To start out with, my morning American Airlines flight to San Francisco
was canceled. I have learned, call back right away and rebook. Never
wait for an airline to re-book you. You will be at least a few days
late. After calling, I was happy to be on the red-eye that night, as it
was already overbooked. Now, I had a large number of segment upgrades
(they call them stickers) that I haven't used. I learned that from
Hawaii, where I now reside, I can't use them without status, which I no
longer have. Luckily, while on the phone with the AAdvantage desk for
re-booking, I asked if they would allow me to put in a request to use my
stickers online because of the delayed flight. The agent was wonderful,
and put in the request though telling me it may not be approved. I
logged on to check in about an hour late, and "Voila!" my upgrade option
was available. Now, it is an insane amount of stickers going from HNL
to SFO with an infant in his own seat, but I had them. So far, so good.
Me + infant traveling with a checked bag each, a car seat and a stroller
(gate checked). We Sky Cap it. He verifies that we are on the list,
and takes our bags. However, he can't reprint tickets since we checked
in on-line. This is after 20 minutes to get a gate agent to approve my
bags only going as far as SFO. I was continuing on to SAN on a separate
United itinerary, and had the day (originally overnight) with friends in
SFO. After tipping him, while saying good-bye to my wonderful hubby,
the Sky Cap walks up with my tickets. :) I love good service and
appreciate the assistance with my arms already full.
Security was a breeze...though my bike multi-tool earned one bag a
second trip through the scanner. The American terminal is much nicer
than the United side at HNL, and was a comfortable place to relax while
waiting.
Once an agent showed up, so close to boarding it was ridiculous, I went
to the counter. We had no seat assignment on our tickets, even though
our e-passes did. I went to verify that this was due to our being on
the upgrade list. After asking this exact question, I was handed my
original seats. The agent did not say a word. I then made the comment,
"So first class is full then?" At this point, I was asked if I was on
the upgrade list. I think she was a bit over tasked due to the
overbooking/short gate time/etc. Either American is understaffed at HNL
or there were people out sick...the agents were so close to departure
time when they opened because they had just come from the ticket
counter. She couldn't find us until I pointed out that we were at the
top of her screen. She then said she couldn't because of status. I
mentioned my conversation with the AAdvantage desk. She went to get the
other agent to authorize it. After re-explaining to the second agent,
she told me she would do it only because of the situation...yes, again I
hear this. I just grin and thank her and get on-board.
If you are ever taking the red eye, first class is worth the upgrade.
My little man was curled up in his seat asleep by the time we passed
10,000'. I then was able to enjoy dinner and a glass of wine while
knitting. Unfortunately, I was not able to get much sleep, due entirely
to my fretting over the little one. Oh well, it worked out ok. We made
our LA connection without the upgrade, as it wasn't showing in the
system. I didn't have the patience at that point to argue. All in all,
I still enjoy American on-board, but do think they have some catching up
to do in the ground based customer service area to be on par with United.
UNITED TO SAN AND BACK
A quick trip to SAN from SFO that evening netted me an unhappy camper.
He was bawling completely as we walked down the companionway and boarded
the plane, coach class, and I was getting looks from everyone. Tired,
yes. Hungry, yes. Traveled too much, possibly. The stewardess looked
amazed as she passed by within a minute of us taking our seats. He was
polite and calm. The secret? Teach him from the beginning what polite
means. Tell him when he is not being polite, offer him and option, and
explain the consequences. As we were stowing luggage, I reminded him
that he was not being polite. He could either sit quietly and have an
iPhone or pen and paper to play with, or he we would have to get back
off the aircraft, calm down and go through the entire process of getting
back on the aircraft again. He was sitting patiently asking for a pen
by the time I finished the sentence. That was honestly the most
exciting part of my United round trip. We were on time both ways, and
had no issues (as usual).
Of note, I will thank the SFO airport security. You know, the guys that
you normally dislike for telling you to keep driving while someone is
"on their way" from baggage claim? My friend was there to pick me up.
I had kid, luggage, stroller and now two chai lattes from Starbucks.
After explaining to him that I was right behind the door he could see
through, he walked with her to see my hands full, grinned, and walked
out letting her help me out the door with her car right there still
running. Very seldom have I seen this level of common sense applied,
and it is a refreshing turn in the right direction.
TO THE ISLAND!
My husband flew into SFO the evening of my return for a week vacation,
making travel with the little man much easier when we were ready to go
home. We ran into two snags at SFO. Firstly, if you are military and
want your free luggage credit you must go inside with American. I do
not know about the other airlines. Secondly, if you have a large
stroller (i.e. two-child since we have a second on the way) they look at
you sideways about allowing it. That, and these things are a thousand
dollars a piece...it has a case it travels in. They still counted it as
over sized, but at least ended up not charging us in the end. It came
back to us with an inspection sticker. I would be willing to bet they
wanted to make sure it was a stroller.
With the three of us, and my stickers exhausted, coach was our option
for the trip back. They couldn't get us seats together, but a very nice
lady was willing to trade for my husband's seat. Though, I am sure she
was thinking it was that or sit next to a two-year old. When we
deplaned, she was commenting over and over how wonderfully he had
behaved. Personally, I think all parents need to teach their children
to behave from any age. But all of the polite comments, while I do
enjoy them, make me wonder what kinds of other children travel? We
packed enough snacks that we did not need to purchase food, but the
stewardess were so fun and entertaining (convincing one gentleman he did
not want ANOTHER soda as it was bad for him and he had already had a
few) that we offered them some of our candy stash and will remember if
we see them on the next trip we take. Thanks to them for making the
flight seem faster and definitely more enjoyable. Score another one for
American. On the flip-side, American is looking to cancel the SFO/HNL
flight. If you like this option, as we do, please let them know you
want them to keep flying!
Landbound for a few weeks here, and then we are back again to
LAS...United via LAX I believe. Stay tuned.
