[PREM FARE GONE] UA/AC/LH: USA to Europe Sale - Biz - $1500s
Nov 1, 2021, 7:25 am
#211
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,958
My trip highlights
I just came back from this European trip (Oct. 22-31) last night. The route was IAD-BRU-MXP/NCE-FRA-EWR-IAD.
The main highlight was the visit to the just (grand) opened Polaris lounge at IAD. The PL opened a day earlier. I took advantage of the private dining (4-10 customers on 44-seats room) and went to sleep on plane right away. The flight attendants were trying to offer a dinner by explaining the details of the dishes. My wife and I just said “no, thank you!” I was waked up by two chatters on 1D and 1F during the flight. I sat on 3D. I asked an FA to quiet them down. The flight arrived at BRU on time.
At BRU, the lounge, “The Loft,” was very nice. Everything was back to pre-Covid. They offered both cold and warm foods. The bar was self service with four types of beers, wines and liquors. The flight from BRU to MXP offered a small breakfast.
On BRU-MXP flight, FAs asked every pax to fill up a COVID-related form. Nobody collected it on plane or on ground. What a waste of time!
In the NCE airport, the economy check-in line was very long. Fortunately, there was a window for business/*G. The agents checked my CDC card and COViD testing result. The flight was delayed by 20-30 min because gate agent did not arrive at gate before boarding starting time. The business cabin was very full (5-6 rows). A light lunch (cold foods) was offered, along with alcohol.
Because of the delay at NCE, my connection time was reduced to about 1 hour from 90 min. I thought that the NCE plane would arrive at an A gate; instead we deplaned from a B gate near international departure (saw ANA and Thai aircraft). It took 20 min (very fast pace) to negotiate the FRA before arriving at border control (to Z gates). Afterwards, it took another 10 min to get to gate Z69 and I lined up for document check (COViD test result). No time for an LH lounge stop.
The B747-8 upper deck is very beautiful. The stair is much wider than B747-400 and the space is airy, including luggage bins for carryon bags (the window containers are still there).
We sat on 84 A and C. It seemed that we were the last pax served for all meals and drinks. Fortunately, we got the foods that we liked. FAs probably went downstairs business cabin to fetch my desired foods. The appetizer tasted very good, but the main dishes tasted so so (my wife only ate the prawn part). The arrival meal was not good at all with cold breads.
The FRA-EWR flight arrived earlier. The immigration procedure was smooth, however, we waited more than ~45 min to get checked-in luggage.
The United Club at EWR was very crowded. We could get on an earlier flight to IAD, but that plane left later than my originally booked flight. On this flight, I felt pity for the purser (“service is our passion but safety is the top priority”), who only handled out a small bottle of water and collected trash afterwards. On the EWR gate, a replaced GA showed up late and he apologized. The flight left about 15 min late.
The main highlight was the visit to the just (grand) opened Polaris lounge at IAD. The PL opened a day earlier. I took advantage of the private dining (4-10 customers on 44-seats room) and went to sleep on plane right away. The flight attendants were trying to offer a dinner by explaining the details of the dishes. My wife and I just said “no, thank you!” I was waked up by two chatters on 1D and 1F during the flight. I sat on 3D. I asked an FA to quiet them down. The flight arrived at BRU on time.
At BRU, the lounge, “The Loft,” was very nice. Everything was back to pre-Covid. They offered both cold and warm foods. The bar was self service with four types of beers, wines and liquors. The flight from BRU to MXP offered a small breakfast.
On BRU-MXP flight, FAs asked every pax to fill up a COVID-related form. Nobody collected it on plane or on ground. What a waste of time!
In the NCE airport, the economy check-in line was very long. Fortunately, there was a window for business/*G. The agents checked my CDC card and COViD testing result. The flight was delayed by 20-30 min because gate agent did not arrive at gate before boarding starting time. The business cabin was very full (5-6 rows). A light lunch (cold foods) was offered, along with alcohol.
Because of the delay at NCE, my connection time was reduced to about 1 hour from 90 min. I thought that the NCE plane would arrive at an A gate; instead we deplaned from a B gate near international departure (saw ANA and Thai aircraft). It took 20 min (very fast pace) to negotiate the FRA before arriving at border control (to Z gates). Afterwards, it took another 10 min to get to gate Z69 and I lined up for document check (COViD test result). No time for an LH lounge stop.
The B747-8 upper deck is very beautiful. The stair is much wider than B747-400 and the space is airy, including luggage bins for carryon bags (the window containers are still there).
We sat on 84 A and C. It seemed that we were the last pax served for all meals and drinks. Fortunately, we got the foods that we liked. FAs probably went downstairs business cabin to fetch my desired foods. The appetizer tasted very good, but the main dishes tasted so so (my wife only ate the prawn part). The arrival meal was not good at all with cold breads.
The FRA-EWR flight arrived earlier. The immigration procedure was smooth, however, we waited more than ~45 min to get checked-in luggage.
The United Club at EWR was very crowded. We could get on an earlier flight to IAD, but that plane left later than my originally booked flight. On this flight, I felt pity for the purser (“service is our passion but safety is the top priority”), who only handled out a small bottle of water and collected trash afterwards. On the EWR gate, a replaced GA showed up late and he apologized. The flight left about 15 min late.
Nov 1, 2021, 8:44 am
#213
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: TOA
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott LTPP/Platinum Premier, Hyatt Lame-ist, UA !K
Posts: 20,061
I just came back from this European trip (Oct. 22-31) last night. The route was IAD-BRU-MXP/NCE-FRA-EWR-IAD.
The main highlight was the visit to the just (grand) opened Polaris lounge at IAD. The PL opened a day earlier. I took advantage of the private dining (4-10 customers on 44-seats room) and went to sleep on plane right away. The flight attendants were trying to offer a dinner by explaining the details of the dishes. My wife and I just said “no, thank you!” I was waked up by two chatters on 1D and 1F during the flight. I sat on 3D. I asked an FA to quiet them down. The flight arrived at BRU on time.
<img>
At BRU, the lounge, “The Loft,” was very nice. Everything was back to pre-Covid. They offered both cold and warm foods. The bar was self service with four types of beers, wines and liquors. The flight from BRU to MXP offered a small breakfast.
<img>
On BRU-MXP flight, FAs asked every pax to fill up a COVID-related form. Nobody collected it on plane or on ground. What a waste of time!
In the NCE airport, the economy check-in line was very long. Fortunately, there was a window for business/*G. The agents checked my CDC card and COViD testing result. The flight was delayed by 20-30 min because gate agent did not arrive at gate before boarding starting time. The business cabin was very full (5-6 rows). A light lunch (cold foods) was offered, along with alcohol.
<img>
Because of the delay at NCE, my connection time was reduced to about 1 hour from 90 min. I thought that the NCE plane would arrive at an A gate; instead we deplaned from a B gate near international departure (saw ANA and Thai aircraft). It took 20 min (very fast pace) to negotiate the FRA before arriving at border control (to Z gates). Afterwards, it took another 10 min to get to gate Z69 and I lined up for document check (COViD test result). No time for an LH lounge stop.
The B747-8 upper deck is very beautiful. The stair is much wider than B747-400 and the space is airy, including luggage bins for carryon bags (the window containers are still there).
We sat on 84 A and C. It seemed that we were the last pax served for all meals and drinks. Fortunately, we got the foods that we liked. FAs probably went downstairs business cabin to fetch my desired foods. The appetizer tasted very good, but the main dishes tasted so so (my wife only ate the prawn part). The arrival meal was not good at all with cold breads.
<img>
The FRA-EWR flight arrived earlier. The immigration procedure was smooth, however, we waited more than ~45 min to get checked-in luggage.
The United Club at EWR was very crowded. We could get on an earlier flight to IAD, but that plane left later than my originally booked flight. On this flight, I felt pity for the purser (“service is our passion but safety is the top priority”), who only handled out a small bottle of water and collected trash afterwards. On the EWR gate, a replaced GA showed up late and he apologized. The flight left about 15 min late.
The main highlight was the visit to the just (grand) opened Polaris lounge at IAD. The PL opened a day earlier. I took advantage of the private dining (4-10 customers on 44-seats room) and went to sleep on plane right away. The flight attendants were trying to offer a dinner by explaining the details of the dishes. My wife and I just said “no, thank you!” I was waked up by two chatters on 1D and 1F during the flight. I sat on 3D. I asked an FA to quiet them down. The flight arrived at BRU on time.
<img>
At BRU, the lounge, “The Loft,” was very nice. Everything was back to pre-Covid. They offered both cold and warm foods. The bar was self service with four types of beers, wines and liquors. The flight from BRU to MXP offered a small breakfast.
<img>
On BRU-MXP flight, FAs asked every pax to fill up a COVID-related form. Nobody collected it on plane or on ground. What a waste of time!
In the NCE airport, the economy check-in line was very long. Fortunately, there was a window for business/*G. The agents checked my CDC card and COViD testing result. The flight was delayed by 20-30 min because gate agent did not arrive at gate before boarding starting time. The business cabin was very full (5-6 rows). A light lunch (cold foods) was offered, along with alcohol.
<img>
Because of the delay at NCE, my connection time was reduced to about 1 hour from 90 min. I thought that the NCE plane would arrive at an A gate; instead we deplaned from a B gate near international departure (saw ANA and Thai aircraft). It took 20 min (very fast pace) to negotiate the FRA before arriving at border control (to Z gates). Afterwards, it took another 10 min to get to gate Z69 and I lined up for document check (COViD test result). No time for an LH lounge stop.
The B747-8 upper deck is very beautiful. The stair is much wider than B747-400 and the space is airy, including luggage bins for carryon bags (the window containers are still there).
We sat on 84 A and C. It seemed that we were the last pax served for all meals and drinks. Fortunately, we got the foods that we liked. FAs probably went downstairs business cabin to fetch my desired foods. The appetizer tasted very good, but the main dishes tasted so so (my wife only ate the prawn part). The arrival meal was not good at all with cold breads.
<img>
The FRA-EWR flight arrived earlier. The immigration procedure was smooth, however, we waited more than ~45 min to get checked-in luggage.
The United Club at EWR was very crowded. We could get on an earlier flight to IAD, but that plane left later than my originally booked flight. On this flight, I felt pity for the purser (“service is our passion but safety is the top priority”), who only handled out a small bottle of water and collected trash afterwards. On the EWR gate, a replaced GA showed up late and he apologized. The flight left about 15 min late.
Cool trip report!
David
Nov 1, 2021, 9:17 am
#214
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,958
The FRA-EWR flight was just too short to fully enjoy the aircraft and service.
Lastly, the switch from NCE-FRA-IAD with an extra stop at EWR increased my posted PQP by a significant amount, compared to the purchased fare. The posted PQP for FRA-EWR alone is over $1000.
Nov 1, 2021, 9:40 am
#215
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: TOA
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott LTPP/Platinum Premier, Hyatt Lame-ist, UA !K
Posts: 20,061
The breads were given without asking on FRA-EWR flight. The FAs were more efficient this way. Also, cheese plate and ice cream were served after the main course, which I did not mention earlier.
The FRA-EWR flight was just too short to fully enjoy the aircraft and service.
Lastly, the switch from NCE-FRA-IAD with an extra stop at EWR increased my posted PQP by a significant amount, compared to the purchased fare. The posted PQP for FRA-EWR alone is over $1000.
The FRA-EWR flight was just too short to fully enjoy the aircraft and service.
Lastly, the switch from NCE-FRA-IAD with an extra stop at EWR increased my posted PQP by a significant amount, compared to the purchased fare. The posted PQP for FRA-EWR alone is over $1000.
David
Nov 4, 2021, 2:29 pm
#216
Join Date: Jun 2006
Programs: Various
Posts: 6,526
If you looked in advance, did the increase in PQPs show up pre-trip in the PNR, or was that just a nice surprise afterwards?
Nov 4, 2021, 4:55 pm
#217
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,958
Before the PQP era, this was normal (increased PQD). I thought that UA fixed this problem after the introduction of PQP.
Nov 5, 2021, 12:58 pm
#218
Join Date: Jun 2006
Programs: Various
Posts: 6,526
It was a surprise. I check the receipt for the finalized itinerary; it is $1 fare and $1400 international surcharge; unchanged from the purchase receipt back in July.
Before the PQP era, this was normal (increased PQD). I thought that UA fixed this problem after the introduction of PQP.
Before the PQP era, this was normal (increased PQD). I thought that UA fixed this problem after the introduction of PQP.
Nov 5, 2021, 5:35 pm
#219
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,958
Please let us know. The increased PQP in my case was related to the change in the number of segments (from 2 to 3). If you did not change the number of segments, you would not see the increased PQP. This is just my guess.
Nov 6, 2021, 7:24 pm
#220
Join Date: Jun 2006
Programs: Various
Posts: 6,526
We did change the number of segments, but to fewer, rather than to more (3 ow to 2 ow); we also switched out a LH leg for a UA leg, so we will see....I'll post back afterwards.
Nov 22, 2021, 7:15 am
#221
Join Date: Jun 2006
Programs: Various
Posts: 6,526
For the US-Europe leg of the trip, we received approximately 2.5x the number of PQPs we expected from our ticket booking.
Dec 2, 2021, 11:47 pm
#222
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: DTW/MBS
Programs: UA 1K, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Formerly Starbucks Gold
Posts: 3,525
I never thought we would be going backwards again. My wife and I are set to go back to Dublin at the end of February, but man. I was looking forward to the Air Canada Signature Suite lounge, and polaris lounges on the way out.
Dec 9, 2021, 10:32 am
#223
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 446
By the way, thank you to all the Flyertalk sages. I also should thank the several wonderful UA agents who helped as changes to changes were changed.
The difference of treatment was dramatic by various agents. Some were knowledgeable and helpful; some just wanted you off the phone and had no care. But overall most were wonderful and helped make things work with flexibility on both sides.
The difference of treatment was dramatic by various agents. Some were knowledgeable and helpful; some just wanted you off the phone and had no care. But overall most were wonderful and helped make things work with flexibility on both sides.
Jan 25, 2022, 7:43 am
#225
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: UA Plat MM, CM Plat, Amex Plat, Hertz CP, Hyatt Globalist, SPG Gold, Vons Club
Posts: 6,852
Interesting, how many PQPs were you expecting? Please keep us posted and good luck