Southwest Airlines First Class 737-800

Southwest has two first class seats on every 737-800.  The service isn't any different and they are the same narrow width as all the other seats, but these two seats do offer unlimited leg room.  I was able to claim one with boarding position A43 and B2 last week.  They are considered part of the exit row, so they can't be occupied by pre-boards, children, or the elderly.   

Seat 16A

Exit Rows 15 and 16

Seat 16A Leg Room

Happy May Day

I don't have any Air Koryo photos, so China Eastern will have to do.

Communist Airline With Proletariat and Bourgeoisie Classes

Lufthansa Crane Sponsorship

Lufthansa likes their crane logo. It is the best logo of any airline flying today (RIP Pluna).  The crane is a central part to the brand and is included in their kids programs too.  They also support a group saving crane habitats in central Europe. I enjoy well thought out branding and when companies support related and non-objectionable causes.

Lufthansa Crane Logo

Channel 9 at the Airport Hotel

I stayed at the Sheraton Albuquerque airport hotel and had some fun looking out the window.  I requested a high corner room to have a good view of the airport action.  To increase the fun, I brought along my NASCAR/ Indycar scanner and set it to pick up the ABQ tower.  The reception was great and I had a good view and understanding of the action.  Add in the Flight Aware airport view and I was a well prepared spotter.  The only bummers were it was not a busy day and the airport closed the runway that takes planes closest to the hotel.  It was still a fun way to relax after a long drive.

Good View of the Action

Flight Aware’s airport information provides airport maps with tower and ground frequencies.  This is completely legal in the USA, but illegal in certain other countries, like the UK.

Virgin Australia's New 777 Business Class

Virgin Australia is upgrading their long haul business class seats and they look amazing. The 777-300ER cabin upgrades will start in November, 2015. They are also a Delta Sky Miles partner with decent award space, so I can try the new seats for 80,000 Delta points each way.

British Airways Award Ticket Seat Selection Fee

I paid 50,000 miles and $557 in taxes and fees to British Airways for a business class ticket to London.  This was not enough for British Airways to give me a free seat assignment.  That will be an extra $113 for the USA - London segment. I'm flying premium economy back and the fee is $56. 

BA Seat Selection Webpage

United Express Bombardier Q400 (DH4) Seats

I got my first upgrade of 2015 since downgrading to Gold status.  I was the last to clear and was excited to try out a new first class cabin (for me at least).  I was flying MCI-DEN on a Bombardier Q400turboprop.  The seats and service are standard United Express, except the flight attendant was upbeat and never let my coffee go empty.  Row 2 is an exit row with plenty of space, but missing a window.  The best seats are 7 C & D in Economy Plus, their leg room goes for ever and they have windows. One tip no matter where you sit, bring ear plugs.  Bombardier's are quieter than other turboprops, but still much louder than jets. 

First Class Seats 2C and 2D, Reclined and Upright

First Class United Express Seats

Economy Plus Q400 Seats - Row 7 C & D