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I just figured out how to spend my AGR points. I am flying to LAX (airport), taking the FlyAway Bus to Union Station, and getting on #422 (Texas Eagle/Sunset Limited combined train). I got a roomette for this trip for free using my points. Final destination is Little Rock. I'm going with a friend who has a conference there. He got himself a Deluxe Bedroom----lucky dog! But still, I like the Roomettes as long as I'm solo. I have never taken the Sunset or the Eagle before, so this will be a all new trackage for me. Very much looking forward to this trip! (It will be in September). For the trip home, I'm flying first class on United using my Mileage Plus points. There really is no choice of aircraft out of Little Rock Airport, so I'll be on an RJ (Regional Jet---RJ200) to Denver, then on a 757-200 in first class from Denver to San Jose (which is where we are starting our trip, so my car will be there in the long-term lot).
Very much looking forward to this trip!!
Anyone have advice or things I should know? I know all about AmTravel and sleeper travel and what to bring, etc, etc...I mean anything like special sites to look for, any special food served on-board? Does the transition in San Antonio go okay when they remove the Sunset Limited?
What equipment does the Eagle get from San Antonio to Little Rock? I seem to remember it only has one locomotive? And does anyone know how many sleepers there are? What is the dining car situation----is it the dreaded Cross Country Cafe or do we get an actual dining car?
Thanks for any replies!
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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First, when you are in west Texas, you do not want to miss the Pecos River crossing.
If you are asleep when you arrive at San Antonio, you probably will not know when they pull your sleeper off the Sunset and hook up to the Eagle.
Posts: 1418 | From: Houston, Republic of Texas | Registered: Jan 2001
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First; Smitty, you are a brave soul to park your auto at an airport - or for that matter a train station - long term. I know that if I did so, I would be worried about it from the time I left to the time I returned.
Even when I stay at hotels that do not offer valet parking, 'I park it where I can see it', then sleep with one eye open.
But then, I have my 'poor man's way' to get from my house to KORD. That's of course BNSF to CUS then CTA Blue Line. Takes about two hours at best (nevermind worse) but costs at Senior rates $3.40 (losing 'Seniors Ride Free' - save for the folks who really need it - to put Blago where he belongs, but he will be 'out' Jan 20, 2017 as Obama will pardon him - was worth it).
Regarding aircraft, for what it be worth, most of my flying is aboard various United Express 'puddle jumpers'. It seems like Bombardier CRJ-200's are what SkyWest Airlines operates KORD-KHPN - a trip for which I must fly as my Sister will worry should I drive. That is a 50 seat aircraft - only one Attendant needed and on some airlines a Labor Agreement with the Officers precluding larger aircraft to be operated by 'partners'. The aircraft is essentially a 'stretched' business LearJet.
757-200? well at least you're not having to fly on it overseas, as a friend of mine did KEWR-EGPH. He would have been happy if there was another aircraft.
To the rails; can't help you on the Sunset/Eagle route, as I've never ridden it during the Amtrak era. So far as the 370XX 'Cross Country Cafe (CCC in forumese) Diner-Lounges go, what a waste especially when the Bush/Mineta gang supposedly wanted to make Amtrak more cost effective. There is also a 330XX Sightseer Lounge assigned to the Eagle, so if you like Lounges (UNOWAT I think of 'em), there is one assigned. The Lounge area of the CCC seems to be used as storage area and/or crew break room. Again; WASTE.
Of interest, the Texas Eagle has an unofficial website maintained by an advocacy group:
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Mike: Thanks. I'll need to look on my GPS (iPhone) to figure out where that river is.
GBN: The location that I leave my car isn't physically located on airport grounds. It's one of those places that has fenced in/gated access and also have 24/7 security along with lots of cameras and a well-lit parking lot. You park your car there (discount with a AAA coupon), and then they take you in their shuttle van to the airport, which is about 5 minutes away. It is MUCH cheaper, and in my opinion, much safer. I've never had a problem with theft or damage.
I would like to take BART to the airport, but that extension (to SJC) is currently under construction and won't be ready for a few years. Even if it did go there right now, I probably would not take it though. Crime on BART has risen so dramatically and I can't take my gun with me on this trip due to the flight to LAX and then the light back home from LIT. (I could pack it in my suitcase, but it must be "declared" which means someone in the luggage handling area will probably steal it).
I did my checking on the 757-200 before I confirmed it, because I had other options. United recently refurbished the interiors of all 752s----7 or 8 or them are 100% complete front to back (inside), but ALL of them have had their first class cabin done, which is where I will be flying (on points). I've seen photos of the new FC seats and they are very, very nice. I've been on UAL's 752s without the refurb, and first class is terrible---might as well stay in coach. Tiny seats squished together, old/dirty fabric, no IFE, no foot rest---nothing. Worst F product in the domestic skies without a doubt.
I'm VERY VERY glad to hear that the Eagle has a full Sightseer Lounge!! For some reason I was thinking we would be stuck with only a CCC. But if there's a regular lounge car on the train, then I'll be happy. That's where my buddy and I will be hanging out I'm sure. I'd imagine "training" through Texas will be just like driving through----Texas goes on and on and on.....seemingly never stopping. I'll never forget driving on I-10 through Texas and not believing how huge that state actually is.
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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Smitty's reference to United 757-200 (B752 in airlinese) made me wonder about my friend who recently flew Newark-Edinburgh on one where he, given a choice, would have taken another plane. He was, however, in 'the back of the bus'.
Of course my United FA neighbor/friend is always quick to say, 'that's Continental and not us' (even though my friend had no issue with in-flight service). Frank will certainly affirm what she always tells me 'we're not even close to having Attendants together under one agreement' (I don't say to her 'every other UCH craft has come together, what's wrong with you gals?'). Nobody is trying to bust a Union as was the case with Northwest-Delta.
To close back on the rails, I hope my use of the term 'assigned' is duly noted.
Posts: 9976 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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There is a mediator now involved in the flight attendant negotiations. There are four parties involved -- the UA, CO and CMI (Continental Micronesia) FA unions and the company. The negotiations are lengthy because the existing contracts and work rules are very different.
Smitty--
If it's a 757-200 with regular First Class seats it's most likely United "metal" and the cabin crew will be UA. If it has the lie flat seats it's CO and will have a CO crew.
Our return from Rome last month involved a segment from EWR-LAX on a CO Business/First 757-200. We were in 1EF and really enjoyed the extra room and chance to get a nap in after the nine hour flight from FCO.
Enjoy the IFE systems while you can. As Wi-Fi becomes more available you will start seeing fewer aircraft with any onboard entertainment system. Probably 75% of travelers have some sort of electronic device with them that lets them pick and chose what they want to hear/see.
BTW, we didn't ride any trains on this trip but certainly did see some very sleek urban transport and made good use of the mini-bus system that Rome is initiating. The #116 made a great sightseeing tour from our hotel near the top of Via Veneto and the Borghese Gardens all the way to within a block or two of St. Peter's and back. All for euro 1,50.
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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Frank; lest we forget that airline labor relations are covered by the Railway Labor Act. Likely you already know this, but a mediator under the Act is not empowered to make a final and binding ruling, such as is an aribtrator with the Board regarding administrative matters (pay, bids, discipline) under an Agreement.
Posts: 9976 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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And now to throw a wrench into my plans.....for my return flight home from LIT (Little Rock, AR) to SJC (San Jose, CA), I have several options and I thought I had it all figured out. HOWEVER........one of the flight segments I thought said "737-8" and I thought it was a typo and should have read "737-800". However, I looked at it probably five times because I kept thinking this can't be---but it is. What is it you may ask?? Well....it actually says, "787-8". Yup, a DREAMLINER!!! I can fly first class from Houston to Denver, and then get on my SJC flight home. But this requires flight times and connection times that are less than desirable.
I would have a flight out of LIT at 0630 on a puddle jumper to Houston. 45 minute connection to the Dreamerliner flight to Denver. 1 hour connection to the SJC flight home. Hmmmmm.....what to do, what to do......I have no idea. I'm still trying to think about it and figure out what the heck I should do. If I did this, I would only get about 4 hours total in the hotel. Whereas with the route that I originally planned taking had me on a flight leaving at 1430. That is such a better time (and only one connection). Should I go for the 787 or not??? I've got to figure this out.
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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I'd go for the 787. It's being repositioned after maintenance for the DEN-NRT flight. We missed out flying it coming back from a cruise in January -- there was an equipment substitution and they offered us $200.00 each to change our plans.
Frank in sunny and cool SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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I have no travel tips but here are some for Little Rock: Eat at Flying Fish! Delicious bread pudding, sweet tea, several other things. Also, the BBQ place not too far from the (new) capitol is very good and cheap, I think it's called Capitol BBQ. Also, the old hotel for fine dining--do lunch for better prices. The Old Statehouse, Clinton Library and Heifer HQ are interesting buildings, and I thought it was interested to visit Little Rock HS as well. My favorite thing in Little Rock: the (real) trolley across the river to North Little Rock--I liked it so much I took it twice! There is also a tourist boat on the river but it wasn't open when I was there, and a neat-looking bridge further down the river (maybe 7 miles)--called something like Big Bridge!--that I didn't get to (had no car).
Finally, if you have a chance, visit Hot Springs--very nice by all those bathhouses and behind them (in the national park) and at the classy old hotel (I had a good lunch there, fried green tomatoes)
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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quote:Originally posted by smitty195: Yup, a DREAMLINER!!! I can fly first class from Houston to Denver, and then get on my SJC flight home. But this requires flight times and connection times that are less than desirable.[...] Should I go for the 787 or not??? I've got to figure this out.
We flew on the UA 787 last year from IAH to LAX. Nice plane, huge screens for the IFE even at the back. After about 10 minutes... it's just another plane, albeit with a big TV. Oh, and the windows are tall too.
We picked this particular flight because it was late in the evening so we hoped the kids would sleep. He did, fairly early on. She did too - once the wheels went down for landing at LAX.
-------------------- Geoff M. Posts: 2426 | From: Apple Valley, CA | Registered: Sep 2000
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quote:Originally posted by Mike Smith: It is just a plane. Take the fastest way home.
. Mr. Mike Smith, it appears that Mr. Andy Smith is somewhat of an airfan, and even if not, a chance to fly on a Dreamliner aircraft, could be a point of interest - it would be to me.
Recalling my last July 'one click away' aborted Pullman Rail Northbound trip that would have involved flying to KMSY, when I found that United offered a KORD-KIAH-KMSY routing that would have included a Dreamliner, rather than a Nonstop puddle jumper to MoiSant (whoops; Satchmo), I could have 'bit'. But thank goodness, Ellis pulled the plug in time to save me from what would have ended as a $1500 airfan joyride.
On my most recent flights during April KORD-KATL, if Delta had a Dreamliner (if they even have any) at a time convenient to me, who knows, I may have tried to figure out where they leave from at KORD (I can't think of whenever, if ever, I've flown them - they don't go anywhere I have occasion to go) and flown my maiden voyage on a 787.
Posts: 9976 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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There aren't going to be many opportunities to fly First Class on a domestic 787 flight, so I'd say go for it! I see 787 test flights all the time and it's a beautiful airplane. United is the only North American airline that currently flies the 787, but American and Air Canada will be adding Dreamliners later this year.
Posts: 831 | From: Seattle | Registered: Jan 2011
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One note for all you planning air/rail trips to the Pacific Northwest this year--Delta and Alaska are having a fight for Seattle supremacy and air fares to Seattle (where those airlines compete) are ridiculously low.
Posts: 831 | From: Seattle | Registered: Jan 2011
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As an added note, all of the "United" 787's delivered so far are actually Continental metal so are flown by s-CO (Subsidiary Continental) cabin crews. The same is probably true of the flight deck crew.
Service will begin soon from LAX to Melbourne -- the one in Australia.
Frank in sunny and warm SBA where we are hosting the USS Ronald Reagan this weekend before her deployment to Japan. She'll be missed in San Diego and here where the ship and crew were "adopted" by the city in 2001.
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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quote:Originally posted by Mike Smith: It is just a plane. Take the fastest way home.
. Mr. Mike Smith, it appears that Mr. Andy Smith is somewhat of an airfan, and even if not, a chance to fly on a Dreamliner aircraft, could be a point of interest - it would be to me.
It is to me too - but within reason. Smitty already said the timing is rather inconvenient and it's not like it's the last flight but one of many more so he's got plenty of opportunity.
-------------------- Geoff M. Posts: 2426 | From: Apple Valley, CA | Registered: Sep 2000
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To completely hijack this thread (Apologies, Smitty!), we are doing a series of "lasts" for Celebrity Century -- the oldest ship in the fleet. In April we did the last Panama Canal, in September we will do her last Transpacific (SFO-SYD) and in March 2015 her last cruise under the Celebrity name (DXB-FCO) through the Suez Canal. We will also do the cruise before that (SIN-DXB). DXB is Dubai -- I suppose a purist would object to using the airport code...
She will be turned over to one of RCL's European subsidiary companies.
Frank in sunny and warm SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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Google map the ex-SP line in the El Paso region extending into New Mexico.
You pass so close to Mexico that you can nearly touch it. This is the time to be sitting in the sightseer looking out to the south. I don't care if it's your preferred meal time.
Although architecture in El Paso is heavily Mexican influenced (to put it mildly), the contrast between countries is still striking.
Enjoy your trip. I'd go for the Dreamliner. Based on what I've heard, near the top of my bucket list.
posted
Oh boy....I'm so "on the fence" as to what I should do!!! I've gone back and forth, back and forth, back and forth, as to what flight sequence I should take home.
The negatives are very, very strong. The number one negative is that I'll only have about 4 hours in my hotel room---and that's if the Eagle is on time into Little Rock. If the Eagle is a few hours late, then I'll be paying for a hotel room that I basically won't even use. The other negatives are the very, very, very tight connection times (1 hour at one airport, 45 minutes at another). All it takes is one little thing----one teeny, tiny little thing, and the domino effect kicks in and makes me miss all of my flights----including the Dreamliner. And when they try to put me on other flights, I will be placed in coach I'm sure (even though I would be booking first class), because I would be very low priority for first class due to the HUGE number of people on the upgrade/standby list who get upgraded way before I would even reach the airport. So the FC cabin on all airplanes WILL be full, and I WILL be in coach if I miss a flight. I hate coach.
I guess I'm leaning towards just doing the reasonable thing, which is to take the 1435 flight out of Little Rock, fly to Houston, and switch over to an A320 (first class) for the flight home to SJC. Simple, not messy, very straightforward. As much as I'm dying to fly the Dreamliner, I think I'm going to have to make myself wait. I have a friend in Japan that I've been wanting to visit, and if I save my pennies, I can fly on JAL on a Dreamlier (or ANA) to visit him at a later date. Darn it! I really want to grab that Dreamliner flight, but so many things have to fall perfectly into place in order for it to happen---and I just can't see it happening. Plus, I'll get to sleep a decent amount at the hotel, get breakfast, and take my time getting to the airport. That sounds much better, as much as I hate to not book the Dreamliner. Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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I don't know what your upgradability is but generally international upgrades are far better value than domestic ones, assuming you don't have to pay exorbitant upgrade fees alongside the points expenditure (hello (ex-)CO trans-Atlantic flights from about 2003 onwards, hello BA pretty much everything in the name of "fuel" surcharges).
I'm not sure even I would have risked a sub-4-hour hotel stay combined with sub-1-hour airport connections (x multiple) in my youth, let alone these days.
As I hinted previously, that 787 is going to be around for a fair while longer yet. Mind you, I'm also of the mindset that "who cares" if a movie takes 2 months longer to come out on Netflix. I'll watch it when I'm ready, not on the medium that first releases it.
(I've also been on the A380 (LHR-SIN) and that was pretty much "whatever - another plane" about 10 minutes after take-off too)
quote:Originally posted by DonNadeau: You pass so close to Mexico that you can nearly touch it. This is the time to be sitting in the Sightseer looking out to the south. I don't care if it's your preferred meal time.
Mr. Nadeau, while I'm in no position to comment first hand as I have never been anywhere on the Eagle-Sunset route during the Amtrak era (during 1963 I was), I'm lead to believe that the only object visible will be a tall metal fence laced with barbed wire and electronic sensors.
Excuse my political statement, but having once traveled Frankfurt/Main to Berlin during 1990, I did get to observe the Iron Curtain (at that time, The Wall had been breached in Berlin, but the Curtain still active with dogs, mirrors, and the rest), now our country finds it necessary to build a physical security apparatus to keep people out who by and large leave their families to come up here and take jobs that I don't think many, if any, here would be about to take same.
Meanwhile, back on the tarmac, who knows how many domestic routes 787 aircraft will find their way to; it would appear that for the immediate future, their domestic routes will be limited to 'positioning' moves, such as at this moment KIAH is a maintenance facility for United's 787 fleet. Since most of my flying is short domestic routes like KORD-KHPN, given an opportunity to fly one, I'd bite (KORD-EDDM-KORD next month is a 772); however the parameters Smitty has set forth above suggest I would consider such unreasonable.
Posts: 9976 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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I've been on the Sunset Ltd west of El Paso many times since Mr. Norman has been on that route. Yes, the Mexico-U.S. border is a fence with barbed wire, however, not a very "tall" fence, and you can plainly see the little Mexican village behind the fence -- it stands out as quite a contrast to modern downtown El Paso which you have just passed through. The U.S. Border patrol will likely have a HEAVY presence along the U.S.-Mexico border there.
Posts: 2428 | From: Grayling, MI | Registered: Mar 2002
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Smitty - we took the Sunset/Eagle from Tuscon to Dallas in January. A good trip except for a few delays and a reluctant diner. You are in for a treat as your sleeper will be the last car on the train and prime railfan watching from the rear window.
About a half hour out of El Paso, be sure to be watching and you will see the new UP fueling station. Recently they opened a new intermodal terminal there because of proximity to Mexico. It is very strange to have the mainline go right through the facility as the photo shows.
I concur with RRRich - the outskirts of El Paso are quite interesting as we have always seen Border Patrol 'action' along the fence and the disparity between prosperous El Paso and much poorer Ciudad Juarez is quite evident.
Also, if you want to sample something better than Amtrak cuisne, the cafe/coffee shop in the Tucson station turns out an excellent sandwich. Just let the conductor know so you don't get left - he told me they always check in the station before leaving. As it turned, we had a leisurely lunch in our room before we even left. In any event, the station there and San Antonio and El Paso are worth checking out.
Apologies if I posted the photo before.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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One other thing. About every 4th time I ride through El Paso, I see illegal aliens crossing the Rio Grande. Look to the south, just past the bridge, as you cross the Rio.
Posts: 1418 | From: Houston, Republic of Texas | Registered: Jan 2001
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The Rio Grande is not the mighty Mississippi. Most of the time it is fairly easily wadeable. In a middle school trip (wow! nearly 30 years ago) to Big Bend National Park my son waded the Rio Grande to the Mexican side and back. It was not even waist deep at any point.
Posts: 2808 | From: Olive Branch MS | Registered: Nov 2002
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Thanks for the tips everyone! I can't wait to take this trip. I've had so much other stuff going on (as well as a few health matters) that I have not Amtrak'd in about two years or so. That's gotta be the longest stint I've ever gone without being on a train since I was 14 years old!
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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You sound as if you are getting off the flight and heading directly to Union Station. That implies that you may not be factoring in sufficient extra time in case of flight delays.
This Guest Rewards rule chills me to the bone:
"A 'no-show' for any segment will result in forfeiture of points and travel for that segment, as well as all subsequent segments in the itinerary. A "no-show" is defined as a passenger's failure to travel on a segment from its origin without first canceling that portion of the itinerary."
Canceling may protect your points, but not your nonrefundable airfares, hotel bookings that may have early deadlines for cancelations, and most of all all the enjoyment you looked forward to on this trip
Pad that connection--be more concerned about safety than wasting time!
If you've already booked Southwest San Jose - LAX, you may be to change to an earlier flight without paying more, if done early enough.
quote:Originally posted by DonNadeau: If you've already booked Southwest San Jose - LAX, you may be to change to an earlier flight without paying more, if done early enough.
I recently did a SFO to LAX and LAX to SFO on Southwest. Both were late. The first by voer 2 hours, the second by just short of one hour.
Posts: 2808 | From: Olive Branch MS | Registered: Nov 2002
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Just to clarify, I mean probably little or no significant fare difference if you change a current Southwest September travel reservation for an earlier one in September. Southwest charges no penalties per se, just collects any difference in fare.
Changing at the last-minute hits you big time because you can no longer book an advanced purchase fare. Your cost could more than double--in some cases way more.
Moreover, if you try to change too late, all other flights may have sold out.
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I didn't see these last few comments until just now---sorry about that.
To answer Don's question, my buddy and I are leaving TONS of time in-between landing at LAX and getting to Union Station. Our SWA flight leaves SJC at 3:10PM, and arrives LAX at 4:20PM. The Eagle/Sunset does not leave until 10PM, so we believe that we allowed plenty of connection time. (This was done on purpose---we are both experienced "AmTravelers").
As far as my flight back home, whew! I batted around all of these different ideas in my head, trying to figure out what to do. The bottom line is this:
1) The connection times at the two airports (to get on the 787 Dreamliner) was 45 minutes at one airport, and 1 hour at the other airport (Houston and Denver). That's just too tight---I would be a nervous wreck, and it would only take one teeny-tiny little thing to make me miss my flight. If that were to happen, United would put me on some other flight where first class had already been booked and given to their frequent fliers. And since I'm traveling on points, I would not be very happy. So I had to toss this idea because there way too many "what ifs".
2) I looked at the website for Little Rock Airport to see exactly which airlines had service there. I HATE flying on those little regional jets, and the only thing United offered was a CRJ-200 .It's a pitiful little plane for a 2.5 hour flight, so I just didn't want to do it. No matter what I tried, I would still be on that little regional jet for too long (and I like window seats, but those jets have low ceilings that curve inward very quickly, thus, I can not sit at a window seat without kinking my neck. There is no way for me to sit up straight in a seat on those planes).
Sooooo, what I ended up doing is the easiest thing there is, which is to fly on Southwest out of Little Rock. This way, I will be on a "real" airplane. I fly out early in the morning, fly to Phoenix where I will remain on-board the same plane, and then that same plane takes me to SJC. The fare was right, they have WiFi on-board, and it gets me to SJC at around 10:45 in the morning, which is very important because it means I can drive home before the commute traffic kicks in (commute traffic adds 60 to 90 minutes to my already one hour drive home from SJC). Since I will not be using any United miles, and since they all expire in October, I will instead be using my miles to purchase a goody for myself from their online catalog. I'm either going to get an iPad Mini or an Apple Time Capsule---for FREE! Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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United Miles don't expire IF you have one of the United MileagePlus credit cards and you keep your account "alive". If you have quite a few miles to "protect" it might be worth it to get one and use it a few times.
While we have the opportunity to use employee passes (Highest boarding category short of management with a 1970 DOH.) we have most recently been using the employee discounted tickets -- 20% off the lowest fare. It's been an increasingly popular benefit for employees and their friends and it's win-win. The employee travels as a "real" person and accrues miles and can be upgraded if they have any Premier status (The FA in this family is also Platinum for Life at Marriott so is now Silver for Life at UA.) The company gets revenue and has fewer disgruntled employees trying to get on already full flights.
I hope that helps. If you have other questions, you know how to reach me.
Frank in sunny and warm SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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Glad you allowed ample time. I've met so many travelers who didn't, including one poor sole who had flown on a separate ticket (believe Southwest) into LAX and missed his Sydney flight, whose airline was refusing to rebook.
I totally agree with Frank's Mileage Plus recommendation. As an additional benefit the card gives two free United Club entries each year, which is nice for those of us who do not travel on any one airline enough to justify club annual membership fees.
quote:Originally posted by smitty195: I looked at the website for Little Rock Airport to see exactly which airlines had service there. I HATE flying on those little regional jets, and the only thing United offered was a CRJ-200 .It's a pitiful little plane for a 2.5 hour flight, so I just didn't want to do it.
Smitty, since most of my flying is 'on those little regional jets (last 'big plane' was a United A-319 KORD to KMIA Mar '13) and I too get my 'in flight entertainment' from 'flightseeing', the 'Bombs' are not that bad for such pursuit. I always sit way aft so that a wing will not obstruct my view - and 'Economy Plus' hasn't proliferated back there - yet (wait until airline websites start tracking where YOU like to sit - and that seat instantly becomes a 'premium' seat).
The Bombardier CRJ-200 used to be SkyWest's favorite as with 50 PAX capacity they only needed one attendant. But they get thirsty and apparently a second non-Union Attendant costs less than gas, so they are upgrading to the CRJ-700. I learned from a deadheading Captain sitting next to me KORD-KATL during April that 'with a 700 and 50 PAX, we break even; any additional PAX are simply gravy'.
But in terms of little plane 'favs', that goes to the Embraer ERJ-145 that ExpressJet flies for United. They have only one seat on the left side; no worries about will you and a seatmate fall in love with one another.
Finally, I guess boarding a United 777 to Munich in about three weeks will be like 'Jonah and the whale to me'. Never been on one (last 'big plane' was a 747 during 1986), but I understand they could lose one of the two engines right at V1 - and still take off (oh and guess what; I just might get a SMARTphone for this trip. I was at Verizon looking at a Samsung).
Oh, and before signing off, memo to Flight crews on any plane any of us are going on during this travel season. 'Just because they're big, they don't fly themselves':
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