I booked a flight to Maine to go on a bear hunt. My thoughts was to go with the cheapest fare (Basic Economy) which does not allow you a carryon bag. I would then check two bags ($25 and $35 each way).

Once (or if) I got my bear, I would upgrade to regular economy and use a carryon bag (that was inside one of the checked bags) for my clothing, and use the now empty suitcase to transport the frozen bear skin, back home.

That way my total cost for bringing the bear skin back would be about $30. (cost of upgrading to regular economy which allows a carryon bag in addition to the personal item).

This way, if I didn't get a bear, I would just use the two checked bags to carry everything.

However, some marketing genus at United decided that once you buy a United Basic Economy, you are not allowed to upgrade. (For the life of me, I can not see a business rationale for that one, unless they are just trying to be punitive).

Apparently customer convenience/satisfaction is not a priority for United Airlines.

A third checked bag with United costs $150.00. So instead of United making an extra $30.00 bucks it looks like I will be spending about $85.00 for UPS or FEDEX to ship my bear skin home.

The more I fly United, the less I like them.

Make sure you read all the stipulations before you book any flight (especially with United).

BH63

At least you get to hunt!

In almost every case, I find that going the cheapest route usually costs me more money and more headaches and more stress.

Going the most expensive route usually costs the most money and still I stress with spending it. So I like to live life in the middle.

I flew United to Hawaii a couple months ago and they went out of their way to serve us and the other passengers on the flight.

I don't make my employees fly Frontier, Spirit, or any of the "basic" economy fares. In the long run, it costs me more money and more headaches. It costs what...$30 more each way? Not worth it, esp on Spirit, Frontier, and others that have very few flight options if your flight is cancelled.

quote:

Apparently customer convenience/satisfaction is not a priority for United Airlines.

Now you get the picture!

I would rather fly on just about ANY other airline than United.

i've got to the point that i don't want to fly on any of them the whole works are so used to abusing people that it has become habit

quote:

Originally posted by MC:

In almost every case, I find that going the cheapest route usually costs me more money and more headaches and more stress.

That is SO true. Painful lessons every time I try to save money - it costs money.

I gave up on United Several years back.
Switched to Southwest!
It has been the RIGHT decision!

I used to do a round-trip between Detroit and Denver
every two weeks. I gave up on United after two flights and then flew Southwest exclusively.

Unfortunately Southwest does not have a flight to where I am headed.

United is my least favorite airline (although Air Zimbabwe gave them a run for their money a few years back).

BH63