Just flew National from NY(JFK) to Las Vegas to San Francisco and back to NY (w/ a one hour stop-over in Las Vegas). I was very pleased with the experience.

I was able to upgrade to First Class on each leg of my trip ($90 each way between NY and Las and $30 each way between SF and Las), for a total of $240 in uprgrade fees. Combined with my total ticket price of $296, the total fare for First Class came to $536. Cut out the SF leg of the trip, the total cost would have been under $475.

For a complete description of my flights, you can check out my trip report under the Trip Reports subject, Topic: "Mark L.'s Trip Report."

Post questions either place.



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Mark L. in NJ

MarkL,
Did you have a movie on the flight?
was the 1st class = to other major carriers?
would you do it again? and lastly, where there any glitches on any of the legs of your flight?


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Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

Lee -

"Did you have a movie on the flight?"

-- That was my MAJOR complaint. No movie. They did have the video screens from the cabin roof, so maybe they'll add video. In addition, there was no "radio" service, although the seats did have spots to plug in headphones.

"Was the 1st class = to other major carriers?"

-- Aside from the absence of a movie and headphones for a long-haul fligh, I'd say definitely "yes." My First Class experience is somewhat limited (4 or 5 flights prior to this), but I believe this First Class cabin actually was roomier than others in which I've ridden. The service was top-notch and very friendly. The food was quite good for airline food, and the drink service was prompt. To me, the primary benefit of First Class on a long flight is physical comfort, and the flight definitely was comfortable.


"Would you do it again?"

-- In a heartbeat. I was very pleased overall.


"Were there any glitches on any of the legs of your flight?"

-- Not really. After boarding in Las Vegas for SF, the stewardness came by to personally tell me (after getting me a pre-flight drink) that there was an air traffic control hold going into SF for two hours. She was extremely appolegetic (as if it were her fault), and told me I could stay on the plane or de-plane (I got off). Then, there were frequent announcements regarding the delay after that. Other than that, all flights were perfectly on-time. Only complaint I can think of, other than the lack of movies, is that the airline is located in the international terminal at JFK, so upon arriving back at the airport it's a bit of a hike to get to the domestic baggage area.

Bottom line is, for the price and convenience, I'd definitely fly National again. This is especially true if I'm staying at Harrah's or the Rio, because getting the bags sent straight to and from the airport is a really nice fringe benefit on that first and last day.

Let me know if you have any other questions!


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Mark L. in NJ


[This message has been edited by markl (edited October 10, 1999).]

Now, I'm just wondering this.....

I always rent my car from Harrah's. Is it possible to have my bags taken to Harrah's right from the plane and then pick up the bags there when I pick up my rental car?
Same thing on the return of the rental car?
I wouldn't miss hunting for my luggage at the baggage claim.

Also Thanks for all the information. I'll make sure Sue reads your comments, both here and your trip report!


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Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

Mark, We also flew National last week Fri. and returned Wed. Also upgraded to F/C both ways. We checked in for the return flight at the Rio around 9:00AM for the 12:30 PM flight at the time we checked in there were 12 F/C seats open, when we boarded all F/C seats were taken. You are allowed to upgrade 6 hours before departure, I think as more people learn about the upgrade the earlier you will have to check in to get a seat. Terminal #4 at JFK absolutely SUCKS! It’s more like a dungeon than an airline terminal.

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John B.
jblersch@optonline.net

John and Mark,
I agree that terminal 4 at JFK is terrible. Michael and I arrived very early for our flight and I thought we would be able to get something to eat. I think we walked 3 miles before we found a food court. <vbg> I also agree about walking to get to the domestic baggage claim. I thought we would never get there!

Lee Ann
Past, Present and Future Forum Moderator
leeann@talkvegas.com

Lee --

I doubt there would be any problems with sending your bags to Harrahs; they probably put them at the bell desk. They didn't come to my room until after I called, and I didn't check-in at Harrahs for a few hours after landing.



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Mark L. in NJ

John --

I agree that the relatively easy upgrades probably will be short-lived. This is also true because, as the airlines gets more "frequent flyers" and other preferred customers, it probably will begin handing out the upgrades to those customers first.

How did you feel about National?


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Mark L. in NJ

If it where my airline, and the 1st class seating was in such demand, I'd raise the price of the upgrade. Let supply & demand keep the amount of people down in first class.


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Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

Mark, I was very happy with everything about National with the exception of Term.#4. I heard Term.4 was going to be replaced or renovated.
The wines and pastries served on National are from the Rio's wine cellar and bakery.
I don't know how you feel Mark, But I sure am glad Lee doesn’t own National! [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/wink.gif[/img]

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John B.
jblersch@optonline.net