Proud to be Grumpy

The passenger experience needs comment. After my second outbound experience at the beginning of February and most recent return, I now feel qualified to at least offer some observations about Heathrow, and the new Terminal 2. First and foremost, allow yourself plenty of time. Wear walking shoes, and if you have any walking or mobility issues, get help. Terminal 2 now follows the newer design philosophy of a central hub with passenger and baggage handling, Security, Customs and Border Control, and of course, a Departure (Retail) Lounge located there. The actual Gates are located at remote locations, at satellite terminals. So when you are told your gate may be 15 minutes walk away - get going - 'cause they mean it! I understand the operational benefit to that system however the need to keep inbound and outbound passengers separate during the entire process creates some strange effects, seemingly endless corridors connected to other endless corridors with sections of travel...

So, it's about six weeks on and I'm returning to the UK (UA659 DFW - IAH, UA921 IAH - LHR). The first leg was on United's updated Airbus designated 319. A good on time flight. As usual on US domestic, about 90 % full. First the seats, PLASTIC is about all I can say about them. The seat pitch had to be less than 30 inches (row 30) because it makes the 767-300 (row 36) I'm sitting in now seem commodious, and I never thought I would say that! So, while my knees were pressed (all be it lightly) against the unyielding plastic, things could have been worse. There was no video screen running continuous commercials under my nose on the seat-back in front of me! It must have been pretty unpopular with others, not just me, plus the added benefit that it is cheaper and probably lighter. I think everybody wins there. Wow, I was just interrupted by dinner and I have to say that it was .... okay. Now let me be clear, you don't fly Economy (certainly not on United) for the gour...