24 plus 4 into 32 does go

[Alanslegal]

Slightly out of order, here is a shot of the amenities kit from the TG flight

FWIW they sell on eBay for up to $100 per unopened bag

 

[JohnM]

FWIW they sell on eBay for up to $100 per unopened bag

:shock: There doesn't appear to be anything special about it - although the fold-up brush/comb is better than an ordinary comb (and identical to the J offering on SAA). QF J-packs don't even offer a comb for pillow-hair any more :evil:.

 

[Alanslegal]

:shock: There doesn't appear to be anything special about it - although the fold-up brush/comb is better than an ordinary comb (and identical to the J offering on SAA). QF J-packs don't even offer a comb for pillow-hair any more :evil:.

Its the case that some buyers/people like. I once saw a F passenger take about 10 new ones off the plane :shock:

 

[boomy]

FWIW they sell on eBay for up to $100 per unopened bag

Saw it being offered even for $150 :shock:

:shock: There doesn't appear to be anything special about it - although the fold-up brush/comb is better than an ordinary comb (and identical to the J offering on SAA). QF J-packs don't even offer a comb for pillow-hair any more :evil:.

The hard case looks very nice and makes a great gift. Better looking then most soft case kits on other airlines (except EK & SQ F kits).

Its the case that some buyers/people like. I once saw a F passenger take about 10 new ones off the plane :shock:

How?? Did he fly alone and stole the kits from all the empty seats?!

 

[Alanslegal]

How?? Did he fly alone and stole the kits from all the empty seats?!

It was actually a lady, in her 40's. We were also flying F (cabin was 6/9 full), as we arrived at LHR she had two clear plastic bag with 10 cases. I can only hope that she asked the crew (rather than secretly taking them) that she wanted to gift them to family & friends.

 

[JohnM]

It was actually a lady, in her 40's. We were also flying F (cabin was 6/9 full), as we arrived at LHR she had two clear plastic bag with 10 cases. I can only hope that she asked the crew (rather than secretly taking them) that she wanted to gift them to family & friends.

Now THAT is cheesy :shock:.

 

[boomy]

It was actually a lady, in her 40's. We were also flying F (cabin was 6/9 full), as we arrived at LHR she had two clear plastic bag with 10 cases. I can only hope that she asked the crew (rather than secretly taking them) that she wanted to gift them to family & friends.

Even if she asked nicely I'm shocked the crew gave her so many, it's supposed to be a luxury item, not just another toothbrush kit you take from the bathroom (yes, I did that ).

 

[JohnM]

Even if she asked nicely I'm shocked the crew gave her so many, it's supposed to be a luxury item, not just another toothbrush kit you take from the bathroom (yes, I did that ).

You cad!

 

[JessicaTam]

FWIW they sell on eBay for up to $100 per unopened bag

How about with used earplugs? :shock:

 

[TomVexille]

How about with used earplugs? :shock:

Well if it was you that used them surely that increases the value...

 

[JessicaTam]

Dear Reader, I fear your patience must have worn thin with so little to reward even the most conscientious of subscriber to my meagre postings. I am slowly becoming well, and will endeavour to once more regain your trust.

My time in the Rome Airport Hilton was quite pleasant, with some tasty snacks in the exec lounge to help keep the wolf from the door. I did have one beer, which I think was only my second alcoholic drink in Europe. Ah to be well again.

I awoke early the next morning, and after a spot of juice and yoghurt checked out and made the walk back to the terminal. It was about 6-700 metres, and with the help of the travelators, I was soon there. I checked in and received 3 BPs. FCO-MUC, MUC-FRA, FRA-IAD. I was offered a visit to the lounge that Lufthansa use which I gratefully accepted. An hour or so later and we were to board what turned out to be the only scheduled flight I would be able to take that day.


I received a tasty breakfast with quite the variety.

The flight's departure was delayed slightly, and we were subsequently about 15 minutes late into MUC. I had my skates on for a quick jog to the gate I needed for my FRA flight, to find that it was only 4 gates away. We arrived at gate 26 and were due to depart from 30. When I arrived at gate 30, the flight had yet to start boarding, so I was able to relax and reagin my strength as best I could. I was soon to have plenty of time for that, though, as the flight soon showed a delayed departure. 1100 was now to be 1150. The flow on effect of this was that I would only have had 25 minutes to make my IAD flight. I was directed to the service counter, and from there to the lounge. It was here that I received most excellent service.

I was offered MUC-JFK (J) and then JFK-IAD with United. This flight however was full and the only seat was 18B. I declined.

My next alternative was a standby seat on LH414 MUC-IAD. This was an A330, but I felt it was my best chance to get to the LOTFAP that day.

 

[JessicaTam]

I made my way upstairs and passed through passport control. It took a moment or two for the gentleman to find my entry stamp, as the Italian officer in MXP had thrown caution to the wind when he chose a page to admit me. I was soon through and then enjoying the solitude of the Senator lounge, courtesy of my TK *G card. Without the card I would have been in the regular lounge.


Unfortunately the only photo of the lounge that I took.


Quite the selection of papers.

I stayed here for a couple of hours before I made my way to the gate to try my luck with the standby seat. I had been given a 'standby' BP so I was able to pass security. However, as a single traveller with HLO I was destined for the full security screening. Shoes, belt, electronics, but surprising they did not need to see liquids.

I approached the counter, and soon had a proper BP in hand for LH414

 

[JessicaTam]

The aircraft had been fitted with the new J, so I was able to settle in and make myself comfortable. Not before taking a couple of longing looks at the F cabin.


The curtain was closed for the duration of the flight, so I was not able to witness these seats in bed mode.

I made do with my own accommodation:


The seats were very comfortable, with oodles of legroom. I was able to ask for a bulkhead seat, in the inner pair, so I had no-one to step over, or be stepped over by. The legroom was also slightly longer than the regular J seats.

I would like to have been able to show much of the catering that was served, however I chose to sleep for much of the way. As I had been a last minute addition to the passenger list, I was not able to specify any catering requirements. There were a few items that I could have eaten, but there was no appetite to speak of, and sleep won over. From the meals that I did see being served, they did not seem to take the extra care with presentation that other airline have done. But without tasting them, it is pure speculation as to how they would have tasted.

 

[JessicaTam]

I had best get this report up to date, and considering I am sitting on a train for five hours, what better time to do it.

IAD

We landed in Washington (IAD) and were at the gate by 2000. We then had to get on a bus to take us to the arrivals terminal where passports could be processed. There was a bit of a queue, but it did not take long to go through the formalities. There were some kiosks nearby, but they had yet to be commissioned. (Having bypassed FRA, it now means that I have 23 flights, not 24).

I bought a return Super Shuttle for the trip to the Washington Hilton and back in a few days. From memory it was about $27 each way. I was the second to be dropped off, and I was in my room by 2200.



The next day I did not travel far. I walked to the drug store and stocked up on Vitamin C and some cough drops. I was slowly on the mend, but I was taking no chances. I had a burger for dinner after seeing that there was not much on offer in the exec lounge. The cups of tea were very welcome, though.

On Friday a friend of mine drove up from Annapolis to visit. We walked down towards Duport Circle and stopped for a drink and a late lunch at one of the many cafes that lined the street.

We then headed out on the Metro to the Washington Monument, and from there had a bit of a walk around before it was back on the train to head for home. Paula had brought a bottle of red, but neither of us were in much of a mood for a drink, so it was an early night for both of us.



Saturday came, and I said my farewells to my friend as I waited for the Super Shuttle. And waited. And waited. At 1015, 15 minutes after the due time, I headed inside and asked the concierge to check where it was. He was told they had been and I wasn’t there. It turns out that the shuttle did not drop me where it should have when I arrived, and me being none the wiser was therefore waiting in the wrong spot. I spoke with the company and they said my immediate priority was to get to the airport, and they did not have any cars in the area any longer, so to catch a cab. The chap said they would refund me. $67 later I arrived at the airport for the first of my 2 flights to get me to IAH.

 

[JessicaTam]

IAH

To be honest, I don’t recall much of my first AA flight. I took no notes so it must have been unremarkable. I did take a photo of the seat.



I also got a shot of the ‘chicken’ I was served. Supposedly tarragon chicken, but I think both words were translated loosely in the execution of this ‘meal’. This has been discussed in the AA domestic F thread.

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....tage/aa-domestic-f-my-expectations-63330.html



I had two and a half hours in DFW, so spent the time in the Admirals Club. I was given a drink voucher which I exchanged for a beer. Not wanting to be late for my next flight, I allowed plenty of time to get to the gate. There was no gate change, so I was in fact in good time. As it turned out, the flight was delayed due to “a major fuel leak in the middle of the plane”. :shock:

After it was checked out, we did board and pushed back 35 minutes late. Captain Randy Steed came over the PA to apologise for the delay, and to reassure us that all was in order. “If it wasn’t fixed, I wouldn’t be sitting here”! He assured us that he would make up the time as best he could by putting “The pedal to metal, and burning the paint off the nose”. It made for a memorable flight, and he did indeed make up about 15 minutes - not bad on a one hour flight. As we taxied to the gate, the ground crew were not ready which led Captain Steed to comment that “They obviously didn’t check the roster to see who was flying”.

I took a one way Super Shuttle to the Greenway Plaza DT where I checked in to find I had been upgraded to the Ambassador Suite. The room was massive, with separate dining, lounge and kitchen areas. The room was on the corner, so there were some great views the next morning.




I had a sleep in, then a lazy breakfast. There were the usual buffet selections including eggs and bacon. I wandered back to my room and had a very relaxed time packing before checking out. Oh, as usual, I turned down the cookie which did surprise the staff. Am I the only one who doesn’t take them?

A short walk around the corner and I was at the bus stop. ten minutes later the bus for Downtown arrived, and I dutifully paid my $1.25 for the trip. From Downtown I caught the bus that would end up at IAH, but I got off a few stops before then for The Homewood Suites. I guess the walk was about 1km, which I found easy going. I checked in, and than made a walk to Burger King for an early dinner. There was a selection of grocery items for sale at the hotel, but nothing appealed. Besides, I was enjoying being outside and I am sure the walking was doing me good.

 

[JessicaTam]

The usual fare at the Homewood: tea, coffee, sugar, creamer - popcorn! :shock:

 

[JohnM]

Oh, as usual, I turned down the cookie which did surprise the staff. Am I the only one who doesn’t take them?

Definitely not :!:.

 

[JessicaTam]

BDA

Monday morning and it was all systems go for Bermuda. Blackcat20 had texted to say that her shuttle was late, but she and her mum were on their way. I waited near the checkin counters as I had blackcat20’s boarding passes. When they arrived a rather officious check in agent wanted to charge them $100 for being one pound overweight. Even though the other bag was under, and they were travelling together! Good Grief! With a little shuffling, both bags were soon processed and on their way to Washington, where blackcat20’s mum was headed.

The three of us were all going via DFW on AA1383, except blackcat20 and I were in the front row and blackcat20’s mum was back behind a curtain somewhere. I will leave those two to sort that one out!

We landed at DFW on time and checked the gate that blackcat20’s mum would need for her IAD flight. We then made sure she was settled into the closest Admiral’s Club, whilst we headed for the lounge nearest the gate we would need. Our drinks vouchers were put to good use as we toasted each other with a glass of bubbles. And frankly it really didn’t matter that it was only 1100. We were going to Bermuda.

Flight two for the day and my tenth for the trip was AA1462 down to MIA. This was on a nice new A321S.

I am going to skip ahead a little now as blackcat20’s trip report pretty well sums up our adventures in BDA as well as our flights over to LAX. If I think of anything in particular I will add it in later.

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....tos/the-black-cat-bermuda-triangle-63450.html

LAX

With nine hours to kill in LAX it was off to pick up the hire car with blackcat20 and her (now reunited) mum. From there we navigated a couple of streets over to In’n’Out for them to have a burger, and for me to try the Animal Fries. They were so bad they were good. Next time I am on the West coast I shall detour again.

 

[JessicaTam]

JFK

Blackcat20 dropped me back at the hire car depot, so I could sneak a ride back to the airport on the courtesy bus. I passed though security with no-one asking why I was flying back to JFK if I had just come from there. Incidentally, of my nine AA flights I was never afforded a TSA pre-check.



My chariot to BOS was to be a 737-800. At least it was a BSI. I think it was the first one that the CSM had been in, because I think we had the safety announcement part played a couple of times before the door closed. I would have thought there would have been better aircraft familiarisation given to crew. Oh well. On this flight the CSM did come over and thank me for being AA Exec Platinum - which may be what OWE defaults to on their manifest. I didn’t worry about correcting her. A comfy flight where I managed to get some sleep semi-reclined leaning against the window.

When I awoke, I was handed a breakfast box with juice, cereal and a croissant. I wasn’t hungry so left it alone. Then come 0600 and we were landing in BOS. A short taxi and AA192 was at the terminal gate offloading some very sleepy passengers.

I made my way to the lounge where I had some juice and caught up on some emails, before having a wash and getting changed.



I would have liked to have curled up and grabbed 40 winks, but I did not want to miss my next flight. So at 0930 I was on board what I think was the same plane on my way to JFK. It was Halloween and a couple of the flight attendants had got into the spirit with little touches to their uniforms.

I had kept my Metro card from a couple of days earlier, and used that to get across to my accommodation in Long Island City. The subway station was only about 300m from where I was staying, so it was very convenient. I had been given clear instructions as to where the key was hidden, but no key was hidden. I was lucky enough that someone came out of the building as I was pondering what to do, so I slipped in before the door closed. Up two flights of stairs and I knocked on the door with no answer. I texted my host, who said that he had not heard what time I was arriving so had not left a key. Hmmm, I had emailed him three times. Not to worry, because he arrived within ten minutes and I was in.



After a short nap, I headed into the city to have a walk around. I went to the Rockefeller Centre to visit the observation deck, but there was a five hour wait. I chose not to wait, but got my ticket for the following day. I was going to get a combined ticket with the Rock and MoMA, but the cashier advised me that Friday from 4-8pm was free entry. Thank you kind sir.

I walked to MoMA and joined the rapidly lengthening queue for the free entry. It was a bit after 3pm, so I am glad I hadn’t dawdled. Just before 4pm tickets were handed out and the line moved quickly. I checked my bag and then made my way upstairs to start with the special exhibition. Matisse, no less. It was close on 8pm by the time I had visited every floor and so I made my way home. There was a drug store close to the apartment, so I bought some noodles, chips and wine. I made sure that I ate well during the day, so a cup of noodles was all I needed each evening.

 

[JessicaTam]

Now people are very quick to say "Oh you must do this" or "You must visit here"! That does rile me a little. I mustn't do anything! One thing that people say is to go up the Empire State. Well, if I did, I wouldn't be able to see it. So I went to the top of the Rock instead - Rockefeller Building, that is. And from there was able to view the Empire State Building in all her glory.



I am not sure how well the panoramic shot will come out:


And Central Park