So for the 10th year in a row, my T day holiday got interrupted by having to travel to Chicago for a medical trade show--which always starts the Sunday after Thanksgiving. This year with the princess home from school, however, I decided to do things a little differently--and fly out on Sunday morning instead of Saturday. It worked out better because our team is splitting the show this year, and I get to go back early--Wednesday rather than Friday!
I woke up at oh dark thiry (that's 4:30 for those not familiar with technical terms) and was in the car on the way to ISP around 5AM. Not knowing what to expect from the single security check point, I planned some extra time just in case-I have heard that the early morning flights are usually full, meaning long lines at security. I had previously checked in, and the A4 on the boarding card (I do like Business Select) meant almost certainly a good seat and a chat with a friendly FA.
Lo and behold, there were only about 20 people on the security line when I arrived--around 5:20, and they had 2 lanes open and running--so it took around 8 minutes to get through security. Passing through the checkpoint, I saw that the ramp repairs appear to be finished, and the upper A gates were now open. Picked up a Starbucks and waited for boarding to begin.
Right at 30 min to departure, the agent lined us up, and we started on board. I go right to the exit row, in this case the one with no seat in front, and got settled in early--and of course a chatty FA was right there --said this flight was absolutely full. It turned out to be correct.
Off the gate on time, out to RY 6 and a quick takeoff with right turnout. In the clouds pretty early I observed the excellent climb capability of a loaded 737-700, because as we crossed the south shore of LI on the way to the first departure fix, I heard the 10,000 ft chimes--that's quicker in the climb than a 319.
For those of you who may be WN pilots, I noticed that the normal flight plan to MDW has changed--used to be COATE as the first fix, now it's the standard BEADS departure, and inland by RBV. Just curious as to when that changed.....
Planned cruise altitude was 380, and we reached it again pretty quickly, and the bev service began. Very efficient, a snack first and then choice of beverage--and they take the order then fill from the galley. I slept a little, read a little, then realized I might have made a bad choice by having Starbucks, as a lav call was in order and I was at the window next to two sleeping passengers. Luckily they woke up in a few minutes and I made my way to the rear lav. The FA's were friendly, and when I came out, the one who served us originally asked if I would like another OJ or anything else--amazing memory! Overall they asked 2 more times if I wanted anything else, which was a nice touch for a "no frills" carrier.
Descent and arrival was uneventful, except I forgot that MDW is in the middle of a neighborhood, and the runways are VERY short. We arrived on 4R, with a flaps 40 landing (don't see those too often), and a quick taxi to the gate, and I was on my way to the taxi line.
I will try to check in for Wednesday's flight tomorrow morning, and see how it goes for the return. Bottom line, expectations met if not exceeded, excellent value for the buck....slightly less than AA from LGA to ORD, but fully unrestricted and refundable...works for me.
I am still not ready to do transcon with WN, but I do have to admit they are growing on me.........
I woke up at oh dark thiry (that's 4:30 for those not familiar with technical terms) and was in the car on the way to ISP around 5AM. Not knowing what to expect from the single security check point, I planned some extra time just in case-I have heard that the early morning flights are usually full, meaning long lines at security. I had previously checked in, and the A4 on the boarding card (I do like Business Select) meant almost certainly a good seat and a chat with a friendly FA.
Lo and behold, there were only about 20 people on the security line when I arrived--around 5:20, and they had 2 lanes open and running--so it took around 8 minutes to get through security. Passing through the checkpoint, I saw that the ramp repairs appear to be finished, and the upper A gates were now open. Picked up a Starbucks and waited for boarding to begin.
Right at 30 min to departure, the agent lined us up, and we started on board. I go right to the exit row, in this case the one with no seat in front, and got settled in early--and of course a chatty FA was right there --said this flight was absolutely full. It turned out to be correct.
Off the gate on time, out to RY 6 and a quick takeoff with right turnout. In the clouds pretty early I observed the excellent climb capability of a loaded 737-700, because as we crossed the south shore of LI on the way to the first departure fix, I heard the 10,000 ft chimes--that's quicker in the climb than a 319.
For those of you who may be WN pilots, I noticed that the normal flight plan to MDW has changed--used to be COATE as the first fix, now it's the standard BEADS departure, and inland by RBV. Just curious as to when that changed.....
Planned cruise altitude was 380, and we reached it again pretty quickly, and the bev service began. Very efficient, a snack first and then choice of beverage--and they take the order then fill from the galley. I slept a little, read a little, then realized I might have made a bad choice by having Starbucks, as a lav call was in order and I was at the window next to two sleeping passengers. Luckily they woke up in a few minutes and I made my way to the rear lav. The FA's were friendly, and when I came out, the one who served us originally asked if I would like another OJ or anything else--amazing memory! Overall they asked 2 more times if I wanted anything else, which was a nice touch for a "no frills" carrier.
Descent and arrival was uneventful, except I forgot that MDW is in the middle of a neighborhood, and the runways are VERY short. We arrived on 4R, with a flaps 40 landing (don't see those too often), and a quick taxi to the gate, and I was on my way to the taxi line.
I will try to check in for Wednesday's flight tomorrow morning, and see how it goes for the return. Bottom line, expectations met if not exceeded, excellent value for the buck....slightly less than AA from LGA to ORD, but fully unrestricted and refundable...works for me.
I am still not ready to do transcon with WN, but I do have to admit they are growing on me.........
