Traveling on the United Express CRJ
On my return trip from MCI, I had two segments on United Express. I specifically chose the CRJ over the ERJ routes because of the first class cabin on the CRJ. The United CRJ's are largely similar to American's CRJs.
This plane seemed a bit older than American's CRJs, and the seat recline was broken during my first leg from MCI-ORD. Fortunately, this was a short hop and I didn't need to lean back and rest my eyes.
The flight was just over an hour, so just a beverage service with a snack mix was offered.
Upon arriving ORD, I had more time to enjoy United's ORD terminals. One difference here, the famous Helmet Jaun Terminals 1 and 2 feel more spacious and modern than American's Terminal 3.
I debated purchasing a United Club membership just to see the fabulous new club in Terminal 2. After looking over the membership options, I decided to take a raincheck and hike it over to Terminal 1 to stop in at my familiar Admirals Club.
Upon returning to Terminal 2 to catch my final ORD-AUS segment, also on a CRJ. I noticed there was no plane at the gate, yet our flight was boarding. I soon realized that our plane had no specific gate assigned to it, and we had to walk out on the tarmac about a quarter of a mile to our jet. I suppose United has more flights than gates and has to cram-in as many planes as possible into a small space.
After boarding, I settled into my first class seat. Fortunately, the seat recline was working properly on this flight. This was a longer flight than the last one, just over two hours. The meal service was marked "refreshments" so I wasn't sure what to expect. The flight attendant brought out something that resembled a Kleenex box, but instead of finding tissue inside, it was full of snacks. I was informed by my seat-mate that our flight attendant went the extra mile by opening the box and nicely arranging the snacks inside. I thought the snack box was definitely a step up from American's "refreshment" service which consists of warm nuts and a cookie.
This trip definitely went smoother than the last one, and I look forward to trying more United planes soon.
