Here is another trip report on a US domestic airline - National Airlines. A pretty new experience for me - first on a N7's transcontinental flight and first visit to Terminal Four.

April 3, 2002
N7 7 JFK-LAS Lv0750 Arr1030
Boeing 757-200 N526NA
I bought a first class discount ticket with National because my return will take place 30 days after departure, which will cost me more than $1000; therefore, I settle for this $900RT between JFK and SFO via LAS with N7. The return has not happened yet, but a trip report will definitely be written up in May.

To my surprise, National Airlines used only three check-in agents at JFK, which resulted in a long line. There was a separate first class line, but it was not staffed. I felt really bad to run up to the first class line� for some mysterious reasons, I stuck in the economy line for 45 minutes. Although first class line had no passengers checking in, F class was completely full this morning. The agents were not overly warmed, but were somewhat efficient - as I got used to this "New York" style. My bag was tagged all the way to SFO but there was no priority tag with National. I got my boarding passes and went to Gate B26 for boarding. The new terminal four certainly looked impressive - a bright and wide departure hall with many shops below. It was definitely an opposite world from Delta's terminal three. I was impressed and there were quite a number of planes.
Aerolinea Argentina's A340 LV-ZRX arrived late from Buenos Aires, Lan Chile Boeing 767-300ER CC-CRH, Aeromexico's Boeing 767, Avianca's Boeing 767-200ER, El Al's Boeing 747-400 4X-ELA, Aer Lingus' Boeing 737-400 EI-BAX operating with the Apple Vacation title, and Universal Airlines SP-LPB (an African carrier)�
I also saw the Air France's Concord taking off as we headed to Runway 22R for our takeoff. JFK was always my top plane-spotting heaven. Terminal four was definitely not busy this morning and there was no wait for security lines. All the lines were opened but there was no one waiting in line at all. I guess only two flights departing this morning also explained the rather empty security hall.

Boarding was orderly and the manager for N7's JFK station was collecting boarding pass stubs. He was friendly and thanked everyone for choosing National Airlines. When I entered the F class cabin, it was already packed and took my seat, 1A. Headset and a bottle of water were already placed on the beverage console. Then the F/As offered a full pre-takeoff beverage and N7 continued to use real glasses for pre-takeoff drink. If I had a name for this flight, it was the "Bloody Mary" express. I really could not imagine consuming so much alcohol in the morning. Bloody Mary was ordered by passengers all around me. It was only 7am in the morning. I guess Las Vegas is really the "sin" city. Door was closed at 7:55am, despite an early boarding at 7:12am. We pushed back at 8:01am and headed towards the very busy takeoff line at Runway 22R this morning. It was basically AA's Boeing 767s, UA's Boeing 767s, and Jetblue's A320s early departures towards the West Coast. We took off from Runway 22R at 8:21am. Due to strong head wind, flying time was five hours and sixteen minutes. We climbed to 35,000ft and our flight route was a bit different from regular route - we flew over Toronto, Southern Ontario, Lake Erie, and Minneapolis before turning SW towards Las Vegas.

A hot towel service began our breakfast this morning, followed by more orange juice for me, and more Bloody Mary for my neighbors. Then the F/As passed out a fruit plate consisting of white grapes, strawberry, 2 slices each of melon and cantaloupe, and a croissant. Our choices of main courses were quiche, pancake, or granola with yogurt. I had the pancakes, which was your basic IHOP style - four slices of pancakes with 2 sausage patties and Aunt Jermina's syrup. It was pretty average breakfast and you could not go wrong with it. My neighbor's quiche also looked nice, which came with Canadian bacon, tomato, and spinach. After breakfast, the movie, Harry Potter, was shown in the main screen. It costs $2 for coach passengers to watch the film and to rent the headset. For those who are curious about the audio jacks and movie screens on National's Boeing 757-200, they work, but N7 just chose not to have a full audio and video program to complement these screens. Coach Class also had a hot breakfast service.

Surprisingly, National offered a second snack service in first class. A cheese and cracker tray was offered to everyone. Brie, Cheddar, and Swiss cheese were offered with crackers, grapes, and strawberry. Unfortunately, I did not see any sign of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies offered, as National publicized on its publishing materials. The flight was soon over and the descent over LAS was not too bad. We landed on Runway 25L at 10:37am and parked at gate D2. The flight was decent and National's first class products are recommendable, and it is a good deal with the present upgrade programs at the gate.

BTW, National was to introduce a second aircraft type later this year, according to the articles published by the National magazine in April, 2002. My guess is the Boeing 757-300s, which make sense for National, or the Boeing 767. What is your guess?

Carfield -

Glad you enjoyed N7's service. I've been interested in how they do.

I've heard through industry insiders that National has been looking at smaller planes for their fleet - possibly the 717 or 737NG. Apparently they want to be able to expand to smaller markets a little closer to home to compliment their cross country stuff.

If you have a F ticket, just go stand in the F line even if it's not staffed... they should eventually notice you and wave you over.

National does have priority luggage tags. I don't know why you didn't get one. It won't make any difference though.

things are pointing to 737-700s.. the 717s don't have the range nor the efficiency to operate out of LAS when it's 120 degrees outside...

-n

Thanks for the report, Carfield. I really enjoyed reading it.

National serves the cookies on lunch and dinner flights. You were on a breakfast flight.

Actually the 717 has exactly the range that National is looking for. They are looking for the smaller planes to take over their shorter flights (LAX and SFO) and to add destinations closer to LAS. As far as efficiency, the 717 has proven itself to be one of the most fuel efficient passenger aircraft in the skies. If you're referring to the hot/high performance I couldn't speak to that but can't imagine that it would be any worse than an MD80 and there are plenty flying from LAS now.

I recall TW using the 717 on at least 1 STL-PHX leg last summmer. I'm not sure if it was the red-eye on the way back, but it still says something for its performance and range. My one trip on a 717 STL-IAH was a pretty interesting experience, as you really get to feel the power of the engines and sensation of speed on the takeoff roll, especially, much like in a corporate jet.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Carfield:
up in May.

The agents were not overly warmed, but were somewhat efficient - as I got used to this "New York" style.

Carfield,

This is how we show love and affection here in NY. If they would have been nice to you, well, who knows.

Thanks, Carfield for the report.

Interesting to read a report about a lesser known airline.

I always thought that these passengers are typical for charter flights!?

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You needn't be mad to board a plane.

[This message has been edited by LH738 (edited 04-29-2002).]

It's a great jet to fly. The real question is whether or not National will join the ranks of 717 operators, or will they just stick to the one type.





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The perfect ladies' man is a perfect gentleman.