The Black Cat and the Bermuda Triangle

[rogerkambah]

It’s time for this little cat to embark on her second whirlwind around the US for the year, on a mix of airlines, in a mix of classes, and to a rather varied mix of destinations.

So is BDA going to have a triple whammy - 2 cyclones and a whirlwind.

 

[JessicaTam]

So is BDA going to have a triple whammy - 2 cyclones and a whirlwind.

I reckon we will be able to brew up a storm, if that helps.

 

[blackcat20]

Two days to go now until departure (and last day of work today). Last trip report I did a list of hotels; this time the list is rather more limited but for completeness:

Houston: Doubletree Downtown. Purchased through the quilt market at a discounted rate. Hotel is booked out by the looks as my booking is showing "no upgrades available at this time".
Bermuda: Air bnb accomodation.
New York: Hilton Garden Inn JFK
LA: Crowne Plaza Redondo Beach. Despite the status hiccups on my last stay, it is a nice hotel and the location is convenient for the airport, shopping and Santa Monica.

 

[blackcat20]

Day 1. Traffic was lighter than expected and we were at the airport by 8.30. Check in was already open so we promptly joined the business class line. By 8.45 we had boarding passes and express cards in hand. Security screening was effortless, though I almost strolled though with my handbag still across by body. Realised in the nick of time! Express line for passport control was also short, and I managed to keep hold of my express pass when the guy came around collecting them. In the lounge with glass of bubbles in hand just after 9am.

 

[blackcat20]

Breakfast of scrambled eggs, smoked pork sausages and French sparkling (and they haven't run out this time!)

 

[Pushka]

View attachment 36505
Breakfast of scrambled eggs, smoked pork sausages and French sparkling (and they haven't run out this time!)

The best part of a trip. The beginning.

 

[blackcat20]

Also the second last VA23 which is a little sad. I'm not a fan of connecting via Sydney or Brisbane.

 

[JessicaTam]

Safe travels, and I will see you soon!

 

[blackcat20]

Have arrived safely in Los angeles. The new immigration kiosks are a dream! Landslide barely 20 minutes after deplaning. I will trip report the flight later...but my mum just asked me what day it was. I replied Thursday. She asked if I was joking :shock:

Check in at US was easy, OWS recognised, and we hopped on the bus to the Admirals Club in T4. Two flights to go today...

 

[JessicaTam]

Have arrived safely in Los angeles. The new immigration kiosks are a dream! Landslide barely 20 minutes after deplaning. I will trip report the flight later...but my mum just asked me what day it was. I replied Thursday. She asked if I was joking :shock:

Check in at US was easy, OWS recognised, and we hopped on the bus to the Admirals Club in T4. Two flights to go today...

Enjoy the next flights as best you can.

I will wait till you are in your hotel before telling that our accommodation in Bermuda has been cancelled due to hurricane damage. :shock:

 

[blackcat20]

Enjoy the next flights as best you can.

I will wait till you are in your hotel before telling that our accommodation in Bermuda has been cancelled due to hurricane damage. :shock:

Well that's fun...

 

[Heleigh]

Look forward the reading more. Enjoy

 

[OATEK]

...
I will wait till you are in your hotel before telling that our accommodation in Bermuda has been cancelled due to hurricane damage. :shock:

Hopefully you will be blown away by the alternative!

 

[blackcat20]

VA23 MEL-LAX
We arrived at the gate just as boarding began and were amongst the first on board. The flight attendants were welcoming, and our FA introduced herself straight away. Within minutes we had champagne in hand. This is the first time I've tried the Ayala, and while it's nice, I'm not over fond it it.



Seated in 5A for the first time also, and while its a great seat during the flight, all boarding lax go last (and quite a few cheekily offer to swap seats).



Firs chance also to check out the new amenity kit. As has been mentioned, no hair brush! The toothpaste also appears to be much smaller.

 

[JessicaTam]

Good news - alternate accommodation has been sourced. We don't have to buy tents and air mattresses,

 

[blackcat20]

The door closed right on noon, and we were in the air by 12.30. Our flight attendant came around for drink orders; something to sip while they took our meal orders. I started with a baileys in ice while munching on warm nuts and perusing the menu.

I chose to start with garlic bread and the Pinot Grigio, and the coconut chicken soup.



For mains I had the chicken and polenta, and the Pinot noir (which I found a little sharp).



Finished off with a chocolate lava cake and the dessert semillion.

 

[blackcat20]

I wandered off to the bathroom to prepare for bed, and when I returned my bed had been made up, and Eeyore tucked in.

I settled in for a few movies before attempting sleep, but only managed three hours. Despite the new mattresses my seat was sufficiently lacking in padding in the butt/hip region.

Long before I was ready, it was time for breakfast. I had the bacon and egg muffin, an apple muffin and some tea and juice.



Then before I knew it we were coming into LAX and the first leg of the journey was over.



The new TBIT was good in May, but now it is fabulous. We were directed to the kiosks to process ourselves. While much quicker, I did find that it struggled to read my prints as I have crooked fingers that won't lie flat on the scanner. A little assistance and we were landside 20 minutes from disembarking.

 

[JessicaTam]

<snip>

The new TBIT was good in May, but now it is fabulous. We were directed to the kiosks to process ourselves. While much quicker, I did find that it struggled to read my prints as I have crooked fingers that won't lie flat on the scanner. A little assistance and we were landside 20 minutes from disembarking.

Had you previously applied to use the electronic system, or were you just directed to them?

 

[blackcat20]

Had you previously applied to use the electronic system, or were you just directed to them?

I've entered the US before on my current passport...

 

[blackcat20]

US airways LAX-PHX-IAH

Check in for our flights was quick and easy, with recognition of my OWS. We enquired about the lounge and were advised to pass through security in T3 then take the shuttle to T4 to use the Admirals Club. Easy. And we freshened up, had a drink and a snack. Then back onto the shuttle to T3. Some great views of other aircraft as the bus trundled along.

I didn't take any photos onboard, however sat in the Row 10 exit on the A319, then the row 4 bulkhead in the A320. No cut out in the bulkhead so it can get uncomfortable. We arrived into IAH early to find our gate was still occupied. So our early arrival was wasted with a 20 minute wait. Then another 30 before we were on our shuttle to our downtown hotel (and with one slightly bent suitcase).