Some links to credit cards and other products may earn a referral commission. Furthermore, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For full advertising disclosure, click here.
Introduction: On A Quest for Pura Vida
Review: United Airlines (ERJ-175) First Class Oklahoma City to Houston
Review: United Airlines (737-800) First Class Houston to San Jose
Review: Marriott Costa Rica Hotel
Review: The Palms – Jaco
Out and About in Costa Rica
Review: Courtyard Marriott Hotel San Jose Airport – Alajuela
Review: VIP Lounge – San Jose Airport
Review: United Airlines (737-800) First Class San Jose to Houston
Review: United Airlines (ERJ-175) First Class Houston to Oklahoma City
UA 1097
SJO-IAH
Takeoff: 0630
Landing: 1110
Flight Time: 3hr 40min
Seat: 1B
We left the lounge at 0540 which was approximately 15 minutes before boarding was scheduled. It was a very bright morning in Costa Rica which made it feel later than it was.

There were only a few people in line when we showed to gate. As we were in line talking, there were many people who cut us (rude, I know). They acted like we were not going to the same place…at the same time. We just laughed because they could not ruin the fun that we had on the trip. I was also happy that the sombrero that I acquired was making the journey home with me.

Boarding started on time and was uneventful. I quickly took my seat in 1B, which was the aisle seat on the left side of the airplane.

Towards the end of boarding, the flight attendant came by to take our drink orders. I ordered a Bloody Mary (for obvious reasons). It was served in a plastic cup, which is normal for United Airlines. The drink was ok.

The door was closed just minutes after I received my drink. At this point, the safety demonstration was played. One thing to note, the flight attendants, were not very “attending” during boarding. They preferred to congregate in the galley and talk about food recipes. We began our taxi at 0622, a few minutes ahead of schedule.
We were off of the ground eight minutes after beginning our taxi. One of the flight attendants said that the pilot was Mario Andretti. 😂😂😂 The climb out was smooth and beautiful. I could not believe how many people fell asleep before takeoff. I could not do that because I enjoy the views on takeoff and landing.








Food service started 16 minutes after takeoff. I ordered the omelet with sausage, plantains, fruit, and a croissant. The omelet and sausage were bland so I sent it back. The flight attendant asked if I wanted the cereal and yogurt option, I respectfully declined.

I figured that I would try to get some sleep. That would turn out to be impossible. There were so many people from the economy cabin who came to the forward cabin to talk and use the toilet. This was mostly United employees who were not working the flight. I could only stare at my feet with hopes that we would quickly land in Houston.

Final Word
The flight from San Jose to Houston had to be one of my worst flights on United (the wafer flight is the worst). The flavorless food and the United employees interrupting my sleep definitely disappointed. Before long, we were landing in Houston and quickly made our way to the Centurion Lounge.