My first trip report – on a quick h/s/j trip report from a mileage run I did today. Goal is to go from silver to gold and continue my love/hate relationship with this airline. Turned out to be a smooth trip – all flights on time; reasonable seating; and was all done by 6:00 p.m. eastern. Too tired to go out tonight so thought I’d write this up as I watch the Sox.

After a relatively sleepless night (early flights do that to me), the alarm went off at 4:30 a.m. and I headed into Logan Airport. I had been trying to change my seats online all day Friday but nothing would take (I’d make the change and try to save and it would revert to the old seats) – so I skipped OLCI and figured I’d take my chances at the airport. The kiosk wouldn’t let me check in because I had more than 3 segments so I went over to the service agent.

With the short turn around at BTR, usairways.com wouldn’t let me book this as a round trip so I bought the tickets on expedia for a change. That seemed to lead to all kinds of shenanigans with my seats. The US Air rep was pretty helpful and moved me to unoccupied rows where possible. And I got upgraded on the last leg – DCA to BOS. A nice way to wind it up.

BOS-CLT was an A321 and I wound up with 9E – turned out to be a good seat – lots of leg room and I was able to get an overhead bin. A little awkward staring at the FA in the jump seat on takeoff and landing – and she wasn’t exactly overly friendly. This was a very full flight, and I was surprised and disappointed not to get an upgrade. After reading some WSJ, I think I slept a fair amount on this leg; arrived in CLT before I knew it. New TSA equipment at BOS – hated it – have to empty your pockets completely (including wallet) and take off belt and hold your hands over your head. I guess this makes us safer . . .

CLT-BTR There were going to be several FT members on my next leg; went to the US Air lounge at Charlotte but couldn’t find Alpha Guy or the others – first time using Amex Plat for lounge access with US; they did ask for photo ID. Checked email and had some caffeine. When I got to the gate, I figured out who they were and caught up with them on the plane or at BTR. Jim-F sat behind; me AG and klar were further back. Two of us did the quick turn, and two went on their way from there. There was one other passenger who did a quick turn at BTR; no idea if he was FT member or not. In all, I’d estimate that 25% of the passengers were mileage runners. Finished the WSJ and started watching a movie – Leap Year – romantic comedies and mileage runs go hand in hand for me. Given the way the watching played out, it became a suspense movie. Oddly, the flight attendant said it would be 1:08 flying time – ended up being more like 90 minutes.

BTR-CLT After a short break (not long enough to recharge my laptop battery much) and some FT chatter, got back on the plane. There was a new crew on the flight so they didn’t look at us funny. Uneventful flight – got about 15 more minutes of Leap Year in before the batery died and read my book. On both the BTR legs, the flight attendants got through the beverage services quickly and then proceeded to sit in empty seats in the cabin. Seemed a little odd to me but they were otherwise pretty good.

CLT-DCA Only about 35-minute layover here so not much battery juicing. That airport is overrun with beeping carts. This was a full flight but eminently forgettable. My laptop declined to give me enough power to watch any Leap Year – in any event, there was a guy next to me so probably too cramped to watch. I did finish my book. We landed early at National Airport.

DCA-BOS Had a full 60-minute layover here and took advantage of the charging stations. Ended up in 2A, and the first class flight attendant was excellent. Kept the drinks coming; professional; affable – a great representative for the company. Northbound takeoff so great views. Had some drinks and finished the movie! I won’t spoil the ending. Started a new book. Landed about 10 minutes early at an empty Logan and I was on my way.

I’ve been pretty lucky with mileage runs over the years – never had a delay and have done them for pretty cheap. I think this way my 5th (BOS-PIT; BOS-SFO; BOS-FT Myers; BOS-OAK). Until I get a job that includes travel, this will be a necessary evil but as evils go this one wasn’t so bad. Looking forward to some international *A gold lounge access. It was also fun to do some 4th wall breakage with fellow FT members.