UA 3757 RDU-IAD 1342-1445 CRJ-700



Yeah RDU has the red carpet, be jealous.



Finally, FINALLY I'm airborne, only 5 hours after I was scheduled to be.



For any Durhamites, you can pick out Southpoint Mall there in the picture as well as South and West Durham. Thankfully, this flight passed smoothly with a full beverage service (rare for UA RDU-IAD flights) and an interesting seatmate. I showed him how to work a Sudoku puzzle and even explained to him what Flyertalk is. Maybe he's reading this? If so, I say “hello!”.



You have no idea (none, whatsoever) how relieved I was to see this view. I was really not relishing the idea of showing up late for an international flight and throwing myself on the mercy of the AF agents at IAD. And I was here only 40 or so minutes after I planned on being and as my original LGA-IAD flight got delayed too, I beat them. Alls well that ends well I say, no where can I find a stiff drink?



I'd like to point out that this is my LEAST favorite part of flying an RJ...waiting for the gate checked bag.



Thanks CRJ-700! That old scheme is quite becoming on you!





A rare exit from the secure area at IAD for me. Oh and this is probably a good time to inform everyone that I am obsessed with taking pictures of any sign welcoming me or thanking me on my travels.







So while checking in (at the gorgeous IAD landside terminal that I literally cannot fall in love with anymore (and yes that is NOT how you use literally but whatevs)) I noticed this odd feature where you could take a survey as you were being checked in. The buttons made such a satisfying “BEEP!” that I got really into it and finished it. Thankfully, the agent was actually quite friendly (even if he called the city I was going to “Prag”) and I gave him high marks.



Ahh, the “good” terminal. I never get to use it and it was such a relief not to be in the cesspool that United uses. In fact, can I once again say “you have no idea” as to how good it was? Thank you!



For a bonus point, find CMK10's head in the above picture!







Does an extensive newspaper selection makeup for the lounge only having cold food? I don't think so. In fact, I think any international business class lounge (particularly one of a non-US airline) should have hot food. Still, the IAD AF lounge was nice, it was quiet, the liquor selection top notch (which means they had Glenlivet, I don't really notice or care about anything else if I have my beloved scotch), friendly and competent agents and a shower (and nice bathroom) so I'm going to go with two thumbs up, but they're not “way up”, if you catch my drift.