Got my DM through the imfamous AMEX Cent program and just finished up my first flight as DM at TPE-HKG-LAX.

Biggest disappointment (irrelevant of status): Last minute plane change from 77D to 77A. Was looking forward to trying the new J seat since my booking last year. It was showing 77D until a day before departure. My return flight 881 now shows 77A, was 77D 2 days ago.

The service I received both on the ground and onboard was no different from my previous J flight as a GO. The F section at the WING was far too crowded, not to mentioned the long walk back to lower level and to Gate 4. I have the United Club membership, Priority Pass, Amex card, so lots of lounge choices. But I just wanted to stay closer to the gate. BTW, the food at the WING F was lousy...many choices, but not good at all, beef was stale.

When on the plane, no greeting, no extra care, no priority in serving meal. I was not expecting any, just that I was quite content with the way the J service was when I was GO/SL, and didn't really feel any difference now that I am DM. Maybe it is only one long+one short haul flight and probably needs more to feel a DM's worth.

On the ground, the check-in queue was definitely shorter for F counters, but so far the F lounges at both TPE and the WING are just not much better than the J lounges.