Frequent flyer mdbe just had the worst day of his life and United was there for him.

He reports, “My wife let me know not to bother coming home about an hour before boarding my flight back and that she’s been seeing another person and wants a divorce.”

His first call? United’s 1K elite line.

[T]hey managed to fix all my reservations for the week, waive all change fees and put me on the first flight out and force an upgrade.

My first thought in his case is what happens to the miles. My second thought was if the relationship’s worth saving maybe burn some points for a hotel that guarantees to fix your relationship. And my third thought was, well, at least if he’ll owe child support in several states you can pay it by credit card for the miles.

Last month when my grandmother passed a different airline did waive part of my change fee (about $80 out of $200) in order to do an ‘even exchange’ when I rebooked to attend the funeral. And I was seated in the back of coach that’s all that was left. Even that little gesture was something.

So it’s really nice when an airline is there for you when the most important people in your life aren’t. That’s what loyalty is all about.

mdbe best of luck, United and the rest of us hope it all works out for you and your family.

(HT: Meg Butler)