I don’t usually write domestic shorthaul trip reports, but thought it might be helpful to chronicle my recent trip to Colorado on United Airlines onboard a 737-900. While pandemic-related service cutbacks continue, the flight felt surprisingly like old times.
United Airlines 737-900 First Class Pandemic Review
I chose the first Denver flight of the day out of LAX so I could connect to Colorado Springs and arrive before noon. That mean a very early wake-up call, but there was no traffic driving to the airport (despite new shutdowns, traffic is back in full force in Los Angeles).
The airport was also quiet at that early hour. I was going to stop for a cappuccino prior to the flight, but boarding began before the coffee shop even opened, so it was onboard coffee for me!
UA371
Los Angeles (LAX) – Denver (DEN)
Wednesday, December 16
Depart: 05:30AM
Arrive: 08:55AM
Duration: 02hr25min
Aircraft: Boeing 737-900
Seat: 3F (First Class)
The 737-900 first class seats are comfortable and perfectly suitable for a two-hour flight. Avoid the last row (five), though, as recline is limited especially on the A/B side. I was seated in row three.
The sun had still not risen as we taxied out and took off into the morning sky.
Breakfast was served after takeoff , a choice between two sandwiches:
- Everything bagel baguette with veggie cream cheese
- Turkey Monte Cristo with raspberry jam
I had not tried either sandwich and went with the “everything bagel baguette” which included ciabatta bread, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, carrots, scallions, and red peppers. Yes indeed, it had a kick to it (and also a ton of fat and carbs).
It was served hot and I must say that it was very tasty. Sure, I’d much rather have an omelet or French Toast with fresh fruit and yogurt, but this was better than nothing and certainly better than a snack box full of shelf-stable junk food.
As an added bonus, the coffee was strong.
I asked if there were any turkey sandwiches left, just so I could do a taste test, but all the sandwiches were taken. I was offered a snack box and declined.
Two treats on this flight. First, it was great to see Jill Raymond as the purser. She was purser on a LAX-SFO flight over the summer and I was so pleased with her service I wrote her a note of praise. Once again, she provided caring, attentive service to everyone in the cabin. She’s a great asset for United.
Second, the views out the window were lovely. I love the low sun of winter and the snow on the ground:
I would have connected to the internet, but not at these prices…$14.99 for 30 minutes? That’s really an insult. My emails and texting could wait, even if I could expense it…
Throughout the flight, Raymond patrolled the cabin and offered refills on beverages. I appreciated the attentiveness so much.
CONCLUSION
It was a smooth flight overall. The sandwich was satisfactory, service was great, but internet pricing absurd. I look forward to the return of full service onboard, but I must give United credit for offering a lot more than Delta right now in terms of soft product. I prefer this over a blocked seat.
You know it’s sad times when bloggers start posting about short haul trips like this. Nonetheless, happy holidays and thanks for posting Matthew.
Actually, these short haul reports often attract more readers than the long haul ones.
Yeah I think they’re really informative especially in these times. I like to see the current food offerings for short haul, transcon, long haul, etc
The trip report series about Africa is a million times more interesting than 10 pictures of a microwaved baguette. I have to give credit for the artistic attempt though– a picture of it wrapped, open, different views of open, cut in half. Wow.
Lol. I try!
I flew 3 times on AA777-200 in the last few weeks, wish they had United’s sandwiches…can’t stand AA’s croissant with turkey anymore…dry and tasteless
However flying domestically with flat lie beds has small positive note in that
I want to fly AA in the new year. Such a tough choice to determine whether to go for 1K or EXP next year.
United has by far the best international route network of the Big 3 and you fly a lot internationally. Also, do you not want to go for lifetime Global Services at 4 million miles?
Maybe I misread the question, but i just think oneworld status is much more valuable. Personally, I cannot see myself deviating from United. I wish I could hold on to emerald status though. I love the lounges.
I take it American is not rolling over the gifted status you got through Hyatt. When you fly OneWorld, aren’t you typically flying on premium award tickets that give you lounge access anyway? Star Alliance Gold may not be so valuable compared to OneWorld Emerald, but is there any lifetime status more valuable than United’s?
AA is rolling it over. I’ll have it another year. But I’m looking ahead to 2022 because at this point it isn’t clear how much travel will be possible next year. I wonder if I’ll ever get to visit the Qantas F lounge in SIN…
Food = D-
View = A+
I’d give the food a C. Would be D if this was a transcon, where the same thing is served, but flight time was under two hours.
I also agree that UA domestic soft product is much better than DL. Last week, I flew DL JFK-CUN in J on A330 and all I got was snack pack and snack box. The only “drink service” they had was water, beer, and wine. Couldn’t even get an orange juice or coffee.
I really don’t understand why Delta has been so draconian in continuing its service cutbacks.
But at least we have JetBlue at the other end of the spectrum.
Speaking of Delta…wish they had hub in Chicago… definitely would fly with them instead of AA…
If you had a choice ,which one, from the big three , you would rather have elite status with?
Assuming all the world is open, oneworld emerald gets you into some amazing lounges around the world. I love that status.
Most likely because of their density cutbacks…all signs point to DL restoring “premium” catering about the same time seat blocking ends.
I suspect you are right (and certainly hope so).
Hey at least you got the sandwich. On my HNL-LAX flight last week in UA F, my only choices were either the Tapas or the Classic box for lunch. I would have taken the gooey sandwich in a heartbeat.
Mele Kalikimaka to you and your family!
Same to you D.A.!
I respect Matthew’s reviews. But will never respect his choice in eating this onboard junk. His coffee reviews are first rate. However, If I was a blogger (thank god I am not!) I would show what I got at the airport to bring onboard. Far more interesting. As there are now better options emerging to make yourself a far healthier and tastier meal onboard from outside vendors. That is if you are not flying in MINT. Or Intl.
Fair point. Maybe I’m just too cheap!
Hey Klint!!! I thought you were die hard UA all the way!!! What happened? Would you seriously choose AA over UA? Better yet, AA over DL? Please help me out here, I’m confused. ☹️
@Jay B, no I don’t think I’ll be leaving UA. I just like oneworld status so much.
Whew!!! Thanks for that, you got me really scared there for a moment or two. I personally enjoy UA a lot too, even though I’m an 8 year old veteran for AA!
You know I am not sure “reports” on various flights, mostly domestic are for better or worst a fair synopsis of a trip on any airline today. I say this with respect for both the author and the airlines. People are generally concerned as are the FA’s and frankly I don’t blame them, for me having averaged 110K business and 40K personal a year I am in no real hurry to get back in the air. Play roulette while in the AF flying in Vietnam but then I did get AO exposure.
Happy New Year and Ck Six
Missing flying, airports, lounges, gate area people watching, window views, baggage claims, rental cars, hotels and all the rest of the flying travel experience.
These blog posts are so basic and lousy lately they are feeling like a TripAdvisor review from someone who rarely reviews things. Picture of a united shrink wrapped sandwich. Groundbreaking.
Easy solution. Click away.
I used to be United by my company is all American so I swapped. It works for me because I get main cabin extra seats on booking for my whole family. That’s a serious benefit when you have three kids. I think the aa lounges are way better than even Polaris (eg ord). Regarding qantas first lounge in Singapore? I think the one at lax is grossly overated (and I’m Australian :). I can easily access star alliance awards through lifemiles so I like earning aa points. Have had some good redemptions on Qatar, royal jordanian jal etc.
That looks tastier than what I was served on AMS-IAD yesterday (had to cancel my BA flights and rebook award tix with FB).