Another horrendous experience flying United. 3 out of 4 of the last flights with this airline were delayed, significantly impacting my travel plans. On one flight in particular I had a broken entertainment system, WiFi that did not work, and AC that did not work either.
Will be booking any airline other than United moving forward unless I have no choice.
KS
Kateryna S.
One of the worst experiences
One of the worst airline service experiences I’ve had, from check-in to the flight itself.
At Washington Dulles, the check-in staff were rude and dismissive. I was sent away after waiting in the baggage-drop line because an additional baggage-registration step had not been completed. When my suitcase was slightly overweight, instead of simply telling me how much weight to remove, I was told to “take out two T-shirts.” I removed a children’s toy weighing almost 1 kg and still had to repack again.
At boarding, I asked twice to have my stroller tagged for gate check. This was not done, leaving me to board with a 5-year-old child, two backpacks and the stroller. The stroller was later returned with a broken carrying strap.
The onboard experience was even worse. Dinner was served approximately THREE HOURS after takeoff. After 2.5 hours, my 5-year-old was extremely hungry and close to tears. I asked three times if they could bring just one meal for the child. They refused and repeatedly told me food would come “in a few minutes.” We waited about another 40 minutes. Even a request for ice for my child was refused.
When food finally arrived, our preferred choice was no longer available. I had tried to pre-order, but United’s system did not offer my saved card, while manual payment required selecting a billing country from a list of only three countries, none of which was mine.
The individual problems were frustrating, but what made the experience unacceptable was the consistent lack of helpfulness and basic consideration throughout the journey, especially toward a parent travelling with a young child.
Flight UA989, Washington Dulles–Frankfurt, 11 September 2026.
JU
June
Humiliated by Airline Gate Boarder
I was flying out of Dulles, and since no one was on line yet, I asked if I could pre-board as a senior since I needed some more time with my foot. The lady at the gate looked me over and yelled back, "You look pretty capable to me!" I'm 67 years old, I asked politely in a soft voice, and was humiliated with this arrogant response. I'd like an explanation of how they're allowed to treat you this way. She didn't even ask why I needed some more time to board. I would have gladly told her. I am not going to stop until someone calls me with some sort of explanation. I will post this review on every piece of social media I can find.
GK
Gregory K.
Extremely disappointed with United…
Extremely disappointed with United Airlines.
Our flight was canceled because the aircraft needed maintenance. I completely understand that safety comes first, but the fact that United’s aircraft required maintenance should not become the customer’s problem.
This wasn’t just another vacation for my wife and me. Our trip to Italy was 15 years in the making. We rarely get the opportunity to take a trip for ourselves, and our itinerary was already short. Now, because of this cancellation, we are losing an entire day of a trip we have waited 15 years to take.
United’s response? A $15 drink voucher.
Thanks, but a $15 drink isn’t going to make up for losing an entire day of a once-in-a-lifetime trip. We paid for hotels, transportation, activities, and planned everything around our original itinerary. More importantly, we can’t get that lost time back.
I understand mechanical issues happen, but United needs to take responsibility for the impact these disruptions have on its customers. A $15 voucher feels incredibly dismissive given the circumstances.
United, you need to do better and make this right.
JH
JH
Do not fly
After my experience with United’s policies and customer service, I’ve decided I will no longer fly United. The restrictive fare rules, frustrating policies, and the overall customer experience simply isn’t worth it to me when there are other airlines I can choose instead.
I understand that airlines have to make money, but there is a difference between a company having policies and a customer feeling like those policies are designed to make the experience unnecessarily difficult and cost money at every level. United has permanently lost my business.
PJ
pia J.
I recently flew on United Airlines from…
I recently flew on United Airlines from Las Vegas to San Fran. The experience was so painful I wanted to slit my wrist and suck it dry. After checking in for my flight, I needed a wheelchair and was told to wait in the disabled seat area. After 30 mins, I inquired as to wait time and the desk agent was quite dismissive, telling me that they were quite busy. I had enough time, so was not upset. After another 20 mins, I gently asked again and received the same answer. By this time, I was becoming a bit anxious. Finally, an older gentleman (very courteous)came and rolled me to my gate. The flight was delayed and I really became perturbed. I only flew United because I needed the first flight out.. We eventually boarded and were told it was a fully booked flight. Folks must have changed their mind, because I saw many empty seats. The welcome on board greeting was tepid to say the least, and I saw 1 FA busily scrolling through her phone, while 2 others enjoyed a private joke, totally ignoring the boarding passengers. After we were seated, a further delay, not United fault; no available runways. So again, we waited, but the pilot was exceptionally gracious and kept giving updates and checking in. The flight attendants (3), absolutely useless. At SFO, I walked to the jet bridge and shocker; there was no wheelchair waiting. Another passenger assisted me up the ramp to the waiting area, after which I spoke to an attendant. 32 mins later, a harassed woman came apologizing for her tardiness. I was so relieved, I thanked her and we hurried to get my checked bag. Poor woman, she had another ride, so left me in the arrival area, and scooted off, instead of taking me to the Uber area. Customer Services died for that Airline.
JT
John T.
One worse airline from 7:32 pm to 7:56…
One worse airline from 7:32 pm to 7:56 then 9:30 then 11:30 then 1:00 then 12:20 then delay again 1:20 never flight we this worst airline I’m surprised people fly it
RV
RV
Very poor and disorganized airline!!!
Very poor. Excessive security measures, was travelling from BKK to HKG, not even the US. They asked multiple questions while boarding about the purpose of visit in Thailand. In Thailand? I am going to HKG what does Thailand had to do with all this. Then, their bogus online check in system, asking people to voluteer for a travel voucher as the flight maybe fully booked. Tried doing it, shows error in the end. Why ask at all, guess they already had internal passengers for the vouchers. As even Gate Agent won't allow people to sign up. Then, they ask you to open bags take off shoes at the gate, all for what? A 3 hrs flight? Trash, won't be travelling with you guys again!