The Crap Alliance Strikes Again

Do you know what a "code share" flight is?

You don't? Oh, in that case, you must work for either Continental, United, or US Airways, which together form the Star Alliance. Known by others, like myself, as the Shit Alliance.

What happens when 3 airlines, 2 with pretty decent Mileage programs, come together to "give you more?" You'll never guess. Do you think that's what happens, that you get more? Or, do you think that just maybe you'll get less? Do not think too much on the matter because in truth you may get both, more and less, depending on who you are dealing with and the randomness of how it works. However, in the end, regardless, you will get frustration. I know this because ever since the merger took place I have been effed in some fashion, almost every single time.

So a "code share" flight is when one airline sells you the ticket, in my case it was Continental, which is part of United now, but the plane is operated by another airline, which in this case was US Air, an airline which had already partnered up with United as well. In other words, it's one huge airline, right?

WRONG. It's one huge pain in the ass, with no rhyme or reason.

What does this merger/alliance mean to me, a man of Platinum/Gold Status in the Shit Alliance? It means that even though I purchased a ticket under the auspices of said alliance, I was not added to the upgrade list of my most recent flight because? Yes, correct if you answered "sir, it's a code share flight...we don't upgrade on those."

"Why not? It's the same Mileage program. I'm a Platinum member"

"Sir, I don't know how to answer that. We just don't."

"How convenient for you, and inconvenient, for me."

"I"m sorry, sir."

"You sound sincere..."

"Sir, it doesn't matter anyway because the flight is full. Even if I put you on the upgrade list now, it wouldn't make a difference."

"Yes, I get that, it's 7:10, and the flight was supposed to leave at 7:15, so I get that everyone has ALREADY been upgraded. I want to know why I wasn't on the list."

"Sir, it won't make a difference because it's a full flight. There are no more seats available."

Yes, I GET THAT. MAYBE I WOULD HAVE BEEN UPGRADED YESTERDAY. DO YOU GET THAT?!?"

"Sir, but there are no more seats to upgrade you to."

"Please transfer me to someone who's not retarded. Please!"

This, of course, after being transferred 2 times earlier, and no one having a clue about what my complaint was, or how to resolve it. I had to repeat the entire story...you guessed it again...4 times in total. Later I learned, "we don't upgrade code-shares..."

When I called Continental/United to ask, "Why am I not on the upgrade list?" it took 3 people to transfer me to an someone who had a clue. This is how clueless all of the operators are regarding matters like these. The ALLIANCE.

One woman said, "Well, you must have booked it through a third party, like a travel site, or agency..."

"Yeah, I did. Maybe you heard of it. It's called Continental dot com. You familiar with that agency?"

"Sir, I'm sorry, but that doesn't make sense."

"Yeah. Totally. It really doesn't. Sorta like you not having a clue about why this is happening, when you work for Continental."

"Sir, can you hold. I'm going to look into this right now."

(Holds...transferred...NEXT!...Repeat...)

Today...

I am in the process of booking a flight from San Francisco to Florida to see my parents, and I immediately noticed this "code share" agreement on the website. In fact, every flight I've looked at being sold by Continental/United/US Air is a code-share flight. SO WHY AM I EVEN USING YOU?

It makes me think I want to try a new airline, like Virgin America, which has few upgrades, but better comfort, planes, and amenities. I'd rather sit in a VA middle seat than a US AIr first class, no joke.

Digress...

The airline industry blows, and everyone knows it, but when you actually have had to fly a ton, like I have, and are part of a rewards program, you hope you're treated well. You expect that just because an ALLIANCE has happened you won't be treated as if the airlines are not aligned at all, and you're a first time flyer on a new carrier. You want to be treated as if it's the same airline, which you assume is the case because when you reach 15,000 feet the CEO is telling you "how this merger is going to make your time with Continental/United more enjoyable."

Dear Jeff Smisek,

BLoW Me.

Right now, all I can say to CO/UN is fuck you, fuck your program, and again, blow me. I'm thinking Delta, Jet Blue, Virgin America from here on out.

If any of these airlines let me roll my status, I'll do it in a heartbeat. I'm becoming an airline Free Agent, and I will take my status to any airline which offers me equal status, and continue spending my money with them instead.

Thoughts Before Departure...(and in the sky)

Well, I'll be back, so it's really not for good. Too much stuff to bring, and it's actually cheaper for me to fly back to NJ, get stuff, and then bring it back on plane. This is because I can check 5 bags for free on Continental. A move in 2 parts, I guess.

I'm looking forward to the beautiful 45 degree weather in San Francisco...

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Just noticed the Raiders allowed Nnamdi Asomugha to become a free agent, arguably the best defensive player in the NFL.

It's funny this is happening because I was just thinking about the moves they'll make before next year's draft. Not this year's, where they already gave New England their pick, but the following year.

Last week they fired Head Coach Tom Cable, who basically did an excellent job this season. If not for a meltdown in Jacksonville, and 25 yard field goal missed by Janikowski, this Raiders team is in the playoffs. They went undefeated in the AFC West. That's ridiculous.

Cable was left to use Jason Campbell, Bruce Gradkowski, and Kyle Boller as Quarterbacks. They're all awful. Yet they were able to run on everyone when teams knew they couldn't pass.

So What. Bye bye, Tom.

Now Asomugha will be gone. Why you ask? I'll answer that in one second.

What I assumed the Raiders were going to do this off-season is make a trade for Philadelphia Eagles backup QB Kevin Kolb, who has been pretty good in games he has played. His in the other conference, on another coast. It was an ideal trade.

Not anymore.

Here's what I expect they'll do, starting with Nnamdi...

Cut every player they can, and attempt to lose every game in an effort to get Andrew Luck.

Yep. I believe this. I believe few organizations would actually make this move, lose every game, but if anyone will try it you have to think Al Davis is the guy.

Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe they'll make a serious effort to win. But when you sign the best cornerback in the league to a huge deal, and let him walk at the height of his stardom, you are not trying to win.

I look forward to attending some Raiders games live :-)

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Sarah Palin is a moron.

Even if it's not meant to be used in a serious way, any time you're using "crosshairs" on your website you are trying to gain political favor with those who believe in "being tough" and guns.

Palin has to paint herself as this outdoors, gun-loving type in order to curry favor with hardcore conservatives.

This is the price you pay for stupidity.

And we all know, she's as dumb as they come.

She wants to represent the gun culture. She wants to fight against Health Care in America. This is who she is. And we see the results of an extremist who believes the same. Not saying Palin is at fault, but her words, and the words of so many others like her, have led people to believe this is acceptable behavior.

The right's rhetoric, the vitriol, etc., has inspired someone to take action.

We see the results.

Sorry. But this is the reality.

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I wanna give credit to the actor Jesse Eisenberg (from my home town) for his portrayal of Marc Zuckerberg in the Social Network.

The movie is on in front of me on the airplane right now, and while I haven't seen it, I give him credit for maintaining that same stupid face for hours and hours during the filming. It's somewhere between, "Why are you asking me that?", "What's it made of?" and "I kind of have to take a huge dump."

I'd consider an Oscar just for that.

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Anyway, see you on the west side.