United Airlines’ three stuff up’s this week
There doesn’t seem to be any breaks for United as it once again gets embroiled in a series of negative stories this week – ranging from allegedly forcing passengers to urinate in cups to tagging on to a kid’s chicken nuggets tweets.
So what made headlines this week? Here’s a round-up:
United apologises after cancelling passenger ticket
Per the Sun, the airline was forced to apologise to a passenger after cancelling his ticket when he started filming a United Airlines staff member.
Allegedly, passenger Navang Oza, from California, was embroiled in an argument with regarding baggage fees with a United Airlines customer service agent over the size of his baggage in Louisiana, after she advised he would be charged almost double of what he paid for on his inbound flight.
The video has since gone viral, with the airline just yesterday apologising about their lack of customer service reflected in the incident. Apparently the passenger was within his legal rights to film the agent, despite her protests which led to the cancellation of his ticket.
Watch the video below from @Navang25 tweets:
I guess @united harassment isn’t limited to the unfriendly skies. #unacceptable #united #lackofcustomerservice pic.twitter.com/A5P6A8XJjC
— Navang Oza (@Navang25) May 8, 2017
Woman allegedly forced to pee in a cup
Fresh claims have surfaced about a Kansas woman saying was she was forced to pee in a cup on board a United Airlines flight last month.
Per the Sun, Nicole Harper said she had attempted to visit the onboard toilet but she was told to return to her seat by a flight attendant as the seatbelt sign was on.
In a statement issued by the airline, United claim that the partner-operated Mesa Airlines flight had been midway through its final descent when the incident occurred.
In an interview with a local US news station, Harper said “she responded by saying she would need a cup to relieve herself and then was given two cups, which she filled. She was then escorted to the bathroom to empty them, she told the network,” Fortune magazine reports.
Apparently United has denied the flight attendant told her to urinate in a cup as opposed to using the restroom.
“At no point was Ms. Harper told to use the cups instead of the lavatory,” the spokesperson said. ” Customer safety is always our first priority. Initial reports from the Mesa Airlines flight attendants indicate that Ms. Harper attempted to visit the lavatory on descent and was instructed to remain seated with the seat belt fastened per FAA regulations. At no point during the flight did flight attendants suggest that Ms. Harper use cups instead of the lavatory,” a United spokesperson told Fortune.
United tries to piggyback on kid’s retweets for chicken nuggets
So just when you thought the United Airlines social media staff would be a little more clued in on how to approach their customers these days – you get this.
Someone at United thought it would be a great idea to tweet to a kid in the US who was trying win a fast-food chain, Wendy’s, promotion of the most re-tweets to get free chicken nuggets, Pedestrian reports. While the boy succeeded and got over 18 million re-tweets and is now the most re-tweeted human alive, United, well, didn’t fare so well after offering to fly him to any Wendy’s to claim his prize.
In a nutshell, they’ve opened up the Twitterverse of haters, as shown in a series of hilarious re-tweets and comments. We’ve handpicked some of the funniest for your Friday amusement.
If you get the 18 million RTs, we’ll give you a free flight to take you to any @Wendys in the world in a city we serve. Good luck! https://t.co/igxnPg1JUF
— United (@united) April 8, 2017
Hey @carterjwm, congrats on your world record! It’s time to decide where in the world you’d like to visit a @Wendys! DM to get the ✈ rolling https://t.co/3prDeaQdbL
— United (@united) May 10, 2017
@united@Wendys@carterjwm They might knock you out in the process though, so I wouldn’t take it.
— Ryan Brown (@Toadsanime) April 10, 2017
@united @carterjwm @Wendys Can’t wait to see you get dragged out of the plane with a bag full of #nuggz
— Rafa El Alcalde (@ElalcaldeRafa) April 11, 2017
@united @Wendys Or you could just DRAG him to Wendy’s in the terminal.
— Kristina Wong ❄️ (@mskristinawong) April 11, 2017
@united @Wendys pic.twitter.com/y3BpQLnxUw
— Back 2 Punchin Nazis (@PaulGoebelShow) April 11, 2017
@united @Wendys lol Wendy’s sees United tweeted them and is all like pic.twitter.com/zUhq6ctxt7
— Stevie Benz (@steviebenz) April 11, 2017
@united @Wendys Just make sure the flight isn’t overbooked. We’d hate for him to have to be forced off the flight trying to get his nuggets pic.twitter.com/bxn269aSlY
— BigBallerBrand© (@iAM_RodWill) April 10, 2017
@LadyDevann @united @Wendys They will beat him up and steal his nuggets for United Employees. pic.twitter.com/WtljyoRDX1
— Everyone✌ (@fight4equal4all) April 10, 2017
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
customer service Nuggets passenger tweet united united airlines Wendy'sLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!