UA1607 MCO-EWR 5 JUN 13 (FIRST)

So after 9 days in the wonderful Florida sunshine, doing nothing but sitting at the pool, reading, a little shopping and just a few beers, it was time to start the (long) journey home.

The route home via EWR was a result of some nice economy fares upgraded with miles to Upper and necessitated a short hope from MCO to EWR.

After a little juggling and checking out luggage (weights) etc, I decided against the v-flyers favourite of JetBlue and went for United.

Plenty of choice of times, 2 bags up to 32kg each and a shot on a different airline ( that also flies into EWR out of Edinburgh )sealed the deal.

As I have mentioned before, you do miss that "extra" last day you receive when flying home direct and so it was a relatively early departure of around ten from Disneys Saratoga Springs for the short trip to MCO.

They eventually seem to be doing something to finish the approach road to the airport which most of has been lying unused for many years.

A quick drop off of the hire car at Dollar and up to checkin, which was very quick, fast track through security and on to the gate to find out no lounge included

As many will know, Orlando airport isn't the shabbiest to be stuck at a gate so it was a case of paying for the coffee rather than a free one.

Boarding was quick an into 1b which has the benefit of an extra little cutout in the wall for your feet.

So, United 1st. The debate is here http://v-flyer.com/forum/index.php?f=5& ... ic#p847549 for anyone that's missed it.

The price of the flight was a little over $200. The service was 1st class with drinks offered before take off, free direct tv and, actually, a pretty good lunch.

There was a choice of something (absolutely no idea what she said ) and soup with a salad.

I went for the soup, asparagus, which was very nice. Pipping hot and very tasty ( much hotter than the soup I've just had in the EWR clubhouse)

And the salad, which turned out to be a king prawn salad and very nice. ( I don't have the best of hearing due to too much loud music, but I sometime really struggle to understand the American variant of our language )

Again drinks were offered, coffee freshly brewed and cookies offered just before we landed.

Flight was pretty quick at around 2 and a half hours ex the taxing to the gate although pretty bumpy all the way up.

Bags were off in the first dozen and then the wait started for virgins check in to open.

So in summary, would I use them again for that flight, in a heartbeat !

I had built in some slack time wise, which wasn't really necessary but apart from the wait in a pretty heartless EWR, United were good. I'll give them 8 an a half out of ten

Oh yes, and on boarding you got warm nuts

Thanks

David.

( and fabulous views of New York coming in to land )

I wonder how many times a day they have to say: Warm nuts, sir? Anyone want warm nuts??

Thanks for the insight into United First, glad the trip was a good'un.

Cheers for posting

good to hear.
Avoided UA for the past 3 years so maybe I will give them another try.

I do like those nuts! Ha. I've really not regretted my swtich to UA this year; in the space of just 6 months my fiancee and I have managed to easily get J award seats to LHR from SFO....also, I really like their website, and in particular the recently discovered search feature that allows you to find flights with mileage upgrades available. Anyway, nice TR, glad you enjoyed your trip.

Very nice TR, I've never really thought about using First for internal flights...doesn't seem too expensive either Anyways, sounds like a very good service and a pleasant light

Warm nuts

David, thanks so much for sharing. I have previously flown Continental on this route pre-merger and that was a couple of years ago but I always found them to be reasonable. The food hearty and no skimping on the drinks. I have given them a wide berth ever since how they handled me whilst stuck in the US during the volcano crisis.......your experience would make me think about considering them again should no other options exist.....

My preferences are Virgin America, Jet Blue, Delta, American and then United.....but you never know!!

Jon

I might have to do an internal US flight and was put off First by the general consensus that it's not very good. But you've opened my eyes!

I agree about American English. I spent about three minutes trying to buy a Can of Coke in New York.

I agree about American English. I spent about three minutes trying to buy a Can of Coke in New York.

Lol, the best I've had is when asking for a "bottle of bud" and then had to repeat "a bottle of Budweiser" to make sure I don't die of thirst lol

David