The Photos
As promised or threatened, depending on your desire to delve into another of my waffling TRs, it is July and I have once again been hitting the skies.
Another weekend of indulgence was planned and for most part executed as planned.
An almost noon departure time meant the opportunity to sleep in a little and spend a leisurely morning at my flat prior to walking up to the tube station. The ol’ two tube and the HEX routine was then played out and at around 10 am I was walking up to the Flagship Check-in area to the far right of the terminal building at T3.
Once inside there were quite a few people and some chaos as those attempting to use the SSCI machines were not having much success.
One gent had printed his BP at the machine but the agent refused to check his bag as he was not eligible to use the Flagship facility. She tore up his BP and checked him off the flight and sent him down to the Business Class desks right at the other end of the terminal. An argument then pursued about how was he to know he wasn’t eligible? There is a big AA sign here and one would expect to be able to check-in here. She said this is the Flagship check-in but didn’t explain further.
Anyway whilst all this kerfuffle was playing out an agent became free and beckoned me over. She apologised for the delay and proceeded to check me in. I asked if she could also print a BP for my flight from JFK as well even though it was on another PNR (yes a mileage run in the middle of all the AONE mayhem). I gave her my confirmation number and she was able to print the LHR-JFK BP and the onward one as well.
She enquired if I knew where to go from there and on my confirmation she handed my BP, I94 Waiver and Customs cards and wished me a pleasant flight.
Inside the main terminal I headed upstairs and went to the Fast Track security queue. The queue was winding a couple of times but usually is not too bad at moving along. However, there was only 1 machine being operated and the queue did not move that fast. Several people gave up and walked out to go around a join the slow track.
The whole situation was exacerbated by a woman who had about 1 litre of cosmetics and other liquids who was stuffing about trying to decide what to save and what to throw. The stupid security people let her do this in the line right up against the x-ray machine effectively blocking all other people.
She and her other half eventually decided to move away and let the queue start moving again. By the time I had almost reached the front they had just handed over a load of liquids to be trashed and went on through the machine. The gent from this pair got pinged and then the magic wand treatment. In the meantime the next gent in the line for the archway was not allowed to move on through. The wand process took an age and again the lines backed up. Are BAA so stupid they can’t make people wait if they are pinged and there is no same sex magician available? The stupid idiot woman agent didn’t even say to the women to come on through in the meantime.
Idiots the lot of em! Rant complete.
I made my way through escaping the shoes off please request that some were getting. It seems, as I noted a minute later, the separate shoe queue after the passport check has been removed and they do like the other terminals now do and randomly ask for shoes off at the normal security queue.
I gathered my belongings and went down to the passport check queues. A minute or so later I was through and free to move on out of the rabble towards the lounges.
I decided to check out the new BA lounge first of all. I approached the big white doors and the swung open revealing the new BA lounge greeter desks. I showed my BP which was swiped and I was welcomed into the lounge.
It is really quite big and long and IIRC takes up all the space the old UA lounge used to occupy.
I wandered down the far end where it was a little quieter.
The lounge has a wine bar ala T5 lounges and several coffee making areas, some tables and chairs for sit down meals up near the quite substantial self serve food bar. There was an area with a lot of computers and desks and a kids play room.
The food on offer was the usual BA breakfast faire. Bacon rolls, mushroom rolls, cereal, yoghurt, fruit, porridge and toast along with some sweet treats.
There were copious bottles of wine in two stations in the lounge as well as a spirits section with fridges with mixers and other soft drinks available.
I asked the wandering staff for a glass of champagne and one was delivered not long after that. I also grabbed the obligatory bacon baguette and a coffee and sat in my chosen area watching the life of the airport go about its day outside the panoramic windows.
Closer to the departure time I wandered over to the Flagship lounge to check the flight was still on time and to see if they had made any more improvement since I was last there in March. It was and they hadn’t.
Interestingly enough, for me at least, after many, many, many, many, you get the picture, flights with AA from LHR this flight was not leaving from the gates down in the far away section. Instead this flight was due to leave from the gates at the end of the main part of the terminal. Still a long walk but quite unusual for AA and me.
Once at the gate I joined the queue until I noticed there was a hidden separate queue off to the left that was for people like me so that I didn’t have to spend too much time with the civilians.
I hopped over to the correct queue and I was flashing my BP and passport in no time. At which time they announced boarding for Business class passengers so I was able to wander straight on down to the plane.
Flight AA105 LHR-JFK Seat 12A
Aircraft: 777-200
Departure time: 11:55
On board I said good morning to the flight crew member at the door and received the response ‘just down on the right’. Funny greeting!
I got to my seat and stashed my bag in the locker above and kept my fag bag with essentials like, camera, passport, wallet etc in it down at the seat with me. At the seat was a pillow, blanket and the new red amenity kit.
Time for another rant. There are bins located above the AB seats and more on the inside edge of the aisle. However, for some reason, probably sore heads, these are left closed whist the AC ones are all open on boarding. This seems to indicate to the stupids in the middle section that they should use the AC bins instead.
OK, OK enough ranting for this trip. Feel free to beat me up if I go off on one again.
Where was I, ah yes I had just sat down at my window seat waiting for the rest of the aircraft to fill. Full indeed it was by the time we pushed back. I don’t think there was a spare seat in the house. Some of the business cabin had deadheading crew in them as well.
After things settled somewhat the crew were out with an offer of OJ, water or bubbly. I won’t even bother telling what I chose.
The captain announced a flight time of 6 hours and 53 minutes.
I notice that AA have an IFE recording for everything now. The crew hardly need to make any announcements. An announcement about stowing bags was played through the IFE, there was another about not congregating in the aisles etc, another for fasten your seatbelts, another for putting away your tray tables etc, etc for landing.
The menus were given out on the ground and a few minutes later orders were taken and FEBO was observed.
We pushed back at 11:59 and made a slow taxi to the end of the runway. I waived goodbye to London at 12:22 when we eventually left terra firma.
Once comfortably cruising the crew came out with the BOSE headsets and followed up with the trolley serving drinks and the famous AA warm nuts.
There was a re-fill of my glass of red wine as the crew member walked back up the aisle.
The hot towels then made the rounds of the cabin before the lunch service began in earnest.
The service was not rushed and they did wait an acceptable amount of time to allow the drinks and nuts to settle down in my belly.
I suppose a posting of the menu is due about now since I was about to dive into the lunch service details.
Dining Service
To Start
Warm Nuts
Appetizer
Smoked sesame salmon and cucumber roll, accented by a Thai sweet chilli sauce
Salad
Fresh seasonal greens and an assortment of fresh vegetables offered with blue cheese dressing or Sapori d’Arte olive oil and balsamic vinegar
Bread Basket
Assorted gourmet breads
Main Course
Beef Fillet
Seared fillet of beef served with porcini mushroom butter and bordelaise sauce, diced yellow peppers, haricots verts, baby carrots and olive oil potatoes
Chicken Provencal
Herbed breast of chicken Provencal accented by a wild mushroom reduction, served with green beans and wild rice
Parsley Cheese Crusted Salmon
Parsley cheese crusted salmon served with Riesling sauce, onion, bell pepper and risotto timbale
Rigatoni with Cream Sauce
Rigatoni pasta enhanced by a rich cream sauce garnished with pine nuts
Dessert
A scoop of Ben&Jerry’s mint chocolate chunk ice cream
Or
A selection of gourmet cheeses offered with fresh seasonal fruit and assorted crackers
To Finish
Assorted Lindt chocolates
Champagne
Pommery Brut Champagne
It was in 1858 that Madame Louise Pommery took over the reigns of the newly formed Champagne house and began the arduous task of building the historic estate that one sees today. Chardonnay grapes from the Cote des Blancs are the primary contributors to this lively and fresh Champagne that is remarkably smooth with a soft and delightful “mousse” that never wanes on the palate. Very versatile, pairing well with many light dishes.
White Wines
Lageder “Riff” Pinot Grigio delle Venezie DOC
Alois Lageder is a fourth generation winemaker and winery owner who has been a prime innovative force in northeast Italy, the country’s primary source for high-quality white wines. This highly rated wine is grown in soil composed of dolomite, or ancient ocean fossil deposit limestone. The German name for reef is Riff and it refers to the wonderful dry, mineral flavours in this bright citrus wine. Nothing is better with any kind of shellfish, fish, salads and white meats.
Wegeler Estate Riesling
A melody of citrus notes – orange, grapefruit and lime – combines with apricot and minerals to form this crisp, sweet wine. Riesling is incredibly food flexible and will enhance a variety of pasta, fish and white meat entrees.
Red Wines
Domaine Cazes, L’Ostal Cazes Estibals, Minervois
Chateau Lynch-Bages of Bordeaux enjoys an almost cult status thanks to the hard-working Jean Michel Cazes, who decided to bring his golden touch to the Languedoc in 2002. This expressive blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Carignan makes for an intense wine of raspberry and pomegranate fruit on the nose. On the palate, the tannins are present in very fine structure and accompanied by an understated oakiness. Strong-flavoured meat dishes, cheese and pastas are great partners.
Joseph Drouhin Beaune 1er Cru Pinot Noir
The Drouhin family has graced the viticulture and winemaking scene in Burgundy since the 1880s. Joseph Drouhin, the modern patriarch, has not handed over the reigns to the younger Drouhin generation. Joseph also became part of the Oregon Pinot Noir boom in the 80s. Our Drouhin Beaune Premier Cru selection has very refined tannins, making the wine approachable and elegant. Fresh grilled salmon and grilled poultry are terrific matches with this wine.
Sherry
Emilio Lustau Sherry
Phoenician traders founded a frontier settlement called Shera on the Mediterranean coast. Following Roman and Moorish occupation it became the Spanish Jerez de la Fontera, now known as the Sherry region. Lustau medium Sherry is a hearty aperitif wine, amber in colour, specially fermented and continually blended through decades of ageing to achieve the nutty caramel flavours.
Dessert Wine
Graham’s Vintage Port
Founded in 1820, W. & J. Graham & Co. maintains its place as one of the most prestigious names in Port wines. Careful decanting results in a brilliantly clear and sweet ruby red dessert wine of unequalled charm. Grahams’ Vintage Port fulfils its rich heritage with bold brambleberry and plum flavours slowly mellowed to a satin texture.
The trays were dished out with the starter and salad already in place. At this time the crew topped up my wine and offered me some flat bread with rosemary or a white roll. I took the flat bread as it is always tasty.
The salmon starter was a little tasteless but not bad. The salad had asparagus in it which pleased me no end. More bread and wine were offered during the meal. Once I was done with the salad my chicken Provencal was delivered and it was very tender and juicy. The little bowl of sauce was lovely although I could have done with another. I love wild rice although on the silly little plates AA use now it was hard to convince the food to stay on the plate.
After I finished with the main the tray was removed and I asked if I wanted cheese or ice cream. I said a little Ben&Jerry would be the go and also asked for a cup of java.
Both of these were delivered post haste and enjoyed by moi. Finally the chocolates made their way down the aisle which was the perfect ending to the meal to go with my coffee.
A bottle of water was delivered to my seat after the meal remains were removed.
I spent most of the flight either watching MADMen episodes or listening to my iPod.
Around an hour and half out of New York the trolleys made an appearance again with the snack service.
Light Meal
Select From
Uno’s Four Cheese and Pesto Pizza
A traditional deep-dish pizza with a mozzarella, Muenster, Romano and feta cheese blend, basil pesto and plum tomatoes accompanied by a green salad
Turkey Sandwich
Sliced turkey breast served warm on a kalamata olive ciabatta roll topped with Swiss cheese and roasted eggplant coated in tomato sauce, accompanied by a green salad with olive oil vinaigrette
Dessert
Blackberry currant mousse cake
I opted for my favourite the Uno’s pizza and subscribed to some more of the red wine, this time the pinot noir. Again re-fills were offered a plenty during the service.
After the meal I noticed a familiar sight outside my window but in reverse. I was looking down again at Cape Cod which I had last seen on the flight from
JFK-LHR back in May.
Closer to JFK the crew came around with the infamous:
Pre-Arrival Beverage
Chilled sparkling water with a fresh citrus garnish.
I don’t know how much longer this will be on the menu as they never seem to have much of a take up on this offer. I did though.
We landed at 14:17 and I made my way down to the immigrations hall which was pretty empty. I joined the short queue for aliens and was soon being ushered into the US. Well not exactly ushered as the immigration computers were on a go slow. I was asked the usual questions and had the four prints of my right hand checked. I was recognised as a good egg after this and didn’t require any further printing.
I then stood and waited as man typed and waited and waited and waited and waited. He eventually said to me there is something wrong with their system. I said as long as there is nothing wrong with me. He laughed and said no you are fine it is just really slow today. Eventually he got the response and stamped my BP and card and stapled it to my passport page and sent me on my way.
No checked bags meant a beeline to customs were I was sent on out the door. I proceeded upstairs to the check-in area and went to the fast track security queue on the left. It wasn’t so fast today and the slow track would have been a better option.
Once past the boarding pass and passport check I was quickly able to find a machine with a short queue and did the mini strip tease and took out my baggie of liquid explosives, err deodorant, shave cream, toothpaste etc. Once through the archway unscathed I collected my chattels and proceeded to get dressed again.
With a sense of déjà vu I made my way up to the Flagship Lounge with my new BP and LHR-JFK BP in hand. The agent gave me a key into the inner sanctum that is the Flagship lounge. I said oh you have finished the renovations and she confirmed.
Inside the lounge I gave my BP to the inner agent who swiped it though her computer. I expected her to ask me to show my LHR-JFK BP but it was not requested. Perhaps the fact the BP has been issued in London was enough for her.
Inside I checked out the “new” lounge. Umm it looks the same to me. What on earth did they do?
Oh well, next up a shower was in order as I was all hot and sticky.
I asked the agent if I could grab a shower and she took my BP and gave me a key to the shower rooms.
After a quick, cooling shower I emerged into the lounge to suck down a Sam Adams and await my next flight.
The lounge has self service, alcohol including beers, wine and sparkling wines along with coffee, tea, juices and soft drinks. A selection of sprits and mixers was also available. There were biscuits and pastries along with some vegetables, cheese and sandwiches and some hot finger foods.
After a couple of hours in the lounge it was time to mosey on down to gate 1 where my next chariot awaited.
Boarding commenced in the usual AA efficient style allowing First passenger to enter first and then the Group boarding process by row number.
I didn’t see most of that as I was on down the ramp with the first few First passengers.
Flight AA257 JFK-LAS Seat 5F
Aircraft: 757-200
Departure time: 16:50
I said hello to the purser who responded in kind!!
I found my seat stowed my bag and sat down watching the civilians pile on past me to that part of the plane that I have almost forgotten about.
On the ground OJ, water and bubbles were passed around and I decided to break with tradition… nah I grabbed a plastic of bubbly.
There were 4 seats free in the antiquated First cabin when they closed up and the captain announced a flight time of 5 hours and 7 minutes. Old they may be but there is plenty of space for legs and shoulders and such. The lack of a headrest is the worst part about these old seats on the 757s.
The crew member came down to the back of the cabin to take orders for dinner again following the FEBO process. There was a choice of cheese tortellini or steak with mushroom sauce.
We pushed back at 16:47 just ahead of schedule. We taxied a long time to the other end of the field before the captain put the pedal to metal and those oversized 757 babies had us off the ground in no time. I do like the take off in a 757.
After we hit cruising altitude the crew went about the business of serving up drinks with some rather well done warm nuts. I opted for a scotch and dry for this part of the journey. This was replenished when I had drained the glass and the nuts bowl also found itself full again.
A while later the trolley was wheeled out and the meal service began from the front of the cabin. The trays were plated with the requested meal handed out with the salad on them and an offer of brown or white cheese rolls was made. I was also asked if I would like some wine with my dinner.
I decided to grab a glass of the red, a Shiraz, they had on board.
The meal was quite tasty and my only criticism would be that the meat was a little over cooked for my liking but was nice none the less.
More bread and wine was offered during the meal and my glass was never empty.
After the tray was removed I was asked if I could down a bowl of ice cream. I said why not.
I also ordered a glass of Baileys to accompany the sweet treat.
During the flight they had a movie playing on the overhead monitors. I decided to stick with my iPod as my IFE.
Drinks were offered several times during the remainder of the flight and the crew were a visible presence at most times.
We landed at 19:00 in Las Vegas and I made my way off the plane thanking the excellent crew on the way. I walked on down to the transit system that ferried me across to the main terminal building where I went in search of transportation to my hotel.
I eventually found the shuttle bus area to the left side and bought a ticket. I waited a while before the bus arrived and then longer as they didn’t want to go out with 1 passenger. Well gee thanks Greyline I know who I won’t be using next time.
Eventually we left with 6 other passengers on board who all showed up in quick succession. We stopped at MGM and the next stop was mine at Planet Hollywood. The driver said he was supposed to go to Bellagio before this but as I had been so patient he decided to drop me off first.
I made my up to reception and was checked in to my upgraded suite with a view out over the strip. I was able to sit and watch the Bellagio fountains do their thing from my bathroom and bedroom windows.
The room was large but not particularly palatial and was really starting to show its age.
I did intend to wander around the hotel but sleep caught up with my and I crashed by 10 pm local time.
Stay tuned for a day of lounging in the next instalment.
The Photos