I abandoned United about 20 years ago due to their incompetent handling of stuff like that and their overall screw-you arrogance. When the merger with Continental came about I hoped the Continental ethic would prevail.
It didn't. Took me only trip with the "new" United to figure that out.
Only other airline on my shit-list is British Airways, stemming from a trans-Atlantic flight (a 747) which had fewer than formerly lavatories in order to cram in a few more seats. Less than 1/2 way across several of the toilets were closed and there was water all over the floor outside them due to overuse. First purchase in London after that flight? Shoes. Shoes that didn't smell like stale piss. It is said that BA has "reformed" but I'm not willing to experiment.
By way of contrast, BEST airline I've found in a recent series of international flights is Norwegian Air Shuttle. No frills but a picture of competence and everything they say they'll do they actually do and do well. Best buy is their second-least-expensive fare on any given route. The extra cost above the bare-bones price is little enough that it's worthwhile for the additional services you get.
It didn't. Took me only trip with the "new" United to figure that out.
Only other airline on my shit-list is British Airways, stemming from a trans-Atlantic flight (a 747) which had fewer than formerly lavatories in order to cram in a few more seats. Less than 1/2 way across several of the toilets were closed and there was water all over the floor outside them due to overuse. First purchase in London after that flight? Shoes. Shoes that didn't smell like stale piss. It is said that BA has "reformed" but I'm not willing to experiment.
By way of contrast, BEST airline I've found in a recent series of international flights is Norwegian Air Shuttle. No frills but a picture of competence and everything they say they'll do they actually do and do well. Best buy is their second-least-expensive fare on any given route. The extra cost above the bare-bones price is little enough that it's worthwhile for the additional services you get.