Chicago O'Hare

The Shuttle Service of the Hampton Inn drove us to the United Terminal at Chicago Airport and dropped us off. The departure Hall was quite busy and several people were queuing at the desks for Economy, while we headed for the First Class counter at the opposite end of the Terminal. Check In was fast and we got our boarding passes printed. There was a Fast Lane for Star Gold / Star Silver, Business and First Class Passengers. Security took some time, as one had to took off shoes, belt and place the laptop out of the case in one of the baskets. So no sound as I passed the metal detector and I packed my laptop, put my shoes and belt on and waited for cathaana.

We headed for the Red Carpet Club, which was also very crowded but were able to snag two seats. Reading a little bit we waited and left the lounge some minutes prior to boarding time, because cathaana wanted to visit a bookstores, but the shops at this part of Chicago are on the one hand small and on the other hand the variety of shops is very limited. Many food outlets, but only a few shops with a very limited selection of books, papers and magazines.

As we arrived a gate B 3 some minutes after boarding should have started they were still preparing some things. Several people were queuing in front of the check-in and it seems this flight was full.

Soon the boarding announcement was made. Boarding started with passengers in first class, but it was not that easy to reach the jet bridge as the most people were blocking the way. Well, we finally made it, but I am amazed how annoyed one could be about stupid Economy Passengers while travelling in First.

21 May 2006
ORD – SAN
[Chicago O’Hare – San Diego Lindberg Field]
UA 477 (United Airlines); Airbus A 320
Gate B 3
12:05 – 14:15 [effective 12:05 – 14:15]
First Class
Seat 01 B

Boarding the plane, we were greeted by a friendly flight attendant. Sitting in the first row, it was a bit difficult to store my trolley and the laptop bag, as the first overhead bin could not used. First Class was full and we watched fellow passengers board the plane. Sitting in the aisle in the First Line, one is surprised that the most passengers are not very careful while boarding and do not take care if the touched other passengers with their carry-ons, bags, etc..

No pre-departure drink, but this was not possible on this full flight. There were no magazines or newspapers distributed after doors are closed and there were also no papers available on the jet bridge. Especially as this was a longer flight I would expect to get at least a minimal selection of papers, but this to be seems another improvement by cut backs.

We were pushed back at 12:05 just in time and rolled to take off. During this, captain came over the micro and informed us about flight time and that channel 9 would be available on this flight. So I listened to channel 9 and learned there were three plane before us. We took off at 12:22.

After the seat belt signs were switched off, the flight attend working in the First Class Cabin began to prepare the beverage service. First we got warm nuts and were asked about our choice of beverage. I opted for a coke and got the whole can. She did the service personally, i.e. not trolley. While bringing the nuts to every row, she asked about beverage. It was a friendly and charming service.

Meal service began 35 minutes later. One had to choose between a shrimp salad and a tuna wrap. I took the last one. The warp (in fact it was two) was not that bad. As expected, it was a plastic knife on this flight. During the meal service one got asked for refills of beverage. Coffee and tea were available after the menu.

A film was shown (King Kong), but I prefer to listen to one of the 15 music channels available on this flight and reading a bit.

The plane was 100% full, as we had expected from the number of passengers in the waiting area near the gate.

Economy Passengers were allowed to use the front lavatory, after the meal service of First Class was done. This was a nice touch for Economy Passengers, but quite a bit disturbing from the First Class Passenger’s point of view. To me, it was interesting to see the flight attendant working and also the safety by blocking the aisle when the cockpit crew got their meals.

Flight time passed quickly and we touched down in San Diego at 14:20, a little bit behind schedule and arrived at our gate at 14:25. We were among the first passengers to leave the plane and headed to the exit.

Cathaana stayed with a friend in San Diego, while I headed for the Shuttle Bus to the Holiday Inn Bayside.

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