Middle East: April 2023: Day 9: Return

Middle East

April 2023: Day 9: Return

The arch pattern on the right is a nice touch.

Almost wish I had went to the food court rather than McDonald's.

Post-secondary-screening boarding area at Gate A21.

Premium economy (aka Premium Plus) seats on a United 777-200ER.

Already working on photos...

Chicken breast in Premium Plus was (just barely) properly cooked.

United's food is getting better, but still a far cry from where it could be.

12 hours and change to go.

Pre-arrival meal, aka breakfast.

Six blueberries (or is that seven??).

Mid-flight snack on UA 163.

It's presentable at least, although still pretty sad vs. the competition.

13 hours 40 minutes gate to gate in the end, 6861 miles great circle, 7339 miles actual.

6,861 miles great circle, 6,865 miles actual per the map, Flightaware says 7,339 miles actual.

Final approach to LAX, with the San Bernardino Mountains covered in snow.

Automated people mover (APM) under construction at LAX.

9/11 Memorial at LAX.

Larocco's Pizza off Sepulveda.

Pepperoni and jalapeno hit the spot.

bbq.brazillian food stand.

Logo is on point.

Fried plantains are almost like french fries. And best of all, complimentary.

Pichana hit the spot.

After spending way too long waiting inside the secondary security screened area of Gate A21 (thanks to SSSS, yay), then dealing with a somewhat surly United gate agent supervisor who not only messed up with my seat assignment (should not have trusted her hand-written new seat assignment on my boarding pass) but who seemed equally unhelpful to her new employees working the gate, it was time to board UA 163 for the return to the USA.

United's Premium Plus (premium economy) seats hadn't changed from my experience just over a week ago, but in-flight meals were the same, and considering how lousy United has been lately, I'll count that as a win. Switched up my pre-arrival meal from pancakes to the steak and eggs, which were sad looking but actually kind of tasty (or at least as tasty as they could be while enduring a 13 hour 39 minute flight).

Major plus of the more than 30 minute early arrival in New York (Newark) was being able to catch an earlier flight home. Had to give up my one and only upgrade of the trip (to lie-flat domestic first class), but was worth it to get home three hours early, even if it was for a middle seat in economy.

Considering the lack of service in domestic economy, treated myself to Larocco's Pizza on landing. Not the best pizza, but a slice of pepperoni and jalapeno hit the spot, and then the bbq.Brazillian food cart finished the welcome home fooding with some pretty decent pichana. Despite the various issues with flights on this trip, and all the considerations visiting the Middle East during Ramadan, was still fun to catch up with Sam and visit two new countries. Until next time!