AA First Class, again and again...

I had planned this trip for late January but had to change my plans when a conflict arose in Pittsburgh.    Too bad since I had a great $278 roundtrip fare and my upgrades had cleared on all legs.  AA now wanted $800 for a round-trip Y ticket.  LOL, right. Dream on.  So, this trip starts with a United non-stop, at 25,000 Aeroplan miles and $5.60.  On the way to DIA, celebrating a Super Bowl victory.  Sorry to leave with today's spectacular 65F/19C temps.

Give United a chance and wouldn't you know it, delayed.

The United Club is so bad that I just went to the gate and was pleasantly surprised to find a nice Lounge.  LOL.

DEN-PIT
UA 648
A320
10:02a-3:00a (sked)
10:55a-3:40p (actual)
February 10, 2016
Lunch

Not sure what the equipment problem was today as today's plane was coming inbound from BWI and only was scheduled to arrive at 10:10a, after our scheduled departure time.  

Pity the person unlucky enough to have sit next to this woman and her "emotional support" service dog.  Sure it is.

Lunch choices of Fiesta Chicken Bowl or Peppered Salmon Salad. My Fiesta Chicken Bowl.

Was initially confused by what appeared to be a starter. Ahi?

Oh, now I get it. Salsa and avocado for the chicken. Was actually pretty good once I dumped it on the chicken and mixed it in.

fter the chicken, I dumped the salad into the large dish which made it fit nicely. That dopey little salad bowl is way too small.

And excellent baked on board triple chocolate chip cookies. So much better than AA's pathetic "warmed on board" Chips Ahoy.

Approaching PIT where the temps are about 50 degrees colder.

Jeez, this place is frigid.  No sightseeing this trip.

Actually I do like Pittsburgh. Beautiful setting and the city has re-invented itself from its steel days to a diversified economy including banking, health and service industries.  Some pics from warmed temp days...

The Uber into the city to the West 30th Street Heliport where today's Jetsmarter experience began... with the usual free helicopter service to HPN/White Plains airport. 

The crowded Pegasus waiting room.

OK, not the most luxurious ride as five of us and luggage were stuffed in for the 15 minute flight.  

And what a fun flight it was with gusts up to 40 mph.  Lots of rocking and rolling as we head up the Hudson.

Fifteen minutes after takeoff from the W. 30th Street heliport, we arrived at Signature West at HPN.

OMG, is it cold here.

Inside the FBO, we waited for the rest of our fellow passengers on the next flight from the West 30th heliport.

A less than luxurious start as we boarded a bus for the short 30 second ride to our G-IV.

Our Captain for tonight's flight to the west coast.

A full cabin of 13 JetSmarter members tonight.   We were pre-assigned seats by the JetSmarter staff according and it worked very well especially since the 7 pax up got the wider "First Class" seats.  And what an interesting, indeed fascinating mix of people, all of whom were friendly.   Once in the air, the flight was a little reminiscent of a cocktail party, with new friendships.  And our lovely, hard working flight attendant Erica provided excellent service.

Food wasn't memorable but a selection of salads and sandwiches keep up well fed.

And said lovely Erica with fabulous desserts.  

And the girls' desserts.

A short five hours and thirty minutes later, we touched down at VNY. 

And bid adieu to our new friends, promising to keep in touch.