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IRL (In Real Life) => Current Events => Topic started by: mirth on April 10, 2017, 11:45:19 AM

Title: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 10, 2017, 11:45:19 AM
Stay classy United

https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/united-airlines-man-video-dragged-off-plane-overbooked-flight-3411-twitter-viral-a7676846.html
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bbmike on April 10, 2017, 03:14:45 PM
Look, they say "fly the friendly skies". They don't say anything about what happens on the ground.  :P
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: MikeGER on April 10, 2017, 03:21:45 PM
they asked for 4 volunteers and nobody gave up his seat

why didn't they just made an auction? ...like $50 cash to collect at the United counter for the first one who give up his seat and then up the ante in 5 $steps until they had 4 volunteers together 
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: OJsDad on April 10, 2017, 03:24:35 PM
How about not purposely over booking flights. 
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 10, 2017, 03:38:17 PM
Quote from: MikeGER on April 10, 2017, 03:21:45 PM
they asked for 4 volunteers and nobody gave up his seat

why didn't they just made an auction? ...like $50 cash to collect at the United counter for the first one who give up his seat and then up the ante in 5 $steps until they had 4 volunteers together 

They offered $400 and a free hotel room and then upped it $800 plus the room. Nobody volunteered for either offer. Then they decided to randomly yank four people off the plane. Supposedly it was so four United employees could be on the flight.

Epic stupidity from a PR standpoint. The press release after was a total fubar.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: DoctorQuest on April 10, 2017, 03:42:35 PM
Quote from: OJsDad on April 10, 2017, 03:24:35 PM
How about not purposely over booking flights.

And cut into profits? Sure, right......
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: DoctorQuest on April 10, 2017, 03:45:01 PM
Quote from: mirth on April 10, 2017, 03:38:17 PM
Quote from: MikeGER on April 10, 2017, 03:21:45 PM
they asked for 4 volunteers and nobody gave up his seat

why didn't they just made an auction? ...like $50 cash to collect at the United counter for the first one who give up his seat and then up the ante in 5 $steps until they had 4 volunteers together 

They offered $400 and a free hotel room and then upped it $800 plus the room. Nobody volunteered for either offer. Then they decided to randomly yank four people off the plane. Supposedly it was so four United employees could be on the flight.

Epic stupidity from a PR standpoint. The press release after was a total fubar.

Such as it is.

Response to United Express Flight 3411

April 10, 2017


"This is an upsetting event to all of us here at United. I apologize for having to re-accommodate these customers. Our team is moving with a sense of urgency to work with the authorities and conduct our own detailed review of what happened. We are also reaching out to this passenger to talk directly to him and further address and resolve this situation." – Oscar Munoz, CEO, United Airlines 
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 10, 2017, 03:46:56 PM
Quote from: DoctorQuest on April 10, 2017, 03:42:35 PM
Quote from: OJsDad on April 10, 2017, 03:24:35 PM
How about not purposely over booking flights.

And cut into profits? Sure, right......

Cleaning up this mess might cut into profits  :uglystupid2:
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 10, 2017, 03:48:11 PM
One of the officers involved has been suspended

https://www.yahoo.com/news/one-officers-dragged-united-airlines-200343691.html
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 10, 2017, 03:49:55 PM
Quote from: DoctorQuest on April 10, 2017, 03:45:01 PM
Such as it is.

Response to United Express Flight 3411

April 10, 2017


"This is an upsetting event to all of us here at United. I apologize for having to re-accommodate these customers. Our team is moving with a sense of urgency to work with the authorities and conduct our own detailed review of what happened. We are also reaching out to this passenger to talk directly to him and further address and resolve this situation." – Oscar Munoz, CEO, United Airlines 


An improvement over this:

Quote
"Flight 3411 from Chicago to Louisville was overbooked. After our team looked for volunteers, one customer refused to leave the aircraft voluntarily and law enforcement was asked to come to the gate." United added in a later statement: "We apologize for the overbook situation."
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Steelgrave on April 10, 2017, 03:50:26 PM
So dragging a man who has done nothing other than not give up the flight he pre-booked and paid for is now "re-accommodating". Well, that's putting a birthday candle on a pile of dog $hit for certain.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: trailrunner on April 10, 2017, 05:27:06 PM
Starting tonight I'll be spending about 11 hours on United planes to get home.

If they're overbooked and force me to spend another day here in Kauai, I'll be heartbroken. Just heartbroken.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 10, 2017, 05:38:21 PM
make sure you get a hotel night and vouchers if they do
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 10, 2017, 05:39:41 PM
And don't skip the beat down.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 10, 2017, 07:45:54 PM
I am flying United next month...to CHI too. I better start training.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 10, 2017, 08:00:17 PM
Get used to being beaten up while you are 're-accommodated'.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 10, 2017, 08:09:01 PM
I'll have to make sure not to wear leggings as well.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: trailrunner on April 10, 2017, 08:18:14 PM
Saw a funny meme but don't know how to post an image from my iPhone here.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Sir Slash on April 10, 2017, 10:10:33 PM
Good thing the poor guy didn't steal a magazine. They probably would've just shot him right there.  :wow:
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: ArizonaTank on April 11, 2017, 12:29:11 AM
I've had two round-trips on United in the last month...total seven flights when you consider connections. 

Of those, six where delayed.  In one, we sat on the runway at Newark for an hour...no explanation, just a token "sorry". 

All flights were booked to the gills, and very crowded.  In one, a lady started freaking out during deplaning, saying she was "suffocating" and had to leave.  Fortunately, the people up front, just let her pass. 

Anyway, after my experience I was already thinking that I would stick to Southwest when I can.  The news this week just cements that. 
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: JudgeDredd on April 11, 2017, 01:12:42 AM
I know airlines overbook. I don't understand why (if they book and someone doesn't turn up, then it's money for them (they still have the money for the ticket AND the flight is lighter).

Still - I know they overbook, but my question is why did it result in people being removed? Surely it's a first come first serve policy. So people turning up late (who may have paid more than that guy for their ticket) just have to suck it up because - well - they were later than everyone else who got on?

So sure - over book - but make your policy first come, first arse in the seat and if you want to make sure you GET your arse on the over booked flight, then get there early.

You never know - they might actually be able to start taking off on time more often as people are determined to get on the flight they want.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 11, 2017, 05:08:17 AM
(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17862486_10155160428248486_4848838210999312570_n.jpg?oh=94e5ddc7a4e879f93b554b0892a06519&oe=598B53A1)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 11, 2017, 05:08:57 AM
United figuring out who gets bumped?

(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17884338_1305080436252819_8786041002306086352_n.jpg?oh=3a758d5006ade27a1d14681b27833611&oe=59875F9F)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 11, 2017, 07:44:12 AM
^lmao
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Tpek on April 11, 2017, 09:15:21 AM
An oldie but goldie:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YGc4zOqozo
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 11, 2017, 10:41:29 AM
(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17634781_2237108206514254_6953644084932119564_n.jpg?oh=c47c73e4c0469c7ad279eea1e44b744e&oe=598A12F5)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 11, 2017, 10:42:20 AM
humor

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/new-united-airlines-motto-twitter_us_58ec9e53e4b0df7e2044dc2c?
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Barthheart on April 11, 2017, 11:01:44 AM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on April 11, 2017, 10:42:20 AM
humor

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/new-united-airlines-motto-twitter_us_58ec9e53e4b0df7e2044dc2c?

QuoteWe put the hospital in hospitality.
:2funny:
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: OJsDad on April 11, 2017, 11:40:09 AM
So, now some think this guy was chosen because he's Chinese   #:-)

I have no sympathy for the bad PR that United is getting over this, but after listening to that guy scream like he was a wounded cat, maybe United did pick the right person. 
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 11, 2017, 12:30:38 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/99dgkTs.gif)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 11, 2017, 12:32:26 PM
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fag2FFx7.png&hash=856f9388dc41005c663e5dc63d84f96b160ec94c)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 11, 2017, 12:58:36 PM
Heh. Even Merriam Webster got a shot in

https://twitter.com/MerriamWebster/status/851602942037819392
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 11, 2017, 01:41:22 PM
Quote from: mirth on April 11, 2017, 12:32:26 PM
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fag2FFx7.png&hash=856f9388dc41005c663e5dc63d84f96b160ec94c)

scroll up 4 posts, amigo
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 11, 2017, 01:44:50 PM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on April 11, 2017, 01:41:22 PM
Quote from: mirth on April 11, 2017, 12:32:26 PM
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fag2FFx7.png&hash=856f9388dc41005c663e5dc63d84f96b160ec94c)

scroll up 4 posts, amigo

no
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: trailrunner on April 11, 2017, 06:18:01 PM
Both my United flights back from Kauai yesterday and today were overbooked.  However, they got bona fide volunteers to give up their seats, with no kicking, screaming, or youtube-worthy moments of despair.


Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 11, 2017, 06:41:55 PM
http://secondnexus.com/politics-and-economics/united-passenger-totally-legal/?utm_content=inf_10_1164_2&tse_id=INF_5d3221501ec011e7952abb19e3a2d0d6
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: DoctorQuest on April 11, 2017, 07:56:43 PM
^A comment from that article and this is what I wondered about. How the hell did they let "overbooked" passengers board???

"People who read this story need to be aware of this! This was NOT a normal overbook situation. A normal one would be resolved by the gate agents before anyone boards the plane via voluntary or involuntary giving up of seats. This was caused by the airline trying to squeeze crew member in to the destination to work on a flight the next day, AFTER the plane has already boarded."

I am not sure this person knows what they are talking about but it does make you wonder if the gate crew REALLY messed up.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: OJsDad on April 11, 2017, 08:05:27 PM
My daughter and I were talking about this when the news was on.  I made 2 points to her.

1.  The overbooked passengers should never have been allowed on the plane.  Thus, that's on United.
2.  When the TSA came on board and told the passenger to leave the plane, he needed to do that.  It's no different when a person get pulled over by a cop and then ignores everything they're being instructed to do. 
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: DoctorQuest on April 11, 2017, 08:08:52 PM
Quote from: OJsDad on April 11, 2017, 08:05:27 PM
My daughter and I were talking about this when the news was on.  I made 2 points to her.

1.  The overbooked passengers should never have been allowed on the plane.  Thus, that's on United.
2.  When the TSA came on board and told the passenger to leave the plane, he needed to do that.  It's no different when a person get pulled over by a cop and then ignores everything they're being instructed to do.

Yup. Agree on both points.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Steelgrave on April 11, 2017, 08:31:55 PM
Apparently the flight was not overbooked. The flight was full but was delayed when four United crewmembers showed up saying they needed to catch the flight in order to make their own flight on time. At that point United decided to remove four paying passengers to make room for the United employees. Also, United may have violated Federal law by the way they removed the passengers. Lastly (and it may have no relevance legally) it wasn't TSA who removed the passenger, but instead local Chicago Aviation Security Officers, which some have described as basically working for the airlines and other articles have labeled "unarmed Security officers". The Chicago Police Department has already issued statements putting distance between themselves and these Aviation Security Officers.

From the article:

"The whole incident seems to have arisen from an unusual situation unanticipated by the airline. United says the flight was already fully boarded when four crew members approached the gate, saying they needed to board the plane to get to Louisville, where the flight was headed."


https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/uniteds-real-mistake-173844672.html
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: MikeGER on April 12, 2017, 02:18:49 AM
i've read the flight was only from Chicago to Louisville

.... a quick google search revealed that's only 300 miles (street) and 4:40 drive ? 
(the UA 3411 flight takes 2:22   ...now add time margins for getting to the airport with a cab, check-in lane, security-procedure-lane and boarding-hall and baggage claim later it gets almost close to the drive)

when the situation unfolded with no volunteers United could have even set the 4 crew members to transport in a comfy van taxi or charter a small privat propeller plane (an "air taxi" service or "sight seeing" service from a local small biz) with a transport capability of 4,
i am sure such services (or just a privat pilot who owns a plane and likes to earn some bucks) must exist in Chicago, with the big lake, landscape and all ?     
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 12, 2017, 07:42:29 AM
(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/s480x480/17522728_618129701716091_7261325957089198910_n.png?oh=6d38efc27513cfd66681c874077e7c4a&oe=59914FD7)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 12, 2017, 07:43:30 AM
(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17523572_10155971116168572_5990458544202730970_n.jpg?oh=b5300e3cea42588690f6b0a9fe08b874&oe=59922F93)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Steelgrave on April 12, 2017, 09:52:49 AM
While this incident may be a catalyst for customer revolt against United, it seems to be far from the only case. Several have started to pop up in the news, including this one, where a first class passenger who was already seated and had a drink, was threatened with being handcuffed and dragged off the plane if he didn't give up his seat for a latecomer. Worse, United's response was equally as tone-deaf as "re-accommodating passengers":

http://www.latimes.com/business/lazarus/la-fi-lazarus-united-low-priority-passenger-20170412-story.html (http://www.latimes.com/business/lazarus/la-fi-lazarus-united-low-priority-passenger-20170412-story.html)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 12, 2017, 09:59:24 AM
^wow  :o
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Steelgrave on April 12, 2017, 09:59:37 AM
And a story from an aviation lawyer who has successfully sued airlines for unlawful practices:

http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/11/opinions/i-got-bumped-from-a-flight-then-i-sued-opinion-stone/?iid=ob_article_footer_expansion (http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/11/opinions/i-got-bumped-from-a-flight-then-i-sued-opinion-stone/?iid=ob_article_footer_expansion)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 12, 2017, 10:43:21 AM
probably fake, still hilarious

(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17862588_1835358796786916_6323659133647484674_n.jpg?oh=aad368bd50e8ae0538b4b46e7f527b72&oe=5950F9BF)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: airboy on April 12, 2017, 11:29:59 AM
Dr. Quest & OJs Dad - I agree with your observations.

To everyone who posted a meme - Thanks!  Bad day in the family and those cheered me up!
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: DoctorQuest on April 12, 2017, 11:44:25 AM
Quote from: airboy on April 12, 2017, 11:29:59 AM
Dr. Quest & OJs Dad - I agree with your observations.

To everyone who posted a meme - Thanks!  Bad day in the family and those cheered me up!

I hope things get better, airboy. There is probably not much we can do to help but if we can cheer you up that is something.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: OJsDad on April 12, 2017, 11:48:49 AM
Quote from: DoctorQuest on April 12, 2017, 11:44:25 AM
Quote from: airboy on April 12, 2017, 11:29:59 AM
Dr. Quest & OJs Dad - I agree with your observations.

To everyone who posted a meme - Thanks!  Bad day in the family and those cheered me up!

I hope things get better, airboy. There is probably not much we can do to help but if we can cheer you up that is something.

+1

Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 12, 2017, 11:52:22 AM
^ +2

(https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-0/p261x260/17917289_1527545773942837_7541739982293540481_o.jpg?oh=b531a542b5adbbbf0ef4829ae4175739&oe=59577CF1)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: airboy on April 12, 2017, 12:56:36 PM
Quote from: DoctorQuest on April 12, 2017, 11:44:25 AM
Quote from: airboy on April 12, 2017, 11:29:59 AM
Dr. Quest & OJs Dad - I agree with your observations.

To everyone who posted a meme - Thanks!  Bad day in the family and those cheered me up!

I hope things get better, airboy. There is probably not much we can do to help but if we can cheer you up that is something.

Appreciate it.  End of life issues with both in-laws.  Just part of life.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: DoctorQuest on April 12, 2017, 01:15:05 PM
Quote from: airboy on April 12, 2017, 12:56:36 PM
Quote from: DoctorQuest on April 12, 2017, 11:44:25 AM
Quote from: airboy on April 12, 2017, 11:29:59 AM
Dr. Quest & OJs Dad - I agree with your observations.

To everyone who posted a meme - Thanks!  Bad day in the family and those cheered me up!

I hope things get better, airboy. There is probably not much we can do to help but if we can cheer you up that is something.

Appreciate it.  End of life issues with both in-laws.  Just part of life.

I have been there. You have my sympathy. Good luck.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Steelgrave on April 12, 2017, 01:52:43 PM
Quote from: airboy on April 12, 2017, 12:56:36 PM
Quote from: DoctorQuest on April 12, 2017, 11:44:25 AM
Quote from: airboy on April 12, 2017, 11:29:59 AM
Dr. Quest & OJs Dad - I agree with your observations.

To everyone who posted a meme - Thanks!  Bad day in the family and those cheered me up!

I hope things get better, airboy. There is probably not much we can do to help but if we can cheer you up that is something.

Appreciate it.  End of life issues with both in-laws.  Just part of life.
Sorry to hear that, brother. Best to you and yours.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Sir Slash on April 12, 2017, 02:08:14 PM
Certainly agree with the above. This is one of my 'get-away-from-all-the shit' places I go to for some humor and stress relief. Speaking of stress....... My wife and I have our daughter, son-in-law, their 2 year-old, and dog moving back in with us until their new home is built. And they haven't even bought a lot yet.  :hide:   Fortunately, they're good people, and dog, so it may work-out OK. But if not, then I'll probably have to be the 'Bad Guy' to set them straight about how things really are and who knows what that will do to the family connection. So, I'll be coming here A LOT for a "Reality Escape" cause I only got so much bourbon in the house. YOU FEEL ME?  :peace:
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bob48 on April 12, 2017, 02:21:52 PM
My dear chap. I have a camp bed in the corner of the laundry room and a scrap of an old blanket should you need it.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 12, 2017, 03:18:46 PM
some alternate viewpoints

https://thepilotwifelife.wordpress.com/2017/04/11/i-know-youre-mad-at-united-but-thoughts-from-a-pilot-wife-about-flight-3411/
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 12, 2017, 03:24:06 PM
(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17884516_10159192381535377_825317123567411043_n.jpg?oh=fa03e8669830780f68ab5b877f42a299&oe=5958253C)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 12, 2017, 03:40:45 PM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on April 12, 2017, 03:18:46 PM
some alternate viewpoints

https://thepilotwifelife.wordpress.com/2017/04/11/i-know-youre-mad-at-united-but-thoughts-from-a-pilot-wife-about-flight-3411/


Invoking 9/11 for this incident is a bit over the top.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 12, 2017, 03:47:33 PM
Also it isn't clear (at least to my knowledge) that United didn't break any laws in this instance. I haven't read definitively that they met this DOT requirement.

QuoteDOT requires each airline to give all passengers who are bumped involuntarily a written statement describing their rights and explaining how the carrier decides who gets on an oversold flight and who doesn't.

This is the DOT link referenced in the blog post:

https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/fly-rights#Overbooking
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 12, 2017, 04:02:05 PM
I wish you and your family the best, Airboy.

Slash my family and I lived with my in-laws through one of the worst winters ever, 2013-2014, for a total of 8 months.

By the end of month eight I thought my father in law was going to slaughter all of us with an ax in our sleep.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 12, 2017, 05:36:10 PM
(https://i.redditmedia.com/_zY4Je_scxuF48952lqmzqXfiFF1IR3VEoANRr0kYfY.jpg?w=1024&s=9f938627f690029310a5c373495b18ef)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 12, 2017, 05:48:21 PM
 :2funny:
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 12, 2017, 05:52:23 PM
(https://i.redd.it/17r6fud9a7ry.jpg)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 12, 2017, 05:54:06 PM
(https://i.redd.it/byliz4phb0ry.png)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 12, 2017, 05:56:07 PM
I guess it was perfectly legal

(https://i.redd.it/2xlsf65587ry.jpg)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: MetalDog on April 12, 2017, 06:53:29 PM
My sympathies to you and your wife, airboy.  Hope you find us as entertaining as we do ourselves and take some of the stress away.

And I'm feeling for you, too, Slash.  My (ex)m-i-l lived with me 3 different times.  Including one time where my wife kicked me out of my own man-cave and gave it to her mother as her bedroom.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Steelgrave on April 12, 2017, 07:10:33 PM
Quote from: MetalDog on April 12, 2017, 06:53:29 PM
Including one time where my wife kicked me out of my own man-cave and gave it to her mother as her bedroom.

Now that just ain't right...... :buck2:
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Sir Slash on April 12, 2017, 07:11:59 PM
OUCH MD! Thanks Bob for the scrap of blanket, I may need it. And Gus, I may need to borrow that Rottweiler to eat my family.  :pullhair:
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: MetalDog on April 12, 2017, 07:46:41 PM
^Figured that might provide some solace in the times your house is overrun and there's no quiet place to be.

Quote from: Steelgrave on April 12, 2017, 07:10:33 PM
Quote from: MetalDog on April 12, 2017, 06:53:29 PM
Including one time where my wife kicked me out of my own man-cave and gave it to her mother as her bedroom.

Now that just ain't right...... :buck2:

I didn't think so either.  But, by that time, I'd pretty much given up so...
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 12, 2017, 07:47:43 PM
(https://thechive.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/e043223d89ef072346eff90d762cae7064ce88ae94a5d3da938ea5539ef255b6_1.jpg?quality=85&strip=info&w=600)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 12, 2017, 08:28:18 PM
Feel free to take the Rottweiler, Slash. The Wife and I just went to the window repair shop today to get the two screen windows and one screen door that he destroyed, repaired. He is great at wrecking things. Like marriages.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Sir Slash on April 12, 2017, 10:24:14 PM
Does he travel well? And how soon after eating does he pass human bones?
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: JudgeDredd on April 13, 2017, 12:58:22 AM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on April 12, 2017, 03:18:46 PM
some alternate viewpoints

https://thepilotwifelife.wordpress.com/2017/04/11/i-know-youre-mad-at-united-but-thoughts-from-a-pilot-wife-about-flight-3411/
Well that just came across as condescending.

Also - I don't subscribe to this "the law can go unquestioned" thing. I understand in the US that means you stand a good chance of being shot and perhaps if I resided in the US, I might just do whatever the law says. But a badge does not give a person the right to "bully" you into doing something - the LAW does. I'm not saying in this case those security officers didn't act within the law - I don't know "their law"...I'm just saying that people (including this woman) saying that someone should do something just because someone with a badge said so doesn't fly with me (pun intended).

As for the article and the incident itself. Regardless of whether the airline was following their (or any other establishments) rules, their implementation of it was atrocious. As pointed out in several places I've seen, including here, there were other options for United to get their people to another place. Dragging a passenger from their paid for seat should not have been one of them.

The shite going on on the internet about it being because he was Asian or that he was "beaten" is just detracting from the awful mess that company created. Compounded by the owner tweeting that the guy was belligerent. Try and get me off my paid for seat without a good "security" reason and see how belligerent I get.

As for the memes - that's the internet at it's best. I've had some serious laughs from some of the memes I've seen.

Now  :knuppel2:  someone give up their posting rights or I'll choose someone  :knuppel2:
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 13, 2017, 04:26:37 AM
Munoz is backpedaling hard

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/12/business/united-dragged-passenger-video-chicago.html
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: JudgeDredd on April 13, 2017, 05:48:24 AM
Can you imagine what it must've been like for the PR manager for United turning up at work saying good morning to all his staff with everyone just looking into their coffee knowing the shit storm that was going to be flying round the building?  :2funny:
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 13, 2017, 07:30:57 AM
(https://i.redd.it/9hjfh4nsh6ry.jpg)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Barthheart on April 13, 2017, 07:43:10 AM
 :2funny:
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: JasonPratt on April 13, 2017, 08:49:29 AM
I've heard union regulations forced United to handle the incident this way.

Too sick with a head cold to evaluate the coherency of that this morning. Opinions?
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 13, 2017, 09:13:02 AM
I'd like to see the regs that require giving a beat down to passengers. Don't screw with that union.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Steelgrave on April 13, 2017, 09:31:24 AM
Gotta be Teamsters  ::)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 13, 2017, 10:18:31 AM
Quote from: mirth on April 13, 2017, 09:13:02 AM
I'd like to see the regs that require giving a beat down to passengers. Don't screw with that union.

The union regs covered putting the flight crew on the plane to get to Louisville.
The Chicago cops best the passenger. They're the ones that really screwed that up
United shouldn't have let the guy board
The cops shouldn't have deboarded him that way. Pay for plane tickets for the flight crew to get there some other way and penalize the gate agent who let the passengers board
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Sir Slash on April 13, 2017, 10:19:33 AM
This is exactly why passengers should be allowed to carry guns on airplanes-- to even-up the odds. :cowboy:   United should go back to the old way of kicking people off their flights. Serve them prune juice at the start of the flight followed by the ejecting toilet seat trick. Simple.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: SirAndrewD on April 13, 2017, 12:54:56 PM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on April 13, 2017, 10:18:31 AM
Quote from: mirth on April 13, 2017, 09:13:02 AM
I'd like to see the regs that require giving a beat down to passengers. Don't screw with that union.

The union regs covered putting the flight crew on the plane to get to Louisville.
The Chicago cops best the passenger. They're the ones that really screwed that up
United shouldn't have let the guy board
The cops shouldn't have deboarded him that way. Pay for plane tickets for the flight crew to get there some other way and penalize the gate agent who let the passengers board

The problem here was that the dead head passengers showed up late to the gate after the plane had already been boarded.  It wasn't overbooked, United just screwed up and realized they needed crew in Louisville and had their people rush to that flight to get them there asap.  The flight had no idea they'd have to make room for four dead heads until they were literally about to taxi out.

After that, United decided to try to lowball the passengers for being bumped.  The $400 and $800 offers were a lot less than the $1350 they were entitled to for being involuntarily removed.  United should've started the bidding around $1500 and not stopped until they had takers.   Small price to pay considering the losses they're going to incur going the way they did.

The rest, as you say, goes to the Chicago Aviation Department police who decided to treat the guy like he was a criminal.   
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 13, 2017, 05:33:05 PM
The 'removal team' were not cops, they were 'Chicago Aviation Security.' Chicago Police have put out a few releases distancing themselves from 'Chicago Aviation Security.'
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Steelgrave on April 13, 2017, 05:38:36 PM
Quote from: SirAndrewD on April 13, 2017, 12:54:56 PM
The problem here was that the dead head passengers showed up late to the gate after the plane had already been boarded.  It wasn't overbooked, United just screwed up and realized they needed crew in Louisville and had their people rush to that flight to get them there asap.  The flight had no idea they'd have to make room for four dead heads until they were literally about to taxi out.

After that, United decided to try to lowball the passengers for being bumped.  The $400 and $800 offers were a lot less than the $1350 they were entitled to for being involuntarily removed.  United should've started the bidding around $1500 and not stopped until they had takers.   Small price to pay considering the losses they're going to incur going the way they did.

The rest, as you say, goes to the Chicago Aviation Department police who decided to treat the guy like he was a criminal.

Ya gotta scroll up sometimes, brother. You're a couple of days behind the news curve  8)

Quote from: Steelgrave on April 11, 2017, 08:31:55 PM
Apparently the flight was not overbooked. The flight was full but was delayed when four United crewmembers showed up saying they needed to catch the flight in order to make their own flight on time. At that point United decided to remove four paying passengers to make room for the United employees. Also, United may have violated Federal law by the way they removed the passengers. Lastly (and it may have no relevance legally) it wasn't TSA who removed the passenger, but instead local Chicago Aviation Security Officers, which some have described as basically working for the airlines and other articles have labeled "unarmed Security officers". The Chicago Police Department has already issued statements putting distance between themselves and these Aviation Security Officers.

From the article:

"The whole incident seems to have arisen from an unusual situation unanticipated by the airline. United says the flight was already fully boarded when four crew members approached the gate, saying they needed to board the plane to get to Louisville, where the flight was headed."
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 13, 2017, 05:40:35 PM
Quote from: Gusington on April 13, 2017, 05:33:05 PM
The 'removal team' were not cops, they were 'Chicago Aviation Security.' Chicago Police have put out a few releases distancing themselves from 'Chicago Aviation Security.'

Yeah. CPD wants nothing to do with this shit show.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 13, 2017, 05:44:08 PM
^They have enough on their plate.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Nefaro on April 13, 2017, 05:45:26 PM
Quote from: Gusington on April 13, 2017, 05:44:08 PM
^They have enough on their plate.

No kidding. 

Weiner is probably still in town.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 13, 2017, 05:46:40 PM
Quote from: Gusington on April 13, 2017, 05:44:08 PM
^They have enough on their plate.

Indeed.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 13, 2017, 05:46:57 PM
Well anyway CEO Munoz is one of the biggest douchebags I've seen on TV lately, and in 2017, that is really saying something. What a totally apathetic asshole.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 13, 2017, 05:49:13 PM
And he just won an award for Communicator of the Year.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 13, 2017, 05:57:47 PM
That's a joke right? I get it.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 13, 2017, 06:03:36 PM
It's not a joke.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Staggerwing on April 13, 2017, 06:21:11 PM
It was awarded before this all happened. The group that did so said they would have made a different choice had they voted this week.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 13, 2017, 06:34:49 PM
I know. There's a touch of irony though.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: SirAndrewD on April 13, 2017, 06:46:11 PM
Quote from: Steelgrave on April 13, 2017, 05:38:36 PM

Ya gotta scroll up sometimes, brother. You're a couple of days behind the news curve  8)


Blah, sorry.  That's what you get when you are getting older and less sober as I am.   
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Steelgrave on April 13, 2017, 06:58:29 PM
^I can certainly relate to that in my own life   ::)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 13, 2017, 07:12:46 PM
I still love you, Poppa Smurf
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 13, 2017, 07:28:06 PM
Hug, Dad?
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Steelgrave on April 13, 2017, 07:41:09 PM
Just keep your hands where I can see 'em, boys   8)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: trailrunner on April 13, 2017, 08:03:36 PM
Quote from: mirth on April 13, 2017, 05:49:13 PM
And he just won an award for Communicator of the Year.

That also shows you that most awards like that are pretty meaningless.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 13, 2017, 08:21:55 PM
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.dailymail.co.uk%2Fi%2Fpix%2F2016%2F12%2F07%2F23%2F3B27FAC400000578-4011358-image-m-19_1481152293580.jpg&hash=cf122127e5a9eb98a1b207b40186f7ecee23bb84)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 13, 2017, 08:25:00 PM
^bingo
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Sir Slash on April 13, 2017, 09:28:07 PM
He would've drug a lot of people off a plane-- ticket or no.  L:-)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 13, 2017, 09:32:08 PM
Quote from: Sir Slash on April 13, 2017, 09:28:07 PM
He would've drug a lot of people off a plane-- ticket or no.  L:-)

Sounds like a perfect fit at UAL.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: SirAndrewD on April 13, 2017, 10:58:07 PM
I do get remarkably interested in events like this, because my late mother, who was awesome, was a Southwest and Braniff "Flight Attendant" (and sometime Vegas Showgirl).    I grew up on bizarre stories of the airline industry, and actually learned to be a pilot before I was 18.

But yeah, never heard anything good about United.   I was sort of reminded of this..

Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 14, 2017, 05:36:36 AM
Quote from: Gusington on April 13, 2017, 08:21:55 PM
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.dailymail.co.uk%2Fi%2Fpix%2F2016%2F12%2F07%2F23%2F3B27FAC400000578-4011358-image-m-19_1481152293580.jpg&hash=cf122127e5a9eb98a1b207b40186f7ecee23bb84)

That one was eminently justifiable - remember that it's not given to the best person in the world that year, but the most influential.  Pretty hard to argue with that choice
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 14, 2017, 08:08:13 AM
Just shows how meaningless these 'awards' can be.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Sir Slash on April 14, 2017, 10:39:50 AM
Well, it was a slow year. And Stalin was busy.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: MikeGER on April 14, 2017, 10:48:28 AM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on April 14, 2017, 05:36:36 AM
Quote from: Gusington on April 13, 2017, 08:21:55 PM
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.dailymail.co.uk%2Fi%2Fpix%2F2016%2F12%2F07%2F23%2F3B27FAC400000578-4011358-image-m-19_1481152293580.jpg&hash=cf122127e5a9eb98a1b207b40186f7ecee23bb84)

That one was eminently justifiable - remember that it's not given to the best person in the world that year, but the most influential.  Pretty hard to argue with that choice

also well know for "re-accommodation"  :o

and communication skills (https://49.media.tumblr.com/93493c9b5fac5c806c7f140cfd16161d/tumblr_nwjredblBS1rjssvvo1_400.gif) ^-^
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bob48 on April 14, 2017, 11:18:33 AM
Is that him doing his famous Al Jolson impression?
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Staggerwing on April 14, 2017, 11:34:11 AM
"Mammy!"
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 14, 2017, 11:59:07 AM
Again, not an award for most admired. It can (and has) gone to assholes. But they were assholes who were hugely influential on world events that year.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Sir Slash on April 14, 2017, 12:09:30 PM
As Assholes often are.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Staggerwing on April 14, 2017, 12:40:38 PM
Yep. The 'World Influencing Nice-Guy/Gal' roster is pretty small, and often anecdotally proven.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 14, 2017, 12:51:42 PM
There is no denying the oratory skill of Hitler. He hypnotized a whole country!
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Staggerwing on April 14, 2017, 12:57:41 PM
His admirers were numerous outside of Germany as well, especially through most of the 30's.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 14, 2017, 12:59:02 PM
Sean Spicer seems to think he's okay.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 14, 2017, 01:03:11 PM
Ok - a whole continent...and beyond.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Staggerwing on April 14, 2017, 01:04:36 PM
Quote from: mirth on April 14, 2017, 12:59:02 PM
Sean Spicer seems to think he's okay.

And free of chemical additives to boot.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 14, 2017, 10:39:42 PM
(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17884024_1508315879231685_466050926454163135_n.png?oh=d222ac9a28d6f22e58ac6f1ed2276bcd&oe=5993B154)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 15, 2017, 12:03:50 PM
 ;D

God I hate flying.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Steelgrave on April 18, 2017, 08:42:19 AM
As more and more companies adopt United's "less customer service, more customer compliance" example......

http://www.gocomics.com/brian-mcfadden/2017/04/17 (http://www.gocomics.com/brian-mcfadden/2017/04/17)

Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bbmike on April 18, 2017, 12:12:36 PM
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aarcentral.com%2Fpics%2F3850.jpg&hash=012a27686b111e92992b99a9f451bf84a292fb76)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 18, 2017, 12:18:15 PM
 :2funny:
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: DoctorQuest on April 18, 2017, 12:58:06 PM
Quote from: Gusington on April 18, 2017, 12:18:15 PM
:2funny:
+1
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Barthheart on April 18, 2017, 02:04:29 PM
(https://thechive.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/do-you-have-a-dirty-mind-lets-find-out-40-photos-217.jpg?quality=85&strip=info&w=600)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 18, 2017, 06:29:30 PM
(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18010125_10210160411661719_5719718970775500106_n.jpg?oh=9dd9c2162d71b2db429f7c39439d0eb5&oe=594FB4FF)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 19, 2017, 09:02:19 AM
That one is fantastic.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 20, 2017, 05:53:06 PM
(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18056809_10155148558494882_2649368068125277188_n.jpg?oh=3b0f90eaac8809f9472dd0bddbfe9b65&oe=597AF47D)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 20, 2017, 05:53:15 PM
(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17951688_10203127946997727_5534476935096341510_n.jpg?oh=ed5d83e41365b702bf5d8491e8800396&oe=59883803)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 20, 2017, 05:54:24 PM
^lmao
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 21, 2017, 06:13:37 PM
More fallout

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/21/business/united-airlines-ceo.html
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Staggerwing on April 21, 2017, 06:46:20 PM
My dad flew for United from 1966 to sometime in the mid 80's, starting as Flight Engineer on the DC-8, and ending up as Co-pilot on the 747 (after a stint as Captain on the DC-10). United Airlines actually sponsored his emigration (along with my whole family) from The Netherlands to the USA.


If any of you are old enough you may remember flying somewhere as a passenger on an airliner as an experience with just a hint of adventure. Now, not so much. It's more like the very worst of being on the Subway, complete with transit cops, barfing drunks, and the absolute pinnacle of Third World Bureaucracies. As a kid, teen, and even into my 20's I always looked forward to flying somewhere. Now the only reason I'd fly somewhere would be a family emergency or to get away from something awful. No good place or thing seems worth the grief of getting there.


As the son of an airline pilot the whole thing makes me sad.  :(
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 21, 2017, 07:18:40 PM
That could be the saddest thing I've read today.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 21, 2017, 07:37:29 PM
Quote from: Gusington on April 21, 2017, 07:18:40 PM
That could be the saddest thing I've read today.

Try reading my journal.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 21, 2017, 07:41:46 PM
I know better than to ever do that.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 21, 2017, 07:49:53 PM
And you want to write my memoirs
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 21, 2017, 07:50:52 PM
Make that 're-write.' No one could handle the actual memoirs.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 21, 2017, 07:52:35 PM
Quote from: Gusington on April 21, 2017, 07:50:52 PM
No one could handle the actual memoirs.

Lord knows I can't.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 21, 2017, 07:53:24 PM
Who could blame you. A good writer will turn that frown upside down.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 21, 2017, 07:58:56 PM
That's going to take a goddamn good writer.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bbmike on April 21, 2017, 08:00:11 PM
Quote from: Gusington on April 21, 2017, 07:53:24 PM
Who could blame you. A good writer will turn that frown upside down.

A good bourbon or Scotch will do the same thing.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 21, 2017, 08:01:35 PM
Quote from: bbmike on April 21, 2017, 08:00:11 PM
Quote from: Gusington on April 21, 2017, 07:53:24 PM
Who could blame you. A good writer will turn that frown upside down.

A good bourbon or Scotch will do the same thing.

Amen, brother!
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Steelgrave on April 22, 2017, 09:06:39 AM
More like Gus wants to star in your memoirs......    O0
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 22, 2017, 09:48:04 AM
Quote from: bbmike on April 21, 2017, 08:00:11 PM
Quote from: Gusington on April 21, 2017, 07:53:24 PM
Who could blame you. A good writer will turn that frown upside down.

A good bourbon or Scotch will do the same thing.

in a pinch, a bad bourbon or scotch will do, too
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: steve58 on April 22, 2017, 10:17:40 AM
American Airlines turn to show its great customer service.  American Airlines flight attendant 'whacks a mother in the head with a metal stroller while she holds her twin babies, then is filmed challenging a passenger to a FIGHT. (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4434620/American-Airlines-employee-challenges-passenger-FIGHT.html)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 22, 2017, 10:35:10 AM
American is handling it a little better than United did


Quote'What we see on this video does not reflect our values or how we care for our customers,' the company said in a statement.

'We are deeply sorry for the pain we have caused this passenger and her family and to any other customers affected by the incident.

'We are making sure all of her family's needs are being met while she is in our care.'

'After electing to take another flight, we are taking special care of her and her family and upgrading them to first class for the remainder of their international trip.

'The actions of our team member captured here do not appear to reflect patience or empathy, two values necessary for customer care.

'In short, we are disappointed by these actions. The American team member has been removed from duty while we immediately investigate this incident.'
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 22, 2017, 04:46:48 PM
WTF is wrong with everyone???

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FwieTGX6.png&hash=6c9b50cb3fba14de085281775dc93bae72ceb02c)



Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: OJsDad on April 22, 2017, 09:06:40 PM
The union is now saying not so fast on blaming the flight attendant;

http://thehill.com/policy/transportation/330085-flight-attendant-union-defends-american-airlines-worker-after

QuoteThe Association of Professional Flight Attendants is defending an American Airlines worker who was reportedly suspended after an apparent altercation with a passenger carrying an infant.

The flight attendant in question allegedly hit a woman with a stroller that she had brought on a flight and nearly struck her child while forcibly taking the stroller. A video after the alleged incident shows the woman in tears, before another passenger stands up and confronts the flight attendant. 

In a statement, the union – which represents American Airlines flight attendants – urged the public not to jump to conclusions about the reported episode, saying that the facts of the incident remain unclear.

"There are really two stories here related to this incident aboard a San Francisco to Dallas flight," the statement reads. "One, we don't know all of the facts related to a passenger who became distraught while boarding a plane and therefore neither the company nor the public should rush to judgment."

"Second, it appears another passenger may have threatened a flight attendant with violence, which is a violation of federal law and no small matter. Air rage has become a serious issue on our flights."

American Airlines said it was investigating the incident and expressed remorse for the situation.

"We are deeply sorry for the pain we have caused this passenger and her family and to any other customers affected by the incident," the airline said in a statement.

The incident aboard the American flight comes as United Airlines faces heightened scrutiny for an incident earlier this month in which a passenger was forcibly dragged off a flight after he refused to give up his seat to a United employee. 

The episode caused an uproar over flight crews' treatment of passengers and airlines' overbooking policies.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: trailrunner on April 23, 2017, 06:16:50 AM
Quote from: OJsDad on April 22, 2017, 09:06:40 PM
The union is now saying not so fast on blaming the flight attendant;


I'm sure there is another side of the story.  We only saw the last part of the incident in the video.  Here are my observations, sort of working backwards:

- The flight attendant was a hot-head and was out of line.  When the passenger challenged him, the FA should not have resorted to alpha-male posturing.  It's clear that the FA lost control.  As an employee, this is really wrong.

- The passenger who got up to challenge the FA was out of line.  He was trying to be a white knight.  He also should not have resorted to alpha-male posturing.  However, the union's assertion that he threatened the FA is a serious issue is implying that he's a terrorist and a bit of a stretch.  And even though he was wrong, buy his reaction, it does seem like the FA did something pretty egregious to the mom that started the incident.

- Not sure what's going on with the mom.  Obviously something happened that upset her.  I think (think) it was minor misunderstanding that turned into a power struggle.  The FA over-reacted and was curt, rude, or worse.  I doubt that he intentionally whacked her on the head, but during the silly give-me-that-stroller-or-else struggle, contact was made.

- I think the fundamental issue with these incidents is that a) the airline employees don't particularly like their jobs and aren't treated well by their management.  They can't take it out on management, but they do deal with the surly flying public every day, so it's natural for them to take out their frustration on the passengers; and b) a lot of the airline employees get used to bossing people around and become bullies and de facto cops.  A minor and innocent situation, like the stroller incident on AA, becomes a power struggle between a FA and the mom.  The FA has some basic authority, but it's unclear what happens when his authority isn't honored when they are trying to board a plane.  When it's a more significant issue, like the guy who lost his seat on the UA flight, the employees have zero empathy with the problem they are causing the passenger, and go into cop mode: they are the boss, and there will be consequences if you don't comply!  The entire business-customer relationship is lost at that point.

Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 23, 2017, 06:34:23 AM
Multiple witnesses say the FA aggressively grabbed the stroller away from the mother, nearly striking one of her babies with the stroller. Some accounts indicated that the FA struck the mother in the face with the stroller as he grabbed it away.

The mother claimed another flight attendant told her she could try to fit the folded up stroller into one of the overhead bins.

The other passenger shouldn't have challenged the FA, but if he indeed watched a mother, with two baby children, get hit in the face with a stroller by an overly aggressive FA, I can understand his loss of composure.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: OJsDad on April 23, 2017, 11:51:50 AM
I fly Southwest and have flown quite a lot the last three years.  I've never seen them allow anyone to bring their strollers onto the plane.  People always have to check them at the gate and then they're waiting for them when at the gate when they get off the plane.  Give that there usually isn't any spare room in the overhead compartments, it seems to be a good idea. 
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 23, 2017, 12:18:46 PM
I don't know about strollers, but I flew on a small Delta regional jet a couple weeks ago and almost everyone had a small wheeled piece of luggage in addition to a bag. And they all tried to fit the roll-on into the overhead, something that's almost impossible on those small planes. Then the roll-on had to go back out to the jet bridge to be stowed underneath.

It was a real PITA because you're trying to board and people ahead of you are trying to take their luggage back out to the jet bridge. I was amazed they were even allowed to bring the roll-on luggage onto the plane.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: MetalDog on April 23, 2017, 01:30:07 PM
Wouldn't be as bad if the airlines weren't charging $25 for each checked bag.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 23, 2017, 01:34:32 PM
I know. Still, people should have to gate check those wheeled bags on the smaller planes instead of trying to cram them into the overheads.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: OJsDad on April 23, 2017, 01:43:43 PM
Southwest doesn't charge for the first 2 checked bags, and still people want to carry their bags on board.  It's really bad when a flight is sold out and the last people on spend 10 minutes insisting that their bags not be checked. 
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: trailrunner on April 23, 2017, 03:04:22 PM
Quote from: mirth on April 23, 2017, 12:18:46 PM
I don't know about strollers, but I flew on a small Delta regional jet a couple weeks ago and almost everyone had a small wheeled piece of luggage in addition to a bag. And they all tried to fit the roll-on into the overhead, something that's almost impossible on those small planes. Then the roll-on had to go back out to the jet bridge to be stowed underneath.

It was a real PITA because you're trying to board and people ahead of you are trying to take their luggage back out to the jet bridge. I was amazed they were even allowed to bring the roll-on luggage onto the plane.

When I've flown on the small RJs, there is a cart outside the airplane for people to put their suitcases, even the smaller wheeled luggage.  Only thing allowed on the plane is your personal item (purse, backpack) and maybe a small gym bag.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Con on April 24, 2017, 06:55:23 AM
Having traveled with twins as babies myself I can only say I side 100% with he mother on this one.  You are in a state of survival mode when doing this.  The stroller is almost a critical item (especially when travelling alone).  You have to have somewhere safe to be able to put and secure the kids who look like they are at the crawling stage.  She also was flying from Argentina and had probably just completed a 10+ hour flight with the kids.  When travelling with twins every real hour is like 2 or 3 so the mom was probably exhausted and already close to a nervous breakdown.

I suspect that the first flight attendant was probably someone with more empathy and understanding of the situation re the stroller and understood the necessity of having the stroller close on hand for the single mom.  You do not realize the amount of stuff you need to take on board with for babies coupled with the feeling of helplessness at not being able to control the situation by yourself when both need attention and safety (re screaming climbing pulling on wires chewing feeding changing wiping clean entertaining soothing etc).  Its truly a nightmare for a single parent of twin babies.  It almost broke my wife and me travelling with them and my hat is off to anyone who has done this by themselves.

The second flight attendant was more interested in having his way and escalated this into a power struggle re the stroller.  Was he right perhaps but did he use empathy and common sense - no

I dont think its a white knight situation when any parent sees another distraught mother holding babies to step in.  The feeling of gratitude when there is someone else to help is overwhelming.  I know I am more empathetic to moms in this situation and can give examples where I have stepped in to help and or confront someone who is being a hazard to the parent/kids (none as extreme as this) that I wouldn't have done before becoming a parent with twins myself.

Con


Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 24, 2017, 07:46:34 AM
I'm totally empathetic to the mom in this situation. Right or wrong, the FA who went off on her completely mishandled the situation and ended up looking like an a-hole.

It would have been hard to witness that and not speak up in defense of the mother.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Steelgrave on April 24, 2017, 10:32:38 AM
Ditto to the last two posts. The FA was being a bully and an a-hole. Someone on the flight did something other than pull out their IPhone and take video (although I'm glad there IS video or this wouldn't be a story). I'm simply glad the white knight passenger didn't get himself cuffed and thrown off the plane as well.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 24, 2017, 12:56:03 PM
Doesn't even have to be twins! When my daughters were younger, like 2 years and six months respectively...it was an airlift operation to get them anywhere. And to Con's point, that was with both me and The Wife taking care of them! Single handedly...I can't even imagine.

I wonder how the steward would have acted if it was a single dad, instead of a mom.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Sir Slash on April 24, 2017, 01:28:45 PM
Back when I worked for a living, being that it was in the Mental Health Field, we ran into many stressful situations when your last ounce of patience was tested mightily. We had to learn to spot when a co-worker was approaching the 'melt-down' phase and pull that person aside and tell them to go take a break and cool-off. We also had to learn to take that advice from each other about ourselves and do it-- not easy at all. Somebody should've pulled this guy aside and tell him to 'chill' for awhile. Problem is Management see this and thinks, "Loafing" so we had to learn to handle it on our own and cover for each other. Maybe not possible working for an airline, but they should encourage it. My 2 cents.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 24, 2017, 02:53:42 PM
No wonder you fit in here so well.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Steelgrave on April 24, 2017, 03:05:43 PM
Quote from: Gusington on April 24, 2017, 12:56:03 PM
I wonder how the steward would have acted if it was a single dad, instead of a mom.

I say no way he yanks that stroller out of a guys hands like he did her. Cause a guy ain't gonna cry about it. Imagine if it was the dude who stepped up. They would be pulling that stroller out of the FA's ......posterior.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 24, 2017, 03:40:37 PM
Quote from: Steelgrave on April 24, 2017, 03:05:43 PM
Quote from: Gusington on April 24, 2017, 12:56:03 PM
I wonder how the steward would have acted if it was a single dad, instead of a mom.

I say no way he yanks that stroller out of a guys hands like he did her. Cause a guy ain't gonna cry about it. Imagine if it was the dude who stepped up. They would be pulling that stroller out of the FA's ......posterior.

That would have been a video worth watching :P
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bob48 on April 24, 2017, 03:46:01 PM
Blimey. Episodes like this make me glad that I've never flown.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Barthheart on April 24, 2017, 04:44:40 PM
DOH! Now we're never gettin Bob over here....  #:-)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bob48 on April 24, 2017, 04:46:07 PM
Nope. Y'all will have to come here instead.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Barthheart on April 24, 2017, 04:46:37 PM
Working on it.....
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bob48 on April 24, 2017, 04:47:41 PM
Doug can be the advance party and do a recce in May  :bd:
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 24, 2017, 04:48:02 PM
Quote from: bob48 on April 24, 2017, 03:46:01 PM
Blimey. Episodes like this make me glad that I've never flown.

Not since your Luftstache days anyway.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bob48 on April 24, 2017, 04:48:38 PM
...we try not to talk about that.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 24, 2017, 04:49:29 PM
I'm working on my office to open a UK branch.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Con on April 24, 2017, 04:49:39 PM
Quote from: Steelgrave on April 24, 2017, 03:05:43 PM
Quote from: Gusington on April 24, 2017, 12:56:03 PM
I wonder how the steward would have acted if it was a single dad, instead of a mom.

I say no way he yanks that stroller out of a guys hands like he did her. Cause a guy ain't gonna cry about it. Imagine if it was the dude who stepped up. They would be pulling that stroller out of the FA's ......posterior.
I am 6ft 4 and weigh 230lbs.  I guarantee you that if I climbed onboard the plane with the kids under each arm and demanded they find a place to stow a stroller they would have!  The one time things got a little testy is when I heard some people complaining behind me on a red eye when my kids were fussing (or probably screaming up a storm).  I stood up and carried them both up and down the aisle and made a point to loom over the people who had been bitching.  I never said a word but the way I looked at them they didnt say a peep again for the rest of the flight
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 24, 2017, 04:50:18 PM
Quote from: bob48 on April 24, 2017, 04:48:38 PM
...we try not to talk about that.

My bad.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bob48 on April 24, 2017, 04:50:40 PM
Quote from: mirth on April 24, 2017, 04:49:29 PM
I'm working on my office to open a UK branch.

Make sure its in the North East though.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 24, 2017, 04:51:59 PM
Quote from: bob48 on April 24, 2017, 04:50:40 PM
Quote from: mirth on April 24, 2017, 04:49:29 PM
I'm working on my office to open a UK branch.

Make sure its in the North East though.

I'll add that to the requirements.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 24, 2017, 05:10:35 PM
Damn I wish I was 6'4" just for a day. Hell even 5'4" would be cool :)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bob48 on April 24, 2017, 05:12:07 PM
Just lie about your height.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 24, 2017, 05:12:50 PM
I have been the entire time I've known these guys. I'm really 6'8".

Don't tell anyone.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bob48 on April 24, 2017, 05:13:43 PM
Your secret is safe with me.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 24, 2017, 05:15:20 PM
Thank you, Sir. Ever the gentleman.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Sir Slash on April 24, 2017, 06:43:29 PM
I used to know a guy that was taller laying-down sideways than standing-up.   :wow:   I have no memory of how we were able to determine that but it must've been funny as hell.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 24, 2017, 07:53:07 PM
I'm trying to figure out how that is possible  :buck2:
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Sir Slash on April 24, 2017, 10:18:56 PM
I seem to remember him being in a falling elevator from the top floor. He was 6'8" when he got in and only four feet tall when he hit bottom. The rest all went to the waistline and he ended-up bigger around than tall. It was in Ripley's Believe It Or Not. Didn't any of you go to one of their 500+ locations? It was right next to the guy who could swallow his own head. STOP LOOKING AT ME LIKE I'M CRAZY!   :crazy2:
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 25, 2017, 06:32:38 AM
The guy who could swallow his own head is no friend of mine.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Sir Slash on April 25, 2017, 09:09:02 AM
Yes, he has a lot of 'Gaul-Bladder'.   :DD
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 25, 2017, 01:28:11 PM
Grandpa?
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Martok on April 26, 2017, 02:44:59 AM
Quote from: Gusington on April 24, 2017, 05:10:35 PM
Damn I wish I was 6'4" just for a day. Hell even 5'4" would be cool :)
I thought you were like Napoleon, where the longstanding rumors/myths of your shortness were greatly exaggerated.  (Aren't you more like 5' 7"?)  ??? 

Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 26, 2017, 08:00:41 AM
Shhhh!!
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: OJsDad on April 26, 2017, 12:01:02 PM
http://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/how-flight-attendants-are-set-up-to-fail/ar-BBAmmIf?ocid=spartanntp

QuoteTwo weeks ago, a man was violently dragged off a United Airlines flight after being told it was overbooked. And late last week, American Airlines suspended a flight attendant after a fight nearly broke out between a passenger and the crew, over a stroller. What did the two incidents have in common? Both stories went viral after passengers' videos showcased the rotten conditions of flying in coach today. But also, in both cases, it's not particularly clear that the airline employees caught on camera had many better options.

On the infamous United flight, employees, following protocol, had to call security agents to remove a passenger in Chicago, due to a last-minute need to transport crew to fly out of Louisville the following day. United's contract of carriage gives employees broad latitude to deny boarding to passengers. On the other hand, it is terrible to force a sitting passenger to get up and de-board a plane. So, the attendants were stuck: Either four people already seated had to leave the plane, or a flight scheduled the next day would have been grounded due to the lack of crew—which would have punished even more paying customers.

On the American flight, it seems that employees were also following protocol when they removed a mother's stroller. According to the airline's contract of carriage, a stroller in this case must be be checked at the gate. When a brusque employee forcibly removed it from a crying mother, another male passenger, acting on an understandable human instinct, got up and threatened to punch the American employee. The situation ended peacefully, but American has suspended the employee.

It's easy to blame airline employees when something goes wrong on a flight. After all, who else is there to scream at—Boeing? Federal regulators? The invisible authors of the contract language? This is not to say that these incidents were not awful for passengers—they were. But it's also the case that flight attendants are getting shamed for doing their job during the flare-ups that inevitably arise from a bad system. Their jobs are getting increasingly difficult, thanks to two big trends: the airlines' corporate power to maximize profits from each flight, and flyers' power to broadcast their frustration on social media when tensions boil over.

After 9/11, the airlines suffered a wave of bankruptcies and an awful decade for some of the largest carriers. To get their numbers back to profitability, airlines cut the number of crew members per plane and added seats to coach, shrinking legroom and cutting amenities for passengers. (During this time, many airline employees also saw their promised pensions evaporate.) Rising fuel costs in the 2000s encouraged them to squeeze even more money from customers. Meanwhile, the fixation on a low-cost/low-service model was validated by consumers, who used price-comparison tools to find the cheapest path to their destination. A wave of mergers in recent years has led to consolidation of the industry, so that today four carriers account for 80 percent of all domestic seats sold. In such an oligopolistic environment, there are fewer airlines to compete on the key metric of their customers' comfort and satisfaction.

Helping passengers has become "more challenging due to tight schedules, overcrowded planes, shrinking seats, and limited overhead bin space," said Bob Ross, the president of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants union, in a statement after the American Airlines incident. He's biased. But he's right, too.

The major airlines posted record profits last year, and their productivity has come in large part from squeezing both customers and employees. Seat width has declined by about 5 to 10 percent since the mid-1980s, while "pitch"—the distance between a fixed point in each seat row—has shrunk between three to six inches in the last 30 years. Meanwhile, since 2000, both total passengers-per-airline-employee and "available seat miles"-per-employee (a standard measure of revenue potential) are up 20 percent or more for the major carriers, according to the Airline Data Project. In short: less room, smaller crew, higher profits, angrier passengers—and airline employees are caught in the middle of it all.

Meanwhile, just as flying became less comfortable—less legroom, fewer amenities—passengers today are left with one basic weapon to wield against any perceived injustice: They can turn on the camera function on their phones and point them at airline employees. Poor customer service is now punishable by public shaming, at the same time that it's become harder for crew members to provide adequate customer service. Customers and crew could be united against the airlines' profit obsession. But in reality, nobody else is fighting for more or better-paid crew members—not passengers, who'd prefer cheap flights, nor airlines, who'd like to maximize the profitability of each seat.

Now that every airplane has become a potential showdown between crew members and cramped passengers, the airlines train their employees to defuse the anger of flyers, like first responders to inevitable disasters. To the crews' credit, it might be working. The number of "unruly" passengers peaked at 310 in 2004. In the first seven months of last year, federal statistics recorded just 31.

But the last two weeks show that despite this overall improvement, crew members are still set up for public shaming. They are stuck between corporations that have no scruples about turning flying into a Dickensian experience and passengers who are willing to become ad-hoc documentarians of the petty abuses of the industry.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: OJsDad on April 27, 2017, 05:41:10 PM
United has agreed to a settlement with the passenger. 
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 27, 2017, 06:49:37 PM
Quote from: OJsDad on April 27, 2017, 05:41:10 PM
United has agreed to a settlement with the passenger. 

Just saw that

https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/physician-dragged-off-flight-settles-united-192558121.html
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bbmike on April 27, 2017, 06:57:28 PM
I'm guessing the passenger is off to Disney World now (via Uber).
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 27, 2017, 06:58:58 PM
Or his own private jet.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: OJsDad on April 27, 2017, 07:06:00 PM
Just another thought on flying.

Any of us that fly a lot know that the flight crews, airline workers at the airports and even the companies good job.  Do the drop the ball sometimes yes.  But I've watched them keep their cool and composure when passengers go out of their way to be complete jacka##s.  Passengers that think that a $250 ticket makes them king of the world.  Passengers that think because the travel a lot, the rules don't apply to them.  Luckily, it doesn't happen too much.  But every once in awhile, I'm hoping the flight crew will kick a passenger off the plane at 20,000ft. 
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:19:33 PM
I flew a few weeks ago for the first time since 9/11. I was a bit taken aback by how much it has become a purely numbers experience. Crammed into a tiny seat on a cramped plane with minimal amenities. It was depressing and made me glad I don't have to fly regularly.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Barthheart on April 27, 2017, 07:25:38 PM
I fly every couple of months for work and have been for the last 15 years. The downward spiral of the classiness of flying is unbelievable.... passengers are no more than cattle now and probably less due to PETA fighting for the cattle....
The "new" 777 has 19" wide seats! The fold down table is not large enough to hold my laptop so I can work from here to the left coast. Sure glad I'm not a large person....  :P

Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bbmike on April 27, 2017, 07:28:18 PM
Quote from: OJsDad on April 27, 2017, 07:06:00 PM
Just another thought on flying.

Any of us that fly a lot know that the flight crews, airline workers at the airports and even the companies good job.  Do the drop the ball sometimes yes.  But I've watched them keep their cool and composure when passengers go out of their way to be complete jacka##s.  Passengers that think that a $250 ticket makes them king of the world.  Passengers that think because the travel a lot, the rules don't apply to them.  Luckily, it doesn't happen too much.  But every once in awhile, I'm hoping the flight crew will kick a passenger off the plane at 20,000ft.

The passengers that don't know what the fine print on their ticket says or what Federal regulations say.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:28:39 PM
Quote from: Barthheart on April 27, 2017, 07:25:38 PM
passengers are no more than cattle now

That's exactly what it felt like to me.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:30:58 PM
I'll add that my flights were short - less than 2 hours one way and non-stop. I can't imagine being on a longer flight under those conditions. I'd lose my mind.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bbmike on April 27, 2017, 07:32:49 PM
Quote from: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:19:33 PM
I flew a few weeks ago for the first time since 9/11. I was a bit taken aback by how much it has become a purely numbers experience. Crammed into a tiny seat on a cramped plane with minimal amenities. It was depressing and made me glad I don't have to fly regularly.

+1. It's one of the reasons I prefer to drive 14 hours to get to Florida these days.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 27, 2017, 07:33:43 PM
Cattle are treated better. I have always hated flying. I'd rather take a train or car almost anywhere.

That said, I am flying to Chicago next week on United. I'm sure it will be awesome :/
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Barthheart on April 27, 2017, 07:33:58 PM
Try 14 hours crammed into a flight from Toronto to Tel Aviv....  :crazy2:
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:34:50 PM
Quote from: bbmike on April 27, 2017, 07:32:49 PM
Quote from: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:19:33 PM
I flew a few weeks ago for the first time since 9/11. I was a bit taken aback by how much it has become a purely numbers experience. Crammed into a tiny seat on a cramped plane with minimal amenities. It was depressing and made me glad I don't have to fly regularly.

+1. It's one of the reasons I prefer to drive 14 hours to get to Florida these days.

I was trying to figure out a flight to get to Origins. After my experience 3 weeks ago, I decided a 13 hour drive didn't seem so bad.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bbmike on April 27, 2017, 07:35:18 PM
Quote from: Barthheart on April 27, 2017, 07:33:58 PM
Try 14 hours crammed into a flight from Toronto to Tel Aviv....  :crazy2:

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aarcentral.com%2Fpics%2Fvomit.gif&hash=f8c0cec79f834c3558ced52ccf681c80fdf7c2e4)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:35:44 PM
Quote from: Barthheart on April 27, 2017, 07:33:58 PM
Try 14 hours crammed into a flight from Toronto to Tel Aviv....  :crazy2:

Hell no. I seriously don't think I could do it.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bbmike on April 27, 2017, 07:35:51 PM
Quote from: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:34:50 PM
Quote from: bbmike on April 27, 2017, 07:32:49 PM
Quote from: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:19:33 PM
I flew a few weeks ago for the first time since 9/11. I was a bit taken aback by how much it has become a purely numbers experience. Crammed into a tiny seat on a cramped plane with minimal amenities. It was depressing and made me glad I don't have to fly regularly.

+1. It's one of the reasons I prefer to drive 14 hours to get to Florida these days.

I was trying to figure out a flight to get to Origins. After my experience 3 weeks ago, I decided a 13 hour drive didn't seem so bad.

I'll buy you a drink when you get there.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:36:16 PM
Quote from: bbmike on April 27, 2017, 07:35:51 PM
Quote from: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:34:50 PM
Quote from: bbmike on April 27, 2017, 07:32:49 PM
Quote from: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:19:33 PM
I flew a few weeks ago for the first time since 9/11. I was a bit taken aback by how much it has become a purely numbers experience. Crammed into a tiny seat on a cramped plane with minimal amenities. It was depressing and made me glad I don't have to fly regularly.

+1. It's one of the reasons I prefer to drive 14 hours to get to Florida these days.

I was trying to figure out a flight to get to Origins. After my experience 3 weeks ago, I decided a 13 hour drive didn't seem so bad.

I'll buy you a drink when you get there.

I'm going to need one.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Barthheart on April 27, 2017, 07:36:40 PM
Quote from: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:34:50 PM
Quote from: bbmike on April 27, 2017, 07:32:49 PM
Quote from: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:19:33 PM
I flew a few weeks ago for the first time since 9/11. I was a bit taken aback by how much it has become a purely numbers experience. Crammed into a tiny seat on a cramped plane with minimal amenities. It was depressing and made me glad I don't have to fly regularly.

+1. It's one of the reasons I prefer to drive 14 hours to get to Florida these days.

I was trying to figure out a flight to get to Origins. After my experience 3 weeks ago, I decided a 13 hour drive didn't seem so bad.

Drive up here and we'll carpool.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:39:39 PM
Quote from: Barthheart on April 27, 2017, 07:36:40 PM
Quote from: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:34:50 PM
Quote from: bbmike on April 27, 2017, 07:32:49 PM
Quote from: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:19:33 PM
I flew a few weeks ago for the first time since 9/11. I was a bit taken aback by how much it has become a purely numbers experience. Crammed into a tiny seat on a cramped plane with minimal amenities. It was depressing and made me glad I don't have to fly regularly.

+1. It's one of the reasons I prefer to drive 14 hours to get to Florida these days.

I was trying to figure out a flight to get to Origins. After my experience 3 weeks ago, I decided a 13 hour drive didn't seem so bad.

Drive up here and we'll carpool.


Are you in Toronto? That might actually make sense. I'm pretty much going to have to drive by you to get to Columbus.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bbmike on April 27, 2017, 07:41:18 PM
Quote from: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:39:39 PM
Quote from: Barthheart on April 27, 2017, 07:36:40 PM
Quote from: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:34:50 PM
Quote from: bbmike on April 27, 2017, 07:32:49 PM
Quote from: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:19:33 PM
I flew a few weeks ago for the first time since 9/11. I was a bit taken aback by how much it has become a purely numbers experience. Crammed into a tiny seat on a cramped plane with minimal amenities. It was depressing and made me glad I don't have to fly regularly.

+1. It's one of the reasons I prefer to drive 14 hours to get to Florida these days.

I was trying to figure out a flight to get to Origins. After my experience 3 weeks ago, I decided a 13 hour drive didn't seem so bad.

Drive up here and we'll carpool.


Are you in Toronto? That might actually make sense. I'm pretty much going to have to drive by you to get to Columbus.

Don't let him try to sell you any softwood lumber! (https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aarcentral.com%2Fpics%2Fnono.gif&hash=7f45b9a8f1f2478c2eda4386312731737a5ec031)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:42:24 PM
This is probably a trap so he can exact some kind of vengeance for all the counter clipping pics I've posted.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Barthheart on April 27, 2017, 07:42:48 PM
Quote from: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:39:39 PM
Quote from: Barthheart on April 27, 2017, 07:36:40 PM
Quote from: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:34:50 PM
Quote from: bbmike on April 27, 2017, 07:32:49 PM
Quote from: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:19:33 PM
I flew a few weeks ago for the first time since 9/11. I was a bit taken aback by how much it has become a purely numbers experience. Crammed into a tiny seat on a cramped plane with minimal amenities. It was depressing and made me glad I don't have to fly regularly.

+1. It's one of the reasons I prefer to drive 14 hours to get to Florida these days.

I was trying to figure out a flight to get to Origins. After my experience 3 weeks ago, I decided a 13 hour drive didn't seem so bad.

Drive up here and we'll carpool.


Are you in Toronto? That might actually make sense. I'm pretty much going to have to drive by you to get to Columbus.

I'm in Ottawa but I have to stop in TO to pick up Rob Crandall on my way by.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Barthheart on April 27, 2017, 07:43:15 PM
Quote from: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:42:24 PM
This is probably a trap so he can exact some kind of vengeance for all the counter clipping pics I've posted.

:-"
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:47:59 PM
Quote from: Barthheart on April 27, 2017, 07:42:48 PM
Quote from: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:39:39 PM
Quote from: Barthheart on April 27, 2017, 07:36:40 PM
Quote from: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:34:50 PM
Quote from: bbmike on April 27, 2017, 07:32:49 PM
Quote from: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:19:33 PM
I flew a few weeks ago for the first time since 9/11. I was a bit taken aback by how much it has become a purely numbers experience. Crammed into a tiny seat on a cramped plane with minimal amenities. It was depressing and made me glad I don't have to fly regularly.

+1. It's one of the reasons I prefer to drive 14 hours to get to Florida these days.

I was trying to figure out a flight to get to Origins. After my experience 3 weeks ago, I decided a 13 hour drive didn't seem so bad.

Drive up here and we'll carpool.


Are you in Toronto? That might actually make sense. I'm pretty much going to have to drive by you to get to Columbus.

I'm in Ottawa but I have to stop in TO to pick up Rob Crandall on my way by.


We should talk. Maybe we can figure something out. I was actually thinking about taking the New York route instead of going through Pennsylvania.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 27, 2017, 07:48:53 PM
We'll leave a light on for you.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:49:54 PM
Want me stop and pick you up, Gus?
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 27, 2017, 07:51:43 PM
For Origins? No can do.But if you want to pick me up and drive me to Chicago next week that would be awesome.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:52:58 PM
Quote from: Gusington on April 27, 2017, 07:51:43 PM
For Origins? No can do.But if you want to pick me up and drive me to Chicago next week that would be awesome.

Sure. I'll be at 6.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 27, 2017, 07:54:02 PM
Be what at 6? Naked?
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 27, 2017, 07:58:54 PM
Quote from: Gusington on April 27, 2017, 07:54:02 PM
Be what at 6? Naked?

Duh
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on April 27, 2017, 07:59:32 PM
You teasing, wanting strumpet.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 27, 2017, 08:03:49 PM
Quote from: Gusington on April 27, 2017, 07:59:32 PM
You teasing, wanting strumpet.

You know me so well it's frightening.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: BanzaiCat on April 27, 2017, 08:17:48 PM
Dr. Dao isn't exactly an angel. While it's pretty damned awful what United did, the comment earlier about you do what the cops tell you to do and you don't get hurt, is absolutely correct. It doesn't matter how correct the good doctor thought he was - you have to ask yourself, in what world exactly does this guy actually get away with this?

"Get off the plane."

"No."

"Oh. Okay, nevermind"

???

Also, it's been interesting that nobody's really talked about how the good doctor is a convicted felon; specifically, 98 counts of trafficking and illegally prescribing. He's also had his license suspended for trading gay sex with a patient in return for giving said patient pills.

Hardly the paragon of sympathy, this guy.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: MetalDog on April 27, 2017, 09:06:11 PM
I don't see how his past transgressions relate to how we should sympathize with what happened to him on the plane.  I think it's unfair that the first inclination of people is to dig as much dirt up as possible on the people involved.  What about the cops that pulled him off?  Or the person sitting next to him?  Or the 30 people he passed while flat on his back going down the aisle?  How come we don't know the skeletons in their closets?
Seems a little ridiculous, doesn't it?
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 27, 2017, 09:11:54 PM
I'm surprised dirt hasn't been dug up on the mother of twins on that American Airlines flight. She probably deserved it too.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: OJsDad on April 27, 2017, 09:14:03 PM
Quote from: mirth on April 27, 2017, 09:11:54 PM
I'm surprised dirt hasn't been dug up on the mother of twins on that American Airlines flight. She probably deserved it too.

Nay.  Just the kid she was holding deserved it. 
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 27, 2017, 09:15:56 PM
Stupid brat. I heard he never eats his vegetables.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: trailrunner on April 27, 2017, 09:40:48 PM
As a United frequent flyer, I receive this email from United.  It was titled "actions speak louder than words."


Quote

Dear Mr trailrunner,

Each flight you take with us represents an important promise we make to you, our customer. It's not simply that we make sure you reach your destination safely and on time, but also that you will be treated with the highest level of service and the deepest sense of dignity and respect.

Earlier this month, we broke that trust when a passenger was forcibly removed from one of our planes. We can never say we are sorry enough for what occurred, but we also know meaningful actions will speak louder than words.

For the past several weeks, we have been urgently working to answer two questions: How did this happen, and how can we do our best to ensure this never happens again?

It happened because our corporate policies were placed ahead of our shared values. Our procedures got in the way of our employees doing what they know is right.

Fixing that problem starts now with changing how we fly, serve and respect our customers. This is a turning point for all of us here at United – and as CEO, it's my responsibility to make sure that we learn from this experience and redouble our efforts to put our customers at the center of everything we do.

That's why we announced that we will no longer ask law enforcement to remove customers from a flight and customers will not be required to give up their seat once on board – except in matters of safety or security.

We also know that despite our best efforts, when things don't go the way they should, we need to be there for you to make things right. There are several new ways we're going to do just that.

We will increase incentives for voluntary rebooking up to $10,000 and will be eliminating the red tape on permanently lost bags with a new "no-questions-asked" $1,500 reimbursement policy. We will also be rolling out a new app for our employees that will enable them to provide on-the-spot goodwill gestures in the form of miles, travel credit and other amenities when your experience with us misses the mark. You can learn more about these commitments and many other changes at hub.united.com.

While these actions are important, I have found myself reflecting more broadly on the role we play and the responsibilities we have to you and the communities we serve.

I believe we must go further in redefining what United's corporate citizenship looks like in our society. You can and ought to expect more from us, and we intend to live up to those higher expectations in the way we embody social responsibility and civic leadership everywhere we operate. I hope you will see that pledge express itself in our actions going forward, of which these initial, though important, changes are merely a first step.

Our goal should be nothing less than to make you truly proud to say, "I fly United."

Ultimately, the measure of our success is your satisfaction and the past several weeks have moved us to go further than ever before in elevating your experience with us. I know our 87,000 employees have taken this message to heart, and they are as energized as ever to fulfill our promise to serve you better with each flight and earn the trust you've given us.

We are working harder than ever for the privilege to serve you and I know we will be stronger, better and the customer-focused airline you expect and deserve.

With Great Gratitude,
Oscar Munoz
Oscar Munoz
CEO
United Airlines
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Sir Slash on April 27, 2017, 10:46:46 PM
The wife and I flew to Tel Aviv from Newark--14 hours. The really bad part is you have to fly back-- 14 hours.  #:-)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Con on April 27, 2017, 11:26:40 PM
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on April 27, 2017, 08:17:48 PM
Dr. Dao isn't exactly an angel. While it's pretty damned awful what United did, the comment earlier about you do what the cops tell you to do and you don't get hurt, is absolutely correct. It doesn't matter how correct the good doctor thought he was - you have to ask yourself, in what world exactly does this guy actually get away with this?

"Get off the plane."

"No."

"Oh. Okay, nevermind"

???

Also, it's been interesting that nobody's really talked about how the good doctor is a convicted felon; specifically, 98 counts of trafficking and illegally prescribing. He's also had his license suspended for trading gay sex with a patient in return for giving said patient pills.

Hardly the paragon of sympathy, this guy.
The key though is that the cops did not know any of the history of Dr. Dao prior to initiating this incident.  His past does not factor at all into how United escalated and post incident treated this situation as reflected by the 500M they lost in 1 day off their share price.  I too got the actions speak louder than words email and trust me it was the market cap loss that United suffered that caused them to change their ways not any sense of decency (though they have recovered quiet a bit since then)
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Y4qVlUBSRXs/hqdefault.jpg)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: BanzaiCat on April 28, 2017, 07:24:14 AM
Quote from: MetalDog on April 27, 2017, 09:06:11 PM
I don't see how his past transgressions relate to how we should sympathize with what happened to him on the plane.  I think it's unfair that the first inclination of people is to dig as much dirt up as possible on the people involved.  What about the cops that pulled him off?  Or the person sitting next to him?  Or the 30 people he passed while flat on his back going down the aisle?  How come we don't know the skeletons in their closets?
Seems a little ridiculous, doesn't it?

MD...yes. As I stated initially, it was terrible what they did; it was use of force where it really wasn't warranted.

United employees made a dumb decision.

I worked for them back in 1999-2000 on the ramp, and did flight management later (sitting in the ramp office doing weight/balance calculations for flights to give to pilots so they could set their takeoff parameters appropriately - flaps, etc.). I recall at that time that overbookings were dealt with by upping the ante until people bit. They went with $400, then $800, then decided to pull a real-world example of 'The Lottery.'

There's a line to draw there somewhere. I mean, if the guy was a convicted child molester, and this wasn't reported, would it have made a difference? No, not in the scheme of things; United was still wrong. In terms of the news reporting it and expecting sympathy, well...I think people would react differently.

Despite the guy's transgressions, he was punished as the law saw fit for them, and he didn't deserve a beating. But this kind of ties in with saying no matter how right you think you are, if an officer (in this case, security?) tells you to do something, you do it, and sort that shit out later to avoid this kind of thing.

I think he was awarded a settlement out of court, though I haven't heard of any numbers involved. I'm sure it was commensurate with whatever he suffered.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: MetalDog on April 28, 2017, 09:33:16 PM
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on April 28, 2017, 07:24:14 AM
Quote from: MetalDog on April 27, 2017, 09:06:11 PM
I don't see how his past transgressions relate to how we should sympathize with what happened to him on the plane.  I think it's unfair that the first inclination of people is to dig as much dirt up as possible on the people involved.  What about the cops that pulled him off?  Or the person sitting next to him?  Or the 30 people he passed while flat on his back going down the aisle?  How come we don't know the skeletons in their closets?
Seems a little ridiculous, doesn't it?

MD...yes. As I stated initially, it was terrible what they did; it was use of force where it really wasn't warranted.

United employees made a dumb decision.

I worked for them back in 1999-2000 on the ramp, and did flight management later (sitting in the ramp office doing weight/balance calculations for flights to give to pilots so they could set their takeoff parameters appropriately - flaps, etc.). I recall at that time that overbookings were dealt with by upping the ante until people bit. They went with $400, then $800, then decided to pull a real-world example of 'The Lottery.'

There's a line to draw there somewhere. I mean, if the guy was a convicted child molester, and this wasn't reported, would it have made a difference? No, not in the scheme of things; United was still wrong. In terms of the news reporting it and expecting sympathy, well...I think people would react differently.

Despite the guy's transgressions, he was punished as the law saw fit for them, and he didn't deserve a beating. But this kind of ties in with saying no matter how right you think you are, if an officer (in this case, security?) tells you to do something, you do it, and sort that shit out later to avoid this kind of thing.

I think he was awarded a settlement out of court, though I haven't heard of any numbers involved. I'm sure it was commensurate with whatever he suffered.

I guess what I am getting at is that there was no need to report anything but the facts of what happened during the incident.  Digging into this guys background had nothing to do with the incident and therefore is not germane to the story.  But, don't get me wrong, I understand why it's done.  Human interest.  Padding the life cycle of the story.  And maybe, hitting the jackpot with salacious details.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Steelgrave on April 29, 2017, 01:12:26 PM
Quote from: MetalDog on April 28, 2017, 09:33:16 PM
I guess what I am getting at is that there was no need to report anything but the facts of what happened during the incident.  Digging into this guys background had nothing to do with the incident and therefore is not germane to the story.  But, don't get me wrong, I understand why it's done.  Human interest.  Padding the life cycle of the story.  And maybe, hitting the jackpot with salacious details.

This is exactly the kind of spin control BS that always seems to happen. It could have been Mother Theresa yanked off that plane (and I can see her peacefully resisting) and someone would have leaked that she ate meat on Fridays and a viberator was found among her luggage. Seriously, look at Aaron Hernandez, someone that none of us has any sympathy for (and I'm not suggesting we should). He commits suicide while in custody in a state where the suicide rate of inmates is 8 times the national average. Black eye for Maine, right? So suddenly we hear that Hernandez was bisexual and that his sexual orientation may have even been the reason he murdered the one guy, something that was never brought up during trial. Is it possible that authorities may have called some reporter and whispered that "information" in an effort to scare off Hernandez's relatives from a lawsuit? Mike Florio of profootballfocus.com has been pushing that angle pretty hard this week.

Look, most of us have some dirty laundry of one kind or another. If you don't think you do, run for office against any incumbent and see how long yours remains private. Granted, this guy had dirtier laundry that most, but like Dawg says, his past transgressions don't relate to what happened to him on that plane. And while we don't know how big a check United had to write, it shouldn't have been a nickle less because of anything in his past.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: MetalDog on April 29, 2017, 03:58:03 PM
I always knew I liked you, Steelie  O0
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on April 29, 2017, 04:11:32 PM
He is remarkably likeable
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on April 29, 2017, 05:33:45 PM
Time to dig up some dirt on him.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Steelgrave on April 29, 2017, 05:44:52 PM
It ain't buried all that deep  ::)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 29, 2017, 08:25:05 PM
oy vey

http://www.vox.com/new-money/2017/4/29/15471634/american-airlines-raise

Quote"This is frustrating. Labor is being paid first again," wrote Citi analyst Kevin Crissey in a widely circulated note. "Shareholders get leftovers."

QuoteJP Morgan's Jamie Baker was even more scathing than Crissey.

"We are troubled by AAL's wealth transfer of nearly $1 billion to its labor groups," he wrote,
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: airboy on April 30, 2017, 09:42:02 AM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on April 29, 2017, 08:25:05 PM
oy vey

http://www.vox.com/new-money/2017/4/29/15471634/american-airlines-raise

Quote"This is frustrating. Labor is being paid first again," wrote Citi analyst Kevin Crissey in a widely circulated note. "Shareholders get leftovers."

QuoteJP Morgan's Jamie Baker was even more scathing than Crissey.

"We are troubled by AAL's wealth transfer of nearly $1 billion to its labor groups," he wrote,

Vox was typically leftist, but I can see their point.  If American was paying significantly below the prevailing wage they would lose their better people over time.  I can also understand stock holders reaction of a short term sell-off due to a firm spending $1 billion and raising fixed labor costs.  Both the Vox article, and the reaction of the markets and financial writers have their points.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on May 07, 2017, 07:38:03 AM
(https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p526x296/18221944_1558033984227349_5090403352299410734_n.jpg?oh=576238fe0f497acd57259267585f529e&oe=59857364)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bayonetbrant on May 10, 2017, 06:32:57 AM
http://globalguerrillas.typepad.com/globalguerrillas/2017/04/algorithmic-dystopia.html
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on May 22, 2017, 08:17:18 AM
(https://thechive.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/daily-morning-awesomeness-40-photos-482-22.jpg?quality=85&strip=info&w=600)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on May 22, 2017, 08:27:17 AM
 :2funny:
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Sir Slash on May 22, 2017, 09:43:40 AM
My 2017 choice for "Balls of the Year" award.  :notworthy:
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: BanzaiCat on June 27, 2017, 10:35:53 AM
Maybe I'm a grump but I HATE the "I'M CRYYYYIIIIING" and "I'M SCREAAAMMMING" comments on memes like that.

No. No, you're not crying, nor are you screaming. You likely sniffed in derisive laughter, then pulled your phone so you could take a quick picture and try to get attention on the Internet.

:pullhair:
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on June 27, 2017, 12:13:14 PM
You really need some intimate time with your lawn.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: BanzaiCat on June 27, 2017, 12:19:11 PM
I hate yardwork more than anything.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on June 27, 2017, 12:19:38 PM
More than children?
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: BanzaiCat on June 27, 2017, 12:21:18 PM
Kids need to stay off it too, otherwise I get bitched at.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on June 27, 2017, 12:22:26 PM
You are a complex old bastard.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: BanzaiCat on June 27, 2017, 12:23:40 PM
Yes I am. Hug?
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on June 27, 2017, 12:24:36 PM
I thought you hate hugs.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: BanzaiCat on June 27, 2017, 12:28:18 PM
Whatever gave you that assumption?
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on June 27, 2017, 12:34:49 PM
Your current grumpypants demeanor.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: BanzaiCat on June 27, 2017, 02:15:00 PM
I'll change my avatar, just for you.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Sir Slash on June 27, 2017, 09:19:20 PM
I love hugs. They rhyme with pugs. And are just the opposite of slugs.  ???
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on June 28, 2017, 06:45:35 AM
This thread needs more Batman.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: BanzaiCat on June 28, 2017, 07:38:11 AM
NOW you've done it.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on June 28, 2017, 07:41:25 AM
...waiting...
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Batman on June 28, 2017, 07:41:47 AM
remember you asked for it

and bc your avatar looks like a gay riddler

i was just out shopping and i got ham when i saw the bat signal from this thread
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on June 28, 2017, 07:42:20 AM
Finally!
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Batman on June 28, 2017, 07:44:04 AM
what kind of name is gusington anyway

sounds like an oompa loompa with a grudge
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on June 28, 2017, 07:54:12 AM
That's exactly what I am. Just with extra large genitalia.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on June 28, 2017, 08:01:36 AM
Quote from: Gusington on June 28, 2017, 07:54:12 AM
That's exactly what I am. Just with extra large genitalia.

For an oompa loompa
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on June 28, 2017, 08:10:29 AM
Or a professional adult film star.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Steelgrave on June 28, 2017, 08:41:24 AM
Midget porn needs love too..... 8)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on June 28, 2017, 08:42:57 AM
oompa loompa porn?
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on June 28, 2017, 09:09:58 AM
That and other less exotic material.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bayonetbrant on June 28, 2017, 09:18:38 AM
Quote from: mirth on June 28, 2017, 08:42:57 AM
oompa loompa porn?


http://www.cracked.com/blog/the-8-worst-x-men-ever_p2/
Quotebut unfortunately this is now Schrodinger's Porn: The act of publicly observing that there are none guarantees someone will create some.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on July 05, 2017, 10:22:27 PM
Good ole United

https://www.inc.com/chris-matyszczyk/united-gives-toddlers-seat-to-standby-passenger-ma.html
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on July 06, 2017, 07:44:38 AM
Is there a more tone deaf company out there? They should hire Chris Christie as their new PR guy.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Batman on July 14, 2017, 11:57:26 AM
it's time to break them up like ma bell, or my baterang breaking up a criminal's soft skull
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on July 14, 2017, 12:01:31 PM
You are certainly the Batman for the job.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: trailrunner on July 14, 2017, 01:56:54 PM
http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2017/07/14/american-airlines-passenger-details-horrifying-flight-next-to-masturbating-seat-mate-says-choose-any-other-airline.html (http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2017/07/14/american-airlines-passenger-details-horrifying-flight-next-to-masturbating-seat-mate-says-choose-any-other-airline.html)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Sir Slash on July 14, 2017, 02:23:09 PM
Should've thrown that Jerk-Off the plane.  :coolsmiley:
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: JasonPratt on July 18, 2017, 10:38:16 AM
We don't need his cigar inspiring a brick joke.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Sir Slash on July 18, 2017, 01:24:50 PM
They're very 'hands-on' at American Airlines. Maybe he took the 'seat back and in an upright position' thing a little too literal?  ::)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bayonetbrant on July 20, 2017, 06:12:38 AM
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fassets.amuniversal.com%2F6455f7e047d40135d979005056a9545d&hash=d7c0e34f0edd23f9aec436a86063104cbd61c5bd)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: acctingman on July 21, 2017, 04:26:12 PM
She called the guy a sex offender? WTF?? Sometimes a guy has to rub one out, sheesh  :tickedoff:
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Staggerwing on July 21, 2017, 07:02:28 PM
Quote from: acctingman on July 21, 2017, 04:26:12 PM
She called the guy a sex offender? WTF?? Sometimes a guy has to rub one out, sheesh  :tickedoff:

That's what those tiny bathrooms are for.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
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Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on August 30, 2017, 02:28:56 PM
(https://2l90qdgid4-flywheel.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/honest-seating8.gif)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Sir Slash on August 30, 2017, 03:36:20 PM
But the good news is, after the TSA Rectal Check, it'll all seem like Heaven.  :dreamer:
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on August 30, 2017, 07:14:37 PM
I'd laugh if it all wasn't 100% accurate. God I hate flying.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Barthheart on August 30, 2017, 07:16:29 PM
I'm in 31B on my next trip to Vancouver in 2 weeks..  :-\
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on August 30, 2017, 07:18:34 PM
Quote from: Barthheart on August 30, 2017, 07:16:29 PM
I'm in 31B on my next trip to Vancouver in 2 weeks..  :-\

WHERE IS YOUR GOD NOW?!
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Barthheart on August 30, 2017, 07:19:33 PM
Never had one, so I don't feel too abandoned....  :crazy2:
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on August 30, 2017, 07:21:45 PM
Quote from: Barthheart on August 30, 2017, 07:19:33 PM
Never had one, so I don't feel too abandoned....  :crazy2:

You'll wish you had one by the end of the flight.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Barthheart on August 30, 2017, 07:22:41 PM
Nah... I just wish the fucking thing would crash....
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on August 30, 2017, 07:23:40 PM
With you on it??
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on August 30, 2017, 07:25:13 PM
Last time I flew that seemed like the best possible outcome.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Staggerwing on August 30, 2017, 07:26:16 PM
Given enough non-disembarking stopovers, probably.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on August 31, 2017, 07:56:31 AM
Grim.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: BanzaiCat on August 31, 2017, 08:15:04 AM
Barth probably has to change planes in Yellowknife, eh?
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Barthheart on August 31, 2017, 08:27:51 AM
Nope, deerect flight.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: BanzaiCat on August 31, 2017, 04:36:08 PM
Mile High Club included, huh? ;D

I won't lie. Any time I flew first class, it felt like everyone else was judging those of us sitting up there.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on August 31, 2017, 04:38:38 PM
Economy,  first class, you're always being judged.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on August 31, 2017, 05:51:33 PM
I wouldn't know :/
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on August 31, 2017, 06:03:51 PM
You're being judged more than most.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Barthheart on September 01, 2017, 05:23:30 AM
Quote from: BanzaiCat on August 31, 2017, 04:36:08 PM
.....

I won't lie. Any time I flew first class, it felt like everyone else was judging those of us sitting up there.

Glorious isn't it.... \m/
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: BanzaiCat on September 01, 2017, 07:31:10 AM
Yep, absolutely was. And it's not just wider seats and doting service - getting on the plane first and getting off of it first, plus having your bag immediately arrive in baggage claim - all wonderful perks. I used to fly it often when I worked for United or when I'd get mileage-paid seats, but those days are long gone now unfortunately. What I'd really like to do is the first class seats internationally on, say, Emirates.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Barthheart on September 01, 2017, 07:37:45 AM
Flew to Geneva a lot in the early days of ATLAS. So many miles piled up that I didn't even have to upgrade, they'd just bump me up whenever the plane was over booked.
Best ever seat was seat #2, upper deck of a 747. Good times....
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: BanzaiCat on September 01, 2017, 07:43:17 AM
That would have been awesome. I've seen the first class section on a 747 back when I worked at the airport - went over to British Air at the next gate and they let us on board to take a look around. Of course, this was pre-9/11, so things were pretty lax.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: trailrunner on September 01, 2017, 08:05:57 AM
Quote from: BanzaiCat on September 01, 2017, 07:31:10 AM
What I'd really like to do is the first class seats internationally on, say, Emirates.

I got to fly business class to and from Copenhagen.  It might've been first class, but either way it was nice.  Plenty of brandy and decent food, but too bad they wouldn't let me light my post-dinner cigar.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: BanzaiCat on September 01, 2017, 09:53:50 AM
Business Class on most international flights is the same as First Class domestically in the States. I'd be perfectly happy with that.

I've been lucky on my last few international jaunts, even though I've been resigned to steerage every time. Each time, the middle seat was empty, thank goodness, which gave me a lot more room and comfort.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Sir Slash on September 01, 2017, 11:08:29 AM
Last flight we took, my wife and I got a hell-of-a-deal on seats. We just had to share a cage with two Dobermans and a gassy Shit-Zhu. And none of them would share the water bowl.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Boggit on September 02, 2017, 06:11:02 PM
Quote from: trailrunner on September 01, 2017, 08:05:57 AM
Plenty of brandy and decent food, but too bad they wouldn't let me light my post-dinner cigar.
All them brandy fumes in a confined space! >:D :o
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: DoctorQuest on January 30, 2018, 06:18:21 PM
Damned United.

http://www.businessinsider.com/united-denies-womans-attempt-to-bring-peacock-onto-flight-2018-1
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bbmike on January 30, 2018, 07:29:38 PM
I don't know, if this is true I can kind of see their point:

United said in a statement to Business Insider: "This animal did not meet guidelines for a number of reasons, including its weight and size. We explained this to the customer on three separate occasions before she arrived at the airport."

The airline also said it requires passengers to "provide documentation from a medical professional and at least 48 hours' advance notice" before bringing an emotional-support animal onto a flight.




Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: bayonetbrant on January 30, 2018, 07:36:52 PM
[Yt]https://youtu.be/6xXlgGOHvJs[/yt]
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: BanzaiCat on January 30, 2018, 07:41:44 PM
A peacock...as a "therapy pet"...

That woman is nuts. Especially because the airline explained it to her thick skull three times.

Peacocks (in my experience) are not nice animals. They're very, VERY aggressive when it comes to food, and just generally aren't nice to have around. (My kids' school had several when they were younger, as well as some other animals. They learned quick to give the peacocks a wide berth.) On a plane, these things would have been disgusting and could have violated any number of health codes. God, people are just getting stupider and stupider. :(

Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Sir Slash on January 30, 2018, 07:46:47 PM
What a 'Bird-Brained' idea.  :2funny:  I'm wondering here who had the smaller brain between the two.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: BanzaiCat on January 30, 2018, 07:49:26 PM
I wonder what seeded the idea in her mind in the first place.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Staggerwing on January 30, 2018, 08:43:25 PM
Quote from: BanzaiCat on January 30, 2018, 07:41:44 PM
A peacock...as a "therapy pet"...

That woman is nuts. Especially because the airline explained it to her thick skull three times.

Peacocks (in my experience) are not nice animals. They're very, VERY aggressive when it comes to food, and just generally aren't nice to have around. (My kids' school had several when they were younger, as well as some other animals. They learned quick to give the peacocks a wide berth.) On a plane, these things would have been disgusting and could have violated any number of health codes. God, people are just getting stupider and stupider. :(

Believe it or not, when I was a kid my parents had a sort of small farm-slash-menagerie that included a couple of goats (sorry Star, they've all passed away now), sheep (see previous), rabbits (and, eventually lots and lots of rabbits) chickens, ducks, geese, Guinea Fowl, and... Peacocks. Those last were the loudest MFs in the whole miserable bunch. They kept breaking out of the compound and flying (yeah, they effing fly) into the trees along the neighbors property and freaking them out. The males don't just do that 'Glorious Plumage' display when they are trying to score on some Peahen, they also do it to get their warface on because they don't like you very much.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: BanzaiCat on January 31, 2018, 06:49:29 AM
I'd forgotten about that. Their school covered a lot of property and it backed up against a subdivision that had a lot of trees.

The peacock they had, they named Liberace, and he deserved every syllable of that name. He was a pretentious asswad and not friendly at all with the kids, but he didn't attack anyone (unlike some of their goats, of which one would head butt you if you got too close to him). I heard him once or twice and yeah he was a loud bastard, too.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: Gusington on February 01, 2018, 06:43:29 PM
Liberace??  :2funny:
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: BanzaiCat on February 02, 2018, 08:32:06 AM
Yep. I remember asking my son what it's name was (my son was 5) and when he said that, it greatly amused me, especially because he obviously wouldn't understand it.
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: JasonPratt on February 06, 2018, 09:26:53 AM
"Therapy pet" -- this might explain what Sir Anthony Hopkins was doing with that peacock while subbing in for Alexa...
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on March 14, 2018, 03:45:11 PM
Helluva year for United

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/13/business/united-dead-dog.html (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/13/business/united-dead-dog.html)
Title: Re: Fly the Friendly Skies
Post by: mirth on March 14, 2018, 03:50:16 PM
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/14/united-airlines-dog-japan-kansas-mistake