Quick photo report of UA p.s. SFO-JFK in J and CX JFK-YVR in F plus lounges
Nov 20, 2011, 8:29 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Burlingame, CA
Programs: TK Miles & Smiles, CM ConnectMiles, AA Advantage
Posts: 2,129
Quick photo report of UA p.s. SFO-JFK in J and CX JFK-YVR in F plus lounges
Rather than write a lengthy report, I will present you with pics accompanied by diary like entries about my recent weekend trip.
A hectic holiday weekend full of travelers and chaos at the airport. Arrived by 7:15A and already big lines at the check-in counters. Security lines are getting long, even at the special F and elite lines. Last minute equip. change from a 757 to 763 the night before. Checked res and still had seat 1A so I thought I was safe. Used an award tkt for F and booked into XF.
Checked in at the Premier Exec. counter and agent gave me boarding pass wishing me a good trip. Was in a hurry to get through security so I went to the Intl. side and entered through there. Seasoned travelers standing in line as well. Handed bp to security along with ID and noticed seat 9A in J - what the f#%@? Why didn't agt tell me about the downgrade? Going through security was a breeze. Less people and quicker. Headed to UA F lounge since I was flying p.s. in F originally and sort things out.
Agent at UA F lounge checked my res and advised that full revenue pax were protected before me. Felt really special!
She apologized and advised to contact Customer Service for compensation. She then allowed me into the lounge without hesitation and apologized.
UA F lounge
Take stair or elevator down one floor and you come across these desks before entering lounge.
Entrance
Lounge
First customer inside and lounge was empty. All this space for myself for a good 20 min.
Back section with magazines, buffet and rest rooms.
This looks cheap for a F lounge.
Seriously, frosted flakes and froot loops?
Not too hungry.
A hectic holiday weekend full of travelers and chaos at the airport. Arrived by 7:15A and already big lines at the check-in counters. Security lines are getting long, even at the special F and elite lines. Last minute equip. change from a 757 to 763 the night before. Checked res and still had seat 1A so I thought I was safe. Used an award tkt for F and booked into XF.
Checked in at the Premier Exec. counter and agent gave me boarding pass wishing me a good trip. Was in a hurry to get through security so I went to the Intl. side and entered through there. Seasoned travelers standing in line as well. Handed bp to security along with ID and noticed seat 9A in J - what the f#%@? Why didn't agt tell me about the downgrade? Going through security was a breeze. Less people and quicker. Headed to UA F lounge since I was flying p.s. in F originally and sort things out.
Agent at UA F lounge checked my res and advised that full revenue pax were protected before me. Felt really special!
She apologized and advised to contact Customer Service for compensation. She then allowed me into the lounge without hesitation and apologized. UA F lounge
Take stair or elevator down one floor and you come across these desks before entering lounge.
Entrance
Lounge
First customer inside and lounge was empty. All this space for myself for a good 20 min.
Back section with magazines, buffet and rest rooms.
This looks cheap for a F lounge.
Seriously, frosted flakes and froot loops?
Not too hungry.
Nov 20, 2011, 9:14 am
#2
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Burlingame, CA
Programs: TK Miles & Smiles, CM ConnectMiles, AA Advantage
Posts: 2,129
UA 670 SFO - JFK
763 eqp change from 757 - Seat 10J
Dept. 8:47A - J cabin
Flight is delayed until 10:20A so I had plenty of time to enjoy lounge. Later I decided to go to UA Club at domestic side and it was crowded. I stayed for 10 min. and left.
At the gate, agt checks my res and apologizes for the downgrade. She makes a call and then gives me 3 options: a) $200 credit towards domestic tkt, b) 9,000 miles or c) 10% off any worldwide fare. I said that I will contact Customer Service later and asked for an aisle seat. She gladly gives me 10J.
Airplane arriving at gate
My seat
First time in these seats and felt a bit narrow. The screen is a nice size.
Flight attendant offered water or OJ for pre-dept. drink. Crew was nice and efficient.
Details of the J lav.
Breakfast
Menu was distributed and there were 3 choices - egg omelette with turkey sausage, apple pancakes with turkey sausage and fruit with muesli. Hot towels were offered before the meal. After the meals were distributed FA offered scones, croissants or bagels. Some of the scones were broken. Seatmate asks for scone and then a croissant. FA advised that she has to make sure that everyone gets a choice and then offered to return if she has extras. Seatmate replies "whatever". To her credit she comes back but by now pax refuses the croissant.
Snack basket before arrival
Flight arrives in the same terminal that my CX flight departs, saving me from going through security one more time.
BA First and Terraces lounge
Check in at the BA club with a CX agent and she issues me bp with seat 1A. I'm in for a treat. She then describes the lounge set up to me and invites me to go to the F lounge or take a pre-flight supper if I desire. I opt to take a shower first and she directs me to the showers.
Put my name on the list and then a guy directs me to the first shower available. Nice Elemis toiletries inside and love the shower with different settings.
Explore the lounge and it is divided into different sections. Some areas are really crowded. Overall nice setting and pretty spacious.
Decides to go to the restaurant for some real food. Attendant asks for bp upon entering and welcomes me.
Buffet arrangement with plenty of choices. Good quantity but quality is compromised a bit.
763 eqp change from 757 - Seat 10J
Dept. 8:47A - J cabin
Flight is delayed until 10:20A so I had plenty of time to enjoy lounge. Later I decided to go to UA Club at domestic side and it was crowded. I stayed for 10 min. and left.
At the gate, agt checks my res and apologizes for the downgrade. She makes a call and then gives me 3 options: a) $200 credit towards domestic tkt, b) 9,000 miles or c) 10% off any worldwide fare. I said that I will contact Customer Service later and asked for an aisle seat. She gladly gives me 10J.
Airplane arriving at gate
My seat
First time in these seats and felt a bit narrow. The screen is a nice size.
Flight attendant offered water or OJ for pre-dept. drink. Crew was nice and efficient.
Details of the J lav.
Breakfast
Menu was distributed and there were 3 choices - egg omelette with turkey sausage, apple pancakes with turkey sausage and fruit with muesli. Hot towels were offered before the meal. After the meals were distributed FA offered scones, croissants or bagels. Some of the scones were broken. Seatmate asks for scone and then a croissant. FA advised that she has to make sure that everyone gets a choice and then offered to return if she has extras. Seatmate replies "whatever". To her credit she comes back but by now pax refuses the croissant.
Snack basket before arrival
Flight arrives in the same terminal that my CX flight departs, saving me from going through security one more time.
BA First and Terraces lounge
Check in at the BA club with a CX agent and she issues me bp with seat 1A. I'm in for a treat. She then describes the lounge set up to me and invites me to go to the F lounge or take a pre-flight supper if I desire. I opt to take a shower first and she directs me to the showers.
Put my name on the list and then a guy directs me to the first shower available. Nice Elemis toiletries inside and love the shower with different settings.
Explore the lounge and it is divided into different sections. Some areas are really crowded. Overall nice setting and pretty spacious.
Decides to go to the restaurant for some real food. Attendant asks for bp upon entering and welcomes me.
Buffet arrangement with plenty of choices. Good quantity but quality is compromised a bit.
Last edited by aw; Nov 20, 2011 at 10:20 am
Nov 20, 2011, 10:00 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Burlingame, CA
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Posts: 2,129
I had a nice 4 course dinner and then decided to relax at the F lounge.
Indian vegetable curry, fish with lemon and thyme, wild rice with cranberries and sauteed mushrooms.
The F lounge located on the left side of the entrance.
CX 889 JFK-YVR
777 - Seat 1A
Dept. 2200 F/C
For 32,500 miles to fly F on a world class carrier, this has to be the best deal for a North American award. CX proved to be a superlative experience. By far the most comfortable F seat in my limited experience in this cabin (previous F intl experiences were on LX, LH and UA).
First one to board and there were already 3-4 FA's by the door to greet pax. Purser saw my bp and gave it to a FA who escorted me to my seat. She introduced herself and offered to hang my coat, then asks if I want champagne or any other beverage. Made some small talk and then excused herself.
Betsy returns with a set of pajamas from Shanghai Tang, printed menus and new amenity kit by Ermenegildo Zegna. She asks whether I am M or L and then hands me the pajamas. I've read on previous posts that some people had to ask for these but in my experience they were given to me automatically.
My comfy seat
Door closed and after take off FA's started cabin service. Very little announcements from the cockpit. There were 3 FA's working the F cabin with only 2 pax including myself. A thick hot towel is provided on a tray.
Had Oriental Breeze (a sour plum tea and cranberry juice based drink with honey, fresh lemon juice and a hint of rose water.) served with warm nuts. It was replenished a second time diligently.
MENU
Starters
Pan seared foie gras with smoked duck and cranberry relish
Saffron cream soup
Pan seared scallops with mesclun salad and lemon vinaigrette
Main Courses
Grilled double bone lamb chop with rosemary jus, polenta roulade and grilled zucchini
Pappardelle pasta with white asparagus sauce, toasted pinenuts and grilled asparagus
Chinese Favourites
Double boil quail with Chinese yam soup
Cold plate - marinated gluten with dried mushroom
Stir fried seafood in X.O. sauce, steamed jasmine rice, stir fried pak choy, black mushroom and carrot flower
Cheese and Dessert
Cambozola, Taleggio, Manchego, Chaumes
Double nougat mousse cake with raspberry coulis
Tea and Coffee
Pralines
Snacks
Braised beef brisket in noodle soup
Ice cream
Indian vegetable curry, fish with lemon and thyme, wild rice with cranberries and sauteed mushrooms.
The F lounge located on the left side of the entrance.
CX 889 JFK-YVR
777 - Seat 1A
Dept. 2200 F/C
For 32,500 miles to fly F on a world class carrier, this has to be the best deal for a North American award. CX proved to be a superlative experience. By far the most comfortable F seat in my limited experience in this cabin (previous F intl experiences were on LX, LH and UA).
First one to board and there were already 3-4 FA's by the door to greet pax. Purser saw my bp and gave it to a FA who escorted me to my seat. She introduced herself and offered to hang my coat, then asks if I want champagne or any other beverage. Made some small talk and then excused herself.
Betsy returns with a set of pajamas from Shanghai Tang, printed menus and new amenity kit by Ermenegildo Zegna. She asks whether I am M or L and then hands me the pajamas. I've read on previous posts that some people had to ask for these but in my experience they were given to me automatically.
My comfy seat
Door closed and after take off FA's started cabin service. Very little announcements from the cockpit. There were 3 FA's working the F cabin with only 2 pax including myself. A thick hot towel is provided on a tray.
Had Oriental Breeze (a sour plum tea and cranberry juice based drink with honey, fresh lemon juice and a hint of rose water.) served with warm nuts. It was replenished a second time diligently.
MENU
Starters
Pan seared foie gras with smoked duck and cranberry relish
Saffron cream soup
Pan seared scallops with mesclun salad and lemon vinaigrette
Main Courses
Grilled double bone lamb chop with rosemary jus, polenta roulade and grilled zucchini
Pappardelle pasta with white asparagus sauce, toasted pinenuts and grilled asparagus
Chinese Favourites
Double boil quail with Chinese yam soup
Cold plate - marinated gluten with dried mushroom
Stir fried seafood in X.O. sauce, steamed jasmine rice, stir fried pak choy, black mushroom and carrot flower
Cheese and Dessert
Cambozola, Taleggio, Manchego, Chaumes
Double nougat mousse cake with raspberry coulis
Tea and Coffee
Pralines
Snacks
Braised beef brisket in noodle soup
Ice cream
Nov 20, 2011, 10:13 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Burlingame, CA
Programs: TK Miles & Smiles, CM ConnectMiles, AA Advantage
Posts: 2,129
I chose the foie gras and smoked duck for appetizer and then the Chinese set. Surprised at the small portion of foie gras but it tasted good. Presentation was very nice and you can tell that some thought and effort have been put into it.
After the meal service another hot towel on a tray was given. I walked around the cabin. Service was very discreet and from time to time you could see FA peeking through the closed curtain. If you make eye contact, she will immediately come by your seat and inquire if you need anything. Never heard slamming of carts or any noise from the galley. Purser and other 2 FA's advised me that if I needed to sleep, they would gladly make the bed for me. Never requested it but the pax behind me did.
Very nice lav. with full length mirror and stylish sink.
Seat in bed position
The excellent CX Studio entertainment system
One of the few times that I regretted the end of a flight.
After the meal service another hot towel on a tray was given. I walked around the cabin. Service was very discreet and from time to time you could see FA peeking through the closed curtain. If you make eye contact, she will immediately come by your seat and inquire if you need anything. Never heard slamming of carts or any noise from the galley. Purser and other 2 FA's advised me that if I needed to sleep, they would gladly make the bed for me. Never requested it but the pax behind me did.
Very nice lav. with full length mirror and stylish sink.
Seat in bed position
The excellent CX Studio entertainment system
One of the few times that I regretted the end of a flight.
Nov 20, 2011, 11:27 am
#5
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: CX MarcoPolo (SL), BA Executive Club (GO)
Posts: 1,852
Great TR! Glad you enjoyed the F experience on JFK-YVR, I think the CX service between JFK and YVR is exceptionally good value for money/miles in all 3 classes. Flying it in F must have been too short, Im sure you would have been happy continuing to HKG!
I want to try this JFK-YVR-JFK routing sometime in the future, however will probably be in J.
Out of interest what was the reason for your routing? SFO via JFK to YVR is the long way round, was it specifically to sample CX F?
I want to try this JFK-YVR-JFK routing sometime in the future, however will probably be in J.
Out of interest what was the reason for your routing? SFO via JFK to YVR is the long way round, was it specifically to sample CX F?
Nov 20, 2011, 11:30 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Burlingame, CA
Programs: TK Miles & Smiles, CM ConnectMiles, AA Advantage
Posts: 2,129
The Fairmont Waterfront
Compared to the other two Fairmont properties in downtown Vancouver (Fairmont Vancouver and Fairmont Pan Pacific), the Waterfront is the most reserve and intimate of the three sister properties. It bears the unmistakable elegance of the Fairmont brand yet its unassuming character is a charming selling point.
Convenient to Canada line metro. Just get off at Waterfront station and walk two blocks towards Canada Place. A bit away from main shopping area (Robson). About 10 min. walk.
Room
Christmas is already here. Holt Renfrew store.
Thanks for stopping by.
Convenient to Canada line metro. Just get off at Waterfront station and walk two blocks towards Canada Place. A bit away from main shopping area (Robson). About 10 min. walk.
Room
Christmas is already here. Holt Renfrew store.
Thanks for stopping by.
Nov 20, 2011, 11:35 am
#7
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Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Burlingame, CA
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Posts: 2,129
Thanks CX828. That convoluted routing was to sample CX but also I was curious about UA p.s. I had a chance to sit on one of the J seats on CX and it felt narrow and claustrophobic. Better to wait until the new J cabin is deployed on that route.
Last edited by aw; Nov 20, 2011 at 12:15 pm
Nov 20, 2011, 11:13 pm
#12
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,041
+1, CX889 is to YVR is an awesome flight on many levels. I haven't tried F yet, but J is pretty good. The only small drawback is that it arrives really late at night. The good news is that there are no lines at customs/immigration at that hour; I made it from the plane to the curb in less than 5 minutes last time.
Nov 21, 2011, 1:40 am
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: ORD, HKG
Programs: UA*G, AA Emerald, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt globalist
Posts: 10,279
Thanks for your report, the CX F kit really looks like a J kit instead !
At the gate, agt checks my res and apologizes for the downgrade. She makes a call and then gives me 3 options: a) $200 credit towards domestic tkt, b) 9,000 miles or c) 10% off any worldwide fare. I said that I will contact Customer Service later and asked for an aisle seat. She gladly gives me 10J.
Sorry for the downgrade, you deny for the downgrade offer hoping for better options ? It seems reasonable for what they give.
At the gate, agt checks my res and apologizes for the downgrade. She makes a call and then gives me 3 options: a) $200 credit towards domestic tkt, b) 9,000 miles or c) 10% off any worldwide fare. I said that I will contact Customer Service later and asked for an aisle seat. She gladly gives me 10J.
Nov 21, 2011, 2:31 am
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: UA*Lifetime GS, Hyatt* Lifetime Globalist
Posts: 12,337
Aw, great report and photos.
CX F looks great. Better than the typical UA products. Take your time to decide on the downgrade offer based on your travel needs.
Hope to see more TRs from you!
CX F looks great. Better than the typical UA products. Take your time to decide on the downgrade offer based on your travel needs.
Hope to see more TRs from you!
Nov 21, 2011, 4:23 am
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Burlingame, CA
Programs: TK Miles & Smiles, CM ConnectMiles, AA Advantage
Posts: 2,129
ORDnHKG - Agree that compensation might be reasonable for an award tkt, but in addition I want UA to credit me for the difference in miles between a F and J award, which is about 10,000 miles. I feel that is the fair thing to do to start with.
As for the CX F kit, it seems a bit basic for F and I agree that there are better ones out there, but for a North American flight I can't complain at all.