Houston George Bush International

At an awful early time the shuttle of the Sheraton dropped us at the airport. We checked in at the Charter counters of Continental Airlines in Houston.

Like many other flyertalkers I checked my luggage to Paine Field.

Fast lane was available after some discussion with the agent standing at the entrance. She had no clue about Star Alliance and their frequent flier programs. She only allowed passengers with CO Elite Status to access the fast lane, not even UA elites were allowed, though the sign at the entrance showed the Star Alliance Gold Logo. After a short discussion with some of us, she gave up and let everybody in, but still thought she was right. Security was fast with very few regular passengers at this early hour of the day and soon we were on our way to the Continental Presidents Club. I am not sure, if the agent knew about the group, but it was not really a problem to get access to the Club. The charter flight was under a CO flight number, but from my understanding you usually did not receive any status benefits if you are on charter flight. Anyway, we got access to the club.

The most of us took the time in the club for breakfast, some cups of coffee and some juice. As far as I noticed the bar was closed, so no alcohol at this early hour of the day. I think we did not disturb too many of the passengers in the club.

Together with a few other flyertalkers I left the lounge ahead of time and headed for our gate, where the rest of the party arrived a bit later, but others were already there.

Boarding begun for those in First Class, but then it was by rows. I looked like “Tommy Class” had no benefits on this flight. They took it with a smile.

05 November 2010
IAH - PHX
[Houston George Bush Intercontinental – Phoenix ]
CO 1905 (Continental); Boeing 757-300 (N57864)
Gate H 08
07:00 – 07:50 [effective 07:05– 07:35]
Economy Class
Seat 41 C

My seat was in the second last row of the Economy Class Cabin. I stored my belongings in the overhead compartment and under the seat in front of me. I shared the row with MLang2 and MSP-MSY. The crew was present at the Continental Event on the previous day, so we already knew them.

They had some difficulties with the safety video and the speech of the new United CEO which caused some good laughs.

The captain welcomed us on board and we were pushed back at 07:05 and taxied for the runway. We took off at 07:25 and climbed into the sky over Houston. Flight time was expected to be 2:20 and there would be no cloud in the sky.

The fun begun …

At this point I have to admit that is it a bit difficult to describe the mood and atmosphere in the plane. We joked and had fun and made use of the intercom. Champagne was offered to all of us using proper champagne flutes (plastic ones, but who cares about this minor detail). Soon later breakfast was offered, which consisted of a burger and yoghurt, slices of apple and cookie. The beverage service for the last rows were done by fellow flyertalker scott.

In the meantime Skiadcock and xyzzy sold tickets for the raffle.

It was fun and many people were walking around and chatting to other flyertalkers and it was for sure not easy for the crew on this flight.

Flight time passed very quickly and way too soon we began our final approach into Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. We touched down at 07:45 and arrived after a few minutes taxiing on the airport at 07:53 the gate.

Busses were waiting for us escorted by airport security cars. Two stairs were used to deboard the plane; we did not have to use the jetbridges of the terminal. We boarded the buses which brought us to the meeting with the management of US Airways.

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