Experiences of a Redneck

[drron]

Tuesday and it was goodbye to the cold and off to Miami.This was our first time flying out of EWR.We booked a limo through Carmel.Came to $85 with tax and tolls-prepaid on Amex + a $10 tip on the day-and he was worth it.Found out afterwards that they give you AA miles.But the weather had one parting shot.We awoke to heavy snow.We left the hotel at 0800 but fortunately we were going in the opposite way to the traffic.However the roads were very slippery.
Very easy check in,no lines at security and there is an Admiral's Club though you can easily miss the entrance.Usual AC but good plane spotting.
This was the first time I have seen the de icing process and snow ploughs on runways.Planes de iced at gate and again on taxiway if a delay-

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This is our plane and at this stage you could see the opposite side of the airport-

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And an Eagle plane getting the treatment.Must be a cold job-

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[drron]

So the deicing of the Eagle plane is finished.First an orange/brown liquid is sprayed then a green one.I do like technical terms.

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Whilst one of the remaining MD 80s lands-

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AA1623. ETD-1145. Push back-1150. Take off-1200.
ETA-1445. Landed-1447. At gate-1457.
We are seats 6A,C.Not because of FEBO as we had pre ordered our mains.The pax were mainly Hispanic-not unusual flying to Florida.Two older Hispanic women are in first row of Y which is an exit row.They block the aisle for at least 3 minutes as one rifles through her carryon and then takes off then puts back on her coat.They play the No speak English routine.However when an Hispanic FA comes up to speak with them there is no change in their behaviour.Finally boarding is complete but these 2 women are not finished.The FA comes up and tells them all bags must be in the overhead bin.Speaks first in English and then in Spanish.They ignore him.Finally he puts their smaller bags in the bin over their seats.They hop up and take them out.This happens 3 times.In exasperation he calls another FA and gets her to put their bags in the row 1 bin whilst he blocks their access to the F cabin.

Whilst this is going on we are de iced.The snow has got a lot heavier and we can no longer see the other side of EWR.However de icing means photos are impossible-

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Finally we get to take off.With all the drama with our Y women the safety video is only played as we line up on the runway.Before it is finished and whilst we are only just into flight one of the women gets up and goes to the F loo.The FAs give up.But they made sure FEBO was strictly enforced in the main cabin.For those not familiar with AA it means on odd numbered flights catering is from the rear so our lovely ladies were served last.
By the time we got above the clouds our window had cleared and I had forgotten the scenes from Air Crash Investigation of failed de icing proceedures.By the time we had got to the Carolinas we had good views of the Outer Banks-

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The white wine was a quite reasonable Chilean SB.The FA kept our glasses full.For lunch I had the chicken with creamy herbs,peas and sweet potato whilst mrsdrron had the beef and pasta salad.Both quite reasonable-

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[amaroo]

However de icing means photos are impossible-

That looks very cold!!!

On Saturday the FA on our LAS-LAX flight made an announcement that all electronic devices could be used throughout the flight (flight mode activated)......she said the signage wasn't ready to rollout however, we were free to continue using. Change is a coming!

 

[drron]

Looks like we took one for all the AFFers in NYC this week.Florida on the other hand had just delightful weather.
Not long after lunch we passed over an airfield probably in South Carolina-

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Then just before beginning our descent we passed by Grand Bahama Island and FPO-

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As is usual for us the gate we arrived at was the longest walk from the baggage carousel.The bags for LAS and LAX flights were coming out as we arrived.I was standing a little back from the carousel when a fellow pushes me aside,grabs his bag then swings it......right into my left knee.Fortunately my good knee.He still had other bags to collect so I moved away.
Our bags took mjust over 45 minutes to arrive at the carousel-and ours were the first from our flight.Then our baggage carousel was the furthest from the shuttle to the rental car centre.Fortunately Avis Preferred worked again so walked to our car.Got an upgrade to a Volvo SUV and only have to show your licence on exiting.
Checked in to the Sheraton Plantation Suites at ~ 1700.Not the best hotel,quite dated but often cheap and perfectly placed for Sawgrass Mills and FLL where we will be leaving from.At 1715 we were in the mall over the road from our hotel and checkout Macy's and Dillards.About 2030 we go to Smokey Bones-a chain specialising in ribs and adjacent to the mall.Mrsdrron had the third of a rack of baby backs and I had the St.Louis ribs with pulled pork combo.

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The service was unusual for the US was very slow.In fact we were just about to leave when we finally got served.Now when this happens don't be afraid to give an insulting tip.In this case I left $1.I have in the past when the food was also awful left a 1 cent tip.You will probably be asked why but when you give your reasons they will accept it and sometimes also offer an apology.
After dinner it was to Kohl's.A slightly downmarket Department stores but very reasonably priced.Mrsdrron saved heaps here!

Then to Wednesday.Left the hotel at 0700 after a quick breakfast and arrived back at 1915 after a long day at Sawgrass Mills with visits also to Walmart and a Super Target store.The back of the Volvo was full of parcels.Doubted if it would all fit in our bags but it did.However decided to cancel the shopping part of our DFW transit and cancelled the rental car.
We had a late lunch at 1530 at P.F.Changs-reasonable Asian foods at reasonable prices.We were filled with 3 appetisers-Vietnamese crab salad,northern style spare ribs and their chicken in lettuce leaves-

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As befitting a redneck I quenched my thirst with one of these-

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Next-on the way home.

 

[get me outta here]

It's too yummy looking to be reading this before dinner when trying to cut down after the Christmas food extravaganza. I don't know how you stay so slim.

 

[drron]

Thanks for the flattery but definitely not slim though I had got down to 95kg before leaving on this trip.No scales since but still fitting into my 38" waist shorts instead of the 42" I wore previously.Once home hopefully I can get into the weight loss mind set again.
Just a little snippet on shopping-Oyster Bay SB at Walmart-$US9.49 whilst Dan Murphys today $12.99 if in lots of 6 or $17.99 for a single bottle.Why is it so?

So Thursday and off to FLL.Easy.Straight down University drive to 595E which ends at FLL.No problems dropping car off and shuttle to Terminal 3 which serves AA,US,Westjet and these lot-

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Certainly helped me for our 2015 trip when we cruise from Nassau.Both these Bahama air planes were 2 hours late and the size of the pax suggested it would be a little squeezy.
AA is not a big presence here.Only 1 AA agent at check in.First in queue was a woman wanting directions to the baggage carousels and whether there were trolleys and how much they cost.Next in Line was a couple from Colombia(they told the Aagent their life story).Problem was they were sending their son to Milwaulkee.As he was unaccompanied except for a cat he was denied boarding by US as not a direct flight so unaccompanied minors are not accepted as well as cats not accepted on any flight.They were trying to convince the Aagent to directly swap their son's US ticket for an AA one-as you are the same airline now.They wouldn't accept no for an answer.They eventually left when the Aagent convinced them to go back to US to get a refund first.She told us that although she could get them on a flight to ORD nothing was getting into Milwaulkee.
Interesting sign at the AA checkin showing changes already with the merger-

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I think she was glad to see us with just a flight to DFW and no issues.Now mrsdrron got TSA pre check but not me.But on limping up to the security line the TSA agent gave me it anyway so no body scanner and not having to take anything off.Unfortunately no AC here nor an US lounge that I could try and con my way into.So a 2 hour wait at gate.Several wheelchair pax for our flight but no pre boarding just F pax called first.One of the wheelchair pax complained but was told that as AA were short staffed they had to wait for 2 Skycaps to come to board the wheelchair pax.Another miracle-they all stood and announced they could board unaided!

AA1503. FLL-DFW. ETD-1045. Pushback-1042. Take off-1059.
ETA-1300. Landed-1244. At gate-1249.
Seats 4A,B.Another 738.Taxiing out there is a plane spotters area with quite a few there.One fellow had even brought a ladder to take shots over the fence-

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On this flight mrsdrron had the chicken salad,I the beef wrap.These were snacks-

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I dozed off after lunch and woke 30 minutes out of DFW.On the other side of Row 4 was a young couple with a toddler who stood on the seat for take off and landing.But as we touched down they decided it was time for a nappy change-I could have done without that!
Priority baggage worked again with ours out first.This time our gate was the closest to the baggage carousel.Soon in the shuttle to the Westin DFW.No suite upgrade this time and it certainly is now showing its age.As always though it was booked as it was the cheapest SPG option for the day.

 

[markis10]

Just a little snippet on shopping-Oyster Bay SB at Walmart-$US9.49 whilst Dan Murphys today $12.99 if in lots of 6 or $17.99 for a single bottle.Why is it so?

We like our wine WET, as in the 29% Wine equalisation tax.

 

[drron]

We like our wine WET, as in the 29% Wine equalisation tax.

That accounts for 3 out of the $A7 difference on the single bottle price.One would presume transport costs were a little more to the US.

 

[markis10]

That accounts for 3 out of the $A7 difference on the single bottle price.One would presume transport costs were a little more to the US.

Probably less, we don't exactly have the cheapest ports in Australia, and you need to add on GST as well.

 

[serfty]

Probably less, we don't exactly have the cheapest ports in Australia, and you need to add on GST as well.

It's simply different markets and companies selling product for as much as what people are prepared to pay.

... .Unfortunately no AC here nor an US lounge that I could try and con my way into.So a 2 hour wait at gate......

Reports on FT indicate AA and US have already begun providing reciprocal lounge access - so there'd have been no need to con ... (still does not help when there are neither ).

 

[markis10]

It's simply different markets and companies selling product for as much as what people are prepared to pay.

To an extent, I suspect import duty would also be a significant cost markup in the aussie price. Comparative pricing of goods between countries always adds to the joys of travel.

 

[drron]

To lighten the conversation I quote a T shirt in NYC-
Wine.
The way classy people
Get smashed.

 

[Magpie10]

Thanks DrRon great TR, and wonderful photos.

 

[marki]

I want Beer still classy right ?

 

[drron]

We had initially planned to do some last shopping in Dallas as they have a Dillards outlet.However mrsdrron had been too successful in Miami so we dropped that idea.We had also arranged to go out to dinner with a couple who also have been on 2 of our SS cruises on the Explorer.Again he is a lawyer.We were taken to the Oceanaire restaurant at the Galleria.Actually part of the Westin Galleria.When mrsdrron saw that the Westin lobby opens into the Mall she decided that is where we will be staying from now on.
The restaurant is seafood,a little OTT,expensive,food good but not great.I had Chilean salmon and a bowl of gumbo.Mrsdrron had the Idaho trout and a Caesar salad.We shared a crème brulee.The other couple shared the largest slice of carrot cake I have seen.The desserts were served on dinner plates-

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The Westin is one of the SPG properties that has Breakfast or points as the amenity.We chose points.We awoke at 0500 and caught the 0700 shuttle.We had asked the shuttle times of the driver when we arrived and told him we would get the 0700 shuttle.On his own initiative he organised an 0600 wake up call for us-Must have overtipped!:shock:
Same driver on the way back-he got tipped again as I appreciate those that go that little further.Shared the shuttle back with a Virgin America crew and James Earl Jones-we have a couple of things in common-the colour and coverage of our hair.

Checkin was easy and our bags are tagged through to Sydney.Agent was surprised we weren't taking the direct QF flight-well our F Aawards are much cheaper than 2 QFF J awards DFW-SYD but I just told her it was because we liked AA.That was obviously the right answer and we both got TSA pre check status so breezed through security.Then had a Starbucks brekkie before going to the AC.We got a surprise with our premium drink chits-valid to 12/20/18-

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As usual leave for the gate a little early just as they were doing preboarding.Once again all the wheelchair pax walk to the plane.We were next to board.That flight next.

 

[drron]

AA175. DFW-NRT. ETD-0955. Push back-1050. Take off-1100.
ETA-1420. land-1510. At gate-1516.
Seats 3D,G.B772 in Oneworld livery.
At the gate one fellow is bare footed,a 5 day growth,hair matted,with a dirty,torn T shirt showing all his chest and lying on the floor.Surprisingly I didn't see him in the F cabin.After boarding the Captain announces a problem in the cargo hold.They keep the pre flight champagne flowing so no worries.Once again we have flown before with one of the FAs.
The first 2 hours really are quite rough as we fly through winter storm Gemini.My champagne is definitely shaken not stirred.As the weather settles lunch is served.We have both pre ordered the Japanese meal-this can only be pre ordered.Switched to the Zinfandel-quite a drinkable red.

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I enjoyed it.Then did something that is now unusual-read some real newspapers.Then snoozed.When I awoke the FA bought me a bento box and a Sav Blanc-

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Then to celebrate the life of Peter O'Toole I watched Lawrence of Arabia.Just before landing we were served a snack-a Uno's spinach and garlic pizza-

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We arrived at gate 82-the next plane there will be QF22 which we will be taking to SYD.

 

[drron]

Unfortunately we did not have BPs for the QF flight so decided to go through the transfer security to see if we could get them at the QP-had to wait until 1700.But once through that security if you want to go to the main JAL lounge you have to walk and schlep your bags.The moving footway to the main terminal is on the level for arriving passengers.The moving footway past security is only to the satellite terminal.The shuttle has gone.
So we had our shower in the QP-that is quite OK.Food is served in minute amounts-ie 4 pieces of sushi at a time or 2 slices of pizza.As a few teenagers there this meant older pax tended to miss out.
Also although they had 3 whites none were to Mrsdrron's taste-no SB.But a good view of gate 82.Our AA plane was of to LAX-

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QF22.NRT-SYD. ETD-1950. Push back-1950. Take off-2010.
ETA-0725. Landed-0720. At gate-0727.
Seats 16 J,K.Had forgotten how small the bins are on the upper deck of the QF 747s.I was feeling tired.Nothing took my fancy on the menu so when FA came round to take orders I said I was going to sleep.Must have done so as no memory of CSM talking to mrsdrron or her having a meal.Awoke for breakfast-again a choice of fruit salad +/- yoghurt or a toasted tomato and cheeses sandwich.I just had the fruit salad.

No lines at Immigration.At the carousel the last pieces from QF2 were being taken off then a miracle-our 3 bags were in the first 10 of our flight.We were the first through customs and out to the pick up area for our niece to take us to her place where we recovered before going to the Four Points where we had been pre upgraded to a Maritime suite.Great for the fireworks on Christmas Eve.

So that is good bye from me.The next trip is not until next May.Unfortunately that will come around only too quickly.
So a Happy and Healthy New Year to all at AFF.May it be full of enjoyable moments and travel.

 

[Julesmac]

At the carousel the last pieces from QF2 were being taken off then a miracle-our 3 bags were in the first 10 of our flight.

Great TR drron. If i may, just the tiniest quibble.....I have read about all the shopping you and mrsdrron did..........no way you only had 3 bags coming back in!!

 

[drron]

Well we did the Russian doll bags so going 2 bags at 14 and 12.5KG.
3 bags coming home at 23,23 and 21.5KG.A small baggage scale is a great idea.As well our empty carryons were now full.

 

[Julesmac]

Well we did the Russian doll bags so going 2 bags at 14 and 12.5KG.
3 bags coming home at 23,23 and 21.5KG.A small baggage scale is a great idea.As well our empty carryons were now full.

I still think a miracle of packing!! Best wishes for 2014 and hopefully you'll keep up with your terrific trip reports. Cheers