Screwed By United

Welcome to United Airlines Horror Stories.

I am inviting all readers to submit their United Stories.  I know there are problems with all of the airlines but for this one site, I want your United Airline horror stories.

I have several of them.  For the most part, I keep them to myself.  Since every airline has its problems, I tend to be forgiving however, United recently crossed the line.

Here is my first United Airline horror story.

I have been flying regularly since 1989.  The airline I use most is United.  I do this because they have the most flights out of my home airport in San Francisco.  So far, I have 1,950,000 miles on United.  By December 31, 2011, I will have 1,975,000 - 25,000 miles short of 2 million miles.

For the last several years, I've had my eye on the 2 million mile mark.  It's kind of a status symbol to get that far.  Additionally, they give you a lifetime membership to the Red Carpet Club.

A week ago, I was only a few months away from that milestone.

Then last week, United changed their policy.  They will no longer be giving away the lifetime memberships for those  few people that achieve 2 million miles.  That's right.  For years they've been saying, "Get to 2 million miles and you get the lifetime membership."  Now that I'm almost there, they are saying, "Just kidding."

I wrote an email asking for them to give me a break.  After all, I will be within 1% of the goal before they end the program.  After 22 years of being dedicated to United, I will be within 1% of the goal only to have them change the rules.

Their response amounted to "No Soup For You!"

I have placed an order for a t-shirt that says "Have you been screwed by United Airlines?  Send me your story." I intend to wear it every time I get on a United flight.

Join me by posting your story in the comment section or sending me an email at jim@shift-work.com