DFW to Denver in UA Economy

Dallas to Denver

I was originally booked on the 12:30pm DFW-DEN AA flght.  But once in flight, I made the mistake of believing flighty and flightradar24... that we would arrive 20 minutes early or around 9:30am.  So I switched to the 10:31am AA flight.   Later on it became clear that we were not going to be early and that it would really tight to make clear CBP, security and get to my AA gate in time.  A rookie jetbridge operator made things even worse as it took a while and the door finally opened at 10:15am giving me 16 minutes if that.   Amazingly I made it thru CBP, security and the long haul to D38 in just 14 minutes.  Unfortunately, my 10:31am AA flight had already closed and the jetbridge pulled back from the plane.

With the 12:30pm AA flight now sold out in First, I booked an Economy exit row back-up on the 11:35am United flight. 

Sadly, no chance of an upgrade today.

Not First, but great legroom for the short 90 minute flight.

United does an impressive job of recognizing milestones but today was really over and above.  Despite having booked the flight less than an hour ago, the lead FA stopped by, thanked me for my loyalty and presented me with this hand-written note at my seat.