A Trip of Firsts (JFK-LAX-SYD-AKL-ZQN-CHC-WLG-AKL-SYD-LAX-BUR-JFK)
Jan 5, 2008, 5:39 pm
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Join Date: Oct 2006
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A Trip of Firsts (JFK-LAX-SYD-AKL-ZQN-CHC-WLG-AKL-SYD-LAX-BUR-JFK)
First a big thanks to Mr. Nice and all the FTers who have the patience of saints and helped me make the most of UA's CNZ gift ^
Other firsts on this trip include my flying on UA. In all my years, somehow I've managed to never step foot on one of their planes. Well that was rectified today.
For my positioning flight to LAX, I had planned to take UA ex-LGA (my preferred airport). However, given the possibility of snow delays, FTers convinced me to go nonstop from JFK and avoid the connections (ORD or DEN) that are part of any ex-LGA -> CA itinerary.
Well, if I'm now going ps, then I owed it to myself to upgrade, so I found a kind CR-1 sponsor who also nominated me to 2P.
Before we get to the flights, I have to say that my first impression of the UA terminal at JFK was very favorable. It appeared light and airy, especially compared to B6's terminal which imo dark and dingy.
Seeking out the elite security lines, I was told there were none open.
Then out of nowhere a red jacketed gentleman appeared and offered to escort me to the British Airways First security line where I was greeted warmly and breezed through. 
United Airlines 23
Business Class, Seat 6D
JFK-LAX
Aircraft: 752 ps
Scheduled/Actual Departure Time: 8:30 am (Jan 5, 2008) / 8:29 pm (Jan 5, 2008)
Scheduled/Actual Arrival Time 11:59 am (Jan 5, 2008) / 12:15 pm (Jan 5, 2008)
My goal is to do carryon as much as possible, so iI bought my 1st piece of wheely luggage and even got one that the mfg said was smaller than the max size limit.
Despite the mfgs claims, it was a struggle trying to get my carry on to fit in the overheads. Luckily I managed to get the bin shut and off went.
MENU
:-: My Selection
Featured Cocktails
Bellini :-:
Kir Royale
Bakery Selection: Croissants and Bagels
Main Course
Spinach & Feta Cheese Omelette With Pomodoro Sauce (Sauteed pork sausage, Black Forest Ham and herb and garlic russets with basil with seasonal fresh fruit) :-:
Apple Filled Pancakes (Sauteed pork sausage, Black Forest Ham with basil with seasonal fresh fruit)
Fresh Seasonal Fruit Platter with Muesli
PRIOR TO ARRIVAL
Mesquite Turkey and Black Forest Ham Deli Plate Cheddar cheese, grapes and vegetable crudite w/ranch dressing)
Cheese Plate with Fresh Fruit (Provolone, Cheddar, Swiss Emmenthal) :-:
Knott's Berry Farm Shortbread Cookies)
WINES (I'll post if requested)
The flight was good, if uneventful. I enjoyed listening to Channel 9 and then watched Hairspray on the DVD player. I was glad to have the choice as I'd never heard of any of the movies listed in the Hemisphere's mag.
Since I had such a long layover, I had thought I would take the suggestion of the CA-based FTers and take a quick trip to Manhattan Beach. However, the weather was grey, the temp slightly chilly and it looked like rain so I decided to try an In N Out run. @:-)
Following the instructions found in the CA board, it couldn't have been easier and I was there in @10 minutes. That place is hopping and I enjoyed my Double Double while watch the planes come into LAX.
Back at LAX, I used the kiosk to check in but gotta admit it took me awhile to figure out how to scan my passport
The check in, security area and even the elevator to the International First Lounge were pretty depressing and even garbage strewn that I was glad my trip started in JFK on such a bright note.
So, that's all for now and I'll sign off from UA's International First Lounge where I'm too tired to really indulge in the free snacks and drinks, However, I was happy to learn the TMobile is free ^
Until next time..if there is a next time.....
Other firsts on this trip include my flying on UA. In all my years, somehow I've managed to never step foot on one of their planes. Well that was rectified today.
For my positioning flight to LAX, I had planned to take UA ex-LGA (my preferred airport). However, given the possibility of snow delays, FTers convinced me to go nonstop from JFK and avoid the connections (ORD or DEN) that are part of any ex-LGA -> CA itinerary.
Well, if I'm now going ps, then I owed it to myself to upgrade, so I found a kind CR-1 sponsor who also nominated me to 2P.
Before we get to the flights, I have to say that my first impression of the UA terminal at JFK was very favorable. It appeared light and airy, especially compared to B6's terminal which imo dark and dingy.
Seeking out the elite security lines, I was told there were none open.
Then out of nowhere a red jacketed gentleman appeared and offered to escort me to the British Airways First security line where I was greeted warmly and breezed through. United Airlines 23
Business Class, Seat 6D
JFK-LAX
Aircraft: 752 ps
Scheduled/Actual Departure Time: 8:30 am (Jan 5, 2008) / 8:29 pm (Jan 5, 2008)
Scheduled/Actual Arrival Time 11:59 am (Jan 5, 2008) / 12:15 pm (Jan 5, 2008)
My goal is to do carryon as much as possible, so iI bought my 1st piece of wheely luggage and even got one that the mfg said was smaller than the max size limit.
Despite the mfgs claims, it was a struggle trying to get my carry on to fit in the overheads. Luckily I managed to get the bin shut and off went.
MENU
:-: My Selection
Featured Cocktails
Bellini :-:
Kir Royale
Bakery Selection: Croissants and Bagels
Main Course
Spinach & Feta Cheese Omelette With Pomodoro Sauce (Sauteed pork sausage, Black Forest Ham and herb and garlic russets with basil with seasonal fresh fruit) :-:
Apple Filled Pancakes (Sauteed pork sausage, Black Forest Ham with basil with seasonal fresh fruit)
Fresh Seasonal Fruit Platter with Muesli
PRIOR TO ARRIVAL
Mesquite Turkey and Black Forest Ham Deli Plate Cheddar cheese, grapes and vegetable crudite w/ranch dressing)
Cheese Plate with Fresh Fruit (Provolone, Cheddar, Swiss Emmenthal) :-:
Knott's Berry Farm Shortbread Cookies)
WINES (I'll post if requested)
The flight was good, if uneventful. I enjoyed listening to Channel 9 and then watched Hairspray on the DVD player. I was glad to have the choice as I'd never heard of any of the movies listed in the Hemisphere's mag.
Since I had such a long layover, I had thought I would take the suggestion of the CA-based FTers and take a quick trip to Manhattan Beach. However, the weather was grey, the temp slightly chilly and it looked like rain so I decided to try an In N Out run. @:-)
Following the instructions found in the CA board, it couldn't have been easier and I was there in @10 minutes. That place is hopping and I enjoyed my Double Double while watch the planes come into LAX.
Back at LAX, I used the kiosk to check in but gotta admit it took me awhile to figure out how to scan my passport
The check in, security area and even the elevator to the International First Lounge were pretty depressing and even garbage strewn that I was glad my trip started in JFK on such a bright note.So, that's all for now and I'll sign off from UA's International First Lounge where I'm too tired to really indulge in the free snacks and drinks, However, I was happy to learn the TMobile is free ^
Until next time..if there is a next time.....
