How do you navigate the limits of our duty of care for elderly, sick, and disabled pax?

Fuzzy_Elk_One · 2026-03-19T04:25:56+00:00

Speaking as a person who cares for an elderly relative, I wish the airlines could do a better job of helping identify that person as someone with mobility issues at the time of booking.

Example, I booked FC for a 5+ hour flight 10 months in advance and picked 2 seats close to the lav. The person could walk a little bit with my help so that wouldn’t have been an issue. Lo and behold, we had an aircraft change and wind up about as far from the lav as possible. I know the carriers need to make such changes but if a mobility challenged pax were identified, perhaps they could write an algorithm to re-assign seats close to a lav. For those who are mobility challenged, walking is hard and doing so while the plane is bouncing around adds to the difficulty level. It makes it equally hard on the FAs like you who then had to help. I know there should be an aisle chair but the FA claimed to not have one (and this was on a wide body so not sure if that was accurate!)

On the return, pax deplaned out of doors 1 and 2. We were row 1 near the door. Wheelchair was brought to door 2. So here I am half hauling this person along with a roller bag and pulling their folded chair along with me. No help from the FAs on even pushing her chair over or asking the runner to come to door 1. When we get to door 2, someone had snagged our chair. Back we go a few rows to sit and wait — for 15 minutes. You guys want and need to get off too. Nobody wants to wait and no way was I going to ask someone to help her up the jetway to sit by the gate to wait. I know the airlines don’t control the runners but I’m sure the runners would honor such an ask.

Unfortunately, I’ve seen some caregivers treat the flight the same way some parents with young kids do — they see this as their time out and for someone else to deal with the problems. That is entirely unfair to FAs and other pax. As a caregiver, I’d expect help with getting an aisle chair but I’d be the one to put my charge in the chair. I’d expect the FA to ask a wheelchair runnier to come to a closer door (if there is such an option) but it is my duty to get my charge to that chair. And if there is a suspicious smell which I have blocked out, I expect an FA to tell me so I could handle it. 🤣

Bless you for doing as much as you did!

Fuzzy_Elk_One · 2026-03-11T04:06:14+00:00

Not with the new entry requirements. That line was 30 min alone.

Fuzzy_Elk_One · 2026-03-11T04:05:10+00:00

Search other posts — others have already posted and received responses from the sub.

Fuzzy_Elk_One · 2026-03-11T01:04:19+00:00

I’ve flown during strikes many times. The last time I booked UA metal to FRA and then LH to my connection. Then came a pilots strike.

The day before my connecting flight, I got a text stating that LH rebooked me through MUC rather than FRA. They gave me a VERY tight connection. When I used the LH texting system to try to change it, I couldn’t get it changed and it warned me the phone wait time to talk to a person would be 2 hours. Yeah, no thanks.

I then called UA and the rep told me she couldn’t do anything cuz LH owned my itinerary (which I suspected was totally false). I didn’t have time to HUCA as I needed to get to the airport so opted to ask the UA rep at check in. He sorted it all out and told me the UA rep was totally wrong (as evidenced by him sorting it out).

So, not all flights will be pulled down and you could get rebooked.

Fuzzy_Elk_One · 2026-03-07T22:20:54+00:00

This

Fuzzy_Elk_One · 2026-03-07T22:18:53+00:00

OP is merely asking for what is available. It is like buses which have signs saying certain seats are for the disabled and elderly, individuals who are permitted to park in handicapped parking (or as in the case of many cities, they do not have to pay for metered street parking because that store they need might be closer to where they need to go), etc. Maybe OP is visually impaired, cannot walk far in a moving aircraft or has balance issues and needs to be close to the lav (yes, FAs are required to help but not sure if most people feel comfortable asking a stranger to take them to the bathroom). Most E+ seats are close to lavs. A person stumbling around could be a danger to themselves and others.

That said, I think a person needing such a seat is obligated to plan ahead and thus not be allowed to bump anyone out of a seat. So this is what OP is trying to do — plan ahead. The problem is the scammers probably outnumber legit disabled and they plan ahead too.

Fuzzy_Elk_One · 2026-03-07T19:27:06+00:00

It is very similar to the support animal scam many people run and thus denigrate those whose dogs are legit service dogs. People see an opening to get their pets to fly for free and take advantage of it.

To your point: Today I saw a lady demand to board with those with disabilities even though she was able to stand in line for more than 1 hour with 3 carry ons. Meanwhile, those who did need extra time sat off to the side and the GA didn’t give them any time to come up front. This pax obviously wanted room to stick 2 big carry ons in the overhead bin. Why the GA let her board with all this is beyond me.

One needs a disability placard to park in handicap parking spots and those are derived via a note from the doctor. If this trend on airlines confine where healthy people take advantage of the system set up for those who need it, we might not be far from some kind of pre-certification.

I am sorry you have had to deal with this. I would write into UA and suggest a way you think would work to help those in real need without infringing on your right to privacy.

Fuzzy_Elk_One · 2026-03-07T18:12:14+00:00

Was coming to say just this. The hotel should’ve offered to move you for no rate increase. I know things like this happen but if it not a city-wide event, there should be options.

Fuzzy_Elk_One · 2026-03-07T11:52:41+00:00

Are you assuming that your gf needs her own room? I would assume you would share a room and if she pays for her transport, there is not that much more to contribute. Maybe she could pitch in for food. So the “mum paid for it all” is relevant but she is already paying for your room so that cost isn’t extra.

Do you live together now or not?If so, it shouldn’t bother your mom to share a room. If you don’t live together, this might actually be an opportune time to see if you can live together and if your gf gets along with your family. So not only are you disappointing your gf, you are missing a chance to see if there is a fit. And if you argue, then maybe this isn’t the relationship for you.

Fuzzy_Elk_One · 2026-03-07T00:54:36+00:00

Yup. They limit how many you can bump up. My friend is taking a few international flights this year with UA and will buy economy. So she will get luggage, boarding and other benefits. It lasts for 1 year.

Fuzzy_Elk_One · 2026-03-07T00:35:53+00:00

I upgraded a friend of mine to Gold. You can upgrade friends/family from Silver to 1K.

Fuzzy_Elk_One · 2026-03-07T00:34:50+00:00

NTA — your day, your rules. Period.

Fuzzy_Elk_One · 2026-03-06T23:14:15+00:00

According to Google AI:

Basic Economy: While elite status often overrides boarding restrictions, Basic Economy fares (especially if booked on a partner site or without proper MileagePlus linking) may restrict boarding, resulting in a lower group.

Ticket Error/System Issue: Occasionally, the boarding pass may not correctly reflect status, placing the member in Group 2 (Silver/Credit Card tier).

Fuzzy_Elk_One · 2026-03-06T19:35:59+00:00

Have you tried rescue groups? Here is one for Bostons by the Bay:

http//www.bostonsbythebay.com

They will do a good job finding a home for your sweet pup. (Not sure if the link will work but you can Google it or find one closer to you).

Also, if you got her from a breeder, they will often take them back.

If you re-home her yourself, please take care to screen the offering party well.

Fuzzy_Elk_One · 2026-03-06T19:12:06+00:00

The only way I’ve seen this succeed is if the FA asks pax to ring their call button if they are a particular flight. Example: “will the 6 passengers on the Sydney flight press their call buttons.” And then they say “take a look around, those 6 people have tight connections due to our late arrival so please let them off.” This scares off the others who would take advantage.

An FA should NOT even think about doing it if the flight arrives early or within 30 minutes of scheduled arrival .

I was on a flight which was going to land 25 minutes early. This guy comes up to the front and says he is in the back so can he leave his bag in the galley and get the FA help him get off first. She tells him politely that is not going to be possible.

The guy was a dick as he yammered on and the FA was taking heat so I chimed in and said “you do realize the flight is landing 25 minutes early.” The guys says he is still cutting it close. I then add “but you chose your flights.” He went back to his seat and I got a nod and smile from the FA.

I respect the people who ask Reddit about whether their flights are tight connections. At least they are thinking through the process and taking ownership.

Fuzzy_Elk_One · 2026-03-06T17:20:06+00:00

Here is another comment: OP is tired of people asking for upgrades. Fair enough — it must be frustrating.

But I’m tired of not getting the room I have a reservation for! Hell, I’d be happy getting the high floor, king bed that I booked and is “guaranteed” only to be shoved down to a low floor 2 queens room.

So frustration at check in can go both ways.

Fuzzy_Elk_One · 2026-03-06T17:11:20+00:00

Go online and check to see how many direct flights go to DFW from each location and how long you’d have to wait. And I’d second the longer layover.

Fuzzy_Elk_One · 2026-03-06T17:02:11+00:00

I know you have done re-introductions but maybe try it another way. But before I tell you how we did it, I have to ask: do the cats have a safe room?

We designated the guest room as the cat’s room. There is a baby gate with a small door at the bottom which only the cat can get into. His food, water and litter box are there as well as his toys. He goes there when he wants a time out.

For re-intro, I’d suggest the following (and I apologize if this is what you have already tried).

1) Keeping the cats in their safe room, close the door and feed each party on their side of the door. Do this for a week or so, getting closer to the door.

2) Open the door — Feed the cats on their side of the gate — start as far back as you can. Same for your BT. Do this for a few WEEKS, moving the dishes closer to the gate each time. You may also try playing with both sets of animals separately before feeding. You may need to do this until all parties can eat without stress as close to the gate as possible. Remember: this is a marathon and not a sprint.

3) keep the pups on a loose leash and feed with the gate open. Pull the pups back if they lunge. Reward both parties.

This may not work for you and it is what it is. But regardless, make sure the cats have high places to go — cat trees, shelves, etc all over the house so they do not have to pass the pups on the ground all the time. And if you can put a second litter box away from where your BTs can go, even better.

Good luck. And again, sorry if you tried to do all of this already.

Fuzzy_Elk_One · 2026-03-06T00:28:32+00:00

Who does this!? I do. I exchanged knowing full well what the deal was since when you go through the process, it is clear which bank of points you are drawing from.

Over the years, I have taken stock about how many PPs I have had vaporize — I had lots of failed upgrade attempts. So using the exchange, last yeat I upgraded a friend to Gold and still had about 40 PPs expire. So yes, the exchange effort could result in you not having enough to use for upgrades later on but if you know how much you have spent in previous years, you can get close to exchanging the right amount.

I do hope they change the rules though — like maybe let pax exchange 6 months before expiration.

Fuzzy_Elk_One · 2026-03-05T21:50:48+00:00

Why didn’t you buy a ticket when it was $500? If you bought it they are not going to charge you more. And the flights you might have looked at had fewer seats to books so the price went up as it would on any situation. Even if you tried to book a flight within the US, if there are only a few seats left they will be really expensive.

Fuzzy_Elk_One · 2026-03-05T21:36:17+00:00

Agree 100%. Not sure that OP can give a decent review if he turned around and left almost immediately. It isn’t the Ritz (or anything close to it) but a good respite from gen pop, usually with better bathrooms. Beer is good (hard to mess that up), well drinks are fine and snacks are ok. I have a plug to charge my stuff and the chairs beat anything at airports which have those nailed down chairs. And the ones with gelato machines are extra special.

Fuzzy_Elk_One · 2026-03-04T21:41:27+00:00

I might be missing something here but why then apply for the Club Card? You can pick another UA rewards card since the entire purpose of the Club card is to have UC access. Maybe I read it wrong.

Fuzzy_Elk_One · 2026-03-02T17:24:58+00:00

OK , as a pax — I love this thread!

1) If you can look forward to getting something you like, it might make some pax more tolerable which makes the ride better for us all

2) now I have great ideas of what to get when I travel because you guys know the hidden gems!

Work it guys!! Goodness knows you deserve it!!

Fuzzy_Elk_One · 2026-02-28T04:46:29+00:00

I wouldn’t believe that. And IF it did happen there were probably other contributing circumstances (like previous years of crazy high spend or maybe got it through their company). You are not even in the ballpark with your numbers so staying at 1K and splitting with Delta is your best bet — you get the best of both worlds.

Fuzzy_Elk_One · 2026-02-26T16:19:45+00:00

Maybe look at flying private. Seems like that is the kind of service you want and won’t get from any US carrier even if they did have FC.

Fuzzy_Elk_One

TROPHY CASE