MalloryKeaton

http://www.click2houston.com/travelg...76/detail.html

United: If You Want To Talk To Human, Pay Up

POSTED: 1:55 pm EDT August 24, 2004
UPDATED: 2:55 pm EDT August 24, 2004

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill. -- The cost of booking a frequent-flier trip on United Airlines is going up -- but only if you use the phone.

The carrier said it is adding a $15 fee for booking frequent-flier trips by phone, effective Oct. 15.United has been trying to cut expenses during its 20 months in Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The airline saves money when customers use its Web site for self-service booking instead of phoning an agent.

Passengers who use the Internet to book frequent-flier trips, or who fly more than 100,000 miles each year, won't have to pay the fee.

Fliers who call to use miles for upgrades are also exempt.

United says it's also cutting the number of frequent-flier miles that customers have to accrue in order to get free economy-class tickets.

Fliers now need 15,000 miles instead of 25,000 to earn a free ticket, valid on most nonstop flights of 750 miles or less.

First- and business-class passengers will now need 30,000 miles instead of 40,000.

Distributed by Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved.


I don't think you should have to pay in order to talk to a real person. The automated phone services are annoying and not everyone wants to book flights online.

imajica

Booking online is convenient for me but I often find that in some situations where your itinenary is complicated it can be much easier to speak to someone who can give you all the options - I don't think that you should have to pay for that.