The experience here is hit or miss. OK, so...I get the bad reviews. I have had a few issues with United here in Dayton as well, but I've also had some great experiences as well. I try to look at the bigger picture...sometimes it's just not "them", but rather a snowball and/or domino effect. However, individuals working for United really need to take a look in the mirror sometimes...would they want to be treated this or that way?
That said, the worst thing that happened to us once was our flight being delayed and when I inquired about our connecting flight, I was told all flights were "all" delayed (including Chicago--where our layover was). Then a half hour later (give or take), we were told all flights were leaving on time from Chicago...but here we sit in Dayton waiting on our delayed flight. I asked if they could put us on a different connecting flight since we wouldn't make it since the flight was still leaving late out of Dayton, but they simply wouldn't help me and stated we could make it once we got to Chicago. Reality is, when we landed in Chicago we had 5 mins from the time the seatbelt light was turned off to make our connection, and hello...you know how long it takes to get off the plane! And for extra entertainment, we had to change terminals. I suppose if we were genies we could have made it. Plus, they close the boarding too. So, we missed our connecting flight. Why wouldn't they help us in Dayton? It's beyond me, but I suppose the little guy has a big guy telling them not to. Seemed pretty obvious to me though...they could have at least inquired, but didn't and chose not to help us...period...dot. Of course, the folks in Chicago weren't any better, worse in fact, and I got accused of not inquiring in Dayton to change flights...grrr. I fly into Dayton a lot since I am from Ohio and visit family often. From this said experience I try to book a longer layover because I know they simply will not help if something happens or I take a different airline home. I will say though, they are always friendly when checking in and if you have simple questions they are helpful and always wish you a nice flight.
The other area I would like to address is the baggage claim. This cracks me up! Most of the time the planes are the small ones flying into Dayton...you know the ones. Therefore, it doesn't take much to get off those planes and get the luggage to baggage claim. I don't know about you, but I normally gotta tinkle when I get off the plane and I don't take long...then I head to baggage claim. Well...then all I see is my bag in the doorway to the United baggage claim office. I go to get it, thank them, and apologize. I always get the eye roll, sometimes the heavy sigh too, and/or the evil death look. Like dang, they had to do something. I used to say Mother Nature called, but I don't even bother joking anymore since they are just so put out for doing anything. It's funny to me.
I like United Airlines, but you can do better United. Just because you are a small airport and may not be as busy...that doesn't mean the flyers/customers matter any less. read more