North America - 6 Cities, 12 Days

[flying_duck]

Route
MEL -> BNE -> LAX (8 hours) -> LAS (30 hours) -> ATL (38 hours) -> SDF (3 1/2days) -> EWR (4 days) plus a side trip to YTZ (8 hours).

Left Australia on the 30th of March returned on the 12th of April. I'll focus mainly on the planes, with a bit of fun stuff in between.

Leg 1 to Los Angeles
This was all VA and booked through flight centre (vouchers) as a return flexis. We used points to upgrade the leg over to premium economy, unfortunately row 10 Middle.
The good: service, including flight manager Trish was fantastic. The food was much better than standard economy. Entertainment is the same anywhere in the plane. Air NZ Lounge in BNE (transited from MEL) was relatively quiet considering the time of day although power was hard to come by.
The average: the seats, after 5 hours sitting mostly upright it gets a bit much for me. We didn't sleep more than an hour or two of “dozing”.
The ugly: right at the end of the flight an FA spilled what we think was yoghurt all over my husband, my handbag, our blankets, feet etc. mistakes happen, and she apologised profusely including getting him pyjamas to change into, but it meant he went through immigration in pyjamas and my handbag is going in for a dry clean at my expense. Not the best start.
The fun part: saw what we thought was a dead seal in the back of a boat off Santa Monica pier… Until it started visibly snoring..


to be continued...

 

[flying_duck]

LAX to LAS
All of our delta flights were booked direct, in one go. We also made use of deltas complimentary comfort+ upgrades for gold and platinum velocity members.
The good: short flight, no service, allowed me to take pictures of the desert.
The bad: Delta skypriority checkin at LAX directly after our flight was a 40 person deep line in a cramped, under construction part of terminal 5.
The fun part: day drinking in public and penny slots. What's not to love?

 

[flying_duck]

LAS to ATL
As this was overnight, we paid for comfort+ upgrades in advance so we could sleep.
The good: larger plane, usb ports to charge phones, entertainment system, and a choice of snacks between muffins, pretzels and muesli bars.
The bad: still didn't really sleep. Without those few hours in Vegas at 2am, we really would have died.
The fun part: Paid $100USD for 5 steaks, we got drunk with a bunch of southerner friends and (in a separate incident) I crashed my friends Lincoln Navigator – funnier than it sounds, guess you had to be there.

 

[blackcat20]

I would consider contacting VA regarding the dry cleaning....

 

[flying_duck]

ATL to SDF
Again, complimentary upgrades thanks to Delta and me being pushy on the phone.
The good: short flight, no frills.
The bad: upon arriving at SDF we circled for around half an hour (very noticeable on a 1 hour flight). After landing, we were told all ground operations were halted including baggage and gates because Air Force 1 was due to land. Luckily we made it off the plane, however we were waiting on our bags for at least 2 hours. In the end, he landed as far away as possible from the terminal (at least a mile). Some people were stuck on the plane on the Tarmac that whole time as they weren't allowed to go to a gate. #thanksObama.
The fun part: met the in laws, ate at kfc buffet and went shooting. What else is there to do in Kentucky?

 

[flying_duck]

SDF to EWR (via DTW)
Surprisingly, whilst I was dreading the connection (who really wants to go to Detroit?) the airport was spotless, efficient, beautiful, and functioning. It was everything an airport should be, with mood lighting and music, indoor monorail, exceptional signage (we were gate to gate in 15 minutes, with no confusion) and plenty of passenger assistance aids like visual paging, service animal comfort areas, moving walkways, etc. loved Detroit!
The good: Detroit airport.
The bad: both legs were tiny planes, with snack service (pretzels) and one drink then you're done. We were a bit bored of this by now. Also we were ripped off on tolls by the taxi driver. Never again.
The fun part: we stayed in the east village in an airbnb studio and fell in love with it, for different reasons. My favourite part was the last day (technically today as I write) I walked from the east village to the west and camped out in a hipster espresso bar before spending money at Bloomingdales in soho.

 

[flying_duck]

EWR to YTZ
YTZ is Billy bishop airport in Toronto City, landing alongside the skyline and with a 20 minute ride into town it is very convenient for a day trip.
The good: PORTER IS FANTASTIC, cannot recommend them highly enough. Beautiful new prop planes, plenty of leg room, service with a smile and when I missed my return flight (got in the wrong security line) they moved me to the one an hour later at no charge (your mileage may vary).
The bad: running around Penn station unsure how to get to a EWR or buy a ticket or anything. Figure that out before you try a 6am flight out of Jersey (and a 4am train).
The fun part: met up with a friend of mine who lives nearby, we have known each other for 17 years before meeting. We did the touristy things like the CN tower and found a fantastic pub (Town Crier) before quite literally running back to the airport.

 

[flying_duck]

JFK to LAX
The second of two legs we paid to upgrade. Again, we wanted to make sure we were comfortable.
The good: uber $20 off code got us a town car to JFK for $85 from Union square.
The average: The flight was so unremarkable I can't remember any thing about it and it was only 12 hours ago. The sky club queue was so long, we weren't able to make it in before the flight.
The fun part: Delta has exceptional service for sky priority at JFK, including a long carpeted queue and separate check in area (like a separate room), fast track security etc.

 

[flying_duck]

LAX to BNE
As I sit in my pyjamas at the business class bar eating a warmed brownie, I can assure you this is the toughest flight so far LOL. It's 2am Brisbane time and 9am in New York, so unfortunately wide awake.
The good: absolutely everything. The star alliance lounge at LAX with their amazing food, shower suites and quiet ambiance… The fast track through TSA (business class and above only)… The on board service from the VA crew, even finding me ice cream in the middle of the night. The seat is comfortable and the bed was made promptly. The ladies only lavatory is beautiful with ample feminine supplies and good lighting for make up. I slept a good 4-5 hours solid which is perhaps the most I have this whole trip.
The average/bad: hubby can't sleep, think it has something to do with the bed padding or angle. He is self medicating at the bar to assist the process.

 

[flying_duck]

No update on the BNE to MEL flight, I imagine it will be standard domestic VA stuff. No upgrade thus far which is disappointing, a VA gold (this flight will hit platinum) on flexis coming off a business class international leg, would have thought I couldn't tick any more boxes.

USA Immigration
I mention this as our situation is a little different. I am dual UK/AU and hubby is American citizen with Australian residency. On arrival into lax we had to use the “permanent residents and visitors not visited since 2008” queue. I couldn't find any information about this online, so maybe it will be useful to someone one day. All other immigration and security was as expected, use common sense, take the fast track queues when you're eligible and don't make jokes. Canadian immigration is not a fan of other citizens taking day trips from America to Canada, neither is the usa very fond of your return, but don't worry. It is perfectly ok on an esta and Canada does not require a visa for Australian citizens. This is not legal advice.

TSA
Every single airport required shoes off, liquids out, belts and coats off, and laptops out. Sometimes iPads, sometimes not. Be prepared, wear slip on shoes, keep your must have liquids in a zip lock bag in the purse etc. think standard AU international screening, but for every single domestic flight and passenger. Sky priority does not always guarantee you a fast track lane, even when there is one, it is often very full so do not rely on it getting you through faster.


Delta status
When dealing with delta, recognise that the first person you speak to will often be offshore/first line and has virtually no ability to do anything other than check flight status and issue upgrades according to the book. If you have to, demand to speak to a supervisor. We wanted to fly ahead, change from an afternoon flight to a 6:30am. We stayed up until 12:05 to make the phone call, only to spend 2 hours arguing to get given our tickets. 2 hours sleep, check out of the hotel, return the rental car, then finally get on the flight we were entitled to and wanted. It was a nightmare. Insist on your status perks and don't take no for an answer.

Shooting
If this is something you want to do, not all states allow visitors to shoot, for example you must be a citizen to shoot in Georgia. Kentucky allows anyone to shoot (didn't even look at my passport before handing me a weapon, go Kentucky). Nevada has similar laws, however you pay through the nose to shoot in Nevada because it's obviously a big tourist spot. Despite abhorring guns in the hands of the public personally, I enjoyed the opportunity and will probably do it again when I next get the opportunity.

 

[flying_duck]

Other random hints

• Don't fall in love with New York, she's an expensive mistress.
• If you plan on doing the sky jump off the stratosphere in Las Vegas, check the weather reports. Winds over 45mph will shut it down for hours on end.
• Buy comfortable shoes before you go, not 3 days before you return home and you already have blister holes in your feet. Such an old lady tip but trust me, worth it.
• USA immigration can have a laugh, the guy on my return from Canada insisted I laugh for the camera. Thinking he was joking, I didn't. He then told me I was pathetic and try again!
• The hotels near lax will treat you like a guest if you pretend to be one. We wanted coffee and an easy base for wifi and to leave bags. Tip well and be polite, and they'll do that for you. DO NOT go to a local neighbourhood McDonald's or Burger King. It will contain arguing locals and probably be a bit of an abrupt introduction to the country. It is NOT a nice neighbourhood.
• Uber is cheap and plentiful in LA, not so much everywhere. Get a rental car in the south, driving is very easy once you get used to it. Just buy the extra insurance then it doesn't matter what or who you hit.
• Fox hills mall is a good mall nearby to lax with a best buy for a SIM card, maybe a $10 taxi from the airport.
• Signature at MGM Grand has beautiful suites and no gambling, if that's what you prefer.
• Don't bother with the Las Vegas premium outlets.
• Marta in Atlanta is very simple, cheap with good staff, use it.
• It is possible for 5 steaks at whole foods to cost $91USD.
• Cappuccino in the south (like bob Evans) is a packet mix with whipped cream on top. Barf.
• You CANNOT get proper medicine in a lot of places, due to legal restrictions. I.e I couldn't get proper cold and flu medicine, without a KY drivers license. Be prepared.
• Downtown Louisville is dead on a weekend. Walked 5 blocks for a Starbucks that was open.
• Find your own places in each city – we now have a fabulous cheap Italian deli a few blocks from Times Square we will frequent for years to come.
• Mani pedis are CHEAP in the east village, especially during the week.
• Wander the met for hours and take a bike ride through Central Park. You'll possibly never get the chance to see those things again, at the very least not in that season/gallery viewing.

That's it. I will happily answer any questions on itinerary or flights or anything. It has been an absolute whirlwind of 2 weeks that has probably changed my outlook on life forever.

P.s: Slight update from when I wrote this - now ex-hubby/ex in-laws. I was heavily disappointed in the status treatment from VA, especially flying flexis/upgraded seats. Domestic flights were unremarkable (expected maybe recognition, coming from business international? or upgrade? or something?), and our bags were virtually LAST off in BNE. Just underwhelmed. I was also ridiculously sick from KY onwards - I went to walmart and bought one of everything I could think of to help. Bear in mind how complicated medicine is in another country.

 

[flying_duck]

I would consider contacting VA regarding the dry cleaning....

Thanks, I did consider it and I considered making a complaint. I really didn't feel it justified and I really dislike getting anyone in trouble for what was a genuine mistake. It was a relatively easy fix and a bit of uncomfortableness. I just thought it worth pointing out as it did sour the arrival into LA a bit.

 

[blackcat20]

Thanks, I did consider it and I considered making a complaint. I really didn't feel it justified and I really dislike getting anyone in trouble for what was a genuine mistake. It was a relatively easy fix and a bit of uncomfortableness. I just thought it worth pointing out as it did sour the arrival into LA a bit.

no one gets in trouble, its more about having the expense paid for even when it is just a mistake.

 

[Hvr]

Thanks for your TR, they're hard to write but fun to read. Looks like you had some adventures there.

I do hope you received the benefits of family pooling before hubby became ex.

 

[RooFlyer]

Great snappy, informative TR; thanks .

Suggest you contribute:

USA immigration can have a laugh, the guy on my return from Canada insisted I laugh for the camera. Thinking he was joking, I didn't. He then told me I was pathetic and try again!

.. to this thread.

 

[clazman]

Vegas shooting is expensive I blew US$600 in about an hour... but worth it Battlefield Vegas

 

[Isochronous]

Vegas shooting is expensive I blew US$600 in about an hour... but worth it Battlefield Vegas

If you want cheap shooting, try Latvia. You can also have fun with Soviet issue weapons too.

 

[PLANT]

Porter and Westjet are awesome airlines to fly with and have there own FF program......
I want photo's of the yogurt!

 

[flying_duck]

If you want cheap shooting, try Latvia. You can also have fun with Soviet issue weapons too.

I personally like Kentucky. I think it was $50 for an hour or whatever including ammo. I wouldn't pay $600 - no way! Also I don't think I'd travel on my own to Latvia. Maybe oneday.

 

[jahna]

I'm travelling VA Sydney to LAX next week premium economy, your reviews of the seats sounded a little scary and uncomfortable! Did you notice a marked difference between economy and premium? Should I spend the points and upgrade to business or is PE perfectly fine? Such first world problems!