caspritz78
Jan 22, 11, 3:49 am
Part 2 available below!
Escaping the cold
This report has two parts. Part 1 covers QKL-FRA-IAD-TPA and Part 2 the return trip part 2 will follow soon.
December 2010 was one of the coldest months in years and also we had a lot of snow. Traffic was a mere chaos for most of the month and so I was in desperate need for some sun and warmth.
Luckily an opportunity to spend New Years in Tampa, Florida came up and with enough Miles in my Miles and More account a business class flight would be possible. So a quick call to Miles and More and the flight was booked. The routing would be Cologne Main Station (QKL) - Frankfurt (FRA) - Washington Dulles (IAD) - Tampa (TPA). I would travel with Deutsche Bahn, United and on the way back with Lufthansa.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqo5mu_exI/AAAAAAAAB_4/HBCpvfILTcw/s640/709px-deutsche_bahn_ag_logo_svg.png
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqmTzem5PI/AAAAAAAAB_w/GvQpqsNdP6o/s800/lufthansa_logo.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqm6pJoCZI/AAAAAAAAB_0/vs_8vD5Mcu0/s400/unitedLogo.jpg
My trip started at Cologne Main Station. Lufthansa offers an AirRail service operated by Deutsche Bahn from Cologne to Frankfurt airport. So you can actually enter QKL as your starting point when booking flights. It is quite convenient or at least it s suppose to be. The weak point in this feature is Deutsche Bahn. While Deutsche Bahn is in general reliable especially on their premium long haul routes like Cologne-Frankfurt in December 2010 the weather caused complete chaos. The nice and shiny ICE trains seem to have a lot of trouble with snow and ice. Together with problems with the tracks this means often delays of over 60 minutes. This can be quite a problem if you have to catch a flight at Frankfurt. So the best is always to book a train earlier so you have some spare time. In my case this became very helpfull.
First Segment: Dec 27th QKL-FRA with LH 373 operated by Deutsche Bahn
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqjiBUoadI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/zFbW6xxTg34/s640/IMG_1458.JPG
I arrived at Cologne Main station just to see that my train would be delayed at least 60 minutes due to persons on the track which means that somewhere on the route to Cologne someone spotted some people walking along the train tracks and the police has to make sure to get them for their own safety and the safety of the trains. This modern version of hide and seek can easily go on for an hour or longer.
My options were now to wait for the delayed train to enjoy my reserved seat and the AirRail service (free coffee and a snack for business class passengers) but jeopardizing my flight to IAD or taking the next train to Frankfurt which left in 30 minutes. I opted for the later since I was booked on the last flight to IAD that day and missing it would mean loosing one day of my vacation.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqjjm5y6qI/AAAAAAAAB9U/XBtBIGa8fr0/s640/IMG_1464.JPG
So with 30 minutes delay I boarded the train after talking with LH staff at Cologne Main station that I could take this train. The conductor of Deutsche Bahn was of course confused when I showed him my LH boarding pass and he had to get his supervisor to make sure that it was valid and that I'm not some sneaky person who tries to cheat.
With a cumulated delay of 45minutes the train arrived at Frankfurt airport and I made my way to the United check-in.
Second segment:Dec 27th FRA-IAD with UA 933
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqjktmN64I/AAAAAAAAB9Y/lzXxFcG5w7M/s640/IMG_1466.JPG
Check-in was fast and I was on my way to the gate. Security was deserted. UA 933 must be the last flight to the United States in the winter. It departs at 5pm. So the whole gate area was pretty empty with only one gate for IAD in use. Due to the delay I had no time to visit the lounge. I boarded the 777 and got into my business class seat in the front section where are only two rows. Very nice and private feeling.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqjl3jTggI/AAAAAAAAB9c/aG1Jxh8X5SQ/s640/IMG_1467.JPG
The flight was completely full since the earlier United flight to Washington Dulles got canceled. Despite the full business class the service was not rushed.
The service started with the pre departure drink. I went for the champange; a Pommery Brut Royal NV.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqjnaWoUUI/AAAAAAAAB9g/OrVvolG7rLw/s640/IMG_1470.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqjq5sMIDI/AAAAAAAAB9o/FRWvPX5tOsk/s640/IMG_1474.JPG
After take-off warm nuts and a gin tonic.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqjt-zXq7I/AAAAAAAAB9w/nZWcr4RWR2E/s640/IMG_1482.JPG
For starter salmon confit with julienne vegetable sald and seasonal mixed greens.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqjxPq9IYI/AAAAAAAAB94/3dlt2j9nUBk/s640/IMG_1485.JPG
Main course herb-roasted orange chicken with natural jus demi-glace. The alternatives were grilled filet mignon with dijon mustard sauce or lasagna with spinach, mushrooms and tomato ragoût. I was very pleased with the chicken.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqjy23_3jI/AAAAAAAAB98/zKWayAzpee8/s640/IMG_1486.JPG
Desert was a vanilla ice cream with a cookie.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqj0ENbZYI/AAAAAAAAB-A/AaXBIlZ6nFM/s640/IMG_1487.JPG
The arrival snack was a smoked turkey sandwich or a cheese plate with fresh seasonal fruits. The sandwich was gigantic.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqj1TiZDNI/AAAAAAAAB-E/0M3rFaVxBCg/s640/IMG_1488.JPG
The wine selection was:
Kapuka Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Malborough
Burgáns Albarino 2009 Rias Baixas, Spain
Errázurz Chardonnay 2008 Casablance, Chile
Buena Vista Chardonay 2007 Russian River Valley, California
Red Wine:
Cave la Suzienne Racines Profondes 2007 AOC Côtes-du-Rhône
Pedroncelli Three Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Dry Creek Valley
Yalumba Y Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Australia
The flight was pretty bumpy and we had a pretty strong headwind of 90 to 100mph. At one time even the crew had to sit down. I took until we reached the American continent. The approach into Dulles was again quite a rollercoaster. You could here the engines spooling up and down to maintain the speed. Still we arrived a little bit ahead of time. Only other flight that arrived with us was an United flight from London. So immigration was a breeze.It took me not more than 15 minutes. A new record for me. After picking up my luggage and rechecking it I made my way to my connecting flight to TPA. I visited the red carpet club but I must say I wasn't really impressed. It was basic is the nicest I can say about it. At least I hadn't to wait in the gate area of the cramped C Terminal. Dulles needs a remodeling desperately.
Third Segment: Dec 27th IAD-TPA with UA 727
There is nothing special to say about this flight. It was an old 757. I was sitting in 1A and the service consisted of drinks and some small snacks. I took two Heineken and tried to sleep a bit since it was already 4am for my body clock.
Seatpitch was okay.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqj2wXdL9I/AAAAAAAAB-I/p6RLsFhhJx8/s640/IMG_1492.JPG
My drink
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqj6Hr5L5I/AAAAAAAAB-Q/wUlCeuXIfp4/s640/IMG_1495.JPG
Only highlight was that there was another flyertalker in the last row of first class in the aisle seat. I saw his flyertalk tag when we arrived at TPA but I wasn't fast enough to catch up with him since I was the last in first to leave the plane.
Tampa Airport is probably one of the nicest airport I have seen so far. It is airy and clean. The central main terminal building is never crowded and the people mover connecting it with the satellites work perfectly. Also the TSA agents are very friendly and calm. No shouting like at some other airports.
Part 2 covering my return will follow soon.
Escaping the cold
This report has two parts. Part 1 covers QKL-FRA-IAD-TPA and Part 2 the return trip part 2 will follow soon.
December 2010 was one of the coldest months in years and also we had a lot of snow. Traffic was a mere chaos for most of the month and so I was in desperate need for some sun and warmth.
Luckily an opportunity to spend New Years in Tampa, Florida came up and with enough Miles in my Miles and More account a business class flight would be possible. So a quick call to Miles and More and the flight was booked. The routing would be Cologne Main Station (QKL) - Frankfurt (FRA) - Washington Dulles (IAD) - Tampa (TPA). I would travel with Deutsche Bahn, United and on the way back with Lufthansa.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqo5mu_exI/AAAAAAAAB_4/HBCpvfILTcw/s640/709px-deutsche_bahn_ag_logo_svg.png
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqmTzem5PI/AAAAAAAAB_w/GvQpqsNdP6o/s800/lufthansa_logo.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqm6pJoCZI/AAAAAAAAB_0/vs_8vD5Mcu0/s400/unitedLogo.jpg
My trip started at Cologne Main Station. Lufthansa offers an AirRail service operated by Deutsche Bahn from Cologne to Frankfurt airport. So you can actually enter QKL as your starting point when booking flights. It is quite convenient or at least it s suppose to be. The weak point in this feature is Deutsche Bahn. While Deutsche Bahn is in general reliable especially on their premium long haul routes like Cologne-Frankfurt in December 2010 the weather caused complete chaos. The nice and shiny ICE trains seem to have a lot of trouble with snow and ice. Together with problems with the tracks this means often delays of over 60 minutes. This can be quite a problem if you have to catch a flight at Frankfurt. So the best is always to book a train earlier so you have some spare time. In my case this became very helpfull.
First Segment: Dec 27th QKL-FRA with LH 373 operated by Deutsche Bahn
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqjiBUoadI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/zFbW6xxTg34/s640/IMG_1458.JPG
I arrived at Cologne Main station just to see that my train would be delayed at least 60 minutes due to persons on the track which means that somewhere on the route to Cologne someone spotted some people walking along the train tracks and the police has to make sure to get them for their own safety and the safety of the trains. This modern version of hide and seek can easily go on for an hour or longer.
My options were now to wait for the delayed train to enjoy my reserved seat and the AirRail service (free coffee and a snack for business class passengers) but jeopardizing my flight to IAD or taking the next train to Frankfurt which left in 30 minutes. I opted for the later since I was booked on the last flight to IAD that day and missing it would mean loosing one day of my vacation.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqjjm5y6qI/AAAAAAAAB9U/XBtBIGa8fr0/s640/IMG_1464.JPG
So with 30 minutes delay I boarded the train after talking with LH staff at Cologne Main station that I could take this train. The conductor of Deutsche Bahn was of course confused when I showed him my LH boarding pass and he had to get his supervisor to make sure that it was valid and that I'm not some sneaky person who tries to cheat.
With a cumulated delay of 45minutes the train arrived at Frankfurt airport and I made my way to the United check-in.
Second segment:Dec 27th FRA-IAD with UA 933
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqjktmN64I/AAAAAAAAB9Y/lzXxFcG5w7M/s640/IMG_1466.JPG
Check-in was fast and I was on my way to the gate. Security was deserted. UA 933 must be the last flight to the United States in the winter. It departs at 5pm. So the whole gate area was pretty empty with only one gate for IAD in use. Due to the delay I had no time to visit the lounge. I boarded the 777 and got into my business class seat in the front section where are only two rows. Very nice and private feeling.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqjl3jTggI/AAAAAAAAB9c/aG1Jxh8X5SQ/s640/IMG_1467.JPG
The flight was completely full since the earlier United flight to Washington Dulles got canceled. Despite the full business class the service was not rushed.
The service started with the pre departure drink. I went for the champange; a Pommery Brut Royal NV.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqjnaWoUUI/AAAAAAAAB9g/OrVvolG7rLw/s640/IMG_1470.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqjq5sMIDI/AAAAAAAAB9o/FRWvPX5tOsk/s640/IMG_1474.JPG
After take-off warm nuts and a gin tonic.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqjt-zXq7I/AAAAAAAAB9w/nZWcr4RWR2E/s640/IMG_1482.JPG
For starter salmon confit with julienne vegetable sald and seasonal mixed greens.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqjxPq9IYI/AAAAAAAAB94/3dlt2j9nUBk/s640/IMG_1485.JPG
Main course herb-roasted orange chicken with natural jus demi-glace. The alternatives were grilled filet mignon with dijon mustard sauce or lasagna with spinach, mushrooms and tomato ragoût. I was very pleased with the chicken.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqjy23_3jI/AAAAAAAAB98/zKWayAzpee8/s640/IMG_1486.JPG
Desert was a vanilla ice cream with a cookie.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqj0ENbZYI/AAAAAAAAB-A/AaXBIlZ6nFM/s640/IMG_1487.JPG
The arrival snack was a smoked turkey sandwich or a cheese plate with fresh seasonal fruits. The sandwich was gigantic.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqj1TiZDNI/AAAAAAAAB-E/0M3rFaVxBCg/s640/IMG_1488.JPG
The wine selection was:
Kapuka Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Malborough
Burgáns Albarino 2009 Rias Baixas, Spain
Errázurz Chardonnay 2008 Casablance, Chile
Buena Vista Chardonay 2007 Russian River Valley, California
Red Wine:
Cave la Suzienne Racines Profondes 2007 AOC Côtes-du-Rhône
Pedroncelli Three Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Dry Creek Valley
Yalumba Y Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Australia
The flight was pretty bumpy and we had a pretty strong headwind of 90 to 100mph. At one time even the crew had to sit down. I took until we reached the American continent. The approach into Dulles was again quite a rollercoaster. You could here the engines spooling up and down to maintain the speed. Still we arrived a little bit ahead of time. Only other flight that arrived with us was an United flight from London. So immigration was a breeze.It took me not more than 15 minutes. A new record for me. After picking up my luggage and rechecking it I made my way to my connecting flight to TPA. I visited the red carpet club but I must say I wasn't really impressed. It was basic is the nicest I can say about it. At least I hadn't to wait in the gate area of the cramped C Terminal. Dulles needs a remodeling desperately.
Third Segment: Dec 27th IAD-TPA with UA 727
There is nothing special to say about this flight. It was an old 757. I was sitting in 1A and the service consisted of drinks and some small snacks. I took two Heineken and tried to sleep a bit since it was already 4am for my body clock.
Seatpitch was okay.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqj2wXdL9I/AAAAAAAAB-I/p6RLsFhhJx8/s640/IMG_1492.JPG
My drink
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9Q5RnTbxPFM/TTqj6Hr5L5I/AAAAAAAAB-Q/wUlCeuXIfp4/s640/IMG_1495.JPG
Only highlight was that there was another flyertalker in the last row of first class in the aisle seat. I saw his flyertalk tag when we arrived at TPA but I wasn't fast enough to catch up with him since I was the last in first to leave the plane.
Tampa Airport is probably one of the nicest airport I have seen so far. It is airy and clean. The central main terminal building is never crowded and the people mover connecting it with the satellites work perfectly. Also the TSA agents are very friendly and calm. No shouting like at some other airports.
Part 2 covering my return will follow soon.