Leslie's 2006 Real Flight Log

[LeslieDEN]

Finally I had a flight. Jeez, took long enough. Now I can start my 2006 flight log.

Date: April 25, 2006
Route: Denver to Dallas
Airline: United
Flight: UA 474
Equipment: Boeing 757-200
Seat: 3A (First class! Woo hoo!)
Printed Schedule: Depart DEN 6:49 p.m. MDT. Arrive DFW 9:34 p.m. CDT.
Real Schedule: Departed on time. Arrived early, around 9:25 p.m.
Meal: None! And first class, can ya believe it? Gourmet Snack Mix and 7-Up. They never feed us real food on this flight.
Tail Number: I forgot to get it! :cry:

Fun Channel 9 stuff:
--Captain asks ATC for shortcut to Bowie, ATC says, "Nope," captain says, "You're decisive." ATC tells captain to ask the next ATC station or whatever it's called because he's not allowed to give that permission.
--Captain asks next ATC station (?) for shortcut to Bowie, ATC says, "Cleared direct Bowie," captain says, "You da man!"

I forgot how to attach the map image.

[Rebecca]

What is Channel 9? Can you listen to your pilot and ATC in real time while you're flying? (I can't decide if that would be comforting or scary.)

Glad your flying isn't virtual anymore! That was stressful.:D

[scaredy_cat]

At least if something was wrong you would know it by listening to them! I think it would be comforting to be able to hear what is going on (or isn't happening, rather)!

[LeslieDEN]

Hi, Rebecca and Paula,

Rebecca, yup, Channel 9, which United bills as its "From the Flight Deck" channel, lets passengers listen in real time to communication between ATC and their plane as well as other planes in the area. United is the only airline that does it. American Airlines used to, but no more.

On two of my flights, the first officer actually used channel 9 to talk directly to passengers for long stretches during the flight. He said he figured if we were listening to channel 9, we'd be interested in hearing about our plane, our route, and our flight, and he took the opportunity to chat with us about all those things. That was really fun. Nothing like having your FO in your ear, talking to you about flying while you're flying!

[Rebecca]

Nothing like having your FO in your ear, talking to you about flying while you're flying!I should say so!!!! I don't know about ALL FoF-ers but I would LOVE that! You know, kind of like when the doc or dentist says, "Okay, now I'm going to do this or that" and then tells you WHY they're doing something.

I registered for that ATC site that you put up and it is cool.

[LeslieDEN]

I'm glad you like that ATC site, Rebecca! I think it's a hoot.

Second entry in my 2006 flight log:

Date: April 30, 2006
Route: Dallas to Denver
Airline: United
Flight: UA 339
Equipment: Boeing 757
Seat: 2A (First class :))
Printed Schedule: Depart DFW 9:03 a.m. CDT. Arrive DEN 9:59 a.m. MDT.
Real Schedule: Departed and arrived on time.
Meal: Little biscotti, coffee, 7-Up.
Tail Number: N516UA :hyped:

I used the tail number to find some pictures of my plane on airliners.net! Here he is, not just any old 757-200, but the one and only Mr. N516UA (http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0950998/M/).

Fun Channel 9 stuff:
--Just normal stuff. Lots of chop reported south of Dallas, none where we were.

[scaredy_cat]

My flight is on the 18th, and I will be flying United, so I will definitely check out the Channel 9! Hopefully I won't have one of the pilots who doesn't turn it on. This is my first flight after the one 3 years ago that freaked me out, so every little thing will help.

What ATC site did you register for? I guess I missed the link.

[LeslieDEN]

Paula, the ATC site is http://www.liveatc.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=3

It's a forum where folks post clips of ATC communications that they find funny or interesting. You can download the clips if you register. (If you don't register, you can't even see the download links.) The registration link is near the top right of the screen, and registration is easy and painless.

One of the latest ones, "Give Me a Number and Your ID Please," has an Air Canada captain getting all pissy with a controller. That one generated a lot of discussion on the forum.

About your flight and channel 9, I wanted to mention this: As you've probably read on this forum, meeting your captain is one of the best things you can do for the fear. I hope you'll do this! If you do, you can take the opportunity to ask if he/she will keep Channel 9 on. I've done this a lot. Most say yes; a few say no, and of course there's nothing you can do about that. But I did have one who said he usually doesn't but he would "just this once" because I asked. So it can't hurt to ask!

[scaredy_cat]

Thanks.

I DO plan on meeting the pilots for my flights, if I can get the nerve to actually speak at the airport! lol

[LeslieDEN]

Third entry in my 2006 flight log.

Date: May 21, 2006
Route: Denver to Phoenix
Airline: United (Ted)
Flight: UA 1581
Equipment: A320
Seat: 2F (no first class on Ted)
Printed Schedule: Depart DEN 2:37 p.m. MDT. Arrive PHX 3:28 p.m. MST.
Real Schedule: Departed on time. Arrived early, around 3:18.
Meal: Official meal was gross snack mix and 7-Up. I had swiped some cheese and crackers from the Red Carpet Club though and had that.
Tail Number: N483UA

Fun Channel 9 Stuff: Some plane heading for Tulsa said he saw T-storms building 90 miles ahead and needed to deviate. Told ATC to direct him right or left. ATC told him going left would be the shortest route and added, "Let us know when you can get back on course." Nobody sounded too excited. (They never do.) I failed in my duties here though. I switched channels when I saw "Whose Line Is It Anyway" was on the monitors and missed a lot of channel 9 stuff.

Copyright cop St. Pete Mark won't let me steal the photo of Mr. N483UA, but here's a link (http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0851867/M/) to him flying out of Fort Lauderdale.

[LeslieDEN]

Fourth entry in my 2006 flight log.

Date: May 26, 2006
Route: Phoenix to Denver
Airline: United (Ted)
Flight: UA 1430
Equipment: A320
Seat: 2F
Printed Schedule: Depart PHX 2:53 p.m. MST. Arrive DEN 5:37 p.m. MDT.
Real Schedule: Departed on time. Arrived early, around 5:27.
Meal: Official meal was pretzels and 7-Up. I augmented it with shortbread chocolate chip cookies I swiped from the Red Carpet Club and a banana I bought.
Tail Number: N497UA

Fun Channel 9 Stuff:

--One of the pilots used channel 9 now and then to tell us about the sights below. Seemed like folks on the left side of the plane got to see all the good stuff. I think the best thing we on the right got was the Painted Desert. I don't understand why it's called that. It looks like it's painted brown. I got jealous of the folks on the left after a bunch of announcements like, "Those of you on the left can see an exploding volcano. Those on the right can see Farmington, NM."

--Nearing Denver, our pilot asked for a deviation to avoid a build-up. ATC told him to deviate no more than 10 degrees. I guess that wasn't enough because a little bit later he asked for another 5 degrees, which was granted.

--I thought America West was US Air now? Its callsign is still "Cactus."

Picture of my new friend N497UA (http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0521827/M/).

[scaredy_cat]

"Those of you on the left can see an exploding volcano. Those on the right can see Farmington, NM."


LOL

That's about my luck, all I mostly saw was clouds!

[LeslieDEN]

Fifth entry in my paltry 2006 flight log.

Date: July 31, 2006
Route: Denver to Washington, DC
Airline: United
Flight: UA 902
Equipment: Boeing 777 :woohoo:
Seat: 15A (Business Class! Heaven, thy name is Business Class on a 777 :) )
Printed Schedule: Depart DEN 10:15 a.m. MDT. Arrive IAD 3:31 p.m. EDT.
Real Schedule: Departed on time. Arrived three minutes late at 3:34 p.m.
Meal: Preflight water, in-flight warm bowl of nuts, Pepsi, Caesar salad with weird shrimp I removed, roll and butter, raisin cookie
Tail Number: N795UA

Fun Channel 9 Stuff: None. The captain didn't turn it on!

Airliners.net has a picture of my big beautiful N795UA (http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=0631367&WxsIERv=Obrvat%20777-222%2FRE&Wm=0&WdsYXMg=Havgrq%20Nveyvarf&QtODMg=Bfnxn%20-%20Xnafnv%20Vagreangvbany%20%28XVK%20%2F%20EWOO%29&ERDLTkt=Wncna&ktODMp=Whyl%2021%2C%202004&BP=1&WNEb25u=Cnhy%20Fcvwxref&xsIERvdWdsY=A795HN&MgTUQtODMgKE=&YXMgTUQtODMgKERD=3363&NEb25uZWxs=2004-08-01%2000%3A00%3A00&ODJ9dvCE=&O89Dcjdg=26927%2F108&static=yes&width=1025&height=704&sok=JURER%20%20%28ZNGPU%20%28nvepensg%2Cnveyvar%2C cynpr%2Ccubgb_qngr%2Cpbhagel%2Cerznex%2Ccubgbtencu re%2Crznvy%2Clrne%2Cert%2Cnvepensg_trarevp%2Cpa%2C pbqr%29%20NTNVAFG%20%28%27%2B%22A795HN%22%27%20VA% 20OBBYRNA%20ZBQR%29%29%20%20BEQRE%20OL%20cubgb_vq% 20QRFP&photo_nr=11&prev_id=0649051&next_id=0611128) flying over Japan.

[LeslieDEN]

Sixth entry in my 2006 flight log.

Date: August 2, 2006
Route: Washington, DC, to Denver
Airline: United
Flight: UA 301
Equipment: Boeing 777 :woohoo:
Seat: 15A (Same biz class seat, how about that)
Printed Schedule: Depart IAD 8:43 a.m. EDT. Arrive DEN 10:32 a.m. MDT.
Real Schedule: Departed on time. Arrived early at 10:12 a.m.
Meal: Preflight water then inflight Pepsi then big breakfast! Spinach frittata, ham, hollandaise sauce, hash browns, sausage, fruit (melon, strawberry, grapes), sweet roll, and butter. I nibbled on everything but the sausage. Snack mix and Pepsi later.
Tail Number: N781UA

Fun Channel 9 Stuff: Again the captain didn't turn it on. What is it with these 777 captains?

Here's a pic of my gorgeous N781UA (http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=1047034&size=L&width=1024&height=695&sok=JURER%20%20%28ZNGPU%20%28nvepensg%2Cnveyvar%2C cynpr%2Ccubgb_qngr%2Cpbhagel%2Cerznex%2Ccubgbtencu re%2Crznvy%2Clrne%2Cert%2Cnvepensg_trarevp%2Cpa%2C pbqr%29%20NTNVAFG%20%28%27%2B%22A781HN%22%27%20VA% 20OBBYRNA%20ZBQR%29%29%20%20BEQRE%20OL%20cubgb_vq% 20QRFP&photo_nr=1) touching down in Amsterdam.

Wish I could put the thumbnails here rather than having to do links. Um, Mark, would that be OK? (Not St. Pete Mark, the real Mark. St. Pete Mark won't let me do anything.)

[LeslieDEN]

Seventh entry in my flight log.

Date: August 7, 2006
Route: Denver to Las Vegas
Airline: United (Ted)
Flight: UA 1401
Equipment: A320
Seat: 2F
Printed Schedule: Depart DEN 1:20 p.m. MDT. Arrive LAS 2:14 p.m. PDT.
Real Schedule: Departed and arrived about 20 minutes late because the brakes were hot from the previous flight's quick turnaround, and we had to wait while they cooled down. Captain said that while of course they don't expect to use the brakes when taking off, they have to be prepared for anything. OK by me, Captain!
Meal: Pretzels and Pepsi, plus cheese and crackers I swiped from the Red Carpet Club.
Tail Number: I think I wrote it down wrong.
Fun Channel 9 stuff: Just the usual. I did hear us cleared to KSINO though.

[LeslieDEN]

Eighth entry in my flight log.

Date: August 10, 2006
Route: Las Vegas to Denver
Airline: United (Ted)
Flight: UA 1418
Equipment: A320
Seat: 2F
Printed Schedule: Depart LAS 3:52 p.m. PDT. Arrive DEN 6:47 p.m. MDT.
Real Schedule: Departed 30 minutes late because the plane was late arriving. Arrived on time though.
Meal: Just the official pretzels and Pepsi, not augmented by anything because LAS has no RCC and even if it did, who knows what you could take on board today?
Tail Number: Again, I must've written it down wrong. I didn't ask the captain this time because I thought I could read it. Guess not.
Fun Channel 9 stuff: Difficult to hear. Sounded like just normal stuff.

[Passenger Mark]

These are great Leslie!

Especially when you can find your plane on Airliners.net

To think where all those planes have been!

Thanks for the updates.

[StPeteMark]

Wish I could put the thumbnails here rather than having to do links. Um, Mark, would that be OK? (Not St. Pete Mark, the real Mark. St. Pete Mark won't let me do anything.) Ha ha, I just saw this. :)

.......................
This reply is copyright protected and may not be used in any way without proper permission.
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[LeslieDEN]

Thanks, Passenger Mark! And thanks for creating the Flight Log board. I love having a place just for documenting flights. As I think I've said before, my aerophile boss has kept a flight log since he was a kid (in the 1950s!), and the idea of doing that intrigued me. So it's great to have a place right here at TF where I can.

I only wish I had more flights this year so my 2006 log could be bigger. I think I'm going to San Jose in about a week.

Yeah, St. Pete Mark, I took your scolding seriously! ... I'm no copyright criminal. :)

[LeslieDEN]

Ninth entry in my flight log.

Date: Sept. 11, 2006
Route: Denver to San Jose
Airline: United
Flight: UA 669
Equipment: Boeing 737-300
Seat: 5F
Printed Schedule: Depart DEN 11:31 a.m. MDT. Arrive SJC 1:04 p.m. PDT.
Real Schedule: Departed on time. Arrived early at about 12:45 p.m.
Meal: "Savory Snack Mix," 7-Up, coffee.
Tail Number: N311UA
Fun Channel 9 stuff: I was able to listen on the ground -- planes moving around the taxiway -- but the captain turned it off before we took off. Darn it.

Mr. N311UA looked pretty old and beat up, but the little guy sure gave us a nice ride. Here (http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=0274155&WxsIERv=Obrvat%20737-322&Wm=0&WdsYXMg=Havgrq%20Nveyvarf&QtODMg=Inapbhire%20-%20Vagreangvbany%20%28LIE%20%2F%20PLIE%29&ERDLTkt=Pnanqn%20-%20Oevgvfu%20Pbyhzovn&ktODMp=Nhthfg%2025%2C%202002&BP=1&WNEb25u=Oehpr%20Yrvobjvgm&xsIERvdWdsY=A311HN&MgTUQtODMgKE=%28qryvirerq%2011%2F18%2F87%29%20Ynaq vat%20ehajnl%208Y&YXMgTUQtODMgKERD=245&NEb25uZWxs=2002-09-13%2000%3A00%3A00&ODJ9dvCE=&O89Dcjdg=23672%2F1470&static=yes&width=1024&height=780&sok=JURER%20%20%28ZNGPU%20%28nvepensg%2Cnveyvar%2C cynpr%2Ccubgb_qngr%2Cpbhagel%2Cerznex%2Ccubgbtencu re%2Crznvy%2Clrne%2Cert%2Cnvepensg_trarevp%2Cpa%2C pbqr%29%20NTNVAFG%20%28%27%2B%22A311HN%22%27%20VA% 20OBBYRNA%20ZBQR%29%29%20%20BEQRE%20OL%20cubgb_vq% 20QRFP&photo_nr=2&prev_id=0431022&next_id=0266800) he is landing in British Columbia.

[LeslieDEN]

Tenth entry in my flight log.

Date: Sept. 15, 2006
Route: San Jose to Denver
Airline: United
Flight: UA 452
Equipment: Boeing 737-500 (I think)
Seat: 20A
Printed Schedule: Depart SJC 2:05 p.m. PDT. Arrive DEN 5:34 MDT.
Real Schedule: Departed late because plane was late arriving. FA also said they switched planes on us. Arrived late at 5:55 p.m.
Meal: "Savory Snack Mix," tomato juice.
Tail Number: Some confusion here. I caught the FO leaving in the jetway and I think he said N951UA but I'm not sure. Equipment was supposed to be a 737-300, but if the planes were switched, it could've been Mr. N951UA, which according to airliners.net is a 737-500. (OK, now I'm a complete airplane nerd.)

Fun Channel 9 stuff:
--Early on, heard another plane ask ATC, "How's the riiiiiiiiiiiide?" when he joined the frequency. His voice went all low and growly on "riiiiiiiiiiiide" as if he were having fun or getting ready to.

--ATC thanked our plane twice for stuff we did to help them out -- staying at a low altitude longer than usual and slowing down for them. My pilot sounded cheerful in response ("No problem!").

--Our pilot asked for and got a different heading (050?) while we were descending. Not sure why and wanted to ask him, but I think the pilots were in a hurry to get to their next gig by the time I had crawled to the front all the way from row 20.

--I always like it when this happens: ATC told another plane to follow us in as we got ready to land. "United 123, follow the company 737." Hey! That 737 is us!

[LeslieDEN]

Eleventh entry in my flight log.

Date: Sept. 18, 2006
Route: Denver to San Jose (again)
Airline: United
Flight: UA 401
Equipment: A320
Seat: 25F
Printed Schedule: Depart DEN 8:29 a.m. MDT. Arrive SJC 9:59 a.m. PDT.
Real Schedule: Departed and arrived on time.
Meal: 7-Up, little biscotti, coffee.
Tail Number: N462UA

Fun Channel 9 stuff:
--Mostly turb talk early on. Nobody reported anything worse than light chop, but everybody wanted an altitude with no chop. See how our pilots spoil us?

--Later just about everybody joining the frequency reported smooth air.

--I got to talk to my captain about channel 9. After he gave me the tail number, he walked with me into the airport. I thanked him for keeping it on, and he said, "Well, it's free for us to provide and people enjoy it." I said some captains don't turn it on, and he said he could understand that too because "sometimes there's a jerk in the back who thinks he knows more than he does" and causes a problem. Darn jerks, ruining it for the rest of us.

Airliners.net has a picture of Mr. N462UA splashing down in San Diego. (Editing to add: Hm, my link to N462UA doesn't seem to show up.)

[AZO-FA]

http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0353716/M/

[LeslieDEN]

There he is! Thanks, AZO-FA.

[LeslieDEN]

Twelfth entry in my flight log.

Date: Sept. 22, 2006
Route: San Jose to Denver
Airline: United
Flight: UA 452
Equipment: Boeing 737-300
Seat: 3E
Printed Schedule: Depart SJC 2:05 p.m. PDT. Arrive DEN 5:34 MDT.
Real Schedule: Departed and arrived on time.
Meal: "Savory Snack Mix," tomato juice
Tail Number: N329UA

Fun Channel 9 stuff:
--I don't usually listen during takeoff, even though it's allowed, because I'm paranoid that I'm gonna get busted by some green FA who doesn't know it's allowed. But I did today and it was interesting. This was the "Loupe 1" departure we talked about in another thread ... what I call the corkscrew takeoff. I got to hear ATC say to us, "United 452, at your discretion turn right to comply with Loupe 1 departure." Mini-thrill for me.

I like this picture of Mr. N329UA's underside (http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=0458832&WxsIERv=Obrvat%20737-322&Wm=0&WdsYXMg=Havgrq%20Nveyvarf&QtODMg=Qraire%20-%20Vagreangvbany%20%28QRA%20%2F%20XQRA%29&ERDLTkt=HFN%20-%20Pbybenqb&ktODMp=Frcgrzore%2027%2C%202003&BP=0&WNEb25u=Neg%20Oergg%20-%20Cubgbingvba%20Vzntrf&xsIERvdWdsY=A329HN&MgTUQtODMgKE=&YXMgTUQtODMgKERD=181&NEb25uZWxs=2003-11-16%2000%3A00%3A00&ODJ9dvCE=&O89Dcjdg=24149%2F1574&static=yes&width=1024&height=693&sok=JURER%20%20%28ZNGPU%20%28nvepensg%2Cnveyvar%2C cynpr%2Ccubgb_qngr%2Cpbhagel%2Cerznex%2Ccubgbtencu re%2Crznvy%2Clrne%2Cert%2Cnvepensg_trarevp%2Cpa%2C pbqr%29%20NTNVAFG%20%28%27%2B%22A329HN%22%27%20VA% 20OBBYRNA%20ZBQR%29%29%20%20BEQRE%20OL%20cubgb_vq% 20QRFP&photo_nr=6&prev_id=0490567&next_id=0338185).

[Jeff California]

Thanks Leslie!!

[LeslieDEN]

Hi, Jeff! I flew again today.

Thirteenth entry in my flight log.

Date: Oct. 1, 2006
Route: Denver to San Jose
Airline: United
Flight: UA 1217
Equipment: Boeing 737-500
Seat: 1A (first class)
Printed Schedule: Depart DEN 2:46 p.m. MDT. Arrive SJC 4:19 p.m PDT.
Real Schedule: Departed and arrived on time.
Meal: Preflight water, "Gourmet Supreme Mix" (same as "Savory Snack Mix" but in a gold bag and with possibly more almonds), tomato juice, fruit and cheese plate (melon, strawberries, cheddar and swiss cheeses, wheat crackers), coffee, 7-Up.
Tail Number: N905UA

Fun Channel 9 stuff:
--The usual. "Light chop at all levels" for much of the flight.

Here is Mr. N905UA with his wings coming apart (http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=1081727&WxsIERv=Obrvat%20737-522&Wm=0&WdsYXMg=Havgrq%20Nveyvarf&QtODMg=Ybf%20Natryrf%20-%20Vagreangvbany%20%28YNK%20%2F%20XYNK%29&ERDLTkt=HFN%20-%20Pnyvsbeavn&ktODMp=Whar%202006&BP=1&WNEb25u=Qnaal%20Sevgfpur%20-%20Nvecynarfcbggref&xsIERvdWdsY=A905HN&MgTUQtODMgKE=Gur%20fubegohf.%20%5BPnaba%2020Q%2C%2 070-200%20s%2F2.8Y%20VF%5D&YXMgTUQtODMgKERD=240&NEb25uZWxs=2006-07-23%2000%3A20%3A20&ODJ9dvCE=&O89Dcjdg=25005%2F1976&static=yes&width=1024&height=695&sok=JURER%20%20%28ZNGPU%20%28nvepensg%2Cnveyvar%2C cynpr%2Ccubgb_qngr%2Cpbhagel%2Cerznex%2Ccubgbtencu re%2Crznvy%2Clrne%2Cert%2Cnvepensg_trarevp%2Cpa%2C pbqr%29%20NTNVAFG%20%28%27%2B%22A905HN%22%27%20VA% 20OBBYRNA%20ZBQR%29%29%20%20BEQRE%20OL%20cubgb_vq% 20QRFP&photo_nr=1&prev_id=&next_id=0911948). :eek: ;)

[LeslieDEN]

Fourteenth entry in my flight log.

Date: Oct. 5, 2006
Route: San Jose to Denver
Airline: United
Flight: UA 588
Equipment: A320
Seat: 2A (first class)
Printed Schedule: Depart SJC 10:44 a.m. PDT. Arrive DEN 2:10 p.m. MDT
Real Schedule: Departed and arrived late because of a maintenance problem: A seat in the back had to be taped up. Captain said it wasn't the taping that took so long, it was filing the follow-up paperwork! Arrived DEN 2:30.
Meal: Preflight water, warm bowl of nuts, 7-Up, "Chicken Fiesta Salad" (lettuce, chicken breast, shredded cheese, black beans, red peppers, corn, ranch dressing), roll and butter, cookie, coffee.
Tail Number: I didn't get it. Somebody told me the FAs could provide it, so I asked the FA as I deplaned. She said she didn't have it but I'd be able to see it from the boarding lounge. Me: "Are you sure?" Her: "Yes." She had been kind of a crabass the whole flight so I did what she said. Should've asked the captain because I couldn't see it from the window.

Fun Channel 9 stuff:
--While we were sitting on the taxiway, the controller said, "United 588, how ya doing down there?" Our pilot: "We're ready, sir." And we were on our way.
--It was pretty smooth but suddenly we hit some real bumpities. A few minutes later ATC asked another plane and us about the ride: "United 588, say ride conditions." Our pilot told him we'd had some chop for a few seconds, smooth now. I dunno, I just liked hearing that. You noticed it too, Captain?
--Soon afterwards, the controller said there were two storms causing turb at all altitudes along the Utah/Colorado border. (Debbie, was that you? :)) But aside from the short bumpities, it was just light chop for us.

[LeslieDEN]

Fifteenth entry in my flight log.

Date: Oct. 6, 2006
Route: Denver to New York
Airline: United
Flight: UA 146
Equipment: Boeing 757
Seat: 4A (first class)
Printed Schedule: Depart DEN 1:23 p.m. MDT. Arrive LGA 6:58 p.m. EDT.
Real Schedule: Departed on time but arrived late at 7:30. My understanding was that LGA traffic was a little snarly due to earlier storms on the east coast.
Meal: Preflight water, warm bowl of nuts, tomato juice, open-face turkey & provolone sandwich, strange potato chunks, fruit (melon, grapes, orange slices), chocolate chip cookie (warm and gooey! four stars!), more water, coffee.
Movie: "Cars." I didn't watch it. Looked annoying.
Tail Number: N552UA

Fun Channel 9 stuff:
--Light chop everywhere, everybody looking for smooth air. Our pilot tried really hard and after the flight apologized to us for the bumps. I felt bad for him: "Aw, Captain, it wasn't that bad! You did your best!"

--Cute bit of dialog. ATC to another plane: "Choppy all the way down." Other plane: "OK, we'll put on our choppy hat."

Here is that handsome feller (http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=0969328&WxsIERv=Obrvat%20757-222&Wm=0&WdsYXMg=Havgrq%20Nveyvarf&QtODMg=Ybf%20Natryrf%20-%20Vagreangvbany%20%28YNK%20%2F%20XYNK%29&ERDLTkt=HFN%20-%20Pnyvsbeavn&ktODMp=Bpgbore%2030%2C%202005&BP=0&WNEb25u=Znanf%20Onebbnu&xsIERvdWdsY=A552HN&MgTUQtODMgKE=Qryvirerq%2027gu%20Sro%2C%201992.&YXMgTUQtODMgKERD=408&NEb25uZWxs=2005-12-02%2004%3A29%3A16&ODJ9dvCE=&O89Dcjdg=26641%2F431&static=yes&width=1200&height=904&sok=JURER%20%20%28ZNGPU%20%28nvepensg%2Cnveyvar%2C cynpr%2Ccubgb_qngr%2Cpbhagel%2Cerznex%2Ccubgbtencu re%2Crznvy%2Clrne%2Cert%2Cnvepensg_trarevp%2Cpa%2C pbqr%29%20NTNVAFG%20%28%27%2B%22A552HN%22%27%20VA% 20OBBYRNA%20ZBQR%29%29%20%20BEQRE%20OL%20cubgb_vq% 20QRFP&photo_nr=1&prev_id=&next_id=0821490) N552UA lifting off at LAX.

[LeslieDEN]

Sixteenth entry in my flight log.

Date: Oct. 9, 2006
Route: New York to San Francisco
Airline: United
Flight: UA 7 ("Premium Service" flight :) )
Equipment: Boeing 757
Seat: 6D (business class)
Printed Schedule: Depart JFK 8:00 a.m. EDT. Arrive SFO 11:13 a.m. PDT.
Real Schedule: Departed and arrived on time.
Meal: Lots of food. More than I can remember. Breakfast was a frittata with Hollandaise sauce, turkey sausage, ham, potato pancakes, asparagus spears, and fruit. Croissant and butter. Later on, a cheese and fruit plate. (Of course there were other choices, but that's what I had.) Shortbread cookies.
Movie: "A Prairie Home Companion." I watched the first part but didn't like it, even with good ol' Meryl, so switched it off.
Tail Number: I didn't get it.
Fun Channel 9 stuff: Just the usual. I snoozed a lot on this very comfy PS flight so probably missed stuff.

[EyesSkyward]

I just now noticed this:


Movie: "Cars." I didn't watch it. Looked annoying.

Oooohhh... you missed out! That's a good flick. :thumbsup:

- Jeff

[LeslieDEN]

Jeff, I'd heard that it was, but it just looked like cartoon cars talking, and they weren't even as cute as the talking cars in those old Chevron commercials.

Seventeenth entry in my flight log.

Date: Oct. 13, 2006
Route: San Jose to Denver
Airline: United
Flight: UA 588
Equipment: A320
Seat: 1A (first class)
Printed Schedule: Depart SJC 10:44 a.m PDT. Arrive DEN 2:10 p.m. MDT.
Real Schedule: Departed late because of San Jose's "single runway configuration," according to the captain. Arrived on time.
Meal: Preflight water, warm bowl of nuts, 7-Up, same salad as my Oct. 5 flight only this time they called it "Southwest Chicken Salad" instead of "Chicken Fiesta Salad." Chocolate chip cookie -- not as warm and gooey as the last one. Very good coffee.
Tail Number: N436UA
Fun Channel 9 stuff: The usual. Captain asked for and got "direct Thompson," which I guess helped us make up the lost departure time.

I've linked to enough external A320 photos, so here is Mr. N436UA's inside: http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=0594132&WxsIERv=Nveohf%20N320-232&Wm=0&WdsYXMg=Havgrq%20Nveyvarf&QtODMg=Puvpntb%20-%20B%27Uner%20Vagreangvbany%20%28BEQ%20%2F%20XBEQ% 29&ERDLTkt=HFN%20-%20Vyyvabvf&ktODMp=Whar%204%2C%202004&BP=0&WNEb25u=Qnavry%20Jbwqlyb&xsIERvdWdsY=A436HN&MgTUQtODMgKE=Svefg%20bssvpre%20xvatqbz%20ba%20N320 .&YXMgTUQtODMgKERD=3364&NEb25uZWxs=2004-06-07%2000%3A00%3A00&ODJ9dvCE=&O89Dcjdg=638&static=yes&width=1152&height=780&sok=JURER%20%20%28%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27938708%27 %20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27885347%27%20BE%20cubgb _vq%20%3D%20%27671284%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20% 27644759%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27641229%27%2 0BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27594132%27%20BE%20cubgb_v q%20%3D%20%27594125%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27 594124%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27592972%27%20B E%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27493100%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq% 20%3D%20%27373119%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%2733 7301%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27265564%27%20BE% 20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27262987%27%29%20%20beqre%20ol %20&photo_nr=6&prev_id=0641229&next_id=0594125

[LeslieDEN]

Eighteenth entry in my flight log.

Date: Oct. 17, 2006
Route: Denver to Dallas
Airline: United
Flight: UA 338
Equipment: Boeing 757
Seat: 4A (first class)
Printed Schedule: Depart DEN 6:46 p.m. MDT. Arrive DFW 9:32 CDT.
Real Schedule: Departed and arrived two hours late because the APU wasn't working and we had to be deiced. Since they turn the engines off during deicing, they had to figure out how to get us jump-started out on the deicing pad. Turns out this is a pretty significant logistical problem.
Meal: Just "Gourmet Supreme Mix" and ice water. Like I said, they never feed us on this flight. I had cheese and crackers I'd swiped from the Red Carpet Club. It was gruyere cheese so it was good.
Tail Number: N527UA
Fun Channel 9 stuff: During the very bumpy climb, our pilot asked, "How far up does this chop go?" Controller said just another thousand feet, and sure enough, a few seconds later, we were out of it.

Here's my sleek plane: http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=0504339&WxsIERv=Obrvat%20757-222&Wm=0&WdsYXMg=Havgrq%20Nveyvarf&QtODMg=Ybf%20Natryrf%20-%20Vagreangvbany%20%28YNK%20%2F%20XYNK%29&ERDLTkt=HFN%20-%20Pnyvsbeavn&ktODMp=Sroehnel%201%2C%202004&BP=1&WNEb25u=Wreel%20Frnepu&xsIERvdWdsY=A527HN&MgTUQtODMgKE=&YXMgTUQtODMgKERD=246&NEb25uZWxs=2004-02-04%2000%3A00%3A00&ODJ9dvCE=&O89Dcjdg=24995%2F341&static=yes&width=1200&height=782&sok=JURER%20%20%28%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27837550%27 %20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27730440%27%20BE%20cubgb _vq%20%3D%20%27657993%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20% 27604111%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27560828%27%2 0BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27504339%27%20BE%20cubgb_v q%20%3D%20%27333076%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27 326519%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27302775%27%20B E%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27273495%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq% 20%3D%20%27221236%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%2748 343%27%29%20%20beqre%20ol%20&photo_nr=6&prev_id=0560828&next_id=0333076

[LeslieDEN]

Nineteenth entry in my flight log.

Date: Oct. 24, 2006
Route: Dallas to Denver
Airline: United Express (Shuttle America)
Flight: UA 7705
Equipment: Embraer 170
Seat: 1F (first class)
Printed Schedule: Depart DFW 7:45 p.m. CDT. Arrive DEN 8:39 p.m. MDT.
Real Schedule: Departed and arrived about 20 minutes late because plane was late arriving.
Meal: "Fiesta Snack Mix" and decaf.
Tail Number: I wrote it down wrong yet again. How do I keep doing that?
Fun Channel 9 stuff: None. No entertainment system on the RJs!

This was my first ride on an ERJ. Very nice!

[LeslieDEN]

Midpoint Log Interruption:

Thought I would tally up my plane stats so far.

Planes I rode on so far this year:
737-300 - 2
737-500 - 2
757 - 5
777 - 2
A320 - 7
ERJ 170 - 1

Total: 19 (11 Boeing, 7 Airbus, 1 Embraer)

I want to start a COUNTDOWN to Premier 2007. To keep my Premier status in 2007, I will have to have flown 30 segments from Jan. 1, 2006, through December 31, 2006.

As of today, October 24, I have only 15.5 segments (not 19 because some of those were award travel). I got the extra .5 because of some flight I booked so late that it was one of those really expensive tickets they love to sell, and you get 1.5 credit for that.

This would mean that I have to fly 14.5 (15, realistically) more times within just over two months. Impossible! I would give up right now if United hadn't thrown me this little bone ...

New promo on their website: "Give us a bunch of money and we will put you on the Premier 2007 fast track" (paraphrase). For an obscene amount of money, they will give me TWO elite qualifying credits for every flight from now until December 16, so I will need only eight flights to keep Premier in 2007. If I make eight flights, I keep my status. If I don't, I lose my status plus I lose the money. You drive a hard bargain, United ...

'Course I signed up for it tonight. Hence the COUNTDOWN, which will be a new element in my flight log entries:

COUNTDOWN TO PREMIER 2007:
8 more flights needed before December 16

[LeslieDEN]

Twentieth entry in my flight log.

Date: Oct. 26, 2006
Route: Denver to Dallas
Airline: United
Flight: UA 764
Equipment: Boeing 757
Seat: 4A (first class)
Printed Schedule: Depart DEN 10:15 a.m. MDT. Arrive DFW 1:01 p.m. CDT.
Real Schedule: Departed and arrived three hours late because of snowstorm in Denver.
Meal: "Gourmet Supreme Mix" and coffee. I knew they would starve us so brought gruyere and crackers I swiped from the Red Carpet Club.
Tail Number: N585UA
Fun Channel 9 stuff: None. Captain didn't turn it on.

Here's that fine Mr. N585UA landing at LAX (http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=1064143&WxsIERv=Obrvat%20757-222&Wm=1&WdsYXMg=Havgrq%20Nveyvarf&QtODMg=Ybf%20Natryrf%20-%20Vagreangvbany%20%28YNK%20%2F%20XYNK%29&ERDLTkt=HFN%20-%20Pnyvsbeavn&ktODMp=Wnahnel%2019%2C%202006&BP=0&WNEb25u=Zbagnthr%20Fzvgu-JbeyqJvqr%20Nivngvba%20Cubgbf&xsIERvdWdsY=A585HN&MgTUQtODMgKE=Vaobhaq%20sbe%2024Y.%20%5BPnaba-20Q%5D&YXMgTUQtODMgKERD=968&NEb25uZWxs=2006-06-21%2021%3A45%3A12&ODJ9dvCE=&O89Dcjdg=26709%2F563&static=yes&width=1200&height=813&sok=JURER%20%20%28ZNGPU%20%28nvepensg%2Cnveyvar%2C cynpr%2Ccubgb_qngr%2Cpbhagel%2Cerznex%2Ccubgbtencu re%2Crznvy%2Clrne%2Cert%2Cnvepensg_trarevp%2Cpa%2C pbqr%29%20NTNVAFG%20%28%27%2B%22A585HN%22%27%20VA% 20OBBYRNA%20ZBQR%29%29%20%20BEQRE%20OL%20cubgb_vq% 20QRFP&photo_nr=1&prev_id=&next_id=1023254).

COUNTDOWN TO PREMIER 2007:
7 more flights needed before December 16

[LeslieDEN]

Twenty-first entry in my flight log.

Date: Nov. 8, 2006
Route: Dallas to Denver
Airline: United
Flight: UA 735
Equipment: Boeing 737-500
Seat: 1A (first class)
Printed Schedule: Depart DFW 1:03 p.m CST. Arrive DEN 2:03 p.m. MST.
Real Schedule: Departed on time. Arrived 20 minutes early.
Meal: "Gourmet Supreme Mix" and coffee plus chocolate chip cookie I swiped from the Red Carpet Club.
Tail Number: N902UA
Fun Channel 9 stuff: While we were climbing out of DFW, a controller called us "American 735" and our pilot had to correct him. At DFW, they think everything is AA.

Here's Mr. N902UA landing at John Wayne (http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=1090897&WxsIERv=Obrvat%20737-522&Wm=0&WdsYXMg=Havgrq%20Nveyvarf&QtODMg=Fnagn%20Nan%20-%20Wbua%20Jnlar%20%2F%20Benatr%20Pbhagl%20%28FAN%2 0%2F%20XFAN%29&ERDLTkt=HFN%20-%20Pnyvsbeavn&ktODMp=Whyl%2029%2C%202006&BP=1&WNEb25u=HNSylre&xsIERvdWdsY=A902HN&MgTUQtODMgKE=Avpr%20gb%20frr%20n%20HN%20737-500%20pbzr%20gb%20FAN.%20Abg%20fb%20avpr%20gb%20sy l%20bar...&YXMgTUQtODMgKERD=569&NEb25uZWxs=2006-08-07%2013%3A55%3A07&ODJ9dvCE=&O89Dcjdg=25002%2F1950&static=yes&width=1280&height=927&sok=JURER%20%20%28%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%271090897%2 7%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%271087917%27%20BE%20cub gb_vq%20%3D%20%271056114%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D% 20%271036971%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27661358% 27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27619861%27%20BE%20cub gb_vq%20%3D%20%27386318%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%2 0%27326933%27%29%20%20beqre%20ol%20&photo_nr=1&prev_id=&next_id=1087917).

COUNTDOWN TO PREMIER 2007:
6 more flights needed before December 16

[LeslieDEN]

Twenty-second entry in my flight log.

Date: Nov. 10, 2006
Route: Denver to Dallas
Airline: United
Flight: UA 768
Equipment: Boeing 757
Seat: 4A (first class)
Printed Schedule: Depart DEN 10:19 a.m. MST. Arrive DFW 1:07 p.m. CST.
Real Schedule: Departed and arrived on time.
Meal: "Gourmet Supreme Mix" and coffee plus raspberry yogurt I swiped from the Red Carpet Club.
Tail Number: N540UA
Fun Channel 9 stuff: None. The captain didn't turn it on.

Here's Mr. N540UA lifting off at Minneapolis/St. Paul: http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=1061309&WxsIERv=Obrvat%20757-222&Wm=1&WdsYXMg=Havgrq%20Nveyvarf&QtODMg=Zvaarncbyvf%20%2F%20Fg.%20Cnhy%20-%20Vagreangvbany%20%2F%20Jbyq%20Punzoreynva%20Svry q%20%28ZFC%20%2F%20XZFC%29&ERDLTkt=HFN%20-%20Zvaarfbgn&ktODMp=Whar%202006&BP=0&WNEb25u=Nqnz%20Jevtug&xsIERvdWdsY=A540HN&MgTUQtODMgKE=Pynffvp%20qrsvavgvba%20nf%20gb%20jul% 20guvf%20oveq%20vf%20xabja%20nf%20gur%20Ebpxrg%20F uvc..&YXMgTUQtODMgKERD=2446&NEb25uZWxs=2006-06-17%2002%3A12%3A25&ODJ9dvCE=&O89Dcjdg=25252%2F393&static=yes&width=1024&height=732&sok=JURER%20%20%28%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%271061309%2 7%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27728496%27%20BE%20cubg b_vq%20%3D%20%27701506%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20 %27686977%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27673188%27% 20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27588011%27%20BE%20cubgb_ vq%20%3D%20%27517763%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%2 7471371%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27466851%27%20 BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27435267%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq %20%3D%20%27346343%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%273 20909%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27273542%27%20BE %20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27232480%27%29%20%20beqre%20o l%20&photo_nr=1&prev_id=&next_id=0728496

Caption says the photo shows "why this bird is known as the rocket ship." Everybody loves the 757.

COUNTDOWN TO PREMIER 2007:
5 more flights needed before December 16

[LeslieDEN]

Twenty-third entry in my flight log.

Date: Nov. 15, 2006
Route: Dallas to Denver
Airline: United
Flight: UA 735
Equipment: Boeing 737-500
Seat: 2A (first class)
Printed Schedule: Depart DFW 1:03 p.m. CST. Arrive DEN 2:03 p.m. MST.
Real Schedule: Departed and arrived about 20 minutes late. High winds in Dallas today, with many flights delayed or cancelled.
Meal: "Gourmet Supreme Mix" and coffee plus Kit Kat bar I swiped from the Red Carpet Club.
Tail Number: N935UA
Fun Channel 9 stuff: I tend to space out the talk sometimes, but this caught my ear as we approached Denver:
ATC to us: "United 735, did you say you have weather to your right?"
Our pilot: "No, we have a weather balloon to our right."
Me: Huh????
ATC: "United 735, say your altitude."
Our pilot said we were at 32,000 feet. Unfortunately I was on the left so didn't get to see the balloon, but I looked across the aisle and saw one guy looking out attentively. Wonder if he saw it.

Here's Mr. N935UA looking cool in Vancouver: http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=1084507&WxsIERv=Obrvat%20737-522&Wm=0&WdsYXMg=Havgrq%20Nveyvarf&QtODMg=Inapbhire%20-%20Vagreangvbany%20%28LIE%20%2F%20PLIE%29&ERDLTkt=Pnanqn%20-%20Oevgvfu%20Pbyhzovn&ktODMp=Whyl%206%2C%202006&BP=0&WNEb25u=Frna%20Abezna&xsIERvdWdsY=A935HN&MgTUQtODMgKE=Tbetrbhf%20benatrf%20snqr%20gb%20nyy% 20fbegf%20bs%20oyhrf%20va%20gur%20onpxtebhaq%20juv yr%20bar%20bs%20frireny%20Havgrq%20oveqf%20gnxr%20 prager%20fgntr%20va%20guvf%20fprar%20ng%20LIE...&YXMgTUQtODMgKERD=1591&NEb25uZWxs=2006-07-27%2005%3A37%3A48&ODJ9dvCE=&O89Dcjdg=26663%2F2315&static=yes&width=1024&height=695&sok=JURER%20%20%28%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%271085768%2 7%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%271084507%27%20BE%20cub gb_vq%20%3D%20%271060935%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D% 20%271056379%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%271035196 %27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%271013807%27%20BE%20c ubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27897907%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D %20%27851600%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27556319% 27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27391278%27%20BE%20cub gb_vq%20%3D%20%2779917%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20 %2727250%27%29%20%20beqre%20ol%20&photo_nr=2&prev_id=1085768&next_id=1060935

COUNTDOWN TO PREMIER 2007:
4 more flights needed before December 16

[LeslieDEN]

Twenty-fourth entry in my flight log.
First mileage run, part 1 (The only purpose of this trip was to gain segments for my 2007 Premier status.)

Date: Nov. 19, 2006
Route: Denver to Albuquerque
Airline: United
Flight: UA 425
Equipment: Boeing 737-300
Seat: 3C
Printed Schedule: Depart DEN 11:16 a.m. MST. Arrive ABQ 12:30 p.m. MST.
Real Schedule: Departed on time. Arrived about 15 minutes early. Captain said we had good tailwinds.
Meal: Mini-pretzels and Pepsi.
Tail Number: N311UA
Fun Channel 9 stuff: Just normal stuff until we approached the Albuquerque airport, where a million little private planes were buzzing around and getting in everyone's way. No danger, of course, but we had to change our approach because of a Bonanza. One of the private planes asked ATC for some kind of approach -- I didn't understand it, but it took a long time for him to describe it -- and the controller said, "We're too busy for that." One of the big guys, as he was leaving the frequency, recommended to ATC a different approach for the rest of the big guys "to stay safe." Really made me wonder what kind of headaches the little planes were causing.

Here's Mr. N311UA landing in Charlotte: http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=0266800&WxsIERv=Obrvat%20737-322&Wm=0&WdsYXMg=Havgrq%20Nveyvarf&QtODMg=Puneybggr%20-%20Qbhtynf%20Vagreangvbany%20%28PYG%20%2F%20XPYG%2 9&ERDLTkt=HFN%20-%20Abegu%20Pnebyvan&ktODMp=Nhthfg%2012%2C%202002&BP=0&WNEb25u=Zvpunry%20Yvpxb&xsIERvdWdsY=A311HN&MgTUQtODMgKE=Ba%20nccebnpu%20gb%20Ehajnl%2018E.&YXMgTUQtODMgKERD=221&NEb25uZWxs=2002-08-25%2000%3A00%3A00&ODJ9dvCE=&O89Dcjdg=23672%2F1470&static=yes&width=1024&height=770&sok=JURER%20%20%28%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27431022%27 %20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27274155%27%20BE%20cubgb _vq%20%3D%20%27266800%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20% 27201204%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27158426%27%2 9%20%20beqre%20ol%20&photo_nr=3&prev_id=0274155&next_id=0201204

COUNTDOWN TO PREMIER 2007:
3 more flights needed before December 16

[LeslieDEN]

Twenty-fifth entry in my flight log.
First mileage run, part 2

Date: Nov. 19, 2006
Route: Albuquerque to Denver
Airline: United
Flight: UA 812
Equipment: Boeing 737-300
Seat: 4A
Printed Schedule: Depart ABQ 1:08 p.m. MST. Arrive DEN 2:20 p.m. MST.
Real Schedule: Departed and arrived early.
Meal: Mini-pretzels and coffee plus raspberry yogurt I had swiped from the Denver Red Carpet Club.
Tail Number: N311UA
Fun Channel 9 stuff: Just before takeoff (or just after, I can't remember), the controller told us to do noise abatement. I've never heard that before.

COUNTDOWN TO PREMIER 2007:
2 more flights needed before December 16

[LeslieDEN]

Twenty-sixth entry in my flight log.
Second mileage run, part 1

Date: Nov. 25, 2006
Route: Denver to Albuquerque
Airline: United
Flight: UA 425
Equipment: Boeing 737-300
Seat: 1A (first class)
Printed Schedule: Depart DEN 11:15 a.m. MST. Arrive ABQ 12:29 p.m. MST.
Real Schedule: Departed and arrived on time.
Meal: Preflight water, "Gourmet Supreme Mix," Pepsi.
Tail Number: N365UA
Fun Channel 9 stuff: As we were descending, a private plane reported seeing a forest fire.

Hey! Airliners.net has a picture of my N365UA seat: http://www1.airliners.net/open.file?id=0061860&WxsIERv=Obrvat%20737-322&Wm=0&WdsYXMg=Havgrq%20Nveyvarf&QtODMg=Qraire%20-%20Vagreangvbany%20%28QRA%20%2F%20XQRA%29&ERDLTkt=HFN%20-%20Pbybenqb&ktODMp=Qrprzore%2023%2C%201999&BP=0&WNEb25u=Znggurj%20Yrr%20-%20Pbagenvyf%20Nivngvba%20Cubgbtencul&xsIERvdWdsY=A365HN&MgTUQtODMgKE=Svefg%20Pynff&YXMgTUQtODMgKERD=2627&NEb25uZWxs=2000-01-11%2000%3A00%3A00&ODJ9dvCE=&O89Dcjdg=24534%2F1758&static=yes&width=876&height=587&sok=JURER%20%20%28%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27968005%27 %20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27920310%27%20BE%20cubgb _vq%20%3D%20%27879252%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20% 27823312%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27822954%27%2 0BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27435052%27%20BE%20cubgb_v q%20%3D%20%27378598%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27 343835%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%27140740%27%20B E%20cubgb_vq%20%3D%20%2761861%27%20BE%20cubgb_vq%2 0%3D%20%2761860%27%29%20%20beqre%20ol%20&photo_nr=11&prev_id=0061861&next_id=NEXTID

COUNTDOWN TO PREMIER 2007:
1 more flight needed before December 16

[LeslieDEN]

Twenty-seventh entry in my flight log.
Second mileage run, part 2

Date: Nov. 25, 2006
Route: Albuquerque to Denver
Airline: United
Flight: UA 812
Equipment: Boeing 737-300
Seat: 1B (first class)
Printed Schedule: Depart ABQ 1:07 p.m. MST. Arrive DEN 2:19 p.m. MST.
Real Schedule: Departed and arrived on time.
Meal: Preflight water, Senor Murphy peanut brittle I bought at the ABQ airport, coffee.
Tail Number: N365UA
Fun Channel 9 stuff: ATC told a plane to "contact Denver Center 120.35," and they replied, "2035. Toodles."

COUNTDOWN TO PREMIER 2007:
0 flights needed before December 16!

[LeslieDEN]

Ta da! The end of my 2006 flight log! I had thought there would be one more entry, DEN-DFW on Dec. 29, but I cancelled it because it looks as if another bad snowstorm is rolling in that might cause significant delays and cancelled flights. United is waiving fees for ticket changes, so apparently they are expecting snarl-ups.

Anyway, here are my 2006 flight stats!

No. of flights: 27

Airlines I rode on:
United - 26 flights
Shuttle America flying as United Express - 1 flight

Planes I rode on:
737-300 - 6
737-500 - 4
757 - 7
777 - 2
A320 - 7
ERJ 170 - 1

Planes I rode on by manufacturer:
Boeing: 19
Airbus: 7
Embraer: 1

Cabins/sections I rode in:
First class: 14
Business class: 3
Economy Plus: 8
Economy: 2

No. of flights where captain kept Channel 9 on: 21
No. of flights where captain kept Channel 9 off: 5
No. of flights with no entertainment system: 1

I did not fly enough this year to requalify for Premier, United's lowest level of elite, but I took advantage of the double-your-qualifying miles/segments promotion so I squeaked by with 26,485 elite qualifying miles (25,000 required) and 32.5 elite qualifying segments (30 required). Woo hoo ... Premier for 2007.

Thank you for reading my 2006 flight log! As they say over on FlyerTalk, happy new year and may all your upgrades clear.* :)

*Unless you're flying SWA, in which case happy new year and may all your boarding groups be A. ;)