May 20
In March, I posted about a new resource that provides in-depth detail about the approximate 700 aircraft in the United Airlines fleet. Everything from exterior items, such as tail numbers and livery information, to interior items, including cabin configuration, economy plus status and in-seat power, is presented in a spreadsheet format.
The new version was just launched and it’s worth bookmarking as it’s constantly updated with changes as more aircraft are either repainted or being overhauled in some way, such as United’s 767-300 “ghetto birds” being converted to an ETOPS lie-flat international configuration.
It, too, is spreadsheet driven and allows you to filter by what you want to see based on what interests you about the fleet. Below, for example, is a screen grab showing information about United’s 767-300 aircraft:
Other areas of the site include a “Meet the Fleet” section with specs about each aircraft and how many of each type have been repainted, a page devoted to deciphering the types as they appear on the United Cargo website and a discussion forum.
The website’s author is highly passionate and dedicated in maintaining it and is open to your questions, comments and feedback. It’s perfect for me as I maintain a spreadsheet myself that lists each flight I take as I like to track not only my mileage accrual, but also the specific aircraft I’ve flown.
Check out the updated fleet tracking site here.
That statement was made while he was noting the benefits of SHARES from this slide:
For anyone reading this after they’ve reached the 100,000, you’ll still be eligible to get a bonus 15,000 points if you register and complete a qualifying stay – one night at any Radisson or Radisson Blu property before July 15. The full terms and conditions are shown at the bottom of the 
I grabbed a snack and sat along the windows for a bit before heading over to the main seating area further inside the lounge. Before getting up, I snapped a pic of the self-serve bar area to my left, which had a couple of Swiss aircraft models sitting up top – too far away for me to snag one to take. 
You pass a row of magazines and newspapers, and the restrooms, on the way to the fairly sizable seating area with leather chairs. It was absolutely packed, but I did manage to get an empty seat just vacated to sit down for a bit. Another self-serve bar area was located nearby with the usual selection of lounge beverages. Each side of this section, if I recall correctly, had televisions. While there was staff clearing old glassware and plates, it was just too busy to keep up, which made for a cluttered and negative impression.
By this point (15 minutes total), I decided to head over to the Oasis lounge to see if it was more serene and on my way out, I did notice a door near the restrooms that was labeled “Shower,” so there is at least one shower room. A small business center was opposite the restrooms. Had this lounge been less crowded, I probably would have enjoyed it a bit more.
The Oasis lounge was also located pre-security along the same windows facing the tarmac, but at the opposite end of the terminal. I handed over my invitation and then noticed china hutches flanking the nearby walls filled with glassware and other items I thought were strange for an airport lounge. More airplane models were out of reach atop.
Wood floors, multi-colored leather chairs, plants scattered about and patio umbrellas gave this spacious lounge a tropical feel, deserving of the Oasis name. It’s definitely larger than the Swiss lounge. The single buffet area included items such as wraps, rolls, sandwich wedges, vegetables, chips and hot items of rice, steamed veggies and some type of chicken dish. A complete range of beverages was also available.
There are several unique seating areas and I chose a seat along the windows.
One end of the lounge just beyond the buffet area had table and stool seating, then opened up to a television and business center area.
The other end of the lounge had a unique room with a faux fireplace that sort of seemed like a combo between a family room, den and strangely, a dining room with a long wood table.
The men’s room was rather small and I did see door labeled “Shower room” in this lounge, as well.
Boarding continued while flight attendants hung jackets and passed out pre-departure beverages, menus, earplugs and eyeshades. The doors closed a couple of minutes early and we pushed from the gate right on time.
The eggs and sausage were just “okay,” but I really have been liking the potato gratin being served lately on this and other United breakfast flights. My seatmate had the French toast, which actually looked better than when I had it last, so I was a bit jealous.
The flight continued and the basket of light snacks came around, which consisted of pop chips, bananas, energy bars, chocolate, etc. Service ended up being very good and both flight attendants serving the business cabin were attentive and friendly. One asked if I was headed home while I waited near the lavatory and we had a nice chat with me telling her I was continuing on to Frankfurt.
