• Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Login
  • Home
  • Archive
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Archive
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
Home IAAF

My excellent adventure: SFO to Spokane, a love note to United Airlines’ management, and what our sport can learn from UA’s miscues, by Larry Eder

Larry EderbyLarry Eder
May 1, 2014
0
0 0
0
SHARES
1
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Well, I am back on the road! After one week at home with mes parentes, your favorite blogger begins the month of May on the road. This time, it is the RRCA convention. But first, dear and gentle readers, I will be writing about the many ways that United airlines management just does not get it. They are in the customer service business, and while their team is good, the management of United needs to go back to school. Or, maybe, work on a plane for a week! 


sopottumblr_inline_n18yl9e94s1rxb98m.jpg
Sopot, Poland


So, it started out as a pretty normal travel day. Adam, my son,  drove me to the airport, with his girlfriend, Rachel, and we chatted about life, business and the glorious weather I was leaving in San Jose. Yes, I do get those feelings like cancelling the trip, pulling out some cocoa butter, a good novel and sitting on a lawn chair and just vegging (I know, the cocoa butter was so seventies, but that, dear readers, was my life). 

RelatedPosts

Coffee With Larry, New Balance Indoor Grand Prix finds a new home, THE TRACK at newbalance!

Dina Asher-Smith is back!

CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK TO HOST ADIDAS ATLANTA CITY GAMES on May 6

My travel days are preceded, always, by day of finishing reports, ad proposals and of course, cleaning clothes. 
First flights are about one thing. Finding a comfortable exit row, preferably by the window, and sleeping. I slept so well I did not notice that the flight was delayed out of SFO. 
When I got to Denver, I arrived at 6:28 PM on the tarmac and my flight, UA 1266, closing the doors at 6:41 PM. 
Somehow, I made the flight and got to my seat. I knew my bag was not going to make it, as this was United, not Lufthansa. 
The flight attendants on United are always quite nice, and solicitous. I do not blame them. But, I do blame, and rightly so, the chuckleheads that manage United. 
First it was the change in coffee (although I hear that they may be going to Pete’s coffee soon), about two years ago. The replacement coffee had the taste of water with an old sock and smelt of offal. 
I have done since then, what all seasoned flyers do on United flights, bring your own coffee. Then, it was the charging for TV on the domestic flights. That was not bad enough. Recently, I flew from NY to SFO on a brand new plane with NO TV, NO movies. That the plane actually flew, considering how annoyed most of the flyers was amazing. 
Let me explain why I love Lufthansa. It is the details. I fly from SFO to Frankfurt, hit the Business Lounge, get a shower, read the paper and then fly somewhere in Europe. No matter if I am coach, business ( I fly coach except on very special occasions), Lufthansa offers beer and wine to all customers, palatable coffee, and, if you ar delayed, a bag with a t-shirt, toiletries and such. Customers are appreciated. 
United, in the US, and in their flights back to Europe, charge for wine and beer in coach, (I don’t drink anymore, but it still annoys me), charges for TV on domestic flights (except first class and business), and now, has discontinued the small bags of toiletries that were given, for the past three decades, to those whose bags were sent to Moscow (mine were about two years ago, and I was going to St.Louis, seriously!). 
Getting off the flight today in Spokane, I went to the very courteous baggage claim officer and when I queried him about the small customer service bag United used to provide, he noted, ” Oh, management ended that.”
United management, like many American companies, has forgotten who they work for. They are in business because business travelers like moi, will pay inordinate fares at last minute, and families buy their summer deals. Yet, United seems to be trying to see how far that they can push consumers before they leave.
Funny thing is, United is making money and the employees get none of it. I flew with some investment bankers about six months ago, and the guys were showing me their software. One of the presentations was how much United was starting to make. Much of the profit was off the inordinate charges for baggage that they hit consumers for. Add in the money for booze, food, and such and now, TV, and you wonder, what is next, having us stand up the whole flight to get more people in the flight? 
In a time when airlines like Lufthansa have increased the quality of their small flights, from the healthiness of snacks, to their attention to detail when one’s bags are lost, I wonder, seriously, on what planet the management at United is at this time? Mars? 
What do we learn from United’s lack of reality? Well, it seems to me, that our sport has similar issues to attend to. 
Recently, I was told that the nosebleed seats at a major relay meet  are $42 to $52. Well, if one checked said seats this past weekend, one noticed, there were some open seats. Why don’t track meets have a coach and team rate? For $25 a coach can bring in a car full of kids to a meet? Why not $15 seats for those under 18? Fill the place up. 
Then, there is the being too far away from the real world. Perhaps the big issue for United management, and for management in any group, is how they keep in real contact with their customers. That real world connection is key, in any endeavor. 
I am reminded of this issue when I consider how the Nike-USATF extension of twenty-three years was under announced. Perhaps that was the plan.
When I first read the release on the extension, I was non plused. The release was totally under-stated, in my mind,  for something so huge. I went straight to the USATF website, then called my contacts at USATF to make sure it was not a joke. It was not that it was poorly written, but, as it was announced in between London and Boston marathons, and very little publicity surrounded it. 
The normal level of negativity on anything that USATF does just did not happen, with this release. Actually, there was very little response to it, except among competitors and those in athlete management. The best coverage of the extension was done by Alan Abrahamson, who put the extension into its proper perspective. It was a huge deal, in anyone’s world. 
I was a bit confused that such a monumental bit of info, as an estimated nearly $500 million Nike deal should have been, was delivered with a whimper. A half billion dollars is a lot of money, even I had to take off my shoes and count all my toes to appreciate the money involved. USATF has been attacked for years for not getting their money’s worth in the sports marketing world. Well, at half a billion, it seems USATF should be at least smiling. 
Or, if one is in the media, and has spent thousands or even a tank of gas to get to a track meet or road race, how about having wifi that works and for redundancy sake, have ethernet back up? These little things, do not happen several times a year, and I wonder, if the true enemy of our sport growing is no one but ourselves. 
It is the little things that matter, in the end. 
I want to see our sport grow and prosper, like Lufthansa, not annoy and lose any support, like my dear friends at United. 
The truth is, change has to come from the top down. With such a wonderful staff at United, the least their management can do it get their act together. 
I truly believe, that the success or failure of our sport is up to us. Tell me what you think at runblogrun@gmail.com.
For more info: 
Nike Extends USATF contract
http://www.3wiresports.com/2014/04/16/usatf-nike-apparent-500-million-deal/Alan Abrahamson (Three Wire Sports) on USATF Nike Extension

Author

  • Larry Eder
    Larry Eder

    Larry Eder has had a 50-year involvement in the sport of athletics. Larry has experienced the sport as an athlete, coach, magazine publisher, and now, journalist and blogger. His first article, on Don Bowden, America's first sub-4 minute miler, was published in RW in 1983. Larry has published several magazines on athletics, from American Athletics to the U.S. version of Spikes magazine. He currently manages the content and marketing development of the RunningNetwork, The Shoe Addicts, and RunBlogRun. Of RunBlogRun, his daily pilgrimage with the sport, Larry says: "I have to admit, I love traveling to far away meets, writing about the sport I love, and the athletes I respect, for my readers at runblogrun.com, the most of anything I have ever done, except, maybe running itself." Theme song: Greg Allman, " I'm no Angel."

    View all posts

Previous Post

Nike Pre Classic: Aregawi leads stellar women’s 1,500m field for May 31,

Next Post

HOKA ONE ONE becomes presenting sponsor of 2014 Adrian Martinez Memorial Classic

Larry Eder

Larry Eder

Larry Eder has had a 50-year involvement in the sport of athletics. Larry has experienced the sport as an athlete, coach, magazine publisher, and now, journalist and blogger. His first article, on Don Bowden, America's first sub-4 minute miler, was published in RW in 1983. Larry has published several magazines on athletics, from American Athletics to the U.S. version of Spikes magazine. He currently manages the content and marketing development of the RunningNetwork, The Shoe Addicts, and RunBlogRun. Of RunBlogRun, his daily pilgrimage with the sport, Larry says: "I have to admit, I love traveling to far away meets, writing about the sport I love, and the athletes I respect, for my readers at runblogrun.com, the most of anything I have ever done, except, maybe running itself." Theme song: Greg Allman, " I'm no Angel."

Similar Post

Coffee With Larry, New Balance Indoor Grand Prix finds a new home, THE TRACK at newbalance!
2023 World Athletics Indoor Tour

Coffee With Larry, New Balance Indoor Grand Prix finds a new home, THE TRACK at newbalance!

February 5, 2023
MACLEAN WINS IN BOSTON HOMECOMING AT NEW BALANCE INDOOR GRAND PRIX
2023 World Athletics Indoor Tour

MACLEAN WINS IN BOSTON HOMECOMING AT NEW BALANCE INDOOR GRAND PRIX

February 5, 2023
2023 RunBlogRun Winter Training Block, Week Five, Day 7, long runs in cold weather
Winter Training

2023 RunBlogRun Winter Training Block, Week Five, Day 7, long runs in cold weather

February 5, 2023
Coffee With Larry, RunBlogRun previews the NB Indoor Grand Prix at the TRACK at new balance
News

Coffee With Larry, RunBlogRun previews the NB Indoor Grand Prix at the TRACK at new balance

February 4, 2023
Trey Cunningham to battle Grant Holloway and stacked field in 60 meter hurdles at 2023 NB Indoor GP today!
Interviews

Trey Cunningham to battle Grant Holloway and stacked field in 60 meter hurdles at 2023 NB Indoor GP today!

February 4, 2023
Mekkonen Set for Dubai Marathon’s “Life-changing” Streets
Winter Training

2023 RunBlogRun Winter Training Block, Week Five, Day 6, at day at the races

February 4, 2023

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Subscribe to RunBlogRun's Global News Feed

Wake up to RunBlogRun’s news in your inbox. Sign up for our newsletter and we’ll keep you informed about the Sport you love.

*we hate spam as much as you do

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
USATF / Day Four:  USA’s Assembled Team Is Ready!

Abby Steiner replies via twitter, on the curiosity about her new professional running contract

July 5, 2022
What happened to the crowd at Eugene?

What happened to the crowd at Eugene?

July 17, 2022
Oregon 22 World Athletics Champs: False Starts reconsidered

Oregon 22 World Athletics Champs: False Starts reconsidered

November 18, 2022
Wanda Diamond League Final plans, 2023-2027, from World Athletics Website

Wanda Diamond League Final plans, 2023-2027, from World Athletics Website

October 14, 2022
Asafa Powell, Considering Longevity in Sprinting

The RunBlogrun Interview: Asafa Powell

5
What happened to the crowd at Eugene?

What happened to the crowd at Eugene?

5
TCS New York City Marathon Broadcast to be Available in More Than 530 Million Homes Around the World on Sunday, November 6

RunblogRun Editorial: The Sorry State of Running Television Coverage, by Peter Abraham, note by Larry Eder

4
Cary Pinkowski did the Heroic Thing–My letter to CNN on the LSB Chicago Marathon

Cary Pinkowski did the Heroic Thing–My letter to CNN on the LSB Chicago Marathon

3
Coffee With Larry, New Balance Indoor Grand Prix finds a new home, THE TRACK at newbalance!

Coffee With Larry, New Balance Indoor Grand Prix finds a new home, THE TRACK at newbalance!

February 5, 2023
MACLEAN WINS IN BOSTON HOMECOMING AT NEW BALANCE INDOOR GRAND PRIX

MACLEAN WINS IN BOSTON HOMECOMING AT NEW BALANCE INDOOR GRAND PRIX

February 5, 2023
2023 RunBlogRun Winter Training Block, Week Five, Day 7, long runs in cold weather

2023 RunBlogRun Winter Training Block, Week Five, Day 7, long runs in cold weather

February 5, 2023
Coffee With Larry, RunBlogRun previews the NB Indoor Grand Prix at the TRACK at new balance

Coffee With Larry, RunBlogRun previews the NB Indoor Grand Prix at the TRACK at new balance

February 4, 2023

Popular Stories

  • USATF / Day Four:  USA’s Assembled Team Is Ready!

    Abby Steiner replies via twitter, on the curiosity about her new professional running contract

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • What happened to the crowd at Eugene?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Oregon 22 World Athletics Champs: False Starts reconsidered

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Wanda Diamond League Final plans, 2023-2027, from World Athletics Website

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • (RBR Archives) Coaching 101: Warm Up & Cool Down for the Jumps, by Roy Stevenson, note by Larry Eder

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Recent Tweets

RunBlogRun Follow

RunBlogRun comments on the global world of athletics, sports & ethics, and the Olympic movement. RunBlogRun is the voice of the sport.

RunBlogRun
runblogrun RunBlogRun @runblogrun ·
3h

Coffee with Larry, quick review of the exciting 2023 NB Indoor GP held for first time at THE TRACK at newbalance, #newbalance, #thetrackandnewbalance, #kevinmorrisphotography, #gamupdates,

Reply on Twitter 1622321040117403648 Retweet on Twitter 1622321040117403648 Like on Twitter 1622321040117403648 1 Twitter 1622321040117403648
runblogrun RunBlogRun @runblogrun ·
3h

MACLEAN WINS IN BOSTON HOMECOMING AT NEW BALANCE INDOOR GRAND PRIX , by #RaceResultsWeekly, https://www.runblogrun.com/2023/02/maclean-wins-in-boston-homecoming-at-new-balance-indoor-grand-prix.html ..., @nbindoorgp, @thetrackatnb, #newbalance, #worldindoortour,

Reply on Twitter 1622317727083024385 Retweet on Twitter 1622317727083024385 Like on Twitter 1622317727083024385 1 Twitter 1622317727083024385
runblogrun RunBlogRun @runblogrun ·
4h

2023 RunBlogRun Winter Training Block, the long run for Day 7, Week Five! https://bit.ly/3Y6NmkK , #wintertrainingblock, #longruns, #marianogarcia, #800meters, #kevmofoto,

Reply on Twitter 1622310345049100289 Retweet on Twitter 1622310345049100289 Like on Twitter 1622310345049100289 1 Twitter 1622310345049100289
Retweet on Twitter RunBlogRun Retweeted
track_gazette oluwadare @track_gazette ·
4 Feb

7.39s!!😳🔥🔥

Grant Holloway 🇺🇲 dazzles in his season opener, storming to a World Lead (WL) of 7.39s in the men's 60mH at the NB Indoor Grand Prix.

Freddie Crittenden 🇺🇲 was 2nd ...in 7.59s and Robert Dunning 🇺🇲 3rd in 7.60s.

Reply on Twitter 1621969127031054342 Retweet on Twitter 1621969127031054342 60 Like on Twitter 1621969127031054342 520 Twitter 1621969127031054342
Retweet on Twitter RunBlogRun Retweeted
cmosub4 Caleb Morgan @cmosub4 ·
24h

What a day for former @LeeUTFXC star @little_nobes placing 2nd in the 3k on @nbc with 7:42! Thanks for the @LeeU shoutout @karagoucher

Reply on Twitter 1622009546238562306 Retweet on Twitter 1622009546238562306 11 Like on Twitter 1622009546238562306 144 Twitter 1622009546238562306
Load More...
Next Post

HOKA ONE ONE becomes presenting sponsor of 2014 Adrian Martinez Memorial Classic

runblogrun

RunBlogRun comments on the global world of athletics, sports & ethics, and the Olympic movement. @runblogrun

Browse by Category

Newsletter

Subscribe to our mailing list to receives daily updates direct to your inbox!

  • Home
  • Archive
  • Contact Us

© 2022 Run Blog Run - All Rights Reserved

No Result
View All Result
  • Archive
  • Contact Us
  • Home page
  • My Account
  • Sample Page

© 2022 Run Blog Run - All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist