It’s been exactly one year since I returned from my adventure in the South Pacific. Time flies, but no, I’m not having fun. All things considered, I’m still grateful that I made it to 2021 and I can see the light at the end of his horrific pandemic tunnel!
Normally, I travel abroad every two or three months. In 2020, I went on a single domestic trip – what a huge difference! That being said, I have no problem resisting my urge for traveling to stop the spread. I wouldn’t expect that travels will resume anytime in 2021, though I can see myself starting to pick up some trips in the summer – cautiously.
Last weekend, I went to Seattle on a direct United flight from Washington Dulles. For those wondering, my stance on avoiding American Airlines has not changed. I have not spent a dime on them since my trip last year.
Washington Dulles was pretty deserted at 4 p.m. on Friday. There wasn’t any line at the security checkpoint. Since I had about an hour to spare, I stopped at the Lufthansa Senator Lounge and the Turkish Airlines Lounge, which I will review in the next installments.
Washington Dulles (IAD) TSA Pre-Check
Fast forward to the gate, the agent didn’t process the upgrade until boarding started. I knew there were plenty of open seats in first class, so I didn’t board the plane until he cleared my upgrade. Even so, the first class cabin was about half full.
Boarding Process During Pandemic
I find boarding during the pandemic better and more orderly than pre-Covid time. I spotted a few MAGAs on my flight – I was concerned they would make a scene, but fortunately, they didn’t. Note that this was the same week MAGAs stormed and vandalized the United States Capitol, so I felt a bit uneasy.
United Airlines at Washington Dulles
Moments later, I made it to my seat and later found out that I didn’t have a seatmate! Upon boarding, each passenger was handed a sanitizing wipe.
United Airlines Sanitizing Wipe
United’s Boeing 737-900 first class seats were pretty standard and the interior started to show signs of age. While this particular equipment didn’t have personal IFEs, free entertainment was available via Wi-Fi streaming on the United mobile app. Fortunately, I downloaded a few episodes of Schitt’s Creek before the flight.
United Airlines Boeing 737-900 First Class Seats
United Airlines Boeing 737-900 First Class Cabin
The flight was scheduled to depart at 5:35 pm, though we began to push back at 5:27 pm. Eight minutes later, we were airborne.
Many airlines adjusted their in-flight catering throughout the pandemic. While United started to bring back snack to first class, it was no way near the pre-pandemic level which normally serve a full meal with two entrée choices on flights over 4 hours.
The choices were snack boxes or carved chicken on Italian flatbread. I chose the latter.
United Airlines First Class Snack
Surprisingly, it was quite good. The sandwich was prepackaged and heated when served. After I opened it, the bread was crusted and not soggy at all. The cheese was melting and the chicken was quite tasty. Before I forget to mention, service was also quite good – all flight attendants were attentive.
United Airlines First Class Snack
I’m personally reluctant to take my mask off, but I cautiously did, just enough time to take a bite. Once done, I quickly put my N95 back on for the remainder of the flight.
I managed to watch half a dozen episodes of Schitt’s Creek before we descended into Seattle.
Downtown Seattle View on Approach
Conclusion
If it’s not for a family matter, I would be content with staying home. I never really thought that flying would be a “chore” rather than a pleasure. I love flying ultra-long-haul flights (16+ hours), but not during the pandemic. Even a five-hour flight from Washington to Seattle felt like forever.
All things considered; it was a pretty uneventful flight despite my concern over MAGA public freak out. Thankfully, it wasn’t the case.
