Time for some more snapshots as I look at some US domestic segments.
Firstly, we’ll cover Chicago to Washington Regan in Coach.
I documented some of the fun of this in Delayed due to fish, but here’s some experience pictures.
The plane(s)
The plane which had to be pulled to delay due to fish was an AA 737-800… with a clown nose (old AA bodywork, new style radardome).
The replacement was a repainted American Airlines 737-800.
Inside the plane:
It’s a typical American Airlines 737 in its shades of blue. This had the classic 737 Next Generation interior installed.
I was in an exit seat row – and there was plenty of space… including a full row for myself during take off and landing.
Lots of legroom though!
Cabin load was… light. Very light for a Wednesday morning.
With the plane running an hour late or so, it didn’t mess around heading up into the sky.
Although sunrise looked pretty over the windy city.
Accent was bumpy over Lake Michigan, but a pretty reasonable climbout.
In flight service
I don’t need you a hint what it was.
The ride itself was pretty smooth for the flight over to DC, allowing me to catch a few winks in between staring at the countryside.
IFE was provided in the form of overhead screens, and WiFi provided by Gogo.
Approach into DC was a circulatory affair, lining up for a River Visual Approach.
Downtown Washington DC in the distance.
Making one of the final turns.
Landing
A bit bumpy, but the plane made the gate an hour 20 late.
A Remarkably nice day in DC.
Overall
A pretty standard flight. Not much to report other than a delay… due to fish.
Now lets look at Washington Reagan to Chicago (Same day)
Airport and Lounge.
I’ll be honest – I like Washington Reagan Airport. It’s an architecturally beautiful airport.
Security was handled with TSA’s typical attitude to security. With that ordeal done, it was through to the lounge.
The Washington Reagan lounge isn’t the largest in the world, with some trouble getting a reasonable seat. Once a seat was found, it was a reasonable environment to work in.
Lounge area.
Bar
Cruets.
Boarding was from Gate 35X, requiring a bus transfer between the two sides of the AA gates, and then a bus transfer to the plane.
From the old AA side to the US “AA” Side.
Down the to the bus station
Alas, it seems that Reagan Airport has learned how to bus from Heathrow Airport. By that, I mean they pack the buses tight before sending them off.
It wasn’t me that guffed. Honest.
The plane
Operated by Republic Airlines, it’s an American Eagle E-175.
I was sat in First Class. Sadly, I was in a 2-some seat as opposed to being in an individual seat. Seat was reasonably comfortable, even though there was no overhead space by the time I had boarded.
Taken after landing at ORD.
The plane was solid in both First and Economy.
Take of was delayed by an hour – mainly due to bus loading, but also due to a wind direction change, which required a runway switch.
With a delayed departure, the plane took off into the sunset.
See you again soon Washington DC!
Flying over Washington Dulles Airport.
Catering
A pre-departure beverage was offered. Post take off, another beverage was offered, with cold nuts.
Sigh. The lack of ovens means no hot nuts!
Tray – Salad with either a chicken chunk or a cheese chunk.
IFE:
No IFE system installed, plane was fitted with GoGo wireless.
The flight itself:
A smooth run, with the colours of nature doing their things as evening turning into night.
Sunset…
Lowering light.
Lovely Sunset colours.
Crossing over Lake Michigan again and into Illinois.
Landing:
Landing was a quick affair, followed by the long taxi over to the L gates at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
Overall: Not a bad effort in First Class – although the service did feel a little rushed. I did mention that E-Jets were impossible to mess up – however, I think I might have to retract that statement due to the window alignment with the seat.
The full trip report coming soon with more observations!
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