Those of you who follow this post know that I’m an avowed AvGeek. And, I can assume since you’re reading this, the chances are high that you might be one as well. Perhaps you’ve gone plane spotting or have a large collection of models. Maybe you’re a pilot or enjoy traveling around the world. You might even complete mileage runs for fun or spend hours on the internet reading about airplanes. In whichever manner you manifest your love for flying, you’re an AvGeek and are in very good company. We AvGeeks tend to seek out others with the same passion and I found those who share my devotion by volunteering my time at my home airport at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and through my attendance at several Airliners International shows (see my post dated August 24, 2024 titled Airliners International at Kansas City.) My AvGeek friend Dave, who is Navigator Program Manager at the airport, joined me in attending the three most recent shows where we made fast friends with James from Tucson. That Arizona city is an aviation hot spot due to its dry climate, early airport construction and World War II military activity and was someplace we both wanted to visit. That’s why it didn’t take us long to accept James’ kind invitation to come see him in Tucson and organize a journey for mid-February.
My transit through the TSA Security checkpoint in RDU’s Terminal 2 during the mid-afternoon was fast and seamless, thanks to my enrollment in both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck. I headed straight for the United Club located across from Gate D3. Entrance to the club was also quick as my membership credentials were embedded in my electronic boarding pass. I was rather surprised to note the club was nearly empty at that time and easily found a place to call home before the departure to Houston Intercontinental (IAH). Although I knew we’d have two dinners on our flights, I still wanted to take a look at the offerings as it had been some time since I visited that club at RDU. They were impressive, including a well-stocked Salad Bar, Honey Dijon Broccoli Salad, Cream of Mushroom Soup, a Charcuterie Board, Vegan Wraps, Turkey and Swiss Baguettes, Grilled Chicken with Tomato Basil Sauce and Buttered Wild and White Rice. Dessert offerings consisted of Lemon Bars, Pound Cake and Chocolate Chip Cookies. It appears that United has upped their game in the lounges (but, not so much in the air), although I was surprised to see only paper plates and plastic utensils, considering the publicity they seek about being an environmentally conscious company. The club walls were adorned with numerous black and white photos of vintage United aircraft and I enjoyed spending time there waiting for the first flight.
I met up with Dave at the gate during boarding and, even though the arriving flight was somewhat delayed, we were soon settled into our First Class seats 2A and 2B for the initial leg to Houston, which departed from Runway 05L at 5 o’clock. United was operating a B737-900 on the route that afternoon and we were given a pre-departure beverage choice of sparkling wine or water. After that, the service took a nose dive. The flight attendants never did a sweep of the cabin to see if any of the passengers needed a drinks refill and the dinner service did’t begin until nearly an hour after takeoff. Our flight was eligible for pre order and we received an email five days in advance with a link to choose entrée options. I had pre ordered the Chicken Bordelaise with Mashed Potato and Broccoli, but I was served a dismal-looking Grilled Chicken Breast with Lemon Sauce, Peas, and Fingerling Potatoes. Not that it made a big difference, but I did point out the discrepancy to the flight attendant, who simply replied, “No, this is what you ordered.” I don’t know about you, but I don’t appreciate being corrected when I knew exactly what I had pre ordered. The flight attendants were also in a rush to “prepare the cabin” 25 minutes prior to landing and insisted that all electronic devices be switched off along with the cabin lights. We surely weren’t flying "the friendly skies” that evening, but at least we landed on time.
We noticed there was a considerable level of ongoing construction at Houston Intercontinental, part of IAH’s nearly $1.5 billion terminal redevelopment program. It’s the largest expansion program in the airport’s history with a goal to improving the passenger experience. This involves expanding the baggage handling system, improving roadway and curbside capacity, accommodating future international passenger growth and relieving traffic congestion. Our flight pulled up to a gate in Terminal C and the connection to Tucson was departing from Terminal E. We had just over an hour to spare and used the quick and convenient above-ground Skyway, which departs from each terminal station in two-minute intervals. We even had time to visit the United Club located between Gates E11 and 12. It offered us a reliable place to relax with snacks, drinks, and a good Wi-fi connection. Though not considered particularly luxurious compared to other airline lounges, we found it to be a good option for our short layover due to its size, open feel and friendly staff. Plus, our connection was departing right next door from Gate E12.
There can be no doubt that cheerful flight attendants can positively affect your onboard experience. Marques and Roy warmly welcomed us aboard and conducted a pre-departure beverage service with smiles and pleasantries. United was operating an Airbus A319 on the route that evening with 12 First Class seats spread across three rows, as opposed to the 20 seats and five rows in the forward cabin of the B737-900 which took us from Raleigh to Houston. The smaller cabin felt more intimate and thankfully, there were no surprises during the dinner service as my pre-ordered Beef Melt Sandwich with Horseradish Aioli and a side of Paprika-Roasted Red Potato Wedges arrived as I had requested online. I wouldn’t mention it except another snafu occurred on our return when the light attendant claimed I had not pre-ordered anything and gave my meal to the gentlemen seated directly behind me. He quickly corrected his mistake, much to the dismay of my fellow passenger. (Perhaps Dave had the right idea as he ordered the Pasta dish for every onboard meal service and never encountered any surprises.) At any rate, we arrived in Tucson fully satisfied at about 10:15 in the evening and were soon on our way to the hotel.
A cordial and enthusiastic welcome came our way from Dean, the Uber driver, who regaled us with any number of colorful anecdotes about Tucson. We had made reservations at the Leo Kent Hotel located in the historic One South Church Building near the University of Arizona. It’s a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, which is a collection of boutique properties owned by Marriott International known for their unique style and locally-inspired design. The southwest influence was evident in the warm colors, natural materials, geometric patterns and woven textiles to be found throughout the hotel. This style is inspired by the desert landscape and Native American, Mexican, and Spanish colonial influences. The 4-Star hotel has 145 rooms and suites and was named after the developer’s grandfather, Dr. Leo Kent, a Tucson resident and active community leader.
Check-in at that hour of the night was very quick and, in recognition of my Lifetime Bonvoy Platinum status, I’d been upgraded to a Junior Corner Suite on the Ninth Floor and also received three $15 breakfast coupons for use in the St. Cruz Restaurant adjacent to the hotel lobby. My spacious JuniorCorner Suite measured 635 square feet with a mid-century Southwestern style. It included an entry foyer, sitting area with sofa bed and a full window wall with city views. The king-bedded room was also outfitted with an in-room safe, a mini fridge and amenities such as complimentary Wi-fi and a coffee and tea maker. The bathroom featured a double-sink vanity, free-standing tub and oversized, glassed walk-in shower. Surprisingly, there was no work desk in the suite, which normally would have been disturbing. But, I was there to bask in Tucson’s aviation scene so it didn’t bother me at all. It proved to be an excellent place to hang my head for several days.
I’ll tell you all about our visit to this aviation wonderland in a future post.
Until next time...safe travels.
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