On the Ground: The solo ticket agent, Walter, worked very slowly, which created a short line of four people and me. I was second in line and the check-in process took about 15 minutes. I waited in the public lounge with the other passengers, including a group of college students in cowboy hats clearly ready for spring break. Early morning cell phone ringtones sounded repeatedly and more loudly than necessary, which tested my patience.
Pre-flight: When business-class boarding was announced, I headed onto the plane and settled into my seat. The cabin crew provided excellent service right away, offering a pillow and blanket, a warm towel to freshen up, and complimentary snacks and drinks. The head start on service made boarding smooth and comfortable.
In-flight: The business-class cabin was understated rather than flashy and lacked some common amenities such as in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi, but its simplicity was welcome. The blue leather seats were comfortable and roomy, although the tray tables were slightly sticky. Attentive, friendly flight attendants contributed to a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. Complimentary snacks included a variety of cookies, cheese, and crackers. There was also an optional “Box of Snacks” available for purchase at $5, containing trail mix, tortilla chips, Oreos, cheese, crackers, and jam; I opted to stick with the complimentary offerings.
The Experience: Overall, the six-hour flight was a positive experience, mostly thanks to the strong in-flight service. I appreciated having personal space to sleep and get work done quietly. While I missed having in-flight movies, the comfort of the seats and the attentive crew left me satisfied with the journey.
Total Score: 84/100