Talk to me about United

[basicprincess24]

We are usually very loyal to Southwest, and haven't flown on another airline in years. We live in the SF bay area, and United just added a direct from SFO to MCO, and the price is right.

I know there are clearly differences between SW and United (assigned seats, bag fee, change fee), but I'd like to hear some of your thoughts!

 

[rwdavis2]

I traveled for about 2 years between Baltimore/DC and LAX on United exclusively. Never had an issue. If you make reservations well in advance you can almost guarantee that something about your flight will be changed at least once. Plane type departure times, whatever.

 

[basicprincess24]

If you make reservations well in advance you can almost guarantee that something about your flight will be changed at least once. Plane type departure times, whatever.

Are you typically notified about these changes? I don't think plane type would be a big deal, but departure time is another story.

 

[dis_guy]

Are you typically notified about these changes? I don't think plane type would be a big deal, but departure time is another story.

We have never received any notice from United or any other airline about flight changes, lol. Just do your due diligence and check the reservation online now and then and more frequently as your travel dates approach. If you do notice any undesirable changes I've had very little trouble getting corrections made by just calling.

 

[bumbershoot]

Are you typically notified about these changes? I don't think plane type would be a big deal, but departure time is another story.

We never have been. Gotta check your reservation regularly.

The problem with a plane change is that it shakes up the seat assignments. The quicker you notice the quicker you can get your seats back, if they were changed.

 

[rwdavis2]

Are you typically notified about these changes? I don't think plane type would be a big deal, but departure time is another story.

We usually get a notice but I check the reservation weekly just in case.

 

[rwdavis2]

We never have been. Gotta check your reservation regularly.

The problem with a plane change is that it shakes up the seat assignments. The quicker you notice the quicker you can get your seats back, if they were changed.

Exactly. In the past I have booked an exit row seat which is normally the middle seat but in some planes there is no window seat next to it. If they change to a plane with a window seat then you're screwed unless you are quick to move.

 

[dparksfan]

We are from the Bay Area too. United seems to have improved their service lately. I just flew them back and forth to New York. For a long flight, the extras (snacks, tv's with free movies in the seats in front of us) were nice, compared to Southwest, which is great for price and customer service, but usually doesn't have a nonstop. I'm looking at the United nonstops for our upcoming trip in April. Hoping the price goes down.
When I book with United miles, I usually book well in advance. They always change the time of our flight or even have changed the airport we go through. Each time, I call and talk to customer service and they change them back or I've ended up with close or better flights than I originally had. Not sure if that's just because I used miles though.
I recommend them, esp with the nonstop.

 

[basicprincess24]

Excellent! Thank you everyone for your info. I feel better about going ahead with the flight now. And I know now to check that itinerary for changes!