I’ve just completed writing and editing 7,000 some odd words (including a few photos) about my recent experiences flying around America and now, in preparation toward posting that report, I look out at the Trip Reports Forum and see all of these wonderful titles promising to take the reader along via photo and/or text to a wide variety of exotic destinations around the world whilst sat in First or Business Class aboard all manner of exciting foreign airlines.
Alas my humble offering is limited to describing, as only I can, two weeks of traveling back and forth between a wide variety of North American airports whilst sat in Economy Class (and occasionally in First) aboard five different US airlines.
What are the odds that anyone would choose to read about domestic First and Economy Class travel aboard comparatively unexciting US airlines when so many potentially entertaining alternatives exist just a click away? Probably about the same odds that my Denver Broncos will win the Superbowl.
Perhaps it would be best if I just kept this report to myself. . .
Sorry for the interruption, folks. Go on back to those other trip reports, now. Nothing to read here...
Well, since you put it that way, here's something to get you started.
September 19, 2009
Southwest Airlines Las Vegas – Phoenix 350p – 505p 737-500 Economy Class
The title of this report is Miles and Milestones From Two Weeks of Flying Around America. Those of you who’ve kept up with my previous reports (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports/421265-journey-continues-bottom-south-america-top-australia.html#post3931081) may recall one I wrote earlier this year titled MY 1000th FLIGHT ON A 737 (And Other Aviation Milestones) (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=905635&referrerid=6135). The gist of that report was to highlight some of the more interesting and entertaining statistics I’ve attained from a lifetime of keeping a detailed flight log.
While we all enjoy the benefits of flying frequently, such as upgrades or free travel, most of us have neither the time nor desire to actually log our flights. I am one of the exceptions, having faithfully recorded every flight I’ve ever flown. As a child, a flight on an airplane was a big deal to me. In the days leading up to a flight, I was generally so excited that I could hardly sleep. Back then, we also had to dress up to fly on a plane so the formality of the event made each flight that much easier to remember. I first made a list of my flights when I was 8 years old and since by then I had only flown nine times, I’m confident that I included each and every one of those flights in my first “log”.
I began writing this report primarily to entertain myself during two weeks of relatively mundane flying around the US. Having logged over 4000 flights over the past 40 years, I more than most recognize that from a service perspective, flying aboard US airlines has long since ceased being “glamorous” or even all that interesting. Even so, because I still enjoy flying I actually find it fun to write about while occasionally reminiscing over past experiences. I also know that amongst our collection of 200,000 plus FTers, there are a small number of you who can actually relate to my protracted ramblings. We actually like to fly as opposed to just enjoying upgrades and free travel like the vast majority of our FT brethren.
Because I do keep a fairly detailed flight log, I’m well aware of statistics like how many times and miles I’ve flown aboard a particular aircraft type or airline. Because I also log the registration numbers, I even know how many times and miles I’ve flown aboard individual aircraft. I keep my flight log current as I travel and as I was writing this report, some interesting personal milestones began to emerge. Why were they milestones? In most cases simply because the total number of flights ended in two zeros such as, for example, my 300th flight aboard American Airlines. Some statistics ended in three, four or five zeros such as my 1000th flight into or out of SeaTac airport.
In any event, over the course of writing about flying around these past two weeks, enough milestones began to emerge that I decided to give them a little more focus in the report. For those of you who can relate, I hope you’ll enjoy not only my report but surpassing your own milestones as well.
* * * * * * * * * * *
This trip began on September 12th when I took off out of Fairbanks aboard Alaska 737-800 N597AS bound for Seattle. As a result of logging the registration numbers of aircraft that I fly, I know that I’ve flown aboard every 737-200, -400 and -900 in Alaska’s fleet. Amongst Alaska’s fleet of 51 737-800s, I’ve flown 30. Collect them all!!! With only 21 more to go, the odds are still fairly good that on any given Alaska flight operated by a 737-800 I'm going to encounter an aircraft that I've not yet flown. So then, you can just imagine my disappointment upon arriving at the gate to find ship 597, an aircraft I’d flown upon four times previously. That disappointment was tempered somewhat with the realization that as of this flight I’ve now logged over 100,000 miles aboard 737-800s from Alaska Airlines. I celebrated the milestone with an ice cold bottle of Alaskan Amber and a package of lightly roasted almonds. Current service levels required that I provide my own almonds.
Shortly after cocktails and beer, a Chicken Marsala "dinner" was offered to First Class passengers.
http://images52.fotki.com/v640/photos/2/211932/8046102/001ASFAISEASNACKSEP09-vi.jpg ( http://public.fotki.com/Seat2A/2009-autumn-travels-/001-as-fai-sea-snac.html)
Chicken Marsala and Salad
Check out the spectacular sunset that occurred shortly after the dinner trays had been cleared.
All told, I’ve logged well over a half million miles aboard all models of Alaska 737s. Just over 250,000 of those miles have come aboard Alaska’s 737-400s and in December, I will log my 300th flight aboard an Alaska 737-400.
The next afternoon I landed in Las Vegas where I picked up a fire engine red Dodge Charger and sped off along Highway 160 towards Death Valley National Park.
http://images50.fotki.com/v399/photos/2/211932/8046102/054LEAVINGBLUEDIAMONDNV_-vi.jpg ( http://public.fotki.com/Seat2A/2009-autumn-travels-/054-leaving-blue.html)
Leaving Blue Diamond Canyon, Nv.
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Descending into Death Valley
I love the Mojave Desert, so much so that I think nothing of returning here 2-3 times a year just to revisit old favorite haunts and explore new ones. Over the next week I also visited Joshua Tree National Park, Anza Borego Desert Park and the General Patton Museum as well as driving significant portions of old Route 66 through California.
http://images22.fotki.com/v836/photos/2/211932/8046102/028JOSHUATREEN_P_CHARGER-vi.jpg ( http://public.fotki.com/Seat2A/2009-autumn-travels-/028-joshua-tree-n-p.html)
My Charger at Joshua Tree National Park
http://images50.fotki.com/v406/photos/2/211932/8046102/016PATTONMUSEUMTANK-vi.jpg ( http://public.fotki.com/Seat2A/2009-autumn-travels-/016-patton-museum.html)
WW II Era Tank at the General Patton Museum
http://images51.fotki.com/v749/photos/2/211932/8046102/037AMBOYRD_CHLORIDELAKES-vi.jpg ( http://public.fotki.com/Seat2A/2009-autumn-travels-/037-amboy-rd-chlori.html)
Chloride Lake outside Amboy, CA.
I spent my final afternoon out shooting pictures of BNSF and UP locomotives. I’m also a train fan, so this was an enjoyable way to end the land portion of the trip.
http://images50.fotki.com/v399/photos/2/211932/8046102/007TRAINALONGKELSOROAD-vi.jpg ( http://public.fotki.com/Seat2A/2009-autumn-travels-/007-train-along.html)
Union Pacific Locomotives Rolling Through Mojave National Preserve
http://images50.fotki.com/v392/photos/2/211932/8046102/009TRAINALONGKELSOROAD-vi.jpg ( http://public.fotki.com/Seat2A/2009-autumn-travels-/009-train-along.html)
Descending down Kelso grade
The next day I returned the car at the Las Vegas airport and checked in for my flight down to Phoenix with Southwest Airlines. Although I am not a member of Southwest’s Rapid Rewards frequent flyer program, I chose to fly with Southwest today for two reasons. The first is that Southwest does not charge for checked baggage, so that represents an instant $15.00 savings right there. The second is that Southwest is one of only three airlines in North America that operate Boeing’s little 737-500, the others being Continental and United. I’d never flown one of Southwest’s -500s and since they’re beginning to reach retirement age, I’d hoped that one of them might be assigned to this afternoon’s flight.
Check-in was efficiently accomplished and, with an hour and a half to spare before departure, I headed over to the US Airways Club located landside on the mezzanine above the ticket counters. Unfortunately, my hopes for a cold beer and a bit of lounging about were cruelly dashed when I arrived to find a sign on the entrance door indicating that the lounge had closed – apparently permanently – just five days earlier. Continental operates a Presidents Club at LAS but it’s located on the D Concourse and would have required a return trip through security in order to access the Southwest gates over on the C Concourse. Alas – no lounge for me today.
Speaking of security checkpoints, TSA-Las Vegas could teach the rest of the TSA folks nationwide how it’s done. The process at LAS is unfailingly quick and efficient. I have been in some incredibly long lines at McCarran – some literally hundreds of yards in length – and still gotten through security in 40 minutes or less.
Again, I realize that many FlyerTalkers may not be able to relate to my delight over what for them would be such a seemingly inane event as flying aboard one of Southwest's 737-500s. I realize many folks have joined FlyerTalk because they typically fly frequently, would like to maximize their mileage earning and upgrade possibilities and/or just enjoy traveling. Many of you do not log your flights and most of you wouldn’t know the difference between a 737-500 and a 737-600, much less even care.
I, on the other hand, have loved all things about airlines and airliners since the day I first laid eyes on one as a small child. Although I’ve flown 737-500s from United, Maersk and Noreste, I still find it exciting to add a new version to my collection of aircraft flown. That love of all things related to commercial aviation flavors all of my reports, making them enjoyable reads for those of you who love to fly and incredibly tedious for our more pragmatic members who simply see an airplane as a means of getting from here to there as fast as possible.
I should hope that by now most of the pragmatic types have learned to ignore my reports and save themselves the angst of wallowing through boring descriptions of things like aircraft interiors, inflight meal service or how many flights I’ve logged aboard various jetliners. For my part I remain relentlessly unrepentant and have no intention of changing my ways.
For those of you wondering just exactly what a 737-500 is, it is an early Next Generation 737 designed as a replacement for the ubiquitous 737-200 which was a common sight among US airlines through the turn of the century. The 737-500 was launched by Southwest Airlines in 1987. Design improvements and the new CFM56-3 engines provided a 25% increase in fuel efficiency over the 737-200.
So now, you can imagine my delight when N521SW, an eighteen year old 737-5H4, taxied briskly up to gate C3. Despite having checked in unusually early (I had to return my rental car by 1:30pm and so ended up checking in about two hours early) I was assigned spot B-19 in the boarding process which meant that a good 60 people from the A group and B spots ahead of me would likely grab any choice seats. Once again, imagine my surprise to find a window seat open in row one! That meant not only a choice window seat ahead of the wing but also lots of extra legroom between the seat and the bulkhead.
The 50 minute flight was itself non-eventful. I reclined my comfy leather upholstered seat and enjoyed a glass of Coke with a couple of bags of peanuts while watching the arid Southwest landscape slide by below.
Flagstaff Express provided affordable van transport up to Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon Hostel provided comfy accommodations until my next flight out two days later.
flyingstudent
Oct 12, 09, 3:44 pm
Your first picture caught my attention. A quad engine plane without winglet. It does not look like a B747-400 or the older B747-200 or B747-300 wing tip. The A343 also has some sort of winglet. What plane is it? B707 or DC8?
CMK10
Oct 12, 09, 5:31 pm
Your first picture caught my attention. A quad engine plane without winglet. It does not look like a B747-400 or the older B747-200 or B747-300 wing tip. The A343 also has some sort of winglet. What plane is it? B707 or DC8?
It's a United DC-8-71. I clicked on it and found out :p
Kiwi Flyer
Oct 12, 09, 6:26 pm
Hurrah another report from Seat 2A ^^^
Seat 2A
Oct 12, 09, 9:34 pm
September 21, 2009
Horizon Airlines Flagstaff – Prescott 1125a – 1155a DHC-8-400 Economy Class
Horizon Airlines Prescott – Los Angeles 1220p – 155p DHC-8-400 Economy Class
Alaska Airlines Los Angeles –Seattle 530p – 801p 737-800 First Class
The first (and last time) I flew into Flagstaff was in 1976 aboard a Frontier Airlines Convair 580. I’d boarded the big twin engine turboprop in Durango and we made stops in Farmington and Gallup enroute to Flagstaff. The 580 held 50 passengers and along with the Lockheed Electra was considered the fastest turboprop of its time. Powered by huge Alison 501 propjets that sported the largest propellers in the industry, the 580 cruised at well over 350 mph. The cabin was spacious and the seating was comfortable, with huge square windows through which to enjoy the landscape below.
Today, thirty-three years later, I am departing Flagstaff aboard a Horizon Airlines DeHavilland DHC-8-400. The Dash 8 or Q-400 as Horizon calls it is a worthy successor to the 580s of yesteryear. The cabin is spacious and the seating, by today’s standards, is reasonably comfortable, though the seats don’t recline.
http://images50.fotki.com/v1514/photos/2/211932/8046102/057HORIZONDASH8ATFLAGSTAFF-vi.jpg ( http://public.fotki.com/Seat2A/2009-autumn-travels-/057-horizon-dash-8.html)
Horizon Airlines DeHavilland DHC-8-400 at Flagstaff, AZ.
The main reason why I’ve come to Flagstaff is to fly Horizon’s Flagstaff to Los Angeles flight which makes a stop in Prescott, Arizona. I’ve never flown into Prescott before and if you look at my route map on flightmemory (http://my.flightmemory.com/Seat2A), you’ll see there was a tiny space there that needed to be filled in.
Flight time over to Prescott was a quick 15 minutes, followed by a one hour and ten minute flight into Los Angeles. It was a bright sunny day and the views of the desert landscape below were brilliant. If you like deserts, that is. I do. I also like seeing the continent from above. Much of the Great American Basin and Mojave Desert were once an inland sea and the landscape is littered with numerous old dry lakebeds. For those of you with your window shades down and your focus on a book, here’s a good one for you: Over The Mountains (http://www.amazon.com/Over-Mountains-Aerial-View-Geology/dp/1931414181). The same author also has a book titled Over The Rivers (http://www.amazon.com/Over-Rivers-Aerial-View-Geology/dp/1931414211/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b)
Faced with a three hour layover in LA, I headed straight to the Alaska Boardroom where a couple of cold Tecates and the dregs of a pot of chicken and dumpling soup awaited. After putting in a bit of time on this report, I noticed it was “suddenly” 5:00pm and time to head down to gate 32. I’d been upgraded to First Class and was looking forward to Dinner and a bottle of Alaskan Amber.
Pushback was right on time and following a fairly long take off roll we soared out over the ocean and up into the western sky. Following a big U-Turn to the north and east, we crossed the coast at Malibu and eventually turned due north at about Mojave. Upon reaching our cruising altitude of thirty some-odd thousand feet, the dinner service began in earnest with a round of drinks followed by trays of Chicken Marsala accompanied by a small side salad. My chicken portion was satisfying by Ethiopian famine standards, and I considered that Alaska may have ordered their caterers to switch to Cornish Game Hens in a cost cutting move. Those Seattle Chocolates sure are good, though. I must remember to order a box of them someday.
Seat 2A
Oct 12, 09, 9:43 pm
September 22, 2009
Alaska Airlines Seattle – Los Angeles 700a – 940a 737-900 Economy Class
Northwest Airlines Los Angeles – Minneapolis 1205p – 545p 757-300 Economy Class
Northwest Airlines Minneapolis – Tampa 710p – 1128p A319-100 Economy Class
Today I fly my 169TH flight on Northwest, my 250th flight on a 757 and my 4000th flight overall. Yes, you read that right. I will be flying my 4000th flight later today between Minneapolis and Tampa. I’m on the waitlist for an upgrade but the flight is showing sold out and I am third on the waitlist.
Because my Alaska flight was booked and ticketed by Northwest, I am only eligible to upgrade my Alaska flights at the airport on the day of departure. These morning flights to LA are quite popular though, and as such I was informed at check-in that I would be 7th on the waitlist. Oh well. Thankfully, one of the best benefits of being an MVP Gold with Alaska is that I can secure exit row seating at the time of booking. The exit rows offer better legroom than First Class and unless one is porcine to the extreme, the seats are only marginally less comfortable than those in First Class. The only thing I really miss is a hot breakfast enroute, but I remedied that with a quick visit to Anthony’s Fish House where a delicious and filling breakfast taco sells for just $4.00.
While I appreciate the extra mileage garnered by flying via LAX, connections between Alaska and Northwest at LAX involve exiting Terminal 3, catching a bus or walking across the airport to Terminal 5 and then having to go through security once again before proceeding to your Northwest flight.
I tried to use the new DL/NW/KLM kiosks to check-in but to no avail. My first attempt, on a bank of four kiosks, involved pounding each one with my fist in order to get the screen to move on to the next level. Two kiosks couldn’t get past the second screen, the third wouldn’t respond after I got to the page where I entered my record locater and the fourth showed me my reservation, then indicated that it would require the attention of a real live agent. I’d booked the reservation at nwa.com and so was more than a bit perturbed at this point.
Eventually a counter agent got my boarding passes issued and I headed on over to Delta’s Sky Club to put in a bit of time on this report accompanied by hot coffee and biscotti cookies. The Sky Club was packed, no doubt due to the addition of all those Northwest WorldClub members.
Both of my Northwest flights to MSP and on to TPA were showing completely booked in First Class with most everyone having checked in. On a positive note, MVP Golds can still select premium seats on Northwest at the time of booking, so I was not at all put out with my exit row window seat.
My seatmate was, however. This flight was originally showing that it would be operated by a much larger A330. As of last night however it was switched to a 757-300, an aircraft offering eight less First Class seats. My seatmate had a First Class upgrade on the A330 but got bumped back to Steerage on the 757 and was none too happy about it. As for me, well I was looking forward to a ride on Northwest’s A330, but I took some consolation in the knowledge that this would be my 250th flight aboard a 757. Seatmate had no such positives to fall back on, so she pouted for awhile and then slept through most of the flight.
I do not find the food available for sale aboard Northwest flights to be particularly enticing nor affordable. The only two items I would have had any interest in, a chicken Caesar salad and some kind of sandwich plate were priced at $8 and $10 respectively. I’ll make a point of buying my meals in the airport from now on.
The hour and a half layover at MSP afforded me plenty of time to enjoy a big Quiznos sandwich washed down with a couple of cold beers at the old F Concourse WorldClub. Down at the gate awaiting departure to Tampa was a shiny ex-Northwest A319, now looking much much nicer in Delta’s newest livery. Those old Northwest colors gave the fleet a utilitarian mothballed military look and was, I think, one of the singularly most unattractive liveries ever applied to an airliner. The new Delta livery looks clean, crisp and efficient with the overall effect serving to create an airplane that looks inviting to fly upon.
Inside the A319, Northwest’s old dark blue fabric seat covers had been replaced with Delta’s grayish blue leather. I liked the dark blue better, especially in the First Class cabin. Flight time down to Tampa was a long two hours and fifty-three minutes and upon our late arrival at just after midnight, I wasted no time in heading off to my secret spot for a good night of sleep.
September 23, 2009
American Airlines Tampa – Chicago 810a – 953a 737-800 Economy Class
American Airlines Chicago – Los Angeles 1105a – 130p 737-800 Economy Class
Alaska Airlines Los Angeles – Portland 500p – 713p 737-800 First Class
Horizon Airlines Portland – Seattle 830p – 920p DHC-8-400 Economy Class
I have flown American exactly 300 times and today’s first flight up to Chicago will be my fiftieth aboard an American 737-800. The aircraft, N992AN, had been delivered to American just three months earlier on June 25th. Parked at gate 80 in the bright morning sun, it looked as shiny today as the day it was delivered.
I had requested seat 14A, that being the reclining exit row window seat on AA’s 738s. I was dismayed to discover that American has added an extra row of Economy seats on its new 737s and row 14 is now the first, non-reclining exit row. On a more positive note, the laptop power ports available at each row are now normal 120v outlets, so those bulky and expensive Targus adaptors are no longer required. At least, not on the newer 738s.
To be honest, I’d personally prefer an AC outlet over inflight wi-fi internet access. I’ve got enough stuff on my laptop to keep me entertained for years without internet. Ideally however, both would be available.
Upon arrival at LAX, I rode the American Eagle shuttle bus from AA’s Terminal 4 over to Alaska’s Terminal 3 via the American Eagle Terminal. Riding this bus is for me the highlight of any visit to LAX. You are driving out on the tarmac at ground level while as little as 50 feet away huge jetliners taxi by. The sights and sounds are awesome! Unfortunately, though perhaps understandably, American has now limited ridership on those buses to passengers connecting to or from AA or AE flights.
Alaska’s one hour and fifty minute flight up to Portland was just perfect. A comfortable window seat in First Class, a refreshingly cold Alaskan Amber delivered soon after takeoff and a flavorful and somewhat larger portion of Alaska’s ubiquitous Chicken Marsala.
http://images51.fotki.com/v749/photos/2/211932/8046102/AXPDXCHICKENMARSALADINNERSEP09-vi.jpg ( http://public.fotki.com/Seat2A/2009-autumn-travels-/058-as-lax-pdx-chic.html)
Chicken Marsala: The Meal Of The Month on Alaska Airlines
In Seattle, I stopped by Ken’s Baggage Storage to exchange dirty clothes with clean ones, then headed off to my favorite SeaTac hideaway for a bit of reading followed by sleep.
I find it interesting that one of the most commonly raised concerns about my approach to mileage running or just travel in general is sleeping in airports. Why do I sleep in the airport? Mainly, it’s a matter of personal economics. Then again, even if I had a few million dollars in my bank account you’d still find me sleeping in the airport no more or less than I do now. More often than not on these mileage runs, I arrive about 10:00pm and depart about 7:30am. By the time I’d get over to a hotel and then get to bed, it would be near midnight. I’d have to get up at 5:30am in order to shower and catch the shuttle back over to the airport. To me at least, it’s just not worth putting out the money for a hotel room that I’m only going to use (sleep in) for a very short time when I can comfortably sleep in the airport for free. Plus, I don’t have to get up as early since I’m already in the airport. Besides, have you seen the cost of most airport hotels? For me, that’s four or five days spending money on a trip like this. Or it’s two to three weekend days of car rental. I can think of a lot more important things to spend my money on than a little bit of sleep in privacy.
My perspective comes from an unpampered youth and a life on the road that started at a young age. I was not the beneficiary of a large allowance and so learned how to stretch a dollar (and value it!) at a young age. I was 16 years old when I did my first long hitch from Colorado to California. Over the next few years, I spent a good amount of time hitch-hiking around the country with very little money. I was generally homeless in the sense that aside from occasional visits to my sister’s place or living in a college dormitory, I had no set place to live. This was not a lifestyle borne of desperation but rather one of choice. I loved the adventure of life on the road and met a lot of interesting people along the way. I never once felt put out or in any way diminished because I had to sleep behind some bushes or in an airport. It was all part of the grand adventure.
Most of the time sleeping in a motel was out of the question for me because I couldn’t afford it. When hitch-hiking, I slept wherever I could find that was safe and out of sight. When in airports, I just found a nice out of the way place. On those rare occasions that I did get to stay in a motel room, I cherished every moment of it, from hanging out in the room watching a big color television to sleeping on a bed instead of a couch.
I accept that for many people sleeping in an airport is simply unacceptable given their sense of self worth and subsequent requirements for personal comfort and privacy. Thankfully I am not encumbered by those frailties. I know of people who require a shower and a fresh change of pristine socks, underwear and the rest of their clothes every single day, to the point where it’s kept them from going camping or engaging in other similarly fun endeavors, like going to a weekend music festival. I thank God I grew up playing in the dirt, riding my bike without helmet and pads, climbing trees, riding horses without a saddle, falling off those horses, learning to ride better as a result, etc. Life was a lot more fun being alive, dirty and scratched up than remaining clean and sheltered and overly safe.
Seat 2A
Oct 12, 09, 10:15 pm
September 24, 2009
Northwest Airlines Seattle – Minneapolis 645a – 1204p 757-300 Economy Class
Northwest Airlines Minneapolis – New York 105p - 453p A320-200 Economy Class
Northwest Airlines New York – Tampa 625p – 924p A319-100 Economy Class
Back before Northwest’s merger with Delta, I used to enjoy considerable success as an Alaska MVP Gold getting upgraded on Northwest flights. As recently as this past April, I was upgraded on seven out of nine flights on NW. So far this trip, I have zero upgrades for five flights. And since I’m writing this two days after the fact, I can tell you that I didn’t get upgraded on any of tomorrow’s flights either. So, zero for seven.
As an Alaska MVP Gold, I believe I rate just below NW Silvers in the upgrade pecking order. Whereas once upon a time this was good for a lot of upgrades, I suspect that now, with the addition of all those Delta elites booking Northwest flights being sold as Delta flights, my upgrade chances have diminished considerably.
Mind you, I’m not complaining. It’s only fair and right that NW and DL elites should have preference on their own airline. When I booked these flights however, my anticipation of upgrades was based upon past experience and so it’s been a bit of a cold shower to experience the changes since Delta has more fully integrated Northwest into the Delta system. I’m doubly thankful for the fact that I can still book premium and exit row seats at the time of booking.
Ironically, I’m typing this as I sit in First Class aboard Northwest’s Saturday night departure between Minneapolis and Tampa. But more on that later.
September 25, 2009
Northwest Airlines Tampa – Memphis 1220p -116p DC-9-50 Economy Class
Northwest Airlines Memphis – Los Angeles 228p – 427p A320-200 Economy Class
Alaska Airlines Los Angeles – Seattle 630p – 912p 737-400 Economy Class
Following a hearty (and expensive!) breakfast at the Tampa Airport Marriott, I headed down to the Sky Club on Concourse E. It’s going to take me a little while to get used to calling the combined Delta/Northwest lounges “Sky Clubs”. The name simply does not engender the same sense of exclusivity and comfort that the “Crown Room” did. Still, I suppose it’s better than “The Widget Club”
Name notwithstanding, Delta’s TPA Sky Club is a comfortable and relaxing oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the concourse below. I enjoyed coffee and a cookie whilst studying my upcoming fantasy football picks and putting in a bit of work on this report.
I like flying older jets. I grew up with them and it’s a good feeling to step aboard an old friend like DC-9-50 N782NC, the aircraft operating my flight up to Memphis this afternoon. This was the third time I’d flown this plane since 1982 and each time it’s worn a different livery.
The first time I flew Ship 782, it wore the colors of Republic Airlines while operating between Denver and Minneapolis. I was on a non-rev pass and was thrilled to score a seat in the new Business Class cabin. As it was originally configured with North Central Airlines, this plane offered all standard class seating.
HERE (http://www.airliners.net/photo/Republic-Airlines/McDonnell-Douglas-DC-9-51/0924917/L/)is a photo of ship 482 as seen in Republic’s attractive livery in 1982.
It would be another twenty-seven years before I’d again fly Ship 782, that coming earlier this year on a flight between Memphis and Minneapolis. The aircraft bore Northwest’s utilitarian grey and red livery and once again I was seated up front. Today, Ship 782 looks quite fetching in her stylish new Delta livery. Unfortunately, I’m not seated in the forward cabin but seat 5F in the first row of Economy offers plenty of legroom.
After first experiencing the delightful flavor of Jim Neely’s Interstate Barbecue (http://www.interstatebarbecue.com/) back in 2002, there is now no way I can ever pass through MEM without stopping in for a delicious barbecued pork sandwich. They’re good enough to make vegetarians reconsider.
The aircraft taking us to Los Angeles this afternoon was N320US, the first A320 I ever flew upon back in 1993. Aside from a couple new coats of paint and a newly upholstered interior, nothing has changed.
The skies were wonderfully clear as we flew across Arizona and into Southern California. Even from 30 some odd thousand feet I could clearly see the Kingman, Arizona airport and the long line of bright yellow DHL 727s and A300s parked on the western edge of the field. Also visible were the two TWA L-1011s that have sat derelict for years but have yet to be scrapped.
http://images52.fotki.com/v640/photos/2/211932/8046102/KINGMANAZ_AIRPORTWITHTWAL1011-vi.jpg ( http://public.fotki.com/Seat2A/2009-autumn-travels-/kingman-az-airport.html)
Derelict TWA L-1011 at Kingman, AZ. Airport
While taxiing to our gate at LAX, we passed a colorful collection of 777 tails ( Asiana, Korean, Emirates, Air France and V Australia all parked in a row. For a moment I thought I was on the tarmac at Paine Field in Everett, Washington.
September 26, 2009
Alaska Airlines Seattle – Los Angeles 800a – 1045a 737-400 First Class
Northwest Airlines Los Angeles – Minneapolis 1205p – 545p 757-300 Coach Class
Northwest Airlines Minneapolis – Tampa 710p – 1128p A320-200 First Class
Good news! First Class was available for upgrade on this Saturday morning flight down to Los Angeles. I happily settled into seat 2D and gladly accepted a breakfast plate of… Eggs Wellington? An egg and veggie mixture had been baked inside a light pastry shell, then sliced into child sized portions and accompanied by two strips of bacon and a bowl of fresh fruit. Overall the meal was quite tasty and well presented though as is often the case with Alaska’s First Class meals, somewhat paltry in terms of portion size.
http://images19.fotki.com/v19/photos/2/211932/8046102/059ASSEALAXBREAKFASTSEP09-vi.jpg ( http://public.fotki.com/Seat2A/2009-autumn-travels-/059-as-sea-lax-brea.html)
First Class Breakfast on Alaska Airlines SEA-LAX
My upgrade did not come through on Northwest’s noontime departure between LA and Minneapolis, so I shelled out $8.00 for a chicken pita with such thin bread that it broke apart and disintegrated as I ate it. I thought pita bread was supposed to be thicker. The bread used in this sandwich was some ultra thin whole wheat stuff better suited for the organic hippie kitchens in rural California.
I did get upgraded on the 7:35pm departure between Minneapolis and Tampa, and was fully expecting a dinner one the two hour and forty minute flight down to Tampa. Alas, the only meal offering was a couple of passes with the snack basket that contained bananas, apples, KitKat bars, Biscoff cookies and bags of pretzels and peanuts. I settled for a glass of Woodford Reserve (IMHO the finest bourbon served aloft in North America!) a couple bags of peanuts and an apple. Dinner of champions!
September 28, 2009
Northwest Airlines Tampa – New York 745a – 1027a A319-100 Coach Class
Northwest Airlines New York – Minneapolis 145p – 357p A319-100 First Class
Alaska Airlines Minneapolis – Seattle 630p – 807p 737-800 First Class
Orange juice, coffee and tiny bran muffins were all the rage in Delta’s Sky Club this morning. A small group was gathered in the corner of the lounge watching the ESPN news coverage of Sunday’s NFL games. I joined them just long enough to enjoy highlights of Denver’s convincing victory over rival Oakland before heading over to the gate and boarding the exact same A319 that had brought me down to Tampa two days earlier.
It was a gorgeous sunny day as we began our descent into LaGuardia. I’ve got to remember to get a window seat on the A side of the aircraft on these flights into LGA because twice now I’ve missed spectacular views of Manhattan as we’ve lined up for our final.
As we taxied the length of the airport and thus past all the terminals on our way over to Delta’s terminal, I couldn’t help but reminisce about the days when LGA was served by larger aircraft. Today the majority of the gates were filled with Airbuses and regional jets with an occasional sprinkling of MD-80s, 737s and a big 757. Thirty years ago you’d commonly see DC -10s from United and American along with L-1011s from TWA and Eastern.
I was 14 years old when I flew aboard my first DC-10 between LaGuardia and Chicago. My original booking was for a nonstop flight out of JFK to Denver aboard a plain old United 727-100. I intentionally overslept so that I could fly United’s DC-10 Friendship to Chicago, then connect to a big four engine DC-8 into Denver.
United had just introduced the DC-10 to its friendly skies the year before. There was still a lot of excitement about the new wide-bodied jets and I remember chatting with a couple other people who were also excited about their first flight aboard a DC-10. The airplane was painted in United’s 4 Star DC-10 Friendship livery and still bore the original interior that featured 8-across seating in Coach and lounges in both First Class and Coach. Luncheon was offered and I remember choosing a tasty seafood crepe. Back in the Seventies, Coach meals were often better and more generous than what’s served in First Class today.
As I sit here at 37,000 feet sipping my Bloody Mary while typing all this up, another interesting stat occurs to me. Prior to this trip, I’d only flown out of LaGuardia twice since 1992. By comparison, this evening’s flight between Minneapolis and Seattle marks the 1000th time I’ve flown into or out of Seattle’s SeaTac International Airport. I would never have known this except that Flight Memory (http://my.flightmemory.com/Seat2A) keeps track of the odd stat like that, so what the heck – I’ll take another refill on that Bloody Mary, thanks.
I got all of my daily exercise taken care of in Minneapolis because my flight from LaGuardia parked way out at the far end of the G Concourse and my connecting flight was to depart from the end of the E Concourse. I walked (with the aid of people mover sidewalks) a good quarter to a third of a mile down to the big Northwest WorldClub at the junction with the F Concourse. From there it was easily another one third of a mile or more over to the E Concourse and then all the way down to the very end of that concourse where Alaska’s gate E-16 is located..
We were treated to a beautiful sunset as we climbed westward out of MSP. (How many of you know that the official name of this airport is Wold Chamberlain Field?) This was my first flight with Alaska on the MSP-SEA route and I was hoping that they might match Northwest’s catering on the route. Alas, it was not to be as I was presented my fifth plate of Chicken Marsala this month.
http://images52.fotki.com/v640/photos/2/211932/8046102/062CLIMBINGOUTOFMSPTOSEASEP09-vi.jpg ( http://public.fotki.com/Seat2A/2009-autumn-travels-/062-climbing-out-of.html)
Beautiful sunset view of some of Minnesota’s 14000 lakes while climbing west out of MSP
In Seattle, I celebrated my 1000th flight into or out of SeaTac (Per FlightMemory stats)by catching a bus to Burien and doing a load of laundry. I was back at SeaTac by 10:45pm and camped out for the night soon after.
Seat 2A
Oct 12, 09, 10:30 pm
September 29, 2009
Northwest Airlines Seattle – Detroit 900a – 417p A320-200 First Class
Northwest Airlines Detroit – Minneapolis 500p – 600p 757-300 Coach Class
Northwest Airlines Minneapolis – Tampa 710p – 1128p A319-100 Coach Class
Three First Class flights in a row! I am livin’ a charmed life of late. As I entered the A320, a friendly flight attendant hung my jacket and returned soon after with a glass of orange juice and a cup of coffee. I’d snagged seat 1D and soon after takeoff reclined it fully for a short nap before breakfast.
The breakfast offerings on this three hour and fifty minute flight to Detroit consisted of a bowl of Cheerios with a side of yogurt or a ham and cheese omelet. Both entrées were accompanied by a good looking fruit bowl along with a choice of a croissant or a bagel. I chose the omelet with the croissant since I don’t much care for untoasted bagels. Roasted potatoes and apple slices shared the plate with the omelet. It was a satisfying breakfast.
For some reason I am suddenly reminded of what is probably the best fruit plate I have ever been served in flight. I was in First Class aboard a Western Airlines flight between Denver and Salt Lake. The meal was listed as a snack for the 7:00am departure and we were presented this big plate of mixed fruit atop a base of sliced pineapples, all of it artfully arranged atop some tropical looking leaves. Coffee and/or Champagne accompanied the repast on that one hour flight. The year was 1982.
At Detroit, I was happy to see that Delta/Northwest still fly a good number of DC-9-30s. I suppose I’m one of the few that actually look forward to flying the older birds. Northwest’s dash 30s bring back fond memories of flights flown aboard airlines no longer flying such as Eastern, Hughes Airwest, North Central and Texas International. Unfortunately, none of the -30s I saw today had been painted in Delta’s new livery, perhaps suggesting that they’re not long for the fleet.
September 30, 2009
Northwest Airlines Tampa – New York 745a – 1027a A319-100 Coach Class
Northwest Airlines New York – Minneapolis 145p – 357p A319-100 First Class
Alaska Airlines Minneapolis – Seattle 630p – 807p 737-800 Coach Class
So I went to nwa.com last night to check my position of the upgrade list for this morning’s flight up to LaGuardia. Hmm… number 13 out of 16 with most of the passengers already checked in. Guess I’d better buy breakfast before the flight…
At LaGuardia, I discovered that Delta and Northwest each operate their respective clubs in the same terminal building within a few yards of each other. Neither lounge is very large but Delta’s old Crown Room is definitely the nicer of the two.
Although my upgrade did come through on the flight over to Minneapolis, the 1:52pm departure warrants only beverage service, so I stopped by Sbarro’s for an $8.00 stromboli. I budget myself $30.00 a day for meals and incidentals and right now I’m ahead of budget by almost $150.00. Years ago, I would never have paid $8.00 for any airport meal if only because I’d be fed sooner or later onboard the flight. How times have changed...
Back in 1977, I spent $199.00 towards the purchase of an Allegheny Airlines Liberty Fare pass. This entitled me to unlimited flying around the Allegheny system for a period of two weeks. Back then, I didn’t care to visit anywhere, I just wanted to fly. So, I hitch hiked from Colorado out to St. Louis and spent the next two weeks flying 25,410 miles aboard a variety of DC-9s and BAC-111s. My total budget for food – heck, anything! – on that 1977 trip was about $35.00.
As we all know, flying 25,000 miles around America can be accomplished in just five round trips and ten flights between New York and LA. Back in 1977 however, Allegheny Airlines was a regional carrier based out of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Their route map stretched from St. Louis in the west to Memphis in the South to Boston in the east to Toronto in the north. Their average flight was probably no longer than about 350 miles. I think Buffalo to Minneapolis at 730 miles may have been the longest segment in the system at that time. A typical day for me involved six or seven short flights. Here’s my itinerary from January 22nd, 1977:
Breakfast was always something hot, generally eggs, and the snacks were quite substantial, usually a sandwich with a small accompaniment such as a cup of potato salad or an apple. Those were the days, my friends!
Alright, the last installment comes tomorrow. If you've read this far, thanks for hangin' in there!
1P
Oct 13, 09, 2:29 am
Great! Keep it coming....
Moomba
Oct 13, 09, 2:33 am
Hurrah another report from Seat 2A ^^^
+1
What are the odds that anyone would choose to read about domestic First and Economy Class travel aboard comparatively unexciting US airlines when so many potentially entertaining alternatives exist just a click away?
Now, now you know you have a loyal band of followers who enjoy the interesting stats and reminiscences you scatter throughout your TRs.
I sometimes wish I had started to record my flights earlier. I only started out of necessity when working in the US and needed to keep track of my monthly flights to the UK in a spreadsheet back in 2002.
My first flight was a 'joy flight' over Melbourne from Essendon airport many moons ago. I often think back to my earlier flights and how things have changed. I still have a menu from economy on a CX flight from London to Hong Kong. In those days they flew out of LGW and of course I still remember the approach into the old Kai Tak airport.
The only statistic I have noted is that my millionth BIS mile (since 2002) was recorded earlier this year.
I am looking forward to the rest of your report. :)
sobore
Oct 13, 09, 9:25 am
^ Love the report!
"Current service levels required that I provide my own almonds." :D
cmte_valle
Oct 13, 09, 12:35 pm
Probably about the same odds that my Denver Broncos will win the Superbowl.
You'd better be happy with your Denver Broncos because my Saint Louis Rams are worse!
FlyingFinn
Oct 14, 09, 1:49 am
Solid work once again. I love it - can't wait for the final installments.
Seat2A, you know, you do have quite a few fans in this board who are just as much into this kind of statistics as you are - myself included!
How's your back doing? Recovering enough to try some First class international travel next year?
camsean
Oct 14, 09, 3:59 am
Nice to read a report from a fellow logger. Although I can't claim to be anywhere near your league.
PropWasher
Oct 14, 09, 9:16 pm
HERE (http://www.airliners.net/photo/Republic-Airlines/McDonnell-Douglas-DC-9-51/0924917/L/)is a photo of ship 482 as seen in Republic’s attractive livery in 1982.
With MD-80 strakes. What's in a name? It's a DC-9 shame.
ak333
Oct 14, 09, 11:45 pm
Thanks for this. I always look forward to your reports! ^
LH738
Oct 15, 09, 2:49 am
4000 flights - I think I'd have enjoyed reading all 4000 reports if available. Your reports are always very informative and I like your statistics/memories! Quite impressive. I'm looking forward to your next reports.
Seat 2A
Oct 15, 09, 10:15 pm
Hey gang ~ I've lost Internet out at my place (about 15 miles out of town - we don't get the same services out here as they do in town) but word is the problem will be fixed by the weekend. In the meantime, I've come out to the College Coffee House computers just to say thanks to those of you who've read as well as posted comments to this report. We writers always appreciate your comments, questions and of course praise, particularly as it comes from such a well traveled and experienced group as yourselves.
Moomba, if you were to sit down and really put your mind to logging those early flights, you might be surprised at how many of them you do remember. Good luck if you do try this...
FlyingFinn and camsean, I am glad to hear that I'm not the only one here who loves flying so much that he/she keeps logs and fun stats. I suspect more than a few of our FT brethren have long since lost the thrill of flying, if they ever had it. Most of them like to travel moreso than fly. It would be fun to have a "Do" for those of us who actually ENJOY flying. I'm sure we could trade some fun stories
LH738, had FT been around back in the seventies, I could have written ALOT more! There is THIS (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=182006&referrerid=6135) as well as THIS (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402749&referrerid=6135) to enjoy.
Flyingfox
Oct 16, 09, 3:20 pm
Your pictures are gorgeous.
I especially enjoyed one of the first in the series, in which you took the picture of the rear-view mirror. Brilliant scene.
kenp2153
Oct 16, 09, 3:46 pm
This is so nostalgic traveling with you down memory lane. Ever since I was a child, I kept my log of flights too and kept this handwritten paper with me until I had a computer to transfer it onto a Lotus spreadsheet and then excel and now flightmemory! I am astounded at how many 727 workhorses I have enjoyed, countless 737s and now graduating through the entire Airbus family to the 380! When we travelled as a kid, I always tried to get my parents to book the meal flights ... and yeah, they were so much better, even in coach, than they are now! Looking forward to the next installment
MaxSpeed
Oct 16, 09, 5:57 pm
Well post the damn thing you cheeky old sod ... Oh, wait someone already said that. :p
Another epic read from Seat 2A. I tell you this guy is so good, someone should upgrade him to Seat 1A. Really .... that good!
From another loyal reader in Huntington Beach, CA.:D
estate
Oct 16, 09, 11:25 pm
Thanks for a wonderful TR. The stats and trivia you bring into them make them an especially interesting read. I can imagine the effort needed to keep track of everything the way you have, so thanks again for sharing with us.
falconea
Oct 17, 09, 1:47 pm
Moomba, if you were to sit down and really put your mind to logging those early flights, you might be surprised at how many of them you do remember. Good luck if you do try this...
Seat 2A, thanksf or that comment - inspired me to quickly note down what I could and I totalled up 101,109 miles before I turned 18.
I'll have to do some hunting through old photo albums to see if I can add more. I'm sure I've missed some.
Audrey
Seat 2A
Oct 17, 09, 3:31 pm
October 1, 2009
Alaska Airlines Seattle – Los Angeles 700a – 940a 737-900 Coach Class
Northwest Airlines Los Angeles – Minneapolis 1205p – 545p 757-300 Coach Class
Northwest Airlines Minneapolis – Tampa 715p – 1130p A319-100 Coach Class
Today’s travels began with a flight upon one of Boeing’s milestones, aircraft N302AS being the prototype or first ever 737-900 off the assembly line. Unfortunately, there are no plaques aboard the aircraft commemorating the significance of the aircraft. Given the homogeny of air travel these days, particularly in America, I should think a bit of colorful background such as this would be both interesting and welcome.
We landed on a sunny but hazy day in Los Angeles and then spent the next ten minutes taxiing around and across to Terminal 3, located on the other side of the airport. While making my way over to Delta’s Terminal 5, I noticed that the iconic spiderlike theme building located in the middle of the airport complex is still shrouded in scaffolding. Back in the 1970s and 80s, when less passengers and simpler airport security checkpoints combined to make entry to the terminals a much less time consuming ordeal, my two and a half hour connection might have included a visit to the revolving restaurant atop the building. The menu was a bit expensive but the views were as entertaining as the food was flavorful.
Due to runway construction and weather at MSP, our departure out of Los Angeles was delayed by 45 minutes. With a scheduled hour and a half connection, I wasn’t overly concerned. By the time we took to the air however, we were just over an hour late. Given the size and layout of NW/DL’s operation at MSP, things could get dicey if I were faced with a long walk between gates. Then again, perhaps my connecting flight would also be running late for the same reasons.
The skies over the western United States cleared nicely as Northwest’s battleship grey 757-300 sped eastward towards Minneapolis. I watched with interest as we flew just south of Las Vegas, Zion National Park, Capitol Reef National Park and Green River, Utah before clouds gathered and obscured the view as we continued on over Wyoming. The rivers are my guide and both the Colorado and the Green Rivers played prominently in providing both direction and location.
I glanced at my watch as we landed at rainy Minneapolis and commenced a long taxi around the airport to our gate at F-8. I had about 35 minutes before my connecting flight was scheduled to leave. There were lots of connecting passengers aboard and despite the pleas over the PA that Minneapolis destined passengers please remain in their seats, most everyone that I could see was up and retrieving their overhead luggage from the moment we stopped. Although the jetway had not yet been connected, a lady tried to force her way forward through the mass of humanity with cries of “I’ve got a connecting flight!” Her forward progress ended in embarrassed silence when someone else piped up with “So do the rest of us!”
By the time I’d cleared the jetway and entered the terminal, there were eighteen minutes until my connecting flight was scheduled to depart. I’ve never been one to get too flustered over inadvertently tight connections. Sh*t happens sometimes, and all you can do is deal with it when it does. Getting all stressed out won’t make dealing with it any easier or more effective. Stay cool…
I headed straight to a nearby bank of television monitors and searched out my Tampa flight. Whoa! Check it out! The Tampa flight was showing departure from gate F-8, right next door! Yes!!! Since that flight was also showing a fifteen minute delay, I took a moment to grab a grilled chicken sandwich at the Burger King across the concourse.
Aside from the fact that this flight down to Tampa would raise my total mileage flown aboard Northwest to just over 200,000 miles, the flight itself was otherwise uneventful. I also recognize that amongst all you frequent flyers out there, having flown 200,000 miles on an airline doesn’t sound like all that big of a deal. After all, many of us regularly attain elite status by flying 50-75,000 miles each year on our preferred airline. But here’s the rub – we generally focus on one or two airlines. I have now logged over 200,000 miles on Alaska, American, Delta, Eastern, Northwest and United and am just one trip away from adding British Airways to that group. Once I reach eight airlines, my name automatically goes into a drawing that will allow me an opportunity to win up to a year’s supply of choice chicken parts!
October 2, 2009
Northwest Airlines Tampa – New York 1100a – 141p A319-100 Coach Class
Northwest Airlines New York – Minneapolis 300p – 516p A319-100 Coach Class
Alaska Airlines Minneapolis – Seattle 630p – 807p 737-800 First Class
I got to sleep in this morning. In an airport as busy as Tampa’s that means I was up by 7:30am, washed up and enjoying breakfast on the other side of security by 8:30. It’s worth noting here that Tampa’s main terminal is sprinkled with a variety of seating lounges that are well away from the hustle and bustle of the main public areas. It’s quite possible to find a nice quiet place, under a potted palm no less, that affords one a modicum of privacy and comfort. Here’s a photo of my TPA campsite:
http://images51.fotki.com/v732/photos/2/211932/8046102/AIRPORTBED2-vi.jpg ( http://public.fotki.com/Seat2A/2009-autumn-travels-/airport-bed-2.html)
My Airport Campsite at Tampa
The aircraft operating my flight up to LaGuardia was Airbus A319 registered N318NB. Parked next door was N317NB which I’ve flown four times over the past ten days! It seems to be stuck on a MSP-TPA-LGA-MSP circuit. I flew ship 318 four days ago between New York and Minneapolis and three years ago between Memphis and Denver. Northwest currently operates 35 A319s, of which I’ve flown 21. What are the odds of my flights being assigned these two aircraft so often? Anyone else suffer through these sorts of problems while flying? ;)
Some impressive cumulonimbus clouds were starting to gather around Tampa in preparation for an afternoon thunderstorm and as we climbed away from the airport and turned towards New York, I lamented that I had forgotten to recharge the battery in my camera. That’ll be the first order of business at LaGuardia’s Sky Club.
Once again, delays at Minneapolis were having a ripple effect around the system. As I left the Sky Club at LaGuardia and checked the TV monitor on my way to the gate, I was dismayed to learn that my 3:00pm Minneapolis flight had been delayed until 4:00pm. Adding an hour to our scheduled arrival time meant I’d have 14 minutes to connect to my 6:30pm Seattle flight. Thankfully, the 1:56pm MSP departure was still at the gate, albeit about one minute from closing the door. I approached the podium to see what I could do, fully expecting that any empty seats had long since been taken by transfers from the 3:00pm departure next door. Amazingly, despite the proximity of a few dozen passengers sitting right next door awaiting their delayed 3:00pm flight to the same destination, seats were still available on this flight. I’d had a First Class seat confirmed out of LGA but was more than happy to trade it for an aisle seat on this earlier flight. That complimentary beer I was looking forward to instead became a can of Coke, but we arrived in Minneapolis at just a few minutes after five, leaving me plenty of time to connect to my Alaska flight on to Seattle.
Like any experienced flyer, the first thing I do at any connecting city is check the TV monitors in the concourse for the latest information and/or updates on gate and departure time status. I did that now and uh oh, my Alaska flight was showing that it too was running late. Really late. So late that the inbound flight had not yet even departed Seattle. What was scheduled to be a 6:30pm departure was now scheduled to depart Minneapolis at 10:15pm.
Sigh…
Oh well, on a positive note I at least had a First Class seat confirmed on the flight. In the meantime, Northwest’s beautiful C Concourse WorldClub promised to deliver on that cold beer along with a work station and an internet connection.
http://images50.fotki.com/v397/photos/2/211932/8046102/064MSPWORLDCLUB-vi.jpg ( http://public.fotki.com/Seat2A/2009-autumn-travels-/msp-worldclub.html)
Beautiful Marble Floors at the MSP C Concourse WorldClub
Later, I stopped by a food court where I discovered one of the best airport eateries I’ve ever eaten at. It’s called 360° Gourmet and is located in the food court between concourses E and F. Why is it so good? Check out the menu ( http://www.360gb.com/eat.html#menu1). Rather than just throw together a bunch of prepared and preheated foods, they start with fresh veggies and meats, grill them with flavorful sauces and then serve them in the style of your choice, be that a burrito, a wrap, a salad or even a sandwich. I ordered a Thai chicken breast burrito and immediately knew where I’d be eating lunch tomorrow.
But wait! I’m leaving Minneapolis and flying 1400 miles to Seattle tonight. Yeah, but I’ll be back here again tomorrow afternoon while making a connection to Colorado Springs.
Just another day in the life of a frequent flyer.
VanMan
Oct 18, 09, 2:46 am
What a great TR, Seat 2A.
Thanks.
beckoa
Oct 18, 09, 12:53 pm
Hey gang ~ I've lost Internet out at my place (about 15 miles out of town - we don't get the same services out here as they do in town) but word is the problem will be fixed by the weekend. In the meantime, I've come out to the College Coffee House computers just to say thanks to those of you who've read as well as posted comments to this report. We writers always appreciate your comments, questions and of course praise, particularly as it comes from such a well traveled and experienced group as yourselves.
Moomba, if you were to sit down and really put your mind to logging those early flights, you might be surprised at how many of them you do remember. Good luck if you do try this...
FlyingFinn and camsean, I am glad to hear that I'm not the only one here who loves flying so much that he/she keeps logs and fun stats. I suspect more than a few of our FT brethren have long since lost the thrill of flying, if they ever had it. Most of them like to travel moreso than fly. It would be fun to have a "Do" for those of us who actually ENJOY flying. I'm sure we could trade some fun stories
LH738, had FT been around back in the seventies, I could have written ALOT more! There is THIS (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=182006&referrerid=6135) as well as THIS (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402749&referrerid=6135) to enjoy.
Sounds like someone should have made the drive to our mini-do in ANC :p
Great TR Seat 2A ^
Thanks for posting all the fun... ;) and glad to see someone else uses a therma-rest in airports :D
Moomba
Oct 19, 09, 1:37 am
Seat 2A, thanksf or that comment - inspired me to quickly note down what I could and I totalled up 101,109 miles before I turned 18.
I'll have to do some hunting through old photo albums to see if I can add more. I'm sure I've missed some.
Audrey
I did the same over the weekend and found I remembered quite a few trips. They were thinner on the ground when I was living back in Oz. (Oh - I just remembered another trip).
I was also inspired enough to put all my flights into flightmemory.com
Thanks for the encouragement Seat2A. I might be able to throw a few stats into my TRs now. ;)
DavidYYC
Oct 20, 09, 2:41 pm
I am stunned. What great a report, with great reading, and such amazing attention to detail.
I am amazed about the amount the amount flying that you do. I have looked at your pattern of trips and cannot (for the life of me) figure out what kind of work entails this much travel. Really puzzled?
I too(like you and many other who others who frequent these boards) just love flying. The whole experience from the aircraft to the views to wondering where we are.
My first flight was taken in 1974 from JNB-CPT in a SAA 707. I can still recall how excited I was. My first international flight was in 1977 on a Swissair DC10 from JNB to ZRH with a stop in FIH (Kinshasa), it was an amazing experience for me.
I have not kept any records like you have, but would dearly love to. I always try to find out more information about the aircraft that I am flying on but all too frequently I cant see the FIN number or registration at the gate. How do you find that out if you cant see it?
Oh, in response to you and your meticulous record keeping I signed up with FlightMemory and started entering in my flights going backwards in time. I hope I will get them all; of course the further back in time I try to recall things the less accurate it will become.
This weekend I go to DXB, just for the hang of it, and because I want to experience EKs A380; going in Y, outbound and J on the return. The flights will be entered immediately onto FlightMemory.
Now I am going to settle in, and read some of your amazing older stuff.
Keep the reports flowing and thanks for sharing your travels with us!
Seat 2A
Oct 23, 09, 2:09 pm
Thanks for your posts, everyone!
Beckoa, it would have been nice to join you all but when I did the economic math on either flying or driving down to Anchorage and back, the numbers just didn’t work out. I will be down in Anchorage almost all day on a Saturday in November (9am-5pm). I’ll drop you and the jackal a PM.
Moomba and falconea, It’s nice to hear you were able to dredge up some of those old memories into a cohesive collection of flights. Really, all of us might be surprised at what we can remember, especially if it’s something that we have a real interest in anyway.
DavidYYC, as you read through my past reports (That’s a lot of reading – 992 pages by my tally) you’ll find that a lot of those odd flight patterns are related to mileage runs.
I would love to have flown aboard a South African 707! I’ve got a bunch of old SAA postcards, many of which feature 707s and 727s – my favorite is a SAA 727-100 boarding from the rear stairway at Port Elizabeth. My first flight was aboard a United Caravelle and I still have a mental image of walking out onto the tarmac to board the aircraft through the rear stairs. Those triangular windows were pretty cool, too.
As to spotting the aircraft registration number, it can be difficult sometimes due to the way the plane is parked at the gate or because it’s dark. If I can’t clearly see the registration number at the back of the airplane, a couple of other places to check are:
The front of the plane. Some airlines post a fleet number on the nose wheel door or just above it.
Inside the airplane. Some Boeings have a spot for the airworthiness certificate just above the forward door. Look up as you enter. Sometimes there’s a fleet number posted in the galley.
And of course, you could always ask for the fleet or registration number from one of the crew. Of course, since hardly anyone ever asks, they’ll probably look at you like you’d just sprouted antlers. I just tell them I keep a log and have since I was a little kid. Sure, some of them will probably think I’m a weird, and compared to the other 99% of the population who could care less about these things, I probably am a bit weird. But I’m good weird. So uh, what was that number again…?
If all you’ve managed to get was a fleet number, there are some good resources out on the Internet. My favorite is airfleets.net ( http://www.airfleets.net/home/). Sometimes just Googling the aircraft type and the fleet number (For example, American 737-823 3AG) can yield positive results.
Good luck to all of you in your efforts to maintain a complete logbook.
gba
Oct 24, 09, 10:59 pm
Another great report Seat 2A! Out of curiosity, is your goals for these trips to re-up for MVP Gold for next year or are you working towards a particular award (or just enjoy being in the air)?
DavidYYC, the www.bts.gov webiste allows you to lookup tail numbers for domestic flights operated by major airlines (note that AA gives the fleet number, which you'll have to convert to a tail number). Use http://www.acarsd.org/acars_search.html for international flights (I'm not sure what criteria are used to determine whether a flight makes that database or how far back that database goes).
Seat 2A
Oct 28, 09, 4:35 pm
Another great report Seat 2A! Out of curiosity, are your goals for these trips to re-up for MVP Gold for next year or are you working towards a particular award (or just enjoy being in the air?
Surprisingly, about 40,000 miles of my travels for this year were not related to mileage runs. The last 40,000 were however. I wanted not only Gold but also that 50,000 mile bonus for reaching 75,000 miles. It helps that I also enjoy air travel - even domestic US air travel. Between the occasional First Class upgrade and lounge access to just about every non-AA lounge in the US, my overall air travel experience is very nice.
larrywilmot747
Oct 28, 09, 8:10 pm
Hi there,
Many thanks for posting the TR, I'm enjoying it very much. I kinda like your cool philosphy on travel too. And I think I'll get my wife to read it, so she knows my rather obsessive aircraft tendencies are not that un-common. I once made the error of telling her how you spot a Original 747 by the three windows in the upper deck and she decided then and their she had married a total wierd person. Mind you I then started making up total lies to tease her with for my own amusement, like, "Oh you can tell this is a Dash -8 rather than a Dash - 7 because it has flat rivets"
Cheers Larry.
Kurt
Oct 30, 09, 12:09 pm
Seat 2A:
I think I speak for many when I say that your trip reports are in a class by themselves. This one is no different - superb!
I also love the rear-view-mirror desert shot - very artistic!
A bit off-topic, but that red Charger is great but for me a Dodge Charger is like my dad's (same color combo [copper/white top/beige leather seats]), but his was just an SE (with a 318, no sunroof and with wheel covers, not Magnum 500s), not an R/T SE like this one:
It would have overheated in the desert, though, with the A/C running. Those late '60s Mopars are pretty but they were quite crappy cars, quality-wise.
RachelG
Oct 30, 09, 2:22 pm
I love reading your trip reports, but this one is special because the very first flight I ever took was in abou 1974 aboard a Frontier Convair 580 like the one in your picture.
It was very exciting. My mother, sister and I were all dressed up. We flew from Fayetteville Ark to Dallas--I think it was Love Field at that time. We stopped in Ft Smith and Texarkana on the way picking up more passengers. It was sort of like a bus trip but on a plane.
Then we changed to AA and flew to Los Angeles.
I have loved flying ever since.
MatthewLAX
Oct 31, 09, 12:17 am
^ This was a great read. Thanks for sharing your travels with us.
I'm sick of the chicken marsala just reading about it! :P