Trip Report:

ANC-DEN-DSM-DEN-ANC
12/17 January 2006

ANC-DEN 1/12/06
Flight: UA700
Aircraft: A319 N847UA
Seats: 1A/B
Scheduled Departure: 23:35 Alaska Time
Actual Departure: 23:37 Alaska Time
Scheduled Arrival: 06:43 Mountain Time
Actual Arrival: 06:33 Mountain Time

Hopped a cab from home to the airport about 2100. I like to have plenty of time, even if I’ve already checked in for the flights at home . . . which we had. Boarding passes in hand, we arrive at the United counter at ANC. Only took a moment or two to get the bags tagged – and an additional moment to get the Priority Bag Tags installed – even though I’ve been told they are worthless, I still like to have them.

After a drink or three at the bar it’s time to face the TSA idiots. There is no line – in either the First Class priority line or the regular line. Nine TSA widgets are working this evening with one lane.

Alas I’m selected for “Random Screening” by the teenaged looking TSA moron at the metal detector. I asked him, “What prompted this?” Another TSA minion replies, “it’s random”. I told her I wasn’t talking to her, and I asked the guy that directed me to the random screening area again, “What prompted the secondary screening?” I got no answer. But the man doing the additional screening said “It’s Random”. I told him I was bullshit . . . then he started his diatribe . . . to which I responded, “Don’t talk to me about anything except where you want me to stand and what position you’d like me to be in. This is utter bullshit, and I just want to be on my way.” I asked if he’d seen the badge in my carry on? It took about 2 minutes, was painless of course, but still utter bullshit. Enough about the worthless, useless TSA. Neither of us was “selected” again the rest of the trip.

Arrived at the gate, B10, with the aircraft already on the ground. With enough time for another small Scotch (for me) and beer (for my girlfriend) we visited the little bar at the end of B Concourse.

Boarding was called and we were first aboard. Seats 1 A and B. The usual domestic F seats on a UA Airbus. Plane was clean, and crew pretty friendly. I made my usual announcement to the crew, “I’m retired military, and an off duty police officer, any problems you would like help with, I’ll be in seat ABC”. I know that sometimes sounds cheesy, but I like the crew to know I can be counted upon to help in a situation if necessary. Time to hook up Channel 9 and listen to ATC.

We push at 2337 Alaska time and have a short taxi over to Runway 32. We were number one in line and turned right onto the runway and were off about 2339.

There was the quite nice UA Snack in F, a fruit and cheese plate, accompanied by a reasonable white wine. Interestingly, my girlfriend got all metal flatware (save for the ridiculous plastic knife), but mine was all black plastic. I guess the catering in ANC was short on flatware for UA. Didn’t matter really. Just thought it a bit bizarre. After a second glass of wine it was nap time.

I awoke somewhere over Wyoming. I probably hadn’t been awake for more than ten minutes when we were cleared to begin our decent. Still dark out I could see the lights of northern Colorado outside. ATC cleared us to land on Runway 17R. The crew acknowledged and requested a change to Runway 16L. Approved. A slight right turn and we were lined up. A further request to rollout the distance of the runway was approved, and soon we were at the gate.

A smiling AN-225 met us at the airplane. And we got to visit for several hours. Great guy! I enjoy visiting with him. I’m quite impressed that he emigrated from Russia in 1996 and speaks better English than most people I know. Stellar individual all the way around.


Below: AN-225 and ANCFlyer . . . two likely suspects at DEN



Check-In: 9 (Priority Baggage tag)
Boarding/Preflight: 10
In Flight: 10
Aircraft: 10
Arrival: 10
49/50


DEN-DSM 1/13/06
Flight: UA6728
Aircraft: CRJ700 NXXXXSW
Seats: 1 C/D
Scheduled Departure: 10:25 Mountain Time
Actual Departure: 10:47 Mountain Time
Scheduled Arrival: 12:59 Central Time
Actual Arrival: 12:54 Central Time

I got the rego of this aircraft, I simply can’t find it. We boarded a few minutes early, but alas, pushback was late and departure (wheels up) even later. As we taxied out for departure on Runway 8, which is a couple miles from the terminal. We were number four in line to go behind an Air Wisconsin BAe 146, and two UA Airbii. Fast, quiet climb out on the RJ. Again clear skies and beautiful scenery. I’m still quite impressed with the leg room in row 1 in F on the CRJ700. And, still as unimpressed with the misaligned windows. Skywest could move the front row of seats forward six inches and make it possible to actually look out the window without contorting ones body into an uncomfortable forward leaning position.

The F/A on board was a great guy. And he was reluctant to explain that – once again – just like my trip in October – Skywest hadn’t loaded any Snack Boxes aboard the flight. We had some sort of hard cookie. That was it, no chips, no nuts, no nothing. Just the cookies. I told him it must be a cost saving thing for Skywest. Dangit, I was looking forward to sampling one . . . maybe next time.

I did overhear the F F/A and the Y F/A in a conversation later in the flight. Apparently Skywest is going to start serving cold meals to it’s F passengers fairly soon. A sandwich of some sort, chips and drinks. I think that fine. I also think they’d do just fine remember to load the snack boxes and forego to sandwich and chips!

Decent into DSM was very turbulent. I had checked the DSM weather before leaving Anchorage and there was the trailing edge of a narrow band of rain over the area when we arrived. Heavy winds buffeted the plane and we arrived on Runway 31. A fairly long roll out and we returned to Gate A4 at DSM. Still surprised to see mainline UA aircraft there, a B737 from ORD and also one from BOS. Service from BOS-DSM nonstop? Wonder what market that supports?

Looking around the field I saw AA ERJs, NW CRJ200s, and plenty of UPS activity, including a DC8! What a treat to see a DC8.

Baggage arrived within 5 minutes. Enough time for me to have secured my rental car and be ready to go. My big thanks to the A-Netter that suggest I forego the Rental Car Company’s directions to get to Interstate 80 – which would have taken us through downtown. Instead, we turned right, went 1.5 miles, turned left onto the Des Moines Bypass, US Highway 6, and made I-0 Eastbound in about 15 minutes. Sure beat driving through downtown.

Below: CRJ700 at DSM


Check-In: 10
Boarding/Preflight: 10
In Flight: 7 (Snack Box)
Aircraft: 10
Arrival: 10
48/50


At about 1600 Central Time we arrived near Cedar Rapids at my daughter’s home. She did not know we were coming. I thought the surprise would be nice – plus I’m never sure about the weather in northern Alaska when we have a crew change day. Flight delays are quite common. So rather than risk disappointment, we just hoped for the best and didn’t tell her. Needless to say she was very excited! We had a great four days there.

Below: Dad and Miranda in the biggest Rocking Chair in Iowa - at the Amana Colonies, 1-15-06


Below: ANCFlyer's girlfriend and Miranda in the biggest Rocking Chair in Iowa - at the Amana Colonies, 1-15-06


Below: At Miranda's school, yes, I subjected myself to KIDS once again, and spent half a day at Miranda's school. How else, as a parent, can you evaluate your child's education???

Miranda (far left) and her two best friends:

Blurry picture of Miranda at Band rehearsal with her Clarinet:

Dad and Miranda waiting on the first bell to ring:


DSM-DEN-ANC 1/17/06
Flight: UA7581/UA701
Cancelled due to Volcanic Eruption.

We were checked in on UA7851, an E170, and having a midday refreshment at the DSM Airport bar when I hear “Will ANCFlyer and he girlfriend please report back to the United Ticket Counter”. Hmmmm. I know this cannot be good . . . . something is broken, late, cancelled, rerouted, or all of the above.

When we got to the counter, we also saw our luggage. Uh-oh. Definitely not good.

Turn out, Mt. St. Augustine had blown it’s top earlier that morning and sent an ash cloud 58000 feet into the sky. With no way of understanding the severity of the eruption without having my computer available, I had no choice of course other than to accept the agents word. UA 701, DEN-ANC was cancelled for the day. He didn’t want us to begin the trip and get stuck in DEN. Good call on his part. He rebooked us the following day DSM-DEN-SEA-ANC. He did tell us though that there were no F Seats available from SEA-ANC. That’s not good, surely as an F paying passenger something could be done. We were placed on an FFCC Flight Management Upgrade Waitlist. The Agent explained there were 2 seats sold, six seats open but they were being held for upgrades and for sale and I could get them at the airport in SEA. I thought this quite odd since I paid the price of the seats already. Hmmm, will have to ask some UA people about this I thought.

We booked a room at the very nearby Airport Radisson. Damn nice place. I logged on to the computer – made an A-Net thread – and did some research. The eruption turned out to be rather tame and lazy and the ash cloud went south. No where near ANC. Why was UA the only carrier to cancel anything that day? And furthermore, why didn’t we get put on CO, NW or AS since they all flew on time and all flights? Well, of course the answer is UA doesn’t have to do a damn thing in the event of weather. But still, we were F paying customers.

So, the tale continues:


DSM-DEN 1/18/06
Flight: UA7581
Aircraft: E170 N635RW
Seats: 1 D/F
Scheduled Departure: 14:45 Central Time
Actual Departure: 14:43 Central Time
Scheduled Arrival: 15:34 Mountain Time
Actual Arrival: 15:31 Mountain Time

I watched the plane arrive – took some pictures of course. The entire reason for flying into DSM when I had planned a visit two hours away in CID was to fly the E170. I was not disappointed at all by the aircraft. Very nice, quiet, clean, new, can’t beat it. Although I did think the windows are placed a bit too high. One has to sit very straight up to see down out of them. Even my 73 inch height didn’t afford an easy view.

Our departure was early, and I was surprised. People in Y brought on all manner of carry on luggage. Some of it quite obviously way too big. At least a dozen bags were taken back out to be gatechecked. Ridiculous people. Check your luggage or don’t bring so much crap with you. I only ever carry my computer onboard. I check everything else. If it gets “misdirected” (airline BS for LOST), then the carrier will handle it. Sure beats having to hump it around the airport and it keeps people like AN-225 employed.

Departure off of Runway 23 and a slight left turn and we’re on our way to Denver. Guess what. No snack boxes again? What is with these United express carriers? Our Flight Attendant was useless. I saw her twice. She disappeared into the rear for quite some time and then holed up in the forward galley. She appeared only when I rang my call button. Not at all what I expect in F. Noted also that she was a “Check F/A” which I assume to mean she’s a trainer, or evaluator of other F/As. I hope her work ethic doesn’t rub off on the people she evaluates. I made my sentiments known on arrival in DEN.

Now, the E170. First row of F is great, plenty of leg room, and the seats are awesome. No complaints at all with the aircraft – save the misplaced windows. I think this one is a definite winner!

Arrival in DEN was on 16L again. Taxi to the gate took some time, based on the arrival runway, but was no problem. AN-225 was there with a smile and a handshake, but soon left us as he was starting his shift.

Below: E170!   



Check-In: 10
Boarding/Preflight: 10
In Flight: 2 (Snack Box, F Flight Attendant)
Aircraft: 10
Arrival: 10
42/50


DEN-SEA 1/18/06
Flight: UA407
Aircraft: B757-200 NXXXXUA
Seats: 1 A/B
Scheduled Departure: 1720 Mountain Time
Actual Departure: 1816 Mountain Time
Scheduled Arrival: 1905 Pacific Time
Actual Arrival: 2010 Pacific Time

The inbound aircraft was thirty minutes late from LGA. Understandable as they’d had pretty lousy weather there all day. The plane was on the ground for about an hour total, and wasn’t serviced properly at all – in fact when we boarded it was still being catered. No fresh pillows or blankets in F (I don’t use them anyway – just made the note). Also, no cleaned headsets. I had to ask the F/A for them as I wanted to listen to Channel 9 and didn’t want to use someone else’s headset. Turns out that was a useless endeavor as the IFE connection in seats 1A/B wasn’t working anyway. In fact, this 757 was pretty well beat up. Although the seats were new, and the typical UA domestic F seats, the magazine pockets attached to the bulkhead walls were barely hanging on – the bottom long ago blown out and incapable of holding anything at all except the emergency card. I don’t have the rego for this aircraft unfortunately.

A Small Dinner service was offered. Chicken Caesar Salad or a Warm Turkey wrap. We opted for one of each. Some wine with the dinner and a clear night afford a great view. Flight time was a bit over 2 hours and 30 minutes. The cabin crew was great, and the Captain came back into F after departure to chat. I had already let the crew know to call me in case of an incident.

Arrival in SEA was on Runway 16R, and after a quite hold short of 16L for a departing AS 737 we were quickly at our gate, N1 in the North Satellite. Our departing flight would be right next door at N16, and the aircraft was already there when we arrived – an hour late. The delay really didn’t cause any distress as it eliminated an hour of sitting around SEA. I didn’t get over to the Central terminal to have a look at the new airport improvements at SEA. Several reasons – one was to secure the upgrade to ANC, another that I was tired, and thirdly and most importantly, I did not want to deal with the TSA idiots again that trip. Better to get my new boarding passes, have a drink of water and have a seat for 35 minutes.

Below: The beat up 757 arriving from LGA at DEN:



Check-In: 10
Boarding/Preflight: 10
In Flight: 8 (Late Flight)
Aircraft: 2 (IFE, Worn, Dirty, Broken down 757)
Arrival: 10
40/50


SEA-DEN 1/18/06
Flight: UA795
Aircraft: A319 N848UA
Seats: 1 A/B
Scheduled Departure: 2125 Pacific Time
Actual Departure: 2121 Pacific Time
Scheduled Arrival: 2355 Alaska Time
Actual Arrival: 2356 Alaska Time

Finally, the last leg of the journey. When a CSA arrived at Gate N16, I presented him with the FFCC Upgrade Coupon I had been given in DSM. He said, “Ahhh, I read your record already. Here’s your new boarding passes. Wonder why they didn’t issue them in DSM”? I told him that I was told that the seats had been put under SEA airport control, according to the DSM CSA, and that the seats couldn’t be assigned this morning. He said, “No matter, you paid F, you should have had it reserved yesterday”. Bottom line, my seats were now 1A/B instead of 6D/E (Economy Plus Bulkhead), and I’m happy.

Boarding was quick it seemed. And the A319 is clean and catered. A preflight glass of ice water and we’re buttoned up and ready to go. FYI: Airbii are the hot ticket. I like a 757 or a 727, but the Airbii can’t be beat.

We push back and take the long taxi up Bravo to Charlie and right on to Runway 16L. No waiting, we’re cleared to take off by ATC while still taxing past Hotel. It was a rolling take off with a long runway heading climb to FL130 before turning right and heading north. We’re cleared immediately to FL330 and handed off to YVR Center. The cheese and fruit plate arrive, along with many glasses of wine. The F F/A on this Airbus is dynamite. The flight passes uneventfully and we’re given vectors to take us a bit further north than the crew anticipated. Center explains it’s due to volcanic activity. We make our way up over YAK before finally turning west toward ANC. It’s a beautiful clear night over Alaska, and the occasional lights from a town or village can be seen. We are cleared down to FL100 just over Whittier, Alaska. The light of Anchorage soon appear below and the pilot reports “We have visual on 7R with Quebec”. Anchorage clears us for landing and soon we’re down. For whatever reason we land just about on the numbers but use the entire runway before crossing 7L at Charlie and proceeding back up Kilo to gate B10. Wait for the luggage was about 15 minutes – and of course, the priority tags, true to form, mean absolutely nothing. Our bags appear scattered in amongst all the rest, Priority Tag be damned.

Check-In: 10
Boarding/Preflight: 10
In Flight: 10
Aircraft: 10
Arrival: 10
50/50

There you have it ladies and gents of A-Net. Another adventure completed. Hope you enjoyed the ride as much as my girlfriend and I.