Seeking tips re: USA travel itinerary :)

[ChrisFlyer]

Hi all,

I'll be travelling to the USA with my partner in March next year, and was just wondering if anyone has any useful tips that could save us time & money, or that could unlock some great experiences in the cities we'll be visiting that may not be incredibly well-known! All of my int'l travel has been to either NZ or Europe (via Asia), so this will be our first time in the USA. I already have enough TSA Sentry luggage locks, valid ESTA clearance (VWP-eligible), and have memorised all of the USA-specific security rules so that I'll have no issue with using the Black Diamond TSA checkpoint lines where available.

If anyone also knows of any good hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs that are worth visiting, I'd love to hear from you too!

This is my draft itinerary (with preference given to long-haul A380 as opposed to direct 744 to/from BNE) - we're looking to make confirmed flight bookings in a few weeks time (along with some hotels on AP rates):

[TABLE="class: grid, width: 1023, align: left"]
[TR]
[TD]DEP/(ARR - in airport's local time)[/TD]
[TD]ROUTE[/TD]
[TD]AIRLINE[/TD]
[TD]A/C[/TD]
[TD]LOUNGE[/TD]
[TD]NOTES/FF PROG[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]29/2 5am / 8:20am[/TD]
[TD]BNE-MEL[/TD]
[TD]QF[/TD]
[TD]738W[/TD]
[TD]None[/TD]
[TD]QFF. Tempted to instead get a flight ~50mins later to avoid getting up as early though![/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]29/2 11:20am / 06:40am (29/2)[/TD]
[TD]MEL-LAX[/TD]
[TD]QF[/TD]
[TD]388[/TD]
[TD]Priority Pass (PP) - United RCC from 10am[/TD]
[TD]Y E/ROW, QFF[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]29/2 08:50am / 5:05pm (29/2)[/TD]
[TD]LAX-JFK[/TD]
[TD]QF[/TD]
[TD]332[/TD]
[TD]PP - SkyTeam KAL J Lounge (probably won't have time though)[/TD]
[TD]QFF[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]6/3 2:29pm[/TD]
[TD]JFK-BOS[/TD]
[TD]DL (op. by Comair Dba Delta Connection)[/TD]
[TD]CRJ900[/TD]
[TD]Delta Sky Club (DJ Gold - free access)[/TD]
[TD]Velocity[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]9/3 11:15am[/TD]
[TD]BOS-DCA[/TD]
[TD]DL[/TD]
[TD]CRJ700[/TD]
[TD]Delta Sky Club[/TD]
[TD]Velocity[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]11/3 12pm[/TD]
[TD]BWI-ORD[/TD]
[TD]UA (United Express/expressjet Airlines)[/TD]
[TD]ERJ145[/TD]
[TD]None[/TD]
[TD]MP. Is it terribly difficult to get to BWI from W.DC city? All flights to ORD seem about 1/2 the price when departing BWI instead of DCA/IAD.[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]13/3 10:40am[/TD]
[TD]ORD-SFO[/TD]
[TD]AA (booked on QF code for extra points and free checked baggage)[/TD]
[TD]MD-83[/TD]
[TD]None[/TD]
[TD]QFF. ~5hr flight - would anyone recommend choosing a different flight time for a B738 instead of MD-83?[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]16/3 12:15pm[/TD]
[TD]SFO-LAS[/TD]
[TD]VX[/TD]
[TD]A320[/TD]
[TD]None[/TD]
[TD]Velocity[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]18/3 10:40am[/TD]
[TD]LAS-LAX[/TD]
[TD]UA[/TD]
[TD]A320[/TD]
[TD]PP - Continental Presidents Club[/TD]
[TD]MP[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]21/3 11:30pm / 9:05am (23/3)[/TD]
[TD]LAX-MEL[/TD]
[TD]QF[/TD]
[TD]388[/TD]
[TD]PP - SkyTeam KAL J Lounge[/TD]
[TD]Y E/ROW, QFF[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]23/3 5:05pm[/TD]
[TD]MEL-BNE[/TD]
[TD]QF[/TD]
[TD]738W[/TD]
[TD]VA Lounge T3 if we get there early (Gold anytime)[/TD]
[TD]QFF. Intentionally chose longer stopover to catch up with friends in MEL.[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
Has anyone flown on a DL CRJ700/900, UA ERJ145, or AA MD-83? What was your opinion compared to their other a/c types that you may have also flown on?

We haven't really started looking into hotels yet, except for the Hilton @ Times Sq., and the Bellagio in LAS... I'll also probably start looking at nightclubs soon - I'm in my early 20s, although I do prefer more 'classy' venues (eg. in BNE I frequent Cloudland), but I also don't mind clubs with a decent dance floor (such as The Met in BNE also).

Thanks to anyone who actually read this far!

 

[juddles]

Chris,

not sure I can help you with the party side of things - I only travel through the USA in a non-tourist role, but, in case it may help you:

1.- Make sure you keep a printout of your ESTA. It is rare they ask to see it, but could save you some trouble if they ever do.

2.- Most of the USA airports have those snazzy body scanners. They dont always use them, but if they do put you through them, make sure your pockets are empty. Unfortunately I am stricken with the vice of tobacco, so every time I am in a USA airport I sneak out for a few smokes. Thus I have gained much experience in passing through their security screening. (about 100 or so times this year!) The scanners will pick up anything in your pockets, even a crumpled up used tissue. Which is embarrasing to have to produce. Likewise shoes come off for every check. So I travel with slip-on shoes, no belt, and make sure everything is in my carryon bag rather than in my pockets. No biggy, but just saves time and hassle.

3.- Not sure if you are into status climbing, but I note you are "only" QFF Gold? Travel on American Airlines is fantastic in the USA for status credits with QF, as their domestic business flights are valued as First Class. Have a play with the USA American Airlines booking system (not the AA Australian site - it sucks), and you can get an amazing amount of itineraries at a very reasonable restricted business (First Class!) fare basis. Technically you have to use an american or south american credit card to book through their USA site, but if you do the booking and get a booking reference code, you can then phone the Australian AA phone line and pay with an Australian card.

Hope this is helpful!

Cheers,
Juddles.

 

[juddles]

Hi all,

anyone flown on a DL CRJ700/900, UA ERJ145, or AA MD-83? What was your opinion compared to their other a/c types that you may have also flown on?

Another comment, again relating to travel on AA. Have flown almost all of their domestic types this year, including their MD80's, but again, only on business (domestic First Class). Basically their fleet used on the domestic routes is quite aged. Even up front their seats, etc are quite ancient. If you want to be negative, their domestic "First Class" is very poor if unfairly compared with international standards, but being positive, the seats have a good pitch, and the staff are almost without failure absolutely fantastic. They remind me of the best Qantas staff (when the QF staff are having a good day!)

The difference between economy and business/first on domestic AA USA flights is astronomical. Economy is sardine packing, no free anything, where as up the front is great food, drink, and staff. And dedicated security lanes, priority boarding, etc.

 

[JohnPhelan]

One issue to be aware of with the AA MD-80 fleet - there is no entertainment system. As you're doing ORD-SFO, that's quite a long flight to do without entertainment.

I'd check to see if AA has any 738s on that route, and if so, book on one of those flights. If not, then make sure you take enough stuff (ipod, ipad, laptop) to keep yourself entertained!

And more generally, have very low expectations about domestic flights in America (aircraft, seats, service).

 

[cove]

I use AAA to qualify for hotel discounts which tend to be in the order of 10% to 15% off. Now if you are an RAC member you will see a little AAA symbol and a number on the back of your card which in WA is 397. That will work or if you do a lot of driving you can join AAA direct by enrolling on AAA.com .

 

[drron]

If you are QF gold you do have access to the Admiral's Club at ORD.And when we flew that route last year it was a new 738.
Will come back with a few other tips later.

 

[bricky64]

not really knowing what your budget contarints are, here are some of my favourite things in new york..breakfast at pastis in the meatpacking district or balthazar in soho(google) , can get very busy...have a look at the new highline park, and as for drinks, the gansevoort hotel has a great rooftop coughtail bar (14th floor) as does the standard hotel-both in the meatpacking district..check out the green markets on union square if you are there on a saturday morning..enjoy!!

 

[docjames]

The thing that stands out to me is why are you flying QF when you are velocity gold - surely VA would have been a better option?

 

[pongie]

Chris,

Technically you have to use an american or south american credit card to book through their USA site, but if you do the booking and get a booking reference code, you can then phone the Australian AA phone line and pay with an Australian card.

That would have been useful information on monday night, and would have saved me around $100. US site had the flight for roughly $300 while the AU site was roughly $400.

 

[serfty]

That would have been useful information on monday night, and would have saved me around $100. US site had the flight for roughly $300 while the AU site was roughly $400.

It would not have saved that much as AA in "Oz" charge you $60 for the privilege of calling up to pay though them.:-|

 

[cove]

It is a struggle to get credit cards issued in America. I used every idea I could come up with and I am just so glad I discussed the issue with my US Bank assistant manager who was Irish so he immediately knew what it was like to get doors closed in my face.

 

[ChrisFlyer]

Juddles - very detailed, thank-you!! I think later tonight I'll re-price my entire itinerary by using the AA USA website (and for some of the other routes as well - particularly the United ones, as I don't have any *A status or mileage at present).

JohnPhelan - I have checked and almost every other AA flight on this route uses a 738, but the MD-83 is operating the flight at the most convenient time for us... the other AA flight (a 738) that we could potentially take departs at around 7:30-7:40am... would the airport be considerably busier with business travellers when departing at this time though? If it would seriously impact wait times for check-in and security, I'd probably take the MD-83 flight, but make sure that my iPad is charged beforehand!

Cove - a very nice tip, potentially saving us hundreds - thank-you very much!! I've checked the back of my RACQ card, and sure enough there is a AAA code there

Drron - I'm VA Gold, but not QF Gold (yet!)... This USA trip, combined with a trip to Europe in January is more than enough to qualify me for PS again, so hopefully I'll have a bit more QF travel in the coming year to boost that up to SG.

Bricky64 - thanks for those suggestions!! I'll definitely look into them!

Docjames - while flying VA as Gold does have extra benefits (lounge access, priority etc etc), they don't operate A380s. My partner has never flown on a 388 before, and after telling her how good it was after my last trip to London, she insisted that I route the flights in a way that lets her try the aircraft out for herself in both directions (even though she is also VA Gold)! I do plan on using our Gold benefits for the Delta flights though

 

[Sprucegoose]

It would not have saved that much as AA in "Oz" charge you $60 for the privilege of calling up to pay though them.:-|

yes and they are very beligerant about this charge as well. I spoke to 5 different people to get it waived, the US site had better prices than the AUS site and they denied it did and some flight options were not available locally.

Did I win? I think I did, i spoke to some reaosnable person in BNE, rather than some officious ethnic minority in Nadi?????

Pulled the Emerald trick i believe. only weapon of choice i had!!!!

 

[malmacdowall]

My friend just returned from the USA and highly reccomends the Segway tour of Washington .... A great and unique way to see the capital. Alid in SFO, pre book your Alcatraz tour if you plan to go there . Highly recommend the night time tour ...

 

[Maca44]

JohnPhelan - I have checked and almost every other AA flight on this route uses a 738, but the MD-83 is operating the flight at the most convenient time for us... the other AA flight (a 738) that we could potentially take departs at around 7:30-7:40am... would the airport be considerably busier with business travellers when departing at this time though? If it would seriously impact wait times for check-in and security, I'd probably take the MD-83 flight, but make sure that my iPad is charged beforehand!

If you book a YUPP fare on AA (restricted First) you use the First Class check in, and desigated First Class security line so you save heaps of time and get a better seat.

 

[drron]

Do you have to fly on the 1040 AA service ORD-SFO.It is the only one that day that is an MD80,all the others are 738s.Certainly a better plane at AA.

 

[DC3]

I think that I got this Australian cc payment tip from AFF and used a UK phone number from Australia to pay for some YUPPs in the USA last year, without any extra fees at that time:

0011-44-207-365-0777, which has now changed to 0011-44-844-499-7300 for AA UK Customer Service:
Monday - Friday 07:00 - 19:00 GMT
Saturday - Sunday 08:30 - 17:00 GMT

I booked via the USA AA website and then made payment by telephoning the UK.

Someone else may have had more recent experience.

 

[tuapekastar]

My friend just returned from the USA and highly reccomends the Segway tour of Washington .... A great and unique way to see the capital. Alid in SFO, pre book your Alcatraz tour if you plan to go there . Highly recommend the night time tour ...

I'll second the Segway bit...I did a Segway tour of Anchorage last year and if you haven't ridden one before it's about as much fun as you can have with your pants still on. :shock:

 

[casanovawa]

If you would like to book a climb to the Statue of Liberty crown or up the Washington Monument, you have to do so months ahead like 6 months or so, so would start lookign at that if your dates are comfirmed... We were a bit late on bookingthe Statue of Liberty and so were only able to climb up to the pedestal and missed out on the Washington Monument completely... In Washington we had a vehicle to be able to drive out to Dulles Airport and see the Smithsonian display with the Enola Gay and other planes, the bus takes longer, but its still worth doing if you like aircraft and the tour of the capitol building is free and well worth doing...

If you want to go see a baseball or basketball game over there, there is a site my friend who works over there knew (probably a number of them) where you can purchase seats very cheaply as well, think it might be like season ticketholders etc can sell their seats for a game if not using them, but well worth going and seeing a game of something over there but don't pay RRP prices...

You might also want to scan some of your favourite bands that might be on tour over there, we went and saw U2's 360 degree tour in Soldier Field in Chicago and the crowds tend to get quite a bit more into it than the crowds here in Perth do anyway...

In Boston we went and found the bar that the series "Cheers" was based on, unfortunately you couldn't climb to the top of the big obelisk thing in Boston because it was closed for maintenance.. i saw the Sedgeway tours just about every where i went, but they were often about $70 or so and i preferred to walk it, call me old fashioned...

 

[RB]

In 2010 we used the Chicago greeter service for an introductory tour & our volunteer was fantastic. There is also a big apple greeter service.