Sunday, June 10, 2012

Star Alliance Mega-Trip 2012: United Economy Class IAD-DFW

Star Alliance Mega-Trip 2012  
a.      Introduction/Preface
f.       Exploring Frankfurt
t.        Conrad Tokyo
u.      Exploring Tokyo

United Economy Class IAD-DFW

United 3801 IAD-DFW  Canadair Jet 700
Wednesday
, February 8
Depart: 1:12 PM  Arrive: 3:39 PM
Duration: 3hr27min
Seat: 2C (Economy [Plus] Class)

This flight was pretty uneventful with the usual beverage service where I got a can of Sprite Zero and then snacked on goodies that I snagged from the British Airways lounge.  We did have a talkative baby in the area and I tried to sleep through all of that but was slightly successful.  The flight was about 90% full and there was relatively little turbulence.   

We landed about 15 minutes early and then I visited the United Club for a little bit there before then heading off to baggage claim where bags were delivered on cue when I got there.  It was nice to get home after 4PM versus the original itinerary of 11PM as scheduled so I had plenty of time to unpack and then get to bed by 9:30PM to get a full night’s rest before having to work the following morning. 

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Overall, I had a great time on this trip sampling several fantastic airlines.  The SFO United First Lounge was very nice (compared to the one at ORD) and a good place to rest before my long haul flight. Lufthansa was excellent as usual and I had a repeat flight attendant on mine.  I loved the new 747 First configuration and hope to fly it again soon (or the Airbus 380).   

Thai Airways was also outstanding and my crew was wonderful.  I cannot give enough praises to the staff and their hospitality during the flight.  I love the 777-300ER plane theyleased from Jet Airways.  The premium services escort at FRA was good and getting picked up at BKK for the lounge was nice.  The complimentary one hour body massage at the Thai Royal First Spa is something I look forward to again.  Getting to check in on DragonAir the night before my flight was good and I enjoyed my stay at the Marriott SkyCity.

The Cathay Pacific Arrivals lounge was very nice experience and I look forward to it next time I stop over in HKG.  I was disappointed that I did not get to explore the Star Alliance lounges in HKG and will try to do it next time.  

Asiana is a great airline I hope to fly them on a long haul next time in First Class with them in the near future.  I had fun in Tokyo despite not doing a lot of sightseeing and not able to buy some things I wanted.  I will definitely come back with a more definitely plan in hand next time and do more exploring/shopping during the day.   
The Conrad Tokyo is the nicest hotel I have stayed with (Andaz 5th Avenue is a close second) and they blew me away with their service and amenities they offered.  ANA is a very good airline and I enjoyed flying with them.   

Next time I fly from Tokyo on Star Alliance back to the US, I will definitely choose them over United/Continental.  I would love to fly First Class on JAL just to compare the service on both.  I would not mind transiting NRT in the future.  

**** Thanks for following along with me on this long TRIP REPORT ****

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