I just got back home from a quick weekend trip out to San Francisco and the Bay Area. Mrs. ATX had to head out there for work so ATX Jr. and I decided to fly out and join her for the weekend.
Honestly, I debated whether to do a full trip report series for these or post them as individual reviews. With our big trip to Asia looming, and the fact that it’s been a while since I’ve done a full trip report, I figured I could use the practice.
Booking Flights
With Mrs. ATX already out in California, ATX Jr. and I would be flying out solo. While we’ve taken many trips with him over the last nine months, this was the first time either of us was flying with him solo. Because of this, a direct flight in First Class was the most important criteria.
Alaska Airlines and United Airlines both fly direct between Austin and San Francisco multiple times a day. Since I was going to be traveling with a lap infant, I knew that I would have minimal use of my tray table. While some don’t see the value in seatback IFE, I wanted to make sure I had it onboard. Therefore, I eliminated Alaska from consideration as they don’t have any aircraft with seatback IFE. Pricing was also similar between the two carriers.
Second, I needed to book around ATX Jr’s nap schedule. I didn’t want to take anything early in the morning or late at night. Ultimately, United had two flights around midday. One was operated by an Airbus A320 and the other by a Boeing 737-900. Since I wanted to ensure I had IFE, and United is still retrofitting its A319/A320 fleet, I chose the flight on the 737-900. While these are also being retrofitted, even the older aircraft have seatback IFE.
I ended up booking a one-way ticket from Austin to San Francisco in First Class for $423 via United.com just over a month before departure.
My return flight was much easier since I was booking whatever Mrs. ATX booked so we could fly together on the return. She was returning on United 1116, a midday flight and the prices were eye watering.
I was considering upgrading at least one of us to First Class but prices were through the roof. I later realized this was due to the fact SxSW was happening in Austin on the weekend of our return flight. Ultimately, I booked my return ticket in Economy for $311 one way via United.com. The airline wanted more than $1,000 for a one way First Class ticket over a month before departure.
Booking Lodging
We would spend the first night of our trip down in Sunnyvale, joining Mrs. ATX at the end of her work trip. She booked herself at the Aloft Sunnyvale for $332 per night via Marriott.com. We would have stayed at the TETRA Hotel if the prices weren’t upwards of $600 per night.
For our weekend in the city, we had no shortage of options. Marriott is running a double night promotion so, if possible, I wanted to stay at one of their properties. Post Covid, there is no shortage of reasonably priced Marriott properties in the city.
Ultimately I selected based on a mix of location and value, landing on the W San Francisco. I’d heard good things about the property from FlyerTalk and, while it’s an older W Hotel, I was excited to check it out. Our room at the W San Francisco came out to $179 per night.
Summary
Thanks for coming along on this quick trip out to San Francisco. This was our final “tune-up” trip before we head to Asia with ATX Jr. later this month. Hope you enjoy following along!
In This Trip Report
- United Airlines Boeing 737-900 First Class (AUS-SFO)
- Aloft Sunnyvale
- W San Francisco
- Our Weekend in San Francisco
- United Airlines Boeing 737-800 Economy (SFO-AUS)