LAX-JFK-LAX (very long)
Sep 7, 1999 | 12:54 pm
#1
Original Poster
In Memoriam, Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 6,879
LAX-JFK-LAX (very long)
More specifically, SNA-LAX-JFK-LAX-SNA.
Part 1
SNA-LAX. Not again.
As usual, I arrive at SNA on time and check in for my flights in the RCC (by the way this is the first time in 2 years that I left the laptop at home…on purpose!). Everything is scheduled on time. The puddle jumper to LAX boards as normal. I have seat 9B (9B/C are the only 2 seats on this route that have any leg room). We push back from gate and the pilot informs us that LAX has delays and we will be sitting on the tarmac for 30-40 minutes before take off (it’s amazing that a 35 mile flight is never on time). 2/3 of the people on the plane are going to miss their connections. However, I am informed that if “I run really, really, fast”, I will make my flight. The wait ends up being on the short side of 30 minutes. The 15 minute, 35 mile flight is uneventful. I disembark and RUN from Terminal 6 to Terminal 7. Flight 904 from LAX to JFK is delayed 45 minutes. DOH! So much for the run.
LAX-JFK. Food, Drink, Food, Drink, Drink…
“First Class, Business Class, 1K’s, Premier Executives, and Premiers, can board at your leisure”. They have to stop saying that. What seems like the entire plane goes rushing for the gate. Some lady actually shoves me aside (not really hard to do) and tries to elbow by me. I inform her that “This is the line”. She puts her nose up and says in a terrifically, snooty voice, “YOU can’t be in Business Class?”. “No”, I reply, “I am in First Class”. “OH”. I wish you could have seen her deflate and take her position in line. Seat 1C, the best seat on the 767-200 MV. Nice foot rest, movie player in the seat. After take off, I have some Champagne (OK sparkling wine for you sticklers out there). Then the food parade starts. All food on this flight is served to you by the FA’s from a main cart and you pick what you want and how much you want. First is the gourmet appetizer cart: mustard in filo, caponata-stuffed mushrooms, and duck and Swiss chard sausage with red onion confit. Then crab and mushroom chowder. Then garden fresh salad. Finally, raspberry sorbet. I eat it all. For the main course I have the Kona Island sampler with barbecue sauce (filet mignon with Kona dry rub, Oriental lamb chops, barbecued shrimp, roasted red potatoes, and sauteed spinach. One also gets to pick side dishes which consist of petit pois with roasted peppers, spinach with red peppers, warm cannellini beans and a sunchoke, and a spinach and ricotta tart. Again, I try everything. Desert consists of cheeses and fruit with Sandeman’s Porto (I was too stuffed for cheesecake or ice cream with fudge). About now I should mention that my drinks are proceeding something like sparkling wine, sparkling wine, white, white, white, red, red, red, red, red, vodka tonic, vodka tonic, vodka tonic, some coffee drink, scotch, vodka tonic…). I lost track somewhere around 17. I spent time chatting in the First Class galley, the Business Class galley, and even the coach class galley durning the flight. The FA’s in First, Robin and Jackie were absolutely terrific. A bottle of sparkling and a bottle of white go with me. I stumble off the plane, and am greeted by Catman who graciously puts up with me, gets us a taxi, and directs us to NYC. I would never have made it out of JFK alive.
W New York.
I won’t go into too much detail as Catman has already posted a report on this property. Tiny room (and I am Platinum), beautiful people, lousy food, neat bar and club. They also took over an hour to figure out my bill as I was using a Free Friday which did not credit properly.
JFK-LAX Please let me die.
I woke up very hung over in NJ (I was at a wedding the night before) and had to get to JFK. $80 later I make it. The LAX and SFO flights leave out of Terminal 6, where as other UA flights are Terminal 7. They have a really nice RCC where I load up on ice water. I take may seat, 2C, and watch the parade of kids go by. There must have been the same number of children as adults on this flight. 3 kids in First. 2 around 2-3 years old and a 5 month old baby (more on her later). The food was very similar to the LAX-JFK leg, except this time I have ZERO alcohol on the flight and could barely eat the food because my body was hurting so much. The appetizers and the seafood minestrone were lifesavers and I ate the English Toffee Crunch ice cream. I could not eat the main course. I drank 17 glasses of water this time. The 2 2-3 year olds ran up and down the aisle and cried a whole lot. The mother was in First and father in Business and the kids were constantly were screaming and running between classes. The 5 month old on the other hand never made a sound. She was really cute, just slept, looked around, and smiled a lot. Without bringing up the whole kids in First thread, parents make all the difference in the world. By the way, 5 month olds parents were “Billy” from Ally McBeal and his wife. Really, really nice people. The FA was told me he was a 1K and gave me a few tips. I had never met an FA with MP status before. The movie was Notting Hill and I enjoyed it. Took a bottle of white home.
LAX-SNA. $%&#%^&*%.
Delayed 45 minutes. A couple was sitting in 9B/C when I boarded and asked if I wanted 8B. Normally, I am OK with this sort of thing but the way I was feeling, NO. 9C. I wanted the room. Apologies to them if they happen to read this board.
The thing that really stood out on these flights (which has been extensively discussed) was how different First Class is on routes that UA competes on. If only all domestic First were so nice…
[This message has been edited by auh2o (edited 09-07-1999).]
Part 1
SNA-LAX. Not again.
As usual, I arrive at SNA on time and check in for my flights in the RCC (by the way this is the first time in 2 years that I left the laptop at home…on purpose!). Everything is scheduled on time. The puddle jumper to LAX boards as normal. I have seat 9B (9B/C are the only 2 seats on this route that have any leg room). We push back from gate and the pilot informs us that LAX has delays and we will be sitting on the tarmac for 30-40 minutes before take off (it’s amazing that a 35 mile flight is never on time). 2/3 of the people on the plane are going to miss their connections. However, I am informed that if “I run really, really, fast”, I will make my flight. The wait ends up being on the short side of 30 minutes. The 15 minute, 35 mile flight is uneventful. I disembark and RUN from Terminal 6 to Terminal 7. Flight 904 from LAX to JFK is delayed 45 minutes. DOH! So much for the run.
LAX-JFK. Food, Drink, Food, Drink, Drink…
“First Class, Business Class, 1K’s, Premier Executives, and Premiers, can board at your leisure”. They have to stop saying that. What seems like the entire plane goes rushing for the gate. Some lady actually shoves me aside (not really hard to do) and tries to elbow by me. I inform her that “This is the line”. She puts her nose up and says in a terrifically, snooty voice, “YOU can’t be in Business Class?”. “No”, I reply, “I am in First Class”. “OH”. I wish you could have seen her deflate and take her position in line. Seat 1C, the best seat on the 767-200 MV. Nice foot rest, movie player in the seat. After take off, I have some Champagne (OK sparkling wine for you sticklers out there). Then the food parade starts. All food on this flight is served to you by the FA’s from a main cart and you pick what you want and how much you want. First is the gourmet appetizer cart: mustard in filo, caponata-stuffed mushrooms, and duck and Swiss chard sausage with red onion confit. Then crab and mushroom chowder. Then garden fresh salad. Finally, raspberry sorbet. I eat it all. For the main course I have the Kona Island sampler with barbecue sauce (filet mignon with Kona dry rub, Oriental lamb chops, barbecued shrimp, roasted red potatoes, and sauteed spinach. One also gets to pick side dishes which consist of petit pois with roasted peppers, spinach with red peppers, warm cannellini beans and a sunchoke, and a spinach and ricotta tart. Again, I try everything. Desert consists of cheeses and fruit with Sandeman’s Porto (I was too stuffed for cheesecake or ice cream with fudge). About now I should mention that my drinks are proceeding something like sparkling wine, sparkling wine, white, white, white, red, red, red, red, red, vodka tonic, vodka tonic, vodka tonic, some coffee drink, scotch, vodka tonic…). I lost track somewhere around 17. I spent time chatting in the First Class galley, the Business Class galley, and even the coach class galley durning the flight. The FA’s in First, Robin and Jackie were absolutely terrific. A bottle of sparkling and a bottle of white go with me. I stumble off the plane, and am greeted by Catman who graciously puts up with me, gets us a taxi, and directs us to NYC. I would never have made it out of JFK alive.
W New York.
I won’t go into too much detail as Catman has already posted a report on this property. Tiny room (and I am Platinum), beautiful people, lousy food, neat bar and club. They also took over an hour to figure out my bill as I was using a Free Friday which did not credit properly.
JFK-LAX Please let me die.
I woke up very hung over in NJ (I was at a wedding the night before) and had to get to JFK. $80 later I make it. The LAX and SFO flights leave out of Terminal 6, where as other UA flights are Terminal 7. They have a really nice RCC where I load up on ice water. I take may seat, 2C, and watch the parade of kids go by. There must have been the same number of children as adults on this flight. 3 kids in First. 2 around 2-3 years old and a 5 month old baby (more on her later). The food was very similar to the LAX-JFK leg, except this time I have ZERO alcohol on the flight and could barely eat the food because my body was hurting so much. The appetizers and the seafood minestrone were lifesavers and I ate the English Toffee Crunch ice cream. I could not eat the main course. I drank 17 glasses of water this time. The 2 2-3 year olds ran up and down the aisle and cried a whole lot. The mother was in First and father in Business and the kids were constantly were screaming and running between classes. The 5 month old on the other hand never made a sound. She was really cute, just slept, looked around, and smiled a lot. Without bringing up the whole kids in First thread, parents make all the difference in the world. By the way, 5 month olds parents were “Billy” from Ally McBeal and his wife. Really, really nice people. The FA was told me he was a 1K and gave me a few tips. I had never met an FA with MP status before. The movie was Notting Hill and I enjoyed it. Took a bottle of white home.
LAX-SNA. $%&#%^&*%.
Delayed 45 minutes. A couple was sitting in 9B/C when I boarded and asked if I wanted 8B. Normally, I am OK with this sort of thing but the way I was feeling, NO. 9C. I wanted the room. Apologies to them if they happen to read this board.
The thing that really stood out on these flights (which has been extensively discussed) was how different First Class is on routes that UA competes on. If only all domestic First were so nice…
[This message has been edited by auh2o (edited 09-07-1999).]
Sep 7, 1999 | 4:03 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 1999
Location: Manassas VA
Posts: 145
9B and C ... Sounds like and EMB-120 Brasilia to me.
I'm kind of a short guy, so any seat in the A column is OK, but I definitely shoot for 9B when available. Particularly since some of the Brasilias have smaller overheads that won't hold my laptop. Under the seat in the exit row is not a hardship.
I'm kind of a short guy, so any seat in the A column is OK, but I definitely shoot for 9B when available. Particularly since some of the Brasilias have smaller overheads that won't hold my laptop. Under the seat in the exit row is not a hardship.
Sep 7, 1999 | 4:39 pm
#3
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: SFO
Programs: No status anymore. Former CO PLT, NW PLT, AS MVP
Posts: 502
Ahh, yes. the "You can't possibly be the kind of person one would find in the expensive seats" attitude. I've seen it many times. Usually it's on days when I'm wearing jeans instead of a business suit.
It seems to happen less often at SeaTac, perhaps because of the number of Microsoft employees on those flights.
I'm always very cautious about that. I don't like it when there are tons of people that feel compelled to prevent the early boarders from boarding by blocking the way, when it turns out that they are sitting in the first few rows of coach and won't be called until the very end. So I try to see if I can identify the row number on the boarding pass before I ask to get ahead of them.
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Michael
OnePass Platinum
It seems to happen less often at SeaTac, perhaps because of the number of Microsoft employees on those flights.
I'm always very cautious about that. I don't like it when there are tons of people that feel compelled to prevent the early boarders from boarding by blocking the way, when it turns out that they are sitting in the first few rows of coach and won't be called until the very end. So I try to see if I can identify the row number on the boarding pass before I ask to get ahead of them.
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Michael
OnePass Platinum
Sep 7, 1999 | 5:44 pm
#4
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: SNA, LAX
Programs: UA 1K, SPG Plat, Hertz P Circle
Posts: 1,628
It does work a little differently for UA, since Premier members can board with the first class passengers. I almost always travel in economy, usually row 10 on a 757 or row 4 on a 737, and I'm often the first or second passenger to enter the economy section, sometimes even the first guy to board!
Sep 7, 1999 | 7:59 pm
#5
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: Loyal to Myself
Posts: 8,303
I remember what First Class was like LAX-JFK, back when United permitted double upgrades. Now I usually fly to EWR, get in 1st, and have a decent meal.
It got to the point where watching the crew filling the 1st class seats LAX-JFK as I walked to business made me grit my teeth. <smile>
It got to the point where watching the crew filling the 1st class seats LAX-JFK as I walked to business made me grit my teeth. <smile>
Sep 7, 1999 | 8:37 pm
#6
Join Date: May 1999
Location: New York City
Programs: UA MM-1P, Hilton Life Diamond, Marriot Life Gold, ICH Spire
Posts: 4,080
Kennedy Airport might be a nice place were it not for all the cars, terminals, airplanes, and people.
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I'm only in it for the mileage
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I'm only in it for the mileage
Sep 7, 1999 | 9:57 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Texas, U.S.A.
Posts: 19,523
Catman, unless AuH2o's brother ends up coming to the Party In Paradise, you are hereby designated as AuH2o's official "handler" on the PIP Express. Me thinks we're going to need one. 
[This message has been edited by PremEx (edited 09-07-1999).]
[This message has been edited by PremEx (edited 09-07-1999).]
Sep 8, 1999 | 11:43 am
#9
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Digital Nomad Wandering the Earth - Currently in PARIS, FRANCE!
Posts: 61,970
On the subject of switching seats for others' convenience or comfort:
I have never said "no." I've switched for others in international first, done it in coach, and done it in business. Once, I gave up an aisle seat on an A-320 LAX-IAD just because the lady who was to sit in the center seat looked uncomfortable so I offered to switch (and NO, it was NOT a come-on ). Three hours later I was regretting it, but three months later I'm glad I did.
I'm certainly not judging our moist golden friend (we've all been forced to fly in such states of self-imposed distress), but I am curious as to what other people's personal policies are about this. To be totally honest, one of the main reasons I never say no is the thought of one, two or more people staring angrily at me for the duration of the flight...besides, I figure that for those with whom I switch this may be their only flying experience this year, whereas for me, it's just another day. Is there a good way to say no and still respect yourself in the morning???
[This message has been edited by Matt Wald (edited 09-08-1999).]
I have never said "no." I've switched for others in international first, done it in coach, and done it in business. Once, I gave up an aisle seat on an A-320 LAX-IAD just because the lady who was to sit in the center seat looked uncomfortable so I offered to switch (and NO, it was NOT a come-on
). Three hours later I was regretting it, but three months later I'm glad I did.I'm certainly not judging our moist golden friend (we've all been forced to fly in such states of self-imposed distress), but I am curious as to what other people's personal policies are about this. To be totally honest, one of the main reasons I never say no is the thought of one, two or more people staring angrily at me for the duration of the flight...besides, I figure that for those with whom I switch this may be their only flying experience this year, whereas for me, it's just another day. Is there a good way to say no and still respect yourself in the morning???
[This message has been edited by Matt Wald (edited 09-08-1999).]
Sep 8, 1999 | 12:20 pm
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,337
Good report John. I'm glad to see someone else appreciating the LAX-JFK 1st class seats and service. It's well worth the drive to JFK for me as it's night and day between that and the narrowbody 1st class from EWR.
Sorry to hear about the kids running back and forth. That's why they have a rope between 1st class and business on BA. I really wish UA would do the same, but it ain't gonna happen.
Sorry to hear about the kids running back and forth. That's why they have a rope between 1st class and business on BA. I really wish UA would do the same, but it ain't gonna happen.
Sep 8, 1999 | 12:30 pm
#11
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Kirkland, WA
Posts: 6,932
Very nice 5-star report, auh20! I think the only way I'd ever get to try out that first-class service is if I booked a first-class award ticket from SEA to Europe and routed it through SFO and JFK, not exactly the most direct booking. No way to upgrade even for a 1K. Sounded great though!
Sep 8, 1999 | 2:21 pm
#12
Commander Catcop
Join Date: May 1998
Posts: 10,259
A FOUR PAWS UP REPORT AUH20 (SORRY that I shouted!) Hope you are feeling better.
Well I am with Matt Wald on this switching seats issue. IN all cases I asked I have switched. (hoping that someday that I'm traveling with my favorite Flyertalker and we are separated that if I ask that someone would switch so I can be with my favorite Flyertalker!)
I think AuH20 was really out of it and could not get up if he tried.
OMNI: Thanks for a great time in NYC AuH20 and please come back again so I can show you more of the greatest city in the world.
Well I am with Matt Wald on this switching seats issue. IN all cases I asked I have switched. (hoping that someday that I'm traveling with my favorite Flyertalker and we are separated that if I ask that someone would switch so I can be with my favorite Flyertalker!)
I think AuH20 was really out of it and could not get up if he tried.
OMNI: Thanks for a great time in NYC AuH20 and please come back again so I can show you more of the greatest city in the world.
Sep 9, 1999 | 1:26 pm
#13
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: JFK/LAX
Posts: 1,436
The reason why UA has better FC service LAX-JFK-LAX on their 3-class planes is because they, as does AA, tout there "premium trans-con service". There's a highly outdated explanation of this on UA's websight. AA actually refers to their FC on these routes as "Premium First Class".
UA and AA are catering to Hollywood, note Billy from ALLY MCBEAL on your flight. The majority of those in F and C on both UA and AA have paid the full fare, which can run in the neighborhood of $3000 to $4000 round trip for C to F service.
On AA it is very difficult to get an upgrade from Y to C unless you're a high-level elite. Dropped a friend off at LAX awhile back. He's gold on AA, something like 27 people on the waiting list to get into C.
All of the movie/tv studios, agencies, etc. have corporate deals with either AA or UA and there is a tremendous amount of business done between NY and LA, thus being at the first level of elite on either carrier for this route is practically useless. I believe Universal Studios has a deal with UA and Creative Artist Agency has a deal with AA, etc.
That said, I take DL as I have no problems ever getting upgrades on their flights because their sched between LAX and JFK is designed around their flights coming and going from Europe. And now that the 767-300ER's are equipped with the Business Elite seats and video monitors, the 5 to 6 hour flight can be quite a nice ride. ***I just did LAX-JFK yesterday on DL and will post the trip report later today or tomorrow.
Unless one lives near EWR, there's no reason to fly two-class narrow body service from LAX.
the scribbler
UA and AA are catering to Hollywood, note Billy from ALLY MCBEAL on your flight. The majority of those in F and C on both UA and AA have paid the full fare, which can run in the neighborhood of $3000 to $4000 round trip for C to F service.
On AA it is very difficult to get an upgrade from Y to C unless you're a high-level elite. Dropped a friend off at LAX awhile back. He's gold on AA, something like 27 people on the waiting list to get into C.
All of the movie/tv studios, agencies, etc. have corporate deals with either AA or UA and there is a tremendous amount of business done between NY and LA, thus being at the first level of elite on either carrier for this route is practically useless. I believe Universal Studios has a deal with UA and Creative Artist Agency has a deal with AA, etc.
That said, I take DL as I have no problems ever getting upgrades on their flights because their sched between LAX and JFK is designed around their flights coming and going from Europe. And now that the 767-300ER's are equipped with the Business Elite seats and video monitors, the 5 to 6 hour flight can be quite a nice ride. ***I just did LAX-JFK yesterday on DL and will post the trip report later today or tomorrow.
Unless one lives near EWR, there's no reason to fly two-class narrow body service from LAX.
the scribbler
Sep 10, 1999 | 6:02 am
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
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Posts: 34,337
I'll take your word for it that it's tough to upgrade from Y to C on LAX-JFK, but I always upgrade from C to F on UA. Never been denied. The same goes for IAD-LAX on the 777 or 747.
And yes, on the NY flights I often see someone recognizable (though I don't watch much TV) and on the D.C. flight I often see and hear (they are windbags) politicians.
And yes, on the NY flights I often see someone recognizable (though I don't watch much TV) and on the D.C. flight I often see and hear (they are windbags) politicians.
Sep 18, 1999 | 5:33 pm
#15
In Memoriam
Join Date: May 1999
Location: San Francisco UA1K; AA Gold
Posts: 937
As for switching seats, I'm always willing if they can give me the same kind (aisle, window, or whatever) that I have, especially in coach. But no, I won't trade my aisle exit row for your middle cramped row!
My strategy when I'm with somebody and can't get two seats together is to get two that would be together if they were in the same row, such as one aisle and one middle elsewhere. Then either of us can ask our seatmate to change, and we're offering the exact same seat they had. Never had a problem using this approach.
My strategy when I'm with somebody and can't get two seats together is to get two that would be together if they were in the same row, such as one aisle and one middle elsewhere. Then either of us can ask our seatmate to change, and we're offering the exact same seat they had. Never had a problem using this approach.