Originally Posted by UA1P
I probably just had a less-than-stellar check-in agent. Generally, I find UA agents to be helpful and courteous.
As for AA, that particular flight is actually delayed about 50% of the time, according to their on-time stats. How delayed, I'm not sure, but I wasn't surprised when it was delayed. I've never seen it operated with anything but an MD-80, so there'll never been any entertainment on it. Obviously, AA operates 737s, 757s, 767s, and 777s with IFE, but my intention was not to survey the airlines as a whole, but to analyze this route.
How is the service on the EMB170 in FC? Did you receive a meal or is it just a snack mix?
Sorry, I was a little unclear - sometimes you'll get IFE when the UA flight is operated by an A319. Othertimes you'll get a dreaded 737 on the flight or a UX flight.
I haven't experienced the EMB170 yet, but I might take it next month when I need to go to Chicago. Since I don't care about the IFE, I'm looking forward to the spacious seats. Hopefully meals will be served in First.
And now that I think about it, there is one agent in the FC/Premier line that isn't the nicest. She's not rude, but she just isn't really friendly like the others that will do everything possible to make you feel like a First Class passenger, even if you're flying coach.
In regards to the AA flight, I have no experience with them at MSY. I tend to fly UA or if I can't, I'll fly CO.
As to the improvements, I don't see UA adding more FC seats. Many airlines are removing them and they tend to use aircraft with the least FC seats in and out of New Orleans. Combined with TED, I have incredible difficulty upgrading out of MSY since many of the midcons to LAX or SFO are even operated with A319. On the other hand they have great paid F fares (A Class) that I can confirm right away for the price of a H/Q fare normally.
On the upside of the A319/737 aircraft with only 8 seats, if you get an outstanding F/A, they'll take drink requests on the ground. It is company policy to only provide Water/OJ, so systemwide UA is weak in this respect. But for predeparture drinks, I say you have the best chance on a A319/737.
Most of the A319's have magazines available, so I guess it depends on aircraft type on UA. Its unfortunate that the aircraft with the least IFE options (737) can also lack magazines.
Hopefully short-haul meal service does improve. I was pleased to see the return of hot nuts this year, maybe we can make a little more progress next year.