JohnnyP
Dec 23, 01, 2:58 pm
My first trip report... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
The flight from DEN in F was routine and bears little repeating. I would say that the captain was a tad bit, uh, intense in his security demands. But one can't really blame him after the 11th, right? Sitting in first, I noticed that he pulled aside each of the flight attendants and gave them a full security briefing about "how he operated." Then, as we pulled from the gate, he came over the PA system and gave us the drill. 1) No economy passengers to use the first class lav (OK, so far so good), b) No access to the lavs 30 minutes out of Washington (OK), c) No standing or stretching in the aisleways and no standing in the front galley chatting with the flight attendants. If those in first class must use the lav, go straight to the lav, go straight back to your seat (hrmk). And with that, we got underway.
During the flight, I noticed one of the 100K flyers dawdling a bit in the galley. "Ding" -- on goes the seatbelt light. Coincidence? Hmmm... it wasn't bumpy. Oh, and every time the captain came out to use the lav himself, a flight attendant would pull one of the food carts out to block the aisle. That must have been part of the security briefing.
Between this kind of entertainment and The Grinch, the time just flew by (haha) and we did our EXTREMELY bumpy descent into IAD. In all my years of flying, I think that was one of the bumpiest landings I have ever experienced. I felt like throwing my hands up in the air like we were on a roller-coaster! Even the shrimp stirfry I had for lunch was asking for some air. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
Once safe down on the ground, I hustled to the international concourse because I knew the Munich flight was overbooked and wanted to see if anything had transpired on my flight from DEN. The agents were just preparing the gate as I walked up. With no one around, I approached the gentleman at the gate. "Good afternoon! How are you? I hear the flight is overbooked and just wanted to make sure that my name appears on the VDB list. I would be more than happy to give you my seat." He typed for a while, mentioned they were offering $600 and that he had protected me on a flight through BRU (one that actually got me to TXL two hours earlier than through MUC). "Would you guys considering throwing in an international upgrade or two?" He checked with his supervisor and she said no problem. With two international upgrades in hand, and a promise that they would try their best to give away my seat, they invited me to take a load off in the International First lounge "just because I was so nice."
Stepping into the lounge, I wasn't sure what to expect, but found very little difference from the RCC. Less people, perhaps, and more food. Couldn't find the Dom Perignon or any caviar. (Isn't that what first-timers always look for?)
Well, I past my time munching on fruit spears and talking on the phone, and before you know it only 40 minutes remained until the flight. Still no word about my seat! The gentleman at the front desk called to the gate, and it appeared they would not be needing my seat in (upgraded) business afterall. Ah, well, at least I was two upgrades richer.
At the gate, I pulled the frequent flyer trick to avoid getting searched and boarded the plane where a quite "unsober" German seat mate awaited me. (Although eager to chat, he quickly conked out after downing four more cups of alcohol.) Also awaiting me was the small amenity kit, headphones, etc.. A kind FA eventually came around, took my jacked, and offered me a pre-departure drink.
After a smooth takeoff, the un-warmed nuts were served with the menu (see below). I was the third to get my meal choice, and didn't have to wait long for it to arrive with some of that delicious foccacia bread. While watching Rat Race I fed my hungry body the short ribs which were dry and tasteless. While the chocolate cheesecake was beckoning to me, I knew the sugar and caffeine would wreak havoc on my attempts to catch a few winks, so I resisted!
With dinner put away and the linens cleared, my seatmate checked out and let me finish up the last few pages of the short Grisham novel I had brought along. A trip to the lavs and a short chat with the FAs followed. (In the galley, I noticed that I was second in the status in the business cabin, only one 1K and the *G next to me -- that would explain why I received my meal choice! They probably moved some other 1Ks to First!) Anyway, the FAs were all quite senior (20+ years) and had done this route several times. They were chatting away about old flying stories and their children by the time I left them and returned to my seat to see if I couldn't take a visit to the "jumping sheep." I don't fall asleep easily in any situation, and as a belly sleeper, the horizantal slant and shape of a reclined chair was hard to get comfortable in. The scream of the baby two rows had diminished to a whine by the time the United-issue earplugs had taken over my airwaves...
I don't remember falling asleep, but I do remember waking up to the familiar sound of clanking silverware. That could only mean one thing! Munich was just an hour away, and I would get breakfast. I flagged down an FA as she sped by with a food tray and was eventually feasting on my own fruit plate with yogurt. Didn't know fruit could taste so good in a pressurized metal tube hurtling through the air at 600 nautical miles per hour! As Mr. Germany next to me hadn't moved a muscle in nearly 5 hours and wouldn't be needing his fruit plate, I asked for seconds; and they were promptly delivered.
The descent into Munich was beautiful at 7:30AM. With dawn creeping over the mountain range, I peered out of the window at the small German towns nestled in the snowy landscape. Their sleepy white lights brought some holiday cheer to my heart, and I popped on some music to admire the view. The dazzling hues of pink and orange began to appear in the sky as the nose of the plane edged down, and the captain took some smooth corners before we alighted onto the runway.
New situation: Great. I can either run and catch a flight at 8:10AM, or wait for my "legal" connection at 11. After checking the time on the monitor, I opted to stretch those lazy legs of mine and jog through the terminal for the now-8:15 flight to see if they had room. Well, I made it to the gate, only to discover that departing from C21 was indeed a flight to Berlin, and indeed I was ontime, but unfortunately it was operated by Deutsche BA. DOH!! Lesson: Read those monitors carefully, folks, or you might miss important information like that and save yourself a sprint or two!
So, I walked all the way back to the Senator's Lounge at Concourse A and chatted with the hostesses there. With a snowstorm in Berlin, my flight to Munich was most certainly not leaving nor getting there on time. "Anywhere I can take a shower?" I asked. Of course, me being the lucky guy I am, the Senator lounge with the shower was back in Concourse C, where I had just come from. No running this time...
I will say this about the Germans, though, they run a tight ship. The lounges were staffed by several waiter-types and were typical-European in their "metal starkness" (the Delta Crown Rooms look SOOO much more inviting with their rosewood paneling and plush chairs. Ah well.) The shower was clean, and I stepped out a new man -- with the final mission to get on one more plane for the day!
Again, with my luck, the Berlin flight was leaving from Concourse A. <sigh> So, again I walked that tedious route where I eventually made it to the Senator lounge and awaited my most certainly delayed flight. The flight was apparently "on decision" (whatever the German term for that is other than "delayed") and 11:15 was soon posted. The Senator Lounge host changed my seat to the first row of economy (11E), and I meandered down to the crowded gate area. When we finally began boarding at 11:10, I got to the machine only to be handed a boarding pass with 26F on it. Seat 26F!! Not only had they relegated me to the back of the plane, but a window seat no less! In a 3-3 configuration! Lord, have mercy! The gate agent dismissed my disappointed face with shake of her head, "Change of plane," she explained and continued with her work. Since the flight was a quick one, I tramped off to my seat where I summarily found my knees in my face and two rather smelly folks on my left side... ah, Europe! Small places and a general unfamiliarity among the populace for American-powered deodarant (the air vent on full blast took care of that problem).
I closed my eyes. All of a sudden, some unidentified man was yelling at me expediously in German (langsam, bitte!), waving his 26F boarding pass in my face. I sighed, yanked out my 26F boarding stub, and waved it back. The FA got involved and confiscated both passes only to return to tell me I was in the wrong seat (hey! my boarding pass DID say 26F). They had an aisle seat for me in row 14. Oo! Great! A seat near the front! Yay. Before I could stand and make an escape from my body-odor-confined hell-hole, the FA frowned and waved me to sit down. The words to protest were just gurgling to my throat when she ushered the other gentleman to MY seat where he (no doubt) happily sat down. Hrmk... Merry Christmas.
Breathing through my mouth, I accepted my fate and cramped back down to watch the take off. Maybe if Lufthansa had actually printed that I was UA*G on my boarding stub that might have helped. A business class seat would have always been welcome!
Drinks were served (Apfelsaft, bitte!), and the flight landed an hour or so later.
In summary, I wasn't overly impressed with any of the service or food during the flights. The attendants were certainly pleasant and did their jobs well... they fully met my expectations. I would, however, counter those who debate the friendliness of the IAD staff. The three or four that I dealt with there went beyond "professional" and were courteous and cheerful. They walked the extra mile above anything I expected and set a great example of the Friendly Skies. In Germany, the Lufthansa staff was cold but efficient, only breaking a smile when I merrily wished them "Joyous Christmas" as I stepped out of the lounge.
All that remains now is the trek back home: TXL-FRA-ORD-DEN in United economy. Cha-ching!! Premier Executive next year again.
(With that, the only thing left to say is thanks to the Flyertalker 1K who so graciously swapped her SWU for my one-segment-only internatinal upgrade! I appreciated it!)
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">
MENU:
TO BEGIN
Herbes de Provence sausage and mozzerella cheese antipasto.
Garden salad with Balsalmic vinaigrette and an assortment of specialty breads fresh from the bakery.
MAIN COURSE
Oven-roasted boneless short ribs
Basil mashed potatoes and haricots verts with tomato
Vermouth baked monkfish with red onion compote
Fresh asparagus tips and saffron potatoes
Wild mushrooms, ginger and garlic wontons
Ocean seaweed salad and miso egg drop broth
DESSERT
Eli's Caramel Brownie Fudge tart
PRIOR TO ARRIVAL
Continental breakfast featuring a fruit appetizer, yogurt, breakfast breads and fruit preserves.
WINES
Typical speech about the lets-empty-our-stockroom "festival."
</font>
Questions? Comments? Threats? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Please reply here.
------------------
"What do you mean you didn't get miles for that?!"
The flight from DEN in F was routine and bears little repeating. I would say that the captain was a tad bit, uh, intense in his security demands. But one can't really blame him after the 11th, right? Sitting in first, I noticed that he pulled aside each of the flight attendants and gave them a full security briefing about "how he operated." Then, as we pulled from the gate, he came over the PA system and gave us the drill. 1) No economy passengers to use the first class lav (OK, so far so good), b) No access to the lavs 30 minutes out of Washington (OK), c) No standing or stretching in the aisleways and no standing in the front galley chatting with the flight attendants. If those in first class must use the lav, go straight to the lav, go straight back to your seat (hrmk). And with that, we got underway.
During the flight, I noticed one of the 100K flyers dawdling a bit in the galley. "Ding" -- on goes the seatbelt light. Coincidence? Hmmm... it wasn't bumpy. Oh, and every time the captain came out to use the lav himself, a flight attendant would pull one of the food carts out to block the aisle. That must have been part of the security briefing.
Between this kind of entertainment and The Grinch, the time just flew by (haha) and we did our EXTREMELY bumpy descent into IAD. In all my years of flying, I think that was one of the bumpiest landings I have ever experienced. I felt like throwing my hands up in the air like we were on a roller-coaster! Even the shrimp stirfry I had for lunch was asking for some air. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
Once safe down on the ground, I hustled to the international concourse because I knew the Munich flight was overbooked and wanted to see if anything had transpired on my flight from DEN. The agents were just preparing the gate as I walked up. With no one around, I approached the gentleman at the gate. "Good afternoon! How are you? I hear the flight is overbooked and just wanted to make sure that my name appears on the VDB list. I would be more than happy to give you my seat." He typed for a while, mentioned they were offering $600 and that he had protected me on a flight through BRU (one that actually got me to TXL two hours earlier than through MUC). "Would you guys considering throwing in an international upgrade or two?" He checked with his supervisor and she said no problem. With two international upgrades in hand, and a promise that they would try their best to give away my seat, they invited me to take a load off in the International First lounge "just because I was so nice."
Stepping into the lounge, I wasn't sure what to expect, but found very little difference from the RCC. Less people, perhaps, and more food. Couldn't find the Dom Perignon or any caviar. (Isn't that what first-timers always look for?)
Well, I past my time munching on fruit spears and talking on the phone, and before you know it only 40 minutes remained until the flight. Still no word about my seat! The gentleman at the front desk called to the gate, and it appeared they would not be needing my seat in (upgraded) business afterall. Ah, well, at least I was two upgrades richer.
At the gate, I pulled the frequent flyer trick to avoid getting searched and boarded the plane where a quite "unsober" German seat mate awaited me. (Although eager to chat, he quickly conked out after downing four more cups of alcohol.) Also awaiting me was the small amenity kit, headphones, etc.. A kind FA eventually came around, took my jacked, and offered me a pre-departure drink.
After a smooth takeoff, the un-warmed nuts were served with the menu (see below). I was the third to get my meal choice, and didn't have to wait long for it to arrive with some of that delicious foccacia bread. While watching Rat Race I fed my hungry body the short ribs which were dry and tasteless. While the chocolate cheesecake was beckoning to me, I knew the sugar and caffeine would wreak havoc on my attempts to catch a few winks, so I resisted!
With dinner put away and the linens cleared, my seatmate checked out and let me finish up the last few pages of the short Grisham novel I had brought along. A trip to the lavs and a short chat with the FAs followed. (In the galley, I noticed that I was second in the status in the business cabin, only one 1K and the *G next to me -- that would explain why I received my meal choice! They probably moved some other 1Ks to First!) Anyway, the FAs were all quite senior (20+ years) and had done this route several times. They were chatting away about old flying stories and their children by the time I left them and returned to my seat to see if I couldn't take a visit to the "jumping sheep." I don't fall asleep easily in any situation, and as a belly sleeper, the horizantal slant and shape of a reclined chair was hard to get comfortable in. The scream of the baby two rows had diminished to a whine by the time the United-issue earplugs had taken over my airwaves...
I don't remember falling asleep, but I do remember waking up to the familiar sound of clanking silverware. That could only mean one thing! Munich was just an hour away, and I would get breakfast. I flagged down an FA as she sped by with a food tray and was eventually feasting on my own fruit plate with yogurt. Didn't know fruit could taste so good in a pressurized metal tube hurtling through the air at 600 nautical miles per hour! As Mr. Germany next to me hadn't moved a muscle in nearly 5 hours and wouldn't be needing his fruit plate, I asked for seconds; and they were promptly delivered.
The descent into Munich was beautiful at 7:30AM. With dawn creeping over the mountain range, I peered out of the window at the small German towns nestled in the snowy landscape. Their sleepy white lights brought some holiday cheer to my heart, and I popped on some music to admire the view. The dazzling hues of pink and orange began to appear in the sky as the nose of the plane edged down, and the captain took some smooth corners before we alighted onto the runway.
New situation: Great. I can either run and catch a flight at 8:10AM, or wait for my "legal" connection at 11. After checking the time on the monitor, I opted to stretch those lazy legs of mine and jog through the terminal for the now-8:15 flight to see if they had room. Well, I made it to the gate, only to discover that departing from C21 was indeed a flight to Berlin, and indeed I was ontime, but unfortunately it was operated by Deutsche BA. DOH!! Lesson: Read those monitors carefully, folks, or you might miss important information like that and save yourself a sprint or two!
So, I walked all the way back to the Senator's Lounge at Concourse A and chatted with the hostesses there. With a snowstorm in Berlin, my flight to Munich was most certainly not leaving nor getting there on time. "Anywhere I can take a shower?" I asked. Of course, me being the lucky guy I am, the Senator lounge with the shower was back in Concourse C, where I had just come from. No running this time...
I will say this about the Germans, though, they run a tight ship. The lounges were staffed by several waiter-types and were typical-European in their "metal starkness" (the Delta Crown Rooms look SOOO much more inviting with their rosewood paneling and plush chairs. Ah well.) The shower was clean, and I stepped out a new man -- with the final mission to get on one more plane for the day!
Again, with my luck, the Berlin flight was leaving from Concourse A. <sigh> So, again I walked that tedious route where I eventually made it to the Senator lounge and awaited my most certainly delayed flight. The flight was apparently "on decision" (whatever the German term for that is other than "delayed") and 11:15 was soon posted. The Senator Lounge host changed my seat to the first row of economy (11E), and I meandered down to the crowded gate area. When we finally began boarding at 11:10, I got to the machine only to be handed a boarding pass with 26F on it. Seat 26F!! Not only had they relegated me to the back of the plane, but a window seat no less! In a 3-3 configuration! Lord, have mercy! The gate agent dismissed my disappointed face with shake of her head, "Change of plane," she explained and continued with her work. Since the flight was a quick one, I tramped off to my seat where I summarily found my knees in my face and two rather smelly folks on my left side... ah, Europe! Small places and a general unfamiliarity among the populace for American-powered deodarant (the air vent on full blast took care of that problem).
I closed my eyes. All of a sudden, some unidentified man was yelling at me expediously in German (langsam, bitte!), waving his 26F boarding pass in my face. I sighed, yanked out my 26F boarding stub, and waved it back. The FA got involved and confiscated both passes only to return to tell me I was in the wrong seat (hey! my boarding pass DID say 26F). They had an aisle seat for me in row 14. Oo! Great! A seat near the front! Yay. Before I could stand and make an escape from my body-odor-confined hell-hole, the FA frowned and waved me to sit down. The words to protest were just gurgling to my throat when she ushered the other gentleman to MY seat where he (no doubt) happily sat down. Hrmk... Merry Christmas.
Breathing through my mouth, I accepted my fate and cramped back down to watch the take off. Maybe if Lufthansa had actually printed that I was UA*G on my boarding stub that might have helped. A business class seat would have always been welcome!
Drinks were served (Apfelsaft, bitte!), and the flight landed an hour or so later.
In summary, I wasn't overly impressed with any of the service or food during the flights. The attendants were certainly pleasant and did their jobs well... they fully met my expectations. I would, however, counter those who debate the friendliness of the IAD staff. The three or four that I dealt with there went beyond "professional" and were courteous and cheerful. They walked the extra mile above anything I expected and set a great example of the Friendly Skies. In Germany, the Lufthansa staff was cold but efficient, only breaking a smile when I merrily wished them "Joyous Christmas" as I stepped out of the lounge.
All that remains now is the trek back home: TXL-FRA-ORD-DEN in United economy. Cha-ching!! Premier Executive next year again.
(With that, the only thing left to say is thanks to the Flyertalker 1K who so graciously swapped her SWU for my one-segment-only internatinal upgrade! I appreciated it!)
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">
MENU:
TO BEGIN
Herbes de Provence sausage and mozzerella cheese antipasto.
Garden salad with Balsalmic vinaigrette and an assortment of specialty breads fresh from the bakery.
MAIN COURSE
Oven-roasted boneless short ribs
Basil mashed potatoes and haricots verts with tomato
Vermouth baked monkfish with red onion compote
Fresh asparagus tips and saffron potatoes
Wild mushrooms, ginger and garlic wontons
Ocean seaweed salad and miso egg drop broth
DESSERT
Eli's Caramel Brownie Fudge tart
PRIOR TO ARRIVAL
Continental breakfast featuring a fruit appetizer, yogurt, breakfast breads and fruit preserves.
WINES
Typical speech about the lets-empty-our-stockroom "festival."
</font>
Questions? Comments? Threats? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Please reply here.
------------------
"What do you mean you didn't get miles for that?!"