ORD-LAS-ORD
Nov 9, 1999 | 7:53 pm
#1
Original Poster
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Programs: United, Hilton
Posts: 691
ORD-LAS-ORD
First try at a report - hope it is interesting...
Arrived at O'Hare at 8:30 for my 11:00 flight to Las Vegas, hoping to get on the 9:45 747. Checked in at the PE counter, with no wait! The agent was able to confirm me on the 747 in Business with no change fee. Nice way to start the trip. Boarding was easy and we left on time. I had my favorite seat on the 747, 22H exit row window. The best of both worlds (window and room to get up without bothering the person next to me). Lunch choice was a chicken breast with Cajun cream sauce or a salad with leeks and feta cheese. Neither of these sounded good, so I requested the coach meal. That was a pastry puff with chicken and broccolli (hope I spelled that right). Not bad, but can't United offer a simple choice (like a chicken breast without sauce)? Flight was very smooth and Channel 9 was available. The movie choices were great in Business (4 choices with personal video screen) but the entire system failed after 15 minutes of use. The flight attendants tried to get it working, but no luck. Oh well, listening to ATC and reading were OK substitutes. Landed early and was first off the plane (quite a trick from the opposite side of the plane). Only had a carry-on bag so no delay from gate to cab. Cab lines were loooong but moving at a good clip. Got into cab within 15 minutes of getting into line.
This trip, I choose to stay at the new Paris hotel. Overall, an outstanding experience. The only negative is the crowds in the aisles. Since Paris just opened in September, everyone wants to see it. Plenty of slots and video poker so I was happy. Food is great, but pricey. The buffet is really different from other Vegas buffets (food choices are mainly French, but there is American as well). Charging $8 for the trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower seemed excessive. Room was comfortable with full size mattresses and good size pillows. Room was spotless and housekeeping was perfect. New glasses, towels and soap every day without fail (whether used or not). I would recommend Paris to anyone.
Arrived at McCarran 2 hours early for my flight home. The check in process for PE and first class was as smooth and quick as normal although the check in line for coach was very long and slow moving. I always wonder how many flights from LAS are delayed because passengers are stuck in the check in lines? Again was on a 747 with 22H as my seat. Boarding was somewhat different than normal. The agent called for First Class, then UPPER DECK Business class, then rows 50 and above for coach. What happened to the LOWER DECK of Business??? The agent mentioned that since the lower deck Business is in the access path for the rest of coach he planned to board us last. NO WAY. A few of us waiting near the door were very vocal about this, and the agent relented. I understand the need to board quickly, but give me a break. Anyway, the flight left a few minutes late but the captain let us know we would make it up in the air. Dinner was a choice of Filet Mignon with potato and vegies or a salad with chicken pieces (I am sure the menu described it better, but I never received a menu). The steak was excellent and even the dessert was good (pumpkin cheesecake). The video system worked well and we did arrive at O'Hare 13 minutes early. Had to wait a few minutes for an agent to open the door, but still off the plane early. Overall, a great trip. (Hope this was not boring....)
Arrived at O'Hare at 8:30 for my 11:00 flight to Las Vegas, hoping to get on the 9:45 747. Checked in at the PE counter, with no wait! The agent was able to confirm me on the 747 in Business with no change fee. Nice way to start the trip. Boarding was easy and we left on time. I had my favorite seat on the 747, 22H exit row window. The best of both worlds (window and room to get up without bothering the person next to me). Lunch choice was a chicken breast with Cajun cream sauce or a salad with leeks and feta cheese. Neither of these sounded good, so I requested the coach meal. That was a pastry puff with chicken and broccolli (hope I spelled that right). Not bad, but can't United offer a simple choice (like a chicken breast without sauce)? Flight was very smooth and Channel 9 was available. The movie choices were great in Business (4 choices with personal video screen) but the entire system failed after 15 minutes of use. The flight attendants tried to get it working, but no luck. Oh well, listening to ATC and reading were OK substitutes. Landed early and was first off the plane (quite a trick from the opposite side of the plane). Only had a carry-on bag so no delay from gate to cab. Cab lines were loooong but moving at a good clip. Got into cab within 15 minutes of getting into line.
This trip, I choose to stay at the new Paris hotel. Overall, an outstanding experience. The only negative is the crowds in the aisles. Since Paris just opened in September, everyone wants to see it. Plenty of slots and video poker so I was happy. Food is great, but pricey. The buffet is really different from other Vegas buffets (food choices are mainly French, but there is American as well). Charging $8 for the trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower seemed excessive. Room was comfortable with full size mattresses and good size pillows. Room was spotless and housekeeping was perfect. New glasses, towels and soap every day without fail (whether used or not). I would recommend Paris to anyone.
Arrived at McCarran 2 hours early for my flight home. The check in process for PE and first class was as smooth and quick as normal although the check in line for coach was very long and slow moving. I always wonder how many flights from LAS are delayed because passengers are stuck in the check in lines? Again was on a 747 with 22H as my seat. Boarding was somewhat different than normal. The agent called for First Class, then UPPER DECK Business class, then rows 50 and above for coach. What happened to the LOWER DECK of Business??? The agent mentioned that since the lower deck Business is in the access path for the rest of coach he planned to board us last. NO WAY. A few of us waiting near the door were very vocal about this, and the agent relented. I understand the need to board quickly, but give me a break. Anyway, the flight left a few minutes late but the captain let us know we would make it up in the air. Dinner was a choice of Filet Mignon with potato and vegies or a salad with chicken pieces (I am sure the menu described it better, but I never received a menu). The steak was excellent and even the dessert was good (pumpkin cheesecake). The video system worked well and we did arrive at O'Hare 13 minutes early. Had to wait a few minutes for an agent to open the door, but still off the plane early. Overall, a great trip. (Hope this was not boring....)
