I had two rather nice flights this past weekend to Denver and back and thought I'd take a minute to report on the level of service I encountered in first class.

Both trips were excellent with great service. Even the food was nice. On the way out, TWA 561 that leaves at 5:07pm, the MD-80 was completely packed. Service was great, the lead FA even came out just after takeoff and asked how many people would be having wine with dinner and what type. A nice touch. We had hot towel service both before and after dinner. Dinner was a decent filet with veggies and salad. Lemon meringue cheesecake for dessert.

I was booked on TW 566 leaving at 7:12pm, but arrived at the airport early enough to catch TW 54 scheduled to leave at 5:40pm. At the check-in counter I asked if I could get on the earlier flight and the agent responded that since I'm in first class, "no problem." Otherwise, coach was full. The incoming flight was 30 minutes late which delayed our departure. When we pulled back, coach was full and first was only about a third full.

No towel service, and service was perfunctory. I had an excellent chicken and rice entree. However, the role was hard as a rock, just like svpii's. However, since we were coming from Denver, the catering was handled there by a third party, I'm not sure what they can do about it. Dessert was oreo cheesecake and some coffee. It was a quick flight due to the jet stream. We were a few minutes late onto the ground and then another few minutes as they shuffled us around a bit waiting for our gate.

I think most important is that it was apparent that the FA's were going about the cabin the entire time. Filling glasses, wine, coffee, etc. Cleaning up service items, etc. Maybe it's a factor of flight time and that those extra two hours to SMF make it seem as though the FA's rush through the service. I know that on my PDX and SEA flights it can seem that way also where there are long periods where the FA's are off somewhere.

It could be that because US really doesn't have many longer flights, ie only 3 SFO-CLT/PIT, 2 SEA-CLT, 3 SEA-PIT, 4 LAX-CLT/PIT, that the perception exists that US FA's are more attentive.