The Photos
On leaving the aircraft on my inbound flight there was an announcement requesting that people get to LAS two hours prior to departure as the queues are normally quite long. With this in mind, even though I was in First, I was prepared for an early start.
Not as early as my body clock was trying to tell me though. I woke at 04:00 and pottered around listening to music until 05:00 when I had a shower, dressed and packed my bag to leave.
I went downstairs and checked-out and made my way out to grab a taxi to the airport.
The journey was swift at that hour of the morning and I was at LAS by 05:45 for a 07:50 flight.
There was already a queue at the check-in desks so I decided to use the SSCI machine which was a quick and painless exercise. I then made my way upstairs and to the other end of the terminal where security for the D gates resides.
I walked to the signs for D gate passengers and briefly joined the long, long queue to security. I thought there must be a fast track somewhere and left the queue and went in search of.
The First class line did exist but you need to follow the signs for C gates.
Once in this queue I was lined up for a few minutes before the passport and BP checker did her thing. A TSA lassie was encouraging people to head up to the other end of the line of x-ray machines and locate the shortest queue, which I did.
Again I got stuck behind ill-prepared people who were faffing about getting things out of their bags. Eventually the guy in front of me and I jumped ahead of them as we were ready to go. I was through security quickly after this and I made my way down to the transit system to take me back to the infield terminal and the D gates.
I noted that the Continental Presidents Club was a couple of gates away from my assigned departure gate which was perfect.
I went up to the next floor and entered the lounge handing over my Priority Pass to gain access. I chatted to the agent for a bit enquiring about the number of PP users they get in there. She said they do get a few and she likes them because there are no complex rules attached and if you have the card you get in – simple.
She explained what was available in the lounge and wished me a pleasant stay.
I wandered inside and found a seat by the window overlooking some of the D gates and out onto the apron.
The lounge had a manned bar, a self service area where you could get some fruit, muffins, bagels, cornflakes and coffee and tea. Fruit juices were available from the bar. There was also wifi available if you had a laptop. All of which were complimentary.
I grabbed a bagel and ran it through the toaster to get it remotely brown, a coffee and some grapefruit juice from the bar which would serve as my pre-breakfast snack.
After waiting just over an hour I walked down to the gate where they had already started boarding. I walked straight up and onto the aircraft.
Flight AA258 LAS-JFK Seat 2A
Aircraft: 757-200
Departure time: 07:50
I boarded through door 2L and turned left to go back to seat 2A. A crew member was kneeling on my seat and chatting to the toddler in seat 3A. I stowed my bag and let the crew chat for a while. She eventually noticed me and said I suppose this is your seat. I said it was. I also said I wondered if you were going to be the crew on this flight. It was the same crew as the outbound flight which was fine by me as they were very good.
We chatted a bit about where they stay and why I was doing a crazy turnaround like this. The things we do for miles!
I took my seat and a while later the crew were out with trays of OJ or water. I opted for the juice to start the flight with.
After everyone was on board the captain announced that there would be a ATC hold as JFK was clogged up and they were not going to let us leave for another hour and twenty. The good news was we were able to sit at the gate for 30 minutes of that. The crew handed out more drinks on the ground and showed the safety demo.
We closed up and pushed back at around 08:30 and moved out to a holding pen for a further 40 minutes.
At 09:12 we headed out to the runway and made our way into the desert sky. The flying time was announced as 4 hours and 37 minutes. We flew out over Hoover dam and I spent most of the first part of the flight with my head glued to the window watching the mountains of red rock turn more green and the flatten out into more habitable lands. We also flew over Zion and Bryce Canyon on our way north to New York.
A drinks round was made after we levelled out and I opted for that good old morning favourite of a bloody Mary. After the drinks service a hot towel was handed out and another drink was made for me.
The trolley then made its way down the aisle serving breakfast. The choices this morning were a cheese omelette with potato and bacon or pancakes. I went with the omelette option.
On the tray was a plate of fruit along with my main and I was offered a biscuit or bagel.
The breakfast was quite substantial and very nice and for me at least was preferable to the lardy BA J breakfast of the greasy fry up.
After breakfast was cleared away I sat back and listened to my music and did the Sudoku in the AA magazine. Again there was a movie playing on the overhead screens but I wasn’t interested in it.
Drinks were offered several times during the flight and again the tireless crew were visible the whole time.
We made up time on the way to JFK and landed at 16:20 which was only 17 minutes late according to the schedule.
I thanked the crew on my way out and made my way out of T8 and over to T7 in the hopes of getting a BP for my next flight. But alas BA and QF were unable to print a BP for me – so much for OneWorld!!
Plan B. I hopped the sky train again over to terminal four and found a lovely LX agent who pointed me in the direction of their lounge. I walked in and pulled out my Priority Pass again. She asked me for my BP and I explained check-in didn’t open for another 2 hours. She was OK with this and informed me that the lounge closed at 20:00.
Inside the J section of the lounge I found several seating areas, two bar areas with sprits, wines and coffee machines, a food bar with cold and hot food available, an area with computers (there was also wifi) and toilet and shower facilities.
I found a section to plonk myself down in and grabbed a Sam Adams to sup on. The lounge looks out over the gate that LX use as well as VX and LY.
After a while I decided I needed a snack to keep me going until my main meal that would be later that night on my next flight. I grabbed some pasta and chicken and some veggies to tide me over.
I wandered back up to my spot and waited some more until around 06:45 when I left the lounge and skytrained it back to T7.
The CX premium desks were not operating and the IB agent suggested I try the Y desks around the corner that open earlier.
I did that and the agent said to me are you in First I said yes. She called over another agent and they eventually sorted out what was wrong. She said there was another passenger with exactly the same name as me on this flight. I asked where they were sitting and she smiled and said 55J. I said thank god you found the right me.
She wished me a pleasant trip and sent me over to security. The queues weren’t too long and I was through relatively quickly without any numpties in front of me this time.
I then went up to the BA Terraces First lounge and handed over my CX printed invite.
Inside it was still the same lacklustre excuse of a lounge as I had experienced last year. The bar was well stocked and the champagne was Piper H Brut.
There were some sandwiches there which I didn’t see anyone take. Probably because they were chicken with anchovy butter or curried prawn.
Here I was sitting in my third lounge for the day and still another 3 hours until I my flight was due to leave. But I was picking up the AONE again and into the welcoming bosom of CX.
I grabbed a packet of sunchips and a glass of bubbly and sat down. I surfed for a bit on one of the PCs available. I sat down some more. I walked around the lounge. I sat down some more. An announcement was made that due to Air Force one being on the ground at JFK all inbound aircraft were an hour late arriving and this would have a knock on effect to the departure times of my CX flight and the last BA flight out for the day. A collective groan was issued from the passengers in the lounge.
So I waited some more and sat some more and drank copious amounts of dah dah sparkling water!
Eventually at 23:15 a boarding announcement was made for my flight and I moved on down to the gate. There was the usual efficient fast track lane to the left and I was able to walk up to the very short queue just as they started to board.
Flight CX889 JFK-YVR Seat 1A
Aircraft: 777-300
Departure time: 22:40
I boarded through door 2L and made my way to my seat. I stowed my bag under the guest seat and sat myself down. A crew member appeared and introduced herself and asked if I would like a drink. Now we are talking. I asked for Champagne please.
A glass was bought out and the bottle of Krug was presented before me before the glass was filled.
A pair of PJs and amenity kit were soon delivered to my seat. The amenity kit was Bally braded and contained Acca Cappa goodies inside.
The captain came on the blower and announced a flight time of 5 hours and 9 minutes and apologised for the delay and said they would do their best to make up time.
The ISM came by and introduced herself to me and the F purser also introduced herself. She also asked me if I flew this route often as she thought she recognised me.
Whilst on the ground my bubbly was re-filled 3 times, a bottle of water was handed to me and a hot towel presented on a nice little lacquer platter.
We pushed back at 23:50 when the captain then announced a huge queue for takeoff and that he expected we would be airborne in an hour!!
Sure enough it was 00:50 by the time those big 777 engines roared into life and we were hurtling down the runway.
On the way down the runway I counted 13 planes all queued up waiting to take off.
The menus were handed out in the air and a fresh glass of bubbly was delivered along with some cashews.
The Menu
Supper
Starters
Marinated scallops with ratatouille and pesto
Pumpkin soup
Mesclun salad with marinated goat cheese, herb olive oil and balsamic vinegar
Main Courses
Seared beef tenderloin with cipollini onion sauce, crispy potatoes, sautéed spinach and young carrots
Asparagus risotto with red pepper confit
Chinese Favourites
Double boiled ginseng with black chicken soup
Cold plate – shredded marinated bean curd with carrots
Stir-fried chicken with sea cucumber
Or
Stir-fried shrimp, scallop and conch meat with ginger and spring onion
Served with steamed jasmine rice, kalian with black mushroom and carrots
Braised beef brisket in noodle soup with choy sum
Snack
Warm ciabatta with ham, mozzarella and arugula
Cheese and Dessert
Brie, Stilton, Taleggio, Man Chego
Chocolate banana cake with raspberry sauce
Tea and Coffee
Pralines and Cookies
Drinks
Juices
orange, apple, tomato
Soft Drinks
Coke Zero, Coke, Coke Light, Sprite, Perrier water, tonic water, soda water and ginger ale
Coffees
freshly brewed coffee, espresso, cappuccino and caffe latte
regular or decaffeinated
Teas
Fuding jasmine silver fur, Anqi supreme Ti Guam Yin, Ceylon
Japanese, Hong Kong style milk tea
organic selection: camomile, earl grey and peppermint
Hot Chocolate
Wine List
Champagne
Champagne Amour De Deutz, Blanc de blanc 1999 Were servig Krug though!
This elegant Champagne is crystal clear with pale gold tinges. It is delicate, with subtle notes of white flowers, citrus fruits, fresh almonds and vanilla pods. The 1999 Amour De Deutz has a delicious lengthy finish, which reflects the excellent quality of the Chardonnay grapes in this fine vintage. It is a perfect aperitif as well as an excellent accompaniment to caviar and lobster, prawn or fish dishes.
White Wines:
Cuvasion Estate Selection Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros 2004
The 2004 Cuvasion Estate Selection Chardonnay has a fabulous nose with layers of tropical fruits. The palate is succulent, rich and plush with notes of close, white peach and key lime. This is a beautiful wine with a delightful combination of rich fruits and a bright beam of acidity and a long persistent aftertaste. It makes an excellent accompaniment to white meat dishes.
Bouchard Pere & Fils Meursault Les Clous 2005
Meursault is a large village located in the southern part of the Cote de Beaune, Burgundy, France, which produces some of the best Chardonnay wine in the world. The 2005 Bouchard Pere & Fils Meursault Les Clous possess a stony, mineral nose allied to pithy citrus fruit, whilst the palate has a bright fresh acidity to complement the supple, honeyed fruits with a light touch of oak. It is pure with a silky structure. Fish and poultry dishes with a cream sauce will pair wonderfully with this wine.
Red Wines:
Possums Vineyard McLaren Vale Shiraz 2004
The vines for this delicious wine are planted in Blewitt Springs, an elevated sub-region of McLaren Vale, South Australia. The 2004 Possums Vineyard Shiraz has dark purple and vibrant violet hues. It displays intense aromas of blackberry and raspberry, which marry beautifully with the spiciness of the oak. It is full bodied and well structured with supple tannins. This wine matches well with stews and also many Chinese dishes.
Felipe Rutini Reserve Malbec 2006
Felipe Rutini Reserve Malbec is made from the best grapes from vines which are up to 65 years old, grown in San Carlos, Mendoza, Argentina, at 1000 metres above sea level. The 2006 vintage has a concentrated nose with notes of wild berries, tobacco and vanilla. The palate is full, with rich black fruit flavours and a long, lingering finish and a touch of black pepper. This
rich complex wine could be enjoyed with red meat dishes.
Chateau Lynch Bages 2001
The 2001 Chateau Lynch Bages is a ruby garnet in colour. It is pure and lush with aromas of black olives, cedar, blackcurrant and liquorice. This seductive wine is full-bodied with soft tannins, an excellent accompaniment to roast beef, braised lamb and numerous Chinese dishes.
Port:
Ramos Pinto Quinta de Ervamoira 10 Year Old Tawny Port
Prodcued form grapes grown in the vineyard Quinta da Ervamoira, this tawny offers all the maturity of an aged wine while still displaying the vigour of youth. It is smooth and full bodied, with aromas and flavours of apricot and plum balanced with vanilla scents from the aged casks.
Aperitifs and Cocktails:
Campari, Martini Rosso, Martini Extra Dry, Tio Pepe Sherry, Harveys Bristol Cream Sweet Sherry, Gordons Dry Gin, Stolichnaya Russian Vodka, Bloody Mary, Screwdriver
Whiskies:
Chivas Regal 12 Years Old, Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Canadian Club, Gentleman Jack Bourbon, Glenfiddich Ancient Reserve Single Malt Whisky
Cognac:
Tesseron Lot 76 XO Tradition
Liqueurs:
Cointreau, Drambuie, Kahlua, Bailey’s Irish Cream
Beer:
International Selection
CX Signature Drinks:
Oriental Breeze
A sour-plum tea and cranberry juice based non-alcoholic drink
with honey and fresh lemon juice and a hint of rose water.
Cloud Nine
A refreshing combination of Vodka, Cointreau and Sprite with a refreshing touch of lemon flavour.
Being the supreme oinker that I am I ordered the starter, salad and the soup and was going to follow up with the tenderloin.
My table was set and the starter presented along with a bread basket containing various breads including the ultra delicious garlic bread.
The starter was nice and fresh and was replaced with the salad which in turn was replaced with the lovely hot soup. I have said t before and I will say it again I am a sucker for soup on a plane.
I was already feeling full and regretting my overly ambitious meal order when the steak appeared.
It was beautifully cooked and the accompaniments and sauce were excellent. Unfortunately I couldn’t finish it and neither could I attempt cheese or dessert.
I did manage a peppermint tea along with a couple of pralines though. I had been drinking Krug throughout the meal and feeling decidedly tired and started to doze off. The crew member had said she would make up my bed for me and to let her know. Sleep got the better of me until the call of nature got the better of the sleep.
When I returned from the bathroom my bed had been made up for me by the ever vigilant crew member. I was then out to it for a good couple of hours.
I awoke just over 40 minutes out of YVR and went to the bathroom again to splash some water on my face. On return to my seat I was given a hot towel and asked if I would like anything to drink. I declined.
We landed at 03:00 and made our way to the gate. The ISM announced that all through passengers were to stay on the aircraft during the short layover.
I and 2 of the other 4 inhabitants of the F cabin left the aircraft at this stage.
I walked down to immigrations and straight up to a free agent and said good morning. He processed me into Canada and asked me if I had a return ticked out of Canada. I said do you need to see it or is a Yes good enough. He said that depends on your answer. I said I did and he was happy with that.
I went on down to customs handed over my form and made my way out to the taxi queue. My stop for the night would be the four points at Richmond only a few minutes from the airport. They do a shuttle service but you need to call and wait for them to come and collect you. I decided to forego the free ride and pay for a taxi and get to the hotel 20 minutes earlier.
I was checked in quickly, made my way to my upgraded room and was doing the teeth, toilet and bed routine by 03:35.
Stay tuned for one more report before another hiatus – I do need to get back to the UK.
The Photos