We decided to go on holiday to California. There are no direct flights between Iceland and California since the end of Wow Air so we decided to fly to Vancouver, one of the furthest direct destinations from Keflavík, and connect from there.
Our itinerary:
Keflavík to Vancouver, Icelandair, business class
Vancouver to San Francisco, United, first class
San Francisco to San Diego, United, first class
Los Angeles to Vancouver, Air Canada, economy class
Vancouver to Keflavík, Icelandair, business class
I have very low expectations of US Domestic First Class. Why did I book it? The price was very low ($139 - the average price for a San Francisco to San Diego flight in first class is exactly $200) and the difference compared to economy class covered the value of the checked-in luggage, the priority check-in, security and boarding and the more comfortable seat.
Check-in was a very positive experience: helpful staff and almost zero waiting time.
We could have checked in at the self-check-in kiosks.
The map of the terminal.
Our flight was the last flight of the day to San Diego.
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This way to the gates - and to the yoga room.
US Domestic First class bookings do not usually give access to the lounge.
The gate area was a bit crowded but Terminal 3 is otherwise quite nice.
Our plane at the jetbridge.
A lot of categories for the pre-boarding order.
Boarding was on time. First class passengers are in group 1.
Configuration was the typical US Domestic First Class with 2+2 seats. The cabin and the seats looked old.
The cabin crew was very welcoming. Would you like champagne or water in your plastic cup?
Sanitizing wipes were also offered.
An expected flight time of 1 hour and 9 minutes was announced for a scheduled block time of 1 hour and 35 minutes.
Push-back was at 21.47 for a scheduled departure time of 21.43. Take-off was at 21.58.
Some night views of San Francisco.
A pleasant surprise: the seats have a built-in screen.
But the technology clearly dates back to the 2000s. A few films are available.
United's Domestic First Class catering on this flight included an all-in-one snack bag.
The bag contained a bottle of water, a small bag of pretzels and a piece of Stroopwafel. I ordered some tomato juice to drink.
I wander if I'll ever get used to not having a proper catering in a service called first class.
On a positive note the flight attendant checked every few minutes if the passengers needed anything.
We flew over Los Angeles - it took quite some time even at the high speed of our plane.
Approaching San Diego.
We landed at 23.15 for a scheduled arrival time of 23.23.
Thanks for sharing. I'm not impressed by the service despite the nice 2-2 seating
LYSflyer