radioflyer
Jun 19, 01, 9:52 am
ORH-JFK-LHR nah! ORH-TAXI-BOS-JFK-LHR
ORH is a nice little airport, on top of a hill, serviced by AA, Delta, US Air and Pan AM. It's also 20 minutes from my house - very convenient, or so I thought.
In a effort to support the local economy, save gas, have more time at home, better chances for upgrades on JFK-LHR and get 500 Q miles more, I decided that the Eagle and ORH deserved a chance. (More than a chance this was their fourth chance to be late and make me late. I should learn.)
I should'a known by now the Eagle is tired and the feathers are worn. However the ORH A.E. airport staff are wonderful.
Anyway on with the trip.
Learning on Sunday June 10 I needed to be in Oxford Eng. Monday afternoon, I called American Excess Travel (the agency of choice for the company I work for) and knowing I would get a pleasent and seemingly efficient travel agent I went on line to get flight #'s, seat availability and hotel accomodations. I called the emergency number.
I get "Due to the increase calls because of canceled flights, if your not traveling in the next four hours forgetaboutit" Ok. So I call EXP desk and booked my flights - A.E. 5182/AA 116 out on 6/11 - AA 155 return on 6/15 - $2990.00 dollars, 28B out 32D return -AB6's - LHR is tough this trip - no upgrades available and seemingly the only flights not full. OK.
Then booked the hotel. Then being stupid I decided to book the car monday with AMEX.
Monday June 11.
Called the pleasent and seeming efficient travel agent at 8:35 am and booked a car for LHR, or so I thought. At about 4:30 pm to e-mail confirmation came in stating a car was booked in Gatwick. Huh! Called the travel agent back and waited 10 minutes for them to answer. I stated my problem, gave them my mobile phone number and left for the airport.
In the interest of marital bliss I decided that a 5 pm airport presence for a 7:20 pm flight was in order. I could then check in drop my bags and go to dinner with my wife at a local restaurant, getting back in time for the flight.
AMEX calls me back about 5 minutes later stating I need a car voucher, whats my fax number. I ask "Why do I need a voucher?" They state "Hertz requires it". I ask "If this is new car rental feature" - AMEX doesn't know.
Fax number is provided and I turn the car around and head for home. Walk in the door and AMEX calls saying "We convinced Hertz to fax the voucher to Hertz LHR".
Ok, I head back to the airport. Dinner will still be possible.
The airport was crowded. Including me there were 2 people checking for A.E. flight 5182 and a dozen airport people.
Overhearing the conversation with the counter agent had with the person in front of me, I learned that 5182 was canceled. Oh well! They get him a taxi to PVD.
My turn.
"Hello Mr. Miller"
"Hello I heard 5182 was canceled"
"Yes it is, mechanical failure (broken feathers I think). LHR again?"
"Yes"
"Lets see what we can do" "How 'bout the 108 @6:45 out of BOS"
I think about it. It's 5:30 pm.
"Not enough time I say"
They agree. Much keyboard activity.
"Ok wi'll put you on Delta 6535(?) BOS-JFK it leaves at 7:30pm"
"Ok"
Something mumbled, by them, about calling operations about my upgrade request. I really didn't hear all that was said.
They rebooked me and called a taxi. I paid
for the air ticket. and was given a customer care Kit (a very nice touch)for the cancellation.
SOS given out. They really are very good.
Kissed the wife goodby and apologized for no dinner. The taxi arrived at ~6:00. The taxi driver stated "I'll get you to Logan in time for your flight"
My reply "If it means missing my flight or an accident I'll miss the flight".
I get in the taxi and I'm immediately assaulted by the smell of what seems to be six very old wet dogs or a cow with gas. I really could decide which.
Glad I didn't eat!!! 5 mins into ride I realize the driver seems to be going To PVD rather than BOS.
I ask.
He says. "Worcester traffic is bad so we will go to Auburn and backtrack it's only 9 miles out of the way" (Actually 18 with the
backtrack, but I decided to shut up).
"Ok." I said
Down I90 at 75 to 80 a weaving and a bobing we go, windows cracked hoping the dogs will leave. (no luck by the way). We arrive Logan at 7:10pm. I tip the driver and mention the wet dog smell - no response - Well a blank stare.
Check in is a snap and I run to the gate, thinking I made it. I did! But the gates closed and people are milling about. The monitor says the flight is on time, but the 6533 @6:30 is delayed till 8:00. I go back to the gate and ask the newly appeared gate agent when the flight will leave - "between 5-45 minutes due to gate hold (weather delay)".
I wander about beathing in benign air, deciding if I should eat. Then I hear the call for 6533 to board. Just in case I go back to the gate. All plus standby are boarded and THEN - "All pax's on 6535 please board this flight"
We get on board the door closes and off we go. It strikes me that my luggage may still
be at Logan. Oh well to late to worry!
The D348 aeroplane carnival ride to JFK was well - we were only struck by lightning once (or what looked/felt like it) and the roller coaster tracks were on mild rock and roll.
Arrival into JFK Terminal 3 was uneventful, except for the inbound gate delay.
Time to get the shuttle to T8(my bag was checked through). Get on the shuttle and the driver says after we leave, "I'm only going to T7 no farther. I'm off at 10:00pm".
"****!!!" I say quitely. Got to T7 and waited 10 mins for the next shuttle.
When I arrived at T8, the check in for LHR flights was closed (???) though there were agents. I didn't have to but I wanted to re-check in since I had a Delta BP and also wanted to inquire about an upgrade.) So I went to the gate - which had no gate agents as yet (20 mins before take off)and milled about with the rest of the cattle.
Finally the agents arrive. I get in line to re-check in and also mention something about a possible upgrade. The gate agent stares at
my interary in the computer and says nothing, just gives me a new boarding pass
as they start boarding the flight. No mention of an upgrade, just silence.
Board the plane with the EXP cattle (which I am one of) and sit in 28B.
A very nice exceeding articulate college student sits next to me and we discuss his vacation in India.
Then another pax comes up and says "You arer sitting in my seat". "Oh ****!! Bumped I am, I think". I say this to myself.
The gate agent arrives grabs my PB and says "I'll take care of this."
5 mins later, from halfway down the plane the agent points at me.
I point back and mouth "Me" -
"Yes You!!"
Ok, I get up. The agent says "Bring your Stuff"
"OK" I say.
"Follow Me" The agent say.
We get to BC and he says sit here, 6B and hands me a new boarding pass.
In my befuddled state it dawns on me the "COVETED OPERATIONAL UPGRADE" yeah!!!. (but ya gotta pay for it).
About 1.5 hours late the plane takes off.
Drinks are served. Bump and my G&T gets spilled on me, but not by me. (payback -almost). Dinner is served and I drop food in my lap - the napkin, of course keeps itself clean.
Sleep, coffee, land.
Immigration goes well.
Then we wait for luggage and wait for luggage and wait for luggage. The PA anouncement, after 20 minutes, states something about the plane door being stuck.
Wait some more. Make phone calls.
The carousel starts. Then I was stuck silly by my bag being third out on the carousel.(Remember ya gotta pay).
I scurry through customs with "Murphy" on my heels.
I get on the Hertz bus. I arrive at the Hertz terminal and wait 20 mins in line to get a car. After all the paper work (no voucher required) I realize I have a 5 speed 2L Alfa sedan. Oh joy! Much Fun!. English back country roads - here I come.
I throw the bags in the boot, jump in the drivers seat and burst goes the bubble - the battery's flat.
I remove my bags, Go back to the Hertz counter and wait another 20 minutes to be waited on. I explain the situation to the agent and he gets on the phone and arranges for another car. He proudly anounces he got me an upgrade - A 1.8L automatic Ford Focus. I tell him thats no upgrade and he agrees but no more standards are available.
Oh well!
Then I get a flat on the A40 outside of Oxford.
I did get to the Customer 4 hours late.
So ends an interesting day.
June 15 - The return.
Arrive late at the airport. Traffic is horrendous due to a major accident.
Can't get an upgrade or a seat change.
32D it is on an AB6 - DON"T SIT THERE UNLESS YOUR A MASOCHIST.
Have a double G&T spilled on me.-Double your pleasure double your fun.
Eat food.
Video monitor for seat is broken.
Can't sleep.
Arrive Logan - no problems.
Go Home - Sleep.
This is my first trip report. It doesn't compare Canfield nor most of the others. Thanks for reading.
ORH is a nice little airport, on top of a hill, serviced by AA, Delta, US Air and Pan AM. It's also 20 minutes from my house - very convenient, or so I thought.
In a effort to support the local economy, save gas, have more time at home, better chances for upgrades on JFK-LHR and get 500 Q miles more, I decided that the Eagle and ORH deserved a chance. (More than a chance this was their fourth chance to be late and make me late. I should learn.)
I should'a known by now the Eagle is tired and the feathers are worn. However the ORH A.E. airport staff are wonderful.
Anyway on with the trip.
Learning on Sunday June 10 I needed to be in Oxford Eng. Monday afternoon, I called American Excess Travel (the agency of choice for the company I work for) and knowing I would get a pleasent and seemingly efficient travel agent I went on line to get flight #'s, seat availability and hotel accomodations. I called the emergency number.
I get "Due to the increase calls because of canceled flights, if your not traveling in the next four hours forgetaboutit" Ok. So I call EXP desk and booked my flights - A.E. 5182/AA 116 out on 6/11 - AA 155 return on 6/15 - $2990.00 dollars, 28B out 32D return -AB6's - LHR is tough this trip - no upgrades available and seemingly the only flights not full. OK.
Then booked the hotel. Then being stupid I decided to book the car monday with AMEX.
Monday June 11.
Called the pleasent and seeming efficient travel agent at 8:35 am and booked a car for LHR, or so I thought. At about 4:30 pm to e-mail confirmation came in stating a car was booked in Gatwick. Huh! Called the travel agent back and waited 10 minutes for them to answer. I stated my problem, gave them my mobile phone number and left for the airport.
In the interest of marital bliss I decided that a 5 pm airport presence for a 7:20 pm flight was in order. I could then check in drop my bags and go to dinner with my wife at a local restaurant, getting back in time for the flight.
AMEX calls me back about 5 minutes later stating I need a car voucher, whats my fax number. I ask "Why do I need a voucher?" They state "Hertz requires it". I ask "If this is new car rental feature" - AMEX doesn't know.
Fax number is provided and I turn the car around and head for home. Walk in the door and AMEX calls saying "We convinced Hertz to fax the voucher to Hertz LHR".
Ok, I head back to the airport. Dinner will still be possible.
The airport was crowded. Including me there were 2 people checking for A.E. flight 5182 and a dozen airport people.
Overhearing the conversation with the counter agent had with the person in front of me, I learned that 5182 was canceled. Oh well! They get him a taxi to PVD.
My turn.
"Hello Mr. Miller"
"Hello I heard 5182 was canceled"
"Yes it is, mechanical failure (broken feathers I think). LHR again?"
"Yes"
"Lets see what we can do" "How 'bout the 108 @6:45 out of BOS"
I think about it. It's 5:30 pm.
"Not enough time I say"
They agree. Much keyboard activity.
"Ok wi'll put you on Delta 6535(?) BOS-JFK it leaves at 7:30pm"
"Ok"
Something mumbled, by them, about calling operations about my upgrade request. I really didn't hear all that was said.
They rebooked me and called a taxi. I paid
for the air ticket. and was given a customer care Kit (a very nice touch)for the cancellation.
SOS given out. They really are very good.
Kissed the wife goodby and apologized for no dinner. The taxi arrived at ~6:00. The taxi driver stated "I'll get you to Logan in time for your flight"
My reply "If it means missing my flight or an accident I'll miss the flight".
I get in the taxi and I'm immediately assaulted by the smell of what seems to be six very old wet dogs or a cow with gas. I really could decide which.
Glad I didn't eat!!! 5 mins into ride I realize the driver seems to be going To PVD rather than BOS.
I ask.
He says. "Worcester traffic is bad so we will go to Auburn and backtrack it's only 9 miles out of the way" (Actually 18 with the
backtrack, but I decided to shut up).
"Ok." I said
Down I90 at 75 to 80 a weaving and a bobing we go, windows cracked hoping the dogs will leave. (no luck by the way). We arrive Logan at 7:10pm. I tip the driver and mention the wet dog smell - no response - Well a blank stare.
Check in is a snap and I run to the gate, thinking I made it. I did! But the gates closed and people are milling about. The monitor says the flight is on time, but the 6533 @6:30 is delayed till 8:00. I go back to the gate and ask the newly appeared gate agent when the flight will leave - "between 5-45 minutes due to gate hold (weather delay)".
I wander about beathing in benign air, deciding if I should eat. Then I hear the call for 6533 to board. Just in case I go back to the gate. All plus standby are boarded and THEN - "All pax's on 6535 please board this flight"
We get on board the door closes and off we go. It strikes me that my luggage may still
be at Logan. Oh well to late to worry!
The D348 aeroplane carnival ride to JFK was well - we were only struck by lightning once (or what looked/felt like it) and the roller coaster tracks were on mild rock and roll.
Arrival into JFK Terminal 3 was uneventful, except for the inbound gate delay.
Time to get the shuttle to T8(my bag was checked through). Get on the shuttle and the driver says after we leave, "I'm only going to T7 no farther. I'm off at 10:00pm".
"****!!!" I say quitely. Got to T7 and waited 10 mins for the next shuttle.
When I arrived at T8, the check in for LHR flights was closed (???) though there were agents. I didn't have to but I wanted to re-check in since I had a Delta BP and also wanted to inquire about an upgrade.) So I went to the gate - which had no gate agents as yet (20 mins before take off)and milled about with the rest of the cattle.
Finally the agents arrive. I get in line to re-check in and also mention something about a possible upgrade. The gate agent stares at
my interary in the computer and says nothing, just gives me a new boarding pass
as they start boarding the flight. No mention of an upgrade, just silence.
Board the plane with the EXP cattle (which I am one of) and sit in 28B.
A very nice exceeding articulate college student sits next to me and we discuss his vacation in India.
Then another pax comes up and says "You arer sitting in my seat". "Oh ****!! Bumped I am, I think". I say this to myself.
The gate agent arrives grabs my PB and says "I'll take care of this."
5 mins later, from halfway down the plane the agent points at me.
I point back and mouth "Me" -
"Yes You!!"
Ok, I get up. The agent says "Bring your Stuff"
"OK" I say.
"Follow Me" The agent say.
We get to BC and he says sit here, 6B and hands me a new boarding pass.
In my befuddled state it dawns on me the "COVETED OPERATIONAL UPGRADE" yeah!!!. (but ya gotta pay for it).
About 1.5 hours late the plane takes off.
Drinks are served. Bump and my G&T gets spilled on me, but not by me. (payback -almost). Dinner is served and I drop food in my lap - the napkin, of course keeps itself clean.
Sleep, coffee, land.
Immigration goes well.
Then we wait for luggage and wait for luggage and wait for luggage. The PA anouncement, after 20 minutes, states something about the plane door being stuck.
Wait some more. Make phone calls.
The carousel starts. Then I was stuck silly by my bag being third out on the carousel.(Remember ya gotta pay).
I scurry through customs with "Murphy" on my heels.
I get on the Hertz bus. I arrive at the Hertz terminal and wait 20 mins in line to get a car. After all the paper work (no voucher required) I realize I have a 5 speed 2L Alfa sedan. Oh joy! Much Fun!. English back country roads - here I come.
I throw the bags in the boot, jump in the drivers seat and burst goes the bubble - the battery's flat.
I remove my bags, Go back to the Hertz counter and wait another 20 minutes to be waited on. I explain the situation to the agent and he gets on the phone and arranges for another car. He proudly anounces he got me an upgrade - A 1.8L automatic Ford Focus. I tell him thats no upgrade and he agrees but no more standards are available.
Oh well!
Then I get a flat on the A40 outside of Oxford.
I did get to the Customer 4 hours late.
So ends an interesting day.
June 15 - The return.
Arrive late at the airport. Traffic is horrendous due to a major accident.
Can't get an upgrade or a seat change.
32D it is on an AB6 - DON"T SIT THERE UNLESS YOUR A MASOCHIST.
Have a double G&T spilled on me.-Double your pleasure double your fun.
Eat food.
Video monitor for seat is broken.
Can't sleep.
Arrive Logan - no problems.
Go Home - Sleep.
This is my first trip report. It doesn't compare Canfield nor most of the others. Thanks for reading.