PokerHammy
Feb 23, 04, 11:57 pm
This is my second MR on AA but first of many things.
First time in AC: Woohoo!
Got to SJC a little early and had time to check out the lounge. Ahh...now I truly feel priveleged. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif I think I saw a few computer terminals for internet access. I didn't linger too long as I didn't have that much time.
Flight: SJC-JFK
Flight was not crowded at all and I had a whole row to myself.
Breakfast: I had ordered low-sodium meal (LSML) just to see what it's about and also maybe be a little healthier. LSML looked skimpy with a granola bar and banana. The FA did not address me so I kept quiet and got a high-sodium and high-fat regular meal instead: salsa omelette with turkey ham. Hot breakfast is always good to me.
I had my travelling pillow and tried to nap - I try to sleep on my way to Europe, and try to stay awake coming back to the U.S.
Arrived at JFK: went to the AC in T9 and while the csr welcomed me she informed me that there's an AC in T8 and I'd probably want to go there instead. Okay. So I went there and received two drink coupons. I thought the coupons were for any beverage but then I found out they were for alcoholic drinks. I am only a social drinker and airports didn't seem too social for me so I had some OJ instead. I left a coupon on the table for anyone who needed more alcohol, and kept one for...fun. I didn't see computers but I didn't see shower facilities either. It was great to use the free phones and the nicer bathrooms.
Flight: JFK-LHR
When I checked-in at SJC I had asked the agent and she told me I'd have empty row to myself on my flights. Don't know what happened during the few hours when I was flying from SJC because four women came and sat next to me. I waited until no one came onboard and walked back, found an empty 4-seat row, and reseated myself.
Dinner: The FA was checking for special meals and managed to figure out I had moved. I got my LSML, which is chicken and rice, crackers, salad with Italian dressing.
I was waiting until I've had my dinner so I can sleep. But before I got the dinner, an old man had reseated himself as well on the other end of the row, and had turned on the lights on two seats and was reading his magazine and newspaper. There goes my plan for lying down.
Breakfast: blueberry granola bar, banana, cereal, fat free milk, orange juice. I looked over to what others were having, and I think it was (hot) crossaint and jam, blueberry yogurt, raisins, and OJ. I'm figuring out LSML would never include any kind of bread, and it's probably low fat, low carb, and low anything else.
The customs agent in LHR asked me what my purpose was in London, and I said "just to visit". He then asked "who are you visiting"....hmmm....I thought it was obvious but I answered "uh...London". I guess that was satisfactory and maybe there was a little grin on his face? Nope, but he said "welcome".
In London
Did some sight-seeing that I didn't do in my last MR: National Gallery, London Eye, Thames river cruise, "Chicago" musical, Tate Modern, Dali Universe, some blackjack in the Hard Rock casino. I'm making the most of a MR, you know. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif
Flight: LHR-LAX
Got to check-in but didn't have enough time to visit the LHR AC, but I'll have plenty of chances to do that in my next few trips.
Was happy to find only one other passenger in the other end of the exit row. Although I suppose it didn't really matter, since I was trying not to sleep going back to the States anyway, but it was nice to have the option to (half) lie down if I wanted to.
Two very young college age girls were sitting in the exit row seats by the window, I wondered how they got these seats since they don't look like the typical frequent fliers (by their demeanor, including finding where the personal tvs were). I could be wrong...
Lunch: Although the sticker on my LSML said "orange salmon", I got chicken with peas and rice, salad with Italian dressing, assorted fruit plate, and crackers. (Others had chicken with string beans and mashed potatoes, bread and brownie/chocolate cake.) I guess I can also forget about getting dessert with my LSML. Hmm...feeling pounds lighter already! I told the FA that it was not a big deal, but that my meal did not reflect what the cover said. She gave me a look of "so what" and said that she'll let *them* (who?) know but doubt it'll be recorded? O....k....
I don't think I ask too much out of FAs. But I must say that the blonde FA on this flight was really unfriendly. She just looked like she's done her job way too many times and had no smile and no "you're welcome" when people say "thank you". After the meal service there was another beverage service, and instead of asking passengers if they'd like anything to drink, she just stated (not asked) "All set" and was breezing through the aisle, which to me meant "just say yes and don't make me do more work". I've had my share of liquid and needed the lavatory so I obliged.
Snack: to my delight my snack was chicken and spanish rice, green grapes, and the Walker shortbread cookie. (I hated the regular snack because I don't like pizza.) The others got cheese pizza, Walker cookie, and, get this, *red* grapes. Hehehe, I didn't know that green grapes had less sodium than red grapes! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif
The unfriendly FA (UFA) came by to serve beverages, and instead of putting the drink on my tray, she handed it to me while my hands were occupied holding food. Why couldn't she set the drinks down on the tray like the other FAs?? Just my own experience, but I've found male FAs to be more friendly, attentive, and professional than their female counterparts. This of course, is of no scientific value.
The UFA started her "All Set" routine again and if speed walking was an Olympic sport she'd win the Gold medal. I try to keep myself hydrated and asked for water. The UFA shot me a "you-actually-want-something?" look and handed the water to me. Thanked her very much, but I wasn't "welcomed".
So I didn't really like the service but it was nothing to complain to AA about -- what are they gonna do, have a "friendliness" class for FAs? Besides, I'd hate to be labeled as a complainer on my "file".
Arrived at LAX: it was a breeze through customs. The agent asked how my trip was and I said "short". He asked "why" and I said "just to visit". To my surprise, he then said "miles?"! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/eek.gif Hahaha....I said "yes, how did you..." and he said "I work here" and signaled me to pass through. That was just sooooo funny!
Okay, I really need my PLT card. Somehow my boarding pass (printed in LHR) didn't have "Platinum" stamped, and the uninformed security guard would not let me use the fast security line because he had no idea what "Sapphire" meant. (And my fault for not looking at the BP closely because I later discovered "PLT" printed in the top right corner. Although, he may have asked me what PLT was...) I had 1 1/2 hours to connect and didn't want to argue so I got in line, with the *commoners*. (Thanks to FT I'm growing to be just a teeny tiny bit snobby.)
Went to the AC, checked my email, and used the phone. Had some water and snacks. Just in case there was something I didn't know about I started leaving for the gate about 40 minutes before the flight.
Wait, the airport is missing a gate, 44! There's 45, 43, where waaaaaas my 44? Oh sh*t, I was supposed to take a shuttle to THAT gate? It was a good thing that I didn't wait until 15 minutes before flight time to walk to my gate, huh. So I'll admit, having lived in L.A. and used LAX most of my life, I've never flown the American Eagle.
Flight: LAX-SJC
So I got to the gate past boarding time as printed but before flight time, but it didn't matter because the flight was delayed just a tad and no one boarded. The plane came in and I was waiting for the PA to call for Group 1. Nope, she just said come on board. It was like Southwest boarding time, nope, worse than a Southwest flight - at least they board in groups, and everyone crowded to check in. I didn't know American Eagles don't board in grouops. But it didn't matter, I only wanted to board first to make sure there was overhead space for my roller bag, but as I found out there was not enough space for that size bag anyway and many of us had to check our bags (red tag).
The plane was tiny. I liked how my single exit row seat had more leg room. I then discoverd the two girls sitting in the exit row were the same ones on my flight from London. The woman in front of me commented to the girls how they were lucky to get the exit row seats because they have more room, and the girls replied they didn't know how they got them. I find this just strange because a week before my flights I checked on AA.com and the LAX-SJC flight showed to be full and all the seats were taken. Maybe they knew someone to reserve these seats? Hmm...just weird, but anyway...
The flight was nice and short, and the male FA was very very nice and even offered seconds if anyone wanted more beverage. I think we flew over Monterey and the coastline view was just gorgeous.
I'm glad to be home and can't believe that I'm leaving again in a few days! I'll have to organize my pictures after a few weeks.
[This message has been edited by PokerHammy (edited Feb 23, 2004).]
First time in AC: Woohoo!
Got to SJC a little early and had time to check out the lounge. Ahh...now I truly feel priveleged. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif I think I saw a few computer terminals for internet access. I didn't linger too long as I didn't have that much time.
Flight: SJC-JFK
Flight was not crowded at all and I had a whole row to myself.
Breakfast: I had ordered low-sodium meal (LSML) just to see what it's about and also maybe be a little healthier. LSML looked skimpy with a granola bar and banana. The FA did not address me so I kept quiet and got a high-sodium and high-fat regular meal instead: salsa omelette with turkey ham. Hot breakfast is always good to me.
I had my travelling pillow and tried to nap - I try to sleep on my way to Europe, and try to stay awake coming back to the U.S.
Arrived at JFK: went to the AC in T9 and while the csr welcomed me she informed me that there's an AC in T8 and I'd probably want to go there instead. Okay. So I went there and received two drink coupons. I thought the coupons were for any beverage but then I found out they were for alcoholic drinks. I am only a social drinker and airports didn't seem too social for me so I had some OJ instead. I left a coupon on the table for anyone who needed more alcohol, and kept one for...fun. I didn't see computers but I didn't see shower facilities either. It was great to use the free phones and the nicer bathrooms.
Flight: JFK-LHR
When I checked-in at SJC I had asked the agent and she told me I'd have empty row to myself on my flights. Don't know what happened during the few hours when I was flying from SJC because four women came and sat next to me. I waited until no one came onboard and walked back, found an empty 4-seat row, and reseated myself.
Dinner: The FA was checking for special meals and managed to figure out I had moved. I got my LSML, which is chicken and rice, crackers, salad with Italian dressing.
I was waiting until I've had my dinner so I can sleep. But before I got the dinner, an old man had reseated himself as well on the other end of the row, and had turned on the lights on two seats and was reading his magazine and newspaper. There goes my plan for lying down.
Breakfast: blueberry granola bar, banana, cereal, fat free milk, orange juice. I looked over to what others were having, and I think it was (hot) crossaint and jam, blueberry yogurt, raisins, and OJ. I'm figuring out LSML would never include any kind of bread, and it's probably low fat, low carb, and low anything else.
The customs agent in LHR asked me what my purpose was in London, and I said "just to visit". He then asked "who are you visiting"....hmmm....I thought it was obvious but I answered "uh...London". I guess that was satisfactory and maybe there was a little grin on his face? Nope, but he said "welcome".
In London
Did some sight-seeing that I didn't do in my last MR: National Gallery, London Eye, Thames river cruise, "Chicago" musical, Tate Modern, Dali Universe, some blackjack in the Hard Rock casino. I'm making the most of a MR, you know. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif
Flight: LHR-LAX
Got to check-in but didn't have enough time to visit the LHR AC, but I'll have plenty of chances to do that in my next few trips.
Was happy to find only one other passenger in the other end of the exit row. Although I suppose it didn't really matter, since I was trying not to sleep going back to the States anyway, but it was nice to have the option to (half) lie down if I wanted to.
Two very young college age girls were sitting in the exit row seats by the window, I wondered how they got these seats since they don't look like the typical frequent fliers (by their demeanor, including finding where the personal tvs were). I could be wrong...
Lunch: Although the sticker on my LSML said "orange salmon", I got chicken with peas and rice, salad with Italian dressing, assorted fruit plate, and crackers. (Others had chicken with string beans and mashed potatoes, bread and brownie/chocolate cake.) I guess I can also forget about getting dessert with my LSML. Hmm...feeling pounds lighter already! I told the FA that it was not a big deal, but that my meal did not reflect what the cover said. She gave me a look of "so what" and said that she'll let *them* (who?) know but doubt it'll be recorded? O....k....
I don't think I ask too much out of FAs. But I must say that the blonde FA on this flight was really unfriendly. She just looked like she's done her job way too many times and had no smile and no "you're welcome" when people say "thank you". After the meal service there was another beverage service, and instead of asking passengers if they'd like anything to drink, she just stated (not asked) "All set" and was breezing through the aisle, which to me meant "just say yes and don't make me do more work". I've had my share of liquid and needed the lavatory so I obliged.
Snack: to my delight my snack was chicken and spanish rice, green grapes, and the Walker shortbread cookie. (I hated the regular snack because I don't like pizza.) The others got cheese pizza, Walker cookie, and, get this, *red* grapes. Hehehe, I didn't know that green grapes had less sodium than red grapes! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif
The unfriendly FA (UFA) came by to serve beverages, and instead of putting the drink on my tray, she handed it to me while my hands were occupied holding food. Why couldn't she set the drinks down on the tray like the other FAs?? Just my own experience, but I've found male FAs to be more friendly, attentive, and professional than their female counterparts. This of course, is of no scientific value.
The UFA started her "All Set" routine again and if speed walking was an Olympic sport she'd win the Gold medal. I try to keep myself hydrated and asked for water. The UFA shot me a "you-actually-want-something?" look and handed the water to me. Thanked her very much, but I wasn't "welcomed".
So I didn't really like the service but it was nothing to complain to AA about -- what are they gonna do, have a "friendliness" class for FAs? Besides, I'd hate to be labeled as a complainer on my "file".
Arrived at LAX: it was a breeze through customs. The agent asked how my trip was and I said "short". He asked "why" and I said "just to visit". To my surprise, he then said "miles?"! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/eek.gif Hahaha....I said "yes, how did you..." and he said "I work here" and signaled me to pass through. That was just sooooo funny!
Okay, I really need my PLT card. Somehow my boarding pass (printed in LHR) didn't have "Platinum" stamped, and the uninformed security guard would not let me use the fast security line because he had no idea what "Sapphire" meant. (And my fault for not looking at the BP closely because I later discovered "PLT" printed in the top right corner. Although, he may have asked me what PLT was...) I had 1 1/2 hours to connect and didn't want to argue so I got in line, with the *commoners*. (Thanks to FT I'm growing to be just a teeny tiny bit snobby.)
Went to the AC, checked my email, and used the phone. Had some water and snacks. Just in case there was something I didn't know about I started leaving for the gate about 40 minutes before the flight.
Wait, the airport is missing a gate, 44! There's 45, 43, where waaaaaas my 44? Oh sh*t, I was supposed to take a shuttle to THAT gate? It was a good thing that I didn't wait until 15 minutes before flight time to walk to my gate, huh. So I'll admit, having lived in L.A. and used LAX most of my life, I've never flown the American Eagle.
Flight: LAX-SJC
So I got to the gate past boarding time as printed but before flight time, but it didn't matter because the flight was delayed just a tad and no one boarded. The plane came in and I was waiting for the PA to call for Group 1. Nope, she just said come on board. It was like Southwest boarding time, nope, worse than a Southwest flight - at least they board in groups, and everyone crowded to check in. I didn't know American Eagles don't board in grouops. But it didn't matter, I only wanted to board first to make sure there was overhead space for my roller bag, but as I found out there was not enough space for that size bag anyway and many of us had to check our bags (red tag).
The plane was tiny. I liked how my single exit row seat had more leg room. I then discoverd the two girls sitting in the exit row were the same ones on my flight from London. The woman in front of me commented to the girls how they were lucky to get the exit row seats because they have more room, and the girls replied they didn't know how they got them. I find this just strange because a week before my flights I checked on AA.com and the LAX-SJC flight showed to be full and all the seats were taken. Maybe they knew someone to reserve these seats? Hmm...just weird, but anyway...
The flight was nice and short, and the male FA was very very nice and even offered seconds if anyone wanted more beverage. I think we flew over Monterey and the coastline view was just gorgeous.
I'm glad to be home and can't believe that I'm leaving again in a few days! I'll have to organize my pictures after a few weeks.
[This message has been edited by PokerHammy (edited Feb 23, 2004).]