williamsf1
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Great TR, and good luck getting out!!!! I was one of the last flights to get out of JFK on the 2nd Jan this year.. I hope the snow clears enough to continue your journey!
HKG/SIN/USA on VA/VS/SQ/DL in whY/J as a VA WP
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Kolo
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Hotel 4: Hilton Fashion District New York
An unexpected hotel stay on this trip but I’m relieved to be safely back in a hotel for the night. I’ve got a queen room for $350++ which will be claimed on insurance. The room is quite small. The air-conditioning unit is a floor model and the fan, which comes on and off to maintain temperature, makes a fair whooshing noise. I note there is a box of earplugs by the bed!
I’ve been given a voucher for breakfast, and a bag that contains two bottles of water, a bag of choc peanuts and a generic welcome card. I’ve got free wifi. There is no Executive Lounge here.
Bed is comfy and I make use of the earplugs and have a pretty good night. Breakfast in the restaurant downstairs has a range of about 8 cooked to order options or a continental buffet. I go for pancakes and bacon and get three huge pancakes which are delicious but I can’t finish, as I’m not a big eater. The brewed coffee was actually surprisingly OK, and although the menu allows just one drink option I don’t get charged for a requested OJ.
I was really grateful to be here last night but I wouldn’t otherwise choose to stay here, basically because of the AC unit. I prefer rooms where the AC is running constantly and reasonably silently in the background.
The DL website indicates that all the flights to PIT before mine have been cancelled, my mine is still operating, and the information has not changed for several hours. I see taxis moving in the street below. So I check out to head to LGA with fingers and toes crossed.
An unexpected hotel stay on this trip but I’m relieved to be safely back in a hotel for the night. I’ve got a queen room for $350++ which will be claimed on insurance. The room is quite small. The air-conditioning unit is a floor model and the fan, which comes on and off to maintain temperature, makes a fair whooshing noise. I note there is a box of earplugs by the bed!
I’ve been given a voucher for breakfast, and a bag that contains two bottles of water, a bag of choc peanuts and a generic welcome card. I’ve got free wifi. There is no Executive Lounge here.
Bed is comfy and I make use of the earplugs and have a pretty good night. Breakfast in the restaurant downstairs has a range of about 8 cooked to order options or a continental buffet. I go for pancakes and bacon and get three huge pancakes which are delicious but I can’t finish, as I’m not a big eater. The brewed coffee was actually surprisingly OK, and although the menu allows just one drink option I don’t get charged for a requested OJ.
I was really grateful to be here last night but I wouldn’t otherwise choose to stay here, basically because of the AC unit. I prefer rooms where the AC is running constantly and reasonably silently in the background.
The DL website indicates that all the flights to PIT before mine have been cancelled, my mine is still operating, and the information has not changed for several hours. I see taxis moving in the street below. So I check out to head to LGA with fingers and toes crossed.
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Kolo
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Flight 6: DL6228 LGA-PIT whY+
Flying whY on this leg I’ve paid the extra $4 for Economy Comfort. I’ve been rescheduled twice and each time allocated a standard seat, once by a computer and once by a Lounge person (well I can’t call her an Angel as a result), so I’ve had to go online and change back to an EC seat, and I appear to have got the last EC on this flight.
Quick Elite check in again and having read Erkpod’s TR, I asked the CI clerk if I was eligible for priority security and it was confirmed. All good and through the body scanner as usual.
Back to the TC lounge which is not as full as I expected. Presumably all the cancelled folk from the earlier flights got notice and rebookings before they travelled to the airport.
At boarding time I head to the zoo….err public area, packed with people around 6 or so gates. Boarding is called and PB works well. I get thanked for being a Platinum.
The plane is a CRJ700 and I’m in the first row of EC (row 4). The leg room in this row is spectacular, I would say better than First. A glance at the EC in row 5 suggests that even there it is quite good.
What is the predilection with blue leather on the US legacy airlines?
The flight is smooth and we are offered a drink and a snack. Arrive it PIT safely, albeit 24 hours late.
Flying whY on this leg I’ve paid the extra $4 for Economy Comfort. I’ve been rescheduled twice and each time allocated a standard seat, once by a computer and once by a Lounge person (well I can’t call her an Angel as a result), so I’ve had to go online and change back to an EC seat, and I appear to have got the last EC on this flight.
Quick Elite check in again and having read Erkpod’s TR, I asked the CI clerk if I was eligible for priority security and it was confirmed. All good and through the body scanner as usual.
Back to the TC lounge which is not as full as I expected. Presumably all the cancelled folk from the earlier flights got notice and rebookings before they travelled to the airport.
At boarding time I head to the zoo….err public area, packed with people around 6 or so gates. Boarding is called and PB works well. I get thanked for being a Platinum.
The plane is a CRJ700 and I’m in the first row of EC (row 4). The leg room in this row is spectacular, I would say better than First. A glance at the EC in row 5 suggests that even there it is quite good.
What is the predilection with blue leather on the US legacy airlines?
The flight is smooth and we are offered a drink and a snack. Arrive it PIT safely, albeit 24 hours late.
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Kolo
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Hotel 5: Westin Hotel, Pittsburgh
I am attending a conference and this is the official conference hotel. I have colleagues with me, and the conference rate is excellent, so it makes sense to stay here rather than the nearby Double Tree, which would otherwise have been my default hotel (with no Hilton in town). We are getting free wifi as part of the deal, with water bottles replaced daily.
This is actually my second stay at this property and it’s the best hotel of the trip. The rooms are enormous, a nice size bathroom with a rain shower, and the towelling is large and soft. The bed is very comfy and already has a choice of firm and soft pillows. If all Westins are like this, it has me wishing that VA would partner with Starwood hotels instead of Hilton for associated membership.
I am attending a conference and this is the official conference hotel. I have colleagues with me, and the conference rate is excellent, so it makes sense to stay here rather than the nearby Double Tree, which would otherwise have been my default hotel (with no Hilton in town). We are getting free wifi as part of the deal, with water bottles replaced daily.
This is actually my second stay at this property and it’s the best hotel of the trip. The rooms are enormous, a nice size bathroom with a rain shower, and the towelling is large and soft. The bed is very comfy and already has a choice of firm and soft pillows. If all Westins are like this, it has me wishing that VA would partner with Starwood hotels instead of Hilton for associated membership.
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Kolo
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Flight 7 & 8: DL975 PIT-ATL & DL2055 ATL-LAX, F
The long journey home commences. I’m on DL to ATL then LAX, and then on VA (on a DL ticket) to MEL.
A short wait at Elite CI, and a priority lane for security. The TSA staff continue to be pleasant and cheery and as usual I’m through the body scanner. There’s no DL lounge at PIT, so I’m in with the hordes at the gate – oh, the horror! But there’s free wifi throughout the airport so the time passes quickly. It’s been snowing all week and seems to have intensified this morning, with a thick blanket on the tarmac, so I’m nervously checking the website and watching the plane movements in fear of being snowed in again. But all is well and I’m soon boarding the MD88. F are called first so I presume PB has worked after I’ve sailed through. The seat is the typical domestic type. I’m surprised to be offered only drinks and snacks onboard, for a two hour flight departing at 1pm. I had expected lunch.
For the first time, I’m on a plane being de-iced before take off. There’s a first time for everything!
Smooth, quick flight and landing in ATL before long. ATL is HUGE….there’s about seven terminals, with about 5 of them taken up by DL. I reckon I can see about 100 DL planes at gates. And there’s so many MDs. I wonder why they were so popular with the US airlines, and consequently why we never see them anywhere else in the world.
There’s a short connection time at ATL and as the flight from PIT was late, and I have to transfer 5 terminals (by driverless, underground train; SYD note), I’m straight to the new gate for boarding with no time in the lounge.
I’m on the international layout 777, so the seating is like the SIN-NRT leg, not the usual domestic F seat. When I first booked the trip, I researched the varying seating options and made my choices, but somehow got it wrong and ended up on a flight to LAX via DTW, on a 767 with standard seating. I tried to change it but decided against it when it was to cost $200. Then DL cancelled my flight out of PIT and proposed an alternative, operated by a subsidiary. I saw my chance and requested a change to this itinerary, citing a preference to not fly with the subsidiary. And ended up on this 777, so I’m pretty happy. DL, UA and AA are all upgrading their coast to coast F service with international seating.
The meal service is OK, and I worked out that I think that NZ has a higher partition between seats, which makes me feel that this layout is not as private. But it’s great for a daytime domestic flight, and streets ahead of the standard domestic F layout.
Arrived at LAX and got the airside bus to TBIT. On arrival, VA staff reissue the DL BP for a VA one. The bus arrives at a fairly remote part of the new terminal, and it looks like there’s not much use of it at this stage – it looks like they have allowed for growth. Unusual to see such forward planning these days. So it’s a bit of a walk to the central area, where a lift to the *A Flounge awaits.
The long journey home commences. I’m on DL to ATL then LAX, and then on VA (on a DL ticket) to MEL.
A short wait at Elite CI, and a priority lane for security. The TSA staff continue to be pleasant and cheery and as usual I’m through the body scanner. There’s no DL lounge at PIT, so I’m in with the hordes at the gate – oh, the horror! But there’s free wifi throughout the airport so the time passes quickly. It’s been snowing all week and seems to have intensified this morning, with a thick blanket on the tarmac, so I’m nervously checking the website and watching the plane movements in fear of being snowed in again. But all is well and I’m soon boarding the MD88. F are called first so I presume PB has worked after I’ve sailed through. The seat is the typical domestic type. I’m surprised to be offered only drinks and snacks onboard, for a two hour flight departing at 1pm. I had expected lunch.
For the first time, I’m on a plane being de-iced before take off. There’s a first time for everything!
Smooth, quick flight and landing in ATL before long. ATL is HUGE….there’s about seven terminals, with about 5 of them taken up by DL. I reckon I can see about 100 DL planes at gates. And there’s so many MDs. I wonder why they were so popular with the US airlines, and consequently why we never see them anywhere else in the world.
There’s a short connection time at ATL and as the flight from PIT was late, and I have to transfer 5 terminals (by driverless, underground train; SYD note), I’m straight to the new gate for boarding with no time in the lounge.
I’m on the international layout 777, so the seating is like the SIN-NRT leg, not the usual domestic F seat. When I first booked the trip, I researched the varying seating options and made my choices, but somehow got it wrong and ended up on a flight to LAX via DTW, on a 767 with standard seating. I tried to change it but decided against it when it was to cost $200. Then DL cancelled my flight out of PIT and proposed an alternative, operated by a subsidiary. I saw my chance and requested a change to this itinerary, citing a preference to not fly with the subsidiary. And ended up on this 777, so I’m pretty happy. DL, UA and AA are all upgrading their coast to coast F service with international seating.
The meal service is OK, and I worked out that I think that NZ has a higher partition between seats, which makes me feel that this layout is not as private. But it’s great for a daytime domestic flight, and streets ahead of the standard domestic F layout.
Arrived at LAX and got the airside bus to TBIT. On arrival, VA staff reissue the DL BP for a VA one. The bus arrives at a fairly remote part of the new terminal, and it looks like there’s not much use of it at this stage – it looks like they have allowed for growth. Unusual to see such forward planning these days. So it’s a bit of a walk to the central area, where a lift to the *A Flounge awaits.
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Kolo
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Lounge 7: Star Alliance F and J, LAX
Flight 9: VA24 LAX-MEL, J
The F lounge is quite small, but quiet. There’s a range of drinks and a small snack buffet, and a menu from which the staff take your order and deliver your meal.
The J lounge is much larger and I think a great design. It has a balcony that overlooks the central public area of the terminal, but several floors above. And it has the outdoor terrace, which overlooks the tarmac. Its evening so I can’t see beyond the airport. It’s reasonably mild but no-one is sitting outside. There’s a hot buffet available and that is where I go for a snack. I see that the buffet options are the same as the F menu.
In reality the Flounge is only a private sanctuary. I suspect that next time I’ll stay in the J lounge, on the balcony or the terrace.
Despite my status this is the first time I have flown VA long-haul, having gained my status though long-haul partners and VA domestic. I was not particularly looking forward to the seating layout, which is 2-3-2. Despite usually choosing window seats, I’ve chosen a central aisle in the hope that a couple is seated next to me and that is what I get. It means that no one has to climb over neither me, nor I over anyone. It appears much more spacious than the QF A330 J cabin and has a pretty good vibe. The seat is a little narrow for J, and there’s not much personal storage space, but it lies out flat with a thin mattress cover and surprisingly, I have the most sleep ever on a long haul flight. No doubt this was part due to the fact it was 3am body time at take-off, but you can’t fault 8 or 9 hours sleep. Subsequently, I’ve pretty well avoided jetlag.
The FAs are great. Earlier I praised the SQ FAs for their perfection, but I reckon the VA FAs have the same attentiveness but with that happy, relaxed VA disposition. In her welcome aboard announcement, the CSM wished us “happy flighting” so you knew it was going to be fun. They were the best crew on this trip.
I had a quick bowl of soup before bed so can’t really comment on the dinner service, but the breakfast was OK, not great. The pancakes could have been hotter and the fruit was a little discoloured.
There was rarely a wait for the bathrooms and they pretty well maintained their cleanliness through the trip. I don’t know if that was luck or the work of the FAs, but it was a pleasant surprise. There is also a ladies only bathroom, which I use without realising, and it was bigger than the standard so good for changing into the VA PJs, which are quite smart without the vulgar motifs that airlines like QF have. The wallpaper in the toilet is terrofoc, a subtle pattern that features native animals and surfers.
All in all the sleep and service on the flight overcame the negative of the seating layout for me and I rate this as a good flight.
Flight 9: VA24 LAX-MEL, J
The F lounge is quite small, but quiet. There’s a range of drinks and a small snack buffet, and a menu from which the staff take your order and deliver your meal.
The J lounge is much larger and I think a great design. It has a balcony that overlooks the central public area of the terminal, but several floors above. And it has the outdoor terrace, which overlooks the tarmac. Its evening so I can’t see beyond the airport. It’s reasonably mild but no-one is sitting outside. There’s a hot buffet available and that is where I go for a snack. I see that the buffet options are the same as the F menu.
In reality the Flounge is only a private sanctuary. I suspect that next time I’ll stay in the J lounge, on the balcony or the terrace.
Despite my status this is the first time I have flown VA long-haul, having gained my status though long-haul partners and VA domestic. I was not particularly looking forward to the seating layout, which is 2-3-2. Despite usually choosing window seats, I’ve chosen a central aisle in the hope that a couple is seated next to me and that is what I get. It means that no one has to climb over neither me, nor I over anyone. It appears much more spacious than the QF A330 J cabin and has a pretty good vibe. The seat is a little narrow for J, and there’s not much personal storage space, but it lies out flat with a thin mattress cover and surprisingly, I have the most sleep ever on a long haul flight. No doubt this was part due to the fact it was 3am body time at take-off, but you can’t fault 8 or 9 hours sleep. Subsequently, I’ve pretty well avoided jetlag.
The FAs are great. Earlier I praised the SQ FAs for their perfection, but I reckon the VA FAs have the same attentiveness but with that happy, relaxed VA disposition. In her welcome aboard announcement, the CSM wished us “happy flighting” so you knew it was going to be fun. They were the best crew on this trip.
I had a quick bowl of soup before bed so can’t really comment on the dinner service, but the breakfast was OK, not great. The pancakes could have been hotter and the fruit was a little discoloured.
There was rarely a wait for the bathrooms and they pretty well maintained their cleanliness through the trip. I don’t know if that was luck or the work of the FAs, but it was a pleasant surprise. There is also a ladies only bathroom, which I use without realising, and it was bigger than the standard so good for changing into the VA PJs, which are quite smart without the vulgar motifs that airlines like QF have. The wallpaper in the toilet is terrofoc, a subtle pattern that features native animals and surfers.
All in all the sleep and service on the flight overcame the negative of the seating layout for me and I rate this as a good flight.
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Kolo
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Lounge 8: VA MEL
Flight 10: VA1328 MEL-HBA, J
The extensions to the lounge are great and it feels so much bigger, and there’s still work going on. So it’s going to be a great size when it’s all finished.
I fancied a G&T but alas, no spirits in the lounge, so I settle for some bubbles.
On arrival in the lounge my name is called and I’m delighted to get an Op-Up for my final flight. My second ever Op-Up, but my first was on the old E190 layout, so this is my first real one. I don’t eat but get my elusive G&T and enjoy the quick flight in the J seat; a fitting end to my three week jaunt.
In summary:
Best seat: DL 747. I love this layout. If DL puts the 747 on its Aust route I would book this every time. But as of now, I would say that for my US flights, I’d go with NZ if travelling alone, and VA if travelling with my partner.
Best crew: VA LAX-MEL. Top service in a relaxed and happy fashion.
Best lounge: *A J lounge TBIT LAX. A new benchmark for J lounges.
Best hotel: Westin Pittsburgh. But the Hilton Garden Inn Times Square was great value for its location.
Hope you enjoyed my TR. I’m flying with Etihad to Europe in July, with some regional BA and VY flights, so a whole new set of flights, lounges and hotels to report.
Flight 10: VA1328 MEL-HBA, J
The extensions to the lounge are great and it feels so much bigger, and there’s still work going on. So it’s going to be a great size when it’s all finished.
I fancied a G&T but alas, no spirits in the lounge, so I settle for some bubbles.
On arrival in the lounge my name is called and I’m delighted to get an Op-Up for my final flight. My second ever Op-Up, but my first was on the old E190 layout, so this is my first real one. I don’t eat but get my elusive G&T and enjoy the quick flight in the J seat; a fitting end to my three week jaunt.
In summary:
Best seat: DL 747. I love this layout. If DL puts the 747 on its Aust route I would book this every time. But as of now, I would say that for my US flights, I’d go with NZ if travelling alone, and VA if travelling with my partner.
Best crew: VA LAX-MEL. Top service in a relaxed and happy fashion.
Best lounge: *A J lounge TBIT LAX. A new benchmark for J lounges.
Best hotel: Westin Pittsburgh. But the Hilton Garden Inn Times Square was great value for its location.
Hope you enjoyed my TR. I’m flying with Etihad to Europe in July, with some regional BA and VY flights, so a whole new set of flights, lounges and hotels to report.
drross
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and soon she'll be no longer available in OZ. VA have just cancelled their only flight out of oz!!
drross
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Hacked! lol
only comment, apart from loving the tour, is why Starbucks for coffee??
TomVexille
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Thanks for taking the time to put this together Kolo. Lookingforward to the next one.
markis10
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VS, not VA, slight diff.
erkpod
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Easy done ... just ask the various DL people who have had problems working out the difference between VX, VS & VA on my trip.
The VA logo so needs to be added to the card to prevent what I've called Velo-WHAT?
drross
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sorry about that. rookie error
Kolo
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A known place where I could get a latte rather than the dross served in the hotel! I know there are other good coffee shops around Manhattan but I reckon I could see three Starbucks from the front door of the HGI. So very convenient!
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