Business trip to Nth America via HKG; QF, CX and AC J

[RooFlyer]

Side trip to Denver

So enough of Calgary, already.

Client says we need to go to Denver next week, here's the bookings.

You are paying A$2,200 freaking dollars return I say? :shock: :evil: Is about the same as HBA-SYD-HBA time wise; Air Canada booking on their most flexible economy fare ('Latitude'), flight operated by SkyWest for United.

OK, we might need to change plans, so go flexible. But $2,200? Here's the fare breakdown:



And you still have to pay US$22 for the first checked bag!

I just looked at HBA-SYD-HBA for next week. Most expensive fare I could find was A$1,400 on Qantas.

So, anyway, good for my Air Canada Aeroplan earning. I'm Star Alliance Gold, so go online to choose seats. No can do, need to phone United. The secretary here does that.

Off to airport with local colleague. Check-in kiosk objects to Aussie passport and AC reservation number (we didn't have the UA ones). Person at counter checks me in manually (HLO) rather brusquely.

Through US pre clearance (add 1/2 an hour), then in the US departures area. There are a few shops (Tim Hortons, Starbucks) but NO AIRLINE LOUNGE :evil: . Calgary - city of +1 million. Served by Air Canada and United amongst Star Alliance, to many US cities of +1 million. NO AIRLINE LOUNGE. :evil:

Well, there is a Servisair Lounge - and my colleague got us in courtesy of his AMEX plat card. Its actually not a bad lounge - lacking in character, but with free airport Wi-Fi and not bad drinks and basic food (sandwices, cookies, chips etc etc,soup (old!) ...). they kicked us out at 3pm, so we went down to the gatelounge for our inevitably delayed CRJ (Canadian Regional Jet) United service to DEN.



The CRJ in 2-2 config in economy wasn't bad, especially as we managed to snag exit row seats for that fare. Snacks and drinks available for purchase. Service was friendly and efficient.



I was looking forward to checking out DEN. Built in the 1990s, I knew it was huge. 6 runways and enormous terminal and departure gate piers. But of course they didn't anticipate post 9-11 security and I found it frankly a stupid design and too huge to be functional. For instance, after arriving and then departing, I found that you enter to terminal building through exactly the same door as exited from! To check in, you go past the bag carousels, then up to departures and turn left or right or .. whatever. More on departures later.

Down double escalators to the train connecting the arrival pier to the terminal and bag collection.



I'm not quite sure what the creature was below, but it over-shadowed poor Charles Lindburgh (to the right in the RH pic). The terminal sails are meant to represent snow covered mountains (from the outside). Just reminded me of the terminal at Jeddah Airport for the Haj!! Or some shopping mall (which isn't too far from the truth!)

 

[TomVexille]

No trans-border lounge in YYC, good to know.

Although, I would assume that you can use the AC lounge before passing through pre-clearance?

 

[RooFlyer]

No trans-border lounge in YYC, good to know.

Although, I would assume that you can use the AC lounge before passing through pre-clearance?

Unless you are speaking from experience, I don't think there is one, is there? You go from check-in at the "USA" counters, through docs check at the doors, then to the pre-clearance queues. Have I missed something in the rush ?

The only AC lounge I have used is after security on the domestic flight pier (Concourse A). I don't think you could get to it and then go out to Pre Clearance, as they check BPs at security. You'd probably be bounced if holding one for a USA flight.

 

[TomVexille]

Unless you are speaking from experience, I don't think there is one, is there? You go from check-in at the "USA" counters, through docs check at the doors, then to the pre-clearance queues. Have I missed something in the rush ?

The only AC lounge I have used is after security on the domestic flight pier (Concourse A). I don't think you could get to it and then go out to Pre Clearance, as they check BPs at security. You'd probably be bounced if holding one for a USA flight.

I did mean the domestic one, as AC label it as Domestic/International on their website. However I am not familiar with the airport as I have only ever driven through Calgary.

 

[RooFlyer]

I did mean the domestic one, as AC label it as Domestic/International on their website. However I am not familiar with the airport as I have only ever driven through Calgary.

Hmmmm ... so they do. There's not one accessible by travelers to the USA; there might be one for "overseas" international pax out of YYC. Never done that (but would like to )

 

[docjames]

Great TR, enjoying it. Thanks for taking the time to write it and the pics are great.

 

[RooFlyer]

Great TR, enjoying it. Thanks for taking the time to write it and the pics are great.

Cheers, thanks. Fair bit of downtime this trip ... plus there is the evenings ... we all know that the TV in nth America is an art to appreciate (except the hockey, of course! )

 

[RooFlyer]

Got a cab to the Westin Downtown on evening arrival. Nice hotel, you'd call it plush, but very much a business man's hang-out. At breakfast there was no guys without a suit or ladies without sensible business attire.

Room on 10th floor:



The day dawned fine, but snow was forecast in the afternoon. View from the room:



In the morning we picked up a hire car to get to the 4 meetings we had booked, all over town and out to Golden. That's it on the right. Yes, honestly. Really, I think the client is just a bit extravagant sometimes (rental guy assured us it was a 'free upgrade' on the Toyota Camry we had booked ) . The snow came in the form of a sudden blizzard as we parked for a meeting and quickly covered cars in the lot:



So as we drove back to the airport I got some pics out the car window. But if anyone can tell me that the heck the sign on the right is all about, I'd like to know! :shock: Is it like a Tupperware party?



The snow continued off and on as we drove back to the airport. But hopefully plenty of time to clear before our AC/UA 737 flight back to Calgary that evening.

 

[Paddy55]

Loving the TR - always wanted to get to the Canadian Rockies.

CX J has become my favourite J, overtaking QF whose J seats have become pretty tired... but I've only tried the new CX J on A330s... hoping to try it on 773 next year

 

[RooFlyer]

We returned the rental car to the Hertz lot at DEN. There is a road full of these lots, maybe 1-2km long. Then the shuttle to the airport proper - a LONG trip! You wouldn't ever want to cut it fine in any way against your departure.

The bizarre thing I found with this 1990s airport is that departing pax enter the terminal through the same doors as those arriving / coming out (ie no "departures level" for vehicles). You walk past the baggage carousels then up an escalator, to be confronted with about 100m of United check in terminals. of course we chose the wrong lot (no signs), and were told to 'go to the other side'. Here I miraculously managed to check-in OK at one of the machines. My collegue was stuck with paying US$22 for his checked bag - in spite of buying the most expensive Economy fare (he unfortunately didn't have any worthwhile status, and I couldn't help as I had already checked in

The through security. Unfortunately, although its an enormous airport, its pre 9/11 and so the security check is shoe-horned into the single terminal building that services all airlines. I got the prized "TSA Pre Check" on my BP - so its a matter of just putting my carry-on on the x ray machine belt (take nothing out), and walk through the scanner (take nothing off). Done in under a minute. . My colleague on the other hand, with no status except NEXUS, went through the 'First Class' lane and re-appeared on the other side in 25 minutes !!! (Its slow because of limited space, limited number of x ray machines etc in the huge terminal).

Then back to the u'ground train to B gates pier, take several people movers, then to the United Club ... where thankfully I could guest in my colleague.

I'm always happy to slag off United, but TBH the United Club at DEN wasn't bad (its a UA hub, after all). There's a club on both East and West sides of the long UA pier and I guess they are the same. There are several large seating areas, with good views out to the aprons and power at most seats. Food is the usual coughpy basic stuff - crackers, cookies, cheese packets, fruit (fresh and good!) etc.




Now about drinks. Upon sitting down, I noticed the drinks menu and nearly had a coronary on the spot. These are prices PER GLASS :shock: :evil:




I went up to the bar (RH pic) ...




.. to enquire about the discount, as I didn't have my UA card with me. Turns out that the discount is for paying via a UA credit card, not having a membership card AND, that the prices only applied for 'premium drinks' like the wines mentioned and the better spirits. Drinks like "gin and tonic" and 'red wine" and "beer" were free (no chits required or apparent limits).



.. So Beefeater is 'premium' gin? I don't know what actually went into my gin & tonic, but at that stage I didn't care. We managed to go through a few while waiting for the plane, at the cost of $1 tip each glass. I don't mind paying that - especially as there was no 'tips jar' on the counter.

By the time we boarded (737, exit row seats again) the snow had stopped and skies were mostly clear. We pushed back on time ... then waited on the apron for 10 mins; then to de-icing and got sprayed taking 5 to 10 mins (temps were about minus 5 on the ground); then we waiting for another 10 mins, then moved to the run way. I sure didn't mind the de-icing, and JB has taught me that delays after push back can be time well spent (mostly), but I still don't get how the aviation industry in Nth America can function when just a small, short lived snow event at a modern airport, when traffic wasn't heavy (you can see the aprons and taxiways), can screw up a departure by over half an hour!

Anyway, off into the night. Service on board was again good. Free juices etc and can purchase alcoholic drinks and snacks. I had a 'Tapas box' which was a box of packets of snacks like cheese, crackers, olives, red pepper dip, cheese dip etc. About US$ from memory. Not bad.

Back in Calgary where it was at least above zero!

 

[Bolthead]

Make sure you find the Wild Flour Café on Bear Street. Good coffee and pies

I assume they won't be meat pies. Not sure about Canada but USA don't seem to know what a meat pie is. (the Aussie version anyway). OT however back in 2000 (during the Olympics) we took advantage of cheap flights to USA and had a trip to the states with the kids. We flew into LAX and drove immediately north. Stopped at a Super 8 for the night and next door was a pie shop. Got all excited until my wife came back with no pies. Only fruit pies available so ended up eating these ghastly Tacos instead.

Not sure we will have time but will google the address and if not off the track to Banff will call in. My wife enjoys a good cup of coffee. Thanks for the tip.

 

[RooFlyer]

I assume they won't be meat pies. Not sure about Canada but USA don't seem to know what a meat pie is. (the Aussie version anyway). OT however back in 2000 (during the Olympics) we took advantage of cheap flights to USA and had a trip to the states with the kids. We flew into LAX and drove immediately north. Stopped at a Super 8 for the night and next door was a pie shop. Got all excited until my wife came back with no pies. Only fruit pies available so ended up eating these ghastly Tacos instead.

Not sure we will have time but will google the address and if not off the track to Banff will call in. My wife enjoys a good cup of coffee. Thanks for the tip.

The Wild Flour Café (sorry, they call themselves a bakery) is in the middle of Banff - you'll walk past it at some stage. Yes a 'pie' in the US/Canada is like Apple Pie, but at the Wild Flour you may get something resembling an Aussie meat pie (depends what's baking). Its an Aussie hang-out (skiers earning some extra money, tourists looking for decent coffee). Here 'tis: Wild Flour Bakery

 

[Bolthead]

Side trip to Denver

So enough of Calgary, already.

Client says we need to go to Denver next week, here's the bookings.

You are paying A$2,200 freaking dollars return I say? :shock: :evil: Is about the same as HBA-SYD-HBA time wise; Air Canada booking on their most flexible economy fare ('Latitude'), flight operated by SkyWest for United.

OK, we might need to change plans, so go flexible. But $2,200? Here's the fare breakdown: ...snip...

We are booked on a UA flight (one way) and got the seats for $311.40 each which at the time I thought was a ripoff. I also paid an extra $34 for economy plus seats. I don't have any status however I did quote my Krisflyer number. Not sure if I will score any points. UA has a monopoly on this route as far as I can tell. Your customer obviously doesn't have a policy "Cheapest fare on the day" like most other companies I have worked with have.

 

[Bolthead]

The Wild Flour Café (sorry, they call themselves a bakery) is in the middle of Banff - you'll walk past it at some stage. Yes a 'pie' in the US/Canada is like Apple Pie, but at the Wild Flour you may get something resembling an Aussie meat pie (depends what's baking). Its an Aussie hang-out (skiers earning some extra money, tourists looking for decent coffee). Here 'tis: Wild Flour Bakery

That was quick .....thanks!! Sorry thought the bakery was in Calgary... any suggestions for accommodation in Banff? Haven't booked any yet.

 

[Bolthead]

We returned the rental car to the Hertz lot at DEN. There is a road full of these lots, maybe 1-2km long. Then the shuttle to the airport proper - a LONG trip! You wouldn't ever want to cut it fine in any way against your departure....snip...

We have also booked with Hertz. Are you saying that we have to catch a shuttle to the car rental place? We have a rental in Denver but only because we are then driving up to the relatives in Fort Collins. Our departure time for our flight to YYC is 11:15am. Sorry to bore you with this question but what time do you think we should have the car back at the rental place to catch our flight? Thanks in advance.

 

[RooFlyer]

We have also booked with Hertz. Are you saying that we have to catch a shuttle to the car rental place? We have a rental in Denver but only because we are then driving up to the relatives in Fort Collins. Our departure time for our flight to YYC is 11:15am. Sorry to bore you with this question but what time do you think we should have the car back at the rental place to catch our flight? Thanks in advance.

Yes. All the rental car places are off-site. Not sure if they have desks in the terminal (don't think so), but irrespective you'll have to go on their free shuttle busses from where you exit the terminal to their lots, which is about a 10 minute or so drive. Hertz is one of the closer ones, but its a way. Don't know how often the shuttles run, but its usually about every 10 minutes. probably less at quieter times.

If you are returning your car I'd arrive at the rental return at least 2 hours before the flight. 2 1/2 hours will allow you to relax a bit.

Arrive - get vehicle checked in: 10 minutes.
Wait for shuttle and shuttle drive - allow 20 mins (likely to be less, but need to allow for it).
Which airline? DEN terminal is split into two - WEST and EAST. Hertz runs different shuttles to each. When I was there they left at the same time. This map shows the lay-out and which airlines are in which terminal (see top or bottom of Jeppesen).
Check in. A cough shoot. Allow 20 minutes, no less. They will likely oblige you to use a machine. Have the flight number / your passport ready.
Then security. Not a pretty sight. Allow 30 mins unless you get TSA Pre-check. (my colleague took 25 mins - I was waiting for him!)
Then u'ground train to your gate pier, depending on airline - 5 to 10 mins
Then possibly 10 min walk to the gate!!

So under this scenario you would be at your gate maybe 30 mins before departure. All those times are well padded, you probably won't need as long - but there are a number of steps, any of which might come unglued!

BTW - we had an old GPS, which didn't show any gas stations near the airport (we didn't check beforehand). So we turned off well before the airport to find one - it took another 20 mins to get gas and back on the freeway to the airport. Check gas station locations before you return the car. I don't remember seeing one at the airport.

 

[defurax]

My colleague on the other hand, with no status except NEXUS, went through the 'First Class' lane and re-appeared on the other side in 25 minutes !!! (Its slow because of limited space, limited number of x ray machines etc in the huge terminal).

You should tell your colleague that putting his Nexus (Pass ID) number into the "Known Traveler" field in his booking will give him access to TSA-Pre. All NEXUS card holders are TSA-Pre approved. You will change his life!

 

[RooFlyer]

You should tell your colleague that putting his Nexus (Pass ID) number into the "Known Traveler" field in his booking will give him access to TSA-Pre. All NEXUS card holders are TSA-Pre approved. You will change his life!

Wow, thanks. That's worth at least a beer. I'll drink it on your behalf!

 

[Bolthead]

Yes. All the rental car places are off-site. Not sure if they have desks in the terminal (don't think so), but irrespective you'll have to go on their free shuttle busses from where you exit the terminal to their lots, which is about a 10 minute or so drive. Hertz is one of the closer ones, but its a way. Don't know how often the shuttles run, but its usually about every 10 minutes. probably less at quieter times.

If you are returning your car I'd arrive at the rental return at least 2 hours before the flight. 2 1/2 hours will allow you to relax a bit.

Arrive - get vehicle checked in: 10 minutes.
Wait for shuttle and shuttle drive - allow 20 mins (likely to be less, but need to allow for it).
Which airline? DEN terminal is split into two - WEST and EAST. Hertz runs different shuttles to each. When I was there they left at the same time. This map shows the lay-out and which airlines are in which terminal (see top or bottom of Jeppesen).
Check in. A cough shoot. Allow 20 minutes, no less. They will likely oblige you to use a machine. Have the flight number / your passport ready.
Then security. Not a pretty sight. Allow 30 mins unless you get TSA Pre-check. (my colleague took 25 mins - I was waiting for him!)
Then u'ground train to your gate pier, depending on airline - 5 to 10 mins
Then possibly 10 min walk to the gate!!

So under this scenario you would be at your gate maybe 30 mins before departure. All those times are well padded, you probably won't need as long - but there are a number of steps, any of which might come unglued!

BTW - we had an old GPS, which didn't show any gas stations near the airport (we didn't check beforehand). So we turned off well before the airport to find one - it took another 20 mins to get gas and back on the freeway to the airport. Check gas station locations before you return the car. I don't remember seeing one at the airport.

Thanks for this greatly appreciated... we are flying UA but on a Shuttle America plane...Definitely looks like an airport hotel to minimise time. Thanks for tip with the petrol stations.

 

[Rugby]

Great trip report RooFlyer. Mrs Rugby and I were in that Calgary lounge a couple of summers ago, and also went up the ski lift at Kicking Horse Resort near Golden and watched mountain bikers throw themselves off the mountain - lots of shredded tires. I'm enjoying reminiscing! Cheers.