[Lornik]

Having booked a bereavement flight from Honolulu to Cleveland due to the passing of my mother, I about went into shock to learn that FIVE PERCENT is the extent that the "New, Improved" United was offering. For me, that amount with taxes came to just over $1,570 and was from June 14 to June 17 as I needed to be back in Honolulu to head out the following day.

Upon boarding the 1:30 pm flight on 06/14/12, the pilot advised of mechanical issues and the flight was delayed about an hour into SFS. Apparently United Maintenance knew there was an issue but had not informed the flight crew so the plane was boarded. With a connecting red eye to CLE blown, the flight crew, while waiting in HNL, advised to go to our connecting flight gate anyway.

Up on arrival to San Fran, we had to wait another 20 minutes since the flight was so late. At that time, the flight crew advised to go to the customer service area in the terminal, which I did. Wow, there were 66 people in line and all eight United personnel assisting. Five minutes later, it went down to four people and 105 in line. Apparently it was shift change and break time. Finally got to the front of the line after an hour and 15 minute wait only to learn that I had been booked to Chicago which also already departed (like I should have known that). Ended up booked at about 12:15 am for a 6:50 am flight to Cleveland, but no hotel vouchers were available since the US Open was in town. They did give me first class to CLE, something I really did not care about but at least was seated. To his credit, the guy that handled me was VERY NICE, but why not keep the place staffed when so many are in line awaiting a flight?

So, $1,570 for a trip where I was actually with my family for less than 48 hours, a free night in San Fran, and I am left with the taste of the combined merger taking on the personality of the OLD United; rather enjoyed Continental's service. Too bad, but it appears the old United culture will take over.