I had some time off due to medical recovery and I just could not sit at home. So I hopped online to see what I could find and just so happen to walk away from the computer with a quick 5 day trip to Guam and back. The whole purpose of the trip was the hours long trip between Honolulu and Guam. My routing would be: SEA-LAX-HNL-MAJ-KWA-KSA-PHI-TKK-GUM-NRT-DEN-SEA. The layover at each of those island would be around 40 minutes each. Most trips consist of a destination. This trip, was the travel itself not the destination, although I have always wanted to go to Guam.
The trip did not start as planned. I used points and booked into economy class “The Village”. I then upgraded certain legs, either to Economy Plus or Premium Economy. The HNL-GUM route, I had booked 10A Premium Economy Window Seat, which was to be the best according to my research. Well, I checked in 24 hours prior to the trip, and about 4 hours after I checked again and I was unseated from 10A. When I called, they confirmed i had no seat and offered me middle seats. This leg was the whole purpose of the trip. I was livid. I actually had to hang up and go for a walk for an hour. And even then It was still difficult to be rational. Finally, I agreed on 28A for this leg, and United would offer me free Economy Plus for all legs. I agreed and expressed I was not completely happy, but I had hotel rooms that were not cancelable, and I had the time.
SEA-LAX
The trip started off with an arrival at the airport at 4:30 am. I got through security and waited for the Centurion Lounge to open at 5:00am. Upon entry to the lounge, everyone ran to the espresso line and placed their orders. I went to the food, which was basically a Continental Breakfast. Although very good, it was quite small. Maybe i was just too early. by the time I got back to my seat, the espresso line was gone, and I placed my order and received my drink quickly. at 5:30.
I walked to my gate and boarded within minutes of arrival. The flight was empty. There are not many on board at all. 3 hours later, we landed at LAX, and I had the pleasure of walking from terminal 7 to TB terminal to enjoy the Centurion Lounge. As some of you know, that is quite the haul. I needed my steps, so I stayed behind security, and a few hours later, I arrived.
I was not that impressed with the lounge. It is located on level 2, down in what seemed the basement. It was dark, crowded, and appeared to be old or out of style. The food was satisfactory and the lounge only got buisier. I proceded to work for a few hours.
After about 5 hours, I left the lounge and went back to terminal 6 to the Air Canada Lounge. I was able to have entry with my Chase CSR card and flying Star Alliance. Since I was on a layover, the 3 hour limit was waived.
The Air Canada, Maple Leaf Lounge, was very nice and modern. The food was delicious. Air Canada has around 6 flights per day, and the traffic was very low to where I could get work done and not be distracted. Much warming atmosphere for my personality.
I departed the lounge about an hour before my flight as I needed to find terminal 7, and I wanted to get my boarding passes printed out the old-fashioned way.
LAX-HNL
I had the 4 middle seats to myself way in the back of the plane. I was able to lay down and attempt to sleep on the 5+ hour trip, which I did some. However, I was awake enough for coffee and water, and I purchased the cheeseburger. For some reason, I’m just going home and was craving this burger for days on end. It was decent for airplane food. I would order it again.
This leg didn’t have much to talk about. I guess the highlight was that we landed on runway 26L on the reef runway. In all of my trips to Hawaii, I have never landed this direction. I had always landed the opposite directions. This gave those who were sitting on the right side of the plane a great view of Waikiki beach. Unfortunately, I missed it.
Upon landing, I made my way to the Best Western near the airport. There are not a lot of options, and this seemed like the best. All I can say is you get what you paid for. It was 9:30 PM and I had to be back at the airport by 6:00 AM. It’s a short walk, and I only walked past 3 friendly individuals who appear to make the public right away home.
HNL-MAJ
After a quick anxious sleep, I woke early and decided to just to go the aiport at 5:00AM and explore. Walking into the airport, I recieved the friendly “which airline” followed by a “Mainlaind or Majuro? I reponded to the USDA Inspector confidently “United, Majuro”. and he responded, continue on then.
I found the TSA Pre-Check security line a little frustrated as I couldn’t find “CLEAR.” To my stupidity (due to lack of awakeness), I walked right past it. After clearning security, I walked over to the only lounge that was open “Starbucks.” Unfortunately I had to pay, but it was sufficient. Then I walked over to the do it yourself store and bought water and some sandwich sliders for my long trip. I also had a snack pack I bought from LAX-HNL leg.
At 6:30 AM, the door to the gate area was open, and we all walked in. They check your passport upon entry. I also inquired whether 10A was open or not, and it was not. I sat down with great anticipation and happiness. 7:30 AM take-off time arrived, and we still had not boarded. Soon after, an announcement came on. Little did anyone know this would start a huge snowball. “Ladys and gentlemen. One of the (4) pilots required for this flight called in sick. Operations is looking for a qualified backup pilot. Once we hear back from them, we will let you know whether or not we will be going to all island or specific islands.” I’m no expert, but I’m assuming that either they need “veted” pilots on this route due to the plan stopping at a couple of military bases or due to the type of flying. I’m not sure, but we dont want a sick pilot for sure.
Next, about 45 minutes later, another announcement came. “Lady’s and Gentlemen. Due to crew requirments, this flight will now go to Majuro and will overnight in Majuro. We will accomodate those of you continuing in a hotel. The following day, we will continue to all islands. You will arrive at Guam 1 day later than scheduled. This point was my highlight of the trip. I was excited I got to spend one day in the Marshall Islands at the expense of United. However, it was short-lived as about 30 minutes later, I was called up to the podium. “I see you are going to Guam. Here is our situation. We can rebook you directly to Guam, or you can stay on this flight. We are having issues finding accommodation for all passengers in Majuro, and you may be staying overnight in the airport. ” I told her I want this flight, and i’m willing to sleep on the beach. (Yes, my mind was out of it due to the excitement, ánd I was not thinking right.)
Then, about 30 minutes later, we started boarding. I got comfortable in my 28A seat. Unloading my tablet, charger, neck pillow, etc. and placed my bag under the seat. Everyone else boarded the plane, and luckily, the middle seat was open. Next, the flight attendants came down the aisle and handed out life vests for families with babies.
We sat comfortably for a few moments with the plane loaded until the announcement, “Ladies and Gentlemen. We have more bad news and you are not going to like it. At this point, we need everyone to gather their belongings and deplane back into the waiting room. We will give further instructions then.” This is where my excitement sunk.
And then sunk further. “This flight is going to Majuro and then will end there. There will be an additional flight the following day from Majuro to Guam. You have two choices, you can either go to Majuro and find your own lodging and then continue to Guam or you can get rebooked on a flight from HNL to GUAM. If neither of those are acceptable to you, then you will need to go to the front counter and work out your details with them. Right then, my trip was over.
Long story short…. I was rebooked to Seattle and spent the day in Waikiki with friends. I guess I’ll just have to try this again soon.
JetBoyErik 
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