Mileage Running
15 hours and 1 minute later, N17963 arrived in Hong Kong. Being late due to winds meant not much time at Hong Kong International Airport, but there was just enough time to grab some shu mai, e-fu noodles, and a surprisingly acceptable char siu at the United Club, along with a shower, before boarding the return flight.
United 821, HKG-LAX, like my previous United 152 just now, was pretty full. Flight itself was uneventful, although the pre-order only kung pao chicken was downright awful-- Panda Express' kung pao chicken is better. I actually skipped the ice cream, although I caught a flight attendant making one for another passenger and was able to verify it was still frozen and not melted, which has been a problem lately on some routes.
Managed to wake up early enough for the pre-arrival meal; the shrimp congee is still good, and then we had an unusual easterly landing at LAX. Snagged one last selfie onboard with one of the best crew on the LAX-HKG routes, Purser Rajneeta, before heading off the plane and getting some exercise.
Juuuust managed to squeeze in a shower and some dinner at the Polaris Lounge after getting some steps in. Arugula, persimmon, and mozzarella salad wasn't bad, the scallop and mushroom was a bit odd, and the shrimp, broccolini, and polenta worked. The whole meal was best described as aspirational to fine dining but fell a bit short; still not bad?
Then it was back onboard an airplane again, this time N25982, for the start of the second turn to Hong Kong. Menu onboard UA 820 was exactly the same as UA 152 36 hours before, so off to a good start.