Idiot CSRs and How to Avoid Them

[neuroman]

This evening I called United Airlines to change an international flight booked for November.

Bad sign #1: I could hear laughter or giggling in the background as the woman identified herself.

Bad sign #2: She asked for my "system access identifier" instead of my "confirmation number." It was clear what she meant; it was also clear she was using the incorrect terminology read off a computer database screen.

Bad sign #3: I told her I wanted to change my flight and the date I wanted it changed to. Verbal response: "ok." Laughter in background had subsided by now.

BS #4: After 30 seconds of silence, I said I needed to know what change could cost. Minimal verbal response.

BS #5: After nothing for a minute and a half, I hear some clattering noises like the phone was knocked down and picked up. Continued silence on her part.

I said [censored] this and hung up. It was clear I was dealing with a moron. It didn't help that she sounded like a moron either--I got a bad feeling from the minute she answered the phone.

Anyone else have any quick tips to avoid dealing with idiot CSRs? Apologies if we've done this before.