Flying to San Francisco

Sunday, July 03, 2016
San Francisco, California, United States
This morning the alarm went off at 4:20AM. We got ourselves showered and changed into our laid out outfits and checked out before 5AM. We waited for the Starbucks Bistro to open to redeem our complimentary breakfast. We picked up two prepackaged "protein packs" that included fruit, cheese and hard boiled eggs. I also got an almond milk hot chocolate. We were on the shuttle by 5:05

We attempted to check in on our phones in the United app, but Desmond's boarding pass didn't turn up and my seat had been moved for our connecting flight . Fortunately there was no one in the priority access line and we had two friendly women helping us get everything straightened out in no time.

Our trip through security was a breeze since we were in the premium line. There was practically no waiting.

When we boarded the plane we were served our first beverage before others had even finished boarding. All these lovely perks of flying first class without having to pay for them feels a lot like winning. In flight they brought us warm carrot muffins that Bryan determined were the best thing anyone has ever handed him on an airplane. Desmond seemed to enjoy mine, so I believe him. Desmond was drowsy (since it was so early) and did a good job overall watching Tom and Jerry cartoons and sitting in my lap.

We arrived so early in San Francisco that there wasn't any gate available to disembark. We got off at the scheduled time, despite our early arrival. No matter, as we have a healthy layover and aren't in any danger of not making our connection.

Now we are resting in a United Lounge which is much less crowded and quieter than the regular gate area. Desmond is tired and wiggly, but having complimentary snacks and a little extra room makes waiting easier. He's been eating blueberries, pineapple and lemon bread. Bryan got some cereal and I had some oatmeal. I was happy they offer something hot. We are both pleased to have made the first leg of our trip without feeling stressed or over tired.

~ Merilee

Before we started travel hacking, we'd never been into an airport lounge. We received some free passes to the United lounge with a credit card sign up a couple of years ago. I didn't think much of them at the time, but when we had a mechanical delay on a previous trip they were a life saver. The lounge gives you a quiet, less hectic place to relax and there's a simple, free buffet.

For this trip we knew we had a long layover, but had passes ready to use for the trip. It's a really nice perk.

~ Bryan
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Comments

Mom
2016-07-03

Thanks for letting me check in with you! Glad to know that things are going smoothly.

Foremans
2016-07-03

You're not spoiled if you know you're spoiled.

Jaynie
2016-07-03

Loving it so far!

Grandpa Bob
2016-07-03

So far, so good!

Andrea
2016-07-04

Swanky cartoon set-up!

2025-02-10

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