Originally Posted by
Float On
Just going off the title of this thread "Protesting is good for the soul"
Not my soul so I resent being lumped into that statement a little. Turning on the news every day and seeing some new protest have it's 10 minutes of fame is just getting to me. I don't see the point other than the person who invented the "I protest...everything" T-shirt. That guy (or girl) is making some bucks. I know in history there were professional mourners paid to mourn at funerals...are there professional protesters that just hop from protest to protest? Putting on the ugly face, throwing their fist and trash in the air. I see public protests as mainly costing a lot of money. Ambulance and crew on standby, added police to break up fights and process disorderly, extra trash pick up, construction repairs, etc.
Rob, you mentioned how many in your zip-code depend on the airport for their income. If your airport loses United how many will be affected in your community? Every time we lose an airline it affects price of remaining airlines, available seats, etc... Heck, a bad few days of weather leaves people stranded for days because there aren't enough seats available...you really want that worse? I only see protesting this as having negative effect on future costs to us paying customers.
I know United's goal was to get out of the gate. The ripple effect is huge when a plane is late out of the gate. People protested over tarmac times, if they missed their take-off slot more delay problems. Yes. Everyone knows it could of been handled differently. Yes, Chicago security is crazy but they deal with crazy. No one wants to spend an extra hour in Chicago airport but why didn't people volunteer? Every time I've volunteered it worked to my benefit. I think what bothered me most is that everyone on the plane was quick to grab their phone and record but not do anything personally. Kind of like the video awhile back where there was an emergency un-boarding and everyone spent time videoing and grabbing personal belongings and luggage out of bins instead of getting off the plane. I would of gladly given up my seat and have in the past. People are just too darn selfish anymore it's all more about me and how everything affects me than looking for the good of man-kind. No wonder I barely turn on the news anymore.
Right now might be the best time to get a good deal and good treatment on a United flight. I'd give them a chance if it meant I could save some $. And I'd be sure to say "thank you" to the flight crew and step up and volunteer if they call for anyone to do so.