National Airlines Comps - National Trip Reports?

Can anyone relay their experience with this carrier? I have found few people who have
flown with them. I have some upcoming EWR-LAS flights coming up and I just wanted to know what to expect.

I flew them twice in coach to Las Vegas last month. I found the airline personnel very efficient and courteous. The airline is very focused with getting the planes in on time.

I was told they serve meals on china (including coach) for flight's requiring meal service. Most of their aircraft are relatively new. They use strictly Boeing 757's.

Be aware when flying into Las Vegas you usually get some turbulence during the landing because of the thermal conditions in the desert over the mountains.

I flew National RT FC JFK-LAS. Frankly, although the seats were comfortable, I wouldn't comapre this to business class on most airlines. NO movies or other visual entertainment, despite a five+ hour flight. Dinner was an entree, then dessert, with neither an appetizer nor salad....not what *I* expect on a $1300 RT ticket! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

I also found that out the hard way. On the return trip of my EWR-LAS flight I mentioned above, I upgraded to FC at the gate for $150.
Since this was a redeye flight, we only received a choice of 2 items, one I can't recall and the other was a chicken wrap, which I chose. It was on the small side, but not bad nonetheless. The service seemed rushed, but maybe it because people prefer to sleep.

I inquired about the movie since on the first leg, there was video sets but no movie was showed. I was told that currently only 5 of their 14 757's had the video equipment installed. This one was one of the ones without.

We were delayed in LAS for 1.5 hours because out plane was arrive from PHL and was delayed due to weather there. Once we landed, we sat
on the tarmac for another 30 minutes because we found another plane at our gate.

Overall, the airline is not that bad. I understand they are going through some growing pains (plus my flight from EWR was only on the first week of service from that airport.) But their FA's and gate agents were very friendly and forthcoming as well as the pilots. But I'll give them some time to straighten things out before I use them in the future.

Troublz, could you please elaborate how you were able to upgrade for $150? Are you an elite on this airline or is this upgrade available to anyone willing to shell out the cash? I've been checking out their site, but can only find mention of upgrading via coupons which are 50 points/coupon. Any help appreciated. thanx

--Matt

Anyone can upgrade at the gate. $50 short haul, $150 long haul.

To follow up on the upgrade issue, you can actually upgrade 24 hrs in advance by calling National. And, if you are a National Comps member (any member, not just elite!), you can upgrade up to 72 hours in advance. The price for PHL-LAS was $180 each way.

--Matt Richmond