Greetings and welcome to another flight report! Today I will be flying on Southwest Airlines from BWI to ABQ. This will be my first time flying southwest on a medium-haul flight. My previous flights on WN have only been on flights of 2.5 hours or less. I had hopes for a chance to try the airlines "Plane Cookies" as they're called as the flight was longer than the previous ones I've been on. On those flights I've only been served peanuts (now discontinued) and pretzels. Spoiler alert: it didn't happen. Yes, they are only cheap packaged cookies, but as an AVGeek, I was hoping to cross that off my list. But alas, I will push on through ;-). Anyways, flying out of BWI warranted an earlier start than I would've wished for due to it's distance from my home in DC. Upon arriving at the airport, I was greeted by a massive security line. This was due to BWI adding luggage sniffing dogs that inspect everyone who goes through the checkpoint that I was attempting to go through. That meant the line was stretching far into the channel that leads to the bathrooms and then down a nondescript hall. Thankfully, the line moved relatively quickly-it took me 20 mins to get through. I was planning to go to the Starbucks for breakfast in Terminal B, however the line was way too long so I settled on a $7 smoothie from Pinkberry.
I headed straight to the boarding line immediately after and was soon welcomed onboard.
The plane was as new as they get for Southwest's 737-700s, though by no means up-to-date in terms of passenger comfort with a dated cabin and no power outlets. Southwest really lags behind other airlines. Even their new(ish) 737-800s and virtually brand new (grounded) 737 MAXs. While those planes have the Boeing Sky Interior, they still have no power, which is unacceptable. I headed to the back of the plane and found one of the last window seats available.
Soon, the boarding door was closed and the safety demo started. One of the engines whilst powering up released a decent amount of smoke, which wasn't the most comforting sight. The seats were pretty well padded and therfore relatively comfortable. The only thing missing was an adjustable headrest, which would've added to the seat comfort.
After a short taxi, we were cleared for takeoff.
Upon reaching our cruisng altitude, snacks were passed out in additon to drink orders. While waiting for my drink, I browsed the BYOD entertainment, which was underwhelming to say the least.
The flight attendants were attentive and friendly througjout the limited interractions I had with them. One came by after the service asking everyone in her section if they needed anything, which was unnecessary, but much appreciated. In addition, around halfway through the flight she came by with a tray of water.
The flight went by quite quickly and soon we were approaching Albuquerque. We were treated to great views of the suburbs on the approach. While taxing to our gate, I noticed the distinct Pueblo inspired terminal, which added a nice local touch. Those touches were distinctive throughout including clay tiles inside the building.
I bid farewell to the crew and made my way to the exit.
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