My First TR: 21 Flights in 28 Days

[exceladdict]

Very much enjoying the read. Thank you so much for taking the time to write.

A Pleasure. I love writing! If only there were more trips to report on!

23: New York City and the Staybridge Suites 'Times Square'



We arrived at the hotel somewhere near 3am, allowing an easy 'thanks for waiting up for us' joke at check-in. We were allocated a room on the 8th floor, of 30-something, but did not care at that hour. Recognized as an IHG Platinum - good work for the 3am desk team - and asked if I'd like bottled water or the points; took the points. I don't think there are any 'upgraded' rooms; only king/queen and double suites, so we weren't offered one. We then made our way to bed, set an alarm for the next day, charged our phones and fell asleep.


The hotel itself was quite modern, in quite a stark contrast to the Candlewood Suites. There were a number of things that contribute to the poor review I'll leave of this hotel, but in the interest of staying positive, the decor was nice and the room was at least comfortable.


New York Day One:


After a tiny amount of sleep, we woke up to head over to SoHo to catch up with our cousin who was in town visiting a friend. Breakfast quickly turned in to a fantastic morning of conversation before she had to leave for lunch. No pictures of the meal as I didn't want to make it awkward; but it was very good and so was the coffee. I'd strongly recommend the hotel we visited if you're in SoHo, I can't remember what it was called but it was at or near the Bowery Hotel, I had a 'protein breakfast' (Chicken breast and some other things), my wife and cousin shared the Pancakes and Baked Egg. Both dishes were reportedly fantastic and the waiter(s) earned their tips with fantastic service. It did end up being on the expensive side for breakfast, but that was largely due to the number of lattes we ended up consuming.


We then visited Housing Works Bookstore Cafe, a bookstore nearby which raises money for health and other programs for the homeless. I found World War Z, which I had been meaning to read, and a present for my sister. Apart from being accused by a grumpy gentleman that I cut the line to the toilet (he was standing about 6 metres from the door, reading a book, so I had no idea he was in line); the store was very cool.


After that we caught the subway back towards midtown, before doing a fair bit of shopping. We'd been to New York for two weeks in late 13/early 14 so had done most of the sights already, plus, we'd bought another suitcase so we thought we may as well fill it up.


For a late lunch, we visited 'The Biggest Applebees in the world', mainly because we had seen signs around the place and just wanted to know what it was. It was fantastic - I had very soft baby ribs that were cooked just right.



My wife had a 'Salsa Verde Shredded Brisket Nachos'.




All in all it was reasonably dear but it was a fantastic once-off experience. Walking back, the Times Square area was busy as usual.

 

[JohnSydney2000]

Continuing to enjoy your reports. Your Staybridge Suites is on 40th ? Street, and I spent a big chunk of last Feb in the Candlewood Suites on 39th Street (behind your back wall).
Sat in a brand new AA A320 out at JFK this afternoon for 2 hours after having boarded. The ship had been in the fleet 4 months. Chatting to the Captain, he explained they were ultra cautious with the new birds if any warning lights flash.
So sure enough, got airborne, arrived at MIA and missed my connection to Central America by 13 minutes.
Just another typical day on AA East Coast services lately.
I hope you and +1 have a wonderful time in the Big Apple, and have a delay free departure when the time comes.
Happy travels. John.

 

[exceladdict]

Continuing to enjoy your reports. Your Staybridge Suites is on 40th ? Street, and I spent a big chunk of last Feb in the Candlewood Suites on 39th Street (behind your back wall).
Sat in a brand new AA A320 out at JFK this afternoon for 2 hours after having boarded. The ship had been in the fleet 4 months. Chatting to the Captain, he explained they were ultra cautious with the new birds if any warning lights flash.
So sure enough, got airborne, arrived at MIA and missed my connection to Central America by 13 minutes.
Just another typical day on AA East Coast services lately.
I hope you and +1 have a wonderful time in the Big Apple, and have a delay free departure when the time comes.
Happy travels. John.

Thanks John. That would make sense about the planes - and we were glad to enjoy both a good time and a quick departure!

 

[exceladdict]

Then it was time to go back and get ready before we headed over Broadway to see the musical Chicago. We were seated in the first row of the mezzanine which had a good view of the stage, we only missed a little of what was at the back of the stage as all performing took place at the front of the stage and the band was onstage and tiered up towards the back.




I was not, however, used to this sort of legroom, having become quite partial to MCE, J and F.







The play itself was good - we only had one stand-in, for the Mama role. Most of the performers were strong, though I was more impressed by Wicked and Les Mis which I saw in Melbourne late last year. No pictures or video as I was scared of the FA (Sorry, whatever you'd call the theatre equivalent) who had recently yelled at me for putting some items on the ledge in front of me.


All in all, a great experience, hard to visit NY without catching a broadway show. It was nice and busy on the way back to the hotel, too.,





We managed to stop by a Lids store to buy a hat as a gift for a friend - I wanted to use the BOGO deal but unfortunately they were out of Packers caps so I couldn't get one for myself. Oh, and in the cold, these things made me laugh again:





Then it was off to bed for our last sleep in New York.

 

[ellen10]

We've got tickets to see Chicago when we visit the US.
Planning on catching another show as well.

 

[Justinf]

Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. Awesome TR.

 

[Deleted member]

Great TR. Well done

 

[exceladdict]

Day Two:

Being a Saturday, we thought we'd head down to the Hotel's breakfast buffet considering we enjoyed it while staying at the other Staybridge in Houston. Unfortunately, it was nothing like it. Well, by that, I mean there were a billion people there, and no waffle iron. Initially, there were no seats; so we collected a plate of food and then sat next to another couple who left awkwardly quickcly after we sat. From our hotel room, you can kind of see the breakfast buffet in this glass annex attached to the back of the hotel. It was way busier when we were in there.



After this we needed to replace the burnt breakfast buffet coffee with a slightly less worse coffee. Needless to say they got my order wrong - lucky we corrected them before I tried to drink 16 ounces of syrup.



We went for a bit of an explore after that, heading up 5th to look at some shops way out of our price range before cutting back to see the Rock.




Last time we were in NY, it was Christmas-New Year, so all of the nearby stores were busy. Not this time; we got to see the lego store in person (and pick up a present for my cousin). I do think the dispensers are cool - while perhaps not as cool as the coloured M&M dispensers nearby at the M&M store, it does provide an opportunity to really dream up what you can create. Ah, if i was 5 again...



And if I was 5 again, I'd have loved the Nintendo store even more too.

 

[exceladdict]

We then looked at a couple of other stores and I swear that the 'in thing' at the moment is for models to look disinterested, unenthusiastic, and overall grumpy.




Then it was back to the Suites to pack up and check out - I thought this was a good alternative to the standard "do not disturb".



There was then a bit of a debacle on check out. Rather than hailing a taxi, the concierge offered us an 'all inclusive car for the airport for $70' which on my questioning included tip and could be paid by credit card. Given our previous cab was $67, I said sure, why not. Now, the driver was safe, so I was happy with that, but not only did she advise me her tip was most certainly not included in the flat fee, but there was also a $4 credit card surcharge. So really, while I'm arguing over all of $11, I'm still a bit upset about being lied to. We used the at-hotel-check-out-dump-all-your-local-money technique, so I couldn't avoid the credit card fee.


To summarise the hotel stay, and to make this a complete review, I do need to list my gripes with this location:
- It says Times Square, but it's a 10-15 minute walk from Times Square. Having done NY before I did realise this, but it's still arguably false advertising.
- The mattress had a weird dip-bump thing around where my back was, meaning I woke up feeling quite awkward. Again, we were too tired to complain, but it's not really what you want.
- All rooms back on to the lifts, so there's not really anywhere you can escape the noise.
- As mentioned earlier, nowhere near the number of lifts needed for the number of floors.


Anyway, on the way to JFK we saw this sign. On realising its meaning, I beleive we need this in Perth.




We went under a double decker bridge on our way to the airport, I think we drove through Queens. Quite a novelty as it's not something I have really done in my life. Traffic was horrendous - meaning by the time we arrived at JFK, I was very glad to have left a spare hour in our afternoon.


Next Up: JFK & T8 AC (Concourse B)

 

[exceladdict]

24: JFK & T8 AC Concourse B


I feel like on every complex trip, there's one airport that for some reason you end up hating because of a huge number of visits or a generally bad experience. Surprisingly, despite all of my stops through Dallas, for this trip it was JFK. At least the drop off from the taxi was quite close to the Finnair check in counter.


After the short walk with our seemingly heavy baggage, we got to the counter and began the process. Now, the next step of the journey was to be three legs: the first two ticketed as part of the larger journey, and the third leg seperately ticketed on British Airways. I had previously checked with both BA and AY that they had an interline baggage agreement and that my itinerary would suit; I was advised in both cases that as long as check in for the third flight was open (it was), there should be no problem. Of course, as with our friend in Houston, the original answer at check-in was no, but this time I was armed. "I've spoken to both airlines who have said it was ok", said I, and after the check in attendant asked her supervisor, all was OK'd and we were issued with three Finnair-printed boarding passes for our next three flights, with bags checked all the way to our destination. Of course, I was still very uncertain that they'd arrive at the same time as us, but I felt like I'd won a little victory.


We then went to security and were very glad to be in the priority line (due to J tickets, didn't attach OWS to this booking). After about 5 minutes, our check-in attendant came racing up with my third bag tag that we didn't get, which was nice as it saved me leaving the queue! All in all we probably spent half an hour in that queue before getting to the scanning point. Being the first time through security of a three leg trip though, both my wife and I were very eager to be on the plane for things to start, so it felt like it took half the holiday for us to get past security. Long story short: Saturday afternoon/evening is busy at JFK.


Once through, we had one 'last supper' of greasy fast food before catching the lift up to the Concourse B lounge. Similarly styled to the Concourse C that we'd become familiar with earlier in the trip, the lounge was quite busy so I didn't take too many photos here. Interestingly, we did receive two drink coupons each (travelling in J) compared to the one we got due to OWS status.




I rejected the pretzels for the last time:





As I did with the carrot sticks, thinking it would be better to save myself for the plane food.




Overall this lounge was much the same as the one on concourse C, and I had no access to the Chairman's Lounge due to only flying in J. Unfortunately I had no time to shower as we were boarding in about 10 minutes after my quick walk around. Off to the gate we went, and goodbye we said to the last Admirals Club of this trip. Lounge wise, it's all uphill from here!


Next up: AY6 JFK-HEL

 

[blackcat20]

That's some seriously bad theatre leg room...

 

[exceladdict]

25: AY006 JFK-HEL, Finnair A333, Seats 3D/H, 8h:50m (Scheduled)


The gate wasn't far from the AC we'd briefly visited, and we had a good view of the plane on the way to board.




Boarding was quite busy on this A330, but it must have been mainly OW Elites flying in Y as the J cabin had at least 5 spare seats at my counting. The colour scheme of the plane was a bit different to those I'd seen before. A non-herringbone layout, seating was 4 and 5 across in alternating J rows. We were in the middle section, giving us both aisle access and our own tables.





The double seats on our left (A/C) had only one table between the two; those in single seats on our left had two tables! All seats on the right side of the plane (K/L I suppose) had a single table and were more exposed to the aisle. If travelling alone on an AY A330 - I'd definitely travel on the left side and grab a double table.


Service was nice and the FAs had interesting uniforms with black gloves. Waiting for us on our seats were very cute amenity kits, with all the usual suspects but no socks. I later got some socks on demand but they did not carry slippers, so I had to boot up to use the bathroom. Not what you want in J (look at me, the new Business Class DYKWIA).





I was served Champagne prior to take off, which I took a liking to - a Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Grande Réserve, whatever that means (I'm no connoisseur, that's for sure!).





The seats were a little less complex than the Qatar ones, with controls as pictured. I pushed the massage button, but nothing happened - until randomly, about four hours later, it started when I was trying to sleep (I almost hit the roof, of course). It did make for an interesting surprise.

 

[exceladdict]

The IFE, while commandeered until after take off, was probably the most responsive and easy to understand of all I've ever used. Don't get me wrong, Qantas and Qatar are good, they're just slow. I particularly liked the forward facing camera on take off.




We took off to the South West and the captain announced we would take the transatlantic route, with little headwinds expected, and would have a shorter flight time than expected. This was bittersweet for me, as it meant less time in the skybed, but more time in the AY Lounge in HEL. Interestingly, his announcement came in English before Finnish.


Not long after take off we were appetised with a cheese and roasted yellow tomato piece along with a top up of the bubbles.





Menus were well presented with three options for dinner. I didn't have breakfast, but those are also pictured. Lots of drinks choices too.

 

[exceladdict]

I had the Pasta, served with cheeses and salad (and more champagne). Just what I needed, and glad I didn't fill up in the AC:



My wife had the salmon - not that good by report.



Dessert was a couple of very nice chocolates (on request) and a decent serving of vanilla Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream. Just what I needed to top off a very nice meal. Both were amazing.



Bottles of water were brought around before the cabin lights were dimmed.

I tried to get a bit of shut eye but struggled to fall asleep, I'm not sure whether I've been spoiled by the QR beds but being a bit smaller, these were noticeably less comfortable. At the end of the bed, I couldn't extend my feet vertically upwards - I'm just over 6 foot so I can't exactly put my feet anywhere else.



There would only have been an extra two to four inches of space above my head, so my only option was to try to sleep on my side. I must have got a few hours in because before I knew it, breakfast was being served, but I wasn't feeling hungry so just went back to sleep for another hour before it was time to land.

The approach was a bit wobbly, there must have been some cross winds, but the touchdown itself was quite smooth.

Overall a good flight; I'm really glad we got to go out to Finland and give AY Long-haul J a go. I did like the A330, though the bed is definitely not as well suited to someone 6ft or more.


Final Anecdotes:
- Despite being the third flight where the staff were bilingual, it was cool actually overhearing lots of Finnish conversations from the hostesses.
- My seat was directly against the aisle and along with the carts which went up and down quite frequently, I did get bumped a little by passers-by as my armrest was quite thin.
- The American guy in the seat across from me had a lot of perceived trouble understanding and speaking to the FA who had English as a second language. After not long, he resorted to Spanish (Gracias) for thank-you; along with talking to himself, which was a little entertaining.
- I hate to say that the service is just not quite up to that of the high standard that QR set for international J, even down to things like making your bed for you or providing pyjamas to every seat. But then, maybe I was just a bit spoiled in those first two flights!


Next up: HEL and the Finnair Lounge

 

[UpInTheAir:)]

25: AY006 JFK-HEL, Finnair A333, Seats 3D/H, 8h:50m (Scheduled)



I was served Champagne prior to take off, which I took a liking to - a Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Grande Réserve, whatever that means (I'm no connoisseur, that's for sure!).


View attachment 44392

I do love the Finnair glasses... very cool
Thanks for the TR exceladdict The massage story made me laugh! Enjoy the rest of your trip

 

[OATEK]

25: AY006 JFK-HEL, Finnair A333, Seats 3D/H, 8h:50m (Scheduled)

<SNIP>

Boarding was quite busy on this A330, but it must have been mainly OW Elites flying in Y as the J cabin had at least 5 spare seats at my counting. The colour scheme of the plane was a bit different to those I'd seen before. A non-herringbone layout, seating was 4 and 5 across in alternating J rows. We were in the middle section, giving us both aisle access and our own tables.


View attachment 44390


The double seats on our left (A/C) had only one table between the two; those in single seats on our left had two tables! All seats on the right side of the plane (K/L I suppose) had a single table and were more exposed to the aisle. If travelling alone on an AY A330 - I'd definitely travel on the left side and grab a double table.

Thanks exceladdict, I have 3D/H for our flight from HKG to HEL on Friday morning, and it all looks good to me.

 

[exceladdict]

26: HEL(sinki airport) & AY J and Premium Lounges


Disembarking into the "non-Schengen" zone of HEL (Gates 32 to 38, where we would also be flying out from), we were very quickly through to the entrance to the AY Lounge.




Originally, as my OWS card was not linked to our booking, we were welcomed to the Business Class Lounge by a friendly attendant. It turns out this was the lower of the two lounges - no bother, we found a comfy seat.




Let me just say I could get used to hanging out here. It's beautiful.

 

[exceladdict]

For a J lounge at 5am, catering was quite nice. I thought we'd have outrun fountain sodas though, having left the US.

 

[exceladdict]

I had a strange assortment of I'm-not-that-hungry nibbles (and also some of those chocolate coated donuts, pictured in the previous post. Amazing!).




There was a nice sound-proofing/aesthetic design thingy on the wall. I'd like one for my house.




There were also some macs around, just in case you're not content with people stealing your data over the open wifi.





Then it was time for a shower. As we were one of about ten people in the lounge, there was no access control - the attendant directed me up the hallway to a shower cabin.





Very modern, very nice, very new.




And clean.

 

[exceladdict]

And also importantly, well stocked. I used the entire conditioner 'just to see what happened' (how often can you do that, right?). Well, very smooth hair happened and I want the world to know.




I can't emphasise how good a shower felt after an 8 hour flight - this is how the other half live. I don't know if I can go back.


Speaking of the other half, on my way back I noticed nobody was guarding the door to the 'other' lounge. So I snuck in. There were some odd snacks...





And a secluded zone....





Topped off with some leather chairs.





I'd have to investigate further. I went and asked the attendant, "what's that room at the end of the hall?". In perfect English, she replied: "that's for premium customers, it's our premium lounge - so you have to be (rattles off list) or OneWorld Sapphire to enter". Bingo, I thought. It all makes sense now.





"I'll come back here later", I said, and I returned to report my findings to my wife. After she also enjoyed the showers, we made our way across to the 'premium' lounge. A flash of my Qantas SG card and we were in.