Check In and Security
I arrived at IAH’s Terminal E at 10:20 a.m., approximately 2 hours ahead of my scheduled departure time of 12:20 p.m.
United uses multiple terminals at IAH, so be sure to check your flight status on the United App to ensure that you’re going to the correct terminal. Additionally, make sure that you check the IAH airport twitter page and website, as currently, IAH is undergoing quite a bit of construction and the status of different terminals where you can check bags and go through security can change daily.
I went to the 1K section, where I printed my bag tags and was on my way in no more than 2 minutes. United has a surprisingly small 1K and Polaris section at Terminal E, especially given that this is the international terminal… I was shocked.
There are several lines for security, and it’s easy to know which one you’re going to because the signage is very clear. Additionally, there are agents to assist you. I went through the PreCheck lane, as my brother was flying on a different flight, and doesn’t have CLEAR.
Security took quite a bit of time. They apparently needed to run my bag through the scanner again because I “had a laptop.” Even though I have PreCheck and that never happens. Then, when they were running my bag again through the scanner, the scanner just stopped working. It got stuck…
The Lounge- United Club at E12:
I decided to go to the United Club located at E12. I used to love the E club because of its nostalgia and reminisce of the old Continental President’s Club, which takes me back to my childhood. But, now this club is small and just gets overly crowded. I took some pictures, but with how crowded it was… I was a bit turned off from the overall experience.
I used to love the E club because of its nostalgia and reminisce of the old Continental President’s Club, which takes me back to my childhood. But, now this club is small and just gets overly crowded. I took some pictures, but with how crowded it was… I was a bit turned off from the overall experience.
Boarding, the Cabin, and Seat:
The gate was a bit chaotic. There were people everywhere and it was a bit of a mess. But, boarding started right on time, and I boarded with the other 1Ks.
When I got to my seat, 5F, there was a man and a woman who were sitting there already. The man explained that his wife was in 5A, and that they wanted to switch so they could sit together. I said that was fine but that I had preordered a meal, so I would just need to let the flight attendants know of that. And I proceeded to sit in 5A.
This aircraft was one of the 737-900ERs that didn’t have the new United NEXT interior, so it was the older style seats.
The seat offers 37 inches of pitch, 5 inches of recline, and 20 inches of width.
In the left armrest, there’s the tray table.
In the right armrest is the center console, along with a universal power outlet. Note that this outlet does not have a USB-A port.
Pre-Departure, Taxi, and Takeoff:
The cabin was HOT, like uncomfortably hot. So I had to shut my window shade in order to get the cabin cooler again.
A deadheading pilot was sitting next to me today so I guess that means I had to be on my best behavior! :)
At 12:12, the captain came on to welcome us aboard and announce our flight time of 2 hours and 46 minutes.
At 12:16, a pre-departure beverage of water or sparkling wine was offered. I went with a water because it was so hot. I also took that moment to let a flight attendant know that I had switched seats with the woman in the opposite window.
At 12:30, it was announced by the flight attendants that the man in the bathroom needed to return to his seat so we could pushback. Oh boy.
It was also at this moment that I realized that my choice to switch seats to 5A on the 737-900 was a bad idea. Because the economy lavatory was directly behind my seat.
At 12:34, the safety demonstration began, and we began our pushback, 14 minutes behind schedule.
At 12:49, we were rolling down runway 15R for departure. We even had a parallel takeoff with another 737-900!
Cruise:
At 12:56, we reached 10,000 feet and were well on our way to Washington.
At 1:08, the flight attendant came around to take and confirm meal orders. It looked like my strategy of telling the other flight attendant worked! Because I had preordered the cheese enchiladas and he confirmed that. He also asked for drink orders.
United allows you to preorder meals in Premium Cabins beginning 5 days prior to departure. United had a few options on order, as you can see here.
At 1:11, service continued with the distribution of a hot towel.
At 1:31, my gin and tonic was brought out with a ramekin of warm nuts.
While I was waiting, I decided to check out the IFE. On this aircraft, United had personal device entertainment, and I have to say the selection was pretty good with a selection of a lot of different movies and tv shows! You will not get bored.
At 1:41, my meal was brought out, and I was offered another gin and tonic!
The meal was quite tasty. Enchiladas are traditionally baked so reheating them in airplane ovens means that they turn out pretty good! I’d highly recommend it- the flavor was really good and what’s not to love? Cheese- spices, tortillas? It’s just great and can’t disappoint!
When I finished my meal, I waited about 20 minutes and nobody came to clear my tray. Then we hit some really rough air. At 2:14 Houston time, and my tray wasn’t cleared for a bit.
At 2:23, the turbulence subsided after we had climbed for a bit and my tray was cleared. The flight attendant even said when he came by, “Sorry, Mr. Shivpilot14 for the delay, let me get you another gin and tonic!” And he immediately brought it out to me!
Also at this time I changed my clock to Washington time, making it 3:23 pm in Washington.
Descent and Arrival
At 3:48 in Washington, the captain came on to announce that we’d begun our initial descent into Washington and that we’d be on the ground in about 30 minutes.
