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.

[amplify]

hang up

[neuroman]

Sorry, I meant quick tips to IDENTIFY idiot customer service reps. Obviously hanging up is the right play once you've identified an idiot who is more likely to waste your time than help you.

[JasonK]

General rule of thumb, if they answer the phone they are an idiot.