm means the trip out to Palmdale take a bit longer and I don't get in early enough to unwind, since I'll have to head out about 0600 the next day.

Thats why I like a 10am to 11am takeoff time. Gets me in early afternoon, less traffic. Early check in at the hotel. Lots of time to unwind and find a good dinner. Think I might take the Angeles Forest route. Been to China Lake a few times, always blasting up the 405 barring that one time I detoured through Hawthorne to see a Falcon rocket.

I always fly into LV and drive, it's a nice drive and I can catch a good buffet and play some craps.

 

[glhs837]

I always fly into LV and drive, it's a nice drive and I can catch a good buffet and play some craps.

To Ridgecrest you can make that case, its only an extra hour of driving. Since Palmdale is an hour closer to LA, its a harder case to make. 4 hours from LV to Palmdale and about 1.5 hours LA to Palmdale.

 

[PeoplesElbow]

To Ridgecrest you can make that case, its only an extra hour of driving. Since Palmdale is an hour closer to LA, its a harder case to make. 4 hours from LV to Palmdale and about 1.5 hours LA to Palmdale.

It was being lightly rear ended and having a gun held up when I looked in the mirror that sealed the deal for me never flying into and driving from LAX again.

 

[glhs837]

It was being lightly rear ended and having a gun held up when I looked in the mirror that sealed the deal for me never flying into and driving from LAX again.

That would do it ...