Part VI - One week later - Homeward bound... to PHL
After being stung by a cabbie who refused to take the express routes (thus a $40 became near enough $70), and stuck to local routes from the back end of NJ to PHL, we made it to check-in. In not uncertain terms, no assisted check-in was available, and only Mr Chicken was possible (even in the Elite land)
Elite queues my....
Sigh. Cost cutting.
After a couple last smokes for my friend, we made our way to the wonderful friends that are the TSA. For a Friday, it was very quiet, and the request for manual inspection of film was made without complaint. The only thing that did raise a smile was the “Sharing Caring TSA and here’s a video to prove we are” that was going on – with various excuses for what screening was used and why.
But enough of that. With an early arrival at an airport it was time to play lounges… and again – the RCC was chosen at PHL.
United Red Carpet Club, Terminal D
Whilst not the largest of lounges (least of all the plain looking door at the lounge), we were welcomed and after a bit of key clicking, was invited in, where we sat near the bar.
Empty seats...
The bar
Pretty much immediately, there was a lovely hostess, who offered drinks, snacks and served with an a smile – where nothing was too much (I blame the accents my friend and me have). But it wasn’t just us – she was busying herself, preparing snacks and getting other snacks out.
Whilst not as roomy as the ORD lounge, it is defiantly more intimate, and apart from being in the interconnect corridors as opposed to the D terminal itself, it’s a place I would happily spend a few hours in.
However the clocks rolled around and it was time again to pick up our trash and head to the next fight.
Today's ERJ
A comparatively short walk, and the ERJ was pulling into the gate area – perfect timing. After the previous passengers disembarked and a crew change, we were invited aboard
United Express (Trans-States Airlines)
UA7988 - Philadelphia International - Washington Dulles International Airport
Embraer ERJ-145LR
135 miles flown, 600 earned.
Channel 9: Come on – It’s a regional jet!
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The Pictures
It's been some *serious* time since I've been aboard a ERJ-145 (although my "home" airline seems to run them out of LHR with no consideration for the rest of the users), but I'm one ofthese odd people that actually LIKE this series of ERJ... if for a simple reason - the 1 - 2 seating.
Boarding was completed in zones – and of course bags were too big as usual so some victims had there's gate checked. My bag was pushed under the seat as boarding continued.
I saw my luggage being loaded again – a good sign. Little I was to know what the heck was going to happen next…
Pushback was delayed slightly as the tanker didn’t have enough fuel. Eventually another tanker came around to pump another 500lb of fuel – at which point we were informed due to the short length of flight there would be no drinks service
, and soon enough, the standard Republic Airways prerecorded safety announcement was made.
After a bit of taxiing, it was was quick climb into the air.
Upwards
With such a low cruise altitude of 12,000ft and heavy cloud, it wasn’t the greatest of flights. Parts of it were rollercosteresque, which made for fun.
Grey cloud. That was the view for most of the flight.
But 40 minutes later, we passed the Steven Udvar-Hazy Centre, and shortly thereafter, touched and and after a short taxi, we arrived at the A gates at IAD.
Steven Udvar-Hazy Centre - I can recommend the tower.
We disembarked and headed straight into… the rain. Welcome to Washington Dulles....
Welcome to Dulles...