I’ve been on these boards since the early years, reading often, lurking very often and posting much less often. It’s not that I don’t want to post. But frankly, by the time I have something to say, someone has usually already said it. This is my first trip report, so be gentle.

I thought this trip merited a trip report, because for me, it entailed so many “firsts”. First time on Continental. First time to EWR. First time on an ERJ – 145. I purchased the ticket for this trip on CO’s website, garnishing 1,000 bonus for doing so. I also signed up for OnePass at the same time.

RIC – EWR
CO Express #3748 ERJ-145

I was looking forward to this flight to try out the new ERJ-145. Continental introduced the 145 to Richmond recently for routes to EWR, MCO, and TPA. In fact, I’ve booked seats on the RIC-MCO non-stop later this year. I chose it for my MCO trip because I’m taking my two toddlers and didn’t want to hassle with changing planes (there is no other RIC-MCO non-stop) In hindsight, that may have been a mistake.

I think I would have been more comfortable in a cigar tube. I’ve flown the CRJ many times, and never found it as claustrophobic as I did the 145. I guess no one relishes regional jets over mainline aircraft, but I’ll take a CRJ over the 145 any day. I just couldn’t get over how narrow the cabin felt. On a positive note, it was quiet and fast. We landed 10 minutes ahead of schedule, but the 10 minutes were quickly squandered as we had to taxi over to the commuter tarmac, wait for a parking spot, load the bus, and scurry to the main terminal.

Took a 1-hour cab ride to Mahwah, NJ. Yes, I know…..should’ve just rented a car.

EWR – RIC
CO #1425 737-500

After a limo ride back to EWR (half the cost of the morning’s cab), I again checked in using the kiosk and was able to trade my middle seat for an aisle. I was hoping to have enough time to use my Diner’s Club card for entrance into the Northwest lounge, but heavy traffic and the monorail being out of order combined to thwart my plans.

Boarding began 30 minutes prior to departure, which was right on time (I understand this is rare for EWR). Y was 80% full and I believe there were a couple of empty F seats. Enjoyed a margarita but would have enjoyed it more if it had been Jose Cuervo. The flight was uneventful and landed in RIC about 10 minutes early.

My only complaint with the whole CO experience is the equipment.

Why did man ever create the Boeing 737? And why would any rational airline executive force his passengers to ride in one? There is absolutely no comparison in terms of comfort to the Airbus products. I simply can’t imagine riding a 737-800 in Y on a transcon flight.


[This message has been edited by harold (edited 09-25-2000).]

Thanks for the fine report!

Many will agree with you on the 737-800:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum94/HTML/000244.html

Thanks for the report on the ERJ ... another a/c to avoid, sounds like.

Never felt so strongly as you about the 737 until I flew Metrojet today and got put in 2B - yecch.

I had my first 2 CO flights in years this week. Sunday SNA-IAH and Monday IAH-SFO. I really, really enjoyed both flights. SNA-IAH was a 737 and I was in 2E (First Class, isle seat). Compared to UA 737 in First Class, it was great. Good leg room, a big salad, and pasta with scallops. All in all very nice. Try to get some leg room on the Shuttle. IAH-SFO was a 757 and I had switched flights at the last minute and First Class was full. I debated at the gate whether to wait for the flight I was on (2 hours later) but decided to take the proverbial bird in the hand. After the doors closed, the FA came back to row 27 (where I was) and said, "Are you Mr. Auh2o"? Yes. "Someone missed their connection, there is a seat in First Class, move up". Nice. I have never had UA do that (athough others have reported it). Again good service.

But the best part about CO. No upgrade coupons required. I really could get used to that.