I began my day on the recruiting trail with a 3:50am alarm in a Marriott Hotel. I proceeded to drop my Hertz Rental Car off and hop the shuttle to the airport. I arrived at the United Airlines terminal and approached the kiosk.

This is where the fun began. Companies seem to want to confuse you into purchasing things you don't need. As I attempted to change my seat location and print a boarding pass all these options popped up along the way:

• purchase more awards miles
• purchase a first class seat
• purchase an economy plus seat
• purchase an elite level

They do it in such a way that you feel manipulated and if you touch the wrong tab you may buy something you don't want. You have to "decline" the purchase before moving on. Try doing this at 4:30 am! I can't imagine the CEO of United Airlines approving this. I wonder if he/she ever tried to check in using a kiosk??

After getting my boarding pass, I had to deal with security. I approached one area and the sign read something like this: "Security 1: United Elite, United Premium, United Executive and Star Alliance." For someone who doesn't travel on United a lot, this is confusing. Getting through security is next. Not much of a problem.

Next stop, I need to find Starbucks - Venti Bold, blueberry muffin and a fruit cup. I find my way to gate C-24 and settle in.

Here are "The Doh Corporate Ratings" based on a 5 star ranking system:

1. Marriott Hotel ***** very rarely a bad stay.
2. Hertz **** had to go inside for my receipt.
3. United ** once on the plane it was ok.
4. Starbucks **** rarely a bad experience.

Pony Up!

Coach Doh