Regional C *A RTW & (hopefully) finishing flying every route (100+) for an airline
Nov 1, 2008, 4:28 pm
#136
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FRANKFURT to LONDON HEATHROW (FRA-LHR) on Lufthansa 737-300 in business class
It took about 20 minutes for the agent to muck around and issue me with 2 boarding passes. He didn't reticket my RTW, so this may cause a problem in getting the right mileage for Addis Ababa to Frankfurt (recall this contradicts both my ticket and boarding pass). I'm sure it won't post properly first time.
I once again headed for the nearby lounge. I noticed a sign (and subsequently periodic announcements) that the lounge toilets and showers were still not working from yesterday, and were expected to be out all day.
At the appropriate time I headed out for gate B61. This is a newish gate down in the dungeons and signage to get here is lacking, but from a process of elimination of where it could not be I found the place. There was still a queue at security and just one forthcoming flight from the 3 gates beyond security, so I knew I wasn't late/holding the flight. By the time I got through (belt off, baggy out) boarding had commenced.
There was a wait at the gate podium, where passports where being checked (must be a UK requirement as my other ex-FRA flights did not have this check). Despite there being 2 lines, one on each side of the podium, a couple had decided to go in separate lines. They had issues with needing to show a return ticket ("have you got it? I thought you had it?" etc) and also visa requirements. I was surprised one of the agents didn't think to move one of the couple to the other line, so that at least one line could keep moving. As a result I missed the first bus, but there were plenty of us in the second bus.
The fog had not lifted so we had a slow bus ride, and then a slow taxi. Shortly after take-off we burst through the fog into sunny skies. The fog was thick near the airport but non-existant a dozen or so miles away. Closer to the coast we encountered thick cloud and had no view until just seconds before we crossed the runway threshold.
Breakfast was silverside and salmon, 3 different soft cheeses, croissant, rolls, apple, tea, coffee, juice, water.
As there was more than 1 spot of rain (indeed a light drizzle) in London we had the usual circle around southern England for about as long as it took to fly here. It is a stupid system when even normal weather such as they'd get 7 days out of 10 causes snowballing delays.
Our taxi was short, and the schedule heavily padded, so we arrived only 30 minutes late.
It took about 20 minutes for the agent to muck around and issue me with 2 boarding passes. He didn't reticket my RTW, so this may cause a problem in getting the right mileage for Addis Ababa to Frankfurt (recall this contradicts both my ticket and boarding pass). I'm sure it won't post properly first time.
I once again headed for the nearby lounge. I noticed a sign (and subsequently periodic announcements) that the lounge toilets and showers were still not working from yesterday, and were expected to be out all day.
At the appropriate time I headed out for gate B61. This is a newish gate down in the dungeons and signage to get here is lacking, but from a process of elimination of where it could not be I found the place. There was still a queue at security and just one forthcoming flight from the 3 gates beyond security, so I knew I wasn't late/holding the flight. By the time I got through (belt off, baggy out) boarding had commenced.
There was a wait at the gate podium, where passports where being checked (must be a UK requirement as my other ex-FRA flights did not have this check). Despite there being 2 lines, one on each side of the podium, a couple had decided to go in separate lines. They had issues with needing to show a return ticket ("have you got it? I thought you had it?" etc) and also visa requirements. I was surprised one of the agents didn't think to move one of the couple to the other line, so that at least one line could keep moving. As a result I missed the first bus, but there were plenty of us in the second bus.
The fog had not lifted so we had a slow bus ride, and then a slow taxi. Shortly after take-off we burst through the fog into sunny skies. The fog was thick near the airport but non-existant a dozen or so miles away. Closer to the coast we encountered thick cloud and had no view until just seconds before we crossed the runway threshold.
Breakfast was silverside and salmon, 3 different soft cheeses, croissant, rolls, apple, tea, coffee, juice, water.
As there was more than 1 spot of rain (indeed a light drizzle) in London we had the usual circle around southern England for about as long as it took to fly here. It is a stupid system when even normal weather such as they'd get 7 days out of 10 causes snowballing delays.
Our taxi was short, and the schedule heavily padded, so we arrived only 30 minutes late.
Nov 1, 2008, 4:36 pm
#137
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Join Date: Nov 2003
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Transit in London Heathrow
I had a long brisk walk to Flight Connections Centre. By walking fast ahead of both our flight and another gaggle of passengers emerging from a corridor from T1, I managed to get into line for security with minimal queue. For the first time in a couple of years passing through LHR, I was not asked to remove my shoes (keeping 100% record so far for this trip). However, belt off and baggy out.
Then a short walk to the new(ish) *A lounge located where the BA lounge used to be. Some bits have changed from BA days, while others such as the showers have not. I had a long transit but unfortunately there are no computers. So after a refreshing shower, I wandered around the various zones, picked one to camp out in, grabbed some booze, and settled in for a long wait.
About 3 hours prior to departure I wandered across to the transit desk to try to get the boarding pass reprinted since my FF status inexplicably wasn't showing (and I wanted to be sure it was registered correctly). The transit desk assured me the status was entered as well as my APIS information, but they were unable to print my boarding pass - giving up after 10 minutes trying. When I re-entered the lounge another staff member said leave it with them and they'll try again later. Sure enough, later they came by to where I was sitting to give me a new boarding pass, with my status showing correctly.
This was my first visit to the lounge. I thought it was okay, certainly better than the BD lounge (but that isn't too hard to achieve). However not as good as I expected or hoped given the number of *A pax flying through here, including many who may have long connections and be unable to enter UK (not the case for me but anyone who flies through Heathrow recognises the small army of people camped out for half a day on long connections who are unable to leave the airport). The food and drink offerings are okay but not really good enough for a major hub (but much, much, much better than the BD lounge). The lack of computers is annoying. The magazine selection is odd. The TVs scattered around were all tuned to the same program. I noticed some people using laptops had problems with power sockets being too few and inconveniently located for the tables.
I had a long brisk walk to Flight Connections Centre. By walking fast ahead of both our flight and another gaggle of passengers emerging from a corridor from T1, I managed to get into line for security with minimal queue. For the first time in a couple of years passing through LHR, I was not asked to remove my shoes (keeping 100% record so far for this trip). However, belt off and baggy out.
Then a short walk to the new(ish) *A lounge located where the BA lounge used to be. Some bits have changed from BA days, while others such as the showers have not. I had a long transit but unfortunately there are no computers. So after a refreshing shower, I wandered around the various zones, picked one to camp out in, grabbed some booze, and settled in for a long wait.
About 3 hours prior to departure I wandered across to the transit desk to try to get the boarding pass reprinted since my FF status inexplicably wasn't showing (and I wanted to be sure it was registered correctly). The transit desk assured me the status was entered as well as my APIS information, but they were unable to print my boarding pass - giving up after 10 minutes trying. When I re-entered the lounge another staff member said leave it with them and they'll try again later. Sure enough, later they came by to where I was sitting to give me a new boarding pass, with my status showing correctly.
This was my first visit to the lounge. I thought it was okay, certainly better than the BD lounge (but that isn't too hard to achieve). However not as good as I expected or hoped given the number of *A pax flying through here, including many who may have long connections and be unable to enter UK (not the case for me but anyone who flies through Heathrow recognises the small army of people camped out for half a day on long connections who are unable to leave the airport). The food and drink offerings are okay but not really good enough for a major hub (but much, much, much better than the BD lounge). The lack of computers is annoying. The magazine selection is odd. The TVs scattered around were all tuned to the same program. I noticed some people using laptops had problems with power sockets being too few and inconveniently located for the tables.
Nov 1, 2008, 5:43 pm
#138
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,984
Obviously with the UK being in the EU, but not fully-intergrated schengen some people might not have the requisite paperwork.
Nov 1, 2008, 5:46 pm
#139
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Join Date: Nov 2003
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Right, but people to say Algeria might also not have the requisite paperwork. AFAIK it is just flights to TLV, USA and UK that have the passport checked at the gate at FRA.
Nov 2, 2008, 6:57 am
#140
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Birmingham, England
Programs: LH SEN, Hilton Diamond, AF/KL & BA basic memberships, Tufty Club Exec Plutonium
Posts: 1,668
Nov 4, 2008, 10:51 am
#141
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LONDON HEATHROW to LOS ANGELES (LHR-LAX) on Air New Zealand 777-200ER in business class
As alluded to previously, the Air NZ crew were in force in the lounge and indicated when to leave for the gate. Nonetheless I left earlier than their suggested time, because between booking and travel the aircraft had changed from a 747-400 to 777-200ER. This meant the business class cabin was chockers, and no possibility to switch the seat I had been reassigned to when the aircraft switch was made. I knew from experience that overhead bin space at this seat is very limited, so I should board early if I want my carry-on conveniently located. I also knew that our gate was a reasonable walk away, indeed I've flown to Los Angeles from the very same gate several times before ... on British Airways.
I timed my walk perfectly, arriving at the gate just as pre-boarding for passengers with infants or who need assistance or in business class or Airpoints Gold Elite or Gold or star alliance gold (what a mouthful) commenced.
My carry-on was quickly stowed, I assisted the old lady seated nearby with lifting her carry-on, and I settled in to my seat for the next day with my well practised routine. First grab a magazine from the rack at the rear of the cabin. Put all my bits and bobs into the various cubbies for convenient access. Then swap the little pillow with the large pillow stored behind the seat back. Shoes off and socks on. Then switch on the IFE and select a movie. Plug in the headphones, adjust my seat to the preferred angle of recline, take the proferred glass of champagne. Relax. Ahh it feels like home and it is good.
For the first time in over a week I no longer have to worry about connecting flights, visa issues, etc. All I need to do is relax, and coordinate my sleep so as to be refreshed arriving at the final destination.
By the time boarding was completed I'd already had a couple of glasses and was a third of the way through the movie. I really love the gate to gate IFE. It is great on the short trans-tasman flights as you can now be fairly sure of seeing the end of a movie. But, what I hadn't appreciated at first when it was introduced earlier in the year is that it is also great on longhaul. The reason is by starting pre-departure the movie finishes when I'm in the middle or near the end of the first meal service, so I can go to sleep straight after if I choose without delaying for just 30 minutes more to see the end of the movie. Brilliant.
We had a long wait after doors were closed before we pushed back. The drizzle earlier in the day had apparently caused a backlog that was still not cleared hours later. We ended up taking off almost an hour after scheduled departure.
The crew were as usual great. The food good. IFE good. I managed a little sleep, as planned. I was disappointed in the wine offerings - while okay (and favoured by some) they were not personal favourites. So unusually for me (on Air New Zealand), I ended up sticking with the champagne.
We landed on time at Los Angeles, but had a delay on the taxiway due to an aircraft in the way (not at our gate but an adjacent one). This is always frustrating as it is such a rush to get through immigration and to get a shower during the transit.
The second door was used for disembarking, and priority disembarkation was not enforced despite the announcement on the PA
Fortunately most passengers were headed left for the holding pen while I tore off to the right racing past as many people as I could en route to immigration.
As alluded to previously, the Air NZ crew were in force in the lounge and indicated when to leave for the gate. Nonetheless I left earlier than their suggested time, because between booking and travel the aircraft had changed from a 747-400 to 777-200ER. This meant the business class cabin was chockers, and no possibility to switch the seat I had been reassigned to when the aircraft switch was made. I knew from experience that overhead bin space at this seat is very limited, so I should board early if I want my carry-on conveniently located. I also knew that our gate was a reasonable walk away, indeed I've flown to Los Angeles from the very same gate several times before ... on British Airways.
I timed my walk perfectly, arriving at the gate just as pre-boarding for passengers with infants or who need assistance or in business class or Airpoints Gold Elite or Gold or star alliance gold (what a mouthful) commenced.
My carry-on was quickly stowed, I assisted the old lady seated nearby with lifting her carry-on, and I settled in to my seat for the next day with my well practised routine. First grab a magazine from the rack at the rear of the cabin. Put all my bits and bobs into the various cubbies for convenient access. Then swap the little pillow with the large pillow stored behind the seat back. Shoes off and socks on. Then switch on the IFE and select a movie. Plug in the headphones, adjust my seat to the preferred angle of recline, take the proferred glass of champagne. Relax. Ahh it feels like home and it is good.
For the first time in over a week I no longer have to worry about connecting flights, visa issues, etc. All I need to do is relax, and coordinate my sleep so as to be refreshed arriving at the final destination.
By the time boarding was completed I'd already had a couple of glasses and was a third of the way through the movie. I really love the gate to gate IFE. It is great on the short trans-tasman flights as you can now be fairly sure of seeing the end of a movie. But, what I hadn't appreciated at first when it was introduced earlier in the year is that it is also great on longhaul. The reason is by starting pre-departure the movie finishes when I'm in the middle or near the end of the first meal service, so I can go to sleep straight after if I choose without delaying for just 30 minutes more to see the end of the movie. Brilliant.
We had a long wait after doors were closed before we pushed back. The drizzle earlier in the day had apparently caused a backlog that was still not cleared hours later. We ended up taking off almost an hour after scheduled departure.
The crew were as usual great. The food good. IFE good. I managed a little sleep, as planned. I was disappointed in the wine offerings - while okay (and favoured by some) they were not personal favourites. So unusually for me (on Air New Zealand), I ended up sticking with the champagne.
We landed on time at Los Angeles, but had a delay on the taxiway due to an aircraft in the way (not at our gate but an adjacent one). This is always frustrating as it is such a rush to get through immigration and to get a shower during the transit.
The second door was used for disembarking, and priority disembarkation was not enforced despite the announcement on the PA
Fortunately most passengers were headed left for the holding pen while I tore off to the right racing past as many people as I could en route to immigration.
Nov 4, 2008, 11:04 am
#142
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Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,422
Air New Zealand
Business Premier menu
London to Los Angeles
October 2008
Air New Zealand is proud to welcome you to the Business Premier experience. Your flight today will commence with a pre dinner drink service. A full dinner will be served before you settle back to relax in your lie-flat bed for an afternoon nap.
A light refreshment will be offered prior to landing in Los Angeles.
Dinner
Starter
Baked parmesan ricotta with beetroot,
lambs lettuce, roasted Szechuan almonds, pomegranate molasses and avocado oil dressing
Bakery
Black olive sourdough, potato rosemary bread and garlic bread
Main Course
Searedn New Zealand lamb loin
on truffle mash with Savoy cabbage, green beans, thyme roasted carrots and pinot noir reduction
Poached king prawns
on creamed sun dried tomato and basil linguine with courgette, offered with freshly shaved parmesan
Confit of duck leg with rata honey
and cherry compote, wilted spinach and den miso risotto
Light choice of carrot and potato gnocchi
in tomato, fennel, roast garlic and basil sauce with a salad of watercress and pine nuts
Dessert
Gourmet ice cream dessert
of caramelita and white chocolate ice cream
Rhubarb mascarpone with manuka honey custard
and rhubarb orange blossom compote
Cheese and Fruit
A selection of Cashel Blue cheese, Mull of Kintyre cheddar and Somerset brie with fresh seasonal fruit
Hot Drinks
Freshly brewed or decaffeinated coffee, tea, herbal tea or hot chocolate
Self-service Snacks
Help yourself from our range of snacks available for you to enjoy during your flight
Light Refreshment
Starter
Tropical fresh fruit salad with kiwifruit, orange and pineapple
Sandwiches
Poached salmon, mayonnaise and cucumber sandwich
Chicken, parmesan, rocket and tomato sandwich
Red Leicester cheese and spring onion mayonnaise sandwich
Ham and egg mayonnaise sandwich
Scones
Freshly baked scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream
Hot Drinks
Freshly brewed or decaffeinated coffee, tea, herbal tea or hot chocolate
Wine
The premium wine selection onboard this flight has been chosen by our wine consultants : John Belsham of Foxes Island Wines, Kate Radburnd of CJ Pask Winery and Jim Harré, nationally recognised wine judge. For details of our onboard wines, refer to your Air New Zealand Wine Guide.
Champagne
Champagne Laurent-Perrier L-P NV Brut, France
This champagne commences with pristine floral and mineral notes to the aroma. The taste is fresh with expressive flavours from which the fruit progressively emerges. The finish is very long and refreshing. A masterfully crafted wine.
or
Veuve Clicquot Vintage Reserve 1998, Champagne, France
The nose is intense and complex, opening with hints of yellow fruits combined with fresher notes of mint, lemon and grapefruit. Oxidising the wine brings aromas of dried fruits as well as exotic fruit to the fore. In the mouth, the wine is generous and accompanied by a sensation of fullness and volume. Vintage Reserve 1998 is naturally inviting, with its smooth texture and long finish creating a gourmet indulgence.
New Zealand Sparkling Wine
Offering a wide range of flavours, from rich, full-flavoured and vibrant styles to those which are finer and more delicate. A superb aperitif choice which also suits a wide range of light or moderately flavoured dishes.
Cocktails
Manuka Mule
A New Zealand twist on the classic Moscow Mule, with warm spicy flavours of 42 Below Manuka Honey vodka, and the refreshing bite of lime and tangy ginger beer.
Tropical Honey
Rich and slightly decadent, with the unique taste of New Zealand's spicy Manuka Honey vodka and the elegant warmth of Grand Marnier, lengthened and softened with the tropical flavours of pineapple and lime.
Spirits
Glenfiddich Malt Whisky
Chivas Regal Blended Whisky
Jack Daniel’s Black Label
Gordons Gin
42 Below Vodka
Courvoisier VSOP
Captain Morgan Rum
Ron Bacardi Superior
Port and Liqueurs
Portuguese Port
Grand Marnier
Baileys Irish Cream
Beer
A selection of beer featuring Steinlager, Export Gold, Heineken and low alcohol lager
Soft Drinks
Mineral water, orange juice, apple juice, tomato juice, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, cola, lemonade, L&P (sparkling lemon drink), tonic water, ginger ale, diet cola and diet lemonade
Hot Drinks
Freshly brewed coffee
Decaffeinated coffee
English Breakfast tea
Chamomile tea
Lemon tea
Decaffeinated tea
Earl Grey tea
Peppermint tea
Green tea
Hot chocolate
Business Premier menu
London to Los Angeles
October 2008
Air New Zealand is proud to welcome you to the Business Premier experience. Your flight today will commence with a pre dinner drink service. A full dinner will be served before you settle back to relax in your lie-flat bed for an afternoon nap.
A light refreshment will be offered prior to landing in Los Angeles.
Dinner
Starter
Baked parmesan ricotta with beetroot,
lambs lettuce, roasted Szechuan almonds, pomegranate molasses and avocado oil dressing
Bakery
Black olive sourdough, potato rosemary bread and garlic bread
Main Course
Searedn New Zealand lamb loin
on truffle mash with Savoy cabbage, green beans, thyme roasted carrots and pinot noir reduction
Poached king prawns
on creamed sun dried tomato and basil linguine with courgette, offered with freshly shaved parmesan
Confit of duck leg with rata honey
and cherry compote, wilted spinach and den miso risotto
Light choice of carrot and potato gnocchi
in tomato, fennel, roast garlic and basil sauce with a salad of watercress and pine nuts
Dessert
Gourmet ice cream dessert
of caramelita and white chocolate ice cream
Rhubarb mascarpone with manuka honey custard
and rhubarb orange blossom compote
Cheese and Fruit
A selection of Cashel Blue cheese, Mull of Kintyre cheddar and Somerset brie with fresh seasonal fruit
Hot Drinks
Freshly brewed or decaffeinated coffee, tea, herbal tea or hot chocolate
Self-service Snacks
Help yourself from our range of snacks available for you to enjoy during your flight
Light Refreshment
Starter
Tropical fresh fruit salad with kiwifruit, orange and pineapple
Sandwiches
Poached salmon, mayonnaise and cucumber sandwich
Chicken, parmesan, rocket and tomato sandwich
Red Leicester cheese and spring onion mayonnaise sandwich
Ham and egg mayonnaise sandwich
Scones
Freshly baked scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream
Hot Drinks
Freshly brewed or decaffeinated coffee, tea, herbal tea or hot chocolate
Wine
The premium wine selection onboard this flight has been chosen by our wine consultants : John Belsham of Foxes Island Wines, Kate Radburnd of CJ Pask Winery and Jim Harré, nationally recognised wine judge. For details of our onboard wines, refer to your Air New Zealand Wine Guide.
Champagne
Champagne Laurent-Perrier L-P NV Brut, France
This champagne commences with pristine floral and mineral notes to the aroma. The taste is fresh with expressive flavours from which the fruit progressively emerges. The finish is very long and refreshing. A masterfully crafted wine.
or
Veuve Clicquot Vintage Reserve 1998, Champagne, France
The nose is intense and complex, opening with hints of yellow fruits combined with fresher notes of mint, lemon and grapefruit. Oxidising the wine brings aromas of dried fruits as well as exotic fruit to the fore. In the mouth, the wine is generous and accompanied by a sensation of fullness and volume. Vintage Reserve 1998 is naturally inviting, with its smooth texture and long finish creating a gourmet indulgence.
New Zealand Sparkling Wine
Offering a wide range of flavours, from rich, full-flavoured and vibrant styles to those which are finer and more delicate. A superb aperitif choice which also suits a wide range of light or moderately flavoured dishes.
Cocktails
Manuka Mule
A New Zealand twist on the classic Moscow Mule, with warm spicy flavours of 42 Below Manuka Honey vodka, and the refreshing bite of lime and tangy ginger beer.
Tropical Honey
Rich and slightly decadent, with the unique taste of New Zealand's spicy Manuka Honey vodka and the elegant warmth of Grand Marnier, lengthened and softened with the tropical flavours of pineapple and lime.
Spirits
Glenfiddich Malt Whisky
Chivas Regal Blended Whisky
Jack Daniel’s Black Label
Gordons Gin
42 Below Vodka
Courvoisier VSOP
Captain Morgan Rum
Ron Bacardi Superior
Port and Liqueurs
Portuguese Port
Grand Marnier
Baileys Irish Cream
Beer
A selection of beer featuring Steinlager, Export Gold, Heineken and low alcohol lager
Soft Drinks
Mineral water, orange juice, apple juice, tomato juice, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, cola, lemonade, L&P (sparkling lemon drink), tonic water, ginger ale, diet cola and diet lemonade
Hot Drinks
Freshly brewed coffee
Decaffeinated coffee
English Breakfast tea
Chamomile tea
Lemon tea
Decaffeinated tea
Earl Grey tea
Peppermint tea
Green tea
Hot chocolate
NZ1_ATL_308
Nov 5, 2008, 11:54 pm
#143
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,422
LOS ANGELES to AUCKLAND (LAX-AKL) on Air New Zealand 777-200ER in business class
For a nice change there was not much of a queue at immigration and I played line lotto correctly (this almost never happens) by picking the faster moving option. The officer started asking questions about where I'd been. My heart sank as I recalled the last time I'd been questioned by US immigration about countries visited previously on the same trip. I don't have long before the last flight of the night departs, thus a misconnect due to questioning will cost me a whole day. However, he then saw that I was in transit and asked how long. "About an hour." At that, he stopped all questions, quickly stamped my passport and customs form and I was on my way.
With clearing immigration fairly quickly there was no queue at customs and I walked straight on out the door with nary a pause in my step, left right dodge the friends and family awaiting arriving passengers, right, up escalator, dodge the small group standing at the top trying to work out what door to enter, re-enter terminal, right for security. Yes, I can do this half asleep ... and at speed. Time is of the essence to get a shower.
A minor delay at the boarding pass check before security while the agent on the elite line checks a group of non-elite queue jumpers. Grrrr. Then the usual pretence of checking out my passport for forgery ... as if she knows what she is looking for in a non-US passport
Up another level, and the security queues are shortish. This time I drew the short straw and the 1 person in front of me took an age taking off shoes, belt, wallet, phone, keys, loose coins. You name it, he had it and only realised the need to remove when prompted by the screener, and then had to retrieve his boarding pass from the depths of his bag, which of course had to then be rescreened. If he hadn't been blocking the x-ray machine for my carry-on, I would have gladly waltzed around him and through the WTMD. I considered swapping lines, and probably should have. Even with a queue it would have been quicker.
Upstairs again to the lounge, with my green visa waiver stub in hand to pass off to the lounge agent. "You've done this before" she said, and I agreed. Then a dash to the showers where I just managed to beat someone to the last vacant shower room. Woohoo, success. I have a fast but refreshing shower, and make sure I am ready as I can be for a post-flight meeting (fresh clothes at top of my bag along with all the bits and bobs I will need). I was in a rush because not only was the transit shortened by our late arrival, but I was in the same seat for the onward flight and again wanted to ensure space for my carry-on near to my seat.
Just as I left the shower an announcement was made that boarding would be in about 10 minutes. So I put my carry-on down to grab a quick drink, before heading out in advance of the hordes. I could have waited for the announcement and escort (some of the LAX staff go the extra step of escorting passengers to the gate), but while that would have cleared a path to the boarding pass reader it would not ensure overhead bin space, except by chance if I managed to get near the front of the group. So by cunningly using the passage behind podium at the adjacent gate I positioned myself to board within the first few people. As it happened, boarding did commence when I reached the gate and I was soon back in the seat for the day.
For a nice change there was not much of a queue at immigration and I played line lotto correctly (this almost never happens) by picking the faster moving option. The officer started asking questions about where I'd been. My heart sank as I recalled the last time I'd been questioned by US immigration about countries visited previously on the same trip. I don't have long before the last flight of the night departs, thus a misconnect due to questioning will cost me a whole day. However, he then saw that I was in transit and asked how long. "About an hour." At that, he stopped all questions, quickly stamped my passport and customs form and I was on my way.
With clearing immigration fairly quickly there was no queue at customs and I walked straight on out the door with nary a pause in my step, left right dodge the friends and family awaiting arriving passengers, right, up escalator, dodge the small group standing at the top trying to work out what door to enter, re-enter terminal, right for security. Yes, I can do this half asleep ... and at speed. Time is of the essence to get a shower.
A minor delay at the boarding pass check before security while the agent on the elite line checks a group of non-elite queue jumpers. Grrrr. Then the usual pretence of checking out my passport for forgery ... as if she knows what she is looking for in a non-US passport
Up another level, and the security queues are shortish. This time I drew the short straw and the 1 person in front of me took an age taking off shoes, belt, wallet, phone, keys, loose coins. You name it, he had it and only realised the need to remove when prompted by the screener, and then had to retrieve his boarding pass from the depths of his bag, which of course had to then be rescreened. If he hadn't been blocking the x-ray machine for my carry-on, I would have gladly waltzed around him and through the WTMD. I considered swapping lines, and probably should have. Even with a queue it would have been quicker.Upstairs again to the lounge, with my green visa waiver stub in hand to pass off to the lounge agent. "You've done this before" she said, and I agreed. Then a dash to the showers where I just managed to beat someone to the last vacant shower room. Woohoo, success. I have a fast but refreshing shower, and make sure I am ready as I can be for a post-flight meeting (fresh clothes at top of my bag along with all the bits and bobs I will need). I was in a rush because not only was the transit shortened by our late arrival, but I was in the same seat for the onward flight and again wanted to ensure space for my carry-on near to my seat.
Just as I left the shower an announcement was made that boarding would be in about 10 minutes. So I put my carry-on down to grab a quick drink, before heading out in advance of the hordes. I could have waited for the announcement and escort (some of the LAX staff go the extra step of escorting passengers to the gate), but while that would have cleared a path to the boarding pass reader it would not ensure overhead bin space, except by chance if I managed to get near the front of the group. So by cunningly using the passage behind podium at the adjacent gate I positioned myself to board within the first few people. As it happened, boarding did commence when I reached the gate and I was soon back in the seat for the day.
Nov 6, 2008, 12:09 am
#144
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,422
This leg was also full in all classes, and had been zeroed out for some weeks (at least). More than half the business class cabin were through passengers from London. A few pre-departure drinks and watched another movie while boarding was underway as part of my sleep management plan.
I was rather tired and not too aware of departure time. I did however notice we seemed to be taxiing for a long time. Sure enough a glance out the window revealed we had taxiied about as far as it was possible to do in LAX, from T2 all the way around the U and past T8 before turning and taking off out to sea.
The concierge came by, chatted, and handed out her business card. I drank, ate, finished the movie, and then slept soundly for several hours.
I awoke just before breakfast. With the change from 747 to 777, and the effect of retiming for daylight saving occurring while the aircraft was on its way to London, this flight was due to land in Auckland early morning, instead of really early morning. Thus while I was annoyed at having much less time to prepare for my meeting (and the potential of being stuck in rush hour traffic - the last similar arrival I was stuck on Mangere Bridge for an hour), there was a benefit in a more reasonable hour to awake for breakfast.
As usual I had a quick breakfast and used the bathroom before most passengers were half way through their meal. Then a quick power nap to top up my sleep.
We didn't get much of a view of the city for cloud cover was thick from the Hauraki Gulf onwards. We cleared the bottom of the cloud a couple of minutes before landing, which was on time.
We disembarked by door 2L, and disappointingly despite the announcement for business class to go first there were hordes let through from premium economy and economy on the lower deck. The now normal long walk to immigration on arrival allowed me to power walk past most of those who beat me off the aircraft. I was expecting a queue at immigration for there are a number of early morning arrivals, and ours towards the end of the cycle. However there was no wait.
At customs I was directed to the x-ray machine but was stopped en route by a roving officer. I had about 20 minutes of questions standing in the middle of the corridor while many others streamed by on both sides. Fortunately I said the right words to avoid a secondary and I was allowed on my way with a minor inconvenience instead of a more significant one.
I was rather tired and not too aware of departure time. I did however notice we seemed to be taxiing for a long time. Sure enough a glance out the window revealed we had taxiied about as far as it was possible to do in LAX, from T2 all the way around the U and past T8 before turning and taking off out to sea.
The concierge came by, chatted, and handed out her business card. I drank, ate, finished the movie, and then slept soundly for several hours.
I awoke just before breakfast. With the change from 747 to 777, and the effect of retiming for daylight saving occurring while the aircraft was on its way to London, this flight was due to land in Auckland early morning, instead of really early morning. Thus while I was annoyed at having much less time to prepare for my meeting (and the potential of being stuck in rush hour traffic - the last similar arrival I was stuck on Mangere Bridge for an hour), there was a benefit in a more reasonable hour to awake for breakfast.
As usual I had a quick breakfast and used the bathroom before most passengers were half way through their meal. Then a quick power nap to top up my sleep.
We didn't get much of a view of the city for cloud cover was thick from the Hauraki Gulf onwards. We cleared the bottom of the cloud a couple of minutes before landing, which was on time.
We disembarked by door 2L, and disappointingly despite the announcement for business class to go first there were hordes let through from premium economy and economy on the lower deck. The now normal long walk to immigration on arrival allowed me to power walk past most of those who beat me off the aircraft. I was expecting a queue at immigration for there are a number of early morning arrivals, and ours towards the end of the cycle. However there was no wait.
At customs I was directed to the x-ray machine but was stopped en route by a roving officer. I had about 20 minutes of questions standing in the middle of the corridor while many others streamed by on both sides. Fortunately I said the right words to avoid a secondary and I was allowed on my way with a minor inconvenience instead of a more significant one.
Nov 6, 2008, 12:17 am
#145
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,422
Air New Zealand
Business Premier menu
Los Angeles to Auckland
October 2008
Air New Zealand is proud to welcome you to our Business Premier experience and invite you to tailor your dining experience to meet your requirements.
A full supper will be offered on departure from Los Angeles, with a Fast Dine soup option should you wish to go to sleep earlier. If you prefer a little extra sleep, let your flight attendant know that you do not wish to be woken for the full breakfast. A Fast Dine breakfast option will ensure you have a quick bite to eat prior to landing.
Fast Dine
Tortilla Soup with avocado,
chicken, cheese, crisp tortilla chips and green onions
Hot sourdough bread
Chocolates
Dinner
Starter
Oak leaf lettuce, crumbled feta cheese,
beets, sweet Maui onions and black olive oil
Bakery
Garlic bread, black olive bread and wholegrain bread
Main Course
Red wine braised beef short rib
with potato gratin, cabbage and bacon, and creamed Swiss chard
Grilled New Zealand salmon
with pea tendrils, parsnip puree, red onion confit and roasted carrots
Wood roasted organic chicken breast
with garlic mashed potato, cavolo nero (Tuscan greens) and mushroom bolonaise, Madeira and chicken jus
Dessert
Gourmet ice cream dessert
of strawberry cheesecake and pineapple coconut ice cream
Cheese and Fruit
Fine New Zealand cheese and fresh seasonal fruit
Hot Drinks
Freshly brewed or decaffeinated coffee, tea, herbal tea or hot chocolate
Self-service Snacks
Help yourself from our range of snacks available for you to enjoy during your flight
Breakfast
Wake-up Drinks
Start your day with a fruit smoothie, your choice of juice, freshly brewed or decaffeinated coffee, tea, herbal tea or hot chocolate.
Light Breakfast
A bowl of cereal topped with yoghurt and fresh fruit is available as a lighter option.
Fast Dine Breakfast
Please let your flight attendant know if you would like to sleep-in and we will wake you as late as possible and offer you an orange and almond breakfast pastry and a beverage of your choice.
Full Breakfast
Fruit and cereals will be offered followed by a hot bakery selection and your choice of a hot breakfast or cold plate.
Fresh fruit salad
Fruit or plain yoghurt
Flaked muesli, low fat granola, Weetbix, Cornflakes
Bakery
Croissants, wholemeal and fruit toast with fruit conserve
Hot Breakfast
Chive scrambled eggs
with sun dried tomato chicken sausage, grilled bacon, mushrooms and roasted tomato
White chocolate buttermilk pancakes with blueberry compote and lavender honey creme fraiche
Cold Plate
A selection of Italian, baked and smoked ham
with New Zealand cheese, Dijon mustard and crusty breakfast rolls
Wine
The premium wine selection onboard this flight has been chosen by our wine consultants : John Belsham of Foxes Island Wines, Kate Radburnd of CJ Pask Winery and Jim Harré, nationally recognised wine judge. For details of our onboard wines, refer to your Air New Zealand Wine Guide.
Champagne
Champagne Laurent-Perrier L-P NV Brut, France
This champagne commences with pristine floral and mineral notes to the aroma. The taste is fresh with expressive flavours from which the fruit progressively emerges. The finish is very long and refreshing. A masterfully crafted wine.
or
Veuve Clicquot Vintage Reserve 1998, Champagne, France
The nose is intense and complex, opening with hints of yellow fruits combined with fresher notes of mint, lemon and grapefruit. Oxidising the wine brings aromas of dried fruits as well as exotic fruit to the fore. In the mouth, the wine is generous and accompanied by a sensation of fullness and volume. Vintage Reserve 1998 is naturally inviting, with its smooth texture and long finish creating a gourmet indulgence.
New Zealand Sparkling Wine
Offering a wide range of flavours, from rich, full-flavoured and vibrant styles to those which are finer and more delicate. A superb aperitif choice which also suits a wide range of light or moderately flavoured dishes.
Cocktails
Manuka Mule
A New Zealand twist on the classic Moscow Mule, with warm spicy flavours of 42 Below Manuka Honey vodka, and the refreshing bite of lime and tangy ginger beer.
Tropical Honey
Rich and slightly decadent, with the unique taste of New Zealand's spicy Manuka Honey vodka and the elegant warmth of Grand Marnier, lengthened and softened with the tropical flavours of pineapple and lime.
Spirits
Glenfiddich Malt Whisky
Chivas Regal Blended Whisky
Jack Daniel’s Black Label
Gordons Gin
42 Below Vodka
Courvoisier VSOP
Captain Morgan Rum
Ron Bacardi Superior
Port and Liqueurs
Portuguese Port
Grand Marnier
Baileys Irish Cream
Beer
A selection of beer featuring Steinlager, Export Gold, Heineken and low alcohol lager
Soft Drinks
Mineral water, orange juice, apple juice, tomato juice, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, cola, lemonade, L&P (sparkling lemon drink), tonic water, ginger ale, diet cola and diet lemonade
Hot Drinks
Freshly brewed coffee
Decaffeinated coffee
English Breakfast tea
Chamomile tea
Lemon tea
Decaffeinated tea
Earl Grey tea
Peppermint tea
Green tea
Hot chocolate
Business Premier menu
Los Angeles to Auckland
October 2008
Air New Zealand is proud to welcome you to our Business Premier experience and invite you to tailor your dining experience to meet your requirements.
A full supper will be offered on departure from Los Angeles, with a Fast Dine soup option should you wish to go to sleep earlier. If you prefer a little extra sleep, let your flight attendant know that you do not wish to be woken for the full breakfast. A Fast Dine breakfast option will ensure you have a quick bite to eat prior to landing.
Fast Dine
Tortilla Soup with avocado,
chicken, cheese, crisp tortilla chips and green onions
Hot sourdough bread
Chocolates
Dinner
Starter
Oak leaf lettuce, crumbled feta cheese,
beets, sweet Maui onions and black olive oil
Bakery
Garlic bread, black olive bread and wholegrain bread
Main Course
Red wine braised beef short rib
with potato gratin, cabbage and bacon, and creamed Swiss chard
Grilled New Zealand salmon
with pea tendrils, parsnip puree, red onion confit and roasted carrots
Wood roasted organic chicken breast
with garlic mashed potato, cavolo nero (Tuscan greens) and mushroom bolonaise, Madeira and chicken jus
Dessert
Gourmet ice cream dessert
of strawberry cheesecake and pineapple coconut ice cream
Cheese and Fruit
Fine New Zealand cheese and fresh seasonal fruit
Hot Drinks
Freshly brewed or decaffeinated coffee, tea, herbal tea or hot chocolate
Self-service Snacks
Help yourself from our range of snacks available for you to enjoy during your flight
Breakfast
Wake-up Drinks
Start your day with a fruit smoothie, your choice of juice, freshly brewed or decaffeinated coffee, tea, herbal tea or hot chocolate.
Light Breakfast
A bowl of cereal topped with yoghurt and fresh fruit is available as a lighter option.
Fast Dine Breakfast
Please let your flight attendant know if you would like to sleep-in and we will wake you as late as possible and offer you an orange and almond breakfast pastry and a beverage of your choice.
Full Breakfast
Fruit and cereals will be offered followed by a hot bakery selection and your choice of a hot breakfast or cold plate.
Fresh fruit salad
Fruit or plain yoghurt
Flaked muesli, low fat granola, Weetbix, Cornflakes
Bakery
Croissants, wholemeal and fruit toast with fruit conserve
Hot Breakfast
Chive scrambled eggs
with sun dried tomato chicken sausage, grilled bacon, mushrooms and roasted tomato
White chocolate buttermilk pancakes with blueberry compote and lavender honey creme fraiche
Cold Plate
A selection of Italian, baked and smoked ham
with New Zealand cheese, Dijon mustard and crusty breakfast rolls
Wine
The premium wine selection onboard this flight has been chosen by our wine consultants : John Belsham of Foxes Island Wines, Kate Radburnd of CJ Pask Winery and Jim Harré, nationally recognised wine judge. For details of our onboard wines, refer to your Air New Zealand Wine Guide.
Champagne
Champagne Laurent-Perrier L-P NV Brut, France
This champagne commences with pristine floral and mineral notes to the aroma. The taste is fresh with expressive flavours from which the fruit progressively emerges. The finish is very long and refreshing. A masterfully crafted wine.
or
Veuve Clicquot Vintage Reserve 1998, Champagne, France
The nose is intense and complex, opening with hints of yellow fruits combined with fresher notes of mint, lemon and grapefruit. Oxidising the wine brings aromas of dried fruits as well as exotic fruit to the fore. In the mouth, the wine is generous and accompanied by a sensation of fullness and volume. Vintage Reserve 1998 is naturally inviting, with its smooth texture and long finish creating a gourmet indulgence.
New Zealand Sparkling Wine
Offering a wide range of flavours, from rich, full-flavoured and vibrant styles to those which are finer and more delicate. A superb aperitif choice which also suits a wide range of light or moderately flavoured dishes.
Cocktails
Manuka Mule
A New Zealand twist on the classic Moscow Mule, with warm spicy flavours of 42 Below Manuka Honey vodka, and the refreshing bite of lime and tangy ginger beer.
Tropical Honey
Rich and slightly decadent, with the unique taste of New Zealand's spicy Manuka Honey vodka and the elegant warmth of Grand Marnier, lengthened and softened with the tropical flavours of pineapple and lime.
Spirits
Glenfiddich Malt Whisky
Chivas Regal Blended Whisky
Jack Daniel’s Black Label
Gordons Gin
42 Below Vodka
Courvoisier VSOP
Captain Morgan Rum
Ron Bacardi Superior
Port and Liqueurs
Portuguese Port
Grand Marnier
Baileys Irish Cream
Beer
A selection of beer featuring Steinlager, Export Gold, Heineken and low alcohol lager
Soft Drinks
Mineral water, orange juice, apple juice, tomato juice, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, cola, lemonade, L&P (sparkling lemon drink), tonic water, ginger ale, diet cola and diet lemonade
Hot Drinks
Freshly brewed coffee
Decaffeinated coffee
English Breakfast tea
Chamomile tea
Lemon tea
Decaffeinated tea
Earl Grey tea
Peppermint tea
Green tea
Hot chocolate
NZ1_SUPPER_308
Nov 6, 2008, 11:08 am
#148
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,422
Thanks for the thanks. There's still a little bit more to come on this one. Will I finish flying every route for an airline? Currently I have over 100 flown and 1 to go. Almost there.
Nov 6, 2008, 1:06 pm
#149
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: YTZ
Programs: Hertz & Avis PC; National EE; SPG & Hilton Gold; AC 35K (yawn)
Posts: 5,921
Nov 6, 2008, 1:19 pm
#150
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,934
At customs I was directed to the x-ray machine but was stopped en route by a roving officer. I had about 20 minutes of questions standing in the middle of the corridor while many others streamed by on both sides. Fortunately I said the right words to avoid a secondary and I was allowed on my way with a minor inconvenience instead of a more significant one.
20 minutes? I've had a secondary at AKL that didn't take that long. Perhaps angling for the secondary inspection would have been a faster option?