Review of United flight Mexico City San Francisco in Business

Airline United
Flight UA 718
Class Business
Seat 2A
Aircraft Airbus A320
Flight time 04:50
Take-off 24 May 15, 13:40
Arrival at 24 May 15, 16:30
UA   #76 out of 95 Airlines A minimum of 10 flight-reports within the past two years is required to appear in the rankings. 444 reviews
jetsetpanda
By 4031
Published on 26th May 2015
Hello and welcome to the return segment of this MEX trip.

UA 821 SFO-MEX in Y+ - http://flight-report.com/en/report-10346.html
UA 718 MEX-SFO in J - you are here.


We arrived on a rainy day in MEX and after exiting Customs, a private driver drove us to the Hampton Inn Centro Historico - a great property that I always enjoy returning to. What's not to like when you have a central location, free buffet breakfast daily and washing/drying without the need for coins or tokens?

The following days were packed with sightseeing to the Pyramids and around the city. On one of those days I stayed behind exploring by myself while the rest of the party went to Taxco and Cuernavaca. MEX is such a huge city that merits time in order to uncover its charms. Yes, there's pollution, crowds, noise and crime, but at the same time there is beauty and kindness underneath all that. After all, there are two sides to every coin. We need to see the negative along with the positive in order to appreciate something as a whole.

The bonus will be posted at the end for those who are interested and I will start with the inflight experience which is the main pièce de résistance for all FR's.

I was looking forward to try the new Premium North American catering that UA promised and on their website it is stated that flights that last between 4-5:19 hrs between 0500-2000 receive a full meal service with 3 choices for main meal. The sample menu listed a salad with oranges, strawberries and feta cheese along with an update main dish like lobster macaroni and cheese (yes, I had to read that again - LOBSTER) and some type of fruit sorbet as dessert which sounded promising. In reality the catering on my flight turned out to be a completely different story. :(

On my last day our driver dropped us at the airport on a quiet and uncongested Sunday morning. It's rare to see the freeways empty in this city so it felt almost surreal. UA along with most other airlines with the exception of AM and partners, uses the old T1, which is really showing its age with its low ceilings and dark interior. At the UA check-in counters, there was already a line but we passed by it on our way to the empty Premium area. An agent with her full name displayed on her tag greeted us and issued our boarding passes. She also requested a wheelchair for a person in our party and we made our way to security. Upon our arrival, I noticed an AMEX Centurion lounge next to security and at the priority line, we were told that only 1 companion was allowed per wheelchair, so I moved to the regular line which was short anyways. I was required to empty my pockets and take off my belt, but not my shoes. I was relieved to see that the body scanners were not the x-ray type so popular in the U.S., which seem invasive and I worry about the cumulative effects of radiation in the body.

Once on the other side we passed through the Duty Free mall and took the elevator to the UA Club. My mom and sister stayed there until the wheelchair assistant returned at 1250. The UA Club had two areas on either side of the reception counter. We chose the left one which is a bit more intimate and had sort of view of the tarmac.


Entrance.

photo UA Club @ MEX (48) (1024x683)photo UA Club @ MEX (1) (1024x683)photo UA Club @ MEX (47) (1024x683)


WC's on the right side of the desk through a small hall.




The left side lounge which was smaller and more intimate. Upon entering, there is a storage area to the right side.

photo UA Club @ MEX (5) (673x1024)


Then a corridor with seats.

photo UA Club @ MEX (3) (1024x662)photo UA Club @ MEX (4) (1024x663)


View of the tarmac (or what little of it you can see) with an IB A340 bound to MAD later on.

photo UA Club @ MEX (27) (1024x677)


And a seating area with TV at the end.

photo UA Club @ MEX (2) (1024x683)photo UA Club @ MEX (7) (1024x668)


Bar area.




Breakfast options.




My choices.

photo UA Club @ MEX (23) (1024x668)photo UA Club @ MEX (24) (1024x683)photo UA Club @ MEX (25) (1024x683)


I decided to explore the other side to see what I have missed.

The right side was more spacious with some individual desks and a large open seating area, a bar towards the back and a dining area at the end.

photo UA Club @ MEX (33) (1024x665)photo UA Club @ MEX (35) (1024x678)photo UA Club @ MEX (34) (1024x674)


I then returned to the left lounge and a few more people arrived by then.


These guys were getting really comfortable and obviously did not pay attention to the sign asking people not to put their feet up on the furniture.


photo UA Club @ MEX (38) (1024x629)


An attendant started to retire the breakfast options and eventually brought the lunch items (not all at once).




At 1245, I decided to leave the lounge and go to the AV one located by gate 30. There was a good 10-15 min. walk to the gates in the 30's, which is all the way at the other end of the terminal after you pass through the Duty Free mall and a corridor.


photo DSC06849 (1024x586)


AV Lounge.

This lounge is operated by Global Lounge Network and as such, I have read that the staff can not assist with any ticketing issues related to AV. I presented my UA boarding pass and the agent welcomed me to take the small elevator to the lower floor. The reception area is really small and when I arrived downstairs, I thought that I have ended up in a doctor's office on a busy day. The room is minimalist consisting of white walls and furniture, with a few red seats to break the antiseptic ambiance. I don't know how to describe my impression, but it felt that I walked into a set from the movie Clockwork Orange. It was certainly modern and contemporary compared to most other lounges that I have visited.

Entrance.

photo DSC06861 (1024x654)

Right after you exit the elevator, you will find the WC's on the left and two desks with computers. The men's WC had paper on the floor and the waste bin for hand towels was full. In the lounge there is a communal table in an open room with seats and coaches. A buffet area is set against the wall and there are attendants available to clean and replenish items constantly.

WC's




Computers.

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Interior.

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Buffet.

There were two hot dishes along with salad, garnishes, and sweet baked goods. An attendant offered to prepare me a coffee or hot drink which was a nice gesture.




I did not stay long because I was getting claustrophobic and accomplished what I came here to see. Upon leaving and getting into the elevator, another attendant wished me a good trip with a smile. This lounge might not be big in size, but it certainly was in hospitality and service.

I made it to the gate at about 1320 and there was a 10 min. delay due to late inbound aircraft. The gate agents did a good job in keeping the boarding process orderly. I thought it was interesting that agents did not have access to the doors and had to call through an intercom in order to have the jetbridge opened.

Gate.

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We boarded a few minutes after the crew went onboard. The purser was checking the carts when we started boarding and pulled himself together to greet customers as they boarded.

Cabin.

photo DSC06873 (1024x638)photo UA 718 MEX-SFO (1) (1024x683)


After I took my seat and looked outside, I was surprised to see an AV 787 next to us. Unfortunately it was raining so I couldn't take good shots.




There was no pre-departure beverages offered on this flight due to the late arrival and the rush to get this plane on its way out. The purser took our meal orders and advised that there were only 2 choices - a chicken curry with green beans and mashed potatoes OR beef short ribs with sweet plantains and a starch items that I don't remember. He made sure to ask for a second choice in case the first one was not available. The passenger in 1E complained about a lack of a third choice and the purser advised him to contact UA and let Customer Service know about his disappointment. I believe he was expecting a vegetarian meal but on the MEX flights you can not even order special meals. The purser offered to bring him two salads and maybe check in the back for something suitable.

A few minutes later we taxied to the runway and I took a few more shots.

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An AM Connect landing.

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Interjet ready to take off.

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It was finally our turn to lift off. AV was still parked at the gate.

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R.I.P. MX.

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Hasta luego DF.




During our ascend, the purser informed us that the FA's might have to be seated for the first hour due to expected turbulence. That never happened and he went into action as soon as we leveled off. He greeted me and my neighbor with a hi and asked for our drink choices and then when he went to my sister and mom across he addressed them by name - a bit inconsistent if you ask me.

I requested an orange juice with a splash of cranberry and he brought my drink with a small container of warm nuts with half cashews (whole ones would be better). He never asked whether I wanted ice or not with the drink and refill was never offered either.

photo UA 718 MEX-SFO (2) (1024x683)photo UA 718 MEX-SFO (3) (1024x683)


Later he passed around with the hot towels. These were thick and more like what the old CO used to serve. An improvement for sure.

photo UA 718 MEX-SFO (4) (1024x683)


I chose the curry chicken for lunch and it was presented with a salad, dessert and hot pretzel roll already on the tray. No choice of dressings for the salad. I guess Mexico City is not part of the improved catering campaign, yet this is one of the largest cities in the world and a major financial hub in Latin America, not exactly a leisure destination. A quick visit to the suburb of Santa Fe will convince you.

photo UA 718 MEX-SFO (5) (1024x680)


The napkin had a hole to button it with your shirt. Another point in UA's favor.

photo UA 718 MEX-SFO (13) (1024x683)


Salad.

photo UA 718 MEX-SFO (7) (1024x683)


Main dish.

photo UA 718 MEX-SFO (6) (1024x683)


Chocolate mousse cake.

photo UA 718 MEX-SFO (8) (1024x683)


Condiments and roll.

photo UA 718 MEX-SFO (9) (1024x683)


The meal tasted OK. The presentation was not exactly top notch and the purser made an effort to refill glasses with water but what about the other drinks?


I finished my meal with a cup of hot tea and read some magazines.

photo UA 718 MEX-SFO (15) (1024x683)


Later during the flight the purser asked passengers if they wanted something else to drink. I asked for water and after waiting for 5 min. I rang the call button to inquire about my water and when I told him that he forgot to bring it to me, he apologized and then asked if I wanted it with ice or not.

There were not that many announcements from the cockpit which is a recent trend that I have noticed flying with U.S. carriers. Perhaps it's me but I used to remember American pilots being more chatty. Personally I prefer less talk so this suited me very well.

Freshly baked Otis Spunkmeyer's chocolate chip cookies were offered from a tray righ before arrival. They would have been more presentable if they were served on individual small plates and offered with beverages.

photo UA 718 MEX-SFO (16) (1024x683)


Pretty soon we were getting ready to land in SFO and the views were great as always.

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The Tres Amigos.

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Looks like the Swiss have arrived.

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A little guy next to us at the gate.

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BONUS

I consider MEX one of the most fascinating cities in the world full of extremes and contradictions. Despite the corruption and crime, which seems hard to overcome at times, I have always admired the resilience of its people to move ahead despite the obstacles. This is a place with major disparities and injustices, specially since its colonization. Perhaps one of the most heartbreaking things that one can see are the children asking for handout or performing tricks to get a few cents. I wish more places would follow the Nordic model of social welfare. Of course, those who make the most are prone to lose the most, but in the end that is a small price to pay for the benefit of society as a whole.


Vestiges from an indigenous past - Museo del Templo Mayor.

This was one of the main Aztec temples in the once magnificent Tenochtitlan. According to tradition, this is the spot where the vision of the eagle resting on top of a nopal cactus with a snake in its mouth took place.

photo DSC06425 (1024x683)photo DSC06423 (1024x683)photo DSC06427 (1024x683)


Inside the museum.

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The Eagle Warrior. AM's original inspiration for its logo.

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Influences from the Old World.




Paris? Mais non!

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A heavenly sight - Solar halo over the city.

photo DSC06451 (1024x683)photo DSC06455 (683x1024)


Mexican Gastronomy.

Lunch at El Cardenal, one of my favorite restaurants in the D.F.

Molcajete - this refers to the Mexican version of the mortar and pestle, but at the restaurant it is an appetizer consisting of fresh slices of cheese and avocado in salsa verde and cilantro.

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Heart of palm salad.

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Cordero en estofado de Hoja Santa (ragoût of lamb) accompanied by rice.

photo DSC06557 (1024x683)photo DSC06558 (1024x683)


The bread basket is always a delight with rolls that are crusty on the outside and soft inside. If I didn't know that I was in MEX, I could have sworn that I was in France.

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Grilled chicken.

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Lunch at Hosteria Sto. Domingo.

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Caldo de pollo with melted creamy cheese.

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Chiles en Nogada (stuffed pepper with a picadillo - a mixture of ground meat with spices and fruits and served with a cream sauce made with walnuts and sprinkled with pomegranate seeds). It was served at room temperature.

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Modern murals.

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Neighborhoods.




Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso which contains works by the great muralists like Rivera, Orozco and others.




Franciscanos by Orozco.

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Las aristócratas by Orozco.

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La ley y la justicia by Orozco.

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La libertad by Orozco.

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Signs of the times.

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See more

Verdict

United

6.5/10
Cabin7.5
Cabin crew6.0
Entertainment/wifi6.0
Meal/catering6.5

United Airlines Red Carpet Club

7.9/10
Comfort7.5
Meal/catering7.5
Entertainment/wifi9.0
Services7.5

Mexico City - MEX

7.8/10
Efficiency8.5
Access7.0
Services7.5
Cleanliness8.0

San Francisco - SFO

9.8/10
Efficiency9.0
Access10.0
Services10.0
Cleanliness10.0

Conclusion

In general this was a disappointing flight that was felt in different areas, not only catering. There was the flight delay to start with. We were supposed to leave at 1340 but the flight actually left at 1418, even though we made some time and arrived in SFO at 1633 instead of 1618 with only 15 min. behind schedule.

The catering was a big letdown. There was no updated menu and only two choices for main dish instead of the three promised on UA's website. In addition, the dessert consisted of a piece of chocolate mousse cake that was plainly served, without any adornments like whipped cream or pieces of fruit, which could have worked wonders with the presentation. The curry chicken tasted fine, but not having a choice of dressings for the salad and different types of bread is not very premium.

Service was inconsistent and the absence of pre-dept. drinks could be forgiven due to the time constraint, but forgetting to bring my beverage was a blunder that left a bad final impression.

In the end, United should not promise things that it can not deliver.

Information on the route Mexico City (MEX) San Francisco (SFO)

Les contributeurs de Flight-Report ont posté 3 avis concernant 2 compagnies sur la ligne Mexico City (MEX) → San Francisco (SFO).


Useful

La compagnie qui obtient la meilleure moyenne est AeroMexico avec 7.5/10.

La durée moyenne des vols est de 5 heures et 5 minutes.

  More information

20 Comments

If you liked this review or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to post a comment below !
  • Comment 137756 by
    NGO85 SILVER 1963 Comments
    Thank you for sharing this report with us Adan, sorry it didn’t turn out as you had hoped!

    “which sounded promising. In reality the catering on my flight turned out to be a completely different story. :(“
    - With UA this doesn’t surprise me one bit, all talk and no show. I’m picturing a meal in my mind before I read the rest of the report and we’ll see if it matches... I'm also thinking of a number between 1 and 10.

    “cumulative effects of radiation in the body.”
    - Good thing you aren’t a T-SAP ;)

    The UA Club in MEX is huge and not so ugly, both of which are surprising observations. The sandwiches don’t look to be too bad, but the offerings overall look to be consistent with domestic lounges, which is also consistent with the “domestic” service they provide on the flights to Mexico.

    “obviously did not pay attention to the sign asking people not to put their feet up on the furniture.”
    - Well, I would think a common sense of courtesy to others would preclude the need for a sign like this, but clearly even the sign did not have an effect on their behavior.

    The AV lounge does not entice me at all. It is very sterile looking and bright with that all white interior, doesn’t make for a very relaxing ambiance. Some dimmed lights or mood lighting would have improved the look without changing the furniture. I don't like how all the seats line the walls facing the center. They at least had some hot food options.

    Shame the weather didn’t cooperate for better spotting at MEX, lots of variety there with more Central and South American carriers.

    “he addressed them by name - a bit inconsistent if you ask me.”
    - Maybe related to pronunciation problems? I agree it’s inconsistent, pick one style and stick with it, if you aren’t sure how to pronounce someone’s name, it’s better to just ask and get the embarrassment over with. This happened to me on my JU flight, and I respected the FA for taking the time to get the pronunciation right.

    The meal does not impress me too much. The salad is just a plain salad; nothing exotic like you had mentioned they advertised online. Ranch is bold salad dressing offering and one I don’t particularly care for, a safer option would be expected if there is no option at all, lol. The cake looks pathetic just sitting there on a plate. It could have used some cut strawberries and whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream as garnish, or at least a mint leaf! The main doesn’t look too bad and actually looks (do I dare say it?) appetizing, a little splatter on the plate, but not much more they could do with presentation of a chicken breast and veggies.

    “He never asked whether I wanted ice or not with the drink”
    - Is this a common question? At least here in Asia, ice in juices is not common. Later when he asked if you wanted ice in your water or not, that would seem like a more common request. Regardless, forgetting a drink as simple as water in a small cabin is unforgiveable. How hard is it to open a bottle and pour?

    “They would have been more presentable if they were served on individual small plates and offered with beverages.”
    - I thought milk service was common with the cookie distribution? If you give a panda a cookie…

    “Despite the corruption and crime”
    - This is unfortunately how Mexico City is portrayed in the news and part of the reason why it is a city I have never been to. It is a beautiful city that showcases the merger of the New and Old Worlds. Chiles en Nogada is not a dish I am familiar with, but the description does sound delicious. El Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso appears to provide an excellent representation of Mexican mural artwork, very well captured!
    • Comment 317234 by
      jetsetpanda AUTHOR 2283 Comments
      The UA Club in MEX is huge and not so ugly, both of which are surprising observations.
      - Not bad at all. Of course, since this lounge was located outside of the U.S., the catering was marginally better. However, UA has revamped the domestic lounge offerings and now has hot soup, salami, fresh hummus and salads, artisan breads, olives, sliced red peppers and cheeses. I have yet to experience this new rotation since SFO is the last major hub to receive this enhancement and when I left for MEX, I went to the AMEX Centurion lounge.

      ..but clearly even the sign did not have an effect on their behavior.
      - If a sign like that is needed, what are the chances that they will pay attention to it?

      Some dimmed lights or mood lighting would have improved the look without changing the furniture.
      - That definitely would help. I think white and red are too crashing as a contrast, not to mention the white walls. At least you can spot the dirt easily.

      Maybe related to pronunciation problems?...This happened to me on my JU flight, and I respected the FA for taking the time to get the pronunciation right.
      - Not in my case. It's just one syllable. Do you have an Eastern European or Polish last name? :P

      The meal does not impress me too much.
      - Just average. The main dish was edible and I liked the mashed potatoes that accompanied it. The mousse cake was the best part.

      Is this a common question? At least here in Asia, ice in juices is not common
      - It is on an American carrier. How long has it been since your last flew with a U.S. carrier? :P

      Regardless, forgetting a drink as simple as water in a small cabin is unforgiveable. How hard is it to open a bottle and pour?
      - To be fair, right after he asked me and went back to get my drink, another passenger walked up to the galley and talked to him. He might have been sidetracked. Still, no excuse for a premium cabin.

      I thought milk service was common with the cookie distribution? If you give a panda a cookie…
      - Usually AA serves it with milk or water. I was surprised that no beverages were offered, especially with melted chocolate in the cookies. A more provoking thought would be if you DON'T give a panda a cookie....

      This is unfortunately how Mexico City is portrayed in the news and part of the reason why it is a city I have never been to.
      - You must exercise caution and be vigilant when visiting. Perhaps a bit more so than in other places. I speak Spanish fluently so that is an advantage, but how I look is a dead giveaway that I am not a local.

      Thank you Michael for your comments and support.


    • Comment 317293 by
      NGO85 SILVER 1963 Comments
      You mean consonants. Otherwise what contest is that and what's the final prize? Can I participate? :P
      - There are 6 contestants to guess the 6 constants, of course! I fear my English ability is going to crap.

      but I guess MEX is low priority.
      - It may also be route dependent at this point. You said the SFO UA Club was the last to be updated, maybe the catering out of SFO is also the last to get updated? But I don't see that as a realistic option since there are many transcons ex-SFO, which should have seen upgraded catering first.

      A big metamorphosis.
      - Sounds like a book by Kafka...

      When your time is up, it is up
      - Isn't that the truth :)
    • Comment 317297 by
      jetsetpanda AUTHOR 2283 Comments
      I fear my English ability is going to crap.
      - But I bet your Japanese is improving proportionally. ;)

      ..maybe the catering out of SFO is also the last to get updated? But I don't see that as a realistic option since there are many transcons ex-SFO, which should have seen upgraded catering first.
      - That and the fact that SFO is an Asian hub with some of the most profitable routes in the system. You invest where the money is, right?

      Sounds like a book by Kafka...
      - I have a kafkaesque personality. :P

    • Comment 317262 by
      NGO85 SILVER 1963 Comments
      At least you can spot the dirt easily.
      - Which was in abundance?

      Do you have an Eastern European or Polish last name? :P
      - Fortunately, I don't have 6 contestants in a row in my last name, but she still struggled with it :) Strange since the Japanese have no problem pronouncing it.

      The main dish was edible
      - Well, then it passed the UA catering test ;) Maybe they have improved their catering after all... But the point remains that the catering does not reflect any improvements that UA has been spamming the country with.

      It is on an American carrier. How long has it been since your last flew with a U.S. carrier? :P
      - Technically... December 2014 on HA, but that doesn't really count so we'll say January 2014 ;)

      another passenger walked up to the galley and talked to him.
      - Well, he should have told that passenger to take a seat since the passenger in 2A is a priority customer and detests slow water service.

      A more provoking thought would be if you DON'T give a panda a cookie....
      - The panda gets hungry?

      You must exercise caution and be vigilant when visiting. Perhaps a bit more so than in other places. I speak Spanish fluently so that is an advantage, but how I look is a dead giveaway that I am not a local.
      - If your appearance is a dead giveaway, what do you think my appearance is? I studied Spanish for 6 years in school, so I can at least ask where the restroom is :) I know lots of people that go down there on vacation and come back alive so it's maybe not as bad as it is portrayed. You just have to be more vigilant as you described.
    • Comment 317275 by
      jetsetpanda AUTHOR 2283 Comments
      Which was in abundance?
      - With 2-3 agents roaming around the small room, the place better be spotless and shining.

      Fortunately, I don't have 6 contestants in a row in my last name..
      - You mean consonants. Otherwise what contest is that and what's the final prize? Can I participate? :P

      Maybe they have improved their catering after all..
      - Perhaps because the flight was catered in MEX. Now I regret not trying the other dish - short ribs with fried sweet plantains. Arrgh!

      But the point remains that the catering does not reflect any improvements that UA has been spamming the country with.
      - Creating a lot of noise. Good PR though. It got people's attention. To be fair I have read of improvements on other domestic routes, but I guess MEX is low priority.

      Well, he should have told that passenger to take a seat since the passenger in 2A is a priority customer and detests slow water service.
      - That somehow sounded like it had a different connotation.

      The panda gets hungry?
      - A big metamorphosis.

      I know lots of people that go down there on vacation and come back alive so it's maybe not as bad as it is portrayed.
      - I have heard of people who have taken a taxi for a short ride in a good neighborhood and next thing you know they were assaulted and taken to the nearest ATM machine. Then I had a friend who drove around with a stranger that he met in a bar and he came back in one piece. When your time is up, it is up, but it is always prudent to be careful.
    • Comment 317235 by
      jetsetpanda AUTHOR 2283 Comments
      It is that and much more, just exercise caution when you visit.

      Thanks for your visit.
  • Comment 137788 by
    socalnow 976 Comments
    Thanks for the great report Jetsetpanda. That United Club looked...dare I say...nice!

    Great photos from around the city. What a beautiful and diverse city. It's a shame the stigma, real or otherwise, keeps visitors away.

    The food looks amazing as I would expect in Mexico.
    • Comment 317236 by
      jetsetpanda AUTHOR 2283 Comments
      I personally think that authentic Mexican cooking is underrated. There are so many different ingredients and regional variations that contribute greatly to its diversity.

      MEX is visually compelling and a great destination for shutterbugs.

      Thank you for stopping.
  • Comment 137792 by
    SMilano 1284 Comments
    Thanks Adan for sharing with us !

    Do you leave already AA for US ? ^^
    This flight doesn't looks nice for a J...
    The catering is very disappointing for a J class.

    Mexico looks very nice and such a beautiful city ! It's on my travel list !

    See you
    • Comment 317237 by
      jetsetpanda AUTHOR 2283 Comments
      I will try to concentrate on *A carriers now and attain elite status using OZ. After BA's devaluation and changes, I feel that it is not worth it to keep BA as my main carrier.

      Mexico looks very nice and such a beautiful city ! It's on my travel list !
      - It's a great city. Just be careful when you visit.

      Thank you Sébastien for your comments.
    • Comment 317260 by
      SMilano 1284 Comments
      Yeah I saw the devaluation of BA and I'm thinking to stay or not with BA for my main carrier to go to the US. But it's like the same for LH so I don't know... Being a frequent flyer member, it's not very advantageous at this time unfortunaly...

      - It's a great city. Just be careful when you visit.
      I have some mexican friends living in Mexico City so it's more easy :)
      But I know it's not the safer place to visit.
    • Comment 317278 by
      jetsetpanda AUTHOR 2283 Comments
      I saw the devaluation of BA and I'm thinking to stay or not with BA for my main carrier to go to the US
      - Another thing are the high redemption miles needed for F/J cabins and the surcharges, especially on long hauls. Now, if you plan to fly on Y+ that might be a different story. With BA you can access CX and JL's Y+ awards too.

      I have some mexican friends living in Mexico City so it's more easy :)
      - It makes for a whole world of difference for sure.
  • Comment 137799 by
    indianocean SILVER 7572 Comments
    Standard US Lounge even outside USA despite the sandwiches and yogurts.
    Hopefully, booze is complimentary.

    AV lounge looks more like a waiting room in a hospital. Awful.

    Too bad you didn't visit the Amex Lounge.

    Very average catering onboard.

    Beautiful bonus pix.

    Thank you Adan.
    • Comment 317238 by
      jetsetpanda AUTHOR 2283 Comments
      Hopefully, booze is complimentary.
      - There is some consolation after all. Liquor is free and self serve.

      AV lounge looks more like a waiting room in a hospital. Awful.
      - It is too disturbingly sanitized. :P

      Too bad you didn't visit the Amex Lounge.
      - Perhaps next time. It would be interesting to compare the U.S. domestic ones with the intl. branches.

      Thank you Bernard for your support as always. Cheers.
  • Comment 138173 by
    Chibcha SILVER 540 Comments
    Hello there, thanks for sharing these two FRs.

    UA's lounge seemed OK, but a bit 90ish. AV's looks...stale, and like what I imagine are AV's lounges in Colombian mid size cities.
    UA's product does not seem up to par for an international flight, and as you said, is not like MEX is CUN or PVR. Pretty lousy IMO.

    I loved the views of el DF and the bay area!

    Your pictures just made me more excited about my upcoming trip to that awesome city!

    Saludos!
  • Comment 138175 by
    KévinDC TEAM SILVER 6668 Comments
    I'm actually pleasantly surprised by the MEX United Club--seems that the food offering is better than United Clubs in the U.S.
    Is that catering supposed to be the new improved Premium class catering? Lame. Your beautiful pics almost make it look good...almost. When compared to the coupls of ATL-MEX-ATL I did last year on DL with several courses and real appetizers, this catering is pretty bad for a similar length flight.

    Nice pics of Mexico City and Teotihuacan, looks like you had some gray weather while you were there. Thanks for sharing!
    • Comment 317661 by
      jetsetpanda AUTHOR 2283 Comments
      ..seems that the food offering is better than United Clubs in the U.S.
      - Anything abroad should be better than what is offered domestically. ;)

      When compared to the coupls of ATL-MEX-ATL I did last year on DL with several courses and real appetizers, this catering is pretty bad for a similar length flight.
      - It's very lacking for sure. I hope they will upgrade the catering in the future.

      looks like you had some gray weather while you were there.
      - Not too bad, but there were some cloudy days and I almost got wet while visiting the pyramids.

      Thanks for your feedback Kevin.

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