This set of domestic reports will be from a recent trip to MKE that had some interesting aspects to it.
As mentioned previously, I opted for a MKE-ORD-SFO routing back so that I could have a longer flight block. The ORD-SFO route is currently operated 8x daily operated primarily by B739s and B753s with the occasional wide-body rotating (domestic B772 or B788). I picked the 18:10 departure to avoid the last flight of the day (also on a B739), which usually gets held for all connecting passengers.
This report will cover the hub-to-hub flight from ORD to SFO on an aging ex-CO B739.
Flight routing
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4UA519 – Chicago O'Hare ⇒ San Fransisco – Boeing B737-900ER – Domestic First
Pre-flight
After arriving in ORD, I stopped at the FIDS to confirm that my flight to SFO was delayed due to the inbound aircraft from EWR departing 1hour late.
I did the walk from T2 to T1 to reach Concourse B.
Since the inbound aircraft had just landed and had a long taxi back to the gate ahead of it, I decided to pop quickly into the UA Club near Gate B6.
I scanned my boarding pass and went up the escalator.
The lounge is large, but moderately crowded as expected. I found an empty set of chairs near the bar to setup camp there.
The buffet was very limited, only 2 hot options so I tried the “taco meat” and roasted brussels sprouts.
When I got the text message that boarding was starting, I left and walked down to Gate B4 where the masses were congregating.
The best shot I could get of our plane tonight, N37434, who was originally delivered to CO 15 years ago before merging into the UA fleet.
flight
United Airlines, UA519
Equipment: Boeing B737-900ER [N37434, delivered May 2009]
Departure: 18:10 (ATD: 19:16)
Arrival: 21:07 (ATA: 21:49)
Flight time: 4:33
flight details
Boarding had started at 6:05, but pre-boarding consisted of~40 people due to the large number of 1Ks on this premium ORD-SFO route. Group 1 similarly had ~60 people and I joined the back of the queue. While boarding, we stopped halfway through the group to allow the crew to assess the overhead bin space. I took a look at the app, and there were 74 people on the upgrade list for a B737… none of which would get anything since the flight was booked 100% full already.
I finally got into the jetbridge at 18:20. The crew was handing out sanitizing wipes from a basket, but very little greeting was performed. They seemed more concerned about the overhead bin situation.
I was the last F passenger to board and was luckily able to claim the last overhead bin space. Everyone after Group 1 had to gate check their bags since this plane still had its original overhead bins. On the B739s, we are met with a cabin that out dates the plane.
The pitch is okay.
The seatback contains the vintage 8” screens with DirecTV and credit card swiper. I turned off the screen as soon as the safety video was done.
Sanitizing wipes handed out on boarding.
The seat recline button and tray table.
IFE control and drink storage. There are AC outlets on the front of the center console, but no USB-A or USB-C ports since neither technology existed when this cabin was designed.
There were no PDBs offered despite us sitting at the gate for ~10 minutes waiting for some final standbys to clear. The plane would of course go out 100% full on a hub-to-hub rotation.
We finally completed boarding at and the front door was quickly closed. Pushing back we get a glimpse of a UA A319.
Our CFMs fired up and we started our taxi out that took a meandering route past T5 and all the international carriers.
The safety video played during the taxi.
After 20 minutes, we finally reached our runway. We aligned on 28R and took off at 19:16 over an hour late.
We quickly rose out of the suburbs of Chicago to start our 4.5h trek west.
The cabin as we continue our climb, no BSI on this older plane.
Once the crew was released, they were into the cabin to take aperitif orders and meal orders. Reaching my row, I requested a gin and tonic and the FA confirmed my pre-ordered meal. There were 5 options online, I went with the ropa vieja beef enchiladas since none of the other options sounded particularly appetizing at the time.
Service started with hot towels as we crossed over central Iowa.
Drinks were then handed out along with a ramekin of warm nuts.
Trays were then handed out along with drink orders for the meal. I requested another gin and tonic. The ropa vieja beef enchiladas as delivered.
The starter was basic salad with balsamic vinaigrette and the dessert was a blueberry cheesecake with peach on top. The salad was meh, but the dessert was above average for the offerings I've seen (portion size is very small though).
The main was the ropa vieja beef enchiladas, which were very good and flavorful. The sauce was quite successful in keeping the tortilla from turning into cardboard on the plane. I would also have to recommend this option.
My drink never arrived so I had to flag down the FA and finally got my drink 15 minutes after the tray was given to me accompanied with an apology.
After I finished my meal, the tray was removed and I was asked if I wanted anything else. A coffee was soon delivered.
Meal service concluded as we crossed from Nebraska into Colorado.
The crew was proactive throughout the flight and were quick to offer refills when seeing an empty cup/mug. I spent the rest of the flight catching up on some work. WiFi was of course available for $10 (or $8 for MileagePlus members) and there was BYOD streaming active.
We began our descent as we reached the California border over Yosemite. The looming storms in the Pacific hinting at the heavy precipitation expected in the Bay Area over the weekend.
Our first glimpse of civilization as we cross over into Fremont and see South Bay.
Looping past the Dumbarton Bridge.
Crossing over Foster City.
We touch down on runway 28R ~40 minutes behind schedule.
Pulling into our Gate, E9, just 3 minutes after landing. The humidity was crazy, fogging up the windows instantly.
The newer Concourse E.
I was quickly out and on my way to the Ride App pick-up zone and in the car home just 15 minutes after touching down.
That concludes this series, thanks for stopping by!
flight details
40 people in pre-boarding, 60 in Group 1, and 70 people on the damn upgrade list, flying domestically in the US has become an absolute joke. This is why I just buy F when I really want it because when everyone’s “Elite” no one’s Elite.
Just getting back from Australia and, just like all the time we spend in Europe, it reminded me how boarding is so much more civilised outside the US—and air travel in general. Domestic US travel is just such an anxiety provoking experience anymore and I avoid it as much as possible.
That ex-CO interior was the good cabin back in the early days of the merger, now it’s really looking tired and that tiny non-AVOD IFE is a relic. The meal sounds good and apparently is good, though visually doesn’t look great.
Thanks for sharing!
Definitely, you should never count on any "perk" with the current situation across the US market, better off just buying what you want. With the abundance of 3rd party lounge options, really even questions the benefits of alliance loyalty for Y passengers if all you really get is an extra bag.
Not sure how much better enchiladas can be presented unless they dump some raw tomatoes or salsa on top after heating, but that is likely too much to expect from a UA carrier. UA's catering has been improving in taste even if their selection is hit or miss.
Thanks for stopping by Kevin!