I have flown on to many airlines in the last eleven years that I can not remember all of them. United is in a class all it’s own. The worst. On a short flight from Chicago to Detroit in June of 2006 the pilot decided to board the plane knowing that we had to sit on the runway for 45 min past the designated departure time. After 35 minutes past, he came on the intercom to tell us that it would be an additional 20 minutes. For a total of 55 minutes of just sitting in the 100% full plane in jammed seats. He then attempted to start the engines only to find an error light. After an additional half an hour of trouble shooting the flight was cancelled. That is when the problems started. After telling the passengers with gate checked carry ones to wait on the left side of the jet walk he and the other United employees just left. The people waiting on the jet walk could see all of their carry ones but could not see any one retrieving them for another 35 minutes. United’s idea of getting us to Detroit left much to be desired. All of the direct flights where full that day and the next. So they had suggested that the next day take a flight to Denver and the Denver to Detroit. Or Take a direct flight in two days. The first choice would have taken a hole day to complete. The second was, well stupid. I elected to rent a car and drive to Detroit and get a refund. United would not refund my change fee of $100.00 even though they cancelled the flight!!!! Now I am out the cost of renting a car and driving plus $100.00. They are not cheap to fly. They will get you.