Trip Reports - California dreaming - SIN-LAX-SAN-SMF




SIN1K
Dec 24, 01, 2:24 pm
Singapore-NRTA-LAX-SAN - United
Got a non-upgradable ticket for 980 SGD and was off to see the parents. Was very happy to be able to try out the economy plus seats. To my surprise, they were much more comfortable than normal economy. The extra few leg room inches was nice. Other than that, nothing really comes to mind that stood out. Was not charged for my bike. I did though have to buy a 200 USD ticket to

SAN from LAX. Southwest - December 19th.
Get this. 1.2 hours in line to check in bags (the line was incredibly long)Got to the front and was told that I was picked for more inspection. Stood in that line for .5 hours..bought a cute girl a coffee while in line..missed my flight!...had all by bags checked by a very slow UA employee..almost missed my next flight. Got on, cattle style. Mooo. Horrible experience. I never want to fly southwest again. I don't care if they are the only airline making money. I paid 200USD for the short flight to Sacto and I would have preferred a bus!

SMF (SACTO) - LAX - UAL - December 23rd.
Used a friend's 1K status, who was with me, to get upgraded. Great service overall, but did have to leave behind a 100 dollar corkscrew since I was stopped at customs. Merry Christmas UA employee who ever you are.

LAX - TKO - SIN = UA.
My very good friend gave me a systemwide upgrage ticket for my flight..but was on the waiting list to be upgraded. Got to the gate, they gave me my upgraded BC ticket, but DIDn't ask for my systemwide cert!. Joy! Now I can either give it back to my friend or sell it.
The flight was excellent. Great service, food etc. Was upstairs as requested.
The BC attendent asked about my "flyertalk" bag tag and I told her that I was part of the "world's most popular freq. flyer community". I know I got better service because of it. She mentioned that i should tell everyone here that UA will be severely cutting back on ammenities in the near future. She only mentioned noise reduction headphones...but I can only guess what else.

Landed in Singapore Christmas day at 1:00 am, well rested and well fed. Thanks UA for the free upgrade and 50K miles - with all the promotions!


richard
Dec 25, 01, 8:12 pm
Thanks for the report. A few responses...

Don't sell your SWU! It's against the rules and with UA struggling not a good idea IMHO.

Also, sorry to hear you hated Southwest so much. I think they are a great airline for what they deliver.

SIN1K
Dec 26, 01, 8:52 pm
Richard,
I will trade the SWU if possible, but I'm not really sure what I could get for it.

As for Southwest, it may be fine for people who are willing to put up with very long lines and cramped quarters. I also find southwest is full of neophyte flyers..who tend to slow down the whole process. I feel it is worth the money to get into a premier line at UA, for example, saving hours in many cases.



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Take the road less travelled...but only if it means more miles.




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