Noobs first trip report
May 31, 2011 | 9:00 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2011
Location: CLT, ORD, DUS, SGN, BKK, etc
Programs: UA, Mariott, Accor
Posts: 5
Noobs first trip report
...and by noob, I mean this is my 5th post after 2 weeks on the forum (lurker).
First, a brief introduction: I'm no George Clooney, my trips generally last 4 to 6 weeks in one location, 4 to 6 times per year, so I don't get the mega miles many of the VFF's posting here attain. Over the last 20 years I have been in and out of virtually all the *A elite partner programs, depending upon where I lived at the time. I joined FT so I may learn to be more program savvy. Many of my final destinations can be off the beaten path, so I have also hit elite in multiple hotel programs but rarely keep that status for long. For example, I joined A-Club six weeks ago and I'm Gold today. It may be two years before I stay at an Accor hotel again. I also stay at a lot of managed appartments with no progams.
I just returned from BKK (CLT-ORD-NRT-BKK R/T) and hit 1P somewhere over North Dakota. This is my second TPAC this year with UA. 7 of 8 segments have been paid C on 744's with the new configuration. Yesterday's 882 NRT-ORD segment was on an older 777 with the old seats in C. Boy, have I gotten spoiled. I wish Contunited would concetrate less on "enhancing" livery and more on updating where butt meets upholstery. I really was hoping for the new "Q" configuration. The previous segments on the 744's were uneventful, comfortable, and the crews were quite pleasant. As disappointed as I was with yesterday's 777, the crew in C really exceeded my expectations. I was in 12H and had the more "experienced" part of the team (over 70 years between the two of them!) These ladies took exceptional care of me and kept me laughing most of the 11.5 hours on board.
With the time required for immigration and customs clearance, rechecking my bag, the train ride from ORD T5 to T1, and my hike to C1 to board a CR7 for the last leg, I only had time to stow my gear and gulp some water before they shut the door on my last segment. Nice crew, uneventful flight in A1, glad to be home for a while. The short layover resulted in a delayed bag. Courtious and efficient agent arranged delivery to my home this morning. If the bag were delayed outbound, I may have made a stink, but nothing I needed at home was checked.
In closing, I have a question. While I've always been satisfied with the level of service on UA flights (particularly Int'l), This is the first time I have felt compelled to "officially" compliment a group of FA's. What is the most meaningful means of expressing my appreciation for the exceptional service I received on UA882 yesterday? A letter to WHQ seems a bit trite, and I fear a gift may be inappropriate. Suggestions?
Thanks in advance, LTG
First, a brief introduction: I'm no George Clooney, my trips generally last 4 to 6 weeks in one location, 4 to 6 times per year, so I don't get the mega miles many of the VFF's posting here attain. Over the last 20 years I have been in and out of virtually all the *A elite partner programs, depending upon where I lived at the time. I joined FT so I may learn to be more program savvy. Many of my final destinations can be off the beaten path, so I have also hit elite in multiple hotel programs but rarely keep that status for long. For example, I joined A-Club six weeks ago and I'm Gold today. It may be two years before I stay at an Accor hotel again. I also stay at a lot of managed appartments with no progams.
I just returned from BKK (CLT-ORD-NRT-BKK R/T) and hit 1P somewhere over North Dakota. This is my second TPAC this year with UA. 7 of 8 segments have been paid C on 744's with the new configuration. Yesterday's 882 NRT-ORD segment was on an older 777 with the old seats in C. Boy, have I gotten spoiled. I wish Contunited would concetrate less on "enhancing" livery and more on updating where butt meets upholstery. I really was hoping for the new "Q" configuration. The previous segments on the 744's were uneventful, comfortable, and the crews were quite pleasant. As disappointed as I was with yesterday's 777, the crew in C really exceeded my expectations. I was in 12H and had the more "experienced" part of the team (over 70 years between the two of them!) These ladies took exceptional care of me and kept me laughing most of the 11.5 hours on board.
With the time required for immigration and customs clearance, rechecking my bag, the train ride from ORD T5 to T1, and my hike to C1 to board a CR7 for the last leg, I only had time to stow my gear and gulp some water before they shut the door on my last segment. Nice crew, uneventful flight in A1, glad to be home for a while. The short layover resulted in a delayed bag. Courtious and efficient agent arranged delivery to my home this morning. If the bag were delayed outbound, I may have made a stink, but nothing I needed at home was checked.
In closing, I have a question. While I've always been satisfied with the level of service on UA flights (particularly Int'l), This is the first time I have felt compelled to "officially" compliment a group of FA's. What is the most meaningful means of expressing my appreciation for the exceptional service I received on UA882 yesterday? A letter to WHQ seems a bit trite, and I fear a gift may be inappropriate. Suggestions?
Thanks in advance, LTG
Last edited by longtimegone; May 31, 2011 at 10:00 am
Jun 1, 2011 | 12:31 pm
#2
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Canada, USA, Europe
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 31,439
I know what you mean about concentrating on the seats and not the livery...
For day flights I generally prefer the lazyboy seats to the flat-bed seats because they are more comfortable to sit in and I don't expect to sleep anyway.
A few years ago though, flying from NRT-ORD in a UA 747-400 we go stuck with the very old seats on the upper deck (ie 2 generations ago.) These did not even have PTV, and legroom was rubbish. I think some cabin crew told me it was the last plane not to have been refurbed.
For day flights I generally prefer the lazyboy seats to the flat-bed seats because they are more comfortable to sit in and I don't expect to sleep anyway.
A few years ago though, flying from NRT-ORD in a UA 747-400 we go stuck with the very old seats on the upper deck (ie 2 generations ago.) These did not even have PTV, and legroom was rubbish. I think some cabin crew told me it was the last plane not to have been refurbed.