Last week we did SNA-MSP and back. I reserved via phone, paying the extra $5 per ticket in order not to be locked into one of the less attractive pairings that were showing on the website. We were on the 12:10 noon going and the 5:15 returning, both in Y. No line checking in and were helped by a very pleasant woman at the ticket counter. I think that she was impressed that our large cardboard carton was labeled so well [NWA 120 - SNA-MSP 10/14/04 with our name, address of destination and phone number. Everytime we go to SNA I appreciate what a beautiful terminal it is, so well planned as to take advantage of the mountain view and with such a close-up look at the planes, both take-offs, landings and prepping. Too bad that our surging population[don't get me started!] is putting so much stress on it. We really needed El Toro [voted down by our South County-which uses John Wayne more than the population where it is situated]. But so much for the fairness in life. Take-off pretty much on time. As to lunch, I'm not of the Pepsi generation-hate the stuff-so had to have o.j. instead of coke. Unfortunately, had the same turkey sandwich both coming and returning. My husband had it dry as he didn't realise that the mayo-mustard spread [what if you don't like mustard?] was in the rolled up napkin. Thought that the MSP was very attractive. The main area is hard surface with the concourses carpeted, cozier for that awful weather. The parking garage is attached so that you avoid going outside. During the week that we were there we saw the sun not once! However, Orange County was having downpours during that time. The return flight was late departing due to a lineup for take-off. Both flights were very smooth considering the weather. That's all I ask for. Our dinner coming back was the same as the lunch going, except that the small apple was replaced by a "health" bar.

Well, welcome to NWA!

How did you find it in comparison to other airlines?

It would be unfair of me to compare this trip on NWA as other than Alaska Air, on which we took an hour flight several years ago, we have gone only on British Airways, long haul or inter-Europe, in the last few years. The meals on BA in Y have been much better than in Y on NWA short haul but even BA gives out Kit Kat candy bars now with every meal, in addition to a regular dessert. Probably less healthy than the bars we got on NWA.