United Airline...a Bitter Sweet Experience

Well, I've been home two and a half weeks from New York and still can't believe the ordeal I went through with United Airlines. 


Just to recap, if you have been following my blog (IF)... you are then aware of how I tried to use my frequent flyer miles in a bereavement situation last month. I needed to get a flight from California to Long Island, NY on Friday April 9th.  I had more than enough frequent flyer miles but United would not honor my miles for a Berveavement Fare.  

I spoke with several supervisors at United Airlines trying to book a bereavement flight to say my goodbye to a Dear Friend/Big Brother, Uncle Mike whos life as I knew it was coming to an end. His wife, a dear friend, Nancy (aka:Aunt Nancy) had called me Friday, April 9th to let me know that her Husband, my Dear Friend would be crossing over Rainbows Bridge sometime within the next 24 hours.

was not accommodating at all!  Of course if I wanted to pay the full fare for a last minute ticket then and only then would they book me a seat. 

Needless to say Uncle Mike passed the following day, Saturday,  April 10, 2010.  He in New York and me still in California :o(    Unfortunately, because United Airlines would not honor my frequent flyer miles in a time of bereavement  I was not able to get back to NY in time to see Mike before his passing. 

The following day (Sunday) I went to church (as I usually do on Sundays) and when I returned home from church I had made peace with the fact that Mike passed away and was in a better place. I knew in my heart, what was most important, Mike was finally at rest,  he was no longer suffering. 

At that point I very calmly picked up the phone (again), called United Airlines and asked to speak with a Supervisor (again.)  Finally, I got a Supervisor who was very sympathetic and apologetic for his predecessors attitudes.  He offered to book me a seat using my frequent flyer miles in order to get me back east in time for the Memorial Services.  

   

pulled through!

It was a Bitter Sweet moment when the supervisor booked me the flight to New York.

I finally made it back to New York and said my good-byes for now.  RIP, Uncle Mike, you may not be here physically, but you're spirit lives on and you will always be in our hearts.