I had originally planned to travel back home to Houston from Minneapolis on December 10, 2012 on a southwest flight but I decided I needed to get home to Houston earlier for an 8:00am meeting so I used award miles to book flight UA697 and UA1155 MSP-ORD;ORD-IAH.
It was supposed to depart at 6:59pm but the flight was delayed until 7:30 due to late inbound aircraft. Around 7:15pm after all the passengers had deplaned, the gate agent said that there was a maintenance issue for the flight and we did not board until around 7:35 (20 minutes later).
I realize that the weather conditions in Minnesota were not ideal as it was snowing and they had to de-ice the plane but they never mentioned that was the reason for the delay. With that being said, my flight didn't end up leaving as we spent another hour on the tarmac waiting to be de-iced and then being de-iced. I realize that it is outside United's control for Air Traffic Control issues but that wasn't the sole reason for the delay. When I arrived at 8:55pm..my Houston flight had departed roughly 10 minutes earlier at 8:45pm which I would not had missed had there not been a mechanical issue.
Sorry for the long text but my question is, after talking to the rep, her supervisor, and another supervisor, they refused any accommodations or meals saying that she had already told no to other people and that it was only fair for me not to get a room as well. They said their flights show that it was a Air Traffic Control Issue and then they also mentioned that the weather was bad in Minnesota. (Honestly, they just don't want to give me a hotel). My next flight is at 5:00am and i've decided to sleep at the airport (which is probably my own fault) but its a principal thing.
I know I am going to write to united.com/appreciation but I don't understand why they wont' just put me in a hotel room and make my life easier. I'm not even angry that I won't get into Houston on time now I just want a decent night's rest.
It was supposed to depart at 6:59pm but the flight was delayed until 7:30 due to late inbound aircraft. Around 7:15pm after all the passengers had deplaned, the gate agent said that there was a maintenance issue for the flight and we did not board until around 7:35 (20 minutes later).
I realize that the weather conditions in Minnesota were not ideal as it was snowing and they had to de-ice the plane but they never mentioned that was the reason for the delay. With that being said, my flight didn't end up leaving as we spent another hour on the tarmac waiting to be de-iced and then being de-iced. I realize that it is outside United's control for Air Traffic Control issues but that wasn't the sole reason for the delay. When I arrived at 8:55pm..my Houston flight had departed roughly 10 minutes earlier at 8:45pm which I would not had missed had there not been a mechanical issue.
Sorry for the long text but my question is, after talking to the rep, her supervisor, and another supervisor, they refused any accommodations or meals saying that she had already told no to other people and that it was only fair for me not to get a room as well. They said their flights show that it was a Air Traffic Control Issue and then they also mentioned that the weather was bad in Minnesota. (Honestly, they just don't want to give me a hotel). My next flight is at 5:00am and i've decided to sleep at the airport (which is probably my own fault) but its a principal thing.
I know I am going to write to united.com/appreciation but I don't understand why they wont' just put me in a hotel room and make my life easier. I'm not even angry that I won't get into Houston on time now I just want a decent night's rest.