No Check In, Security, or Lounge Today
I was arriving in on a connecting flight from MOB, so I can’t comment on the Check In or Security experience at IAH today.
I also went to the C1 Lounge and it was extremely crowded. I also noticed that there were some nice heavies parked over at Terminal D, and so I thought that was a better use of my short layover time, going to see those instead!



boarding
My flight today was departing from gate C41, which is located in United’s South concourse of Terminal C.
I was able to get a picture of our A320 in the EvoBlue Livery, that would be taking us up to IAD today. We were originally supposed to be on an A320 that featured the new NEXT Interior, but due to the bad weather impacting Houston throughout the day, they did an equipment swap on us during the day, so as to not impact our departure time.

We boarded right on schedule at 5:30 p.m., about 35 minutes ahead of our scheduled departure time.
There was no flight attendant in the forward galley when we boarded, so I found my way to my seat. I wasn’t able to get a picture of the cabin because there were a few people on board already. I quickly found my seat, 1B.

the seat
The First class cabin on the A320 is arranged in a 2-2 configuration, and features 24 first class recliner seats across 4 rows.
The seat features 38 inches of pitch, is 20 inches wide, and has 5 inches of recline.
The right armrest has a small cubby to store something like a phone or tablet. There is also a universal power outlet located at every seat in First class in the center console. The center console also has a faux black marble cocktail table.


In the left armrest, you’ll find your tray table.
There is no seatback entertainment on this aircraft, so you will have to download the United App to get free in-flight entertainment on this flight on your personal device.
This will change when United launches their new United NEXT interiors on all aircraft, meaning that all aircraft for United Mainline will feature seatback entertainment screens at every seat.
pre-departure
At 5:42, the captain came on to welcome us onboard and announce our flight time of 2 hours 19 minutes. He said we’d have a bumpy flight tonight but that they would do their best to find the smoothest ride possible for us.
At 5:52, I overheard the flight attendant tell the gate agent that we were waiting on catering… oh boy, that’s never a good sign…
At 5:56, I heard a knock at the right galley door (literally) and it looked like catering was here! Phew!
This is probably why no Pre-Departure beverage was offered, so I’ll have to excuse that this time around.
At 6:01, the boarding door was closed and the safety demonstration began.
flight
At 6:08, we pushed back from the gate, about 3 minutes behind schedule.
At 6:12, we started our taxi out and the flight attendant came around to confirm meal preorders and asked what we would like to drink. I went with a white wine and I preordered the Rigatoni Pomodoro.
At 6:25, we took runway 15L for departure.
At 6:28, we reached 10,000 feet and were well on our way to Washington- Dulles.
At 6:43, my white wine was served.

At 6:48, a ramekin of warm nuts was offered.

At 6:51, the captain came on to let us know that we reached our cruising altitude of 37,000 feet, but that the seatbelt sign would remain on for a bit longer because of the rough air.
At 6:55, my meal was served.

The meal was ok. Definitely not up to the same level as the Enchiladas that I had last week. The pasta was dry and lacked a lot of flavor. I wouldn’t recommend it.
At 7:07, I finished my meal and it was cleared.
About 10 minutes later, at 7:17 Houston time, I was offered another glass of white wine. This was the last I saw or heard from the flight attendants for the rest of the flight, despite us now being in smooth air for the remainder of the flight.
arrival
At 9:07 local time in Washington, the captain came on to let us know that we would be beginning our descent soon and would be on the ground in about 45 minutes.
At 9:46, we touched down on Runway 19L.
We taxied into the gate and arrived at gate D19 at 9:51 p.m., about 6 minutes ahead of schedule.
What a shame to have had poor service after such a nice inbound flight. I never like to speak of "lazy crews" since I know that the job can be very tiring and the hours can be super long, and everyone can have a bad day, but you still have to make the effort to give a good level of service in the premium cabin, or swap out with someone who can. Hiding in the galley the whole flight is not acceptable in First. Definitely gives a poor impression on such an elite-heavy hub-to-hub route.
Yeah that part I don't usually take into account because it's soooo hit or miss on both AA and AS. So I'm used to not getting them and sometimes don't even notice.
Thanks for sharing!