IN SHORT: Typical United service, that was friendly and efficient. Nothing glorious about it, but nothing to complain about either. Subpar in no way, but excellent in few. My only regret: not getting bumped to bmi again!

Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Washington-Dulles
United Airlines UA915, Boeing 777-200
Cabin: C - Business Class
Departed: 1:00PM, Arrived: 3:30PM

CHECK-IN & BOARDING
Grade: A

Because of a slow RER train, I barely made it to CDG an hour before the flight. I was somewhat worried that they would give me a hard time, but no one mentioned it. Having checked the loads prior to going to the airport, I was surprised to find the United check-in area almost deserted! This was supposed to be an oversold 777. After being questioned by the security drone ("were you here for business or pleasure"... "who packed your bags"... "where have they been"...), the check-in CSR kindly put me on the VDB list and noted my preference to stay one extra night in Paris (as opposed to being stuck on an AF flight). She was fairly upbeat about my chances at getting bumped and sent me on my way to the gate to "wait it out."

And wait it out I did... until the very end. They made "desparate" calls for volunteers during the boarding process and a long queue formed of willing people. The offer was standard: $400 in vouchers, overnight hotel, meal vouchers and a flight in C the next day. I hovered discretely by the desk... hoping...

By the end, there were only 12 of us waiting in the boarding area, including a few employees flying space-available. As soon as the desk motioned them over, I knew there was no hope of getting paid to spend another night in my favourite city! Sure enough, she picked up the intercom, thanked us for volunteering and told us to get on the flight.

Boarding was fine and I was pleasantly surprised to find an empty overhead bin above my seat (8A)! My neighbor was an elderly woman with a ball of knitting yarn the size of a football and a talkative spirit to go with it. This was going to be a long 7 hours...

SEATS & CABIN
Grade: A-

I've always enjoyed UA's business-class seats. Sure, they're not lay-flat. But for what I paid for the ticket, I couldn't be happier than a baby in a playpen. I always rest comfortably and enjoy United's decent selection of audio and video programming.

FOOD & WINE
Grade: B+

In my experience, a good purser can make or break in-flight service. This time, service was being directed by a young French purser. Unsurprisingly, the service was immpeccable. She would stop around to various seats in the F and C cabins at regular intervals of the flight to make sure everything was okay. If she saw an empty glass, she would quickly see that it was topped-off herself. As expected, the mostly American crew followed her lead. I've flown with a few French crews over the years, and have always gotten top-notch service! This was no exception.

Shortly after take-off, the FAs came through with a drink cart and served us the beverage of our choice. The purser was quick on their heels and took meal orders. Here were the choices:

TO BEGIN

Smoked salmon with lemon aioli
Sliced cucumber and plum tomato

Garden salad
Asian sesame ginger dressing

MAIN COURSE

Filet mignon and Bordelaise sauce with mushrooms
Garlic mashed potatoes and green beans

Chicken supreme with morel mushroom sauce
Mashed potatoes with spring onion

Tortelloni duet filled with artichoke and basil ricotta
Four cheese and chive sauce

DESSERT

International cheese selection
Morbier and Brie cheese

Lemon tart with creme chantilly

PRIOR TO ARRIVAL

Turkey and bacon sandwich with chedar cheese sauce
Roasted potato wedges

Cheese plate with fresh seasonal fruit
Cheddar, Brie and Bavarian Blue cheese

Smoked salmon seems to be a fixture on United these days. Did they buy a few boatfuls in bulk or what? The aioli was a good complement and I downed that in a few seconds with a glass of the Pinot blanc. I requested and received the Chicken Supreme -- another dish I've seen quite a few times before -- and it was just as expected. Not amazing, but good. Filling. My neighbor -- who had told me the story of her life by now -- ordered the filet and it looked dry.

After topping off the meal with the lemon tart, I peered into F and noticed that they were serving ice cream sundaes. Wait a second... how do I get me some of that! My neighbor decided to employ some of her elderly charm and summoned an FA from first. With the bat of a few old eyelashes and a kind smile on both our parts, we were soon enjoy a bowl of fine ice cream. At least, I think there was ice cream under all that whip cream and chocolate sauce. Mmm... it was fantastic!

For those who care, the wine list was not quite as extensive as BMI's:

FEATURED WINES

CHAMPAGNE

Brut, Pol Roger NV
Traditional style emphasizing toasty flavours

Grande Reserve, Baron Fuente NV
Dry and full-bodied with toasty-yeasty flavours

WHITE WINE

Louis Latour Saint-Veran "Les Deux Moulins" 2000, Chardonnay
Clear true red apple like flavours of Chardonnay

Leon Beyer Alsace 2002, Pinot Blanc
Intense flavours of yellow-skinned apple; different from Chardonnay

Allan Scott Vineyards Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2002
Fresh tropical aromas with a crisp palate

Trinchero Family Selection Napa Valley Sauvingon Blanc 2001
Distinct herb-like flavours true to Sauvignon grapes

RED WINE

Chateau d'Orsan Cotes-du-Rhone 2000, Grenache Blend
Easy agreeable fruit falvours as always in an old favourite

Chateau Escales-Corbieres 2001, Grenache Syrah Carignan
Instantly likeable flavours suggesting ripe berries

Jindalee Murray-Darling Victoria Shiraz 2003
Bold flavours of ripe berries rule in a user-friendly wine

Lambert Ridge Sonoma County Merlot 2000
Modern California style lets extra ripe fruit flavors dominate

I kicked back, chatted with my neighbor for a while (or rather, she chatted with me), watched a few flicks (Timeline -- skip it, Shattered Glass -- good to pass the time), and took a snooze for an hour or so. By then, it was time for the pre-landing snack. Not wanting to feel like I had just taken a bath in grease, I sprung for the fruit and cheese plate. Pretty hard to go wrong on that...

Landing and taxi was quick, and I was within the first 10 to immigration. A little small talk with the customs officer, stamp in my passport, and I was on my way! Almost home... and already wanting to go back...