Up, Up, Up and Away; I'm Taken Around The Pacific

[Alanslegal]

My Flight Plan;
SYD – LAX – JFK – MSY – ORD – LAX – NRT – HKG – MNL – HKG – SYD

Flying With;
Qantas, United Airlines, JetBlue, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Philippine Airlines

Staying At;
Westin LAX, Renaissance Pere Marquette NOLA, W Chicago Lakeshore, Sheraton LAX, Intercontinental Tokyo Bay, Ichinoyu Honkan, Novotel Wanchai and W Hong Kong


My Holiday Thoughts – An Introduction
I know its 17 weeks (at time of writing this) into 2009 but what a way to start off my personal flying season with a trip over to the USA and returning with a few stops in Asia – this trip was also a juxtapose to complete my One World Circle Pacific itinerary from 2008. Having waited close to five whole months since my last trip overseas, I’d say it is finally about damn time!!

The last few months for me have been wildly enticing yet repelling, as we know and have felt, the Global Financial Crisis created a huge turbulent rollercoaster for everything; employment, money, opinions, scepticism, optimism and the list goes on. Up and down was normal, with sales, specials, discounts, wild fluctuations in foreign exchange rates – it was manic! For those willing to take the punt and go travelling (or make any other discretionary spending), it was a hour by hour game where prices for everything could go from high to low and back again, and sidewards, and diagonally, and the full circle once again, and it was a constant watch to look out for the best deals! The question on many people’s minds were “Should I book this great deal now or wait and hope for something even better?!”

With the remains of my DCIR ex-MNL to be completed; being SYD – LAX – NRT – HKG – MNL – it was a matter of deciding what to do, and where to stay.

Starting with the USA and having a two week layover at LAX I needed to fill in some cities in between, book some domestic US flights and hopefully get to tick some of the boxes off my travel list.

Firstly, Los Angeles was a definite starter city as it was my port of arrival and departure on the American mainland. New York is then a must for every visit to the USA – plus my friend living there provides the free accommodation made it a gimme. I had a few ideas of where else to go up my sleeve but it came down to time, price, and something different.

From The Big Apple I wanted to fly south so it came down to Miami or New Orleans, two different and distinct cities; Beach vs. River, Miami-y food vs. Shrimp Gumbo, High-rises condo’s vs. Disaster struck houses, Flamboyant excess vs. The Southern hospitality of NOLA.
After thinking about the limited time I have in each city – roughly three nights each – New Orleans came down as a winner as I could pop in, pop back out and tick the box, whereas Miami seems great to just laze on the beach for the whole week!

And finally I had to complete the long layover with another city – and Chicago was it. Why? I hear and read very nice things about this City, especially with the soaring skyscrapers, the Magnificent Mile, and being the home of Oprah Winfrey and her show? Ok I better stop being dramatic. So then my domestic USA itinerary is finalised; LAX – JFK – MSY – ORD – LAX.

For Japan and having seven nights there – I really wanted to play tourist and visit some tourist-y places. Apart from the various sections of Tokyo itself such as Roppongi, Shinjuku, Harajuku et al, Mt. Fuji has to be one of the most recognisable yet tourist-y things to do in Japan. A visit to Mt Fuji is not complete without a stay at a traditional Japanese bed & breakfast called a Ryokan. Also many ryokan’s also offer a traditional Japanese bath house experience and/or natural hot spring known as an Onsen. I have heard many wonderful things about natural hot springs where the volcanic heat, and pure spring water, can heal the body from all types of minor ailments. A big condition of using these onsens is that one must be completely naked in public – now am I daring enough?!

For Hong Kong it was more to just revisit one of my favourite cities in this world. And finally with a mandatory return visit to Manila, the capital of the Philippines, which being originating of my itinerary, my travel plans are now ready to go!

Next; Sydney to Los Angeles flying the Qantas Big Bird

 

[Alanslegal]

SYD – LAX QF11

Business Class – Seat 13A – A380

Arriving at the airport two hours prior to the scheduled departure worked out well. I was checked in within a minute after accessing the empty J class queues, which were one of four distinct categories for passenger check-in, the other categories being First, Premium Economy and Qantas Clubs’, and then the remainder. I headed through the mandatory check and security points before going into the Qantas Pub for a lazy hour or so wait.

The QP was a bit over half full and finding a seat was not too difficult. The usual food fare was there – smoked salmon, cold shrimp, cut sandwiches, fruit and cheese platters, and of course complimentary alcohol. Taking a seat by the computers, I was only able to have part glimpses of the upper levels and tail of the shining 380 – the plane that will be take me on a 13 hour and 40 minute flight across the Pacific.

At the scheduled boarding time & without any announcements, I am off to the gate! And what a sight it was with a huge mass of passengers wanting to board the flight. There were queues everywhere, signage which appeared incorrect, lots of unsure people on where to go or others who were just standing around, possibly loitering even. Good news though, with a J ticket I zipped past every non-moving person and follow the ‘board at our leisure’ premise.

To quickly describe how the walk was, it was like walking into a funnel, starting with 15 people wide, the width slowly reduced as I walked deeper into the crowd and with even line formations as I came closer to the gate attendant. 15 wide reduced down to two lines, with the occasionally two or even three abreast in each line. There were three distinct queue signs which if i recall correctly were for F & Y passengers, then J passengers, and then the again Y and Y+ passengers. It was a bit of a push to get past the remainder of all the passengers, however with some persistence I emerged from right in the middle of everything and headed down the empty / non-existent J line. I felt the glares of other passengers watch as I legally (given the signage) walked straight to the gate attendant, handed my pass and onto the aerobridge to the plane.

 

[Alanslegal]

Turning left into the front and smallest of the three business cabins, I find my seat 13A window seat – and although it only is just a seat, I am excited!! My jacket is quickly taken and placed into the cupboard, and it’s time to get comfy. I’m staring at my super roomy seat being a hard grey shell on the outside contrasted with thick red padded seating, a large seat divider with space for my drink, magazine, and then the in-built audio visual on demand unit. I quickly hop into the seat and start fiddling around with my seat and massage controls – this is fun – when Mr. Flight Attendant comes and offers me a drink, is it champagne, juice or water? I want to drink the champagne but I really shouldn’t. I have a so called ‘asian liver’ and turn flush red at the moment of any alcohol intake. I reluctantly take the juice.

Before I know it, I’m strapped in low and tight when the long wait comes to an end as the plane pushes back. My excitement gradually rises as the plane taxis’ towards its designated runway where it pauses momentarily, when then the pilots pushes the thrust lever to maximum forward (or so I’ve seen from the movies) and a long continuous whine and buzz of the 4 engines roar to life. Roar is not an ideal word to describe the sound as it is definitely much quieter than a 747. There is also no ‘push my back into the seat’ experience as the heavy ‘bird’ seems to take a while to get moving – but the end result is the same – as we finally take flight pointed towards the USA.

The Skybed Mark2, firstly in seat mode then in fully flat mode which I can easily rest/sleep on my back and on my sides – there was no uncomfortable position really;- This is meeeeee everyone;-

As we reach a safe flight level Mr. FA (as I can’t recall his name so he’ll be known as Mr. FA) starts handing out J class pyjamas which most passengers start changing into – the usual grey fare with gigantic kangaroo logo. Surprisingly, there were no sizes for me so a few minutes later, an apologetic Mr. FA appears with a set of first class PJ’s for me – which being a darker fade of grey and without the gimmicky kangaroo print emblazed on the front. If it wasn’t for the designed by the designer Akira labels, one could easily mistake these PJ’s for those bought at Lowes.

With seat belts turned off and in my spanking new great PJ’s, I am off to visit the lounge at the front of the plane where at any one time about six passengers could hang around, use AVOD whilst watching it on the 32inch wall mounted plasma television, or have a drink. Interesting design idea but to me lacked practicality or comfort. The seats were narrow, no self service alcohol or snack food nearby and more importantly the seat was impossible to be better than my two metre long flat seat;-

 

[Alanslegal]

Late lunch is served not too long afterwards; all passengers had the same entree being Smoked Tarragon Chicken Salad w Mayonnaise Dressing. For my main course, I had the Roast Rack of Lamb w Aioli and Rosemary Vegetables, and my travelling partner chose the Pan Fried Salmon w Beetroot Relish Cannellini Puree and Green Beans. I cheekily had a half glass of champagne to accompany my lunch. Funnily when I only ask for half a glass – I get this weird look by the pursers who think I’m off this world! Desserts were a Cheese Platter, Cream Vanilla and Ice Cream with Fig Compote, Fruit, Chocolates and a glass of Port. Apart from the lamb which was a bit too tough, everything else including the salmon was top notch having been lightly fried and still soft & moist on the inside, overall I can say is that I am pleased with the lunch;-

After late lunch, I’ve decided to watch Transporter 3 however if this is not your liking, you would be definitely pleased with the humungous variety of other things to watch or do with on the AVOD. After watching T3 I’ve gone straight to sleep, taking in a solid 7 hours, when generally I can’t sleep on a plane at all. I’m only awoken as breakfast is being served two hours before landing into LAX, and when a flight attendant has to gently nudge my arm – however I could have chosen not to be woken if I ticked the Do Not Disturb box on the breakfast order form.

Well after breakfast and a short period afterwards, the plane commences its descent through the hazy Californian skies as it approaches into LAX. As the airport and ground comes into view, the big bird suddenly lands with one almighty thump – a thump that is expected from such a plane – and braking also takes just as long. After 12hours and 25minutes of actual flying time, we’re finally into LAX but the sad thing is I really don’t want to get off this plane!!

Next; Westin LAX Hotel and some glimpses of Los Angeles

 

[Cyclogenesis]

ok.. jealous now...

that aint flying... looks WAY to comfortable!

 

[Hvr]

Am loving this trip report so far and so looking forward to my own trip early next year on the big bird.

 

[yo yo ma]

Thanks for the report & photos AL... please keep them coming.

 

[Flying Fox]

Great report. Keep it coming!

Now you have me wanting to fly the A380 in J.

 

[Grooba]

Great TR there Alanslegal - can't wait for an update.

Each time I read/view a TR involving the A380 it makes me even more edgy to check it out for myself.

Keep the pics coming!

 

[sr81]

Nice TR Alanslegal, good to see that you are enjoying yourself.

Just one question, is the Cosmopolitan mag yours?

 

[Fifa]

I'm really enjoying your trip report Alanslegal!

AFF has given me so much info and I cant wait to do a DONEx sometime in the future. Thanks everyone for your input and sharing your ideas.

I'll be sure to do at least one leg on the A380

 

[Alanslegal]

Just one question, is the Cosmopolitan mag yours?

Hi Sr81, how have you been? Nope, that mag isn't mine :mrgreen: but I did have a quick look inside and there are some interesting articles though

 

[Alanslegal]

Westin LAX and some glimpses of Los Angeles

Sorry for the delay guys! Am trying to hasten my typing so I can post ASAP.

Anyway let's push along;-

The fun starts at LAX when all inbound passengers are eager to rush off the plane, either finally to be able to stretch their legs or get through to Customs and Immigration before everyone else does; I do believe many would fall into the latter. Though my mind tells me that I am not ready to leave the wonderful QF A380, I force myself physically knowing that the upper and lower deck aerobridges will soon be flowing with people, and that it is inevitable I will be foot racing to the dreaded US Immigration against the hundreds of economy class passengers.

It is only a quick walk to Immigration but I see people walking briskly and I must quickly follow suit. It’s a huge relief when I see that the queues are near empty! And with only a couple of passengers before me, I am quickly through this checkpoint without any fuss and onto baggage carousel #3. It appears that the passengers are faster than their bags and all must wait before the belt starts to rotate. After what seems like an endless flow of bags coming and then passing me, with tags of various descriptions or ribbons of all sorts of colours and patterns, my brand new black matte coloured hard-shelled Samsonite appears. I now notice a few scruff marks on it even after its maiden flight but all is good, as my bag now has character. I quickly exit the Terminal and wait for the complimentary hotel bus shuttles that will take me to the Westin only minutes ride away.

Westin LAX Hotel – Take 1
The shuttle stops right in front of the lobby 20 minutes past 10 in the morning and I quickly decline any baggage assistance by the one of the Westin bellboys on duty. Having researched and read poor reviews on TripAdvisor, as well as a clear Do Not Stay at this Westin on the FT SPG forums, I take the plunge and book when I find a rate of US$64 for the night. On top of this I earn more than 3,000 Starwood points through various promotions (which I consider the points being worth US$105) and technically I am being paid to stay here for the single night. Further it is a Westin Hotel after all and it shouldn’t be that bad, right?!

Upon entering, the lobby is pleasant, fresh marble floors, polished timbers, fitting furniture and matching décor. There is an exclusive Starwood Platinum/Gold line where I head straight to. The elite check-in agent is on her cell phone when I approach but places the phone down when I arrive at the desk. I say “Hi, I have a one night reservation with you guys tonight”. She quickly asks for my surname whilst at the same time I hand over my credit card and passport. She then declares that “We have no rooms available, check-in is at 3pm”. I then quickly place my Platinum card on the desk to gently remind her that I am somewhat important to SPG when she again states boldly “Check-in is at 3pm” - There is no apologetic tones, no sorry, no attempt to push some buttons on her computer to find out if and when one of the 740 rooms may become available – but to come back at 3pm!!

 

[Alanslegal]

I collect my cards and deliberately take my time putting them back into my wallet, when I see her pick up her cell phone and continues with her phone conversation and without a care. At this stage I am very dissatisfied; I take my luggage when she calls out ”You can leave your bags with the Bag Manager” which I was going to do anyway. I drop my bags and leave the Westin – a bit steamed up – and walk next door to Thrifty Car Rentals and pick up my rental which I’ve rented for the day to explore Los Angeles.

Exploring Los Angeles with the Flamin’ Red Dodge Charger rental;-

Playing tourist-y I am off driving and off to visit a few sites. First stop is Grand Central Markets as it is now lunch time & I am definitely hungry. Here I can see/sample some local produce, general market items and try the local food including some delicious shrimp soup which I had last time.

After lunch I am off to the colourful Venice Beach, filled with street vendors selling trash & treasure but a definite tourist thing to come and visit;-

And then to Santa Monica 3rd St Promenade for some late afternoon shopping and then walk along the famous Santa Monica Beach Pier;-

After a stroll around Santa Monica shops till past sunset – I am back in the Dodge and returning to the hotel.

 

[Alanslegal]

Westin LAX – Take 2
I return to the Platinum check-in desk and am served by a much friendlier agent. He makes small chat whilst tapping away at his keyboard. He tells me that there are no suite rooms that he could upgrade me to however have chosen a quiet executive floor room facing away from the runway. I quickly ask him I prefer the view of the runway so I can see the jets land, and he quickly changes room allocation.

So the room may look nice in the photos; but as I stand there, I am thinking this room is definitely worn and requires urgent updates. The window doesn’t exactly overlook the runway, but you can see planes coming in for the approach to land.

The next morning, I see QF107 arriving into LAX but didn’t have enough time to use my telephoto lens;-

The Westin Pool, which is Ok but nothing special;-

 

[Alanslegal]

And the super skimpy Executive Club lounge which had nothing to offer other than hot water and some tea bags;-

I am out again exploring parts of Los Angeles I haven’t been before; so its Marina Del Ray which is known for its many boats and condominiums, then its Manhattan Beach which is a charming little beach-y enclave, where I enjoy lunch (hot buffalo chicken sub sandwich).

I spend the entire afternoon at the beach – it is cold and blustery – but the sun keeps me warm and the ocean air, ah it’s crisp! I return to the hotel prior to the late 4pm checkout, before finding a quick eatery for dinner. Surprisingly (and somewhat shockingly) I end up eating again at a Carl’s Jnr! Burger chain. I head straight to the airport after this, where I have an awaiting ‘red eye’ flight to New York.

Next; Back to Earth as I fly transcontinental in economy! And then New York City!

 

[Keith009]

Nice pics! Damn I miss LA... I want to be there NOW!! :mrgreen:

 

[Grooba]

Ahh New York New York! Another place I must visit some day.
Can't wait to see/hear of your adventures in the Big Apple!

 

[JohnK]

Very enjoyable trip report Alanslegal.

Looking forward to the rest of the adventure....

 

[Alanslegal]

LAX - JFK flying with UA82

Economy Class – Seat 15A – B757

United Airlines flight number 82 was a ‘red-eye’, leaving Los Angeles International very late but touching down into John F Kennedy first thing in the morning. Factor in a roomier front row bulkhead seat which I selected at the time of booking plus five hours of flying time, I could somehow squeeze in four hours of shut-eye. Sleeping on the plane meant there was no need for an extra night in a hotel; the thought was too easy and I would also save some money. Theory is good but practice is another thing.

Firstly, my QF status doesn’t help me one bit when flying United. Zero anything! I could have chosen to fly on American (for the same cost) but heck I decided to fly United, just to spread my love. Last time I flew United, was SAN to SFO in ’07. With a delayed inbound arrival, we were late 40 minutes. Add 14 more jets in queue and UA82 had a good 25 minutes on the tarmac before our allocated take-off spot. With a lost hour on the ground, the Captain comes online and apologises for the delay. Good news he then follows through, with a revised flying time of four hours and we’ll be only 10 minutes behind schedule - now my solid four hours of sleep is unlikely to eventuate!

Apart from the initial delay and the mandatory fight for overhead bin space, everything else was fine. It was a smooth departure, a comfortable cruise and if only the other passengers kept their window shades down, I would not have been woken by the rising sun in the east and slept way past touchdown. Touchdown was the usual deal and we soon arrive into our gate. I am off like a rocket, of course behind those privilege folks in First, and onwards to retrieve my checked bag.