I have mixed feelings about United's A319 aircraft. Seats 21A and 21F do not have a seat in front of them, so you have about 50 in of leg room. The first class cabin however has only 8 seats. It's always a difficult flight to clear an upgrade, especially when flying hub to hub or at peak times. On my most recent flight, my upgrade cleared at the gate (1K on a Q fare flying on a Sunday morning DEN-SFO if you are interested).
United A319 Seat 1A
The first class seat in United's Airbus fleet is very comfortable and has plenty of recline. There isn't too much legroom, but the bulkhead for 1A and 1B has a cutout for a little more space. No meal was served (United A319 lunch review) and I was able to get in almost two hours of work on the flight. The flight went fast and was a nice trip all around with some fun views coming into SFO.
I enjoy all things Lufthansa, especially their brand. I am reading Lufthansa and Graphic Design: Visual History of an Airplane, an interesting review of their brand and it's developments over time (the book is too small for the rich imagery, it should be coffee table size book but is a small paperback). I also like their iPhone app because it has a pictures section to download phone wallpapers. The images are great, I have a 747-800 for my lock screen and the Lufthansa logo on a cabin wall for my wall paper. The app is worth the download just for the images.
I finished school and can travel any time now, not just between Friday and Monday so I don't miss class. I can go anywhere, but don't have any pressing plans. I'm still limited by my 10 days of PTO too.
If Zimbabwe can function after hyper inflation Hilton HHonors can too. Hilton is changing their award chart by adding three new categories so the most expensive hotels go from 50,000 points to 95,000 points, 90% inflation. They adding a fifth night free bonus like SPG, but that doesn't take out the sting of hyper inflation. The changes go into effect March 28th, so book now at the old prices. There may be some better values at road side Hampton Inns, but the fun of points programs is the aspirational aspect of awards, not general discounts.
Southwest is trying to steal elite flyers in Denver from Frontier (this happened last year) and United. This is a big move to take on United on their home turf. I can't wait for fare wars out of Denver to start. United will match Southwest fares everywhere Southwest flies and I can grab some cheap miles and vacations. Competition rocks!
Southwest 737 Heading for Battle
Here are the offer details: We have an exciting opportunity for Colorado Rapid Rewards® Members who have elite status through the United Airlines MileagePlus® or Frontier EarlyReturns® programs! Through April 30, 2013, MileagePlus Premier® and EarlyReturns Ascent or Summit members can get complimentary Rapid Rewards A-List Membership! To take advantage of the status match offer, just send an email (make sure your Rapid Rewards state is CO first): To: RapidRewards@wnco.com Subject: Colorado Status Match Offer Body: 1. First Name: 2. Last Name: 3. Rapid Rewards(r) account number: 4. Phone number: 5. Attach a copy of your current, valid United MileagePlus(r) Premier(r) or Frontier EarlyReturns(r) Ascent or Summit membership card or statement. 6. Enter "Colorado Status Match Offer" in the subject line.
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