So far everything is looking wonderful. The door chime on the Excursion wasn’t active this morning.
I got to the Parking Spot (#2) and luckily I was more organized than usual and had my reservation because they were out of uncovered parking, so I got a free upgrade to extra wide uncovered parking. I’m more glad that I was prepared than getting the upgrade.
I only had to endure one stop in the shuttle bus to the airport.
No queue at the check-in kiosk.
I’m traveling light… spinner bag was only 40.5 lbs – and that is with my tripod and new outrageously large gimbal head.
Security was fast – and was actually able to go through the pre-check line, so I was able to keep my shoes on.
Now I am in the United Club lounge. United has made significant improvements…. fresh macerated strawberries, nice danishes, croissants and cakes.
Unfortunately they are giving out chocolate bars to remind us they are retiring the Queen of the skies…. the 747-400 – see the picture below. It’s very sad – it’s the fastest (besides the Concorde) passenger plane ever made – and the quietest as well as most comfortable (although the higher humidity on the 787 is very nice).
So now I am just enjoying an adult beverage while waiting for my first flight to IAD – Washington DC Dulles. I’m now #3 on the upgrade list – so I am sure I will not be upgraded. The only benefit I use from their MileagePlus program is the lounge access while traveling internationally, and they offer that at Gold. The only extra perk I get at 1K is one free beverage and a snack box when I don’t get an upgrade. Now that Lufthansa is no longer flying to Doha, Qatar I will need to switch alliances.
