After 4 days in Costa Rica it was time to start my return journey which would unfortunately only involve 2 flights. On the plus side I was to spend just under 24 hours in my favorite city in the world, New York! Both the remaining flights were also in Continental Airlines BusinessFirst cabins so the seats were much more comfortable than the outbound journey which would be very welcome due to the next 2 flights been of significant length.

So here are a few pictures from the flight to New York, as well as a few images from that evening:

Departures area in San Jose airport next to Gate 3.

Leg 5 was the 'final' flight of my outbound journey and would be my first Continental International flight but not in BusinessFirst, just a regular US domestic First cabin as this was an older Boeing 737-800. That did not stop the flights been very enjoyable and I was pretty impressed with CO's service compared to AA and UA as I have flown very similar services with those carriers in the past. I had planned each seat assignment on this whole trip with meticulous detail which factored in the direction of flight and where the sun would be in relation to my window view to ensure that the views I got were awesome and not blinded by the sun looking directly into my window. This flight provided me with some of the best views of blue skies and beautiful dark blue and turquoise seas which you will see in some images below.

So here are those eagerly awaited images:

In the IAH Presidents Club having a little morning snack, free Wi-Fi was also great.

Due to the very early start for Leg 4 it is probably the least covered flight out of them all. The only positive I took out of the early start was I would still be getting up in GMT so my body clock was still working as if I was at home. Over the course of the trip this was the same pattern I followed most days and nights and it really has made a difference now I am home.

There are only a few pictures due to the flight been so A) early, and B) mostly in the dark:

My ride to Houston, a little light snow on the ground.

Leg 3 is one leg I have been looking forward to the most as it would allow me to try out the 'new' UA business class on the 767-300ER. The seat is fully flat and the IFE has had a major overhaul and is on demand (AVOD). Having flow UA First Class in the past I was doubtful wether the experience in C would be any better but I have to say the seat made a huge difference, so did the IFE.

So here are a few pictures from Leg 3, there are also a few pictures from Chicago as I went downtown as soon as I dumped my bags in the hotel:

Got to use fast-track security and was in the T1 Star Alliance lounge in no time.