Prologue:
Hello and welcome to the final segment of this series in 2017 with a return flight purchased as a LGA-SFO one way with a change of plane at IAD.I used a USD 100 credit that I had with UA and ended up paying about USD 60 (EUR 51.05) for the trip which was quite a bargain for a transcon. I chose this itinerary instead of a nonstop from JFK or EWR because it allowed me to change plane in IAD and that gave me the perfect opportunity to explore the TK and LH lounges. I will only report on the LGA-IAD portion since I had a window seat and was able to get some interesting aerials. At the end of this trip I will cover the TK and LH lounges @ IAD
I called Uber from my hotel in Flushings and I was promptly dropped off by the UA curbside at LGA. Check in was efficient and I made a quick stop at the UA Club which was before security.
Some plane spotting.
I took the escalator one floor up to the reception area where a friendly agent welcomed me. The lounge was not particularly big but it was comfortable with lots of individual desks catering to the busy "road warrior".
Catering was the usual salad hot soup and rolls/crackers with cheese. I did not have anything since I ate lunch and was going to save some room for the lounges at IAD.
I had TSA-Pre-Check printed on my boarding pass which made the security check quicker. I then went to my gate and waited for the arrival of my plane.
My plane arriving at the gate.
Boarding started and priorities were respected. A single FA welcomed everyone aboard with a smile. It was not a long walk to my seat and once I settled down in my solo "throne" I snapped some pics from my window. The ERJ145 might be small but the ability to score one of these solo seats on the left side make up for this disadvantage in my opinion.
We taxied away and there were a few interesting views along the way.
Take off and bye NY. Since LGA is so close to the city the views can be fantastic.
The only service that we were offered on this short 1:30 hr flight was water and a snack mix. However the FA was proactive and offered a second refill for those who wanted.
Approaching IAD.
We taxied to a remote area.
Walking to the terminal.
Located in Terminal B by gate B42 the TK lounge is composed of two sections - a buffet with seating area and computer terminals right after the entrance and a bar/lounge area through a short corridor towards the back. This lounge is part of the Priority Pass network and contracts with other carriers like Saudia. When I arrived there was a big line out the door and it was crowded inside although not completely full yet. I was able to find a seat by the computer area and a few minutes later the other seats were occupied too.
Bar area.
Buffet.
The LH lounge is also located in Terminal B by gates B49-51. The First/Senator/*A Gold area is right after the entrance and the Business section is one floor down. I found the staff to be efficient but "frosty" in the attitude. They definitely did not exude warmth compared to its counterparts at the TK lounge. One advantage of this lounge is that it did not feel crowded even at its peak time.
First/Senator/*A Gold lounge.
Buffet.
My snack.
Business Class downstairs.
Buffet.
========== La Guardia (LGA) - ==========
========== United Club ==========
========== United Airlines - Airline ==========
========== Washington Dulles Intl (IAD) - ==========
Summary:
An average flight with minimal service as expected on U.S. domestic flights of this length. I can understand a limited beverage service, but reducing it to water only seems a bit extreme. At least there was a package of snack mix to accompany the beverage.For this short flight I think the comfort level was fine. The ability to be able to sit by yourself in one of the single seats on the left side of the plane is a major plus.
LGA might not be the best airport in the world, but its proximity to downtown NY affords some of the best aerials for those in a window seat.
12 Comments
ReplyThanks Adan for this review with such gorgeous pictures of NY. Not surprised to see the TK crowded but the lounge seems to be better than the one in BKK.
Taking off from LGA with a window seat is a treat in my opinion. I'm not surprised about the popularity of the TK lounge. The fact that they are a Priority Pass lounge compounds to this. I will have to check the one in BKK. That's the only *A lounge that I have not visited there. ;)
ReplyDespite the airport change you were still allowed in the lounges, nice touch. Thanks for this review. NY is stunning in the air.
Stunning indeed! Having elite status with a foreign carrier has its major advantages like access to clubs on domestic flights while those of the same status on UA don't. Due to the high volume of domestic flights I can see why this policy is in place for UA members based in the US.
ReplyThanks for sharing this TR
"was going to save some room"
OMG fortunately I don't have to stop eating to save some room ^^
Gorgeous aerials views
A rather good short flight
"a few minutes later the other seats were occupied too."
Horrible !
At least the buffet spread seems to be good
The TK buffet is better but both buffets are way better than any lounge spread in the US
See you soon
"Gorgeous aerials views"
- Just like you when you left from LGA. ;)
The addition of the TK lounge to Priority Pass is a major perk for members of that program. No doubt about it.
There is no comparison to US lounges. it's like apples and oranges.
Take care.
ReplyA nice report Adan, enjoyed the views of NY skyscrapers, of course the TK lounge is the best. See you soon!
One of the best airports to take off from per avgeeks. ;)
See you.
ReplyA delightful report Panda, loved the photos. NY can be awesome! The United club is a joke compared to their counterparts.
Gracias Amigo.
NY is photogenic :P With the introduction of UA Polaris and AA Flagship lounges the US carriers have caught up somehow but who knows how these clubs will fare in the future during these uncertain times.
ReplyHello Adan!
Thank you for this report with nice pictures!
Just water onboard??? It's still a shame!
Also a pity this priority pass access to the TK lounge.
Take care my friend.
I think it would have been better to offer 2 or 3 choices of beverages that are sealed in cups instead.
I'm sure Priority Pass members were jumping from joy when they found out that this lounge was part of the network. ;)
See you mon ami.
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