Reg: N625VA
Name: Jefferson Airplane
Load: Full!
First flight with VX. On board their first aircraft according to the V-Flyer database!
The day started with waking at 2:45am to try in vain to get a 6hr upgrade to F. No luck, so after completing check-in went back to bed. Wasn't sure if I would have problems at the airport if I hadn't printed boarding passes - luckily the Hilton Fisherman's Wharf has a very well equipped (if out of date) business center with complimentary printing, so saved them to PDF and dropped them in my email drafts to print on the way out.
Used the SF City Shuttle shared van service to get back to the airport - driver was early, had a couple of pick ups on the way and didn't take too long to get into SFO.
Check in was very friendly, efficient and quick. Even getting through the TSA checkpoint was a breeze (although it was around 7am). Heard a cat meowing - thought it was a ringtone until Mrs. T pointed out someone holding the most beautiful Burmese cat waiting to go through the metal detector. Couldn't believe it!
As we were in the A gates, no Priority Pass lounges. Snacked on the limited range of overpriced food before being called for boarding. Time flew by with free Wifi to entertain.
Boarded and the a/c was absolutely packed. Only just managed to stow our handbaggage in the cabin - others behind us had to gate check their bags.
Took off on time, played with the amazing IFE - TV in flight, very novel. A swift drinks service later and we were soon circling round to land in SEA. The crew seemed very friendly and relaxed, the cabin was in good condition but IMO there wasn't quite enough back support in the Main Cabin seats for my taste.
Very quickly off and down to baggage claim. Our bags seemed to come off first - maybe leaving the VS Upper tags on them helped?
Getting into the city was a lot easier for us compared to SFO due to the light rail system going virtually to the door of our hotel. A long walk from the terminal to the station though. Bargain at $2.50 per person too!
Unfortunately light rain on arrival but soon brightened up.
