Frontier, Empire Builder, and Alaska over New Years, and some exploring

[Cal]

Out of curiosity, why break up the LAX>MDW flight with the stop in Vegas? I imagine it was cost - which I don't mean as a sleight - I'm just wondering because it seems to be easy to find UA LAX>ORD one ways under $100. (Edit - I now see your reply above)

They also fly the 772 typically once a day, and can be a cheap chance to fly F with layflats in a widebody, even if it is the old "Slaveship" configuration.

Me and my friend had limited dates, and Frontier had the cheapest ticket on this date, so Frontier it was! It wasn't awful, I'd do it again if on a budget.

You mentioned being an avgeek as well - any chance you were able to check out the PlaneWear store in SEA?

Yes! I didn't know of it beforehand, but it immediately grabbed my eye as I walked by. A lot of the pins, stickers, and keychains were very tempting.