I had to burn the second voucher from my lAS bump last Presidents Day. Since theyre valid system-wide, I wanted somewhere that would normally be difficult (OK, expensive). Id used the first for Sitka, so I decided to use this one for Mexico. Most of the Mexican destinations dont connect to WAS; after a bit of work and consultation I settled on Los Cabos. The bumps book into a nice high class (V), so avail was no problem. Very nice. I noticed something on my reservation it had links to hotels, cars, maps etc., but in Los Angeles even though its just a connection point. (I have the same problem on NWA.com, where all my trips are listed as DTW or MSP).
4 FEB 06
DCA-LAX        AS5 V        10A        B737-790        N625AS (30792)
Being shameless, and greedy, I hoped to use my NW coupons for upgrades although their applicability is unclear. So I arrived at DCA nice and early. F was available, the AAgent confirmed, but he wouldnt apply the coupon, arguing that zero was not a fare, so I couldnt be travelling on an applicable fare. I decided that it wasnt worth the $100, so I settled for coach, although I suppose I could have and perhaps should have asked again at the gate.
I was quite nervous about my connection in LAX just 38 minutes, and to the last flight of the day. So I was pleased to see the SEA flight push back right on time, at 8:00, and waited for the rAAmpers to bring our aircraft from its overnight parking south of the NW concourse. Someone had given me a bad omen the night before, telling me of a delay theyd experienced because the rampers hadnt brought it promptly, so I was a bit on edge. We were scheduled to leave at 9:15, and at 8:15 there was still no sign of the plane. Nor at 8:30. The blood pressure started to rise, and I guess I began looking anxiously from my watch to the lonely ramp and back again. The crew was waiting at the gate, and I guess my increasing agitation was evident the lead F/A asked if I were afraid of flying. Um no. But I explained that I was concerned about my connection. She told me that flying time would be a short 5:10, so I should be OK. And at 8:45, the aircraft was finally pulled up. Impressively, we still pushed back at 8:20, just 5 minutes late.
The flight was only about 70% full, Id say, and I was next to an empty middle seat, making it pretty comfy. As we taxied out, I saw a US *A 170, and after a pause to allow a US 321 to cut in front of us, we were in the air. I relaxed. They offered DigEs, which I declined, and then breakfast. This was a bagel with egg, cheese and ham, with yoghurt and big Biscoffs. The psalm on all my meal flights was 9:2. They later did another beverage run, with snack mix.
The pilot had warned us of midcontinent turbulence caused by the jetstream, and at about 12:00 ET seated the flight attendants for a while, but we just had a few bumps and not the promised jolts. En route, I read the Alaska Magazine. I enjoyed a few things in it, including the very Alaskan heavy equipment and maritime law ads, and a piece on second home resorts, which featured Tamarack, which, of course, is just 90 miles north of never mind. (Bush rode his mountain bike there, but no reports of Cheney shooting anyone).
When she came by with the second beverage service, the lead F/A picked me out and assured me that we would arrive 12 minutes early. The captain promised a view of the Grand Canyon, but somehow I didnt see it. We did see some nice mountains over Colorado, though, and the ridges that mark the approach to L.A. It was very clear, so I was surprised when the captain announced 2 mile visibility, but as we crossed the mountains we passed into thick murk. We did indeed arrive a bit early, and were soon at the gate, having seen the crippled AI 747, an NH *A 777 which took off behind us, MX 319 (an omen), 3 Qantas 744s, and an AeroCalifornia DC-9. Behind us landed a CX 744 so magnificent on approach. Next to us at the gate was an Horizon Q400, and on the other side a -900 (317AS), which I assumed would be our next ship. As he bid farewell, the captain managed a Go Seahawks! Oh, well
As I left the aircraft, I was accosted yes, accosted by two interlopers. Theyll let anyone into that terminal, I guess. Fortunately, I was able to dispatch one of them pretty quickly, onto the AS DCA flight. The other was harder to shake and tagged along all the way to SEA.
LAX-SJD        AS292 F        1A        B737-990        N309AS (30857)
Its inevitable if the inbound is late, the connection is on time. If the inbound is on time, the connection will be late. And so it was. We were showing an estimated 1:20 departure, rather than the scheduled 12:44. (Later it showed 1:35). The gate had a view of part of TBIT, though, where we saw 744s of Asiana and Air Pacific (with the island), the CX one parked, and an Air Tahiti Nui 340. Standing at the window, I got a glimpse of the agents screen and saw what looked like two empty F seats, so I decided to ask about an upgrade. He accepted my coupon, and put me into the official seat. A bit later, I returned to the counter to get my Docs OK stamp, which hed forgotten, and stood behind two grouchy continuing pax who thought they had been upgraded all the way to SJD, but hadnt been. The agent told them that only one F seat remained, and the wife was given 2B. She spent most of the flight complaining. I didnt offer to switch.
The inbound finally arrived, but we still didnt board, apparently because they were trying to assemble an electric wheelchair for an incoming passenger. (She was already in the gate area, so Im not sure why we couldnt have boarded past her). So I passed some of the time reading the on-time STAR poster, till boarding began at 1:45. As usual, there were small water bottles waiting on the seat podium. However, they did not offer to hang my jacket. At the last minute, a pax deplaned, saying hed forgotten something, and we closed the door soon afterwards. I was pretty sure he hadnt returned, and sure enough he appeared again after the jetway had been pulled. Way to delay 180 or so people, dude.
We had a very cheerful crew, who delivered a WN-style safety briefing. The part I liked was after the smoke detector bit, when she announced that we recommend you refrain from smoking for the rest of your lives. Haha A few more spots as we taxied AF 777, KL 74M with SCD open, another NZ 744, a MH 744 at a remote stand, and ex-DL MD-11 on the FedEx ramp (with traces of DL livery remaining) and, finally, the full set of four Qantas 744s, in their signature nose-to-nose parking. I think LAX is definitely the best spotting airport in the U.S. Should make another trip.
Once in the air we were offered drinks (mmm Alaskan Amber), followed by lunch. Choice was a BBQ chicken sandwich or a fiesta salad (with cilantro, ham, tomato, and peppers). I had the sandwich, which was warm, with small pieces of chicken and melted cheese. There was also a scrumptious Varda dark chocolate mint. Nothing too special, but not bad. Coach was offered the Northern Bites service (wrap or sandwich). Complaining woman ostentatiously wrapped half of her sandwich to take to her husband (he cant afford five bucks?), so the F/A offered to comp him a sandwich. Good work.
Later in the flight we were handed Mexican forms, which had two entertaining typos: Dont forget to sing in the box specified for foreigner on the immigration form, and a list of permitted items on the customs form which included a potable musical instrument. Hahaha Baja was spectacular from the air red rock desert set against a deep blue sea.
Soon, we were descending into Cabo, arriving about an hour late, and followed immediately by a USA 3000 bus. As we taxied in we could see a surprisingly large flock of bizjets, many large and almost all N-registered. Disembarkation was by front and rear stairs. As we walked to the terminal, two passengers got firm hands on the shoulder one for lighting a cigarette on the tarmac (!) and the other, your loyal correspondent, for pausing to take a picture of the Eskimo against the mountains. (It came out really well). Immigration and customs were effortless (and all in English) and we were soon in our hotel shuttle, having successfully evaded the hordes of timeshare and transportation hustlers in the lobby.
There are three basic options in Los Cabos Cabo San Lucas, the hard-partying place dominated by American restaurants and facilities, San Jose del Cabo, a smaller, more Mexican town further north, or a string of resorts along the road joining them. We opted for San Jose, and ended up in a small, Spanish-style hotel near the center of town. Turned out to be an excellent choice. It was evening by the time we got there, so we just walked around the town and enjoyed some dinner near the main square.
5 FEB 06
The next morning we took the bus down to Cabo. After a slight mishap, we walked around the marina area and decided to find a whale-watching trip. The catamaran we wanted had already done its daily run, so we found another trip, on a runabout. This wasnt the best choice it was open in front, and our driver insisted on crashing it through the waves, making for a very uncomfortable and very wet ride. We did see the whales, however, as well as the spectacular rock formations that mark the tip of Baja, including the signature arch rock. Back ashore we endured the assault of hordes of hustlers, offering silver jewelry, timeshares, and repeatedly their sisters. They were pretty good natured however, and mostly backed off when told no. Some displayed a sense of humor when told we werent interested in timeshares, one said but Ill get a commission; another said we had to go to at least one timeshare presentation to pay our dues.
Wet and salt-encrusted, we headed back to the hotel to clean up and deal with the mishap, before looking for dinner, which we enjoyed within earshot of two Superbowl crowds. (Who do you think just scored?). During the meal our waiter gave us the bad news.
6 FEB 06
The following morning, we went for a walk along an arroyo that leads to the beach, and which is home to lots of birds, especially wintering northern birds. At the huge but empty beach were the most interesting, a group of vultures. The kind with wings, as opposed to the ones wed seen in Cabo. After a quick swim it was time for our shuttle, which inexplicably picked us up at about noon for our 3:30 return flight. Way too early.
SJD-SEA        AS205 V        15F        B737-490        N797AS (28892)
Alaska is surprisingly busy at SJD, with up to six flights a day, and checkin was accordingly crowded and chaotic. With my paper ticket I needed to see an agent, which took quite a while. He was typing away at the computer for some time with an apparent problem, until he finally gave up and sheepishly asked me the code for Dulles. Dont see it there very often, apparently. He also asked me for the receipt for the taxes Id paid. Well, I hadnt, so he told me he had to charge. $62, all for Mexico not bad for a RT.
And he told me that F was full. We headed through security to the large cavernous holding area, where we spent more than two hours.
From there we could watch operations, though. This airport was bursting at the seams. Terminal 3 had only four parking positions, so incoming aircraft had to wait repeatedly for outgoings to vacate a spot. I saw DL and Alaska wait for Skyservice, then one AS wait for another, then a DL waiting for another DL. At one point, there were three Eskimos on the ground, far, far away from Eskimoland. With so many aircraft on the ground there were also very long lines for immigration, reaching well onto the tarmac. Perhaps wed skipped rush hour when wed arrived. It was also interesting to see how dominated the market was by U.S. carriers, although there were a few Mexicanas.
I was slightly hopeful about a bump, since I knew the flight was pretty full. The only bump I could have accepted was to the earlier 3:11, though, which goes to LAX and on to SEA, and would also have connected to my redeye. This seemed unlikely, though, and there was no announcement about volunteers, although I did notice that one pax had VOLUNTEER written on his ticket jacket. (I did see him on the plane though). I also overheard some pax trying to standby from the later flight; the agent told them she had only 1 seat and two pax already but I couldnt tell if they were confirmed or not. So conceivably there was one bump, although to the later flight which wouldnt have worked for me anyway. Sniff.
Id picked up an English local paper, which had a long piece decrying a development in Loreto, which was supposed to be sustainable and environmentally sound. They accused the developers of misleading people, using too much water and overrunning the town. It seemed familiar, and I realized the same development had been highly praised in the second home article in the AS magazine.
Boarding was a bit chaotic; we went when they called F and MVPs. The agent at the gate was concerned about the MVPs, telling us that the coach cabin wasnt ready so we should walk slowly. And as I took my seat, I saw the cleaners and security types frantically working to the rear of the cabin. We pushed back at 3:45 a bit late, and completely full. As we taxied past Terminal 1 I saw three Mexicanas there, in new and old colours. One of the worst livery changes IMO. I loved the Mayan pattern. There was also an HP CR9. Need to get on one of those.
We had a nice full-brake run up and were soon off, making a big turn (to gain altitude?) before pointing northwards Seattle. The flight was again scenic, although long (about 4 15 in the air) and none too comfortable, in part because of the large person in the middle seat. Service was the Northern Bites BOB cheeseburger, or else just snack mix and beverages. Woman next to me requested milk, which the F/A had to request from F, using a hand signal that was errrr milk-related. I also noticed that when they came through with customs forms, they didnt even carry the immigration ones telling you something about the clientele on this route. They also announced before the second beverage run that they were running out of items; in the galley I noticed that it was a special setup for Mexico/RNO/LAS flights. Guess holidaymakers drink differently. The sun set as we passed over TIJ, and we finally landed in SEA at about 7:10, pretty much on time.
This was my first time clearing formalities at SEA, and it wasnt a good experience. At immigration, passengers were separated based on the flights theyd arrived on, rather than nationality. So I got stuck behind two Mexican nationals (I think AS employees) getting the full USA-VISIT treatment. Also, in the AS section only 4 of 10 booths were manned. With no bags, I got to Customs quickly, where I was selected for a supposedly random screening. The agent asked a bunch of questions, including where I worked. When I told her, she became quite embarrassed, especially after she surmised that I had a lot more clearances than she did. She told me that she was required to open my bag, but would just close it again, which she did. What was really disturbing was when she put the info into a computer, and noted oh, you travel a lot. So theyre tracking us now just like the Stasi. The whole process took nearly an hour probably my fault since Id just observed that Id never had an inordinate delay in the U.S.
SEA-IAD        AS26 F        1F        B737-790        N607AS (29751)
I headed back through TSA and onto the tram (we were at South Satellite), which I realized was divided into secure and nonsecure cars. Back in the main terminal I went to the service desk to ask about an upgrade for the final leg. No coupon with BTT. Bleh. So I had some dinner in the Pacific Marketplace, then headed for the gate. On the way, I walked by the gate for AS555, and later heard its final call. It was the last flight of the evening to never mind. At the gate I decided to ask again about the upgrade and got the opposite response: a delighted of course. This is a great use for those coupons. People normally complain about how hard they are to use. And out came my new boarding pass. 1F.
I asked about the boarding time, for the 10:55 departure. Gesturing towards the 35 or so pax, the agent said oh, about 11:40 or 11:45.
We boarded before that, actually, and the cheerful F/A offered coffee in addition to the traditional bottles of water at each seat (now Athena). We took off to the north, but instead of turning right, as I would have expected, we turned left over the bay, giving me a nice view of downtown, then made a sweeping right turn, giving me a view of the whole metropolitan region, before heading east.
The F/A came around with drinks (coffee and Baileys please), DigEplayers (of course), and a snack (yep). A couple of other pax took the drinks; no one else took a DigE or snack. What a waste. The snack was cheddar pretzel bites small pieces of warm pretzel with melted cheese within, with a sour cream dipping sauce. The night was brilliantly clear, almost all the way across. In fact, at the top of climb, the captain noted that the lights of Portland were visible on the right and those of Spokane simultaneously in front. Much later, I got a great view of Cleveland (looks much better at night).
I turned my attention to the DigEPlayer. First, I watched three TV shows, each of which had some aviation the Simpsons episode in which Lisa does poorly on the aptitude test (the tests are flown through the Iowa non-International Airport for scoring), The Mr. Lisa goes to Washington episode (which shows them flying what seems to be a DC-10 stretch into IAD, complete with a surprisingly-accurate look at the terminal), and finally a Family Guy episode in which Stuey tries to buy a plane ticket to Nicaragua at Quahog Airport, asking for an inflight happy meal with no pickles. Then I watched March of the Penguins, which Id been wanting to see and which I thought was terrific. I love the polar regions.
About an hour before landing the FA asked if I wanted breakfast. Like asking George Bush if he wants a tax cut. It was a small fruit plate (orange, canned pineapple, strawberry), and of course a trademark AS scone. The horizon began to lighten, and then to pinken just as we were arriving, and I was amazed to see how heavy the traffic was, even at 6:30 in the morning. From the bus heading into the city, I later saw that almost every vehicle had one occupant. Each complaining about the traffic, no doubt. We touched down at 6:41, having lost the race the UA flight behind us left 12 minutes later, yet arrived just 4 later. And a 319 too. Although, if you believe the monitors, the people on our flight with AA code arrived 14 minutes earlier than those with AS.
An excellent trip. I really liked Cabos, and the flights were good, except the boring SJD-SEA one. There were no miles on the BTT, of course (in fact AS sticks on a fake MP number to prevent you trying to claim), but I noted something interesting about my routing. Nonstop would have been 2,203 miles. Via LAX was 3,222, and via SEA 4,143. Houston on CO, which some might have thought a more logical routing, would have been 3,222. Right on the way. Good thing I didnt do it.
4 FEB 06
DCA-LAX        AS5 V        10A        B737-790        N625AS (30792)
Being shameless, and greedy, I hoped to use my NW coupons for upgrades although their applicability is unclear. So I arrived at DCA nice and early. F was available, the AAgent confirmed, but he wouldnt apply the coupon, arguing that zero was not a fare, so I couldnt be travelling on an applicable fare. I decided that it wasnt worth the $100, so I settled for coach, although I suppose I could have and perhaps should have asked again at the gate.
I was quite nervous about my connection in LAX just 38 minutes, and to the last flight of the day. So I was pleased to see the SEA flight push back right on time, at 8:00, and waited for the rAAmpers to bring our aircraft from its overnight parking south of the NW concourse. Someone had given me a bad omen the night before, telling me of a delay theyd experienced because the rampers hadnt brought it promptly, so I was a bit on edge. We were scheduled to leave at 9:15, and at 8:15 there was still no sign of the plane. Nor at 8:30. The blood pressure started to rise, and I guess I began looking anxiously from my watch to the lonely ramp and back again. The crew was waiting at the gate, and I guess my increasing agitation was evident the lead F/A asked if I were afraid of flying. Um no. But I explained that I was concerned about my connection. She told me that flying time would be a short 5:10, so I should be OK. And at 8:45, the aircraft was finally pulled up. Impressively, we still pushed back at 8:20, just 5 minutes late.
The flight was only about 70% full, Id say, and I was next to an empty middle seat, making it pretty comfy. As we taxied out, I saw a US *A 170, and after a pause to allow a US 321 to cut in front of us, we were in the air. I relaxed. They offered DigEs, which I declined, and then breakfast. This was a bagel with egg, cheese and ham, with yoghurt and big Biscoffs. The psalm on all my meal flights was 9:2. They later did another beverage run, with snack mix.
The pilot had warned us of midcontinent turbulence caused by the jetstream, and at about 12:00 ET seated the flight attendants for a while, but we just had a few bumps and not the promised jolts. En route, I read the Alaska Magazine. I enjoyed a few things in it, including the very Alaskan heavy equipment and maritime law ads, and a piece on second home resorts, which featured Tamarack, which, of course, is just 90 miles north of never mind. (Bush rode his mountain bike there, but no reports of Cheney shooting anyone).
When she came by with the second beverage service, the lead F/A picked me out and assured me that we would arrive 12 minutes early. The captain promised a view of the Grand Canyon, but somehow I didnt see it. We did see some nice mountains over Colorado, though, and the ridges that mark the approach to L.A. It was very clear, so I was surprised when the captain announced 2 mile visibility, but as we crossed the mountains we passed into thick murk. We did indeed arrive a bit early, and were soon at the gate, having seen the crippled AI 747, an NH *A 777 which took off behind us, MX 319 (an omen), 3 Qantas 744s, and an AeroCalifornia DC-9. Behind us landed a CX 744 so magnificent on approach. Next to us at the gate was an Horizon Q400, and on the other side a -900 (317AS), which I assumed would be our next ship. As he bid farewell, the captain managed a Go Seahawks! Oh, well
As I left the aircraft, I was accosted yes, accosted by two interlopers. Theyll let anyone into that terminal, I guess. Fortunately, I was able to dispatch one of them pretty quickly, onto the AS DCA flight. The other was harder to shake and tagged along all the way to SEA.
LAX-SJD        AS292 F        1A        B737-990        N309AS (30857)
Its inevitable if the inbound is late, the connection is on time. If the inbound is on time, the connection will be late. And so it was. We were showing an estimated 1:20 departure, rather than the scheduled 12:44. (Later it showed 1:35). The gate had a view of part of TBIT, though, where we saw 744s of Asiana and Air Pacific (with the island), the CX one parked, and an Air Tahiti Nui 340. Standing at the window, I got a glimpse of the agents screen and saw what looked like two empty F seats, so I decided to ask about an upgrade. He accepted my coupon, and put me into the official seat. A bit later, I returned to the counter to get my Docs OK stamp, which hed forgotten, and stood behind two grouchy continuing pax who thought they had been upgraded all the way to SJD, but hadnt been. The agent told them that only one F seat remained, and the wife was given 2B. She spent most of the flight complaining. I didnt offer to switch.
The inbound finally arrived, but we still didnt board, apparently because they were trying to assemble an electric wheelchair for an incoming passenger. (She was already in the gate area, so Im not sure why we couldnt have boarded past her). So I passed some of the time reading the on-time STAR poster, till boarding began at 1:45. As usual, there were small water bottles waiting on the seat podium. However, they did not offer to hang my jacket. At the last minute, a pax deplaned, saying hed forgotten something, and we closed the door soon afterwards. I was pretty sure he hadnt returned, and sure enough he appeared again after the jetway had been pulled. Way to delay 180 or so people, dude.
We had a very cheerful crew, who delivered a WN-style safety briefing. The part I liked was after the smoke detector bit, when she announced that we recommend you refrain from smoking for the rest of your lives. Haha A few more spots as we taxied AF 777, KL 74M with SCD open, another NZ 744, a MH 744 at a remote stand, and ex-DL MD-11 on the FedEx ramp (with traces of DL livery remaining) and, finally, the full set of four Qantas 744s, in their signature nose-to-nose parking. I think LAX is definitely the best spotting airport in the U.S. Should make another trip.
Once in the air we were offered drinks (mmm Alaskan Amber), followed by lunch. Choice was a BBQ chicken sandwich or a fiesta salad (with cilantro, ham, tomato, and peppers). I had the sandwich, which was warm, with small pieces of chicken and melted cheese. There was also a scrumptious Varda dark chocolate mint. Nothing too special, but not bad. Coach was offered the Northern Bites service (wrap or sandwich). Complaining woman ostentatiously wrapped half of her sandwich to take to her husband (he cant afford five bucks?), so the F/A offered to comp him a sandwich. Good work.
Later in the flight we were handed Mexican forms, which had two entertaining typos: Dont forget to sing in the box specified for foreigner on the immigration form, and a list of permitted items on the customs form which included a potable musical instrument. Hahaha Baja was spectacular from the air red rock desert set against a deep blue sea.
Soon, we were descending into Cabo, arriving about an hour late, and followed immediately by a USA 3000 bus. As we taxied in we could see a surprisingly large flock of bizjets, many large and almost all N-registered. Disembarkation was by front and rear stairs. As we walked to the terminal, two passengers got firm hands on the shoulder one for lighting a cigarette on the tarmac (!) and the other, your loyal correspondent, for pausing to take a picture of the Eskimo against the mountains. (It came out really well). Immigration and customs were effortless (and all in English) and we were soon in our hotel shuttle, having successfully evaded the hordes of timeshare and transportation hustlers in the lobby.
There are three basic options in Los Cabos Cabo San Lucas, the hard-partying place dominated by American restaurants and facilities, San Jose del Cabo, a smaller, more Mexican town further north, or a string of resorts along the road joining them. We opted for San Jose, and ended up in a small, Spanish-style hotel near the center of town. Turned out to be an excellent choice. It was evening by the time we got there, so we just walked around the town and enjoyed some dinner near the main square.
5 FEB 06
The next morning we took the bus down to Cabo. After a slight mishap, we walked around the marina area and decided to find a whale-watching trip. The catamaran we wanted had already done its daily run, so we found another trip, on a runabout. This wasnt the best choice it was open in front, and our driver insisted on crashing it through the waves, making for a very uncomfortable and very wet ride. We did see the whales, however, as well as the spectacular rock formations that mark the tip of Baja, including the signature arch rock. Back ashore we endured the assault of hordes of hustlers, offering silver jewelry, timeshares, and repeatedly their sisters. They were pretty good natured however, and mostly backed off when told no. Some displayed a sense of humor when told we werent interested in timeshares, one said but Ill get a commission; another said we had to go to at least one timeshare presentation to pay our dues.
Wet and salt-encrusted, we headed back to the hotel to clean up and deal with the mishap, before looking for dinner, which we enjoyed within earshot of two Superbowl crowds. (Who do you think just scored?). During the meal our waiter gave us the bad news.
6 FEB 06
The following morning, we went for a walk along an arroyo that leads to the beach, and which is home to lots of birds, especially wintering northern birds. At the huge but empty beach were the most interesting, a group of vultures. The kind with wings, as opposed to the ones wed seen in Cabo. After a quick swim it was time for our shuttle, which inexplicably picked us up at about noon for our 3:30 return flight. Way too early.
SJD-SEA        AS205 V        15F        B737-490        N797AS (28892)
Alaska is surprisingly busy at SJD, with up to six flights a day, and checkin was accordingly crowded and chaotic. With my paper ticket I needed to see an agent, which took quite a while. He was typing away at the computer for some time with an apparent problem, until he finally gave up and sheepishly asked me the code for Dulles. Dont see it there very often, apparently. He also asked me for the receipt for the taxes Id paid. Well, I hadnt, so he told me he had to charge. $62, all for Mexico not bad for a RT.
From there we could watch operations, though. This airport was bursting at the seams. Terminal 3 had only four parking positions, so incoming aircraft had to wait repeatedly for outgoings to vacate a spot. I saw DL and Alaska wait for Skyservice, then one AS wait for another, then a DL waiting for another DL. At one point, there were three Eskimos on the ground, far, far away from Eskimoland. With so many aircraft on the ground there were also very long lines for immigration, reaching well onto the tarmac. Perhaps wed skipped rush hour when wed arrived. It was also interesting to see how dominated the market was by U.S. carriers, although there were a few Mexicanas.
I was slightly hopeful about a bump, since I knew the flight was pretty full. The only bump I could have accepted was to the earlier 3:11, though, which goes to LAX and on to SEA, and would also have connected to my redeye. This seemed unlikely, though, and there was no announcement about volunteers, although I did notice that one pax had VOLUNTEER written on his ticket jacket. (I did see him on the plane though). I also overheard some pax trying to standby from the later flight; the agent told them she had only 1 seat and two pax already but I couldnt tell if they were confirmed or not. So conceivably there was one bump, although to the later flight which wouldnt have worked for me anyway. Sniff.
Id picked up an English local paper, which had a long piece decrying a development in Loreto, which was supposed to be sustainable and environmentally sound. They accused the developers of misleading people, using too much water and overrunning the town. It seemed familiar, and I realized the same development had been highly praised in the second home article in the AS magazine.
Boarding was a bit chaotic; we went when they called F and MVPs. The agent at the gate was concerned about the MVPs, telling us that the coach cabin wasnt ready so we should walk slowly. And as I took my seat, I saw the cleaners and security types frantically working to the rear of the cabin. We pushed back at 3:45 a bit late, and completely full. As we taxied past Terminal 1 I saw three Mexicanas there, in new and old colours. One of the worst livery changes IMO. I loved the Mayan pattern. There was also an HP CR9. Need to get on one of those.
We had a nice full-brake run up and were soon off, making a big turn (to gain altitude?) before pointing northwards Seattle. The flight was again scenic, although long (about 4 15 in the air) and none too comfortable, in part because of the large person in the middle seat. Service was the Northern Bites BOB cheeseburger, or else just snack mix and beverages. Woman next to me requested milk, which the F/A had to request from F, using a hand signal that was errrr milk-related. I also noticed that when they came through with customs forms, they didnt even carry the immigration ones telling you something about the clientele on this route. They also announced before the second beverage run that they were running out of items; in the galley I noticed that it was a special setup for Mexico/RNO/LAS flights. Guess holidaymakers drink differently. The sun set as we passed over TIJ, and we finally landed in SEA at about 7:10, pretty much on time.
This was my first time clearing formalities at SEA, and it wasnt a good experience. At immigration, passengers were separated based on the flights theyd arrived on, rather than nationality. So I got stuck behind two Mexican nationals (I think AS employees) getting the full USA-VISIT treatment. Also, in the AS section only 4 of 10 booths were manned. With no bags, I got to Customs quickly, where I was selected for a supposedly random screening. The agent asked a bunch of questions, including where I worked. When I told her, she became quite embarrassed, especially after she surmised that I had a lot more clearances than she did. She told me that she was required to open my bag, but would just close it again, which she did. What was really disturbing was when she put the info into a computer, and noted oh, you travel a lot. So theyre tracking us now just like the Stasi. The whole process took nearly an hour probably my fault since Id just observed that Id never had an inordinate delay in the U.S.
SEA-IAD        AS26 F        1F        B737-790        N607AS (29751)
I headed back through TSA and onto the tram (we were at South Satellite), which I realized was divided into secure and nonsecure cars. Back in the main terminal I went to the service desk to ask about an upgrade for the final leg. No coupon with BTT. Bleh. So I had some dinner in the Pacific Marketplace, then headed for the gate. On the way, I walked by the gate for AS555, and later heard its final call. It was the last flight of the evening to never mind. At the gate I decided to ask again about the upgrade and got the opposite response: a delighted of course. This is a great use for those coupons. People normally complain about how hard they are to use. And out came my new boarding pass. 1F.
We boarded before that, actually, and the cheerful F/A offered coffee in addition to the traditional bottles of water at each seat (now Athena). We took off to the north, but instead of turning right, as I would have expected, we turned left over the bay, giving me a nice view of downtown, then made a sweeping right turn, giving me a view of the whole metropolitan region, before heading east.
The F/A came around with drinks (coffee and Baileys please), DigEplayers (of course), and a snack (yep). A couple of other pax took the drinks; no one else took a DigE or snack. What a waste. The snack was cheddar pretzel bites small pieces of warm pretzel with melted cheese within, with a sour cream dipping sauce. The night was brilliantly clear, almost all the way across. In fact, at the top of climb, the captain noted that the lights of Portland were visible on the right and those of Spokane simultaneously in front. Much later, I got a great view of Cleveland (looks much better at night).
I turned my attention to the DigEPlayer. First, I watched three TV shows, each of which had some aviation the Simpsons episode in which Lisa does poorly on the aptitude test (the tests are flown through the Iowa non-International Airport for scoring), The Mr. Lisa goes to Washington episode (which shows them flying what seems to be a DC-10 stretch into IAD, complete with a surprisingly-accurate look at the terminal), and finally a Family Guy episode in which Stuey tries to buy a plane ticket to Nicaragua at Quahog Airport, asking for an inflight happy meal with no pickles. Then I watched March of the Penguins, which Id been wanting to see and which I thought was terrific. I love the polar regions.
About an hour before landing the FA asked if I wanted breakfast. Like asking George Bush if he wants a tax cut. It was a small fruit plate (orange, canned pineapple, strawberry), and of course a trademark AS scone. The horizon began to lighten, and then to pinken just as we were arriving, and I was amazed to see how heavy the traffic was, even at 6:30 in the morning. From the bus heading into the city, I later saw that almost every vehicle had one occupant. Each complaining about the traffic, no doubt. We touched down at 6:41, having lost the race the UA flight behind us left 12 minutes later, yet arrived just 4 later. And a 319 too. Although, if you believe the monitors, the people on our flight with AA code arrived 14 minutes earlier than those with AS.
An excellent trip. I really liked Cabos, and the flights were good, except the boring SJD-SEA one. There were no miles on the BTT, of course (in fact AS sticks on a fake MP number to prevent you trying to claim), but I noted something interesting about my routing. Nonstop would have been 2,203 miles. Via LAX was 3,222, and via SEA 4,143. Houston on CO, which some might have thought a more logical routing, would have been 3,222. Right on the way. Good thing I didnt do it.
