UA930 - San Francisco International - London Heathrow Airport
United Airlines UA920, 28/10/09
Boeing 777-200, Seat 42A
5368 miles flown, 5355 miles earnt
The Pictures
Alas, the only window seat that was open when I was booking was... 42A (lets call it seat 99Z. It felt that far back). For those who don't know, 42A is basically the last row of a UA 777.
Row 99A..
Safety demo was done manually, and the aircraft pushed back on time. A bit of a taxi around SFO and the engines roared up for take off
Off we go for one last time
Nighttime over the bay area
Bear in mind, at this point - I was pretty tired with little sleep since Chicago, so my head was against the bulkhead, and soon enough I was out cold - missing the first drinks service - and trying to keep awake for the food service. I almost wish I didn't looking at the what came out.
Ok... I'm taking a Wild guess and this logically must Cajun chicken - the rice might be a give away.
This was actually a reasonable in-flight meal.
After food, I zonked out again. The next thing I knew,6 hours had passed, and we were tracking southwards of Iceland, heading for Scotland - so I had by this point missed the mid-flight snacks, and I was pretty much trapped in the seat as I had a sleeping passenger who only woke up when the snack service arrived.
Speaking of the snack service - it's the classic chewable tooth destroying Pretzel-bread....
The more things change...
A drinks run was done behind this - and at this point, I set up a Ghetto IFE system just to watch a couple of things, before switching back to Channel 9 for approach and landing.
Ghetto IFE System featuring Top Gear: Race to the North - Tornado (Steam Train) vs Car vs a Hamster on a Bike
After doing a loop of the north-western hold, it was through the cloud, past Windsor Castle, and a firm landing on the runway, and a quick taxi over to the other-side of beyond of LHR T1 - Gate 46.
And down.
A short hike to immigration as I disembarked - least of all the travelators are "under repair", constricting the access-way and also making people exercise for once
IRIS for once was operational at T1, and after looking at the the mirror, I was let into the UK. My luggage was already on the belt (or off the belt in the case of the Ski Bag), so I made my way down to the Heathrow Connect.
Heathrow Connect, Class 334
Heathrow Central - London Paddington (£7.40)
The usual 25 minute journey to London - again, tickets were checked, no issues with anything. Upon arrival at Paddington, the Barriers were open - a very logical move considering how much luggage goes through there and the revenue protection done on the service itself.
A taxi to Euston to argue with Virgin Trains (apparently, the peak period for Virgin commences at 15:15, not 15:30 - nice of them to publish that
), then a Taxi back to Marylebone (with a meter runner), and I boarded the 16:00 to Birmingham Snow Hill.
Chiltern Railways, Class 168/2 "Clubman"
London Marylebone - Birmingham Snow Hill (Saver Return RTN portion only - £44)
Even though it was approaching peak time, the service wasn't that packed out. I thankfully located a twosome seat, plonked my luggage down and crashed again between Wembley and Banbury.
The loads increased as the train passed through Leamington Spa - peak time had arrived - but there was no "pushing" or "demands" for space - people were comfortable.
Upon arrival at Snow Hill, I pushed my way through the barriers, found a taxi, and finally ended up at Chez Kevincm.
All done!
Where upon I unpacked, dumped the washing in the machine, and went off to get some Fish and Chips - and after a while - dozed off on the sofa.
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Trip Report Card:
OpUp's: 2 (LHR-ORD in C, ORD-LAX in F) ^
E+'s FOC: 2 (LAX-LAS, LAS-SFO) ^
Exit Rows: 1 (LAS-SFO)
Travel credits: $350
Channel 9 on: 3 out of 5 (probably 4...) ^
Vodkas and Colas Consumed: 3 ^
Other vodka based products: 1 ^
Whine: Lots. D
TSA's annoyed: 2 (At LAS)
US Airways love: None
Before, I've always been on deadlines when I travelled - travelling with flexibility has really helped.
Overall a very good performance from United in all classes - a MAJOR improvement to the June trip, and I'd say an improvement from the Feb run. The crews were all reasonably happy, requests were met well. Again - a smile and politeness goes a long way. I'd say even the catering has improved out of SFO... but I could had been very lucky...
The Business and First Class experiences were enjoyable. Whilst I would not go out of my way to spend actual money (it's called "prioritising" - I have other priorities in life), I can see how these products work, and when they're delivered well - they work very well.
US Airways... is still US Airways. Even on short-haul, they're performing - if insisting on TED like service on flights (Plastic cup of drink for you.. and buy our sleep-pack please).
I think with Continentals entry in Star Alliance - Hopefully, a good sharp kick has been delivered to both US and United to improve their products further. Well I can hope.
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Well that's it from me for a fair old bit - partially to appease my bank manager and as Gold is sewn up for another year, I'm running low on Annual leave at work.
Feb and March are looking good for travel next year... and there is still the battle for *G qualification for either CO or BD next year. Ah the games we play...
Although my feet are very itchy still. Either I need to see a foot specialist - or I need to plan a trip...
Comments and thoughts welcome as always.