Cheap Flights From Indianapolis, Indiana To Portland, Oregon

“My worst flight experience ever.”

by kelleytotten on April 18, 2011

Flight from Indianapolis to Portland

Airline:

United

RT/OW

One Way

Number of Stops:

1 stop in Denver, Colorado

Date of Flight:

March 2011

Seat Class:

economy

I had a very stressful, uncomfortable, and expensive experience flying with United. I was finishing up a multi-leg trip and on my way home to Eugene, Oregon (flying into Portland). My flight from Indianapolis, IN to Denver, CO was canceled due to mechanical problems. I have tried to call and write United to receive some sort of apology and compensation (just $125), but have not had a response. I am now posting reviews here and filing complaints with the Better Business Bureau in an effort to hear back from United. I am a world traveler who has flown multiple times around every continent, except Antarctica. I worked in the tourism industry for ten years. I have never experienced this before. In summary:

On Friday, March 25, 2011:

United Airlines Flight #369 from Indianapolis to Denver was cancelled.

-I stood in line for over 3 hours (7-10:15 am)

-Was told that I could not be booked on another flight for at least 3 additional days, more likely 4 (first available flight would be Monday or Tuesday)

-Was told there would be no compensation for hotels, despite the fact that I was stranded. (or for missing work.)

-Was eventually booked on flight out of Chicago. Was told I could take the Greyhound, but they would not pay rental car.

-When I looked into Greyhound, it would not get me there in time.

-Through my own research, I found out about MegaBus and booked a ticket (I do not have an internet phone, and thus had to call a friend to help find schedules and book a ticket) ($30)

-I had to take a taxi to downtown Indianapolis (a city I am not familiar with) to catch the bus on a street corner. ($30)

-Took the bus to downtown Chicago and walked several blocks with my luggage to the metro, which I took to the airport.

-During my flight, I was seated next to the window, with a side air vent blasting freezing air. I have never been that cold on a plane. I asked for a blanket and was told they were for first class passengers only. I asked if she could just check for one. She said fine, and ignored me the rest of the flight.

-I arrived in Portland too late to connect with my previously-coordinated ride home. It was too late to catch the train. I had to take the expensive shuttle back to Eugene ($65).

-The total day caused me an additional 8 hours (of stressful and uncomfortable) travel and $125

I called to file a formal complaint a week later, on Friday, April 1.

-I spoke with one customer service rep, was placed on hold for over 30 minutes and then was disconnected.

-I called back, was placed on hold several times. After 45 minutes, I was told that the most they could do would be to issue me a $75 certificate towards another United flight. I was also told that I could send an email and expect a response.

-I sent an email, as well as one copied to the website form. I have yet to hear a response.

A $75 voucher towards my "next" flight is not acceptable. I can not fly anywhere for $75 and I do not plan to pay any more money to subject myself to the kind of treatment I received with United.

United's low fares have hidden costs.