Hello and welcome to the final segment of this series with a return flight purchased as a LGA-SFO one way with a change of plane at IAD. I used a USD 100 credit that I had with UA and ended up paying about USD 60 (EUR 51.05) for the trip which was quite a bargain for a transcon. I chose this itinerary instead of a nonstop from JFK or EWR because it allowed me to change plane in IAD and that gave me the perfect opportunity to explore the TK and LH lounges. I will only report on the LGA-IAD portion since I had a window seat and was able to get some interesting aerials. At the end of this trip I will cover the TK and LH lounges @ IAD and include a bonus of Flushing, NY.
Here's the summary of my itinerary up to this point:
SFO-SIN on UA Y - click here. SIN-DOH on QR J - click here DOh-CAI on QR J - click here CAI-IST on TK J - click here IST-JFK on TK J - click here JFK-IAD on UA Y - you are here. IAD-SFO on UA Y - will not report
After an interesting lunch which you will find more in the bonus section, I called Uber and I was promptly dropped off by the UA curbside at LGA. Check in was efficient and I made a quick stop at the UA Club which was before security.
UA Club
I took the escalator one floor up to the reception area where a friendly agent welcomed me. The lounge was not particularly big but it was comfortable with lots of individual desks catering to the busy "road warrior". Catering was the usual salad, hot soup and rolls/crackers with cheese. I did not have anything since I ate lunch and was going to save some room for the lounges at IAD.
Entrance.
Interior.
Buffet.
Plane spotting .
I had TSA-Pre-Check printed on my boarding pass which made the security check quicker. I then went to my gate and waited for the arrival of my plane.
My plane arriving at the gate.
After everyone deplaned we waited for a few minutes and then it was time to board. Priorities were respected and a single FA welcomed everyone aboard with a smile. It was not a long walk to my seat and once I settled down in my solo "throne" I snapped some pics from my window. The ERJ145 might be small, but the ability to score one of these solo seats on the left side make up for this disadvantage in my opinion.
Boarding.
View from my seat.
We taxied away and there were a few interesting views along the way.
Take off and bye NY. Since LGA is so close to the city, the views can be fantastic.
The only service that we were offered on this short 1:30 hr flight was water and a snack mix. However, the FA was proactive and offered a second refill for those who wanted. Just to compare, a similar flight like TPE-HKG manages to offer a meal service to everyone on a widebody plane.
Approaching IAD.
Taxiing to the remote area. We know who rules in IAD.
Disembarking.
Walking to the terminal.
Turkish Lounge
Located in Terminal B by gate B42, this lounge is composed of two sections - a buffet with seating area and computer terminals right after the entrance and a bar/lounge area through a short corridor towards the back. This lounge is part of the Priority Pass network and contracts with other carriers like Saudia. When I arrived there was a big line out the door and it was crowded inside, although not completely full yet. I was able to find a seat by the computer area and a few minutes later the other seats were occupied too.
Entrance.
Interior.
Bar area.
Buffet.
My snack.
Lufthansa Lounge
The lounge is also located in Terminal B by gates B49-51. The First/Senator/*A Gold area is right after the entrance and the Business section is one floor down. I found the staff to be efficient but "frosty" in the attitude. They definitely did not exude warmth compared to its counterparts at the TK lounge. One advantage of this lounge is that it did not feel crowded even at its peak time.
Entrance.
First/Senator/*A Gold lounge.
Buffet.
Bar.
Interior.
My snack.
Business Class section located downstairs.
Bar.
Interior.
Buffet.
Bonus : Click here displayhide
** BONUS **
The borough of Queens contains some of the most diverse ethnic neighborhoods found in the U.S. While Flushing is predominantly Chinese, Corona Heights has a more South American presence and Jackson Heights has a large Southeast Asian feel.
I decided to layover in Flushing for two main reasons. The first one is the distance between LGA and this neighborhood which meant a quick commute on my way to the airport. The second reason is food. I have come across some exciting reviews claiming that Flushing is now the "new" Chinatown and that it is not rare to see some food celebrities these days dining in this area. Although I have visited Flushing back in the mid 1990's, I'm sure a lot have changed since then and it seems to be for the better.
I stayed at the 2* Asiatic Hotel for USD 136 (EUR 115.72) - we all know how expensive is the cost of hotels in the NY area so this was "reasonable" and good value for the money. It was perfectly located within walking distance to shops and restaurants. My room was spotlessly clean but the only negative aspect was the flow of the air from the air conditioner that hit the bed directly and was hard to control unless you turn off the unit. After my arrival from IST I must have slept until 22:00 and then decided to grab something to eat around the corner. My plan to visit Corona Heights and visit some Colombian eateries proved to be too ambitious. That would be for another time in the future.
Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao restaurant
So by 22:30 I went to Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao which was reputed to have the best - what else "xiao long bao" in the area. Upon entering the restaurant I noticed that it was busy with a mix of Chinese and non-Chinese patrons. Service was quick and I ordered a plate of the famous dumplings and a beef noddle soup. All the praises that this place gathered were well deserved. The dumplings were plump and juicy with the perfect wrapping texture. They were not too thin so that they can hold the fillings without bursting easily and had a right chewy feel. The beef noodle soup was satisfying and the noodles had the right consistency. I was very happy and full from my meal here.
After the meal I walked around a bit and just around the corner from the restaurant i noticed a truck with quite a few people around. When I passed by it I noticed a slightly sour and "rotten" smell and immediately thought of stinking tofu. There was no way that they were selling this type of stuff in the U.S. or were they?
Walking around
The following morning I explored more of the neighborhood.
The food court of the New World Mall had some interesting offerings. This was just after it opened so I'm sure it got busier later on.
I just had carrot and orange juice.
Fu Run Dong Bei restaurant
I did not have breakfast in order to save room for a specialty at this restaurant - Muslim Lamb Chops. It is an unusual Western Chinese dish that is spicy without being overpowering hot like other hot dishes that one struggles to finish after the first bite. This was different and it had the right amount of heat with undertones of cumin and black sesame seed that gave it an intriguing kick. The meat was tender and literally "fall off the bone".
See more
Verdict
United Express
6.3/10
Cabin8.0
Cabin crew8.0
Entertainment/wifi5.0
Meal/catering4.0
United Club (CTB) - B Central
7.8/10
Comfort8.0
Meal/catering7.0
Entertainment/wifi8.0
Services8.0
New York - LGA
7.9/10
Efficiency7.5
Access9.0
Services7.5
Cleanliness7.5
Washington - IAD
8.0/10
Efficiency8.0
Access7.0
Services8.0
Cleanliness9.0
Conclusion
An average flight with minimal service as expected on U.S. domestic flights of this length. I can understand a limited beverage service, but reducing it to water only seems a bit extreme. At least there was a package of snack mix to accompany the beverage.
For this short flight I think the comfort level was fine. The ability to be able to sit by yourself in one of the single seats on the left side of the plane is a major plus.
LGA might not be the best airport in the world, but its proximity to downtown NY affords some of the best aerials for those in a window seat.
5 LIKESLIKE TO THANK THE AUTHORTHANKS ! FLIGHT-REPORT LIKED
Thanks for the great report. I happen to visit that area of Flushing all the time - the restaurants there are so unique and amazing. I feel that they provide some of the best traditional Chinese food in the area. Hope you enjoyed your stay in New York, and I look forward to reading your future flight reports.
Good report, Jetsetpanda. I flew on a United Express ERJ-145 flight last year from CID-ORD and the flight was so short no beverage service was offered, but the flight attendant came through and handed out snacks twice, which was very nice (similar to your flight) .
Cool to see photos from inside the lounges at IAD.
"...the flight was so short no beverage service was offered, but the flight attendant came through and handed out snacks twice,..." - That sounds like good service to me.
"Cool to see photos from inside the lounges at IAD" - They are nice lounges indeed.
"Just to compare, a similar flight like TPE-HKG manages to offer a meal service to everyone on a widebody plane. "=> stop dreaming, man. It's a US airline
What are the common points between TK lounge in IST and DCA? Good catering, quite comfortable and they are both crowded (LOL)
I have never flown aboard an ERJ-145 nor have i ever been to IAD so it was an enlightening read. I am in no hurry to board an ERJ-145 but would be very much enjoy a visit to IAD. Both the LH and TK lounges look quite nice by US standards.
Thank you especially for the food tour of Flushing Queens. What a fantastic culinary side trip. It is somewhat reminiscent of the San Gabriel Valley area out here in the greater LA area.
Thanks again for sharing these experiences with us. Happy flying.
"Both the LH and TK lounges look quite nice by US standards. " - For sure they are a cut above. Both of them have views too with the exception of the LH Business lounge downstairs. I seldom use IAD as a connecting point but this time it was worth it.
"It is somewhat reminiscent of the San Gabriel Valley area out here in the greater LA area. " - Sounds like a nice place to explore if I am down there. ;)
"That is one advantage with 1-2 layouts." - Or 1-2-1 in some premium cabins. Either way as long as you have a solo window it will make your day.
"Absolutely breathtaking serial shots throughout the report." - Good weather and proximity to the airport in the case of LGA helped a lot. Glad you enjoyed them.
"I am a fan of the exterior look of the ER-145." - It's a small one but it has its charms. ;)
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68 reviews
10 Comments
I happen to visit that area of Flushing all the time - the restaurants there are so unique and amazing. I feel that they provide some of the best traditional Chinese food in the area.
Hope you enjoyed your stay in New York, and I look forward to reading your future flight reports.
Visiting NY and its boroughs is always a treat. Thank you for your comments and see you around.
Cool to see photos from inside the lounges at IAD.
"...the flight was so short no beverage service was offered, but the flight attendant came through and handed out snacks twice,..."
- That sounds like good service to me.
"Cool to see photos from inside the lounges at IAD"
- They are nice lounges indeed.
Thanks for visiting.
What are the common points between TK lounge in IST and DCA? Good catering, quite comfortable and they are both crowded (LOL)
Thank you my friend. You made me dream (LOL)
"stop dreaming, man. It's a US airline"
- I'm a hopeful optimist. ;)
"You made me dream (LOL)"
- As long as it is "sweet". :P
Thanks for your support and comments Bernard.
I have never flown aboard an ERJ-145 nor have i ever been to IAD so it was an enlightening read. I am in no hurry to board an ERJ-145 but would be very much enjoy a visit to IAD. Both the LH and TK lounges look quite nice by US standards.
Thank you especially for the food tour of Flushing Queens. What a fantastic culinary side trip. It is somewhat reminiscent of the San Gabriel Valley area out here in the greater LA area.
Thanks again for sharing these experiences with us. Happy flying.
"Both the LH and TK lounges look quite nice by US standards. "
- For sure they are a cut above. Both of them have views too with the exception of the LH Business lounge downstairs. I seldom use IAD as a connecting point but this time it was worth it.
"It is somewhat reminiscent of the San Gabriel Valley area out here in the greater LA area. "
- Sounds like a nice place to explore if I am down there. ;)
Thanks for dropping by. See you around.
Window + aisle seat, could be seen as the best of both worlds. That is one advantage with 1-2 layouts.
Nice spotting shots at LGA.
Absolutely breathtaking serial shots throughout the report.
Great shot of your ride while disembarking at IAD. I am a fan of the exterior look of the ER-145.
Exciting bonus! Thanks for sharing.
It has been pleasant to read these interesting reports on this long itinerary.
Have a good one, see you later!
"That is one advantage with 1-2 layouts."
- Or 1-2-1 in some premium cabins. Either way as long as you have a solo window it will make your day.
"Absolutely breathtaking serial shots throughout the report."
- Good weather and proximity to the airport in the case of LGA helped a lot. Glad you enjoyed them.
"I am a fan of the exterior look of the ER-145."
- It's a small one but it has its charms. ;)
Thanks for your feedback.
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