I’m off on my first trip of 2022 to St Pete Beach, FL for a winter BOD meeting. Now I normally wouldn’t write a trip report on a fairly routine trip but I wanted to compare my travel experiences with that of a year ago. I booked a nonstop “first” class on United, LAX-TPA RT for $843.

Deciding on a direct flight I opted not to fly from my home airport so LAX it was. I headed South down Interstate 5 to Los Angles leaving a cold 38 degree and partly foggy San Joaquin Valley.



Over the southern end of the Sierra Nevadas where the sun was shining brightly and the mountains mirrored the greenery of Ireland.





Roughly an hour later I was on the other side heading down to the San Fernando Valley and the LA basin.



1:45 minutes after departing I was pulled into P7 parking at LAX.






I collected by bag, secured my car, took the elevator up from P7, over the walkway bridge into a virtually empty terminal…there was no line for PreCheck! Signs of January 2021.






I was through security in under 3 minutes and into the United Club shortly after.



I had about an hour to kill prior to my flight so I set up shop on the outdoor terrace where the air was fresh and temperatures in the high 70’s.



For the most part the food selection hasn’t improved. If you want your carbohydrate fix this is the place to get it. I had the Caesar salad wrap, a cold brew and a chocolate chip cookie. I didn’t end up eating the pita chips.



Great plane spotting from the terrace.



Before I headed to my gate I made a pit stop in the club bathroom. Really you can’t remove the entire sign? I see this in all my travels - a weird reminder.



I made the walk from the United Club over to gate 80 with 10 minutes to share before boarding.



Not to many PAX’s on todays flight.



My ride for today.

United 737- tired 800
Los Angles to Tampa
UA 1097 Seat 1B (and 1A as it was open)
1:40PM - 9:37PM Scheduled
1:28PM - 8:40PM Actual.



PDB is back with United - in plastic, but Sparkling Wine was an option. Yes please.



The plane was so empty that only 13 of 16 first class seats were booked. In hindsight I should’ve booked economy and took the free upgrade.





Wonderful views of the Los Angles basin.



As this was a travel day I settled in and enjoyed a Buffalo Trace.

Once in the air the FA’s started the late lunch/early dinner service. Gil, our purser did an outstanding job throughout the flight checking on our needs and drinks. Unfortunately the cabin was constantly disrupted by a screaming baby, and when I mean screaming my noise canceling headphones didn’t mask the cries. In the end, I felt bad for her mother.



Prior to my flight I received an email from United asking if I wanted to pre-order my meal. The options were chicken or Italian and that was it! And since my wife is Italian and I eat the best Italian food at home I opted for the chicken - which was dry and tasteless! The roll was so hard I couldn’t cut it in half —— no really. After my first bite I knew why, it was incredibly dry so I passed. Sadly the meal was as expect for a domestic first class meal.



Chocolate chip pie. Warmed and delicious.



With the assistance of a strong tailwind we were on approach to Tampa just over 4 hours after take off.




I was the first one off the plane, up the short jet bridge and into an empty terminal.




I was the only one on the train to the main terminal.




Now where is the Lyft pickup?



Anybody home?




My 5.0 star Lyft driver arrived a short 4 minutes after I ordered.



Fancy laser lights. Since it was dark and couldn’t see the scenery, I just sat back and enjoyed my conversation with Rolando during the 28 minute ride over to the Don Ce-Sar.

All in all my flight was as expected. United associates are getting pounded with COVID-19 - so much they have a shortage with on- ground and inflight personnel that is causing numerous flight cancellations around the globe. In the end I gave them a break with all considered.

Soon. The tired Don Ce-Sar Pink Hotel.