This was my first trip to South America and the first time that I have been south of the equator. While there wasn't an equatorial baptism waiting for us on board, I did get a chance to try out my new secret weapon for shooting video and pictures during the flight. The first attempt you can see above, which I'm happy with for a first try. It turned out well, despite the constant risk of getting caught by the flight attendant.
Our flights with United there and back cost us $141 a person, thanks to my frequent flyer miles. Playing the mileage game doesn't pay off every time, but this was one of the times when it worked out. Our first flight was Seattle to Rio de Janeiro, via Houston, all on United.
For our first flight, I picked the wrong side of the plane to sit on. When leaving Seattle there is always the chance that Mt. Rainier will be out and from the air it is truly beautiful. Unfortunately, I sat on the right side of the plane, which did not have that view this time around. If you are flying out of Seattle and headed South, sit on the left side of the plane (seats D, E, or F). If you are flying to Chicago or the East Coast, sit on the right side of the plane (seats A, B, or C). The consolation prize for sitting on the right side of the plane is Mt. St. Helens.
Overall, it was a pretty standard flight, except for some turbulence and a headwind that put us getting in late to Houston. We were worried about making our connection to the next (and more important) flight due to the weather, and we did end up getting in with 25 minutes until we needed to be on the next plane (but more on that later).
More photos after the break, including a storm front and photos of my in-flight United Airlines Kosher meal.
For our first flight, I picked the wrong side of the plane to sit on. When leaving Seattle there is always the chance that Mt. Rainier will be out and from the air it is truly beautiful. Unfortunately, I sat on the right side of the plane, which did not have that view this time around. If you are flying out of Seattle and headed South, sit on the left side of the plane (seats D, E, or F). If you are flying to Chicago or the East Coast, sit on the right side of the plane (seats A, B, or C). The consolation prize for sitting on the right side of the plane is Mt. St. Helens.
Overall, it was a pretty standard flight, except for some turbulence and a headwind that put us getting in late to Houston. We were worried about making our connection to the next (and more important) flight due to the weather, and we did end up getting in with 25 minutes until we needed to be on the next plane (but more on that later).
