Not flying United again

[shellz]

Would you demand the ROTC cadets have their bags flown free? Or is that luxury for only SA cadets? After all, they are "active duty"...not that it means anything in terms of service to the nation.

If it falls within their policy, which states free bags for active duty military, then yes. It's really quite simple. Make a policy and stick to it. I don't think that is asking too much.

 

[scoutpilot]

If it falls within their policy, which states free bags for active duty military, then yes. It's really quite simple. Make a policy and stick to it. I don't think that is asking too much.

I was referring to your strident belief that cadets deserve free baggage. Personally, I think it's a stretch to use one's "active duty" status for such perks, as we know that's not who the airlines intended it for.

 

[shellz]

I was referring to your strident belief that cadets deserve free baggage. Personally, I think it's a stretch to use one's "active duty" status for such perks, as we know that's not who the airlines intended it for.

Strident? Ouch....not really Scout, but thus is the problem with the written word. Many times, one cannot possibly tell the writer's true tone and intent.

This really isn't about entitlement...it's about United saying one thing (free bags for a/d military) and then refusing to honor the written policy (which is on their website, actually) unless you were of the "correct" a/d military service. Crappy customer service move, if you ask me.

I don't even know what to do with your last comment....so I'll just say goodnight.

 

[mnolan]

United Airlines

I will be a little contrarian here (but be assured I don't work for United, own stock in United or have any corporate relationship with United).........

I wouldn't condemn a whole airline for what we all know is a USCG perception problem. That agent (and I venture to guess most of the citizens of the U.S.) don't know that much about USCG. So instead of taking away business from them, which won't solve anything, try to inform them. It's worth a shot......

I would formally complain to United via their website at
http://faq.ua2go.com/display/4n/kb/...3S1OA64DwwrR4UyhK6fv2ylkXXS&cid=1&r=0.1268915

You can also get there by going to UAL.com > Customer Service > email us

I would fill out the form AND thank them for their military personnel policies WHICH ARE VOLUNTARY on their part, but would also inform them that according to their CONTRACT OF CARRIAGE, (which is the legal document that does defines their responsibilities), military personnel are defined and that the USCG is a military organization under their definition just like the USN, USAF, USA and USMC, and that you hope problem can be rectified.

It will interesting to hear their response...and who knows, you might end up educating not only a gate agent at LAX, but maybe a whole airline!

 

[mnolan]

Uniteds stated policy

Just for reference, this is Uniteds policy as stated on their website.......

Baggage fee exceptions
You are exempt from the above fees for checking your first two bags on flights operated by United, United Express and Star Alliance partner carriers if you are:

* traveling in United First® or United Business®;
* a Global ServicesSM, Mileage Plus 1K®, Premier Executive®, Premier® or Premier Associate® member;
* a Star Alliance® Gold or Silver member; or
* U.S. military personnel (or a dependent) who is either active or traveling on leave in conjunction with a permanent change of station (military ID required)

 

[scoutpilot]

Strident? Ouch....not really Scout, but thus is the problem with the written word. Many times, one cannot possibly tell the writer's true tone and intent.

This really isn't about entitlement...it's about United saying one thing (free bags for a/d military) and then refusing to honor the written policy (which is on their website, actually) unless you were of the "correct" a/d military service. Crappy customer service move, if you ask me.

I don't even know what to do with your last comment....so I'll just say goodnight.

Certainly not the best customer service policy, but that's not something the airlines are known for anyway. Par for the course.

As for "what to do" with my comment, you need not do anything. It's simply one officer's opinion. I personally eschew the free things people try to do for me simply because I think that so many people in the military now believe that they are due so many little perks, as though the American public owes them a free gift all the time. It's starting to take the selfless out of selfless service. Had I been in that position, I don't know that I would have made a stink about my baggage, especially coming back from leave or TDY. If I were having to pay to check my body armor on my way back from a combat zone, that would be slightly different.

Either way, Southwest is the best bet for hassle-free. Midwest/Frontier runs a good show too.

 

[LineInTheSand]

I think this is one of the few post that has me fuming mad . Un-stinking-believable! Does The Department of Homeland Security ring a bell with anyone anymore, or has that department been dissolved "officially"! So sorry ya'll had to go through that--completely "off the hook" WRONG.

There are many who would rather not associate themselves with DHS.

 

[officer]

There are many who would rather not associate themselves with DHS.

Ummm, why?

 

[shellz]

I will be a little contrarian here (but be assured I don't work for United, own stock in United or have any corporate relationship with United).........

I wouldn't condemn a whole airline for what we all know is a USCG perception problem. That agent (and I venture to guess most of the citizens of the U.S.) don't know that much about USCG. So instead of taking away business from them, which won't solve anything, try to inform them. It's worth a shot......

I would formally complain to United via their website at
http://faq.ua2go.com/display/4n/kb/...3S1OA64DwwrR4UyhK6fv2ylkXXS&cid=1&r=0.1268915

You can also get there by going to UAL.com > Customer Service > email us

I would fill out the form AND thank them for their military personnel policies WHICH ARE VOLUNTARY on their part, but would also inform them that according to their CONTRACT OF CARRIAGE, (which is the legal document that does defines their responsibilities), military personnel are defined and that the USCG is a military organization under their definition just like the USN, USAF, USA and USMC, and that you hope problem can be rectified.

It will interesting to hear their response...and who knows, you might end up educating not only a gate agent at LAX, but maybe a whole airline!

Did just that! I will let y'all know what comes of it.

 

[officer]

I personally eschew the free things

It's not about eschewing freebies, it's the "summit meeting" the checking agents had to have while this poor kid and his family were treated like less when he is part of the military. I mean if the pilots can announce to the passengers that they have esteemed young people off to academy, Eagle, or wherever they're going (like what happened 2 weeks ago to my son and his friends when on their way to Eagle), why can't the ticket agents get it together for heavens sakes?

Furthermore if I had been standing behind this whole ordeal without Mom and Dad there, I would have put the Coasties bag on my tab.

IT'S NOT ABOUT THE FREEBIES. -officer

 

[shellz]

It's not about eschewing freebies, it's the "summit meeting" the checking agents had to have while this poor kid and his family were treated like less when he is part of the military. I mean if the pilots can announce to the passengers that they have esteemed young people off to academy, Eagle, or wherever they're going (like what happened 2 weeks ago to my son and his friends when on their way to Eagle), why can't the ticket agents get it together for heavens sakes?

Furthermore if I had been standing behind this whole ordeal without Mom and Dad there, I would have put the Coasties bag on my tab.

IT'S NOT ABOUT THE FREEBIES. -officer

:

Ditto. To everything. And to following policy.

 

[scoutpilot]

It's not about eschewing freebies, it's the "summit meeting" the checking agents had to have while this poor kid and his family were treated like less when he is part of the military. I mean if the pilots can announce to the passengers that they have esteemed young people off to academy, Eagle, or wherever they're going (like what happened 2 weeks ago to my son and his friends when on their way to Eagle), why can't the ticket agents get it together for heavens sakes?

Furthermore if I had been standing behind this whole ordeal without Mom and Dad there, I would have put the Coasties bag on my tab.

IT'S NOT ABOUT THE FREEBIES. -officer

And yet the whole genesis of the issue is trying to get a bag flown for free. I've had times in uniform where I have not been offered a comp'd checked bag, even though I know it's the airline's policy. So what did I do? I paid the middling little fee and got on with my life. I refuse to make a scene by ASKING for something to be free, regardless of some policy their ticket agents may or may not understand.

In the end, that ticket agent spends 40 hours a week or more in a crummy airport, listening to everyone's *****es, gripes, and complaints about how miserable air travel is and how much more dire each customer's circumstance is than every other traveler's. So perhaps it's a bit arrogant to assume that the ticket agent is somehow a horrible person for not knowing the intricacies of the federal uniformed services. Oh by the way, ID cards don't say "Military Services" They say "Uniformed Services" (of which there are many) and list the component. It's not as though this ticket agent is the only one on earth who's been unclear on the duality of the Coast Guard's role. What do we suppose she thinks of the Coast Guard now? Probably not what we'd want her to think.

Sometimes, the proper way to represent your service and the ideals of military officership is to smile and move out instead of arguing the point. America doesn't owe us anything. We volunteered for this, and got a free education out of it. A bag isn't worth arguing over. But that wasn't the mentality that prevailed in this case. Again, this whole issue is a pretty big stretch on the use of the "active duty" status for cadets.

So, in the end, IT'S NOT ABOUT THE FREEBIES, IT'S ABOUT WHAT WE THINK WE DESERVE. -an officer

 

[hawkspoofer]

I-man's asinine suggestion, "IT'S NOT ABOUT THE FREEBIES, IT'S ABOUT WHAT WE THINK WE DESERVE" when United's own policy exempts active military from paying baggage fees for two pieces of baggage, is totally bogus.

It seems his problem is that Coast Guard cadets are active duty military personal. As far as military ID's, Coast Guard Cadets use the same DOD CAC card as do their brethren in the other four uniform armed services, (although it incorrectly states Midshipman in the affiliation or rank section of the CAC card.)

"THEY DERSERVE THE SAME PERC'S THE ARMY, NAVY, MARINE CORPS, AND AIR FORCE ARE GIVEN" -a Veteran

 

[shellz]

And yet the whole genesis of the issue is trying to get a bag flown for free.

Hey, the airline came up with the policy. It's not unreasonable for a customer to consider that as one factor (of many) used when deciding whether to use their services. Also, when the agent agrees "Yes, we offer this discount to the military... but not the Coast Guard." one wonders how the agent came up with this exception. It certainly wasn't from the company policy.

I've had times in uniform where I have not been offered a comp'd checked bag, even though I know it's the airline's policy. So what did I do? I paid the middling little fee and got on with my life. I refuse to make a scene by ASKING for something to be free, regardless of some policy their ticket agents may or may not understand.

The baggage fee is just one part of the total price. So it's a matter of the expected price changing at check in. Would you be just as willing to give the boarding agent an extra $50 because as you're boarding they decide they don't want to honor the original price of the ticket?

In the end, that ticket agent spends 40 hours a week or more in a crummy airport, listening to everyone's *****es, gripes, and complaints about how miserable air travel is and how much more dire each customer's circumstance is than every other traveler's. So perhaps it's a bit arrogant to assume that the ticket agent is somehow a horrible person for not knowing the intricacies of the federal uniformed services.

Not a horrible person. Just ignorant of their own policy. Which it is their JOB to know. I understand how thankless customer service jobs can be. When there are legitimate reasons why a customer's expectations cannot be met, it can be frustrating for everyone concerned. But the employee should be looking for every way they can meet the customers needs, not looking for reasons why they cannot. And when they are flat out wrong, there is no reason why the customer should not point it out.

What do we suppose she thinks of the Coast Guard now? Probably not what we'd want her to think.

Hopefully, she now thinks they are part of the military. You seem to be assuming that we parted on bad terms. Your assumption is incorrect.

Sometimes, the proper way to represent your service and the ideals of military officership is to smile and move out instead of arguing the point. America doesn't owe us anything.

Military or not has nothing to do with it. A company owes it customers the courtesy of following its own advertised policies. No, they didn't have to offer the discount. But once they do, they are obligated to follow through.

Again, this whole issue is a pretty big stretch on the use of the "active duty" status for cadets.

You can keep putting it in quotes, but I'm not the one that came up with the definition. This conversation has taken up way too much of my evening, so I'm calling it a night. Feel free to do likewise.

 

[scoutpilot]

I-man's asinine suggestion, "IT'S NOT ABOUT THE FREEBIES, IT'S ABOUT WHAT WE THINK WE DESERVE" when United's own policy exempts active military from paying baggage fees for two pieces of baggage, is totally bogus.

It seems his problem is that Coast Guard cadets are active duty military personal. As far as military ID's, Coast Guard Cadets use the same DOD CAC card as do their brethren in the other four uniform armed services, (although it incorrectly states Midshipman in the affiliation or rank section of the CAC card.)

"THEY DERSERVE THE SAME PERC'S THE ARMY, NAVY, MARINE CORPS, AND AIR FORCE ARE GIVEN" -a Veteran

A. Who is "I-man"?
B. I don't recall anyone being under the impression that the CGA cadets use the CAC. Your mistake is that it's not a DOD CAC. It's a federal government CAC, and is not limited to DOD.
C. If all you could glean from my discussion about whether or not to make a public point about not getting free baggage check at the airport is the assumption that I harbor a thinly-veiled hatred for the Coast Guard Academy or its cadets, then I think logical discussion about anything may be beyond the horizon of possibility.

I'll reiterate nonetheless, though...yes, cadets are technically active duty. But we all know that cadets are not who this policy was designed for.

The point is the all we say or do in the course of our duties and travels as servicemembers represents our service as a whole. Is this ticket agent ill-informed? Yes. But she is no different than the average American who does not know that the USCG has a dual identity and a law enforcement ageny and a military service.

Discretion is often the better part of valor. And it's only $25 to make yourself look like the smiling, unflappable professional and humble MILITARY servant.

Goodnight to you. Regardless of our differing opinions, I'm glad your cadet made it back safely.

 

[Mongo]

Confused

From the United website:

U.S. military personnel (or a dependent) who is either active or traveling on leave in conjunction with a permanent change of station (military ID required)

It is a confusing statement, but after weighing the possibiities, I think it only applies to PCS moves. And since USCG is not part of DoD, whether or not USCG is a part of the military is also a legitimate issue.
Does Navy Federal Credit Union now accept USCG members? They have not in the past due to their not being a part of DoD (and I will guarantee you that it was not out of ignorance).
The place to rectify these issues is with the home office, not at a ticket counter.
I ski. A lot. Lift tickets are expensive. Resorts offer discounts for military. Very few delineate whether or not it includes retirees. Before I make vacation plans, I find out from the corporate offices what the policy is on retirees. I carry a copy of the resulting email or individual's name and phone number in my ski jacket. At one particular resort a few years ago, it became obvious after about the third day that one particular ticket agent was being condescending in that he wanted me to know that he was granting me a special favor outside the normal rules. I whipped out my email. His comment was "I never knew".

 

[LineInTheSand]

And since USCG is not part of DoD, whether or not USCG is a part of the military is also a legitimate issue.
Does Navy Federal Credit Union now accept USCG members? They have not in the past due to their not being a part of DoD (and I will guarantee you that it was not out of ignorance).

Mongo it has become obvious that you very rarely read posts, so to answer your question directly, read 14U.S.C.1. That would be the U.S. Code from Congress that correctly identifies the Coast Guard and has since 1915. It has designated the Coast Guard for 95 years, prior to 1915 the Coast Guard was called the Revenue Cutter Service (that would be the service that predates the Navy by about 8 years.) 14U.S.C.1 predates the Dept. of Defense by 32 years.

"Ah, but the Dept. of Defense was originally the Dept. of War" you may say, created in 1789, which looks surprisingly like the Dept. of the Army crest. One year later, 1790, on Aug. 4, the Revenue Cutter Service was created. It would be another 8 years until the U.S. Navy was REALLY founded. We would have to fast forward another 149 years for the U.S. Air Force.

As for Navy Federal Credit Union, there are a few locations where members of the U.S. Coast Guard are accepted, however largely no, not available. However, it is available for DOD civilians, who you and I both know are not military as well.

In fact, the last few U.S. Navy commercials I've watched have lead me to believe, and maybe you can correct me on this, that the Navy isn't as comfortable touting its "blue water" missions anymore. When was the last time I saw a Navy commercial launching anything? It's all "pirates" "USNS Comfort", "LCS" or rescue swimmers. Heck it's a "global force for good". Identity crisis? Maybe, however I see it as the Navy starting to gravitate to those "brown water" missions Squids like to make fun of the Coast Guard about. Maybe that's where the money is, because that's certainly where the missions are.

 

[Luigi59]

And since USCG is not part of DoD, whether or not USCG is a part of the military is also a legitimate issue.

Whether or not? A legitimate issue?

Think again. Or at least read and try to understand the first paragraph of Title 14.

Mongo, there is no issue. There is no question. There is no debate.

The US Coast Guard is a branch of the military and part of the armed forces of the United States.

You know it.

Stop trolling.

 

[TacticalNuke]

This thread just goes to show that some of you feel that it is more important to debate a point than to have a legitimate conversation.

The fact is the United Airline's policy allows active duty military members to take up to 3 70-lb bags free of charge. They do not have to be on orders. Whether or not you agree with the policy is not the point of this thread.

I think this thread has run its course. Perhaps if one is so inclined to give up these "perks", he or she start petitioning to pay taxes on BAH and BAS. After all, it's only fair and by federal law all entitlements after 1986 (such as CONUS COLA) are taxable anyway.

The purpose of this forum is not to debate and argue every point. The military is supposed to be a family and while families may disagree on a few points they stick together for the most part. If you can't agree to that concept then perhaps you should find another venue to post your thoughts.

To the OP: if you would like to start another thread once you hear back from United, please feel free to do so. If anyone goes in there to start a debate, it will be addressed.

Thank you for your time.

-TN