Bentley55 From Panama, joined Mar 2008, 99 posts, RR: 0 Posted (1 year 5 months 3 days 20 hours ago) and read 18627 times:
Introduction
After having arrived the night before from PTY via IAH, I spent the afternoon in New York City just relaxing and being a tourist until my evening departure to Frankfurt. I would only be spending a few days in FRA, and unfortunately I didn't take any pictures on my return portion which was a AVOD equipped 777. The reason was that I was extremely tired from the night before (no sleep at all) and as soon as I settled into my seat I passed out till the arrival back into EWR.
But getting back to THIS trip report, today's flight was on a 767-200. I had flown the same model aircraft the day before so I knew what to expect in terms of cabin and seat comfort, but I knew that the food service and general experience was going to be much better, after all, BusinessFirst is Continental's award winning premium product. (Or so I thought).
Continental Airlines # 50 To: Frankfurt, Germany (FRA) From: Newark, New Jersey (EWR) Seat: 1L Departure: 7:35pm
Since the scheduled departure for FRA was around 7:30 I knew that I could arrive to the airport at about 6:30 and still have plenty of time. However, considering that I would have to leave from Manhattan during a weekday, I didnt want to catch the rush hour traffic which can be unpredictable in terms of time. So I decided to play it safe and ordered a car to pick me up from where I was staying at 4:30pm.
I decided not to do online check-in the day before as I knew I would be arriving the airport very early.
One check-in bag and my carry on lap top bag where I put my passport, pens, papers, etc
At 4:25 I get a call from the driver who tells me that he is downstairs. Since I am all packed up and ready to go, I head downstairs and begin my "not so long, not so short" voyage to Frankfurt.
My ride to EWR and the kind doorman handling my luggage.
Times Square
Lincoln Tunnel
Leaving Manhattan was smooth, although there was some traffic before entering the Lincoln tunnel. I cant imagine how crowded it must be around 5-6pm.
After about a 30 minute car ride I made it to Newark. Today was particularly sunny and clear skies.
A lot of 757s parked at the gates, I would say nearly all of them flying to a European destination within 1 to 2 hours later.
After being dropped off at the Terminal C departure area I made my way to the Elite Access/ BusinessFirst check-in area. Luckily there wasnt much of a line, however, todays check-in experience was not as good as my previous trips on BF. Previously, I would normally be approached by a BF "grey jacket" and they would welcome me and assist me with the check-in process. Today, the check-in lady was kind of cold and in a rush to go somewhere. Not that it matters to me, but my experience so far didnt feel that special. It felt as if I was doing a quick hop to Boston. Although I must say that check-in was very fast and efficient.
I took my boarding pass and proceeded to pass through security and make my way to the Presidents club to kill some time.
Lots of CO birds, and a beautiful sky!
Before entering the Presidents Club I passed by my departure gate and saw a 777 headed to Rome. Upon further inspection, I saw that this bird was named after Gordon Bethune.
Entering the Presidents Club
View from the Presidents Club. Am I in Frankfurt already??
After walking around the club I realized it was pretty full, especially with European bound passengers.
I wasnt very hungry so I just snacked on some pretzels and drank some beer (to warm up for Germany of course!)
My boarding pass
After having spent about 2 hours in the club, I was getting kind of bored, so I decided to walk around the terminal until boarding commenced.
Singapore A340-500 arriving from Singapore. I cant wait till CO joins Star Alliance. (Note Manhattan in the background).
Boarding finally began, and the first to be invited to board were the BF passengers. Right before I was going to board the aircraft I heard the gate agent called my name with the microphone. I was totally surprised as I was not expecting this. As I approached the gate agent I was thinking of all the scenarios which such as "Mr. XXX, your bags were damaged during loading". However, she asked if I could move to 2L as the person in 2L wanted to sit next to their wife. I usually dont like moving around when I have the bulkhead, but I accepted and took my new boarding pass for 2L and headed to board the plane.
My pillow and blanket
My new seat
Cabin starting to fill up
After settling in, the F/A came to hang my jacket and offer me a drink. Again, as I was flying to Germany I wanted to warm up my taste buds so I ordered a Heineken. The F/A said that they couldn't offer me that beer right now (why not??) so I settled for a Miller beer which was "cool" and not cold.
Before going any further, I must clarify that CO has a great team of employees, especially F/As, and I am a big fan of them. Of all of my travel experiences on CO, not a single one has been rude, and almost all of them were very energetic, polite, and showed that they truly enjoyed their job.
Unfortunately, I had a bad bad bad experience on this flight. Of the approximate four or five F/As attending the B/F cabin, there was one who was dedicated to my side of the cabin. She was in her fifties to sixties I would say and was a real disappointment. My seat mate and I would comment to each other that she was totally cold, borderline rude, unmotivated, and made me feel as if she just "didnt give a F**K" and didnt want to be serving us. During the flight I was actually afraid to talk to ask her for a re-fill of wine, or more garlic bread etc...I actually joked with my seat mate that we should turn back to EWR and drop her off as she was a total party poop-er..Oh how I wish I was sitting in 2A as that F/A was super friendly and outgoing!!
Dinner Menu
I ordered the Steak. I would come to regret that decision.
Amenity kit
The scary F/A came around to offer newspapers. I chose the Wall Street Journal, however, as soon as I received it I noticed that it was dirty with some kind of red liquid stain. I was totally grossed out but I didnt want to ask for a new one for fear of getting a "why are you bothering me" look from the F/A.
Settled in
One of the excellent F/As taking the dinner orders. She spoke German and was kind of cute.
View from my seat before pushback. Beautiful sunset!
Earlier in the day the FAA was having some kind of computer problem, so apparently there was a backlog of delayed flights that evening. During the taxi, the captain announced that we would have to sit on the tarmac for about 1 to 2 hours as we allowed the flights which were delayed to take-off. He turned off the fasten seat belt sign and told us to feel free to roam about the cabin. At this point I went to use the restroom as I had a few beers.
View of the BF cabin as we sit and wait for take-off
At 9pm the captain announced we were going to resume taxi and make a quick take-off.
Lined up for take-off.
Climbing out of EWR
After take-off I reclined my chair and began to relax for the 7:15 flight to FRA. The meal service began shortly after.
Red wine, garlic bread, and an Al Pacino movie.
The garlic bread was not warm and was kind of mushy. Not crispy.
Spinach and cheese pastry and crab cake. The crab cake was great.
Needed more dressing
My steak. Only the potatoes were good. The steak was overcooked, had big chunks of fat, and had no taste. It made me kind of sick, so I stopped eating it.
My neighbors pasta. I should have ordered it as it looked goood.
After the main course, there was a lot of turbulence and I had to cover my drinks as they were starting to splash around.
The F/As then came around with the desert and cheese cart. I wasnt feeling so good after the steak so I passed on the desert.
My seatmate did take desert and cheese
After dinner I went to brush my teeth, take some pics and then take a short nap before arrival into FRA.
The 767-200 BF seat is not that great to be honest. The recline is sufficient however the leg rest doesn't raise up enough therefore creating an awkward position with your legs. Also, the seat is kind of firm and is not really comfy for sleeping unless you had some drinks or a sleeping aid. I kept on tossing and turning through the whole flight as I couldnt find that perfect sleeping position. I cant wait for the new flat seats!!
I had just woken up and it is daylight already
Almost there
About 1 hour before descent into FRA, the F/As came and handed out hot towels and offered drinks. I went with some orange juice.
Next came breakfast. I thought I was going to be getting a full meal (eggs, sausage, bacon, etc) but instead it was very very basic. I was disappointed to be honest. I thought CO would offer more food.
After breakfast we began the descent into FRA and the crew came to clean up the cabin and prepare for landing.
Economy
We flew parallel to the Frankfurt airport then made a 180* turn to intercept the runway and land.
Welcome to FRA
Turning into gate E5
View of the 767 after our flight from EWR
Immigration and baggage claim was very fast as the terminal was empty. I really like the FRA airport as it seems very clean and in good condition.
At baggage claim. No bags yet.
Conclusion
This BF flight was not up to par with a typical experience in BF. The main negative factor was the flight attendant. I wish that CO can perhaps guide her or give her more training so that she is able to meet COs highest level of standards. Another bad experience was the food. The steak might have made me sick, and the breakfast was too basic. Next time throw some scrambled eggs in there also.
In spite of my rather poor experience on this flight, I still view CO as a fantastic airline and a great product for TATL flights and recommend them to anyone.
CO will continue to be my airline of choice, however, once they join Star Alliance I am really looking forward to trying out the other great airlines such as Lufthansa, Singapore, and ANA.
Transpac787 From United States of America, joined Jul 2007, 2274 posts, RR: 15 Reply 1, posted (1 year 5 months 3 days 19 hours ago) and read 18461 times:
I haven't been on a 767-200 yet and really want to. I guess my only option are AA 762's on the JFK-LAX transcons, since I don't really want to cross oceans to get one haha.
On a bit of a random note, thanks for posting pictures of the menu - I always kinda wondered what CO's looked like!!
Ryanair!!! From Singapore, joined Mar 2002, 4367 posts, RR: 26 Reply 2, posted (1 year 5 months 3 days 18 hours ago) and read 18270 times:
Now for Part 2...
Quoting Bentley55 (Thread starter): Of the approximate four or five F/As attending the B/F cabin, there was one who was dedicated to my side of the cabin. She was in her fifties to sixties I would say and was a real disappointment. My seat mate and I would comment to each other that she was totally cold, borderline rude, unmotivated, and made me feel as if she just "didnt give a F**K" and didnt want to be serving us.
I guess you would have one of these characters on every flight. I myself have had bad apples zap me with their laser on SQ - believe it or not. But still, if you show customers you do not like your job, then do not be there.
Quoting Bentley55 (Thread starter): My steak. Only the potatoes were good. The steak was overcooked, had big chunks of fat, and had no taste. It made me kind of sick, so I stopped eating it.
Real pity, the steak looked absolutely mouthwatering! And I agree about the breakfast. I would have been asking for seconds after slurping those thin veils of ham and cheese!
I hope you had a far better return flight!
Ryan
Welcome to my starry one world alliance, a team in the sky!
NWA757boy From United States of America, joined Aug 2005, 526 posts, RR: 5 Reply 3, posted (1 year 5 months 3 days 17 hours ago) and read 18011 times:
Quoting Bentley55 (Thread starter): After settling in, the F/A came to hang my jacket and offer me a drink. Again, as I was flying to Germany I wanted to warm up my taste buds so I ordered a Heineken. The F/A said that they couldn't offer me that beer right now (why not??) so I settled for a Miller beer which was "cool" and not cold.
Only certain alcoholic beverages can be served for departures for tax reasons. There is a alcohol kit that is bonded for pre-departures and that is all you can open and serve on the ground.
over all nice report, too bad the experience couldn't have been better.
SR 103 From United States of America, joined Sep 2000, 1550 posts, RR: 37 Reply 4, posted (1 year 5 months 3 days 17 hours ago) and read 17982 times:
Great report, especially considering I am in the process of writing a BusinessFirst one myself. I flew Houston-Amsterdam-Houston this past week and generally agree with most of your comments.
Quoting Bentley55 (Thread starter): However, she asked if I could move to 2L as the person in 2L wanted to sit next to their wife. I usually dont like moving around when I have the bulkhead, but I accepted and took my new boarding pass for 2L and headed to board the plane.
I flew 1L to AMS and 2A on the way back. The bulkhead is definitely much better on CO's 767's.
Quoting Bentley55 (Thread starter): Unfortunately, I had a bad bad bad experience on this flight. Of the approximate four or five F/As attending the B/F cabin, there was one who was dedicated to my side of the cabin. She was in her fifties to sixties I would say and was a real disappointment. My seat mate and I would comment to each other that she was totally cold, borderline rude, unmotivated, and made me feel as if she just "didnt give a F**K" and didnt want to be serving us.
You know, I had that on the way to Amsterdam as well but I got lucky and was on the aisle being served by the friendly and outgoing F/A. On the way back however my F/A was so so while the other aisle had an amazing F/A. Sadly this is the inconsistency I have come to expect from Continental over the years.
Quoting Bentley55 (Thread starter): The garlic bread was not warm and was kind of mushy. Not crispy.
Mine was perfectly done, crispy border with soft inside.
Quoting Bentley55 (Thread starter): Spinach and cheese pastry and crab cake. The crab cake was great.
I actually liked the soup the best which you did not have, the crab cake had a very fishy aftertaste for me.
Quoting Bentley55 (Thread starter): My steak. Only the potatoes were good. The steak was overcooked, had big chunks of fat, and had no taste. It made me kind of sick, so I stopped eating it.
My friend who was sitting next to me had the steak and it was much better that what you described, it was even presented better. it was neither overcooked nor had any fat on it.
Quoting Bentley55 (Thread starter): My neighbors pasta. I should have ordered it as it looked goood.
You should have, I had the pasta and it was absolutely great.
Quoting Bentley55 (Thread starter): The 767-200 BF seat is not that great to be honest. The recline is sufficient however the leg rest doesn't raise up enough therefore creating an awkward position with your legs. Also, the seat is kind of firm and is not really comfy for sleeping unless you had some drinks or a sleeping aid. I kept on tossing and turning through the whole flight as I couldnt find that perfect sleeping position. I cant wait for the new flat seats!!
I agree, the seat is old and needs an update but is still better than what Delta has on their 767's.
Quoting Bentley55 (Thread starter): Next came breakfast. I thought I was going to be getting a full meal (eggs, sausage, bacon, etc) but instead it was very very basic. I was disappointed to be honest. I thought CO would offer more food.
From my experience no airline really serves a hot breakfast out of the New York area (KL, AF, NW, LH, LX) so your out of luck on that front I am afraid. However I did have a hot breakfast out of IAH and it was excellent.
Quoting Bentley55 (Thread starter): In spite of my rather poor experience on this flight, I still view CO as a fantastic airline and a great product for TATL flights and recommend them to anyone.
You know, despite the lack luster trip report your wrote about KLM, I would gladly take KLM over Continental any day. I never have to play Russian roulette on whether I am going to get a friendly crew or not which has consistently been an issue with my Continental flights over the years. Also KLM is light years ahead in terms of IFE and in my opinion the seats are more comfortable (not great but still decent) when it comes to their new WBC product.
Look forward to more trip reports, hopefully more positive ones.
Jfklucky777 From United States of America, joined Mar 2008, 54 posts, RR: 0 Reply 5, posted (1 year 5 months 3 days 17 hours ago) and read 17968 times:
Nice TR! Even though you didn't have as good as an experience as you've had before it still seems that CO is still by far the best American airline all around and is a model for American carriers.
In NOV I should be doing a comparative TR from JFK to FRA in LH business class! Let's see if LH is as good or better than CO.
Bentley55 From Panama, joined Mar 2008, 99 posts, RR: 0 Reply 7, posted (1 year 5 months 3 days 5 hours ago) and read 16705 times:
Quoting Ryanair!!! (Reply 2): Real pity, the steak looked absolutely mouthwatering! And I agree about the breakfast. I would have been asking for seconds after slurping those thin veils of ham and cheese!
I hope you had a far better return flight!
Steak looked great, but didnt taste good. Yes, the return segment was flawless.
Quoting NWA757boy (Reply 3): Only certain alcoholic beverages can be served for departures for tax reasons. There is a alcohol kit that is bonded for pre-departures and that is all you can open and serve on the ground.
I didnt know that, thanks for the explanation.
Quoting SR 103 (Reply 4): You know, despite the lack luster trip report your wrote about KLM, I would gladly take KLM over Continental any day. I never have to play Russian roulette on whether I am going to get a friendly crew or not which has consistently been an issue with my Continental flights over the years. Also KLM is light years ahead in terms of IFE and in my opinion the seats are more comfortable (not great but still decent) when it comes to their new WBC product.
The KLM new WBC has a decent seat but in general the CO service is much warmer and friendly. Although KLM is still a good product, I believe that CO is slightly better. Although my outbound segment wasnt so good in terms of service, the return was amazing. Although I slept for about 95% of the flight, the F/As were very friendly and it showed that they loved their job. Also, the AVOD on the 777 is pretty good IMHO.
KaiGywer From United States of America, joined Oct 2003, 11144 posts, RR: 42 Reply 8, posted (1 year 5 months 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 15979 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW HEAD SUPPORT
Quoting SR 103 (Reply 4): I agree, the seat is old and needs an update but is still better than what Delta has on their 767's.
I just flew Delta's BusinessElite yesterday and I found the seat to be very comfortable. Moreso than the seat I had with CO on their 757 (which looks identical to the 767 seat)
Never Underestimate the Power of Stupid People in Large Groups
Burnsie28 From United States of America, joined Aug 2004, 6301 posts, RR: 16 Reply 9, posted (1 year 5 months 2 days 19 hours ago) and read 15800 times:
Soxfan From United States of America, joined Mar 2008, 698 posts, RR: 0 Reply 10, posted (1 year 5 months 2 days 18 hours ago) and read 15682 times:
Nice report!
Did you ever consider emailing/contacting CO and commenting on your experience, especially that related to the actions/demeanor of the flight attendant (did you get her name)? I'm not sure how much good it would do, but it could have an effect, especially if other people had emailed about the same FA on different flights.
I flew a 777 MAD-EWR about 4 years ago and (although it was my first trip in business) it was really a wonderful experience (albeit with the 777-style seat, not yours), so I'm sorry that it didn't work out as well for you. Hopefully next time it will be better!
BA319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 6400 posts, RR: 52 Reply 11, posted (1 year 5 months 2 days 10 hours ago) and read 15382 times:
Good report and pictures, thanks.
I flew CO on a 764 in BF 2 weeks ago, wasok., nothing special though.
Quoting Bentley55 (Thread starter): I made my way to the Elite Access/ BusinessFirst check-in area. Luckily there wasnt much of a line, however, todays check-in experience was not as good as my previous trips on BF. Previously, I would normally be approached by a BF "grey jacket" and they would welcome me and assist me with the check-in process. Today, the check-in lady was kind of cold and in a rush to go somewhere. Not that it matters to me, but my experience so far didnt feel that special
- Had the same feelings when I checked in.
Quoting Bentley55 (Thread starter): My steak. Only the potatoes were good. The steak was overcooked, had big chunks of fat, and had no taste. It made me kind of sick, so I stopped eating it.
- That looks almost identical to my meal, my steak was just like yours, crappy!
The current BF seats are poor, the flat beds are way overdue though there is no mention of fitting to the 767 fleets, just 787,777 & 757's, al least from what I read in their inflight mag.
Bentley55 From Panama, joined Mar 2008, 99 posts, RR: 0 Reply 12, posted (1 year 5 months 2 days 3 hours ago) and read 15171 times:
Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 11): - Had the same feelings when I checked in.
Really? So maybe this is a broader issue with CO and not just on that day.
Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 11): - That looks almost identical to my meal, my steak was just like yours, crappy!
The current BF seats are poor, the flat beds are way overdue though there is no mention of fitting to the 767 fleets, just 787,777 & 757's, al least from what I read in their inflight mag.
I think I will stick with the pasta bowl as they never dissapoint.
Yes, no flatseats for the 767. I am guessing that this is because CO might replace them with 787s. Once the 787s and 777 with new BF start entering service, I will try my best to avoid a 767 BF flight if possible!!
Readytotaxi From United Kingdom, joined Dec 2006, 1202 posts, RR: 0 Reply 13, posted (1 year 5 months 2 days 3 hours ago) and read 15168 times:
Nice report there.
You will probably fly with CO for a long time before you get another bad time like that.
I always thought they did the best meal service of all the US carriers.
When they get the flat bed I will start flying with them again like a shot.
you don't get a second chance to make a first impression!
Tommy767 From United States of America, joined Aug 2003, 2296 posts, RR: 10 Reply 14, posted (1 year 5 months 2 days 3 hours ago) and read 15147 times:
Quoting SR 103 (Reply 4): From my experience no airline really serves a hot breakfast out of the New York area (KL, AF, NW, LH, LX) so your out of luck on that front I am afraid. However I did have a hot breakfast out of IAH and it was excellent.
AA I believe serves an omlette on the JFK-Europe flights as an option. Based on this trip report, I would have thought CO would have done the same thing.
Great pictures! The thing that would got to me the most on your trip was the long takeoff delay. That and the steak had to be attrocious.
"sailing takes me away to where I always knew it could be..." --Christopher Cross
Bentley55 From Panama, joined Mar 2008, 99 posts, RR: 0 Reply 15, posted (1 year 5 months 2 days 1 hour ago) and read 15062 times:
Quoting Tommy767 (Reply 14): Great pictures! The thing that would got to me the most on your trip was the long takeoff delay. That and the steak had to be attrocious.
The delayed take off was not an issue to me because there are almost always take off delays at EWR in the evening. Furthermore, the FAA computer problem was the FAA's problem and not CO's fault. Luckily the captain allowed us to move about the cabin as I really had to use the restroom.
Steak looked great but unfortunately was not good. But in general, CO always has great food service and great attention and they are still a great airline to fly.
TristanHNL From Hong Kong, joined Apr 2006, 164 posts, RR: 0 Reply 16, posted (1 year 3 months 3 weeks 2 days 10 hours ago) and read 12934 times:
Quoting Bentley55 (Reply 12): Yes, no flatseats for the 767. I am guessing that this is because CO might replace them with 787s. Once the 787s and 777 with new BF start entering service, I will try my best to avoid a 767 BF flight if possible!!
Well actually during the Q3 conference call, it was revealed that the 764's will be receiving the new flat beds, as well as AVOD! The logistics of fitting the new seats in the smaller BF cabin on the 762's probably proved too difficult so I think the older seats will remain on that aircraft.
Sorry to hear you had such a dismal experience. There'll always be a few. But I agree that more should've been offered for breakfast. That's quite stingy for what is supposed to be their award-winning premium service! Definitely contact CO about the flight attendant and your meals; they do listen.
Conrad1402 From United Kingdom, joined Feb 2008, 54 posts, RR: 0 Reply 17, posted (1 year 3 months 3 weeks 2 days 3 hours ago) and read 12314 times:
What an excellent report! You've included every detail, and was a great read. Thank you for contributing.
Quoting Bentley55 (Thread starter): One of the excellent F/As taking the dinner orders. She spoke German and was kind of cute.
Wow, she is cute. I like when F/As take dinner orders before serving. It somehow makes it feel more exclusive and the food fresher. I was just on a Northwest 757 from Orlando to Detroit in First, and the 'lead flight attendant' actually adressed everyone by name, and took a note of their preference on his manifest sheet.
I've not tried Continental's C-Class product, however I think I'd prefer to be in a slightly more modern cabin. That footrest sitting low would really annoy me!
Bentley55 From Panama, joined Mar 2008, 99 posts, RR: 0 Reply 18, posted (1 year 3 months 3 weeks 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 11644 times:
Quoting TristanHNL (Reply 16): Well actually during the Q3 conference call, it was revealed that the 764's will be receiving the new flat beds
Yes you are correct 100%. However, at the time of writing the TR, this conference call still had not occurred.
Quoting TristanHNL (Reply 16): There'll always be a few. But I agree that more should've been offered for breakfast. That's quite stingy for what is supposed to be their award-winning premium service!
Yes I agree with you.
Quoting Conrad1402 (Reply 17): What an excellent report! You've included every detail, and was a great read. Thank you for contributing.
Thanks, glad you liked it.
Quoting Conrad1402 (Reply 17): I've not tried Continental's C-Class product, however I think I'd prefer to be in a slightly more modern cabin. That footrest sitting low would really annoy me!
Yes, that footrest was very annoying and uncomfortable.
Davescj From United States of America, joined Jun 2007, 1797 posts, RR: 0 Reply 19, posted (1 year 3 months 3 weeks 12 hours ago) and read 11265 times:
Quoting Burnsie28 (Reply 9): Skyteam can't wait for them to be gone since they don't really bring anything to the alliance. Probably won't bring much of anything to Star either.
I think CO into *A will pull customers from both UA and US onto CO, but that is just a guess. Also, the CO network to Europe and South America will be good for star. Plus, SQ connects via EWK.
That said:
I've never been that happy with the steak on an airplane. Remember, it is being reheated/cooked in an oven. Never a happy thing. But, as a rule, BA's is OK. Not great, but OK.
Did you think about asking for a different meal? If I haven't liked a meal (shown by leaving half) on DL and BA have both offered to give me another meal.
I think you're right about the seats -- the flat seats can't arrive soon enough.
Lufthansa From Christmas Island, joined May 1999, 2285 posts, RR: 11 Reply 20, posted (1 year 3 months 3 weeks 5 hours ago) and read 11030 times:
Why do US carriers persist with this steak thing?
I mean god the 80s are over folks. NYC has some of the best restaurants in the world...you'd think maybe they could produce a few tasty options that perhaps reheat better inflight rather then something that's likely to go tough?
Good Trip report, very informative and great to see the 762 being used long haul still somewhere.
However. This product is looking very 90s, and i think it could do with a bit more styling updates.
Look at what key long haul carriers like AF/QF/LH/BA etc are offering and there's plenty of room for growth here. CO in general has a very good attitude for a us carrier. It just badly needs to higher a stylist to produce a more modern appearence for its products.
You will enjoy the benefits star will soon bring you. If you want a very good long haul experience I particularly reccomend NZ's business premiere.
ExFATboy From United States of America, joined Jul 2003, 2228 posts, RR: 9 Reply 22, posted (1 year 3 months 2 weeks 4 days 19 hours ago) and read 9924 times:
A very enjoyable report, thanks! Great look at CO's international service, both the good and the bad.
Shame about the steak, though...Iast steak I had on CO was delicious!
Quoting Bentley55 (Thread starter): Today, the check-in lady was kind of cold and in a rush to go somewhere. Not that it matters to me, but my experience so far didnt feel that special.
I've had the same experience - the BF check-in (and F check-in for domestic flights) just doesn't have a "premium" feel to it. I actually came away from checking in for a coach flight from EWR to HKG last month with more of a "international travel is a little special!" feeling.
Quoting Bentley55 (Thread starter): The recline is sufficient however the leg rest doesn't raise up enough therefore creating an awkward position with your legs. Also, the seat is kind of firm and is not really comfy for sleeping unless you had some drinks or a sleeping aid.
Which is why I recommend Ambien... Seriously, the leg rest is uncomfortable.
Quoting SR 103 (Reply 4): Sadly this is the inconsistency I have come to expect from Continental over the years.
It seems to be getting worse lately, though. A few weeks ago flying TPA-EWR, they had the first four rows of Coach served by the First Class FA...which, since he was busy with First, meant we got served pretty much last. Odd, considering that the majority of the folks in the first four rows are OnePass Elites. And I had a FA on HKG-EWR make a stink about me (a lowly Coach passenger, since upgrading with the cash/miles combo is virtually impossible on that flight) using a BF lavatory...on the ground. In the air, of course, and perhaps on the ground on an airline where there's some sort of amenities in there, but I've never had a FA on any US airline say anything about class-of-service toilet restrictions on the ground. She seemed to be looking for a reason to be nasty and sarcastic to people - I overheard a couple of BF passengers complaining about her attitude.
Quoting Burnsie28 (Reply 9): Skyteam can't wait for them to be gone since they don't really bring anything to the alliance. Probably won't bring much of anything to Star either.
Well, Star is by far the weakest of the alliances in New York City for domestic-to-international connections, and CO will make a huge difference there.
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Seriously, the leg rest is uncomfortable.
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