Category: Uncategorized

The Details

• Flight: LH1394
• Aircraft: A320
• Class: Euro Business
• Seat: 5D and 5F
• Route: Frankfurt Main (FRA)-Valcav Havel Prague (PRG)
• Distance: 299 miles
• Flight Time: 43min
• Departure: 10:31AM
• Arrival: 11:14AM

After arriving from Chicago onboard LH431, we had a three-and-a-half-hour layover in Frankfurt before our morning flight to Prague. Thankfully, we did not have to collect our bags and the checked luggage was checked all the way through to our final destination. We made our way from Terminal A Gate 25 where we arrived in the Schengen passport control area. After a quick glance at our passports and CDC vaccinations cards (no check on our PCR test result), the border control officer waved us through without much hassle.

We then headed toward the Lufthansa Senator Lounge A Schengen. At the door, the lounge attendants were checking vaccination or test results for access. Passengers either had to be vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19 or have a negative PCR test within 24 hours to access the lounge.

Breakfast offerings included a robust amount of pretzels and bread rolls.

There were also cold slices of ham and cheese.

Snacks included various chips, candy, and nuts.

Hot options included scrambled eggs, tomatoes, and croissants.

Fresh fruit and overnight oats were available as well.

There was beer on tap, hard liquor, as well as various wines. In addition, there were large bottles of communal water, sparkling water, Coke Zero, and juice.

There were Lavazza espresso machines scattered throughout the lounge as well.

I also had the chance to use the showers in the lounge. I signed up at the shower attendant desk and had about a 10-minute wait before a shower room became available. Large bottles of L’occitane shampoo and conditioner were built into the wall of the shower.

With 10 minutes until boarding was scheduled to begin, we left the lounge and made our way to Gate A1. Although boarding was scheduled to begin at 9:30, it did not start until 9:50.

Our flight today was originally scheduled to be on a newer A320neo but at the last minute was swapped to an older A320-200, registration D-AIWJ. She was still fairly new, delivered 2.5 years ago with 180 seats.

The Flight

Business-class was the standard European style with a blocked middle seat. There were five rows of business class on our flight today.

Each seat was 18″ wide and offered 30″ of pitch. The seats were incredibly thin and rock hard. American and Delta’s newest economy seats are better than these…

The seatback had a literature pocket, tray table, and mesh pocket.

There were also two USB ports at the seat but no outlets. That napkin was left there by the previous passenger…

Upon boarding, each passenger was handed a disinfecting wipe.

The boarding doors were closed at 10:08 but we sat at the gate for another 15 minutes before finally pushing back. We were not entirely sure what was going on but there was a lot of police activity around the baggage carts prior to them being loaded. During our taxi to runway 18 we passed by a magnificent B747-400.

We finally took off at 10:31AM and climbed eastward towards the Czech Republic.

Breakfast was served immediately once we reached cruising altitude. There was a single option of smoked salmon with a yogurt dessert.

While small, the entire breakfast was delicious. The salmon was fatty and the beetroot potato terrine very fresh.

A beverage service followed breakfast. I had a black coffee and a glass of still water. The flight attendants then passed through the cabin with a cardboard box full of apples. I must say the apples were really dirty and bruised…

As we neared Prague, I used the forward lavatory. It was generic and indistinguishable from the many other airline lavatories I’ve used.

Just 33 minutes after taking off from Frankfurt, we began our descent into Prague. We landed 10 minutes later on runway 24 at 11:14AM.

The airport was eerily empty and after a five-minute taxi, we arrived at gate C9. Thanks for the ride!

We quickly made our way to the baggage claim area and once we collected our bags, passed through a COVID-19 inspection. The officials checked our Czech entry forms and waved us through.

The Details

• Flight: LH431
• Aircraft: B747-8I
• Class: Business
• Seat: 87A and 87C
• Route: Chicago O’Hare (ORD)-Frankfurt Main (FRA)
• Distance: 4,497miles
• Flight Time: 7hrs 24min
• Departure: 4:28PM
• Arrival: 6:52AM (+1)

The Preflight

This would be my fiance and my first trip of 2022 together and we were headed to Prague for the week. After parking in the economy Lot G and taking the O’Hare shuttle bus to Terminal 1 we checked in at the dedicated Business Class counters. Terminal 1 is dominated by United Airlines but Lufthansa and ANA flights also depart from the terminal. Other Star Alliance members department from Terminal 2 (Air Canada) or Terminal 5.

We were both vaccinated and boosted and had negative COVID-19 PCR test results ready to give to the check-in agent. However, we were not asked to provide any of these documents.

There were no passengers in the TSA Precheck lane and we cleared security quickly. Since we were flying international business class on a Star Alliance partner, we had access to the excellent United Polaris lounge.

Immediately upon entering the lounge was a beverage station with flavored water, beverages, tea, and coffee.

The buffet area was located to the right of the lounge. Cold food was arranged along the wall while hot food was arranged on the island.

There was a decent variety of hot food but nothing looked particularly appetizing.

There was also a stylish bar further into the lounge with an expansive array of alcoholic beverages available.

Individual sofas lined the windows with great views of the gates.

The highlight of the Polaris lounge was The Dining Room. During our stay, my fiance and I were the only passengers seated there.

There was a separate menu for breakfast and lunch/dinner.

Our server Maria was incredibly friendly and very attentive. She presented us with both the food and beverage menu and offered her recommendations on what food to get.

To start we shared the cheese plate with blue cheese, cauliflower raisin jam, and toast.

For her main, my fiance ordered the chicken paillard which was tasty.

I had the beef short rib burger, cooked to a perfect medium-rare. It was a delicious juicy burger.

Maria recommended we try two separate desserts. The gooey butter cake with butterscotch drizzle was a bit too sweet for us.

On the other hand, the warm chocolate chip cookie skillet was very tasty.

Just before leaving, I went to use the restrooms. There was one long mesmerizing hallway down which there were individual rooms with toilets.

We left the lounge very impressed with what United had created in the Polaris lounge. It was by far the best airline lounge we had visited in the United States.

Boarding began on time at 3:35PM. First, Business, and Star Alliance Gold passengers were invited to board together first.

Our B747-8I, registration D-ABYF, was delivered to Lufthansa back in October of 2013. She was 9.4 years old and was named Sachsen-Anhalt.

Our B747-8I today had a total of eight First Class seats in the nose. There was a large business class cabin between the first and second set of doors and then a smaller Business Class cabin behind the second pair of doors. Upstairs featured 32 Business Class seats arranged in a 2-2 configuration.

We boarded through door 2L which led us directly to the flight of stairs up to the second level.

Today, the upper deck business class cabin was just 50% full.

We were seated in 87A and 87C, the second to last row of seats in the upper deck.

There was a dated touchscreen IFE that had a horrible glare in the sunlight.

The screen itself could slide outwards to be centered with the seat and tilt forward and backward.

Below the screen was a literature pocket.

Below the literature pocket was a small storage bin with a bottle of water and amenity kit. This bin was broken and hung loosely on a hinge.

Between the seat and the window were large storage bins perfect for smaller personal items and backpacks.

The footwells were separated by a thin divider. Above the footwell was a small coat hook.

Below the foot cushion was a small area perfect for storing shoes.

Each seat also featured a reading lamp that could be folded out from the headrest. There was no privacy divider between the seat pairs.

The center console had a small drink holder as well as seat controls.

Underneath the center armrest was the tray table, IFE remote, and headphone bin.

The bi-fold tray table was very sturdy.

Below the center console was a USB port for charing personal electronics.

The armrest along the windows could be lowered to increase the seat width.

At each seat was a pair of headphones.

There was also a fairly comfortable pillow.

As well as a thick blanket. No mattress pads were offered.

Each passenger was also provided a bottle of water and an amenity bag.

Bag contents included a dental kit, mints, hand cream, facial cream, socks, and headphone covers.

Once we got settled into our seats, the flight attendants came through with a tray of pre-departure beverages. Options included sparkling wine, champagne, or water.

Menus were also distributed.

Boarding was completed at 4PM and the captain introduced himself over the intercom and gave a short description of the flight. We pushed back 10 minutes later and had a long 20-minute taxi to the runway.

We finally took off at 4:29PM on runway 10L.

We had some cloudy views of Lake Michigan and the Illinois and Michigan shores.

Service quickly began 15 minutes after takeoff with our tables being set.

Service started with beverages and some cold mixed nuts. I had a glass of the Duval-Leroy Brut champagne.

50 minutes after take-off, the appetize course was served. Flight attendants came down the aisle with a trolley and asked which appetizer we would like. I had the duck breast which was delicious. A warmed bread basket was also offered (no pretzels, unfortunately).

My fiance went with the scallop and shrimp appetizer which was zesty and refreshing.

Service was leisurely and twenty minutes after the appetizer course the flight attendants came down the aisle with a galley cart with the main courses. I had the salmon with a ginger glaze that was a bit dry.

My partner had the grilled beef filet which was cooked to a more medium-rare.

I finished dinner with a disappointing basic cheese course.

My fiance had the chocolate cake which she enjoyed.

Once the table cloths were collected, the flight attendants passed out small boxes of chocolate truffles.

The dinner service was finished within an hour and a half of takeoff and the cabin lights were dimmed for the night. While the bedding was comfortable, the cabin was kept very hot and I found it difficult to fall asleep.

Halfway through the flight, I used the rear lavatory in the upper deck cabin. It was a very basic set-up without any additional amenities.

I finally managed to dose off for an hour or so between Greenland and England.

An hour before arrival, the cabin lights were turned back on and the breakfast service began.

There was a single option for breakfast which was a coconut chia pudding. We were also offered a bread basket with warmed croissants and cinnamon rolls. The pudding had a delicious strawberry and rhubarb mix on top with sliced almonds.

The cabin was prepped for landing about 30 minutes out from Frankfurt.

We landed in Frankfurt at 6:52AM and had a seven-minute taxi to the gate.

The Details

• Flight: DL4083
• Aircraft: CRJ-900
• Class: Main Cabin
• Seat: 13D
• Route: Indianapolis (IND)-Minneapolis St. Paul (MSP)
• Distance: 557miles
• Duration: 1hr 39min
• Departure: 4:44PM
• Arrival: 5:23PM

The Preflight

With two weeks until Christmas, Indianapolis Airport and the Delta check-in counters were in full Christmas swing with wreaths and trees decorating the counter area. I was headed home to visit family in San Diego and booked a cash ticket from Indy to San Diego with a connection in Minneapolis with Delta.

Check-in and TSA were a breeze thanks to Pre-Check and I made my way to the Delta Sky Club, the only airline lounge at IND.

The selection of food was descent.

Boarding began at 4:10PM, 25 minutes prior to our scheduled departure time of 4:35PM.

Our CRJ-900 today, registration N693CA, was originally delivered to Comair in November 2007 making her over 15 years old. She flew for Comair until Delta shut the regional airline down in 2012. Afterwards, N693CA was transferred to SkyWest Airlines in September 2012 where she has been flying since.

The Flight

Delta offers a total of 64 Main Cabin seats on board their CRJ-900 operated by SkyWest in a 2-2 configuration. 20 of the seats are designated Comfort+ which have 34″ of pitch. The rest of the Main Cabin seats have 31″ of pitch. All seats are 17.3″ wide.

I was seated in 13D, the second emergency exit row in the aircraft which offered a few additional inches of legroom compared to the other seats. There was no in-seat power or USB available.

We took off at 4:44PM just nine minutes after our scheduled departure time. The climb out of Indy was smooth with a beautiful sunset.

Flight attendants offered a single beverage service on this flight. Snack options included either nuts or a Biscoff cookie.

We cruised Northwest across thick clouds as the sun set over the horizon.

At the rear of the aircraft was a single lavatory for Main Cabin passengers.

We landed at 5:23PM and had a quick taxi to the gate. Thanks for the ride!

Delta offers a generic Main Cabin experience onboard their CRJ-900s which is ultimately indistinguishable from competitors American and United.

The Details

• Flight: Trans Maldivian Airways
• Aircraft: DHC-6-300 Twin Otter
• Seat: Row 1
• Route: W Maldives (WWW)-Male Velana International (MLE) Seaplane Terminal
• Distance: 35 miles
• Flight time: 42 minutes
• Departure: 3:04PM
• Arrival: 3:46PM

The Preflight

After a magical time at the W Maldives in their Fabulous Overwater Villa, it was time for my newly engaged fiancée and I to head home. Since our flight on Qatar Airways was leaving late in the evening, we were scheduled to leave the resort on their last scheduled seaplane flight. In addition, we were granted late check-out (2PM).

We made our way to the resort lobby at 2PM and while we checked out, the hotel staff loaded our bags onto the seaplane. There were about eight of us on the last flight out to Male and we all gathered at the seaplane dock where we were bid farewell by the staff.

They also handed out a pair of ear plugs and a hand wipe.

The Seat

Trans Maldivian Airways has 15 total seats onboard their Twin Otters arranged in a 1-2 configuration across five rows. We boarded from the rear of the aircraft and made our way to the very front of the cabin.

While pitch and width were incredibly tight, the aisle seat in the first row offered a great view of the flight deck. I didn’t want to intrude on the cockpit and kept my feet behind the line during the entire flight.

At each bulkhead there was also a small fan that kept the air circulating in the otherwise stuffy cabin.

Just before takeoff, the flight officer at the back of the aircraft made his way to the front of the floatplane to give a brief safety demonstration. He also informed us that face masks were mandatory at all times.

The Flight

Just before we pushed back, the first officer turned around from his seat upfront to announce that we would be making a brief stop at another resort (Diamonds Athuruga) to pick up three additional passengers on our way to Male.

We left the floatplane dock at 3:04PM and a very quick taxi before taking off.

The brief flight to Diamonds Athuruga took just seven minutes and we landed at their dock at 3:11PM.

Once we landed however, we had to wait about 10 minutes for the additional passengers to be boated over.

Soon we were off towards Male.

Male came into view around 20 minutes later and we began our final approach at 3:46 PM.

We landed at 3:47 PM local time and had a six minute taxi to the seaplane terminal.

Thanks for the ride!

Upon making our way onto land, we were greeted by W Maldives representatives and ushered onto the nicely air conditioned bus. Once our bags were loaded we were bused directly to the international terminal that was 10 minutes away.

Once we got to the international terminal, we had an personal W Maldives rep take our bags and escort us through the security check directly to the check-in counters.

The Details

• Flight: TMA 210
• Aircraft: DHC-6-300 Twin Otter
• Seat: Row 1
• Route: Male Velana International (MLE) Seaplane Terminal- W Maldives (WWW)
• Distance: 35 miles
• Flight Time: 33 minutes
• Departure: 9:19 AM
• Arrival: 9:52 AM

The Preflight

Once my significant other and I had collected our bags from the baggage carousel, we made our way outside to the terminal where we were greeted by a representative from the W Maldives. She immediately took hold of our checked bags and walked us towards the W Maldives transfer desk.

Since we were the only passengers going to the W Maldives on our Etihad flight, we were guided to the Trans Maldivian Airways check-in desk. Our passports were scanned and all of our bags were weighed before the boarding passes were printed.

Normally, there would have been a W Maldives bus to take us from the check-in area to the seaplane terminal but I think there was a miscommunication. Instead, we waited about ten minutes before a TMA SUV pulled up to whisk us away.

The drive from the main airport terminal to the seaplane terminal took 10 minutes. We were greeted by the classic W sign in front of the dedicated lounge for W Maldives customers.

The lounge was one large room with a variety of sofas, chairs, and bar stools. It was nicely air conditioned and very comfortable after escaping the humidity outside. We would be the only passengers in the lounge for the next 45 minutes until a Emirates and Qatar Airways flight would arrive.

Next to the entrance was a small food area with pre-packaged snacks and drinks. The lounge staff also offered to make us some coffee or tea.

Drink options included a variety of sodas (Coke products), juice boxes, and water.

There was also milk, cereal, and some fresh fruit.

Prepackaged snack options included chocolate covered almonds, gummy fruits, and a spicy Thai snack mix.

There were also some cookies and muffins.

While checking in with Trans Maldivian Airways, we were also given a travel hygiene kit which included two face masks, hand sanitizer, and some antiseptic wipes.

An hour and a half later, a total of 12 other passengers arrived in the lounge. We were all checked in directly in the lounge by the staff and once that process was completed, we were walked to the seaplane dock.

Our DHC-6-300 Twin Otter today, registration 8Q-TMR, was built all the way back in 1969 and had flown for multiple airlines including Trans Australian Airlines, Air Queensland, Sunstate Airlines, and various private operators. In 2006, she was sold to TMA and had been flying with them since.

Interestingly, 8Q-TMR was involved in a landing accident in October 2020 when she collided with a boat.

All of our bags were loaded in the rear of the aircraft and all passengers boarded via the rear doors.

The Seat

There were a total of 15 seats onboard the DHC-6-300 Twin Otters arranged in a 1-2 configuration across five rows. Pitch and width were incredibly tight due to how small the cabin was.

As the first to board, we managed to snag the first row of the aircraft which offered an incredible unobstructed view of the flight deck.

Each side of the cabin also had a fan which circulated the air in the stuffy cabin.

The Flight

Boarding was done at 9:13AM and the crew member at the rear of the aircraft made his way to the front of the cabin to give a brief safety demonstration. He also informed us that masks were mandatory for the entire duration of the flight. We began our pushback at 9:20AM and a long seven minutes later (the cabin was so hot) we took off bound for the W Maldives.

We passed by quiet a few resorts and atolls on our way.

As we neared the W Maldives and the resort came into view on the port side of the turboprop.

We then made a sharp right turn and landed in the remote seaplane aerodrome.

All passengers deplaned onto a small wooden floating dock where we waited for the boat to bring us to the main island.

The boat came about five minutes later and we quickly got out of the sun.

Once everything was loaded, the boat whisked us away from the dock for the W Maldives where we were greeted by waving staff members.

The Details

• Flight: AS22
• Aircraft: B737-900ER
• Class: Domestic First
• Seat: 3A
• Route: Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)-Chicago O’Hare International (ORD)
• Distance: 1,768 miles
• Duration: 3hr 23min
• Departure: 12:20PM
• Arrival: 5:58PM

The Preflight

After my enjoyable early morning flight from San Diego, I had a three hour layover at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Since I wanted to check-out the new flagship Alaska Lounge in the North Satellite at SEA, I took a 10 minute walk from the B Concourse.

The Alaska Lounge in the North Satellite is located on the second floor above the gate area.

Unlike the other domestic US carriers which do not give first class passengers lounge access, Alaska offers all first class passengers access to their lounges. The entrance was very minimalistic.

Immediately upon entering was a large fire place. I personally loved the interior of lounge which felt very cozy.

There was a good amount of individual sofas arranged along the windows which offered great views of the apron.

To the right of the entrance was the main food area. There was a barista coffee station which served Starbucks coffee.

The drink selection also included Coke, Sprite, orange juice, apple juice, and water.

There was also the classic Alaska Airlines pancake maker.

Additional breakfast carbs included muffins and Danishes.

The only hot food offering was oatmeal served by lounge staff.

Cold breakfast foods included yogurt, granola, and hard boiled eggs.

Due to local COVID-19 restrictions in King County, the self-serve soda machine and coffee machine had been disabled.

The bar was also closed due to the local COVID-19 restrictions.

Each seat in the lounge had a laminated card which was used to indicate if someone was sitting there. Upon leaving, passengers were instructed to flip the card over so that their seat could be sanitized.

There were amazing views of the apron and taxiway from the lounge windows.

With about an hour until boarding, I decided to explore The Centurion Lounge. Access was afforded to me thanks to my AMEX Platinum card. Check-in to the lounge was done via the mobile app which generated a QR code that was scanned at the desk.

Unfortunately, AMEX has decided that due to local COVID-19 restrictions, no food or alcohol could be consumed while in the lounge. It was very depressing to see just how empty the lounge was.

Food was still provided to passengers but it had to be consumed outside of the lounge in the terminal. Two friendly lounge staff stood behind the food bar and placed everything in a brown to-go bag.

I decided to try the Greek chicken wrap which was served with a side salad, tortilla chips, and apple. They also provided a bottle of water and soda. No alcohol was included and only mocktails were available. I had the espresso martini which was a nice boost of caffeine. This food was only be consumed outside of the lounge in the crowded concourse.

I passed by a super sleek new Delta A220 at gate A1.

Since our flight was leaving from the South Satellite, I had to take the underground tram to the gate area. The South Satellite is where all international flights arrive at since the International Arrivals Facility is located within. There were quiet a few wide-bodies including a new Delta A330-900neo at the gate next to ours.

Our B737-900ER, registration N285AK, was delivered brand new to Alaska Airlines in March 2018. AS has a total of 79 active B737-900ERs in their fleet.

Boarding was set to begin at 11:40AM however the gate agents discovered that the jet bridge was extremely slippery. They sent a request for some rugs to place on the floor of the jet bridge and held off on boarding for about 15 minutes. Ultimately, the rugs never showed up and a gate agent stood on the jet bridge to assist any passengers that needed help with the slippery floor.

The Flight

Alaska Airlines has a standardized seat configuration for their entire fleet of B737-900ERs. Each aircraft has 16 first, 24 premium/extra-legroom economy, and 138 economy seats. the 16 first class seats are arranged in a 2-2 configuration between rows 1-4. I was seated in seat 3A. I found this seat to be very comfortable and well padded.

Each seat had 41″ of pitch and was 21″ wide. Alaska does not offer IFE screens on their aircraft. There was a basic literature pocket in the seatback.

Between each seat was a small cocktail tabletop. The recline button was below the table.

A small cocktail table popped out from the center console.

Below was the in seat power. Each seat had an individual 110V outlet and USB port.

The tray table was stowed in the right hand armrest.

The bi-fold tray table had a dedicated cup holder.

When fully opened, it was large and sturdy.

We pushed back at 12:20PM. Just as we were about to begin the taxi to the runway, a flight attendant from the economy cabin walked up to the purser and said that a passenger was non-compliant with their mask wearing. After a brief discussion, the lead flight attendant went back to the passenger and handed him a “yellow-card”. The captain also came over the intercom and stated that masks had to be worn at all times and he would return to the gate if anyone could not comply.

The passenger must have acquiesced as we continued on our taxi to the runway which took another 15 minutes. At 12:37 we began our take-off roll down 16L.

The first 30 minutes or so of the flight was fairly bumpy and the captain announced that we would initially be cruising at 20,000 feet to avoid some turbulence.

Alaska offers inflight Wi-Fi which is streamed from personal devices. I loaded the inflight map on my Samsung tablet.

There were gorgeous views of snow capped mountains as we flew over Okanogan-Wenatchee National Park.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Alaska Airlines has limited their on board service. Food is only available on flights over 670 miles in First class and hard alcohol has been eliminated.

A drink menu was provided in the seatback literature pocket.

Beginning two weeks until 20 hours prior to departure food is able to be pre-ordered. Options included either the fruit & cheese plate or harvest smoked turkey sandwich.

I had pre-ordered the turkey sandwich and the flight attendant confirmed my order before serving it to me.

I found the sandwich to be very dry and the ciabatta roll crumbled apart as I tried to eat it. It was definitely nice to have the Fremont IPA to wash it all down. There was also a small chocolate in the box.

Half-way through the flight, warmed chocolate chip cookies were brought out. They were perfectly gooey.

With an hour and a half until arrival, flight attendants came through the cabin with a snack basket.

They also passed out water bottles to all of the first class passengers.

We had stunning views of the snow covered flatland of South Dakota.

As we neared Chicago, I checked out the narrow forward lavatory. I appreciated the mood lighting and the sleek finishes.

It was a clear winter night in Chicago which gave us great views of the Chicagoland sprawl.

We touched down at 5:58PM local time at O’Hare and had an eight minute taxi to Terminal 3. While the plane arrived at Terminal 3, our bags were actually delivered to the Terminal 2 baggage claim area. Thanks for the ride!

I loved this flight with Alaska Airlines. They are becoming my favorite domestic airline for first class. The seat was comfortable, food delicious, and service exceptional. I would happily fly with them again and look forward to it!

The Details

• Flight: UA5840
• Aircraft: E175
• Class: Domestic First
• Seat: 4A
• Route: Los Angeles International (LAX)-San Diego International (SAN)
• Distance: 140 miles
• Duration: 25min
• Departure: 10:48PM
• Arrival: 11:29PM

The Preflight

After arriving on my connecting flight from Houston at 6PM, I had a long four hour layover at LAX. I initially walked all the way from Terminal 7 to Tom Bradley International Terminal to go checkout the AMEX Centurion Lounge. However, I did not check the hours and learned that it closed at 3PM.

I made my way back to Terminal 7 which is United’s main terminal and decided to check-out the United Club.

Due to COVID-19 and local restrictions, the United Club was “to-go” only. That meant no passenger were allowed to be seated. Lounge staff had arranged all of the seating to form a path with arrows that directed guests to the food area.

A lone lounge staff was on hand to give guests food. Everything was located behind the counter. I picked the food I wanted and it was then placed into a brown paper bag.

Drink options included a variety of cold crews, hot coffee, juice, soda, and water. Food offerings included chips, cookies, nuts, and other pre-packaged snacks. There was a refrigerator stocked with salami and cheese, hummus, and chocolate cake slices. Once I got my food, I made my way out of the Club to find some seating.

Our flight to San Diego departed from Terminal 8 which is where most of the United Express flights. Departure was originally 10:35PM however it was delayed to 10:51PM in order to accommodate some late arriving passengers on a Newark flight.

Boarding still began at 10:10PM.

Our E175L, registration N602UX, was delivered brand new to ExpressJet back in May 2019. Unfortunately due to the depressed demand during COVID-19, ExpressJet ceased operations in Sept 2020. Earlier in April 2020, ExpressJet and United had made the decision to divest all of their E175s. Our E175 was then transferred over the SkyWest.

The Flight

United Express currently has three regional airline partners that operate the E175. The three include SkyWest, Mesa, and Republic. This particular E175 was operated by SkyWest. Currently, SkyWest operates two distinct E175 sub-fleets for United Express. One sub-fleet features 70 seats with 12 first, 16 Economy plus, and 42 economy seats. The other sub-fleet is dubbed the “E175SC” and offers 12 first, 32 economy Plus, and 26 economy seats.

Today’s aircraft was a E175SC with first class in a 1-2 configuration between rows 1-4. The seat had an excellent amount of padding and I loved the single chair on the left hand side of the aircraft.

A small cloth curtain separated the First and economy cabin.

There was only one other passenger in the first class cabin with me on today’s flight.

Pitch was 37″ and the seat was 20″ wide. There were no IFE screens but the seatback did have a large and deep literature pocket.

In the left hand armrest was a small cocktail tray table that popped out.

Below the left hand armrest was a 110V power outlet. The SkyWest E175SC actually offers power outlets in both the first and economy cabin.

The recline button was located in the righthand armrest. Each first class seat had an advertised 5″ of recline.

The bi-fold tray table was stored in the righthand armrest. I appreciated the cup holder.

The tray table was fairly sturdy when completely open.

Upon boarding, each passenger was given a sanitizing wipe. Once I was seated, the flight attendant came through and passed out a water bottle for the first class passengers.

Under the new COVID-19 inflight service changes there was no snack service on this flight since it was under one hour.

I was surprised when the flight attendant came through the cabin again and asked if I would like anything to drink. This marked my first pre-departure beverage in over a year. I went with a ginger ale.

We ended up waiting at the gate for about 40 minutes for the three passengers on the delayed Newark flight. Both the captain and the lead flight attendant very open and communicated the status of those passengers.

Our flight pushed back 13 minutes late at 10:48PM local time. There was a fairly long take-off line and we were airborne 16 minutes after pushback. Enjoy!

Since the flight was only 25 minutes, there was no inflight service. We had some great views of the California coast the entire way south.

Before long we were on approach into San Diego via runway 27, passing close by the downtown skyscrapers.

We touched down at 11:39 local time at SAN. After a very quick taxi to the gate I was on my way. Thanks for the ride!

I had a very pleasant ride with SkyWest onboard their E175. It was nice to have a solo seat without any passengers next to me. The flight attendants were excellent and I appreciated having a pre-departure beverage. I look forward to flying SkyWest again!