Cape Town: December 2019
Booked a flight on a 787-10 for the Los Angeles to Newark transcontinential, hoping the 44 business class seats would give me good odds for an upgrade. Turns out I was the first on the upgrade list, doh!
Had a few hours to kill until the inaugural flight to Cape Town, was able to spend it in one of the United Clubs. Not much there to eat but comfortable enough to get some work done, then it was time to mosey over to the gate for the celebration. Got there a little too early actually, but still worked out. United president of NY/NJ, Jill Kaplan, was there, along with a few other senior United people. South African ambassador to the United States, Yoliswa Rose Mvebe, was the highlight of the night. Add in South African dancers and a ton of media, and it was a full on celebration!
In what would be a theme, ended up #1 on the upgrade list a second time today (aka first loser). Fortunately a bulkhead seat isn't bad, and it was time to head off to Cape Town!