Part 3 – 3rd August 2011 – San Francisco to Chicago to New York City

An early morning wake up and no running this morning as to dark and the "fitness centre" at the hotel opens to late. Not to worry, will enjoy a day of rest and relaxation as I fly across the country. A light breakfast and a final check of emails before I jump onto my free shuttle to the airport.


Back on the Road Again by Kaell116, on Flickr

Upon arrival at Terminal 3 at SFO I noticed that this was not a good thing to be here at this time. It looked like a madhouse at the Economy check in and security. Fortunately I had access to Premium Check In and also Premium Security. Thank the lord. No real wait, was directed to a self check in machine and figuring it wouldn't work for me, I waited for someone to come up and offer assistance. After 2 or 3 minutes no one came. So I gave up and put in my confirmation number still expecting it to fail on me. It didn't. Now this is where I should of figured things were not as expected. My boarding pass spat out both flights as United First. Hrm thats wierd. I figured I would deal with it at the gate and get through security while I could.

I was directed to premium security after asking where it was, and soon enough I was in the queue. I grabbed a few zip lock bags as I didn't have the right size and some spares will come in handy later in the trip. Security was a non issue, not even a grope from the TSA


Priority Security at SFO by Kaell116, on Flickr

Once through I went in search of the gate so I could get my bearings before running a few errands. I found the gate next to a customer service point so queried my boarding pass. I was told all was fine and it was just a system issue. I double checked my seat on seat guru and I was still allocated a backwards facing seat. Awesome. I convinced the agent to reprint me passes on real stock rather than the flimsy crap the self service kiosk spits out.


Some Wierd Art Stuff in San Francisco Airport by Kaell116, on Flickr


A Tornado in San Francisco Airport by Kaell116, on Flickr


San Francisco Airport Terminal 3 by Kaell116, on Flickr


Old School WW1 Aircraft in San Francisco Airport Terminal 3 by Kaell116, on Flickr


Lots and Lots of Flights going out... sorted not by Time but by Location by Kaell116, on Flickr

With that done I went in search of a banana, some coffee & some water. No access to Red Carpet Club meant I couldn't get this free. I explored the terminal for a while getting heaps of photos and searching for a retro jet. No dice I browsed the shops for a bit (if u walk into the Ghiradelli shop they give you samples) and soon enough I could see a crowd gathering at the gate. Figuring the gate lice were starting early realised there was only 15 mins to boarding and a plane was at the gate. Unfortunately my worst fear had come true, an aircraft swap. We were changed to a domestic configuration 757-200 No more backwards facing seat.


O if only I could get in here today... if only! by Kaell116, on Flickr


The Gate Lice by Kaell116, on Flickr


My Flight to Chicago by Kaell116, on Flickr

I was a little dissapointed but thems the break. What was good for me though was that I was not in economy as a lot of people were about to get bumped. Volunteers were bound to be asked for. I ended up joining the back of the scrum rather than sit down as it wasn't worth it by this stage with only a few minutes till boarding time.


My Ride to Chicago - United Boeing 757-200 (not what I wanted) by Kaell116, on Flickr


The Scrum at the Gate thanks to a Last Minute Aircraft Change by Kaell116, on Flickr

United Airlines
UA972
San Francisco to Chicago O'Hare
1011-1625
Boeing - 757-200 (N581UA)
First Class – Seat 6A

Boarding: 0941 (Gate 82)
Push Back 1020
Take Off Roll: 1032 (Runway 1R)
Top of Descent: 1530
Touch Down: 1604 (Runway 10)
Shut Down: 1610 (Gate C26)

With boarding called on time, I gave it a few minutes to let the scrum die down a little before getting in the boarding queue and then having to fight through the pushing and shoving of the DYKWIA crowds. I got through soon enough and was shortly on my way down the jet bridge.


Economy Cabin of the United 757-200 by Kaell116, on Flickr

At the door there was quite a wait for people to get into the aircraft as their million & one carry on bgs were stored. I was welcomed on board, directed to my seat. Jackets were hung, no pillows on offer but blankets at the seat. No sign of headphones or menus (neither ever offered). But I settled in and was soon offered a pre departure beverage of choice. As we waited during the boarding process the Captain gave a very thorough flight introduction including telling us where we were going to fly over (Sacremento and Sioux Falls were the two I distinctly remember. Channel 9 was active (yay) and soon enough we were pushing back. Numerous times the crew were advising people to fix, up there bags before takeoff.