SOUTH AFRICA via JFK-YUL-AMS-CPT-JNB-AMS-JFK
Mar 12, 2013, 4:14 am
#16
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: CLE/CAK
Programs: DL Gold (2.5MM program miles), Airtran A+ Elite, Hilton Diamond, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 593
Some additional photos
With nycflyer's permission, I'm attaching a link to my Panoramio account, with some of my better photos from my own trip to the Cape Town area, completed just last week. With the exception of a couple of pictures taken around Johannesburg, all of these shots were taken within a two hour's drive from Cape Town. (Once in Panoramio, click on "ALL PHOTOS" to view these pictures. I'm still in the process of geo-tagging and titling the photo set.)
It is a beautiful country!
Cape Town Photos
It is a beautiful country!
Cape Town Photos
Last edited by OldRoyal; Mar 12, 2013 at 4:18 am Reason: Added instructions for getting to the proper photos in Panoramio
Mar 13, 2013, 7:51 am
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: New York city, NY
Programs: DL DM 1MM, DL reserve, Hilton Diamond, SPG Platinum, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 407
TRIP REPORT SOUTH AFRICA
WINTER 2012 (summer southern Hemisphere)
Part 1: JFK-YUL-AMS
Part 2: AMS-CPT
Part 3: Pepper Club Hotel & Spa
Part 4: Pepper club Hotel & Spa part II
Part 5: Cape Town
Part 6: CPT-JNB BA/Comair
part 7: JNB AirFrance Lounge/KLM JNB-AMS
part 8: AMS crown Lounge/KLM AMS-JFK
Coming off a great experience on BA/ComAir, it was an easy transfer between the domestic side of JNB terminal to the international side with lots of stores and regular food outlets. I would be departing out of terminal A which was a 5-10min walk depending on how fast you walked.
JO'BURG ARRIVALS INTERNATIONAL
Since I did not have a boarding pass for AMS-JFK I decided to go to the Checkin counter and reissue my boarding pass on KLM stock and to get my through boarding Pass. KLM/AirFrance keep it simple and print both boarding ID's on the single stock card. Boarding Card in hand the agent suggest the AirFrance lounge. Thanked her and off I went turning around to say good bye to South Africa with a wave and smile only to see the faces of weary travels waiting for me to move out of the way lol.
Terminal A checkin counters have their own security and immigration. You pass past the check in counter and head to security. The only other time I have done this, is when I check at certain airports in Canada for USA flights e.g.: YVR, YOW.
Security was a quick simple event. The Rugby team that was on my flight from Cape Town were in fact departing South Africa as well. As I neared the immigration counters, they are an open air both with views right behind them to the terminal, quite relaxed feel to them. I stepped forward to my IO and he greeted me with a smile. We exchanged pleasantries and I was quickly through.
As I turned around to take a look, I noticed the screen of the IO computer. I have always wondered what they did when they put the passport on the scanner. It was the first time I have seen the image on the screen, pretty much a simple scan of the passport and information about what I think was entry details, I stood from a far so good not make out what it said.
IMMIGRATION
I had a 70 rand left and I decided to head into the duty free store, which has an extensive selection of goods, perhaps I would get some chocolate but alas they were well beyond 70rand. Before I splurge on one bar, I realized my batteries had died in my Bose headset, and surely needed them replaced. 69rand, perfect. Looking around I decided to head to the AirFrance/KLM which was on the far pier terminal A.
DUTY FREE ENTRANCE
DUTY FREE
FREE LIQUOR TASTING
AIR FRANCE ENTRANCE
Walking into the lounge, the dragon greeted my with a smile as I handed her my boarding pass, again no need to show my Diamond Medallion card, I was automatically let in. As you walk in, to your left there is a kitchen/dining area and around the back to the other side of the entrance, seating area. To the far Right of the entrance, La Premiere area cautioned off by a red velvet rope.
LA PREMIERE
Once I did a quick scan of the lounge I asked about the shower rooms, and the lounge dragon informed me to simply pick a room. As I entered one of the shower rooms, to my right was a towel with toiletries wrapped up in a sealed plastic wrap. The bench bright red, with the typical AirFrance design, but as you looked straight ahead a not so inviting shower stall. In Fact it was a little grimy to say the least. Adequate water pressure, though the nozzle constantly moved around like it was in the exorcist, little freaky at times.
SHOWER ROOM
BATHROOM PRODUCTS
Refreshed and smelling like a perfumery counter at Macy's I head back into the lounge to take claim of my fort next to the guarded entrance of La Premiere.
LOUNGE
THe food selection was...Ok, nothing special. There was a selection of pies with assortment of filings e.g: chicken, anchovies as well as assortment of quiches. Since they were cold, I popped them into the microwave and nuked them for a few seconds. They were delicious, though not mouthwatering enough to warrant another one. I was far too interested in having a glass or bottle of champagne! Did you expect me not to? Ha.
Further on the counter two choices of muffins, chocolate and vanilla and both dry, of courser I sampled them both, haha. On a back counter assortment of chips, savory snacks and pita rolls that were shamefully dry. One bite and I politely opened my mouth in a napkin to remove. Just vile!
AIR FRANCE - FOOD AREA
FOOD SELECTION
MICROWAVE
A great selection of drinks for the taking, and I most certainly stocked up on water for the flight, like so many did in the lounge. They barely keep you hydrated on the planes.
DRINKS
And...finally what I was waiting for my buddy, my friend, my companion, a glass of champagne... only to look closer and the horror, sparkling wine, and you call yourself AirFrance. With dismay and shock I quickly poured a full glass of champagne, I mean sparking wine. OK, I poured it twice, ok I felt like I practically camped out drinking the sparkling wine, haha. I just wish they had champagne flutes rather than regular glasses.
SPARKLING WINE/WINE
Since I was a few hours early into the lounge it was quiet, but soon the lounge became quiet lively but not too full. One thing I must mention, is how terribly slow the internet is in the lounge. It felt like ancient dial up speeds.
Since my flight was at 11:59pm and it was now nearing 11:40pm, boarding was flashing on the monitors, it was time to packed my things and head to the gate, full and perky from the cham...sparkling wine.
As I neared the gate, it was quite apparent boarding had not commenced. You must pass a security check point to board the flight. They took my passport looked at it, looked at the boarding pass and wished my a pleasant journey. Though the guy behind me was grilled for practically a DNA sample.
There was a separate line for business and Elites and on the other side boarding for rows 30 and up. As I joined the Elite line, several passengers one, from the US and the other from India pushed their way through to the front. DYKWIA first hand. Finally an American turned to them and said we are ALL elites and I am in Business class, you are not going in front of me! Burn. ha
Boarding card scanned the two air bridges delivering a quick boarding process. To the left Business class and to the right Economy split by a glass barrier. As I walked down the business class lane right before entering a guard was standing directing those elites seated in the back and those in business class, of course my head down I merged back into the right side.
KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES
KL 592
Aircraft: 777-200
Actual seat: 12F
Depart: Johannesburg Airport (JNB)
Arrive: Amsterdam (AMS)
Sched.Departure: 11:59pm Actual Departure : 12:05am
Sched.Arrival: 10:15am Actual arrival: 9:45am
Once on board I was greeted and quickly prepped myself for the 10hr and 30min flight back up the middle of Africa to AMS. Sure enough right before I sat down, I notice the elites who barged their way in the elite line, were sitting behind in Economy, not economy comfort!
With boarding complete within 5-10mins, I was starting to smile, as the seat between me and another EC passenger left empty. In fact, there were 4 middle seats empty.
But now I was dreading the, up sell, but who would really want a middle EC seat? No mention of up sell was made, so with a sigh of relief I would definitely get some rest this overnight flight back to AMS.
Number one for take off, we rolled down the runway for what seemed forever, even longer than I have experienced flying from DTW-HKG. Seat belt signs off moments after take off, I headed to the bathroom to change into sleepwear. As I waited for the bathroom, I noticed the flight attend bringing a passenger forward. The back was quite empty. After changing, I walk towards my seat and with utter annoyance, the flight attend was throwing my Bose headphones, and my neighbors newspapers off the middle seat. She had brought the guy from the back to sit right between us. I was so annoyed but, what can you do that's how the dice rolled. I said, calmly to her with a big smile, please let me move my own things and make room for him. She was very abrupt and said hurry up, this is now his seat not yours. I smirked at her with "go F%@ yourself eyes" call me a DYKWIA but I was not a happy camper. The guy though was apologetic Afrikaans speaker and I told him no worries.
Of course now the question was why was he moved and not moved to another open seat in the back, why was he moved next to me, perhaps because It was an unlucky choice to that I happened to be in the bathroom and there was room. Note to self; do not go to the bathroom and go right to sleep on take off and pray, ha. No matter, I had to make the best of it, and hide my jealousy of the three other seats free. After that exchange I simply decided to put my ear plugs, in my eyeshades on and call it a night. Besides I had already stuffed myself in the lounge, I really didn't need to eat again. With Armrest war brewing (we were 3 tall built guys sitting in the middle section) I gave in and leaned to my right and gave him full use of the armrest. Afrikaaner won the armrest battle.
Moments later I passed out and woke to breakfast being served. I had literally slept 8 or so hours, feeling better than when I went to sleep, the flight attend saw that I had woken up and came back to serve me breakfast, and asked if I slept well enough and perhaps a coffee. (trying to sleep in coach is rough, haha) She was lovely and brought me out of my sedation to smile at the world again. With under an hour to go, I went to front cabin bathroom, only to find it out of order. Heading back there was a carnival long line for the rest room.
Ready to tackle the day ahead, We landed on the outer runway, but 35mins ahead of schedule.
Taxiing to the gate, the passenger began to get up before reaching the gate. Don't they know to listen to the chime to let us know when to get up.
Boarding door opened, the flight attendants let the business class passengers off and soon I was let off, being at the front definitely has its perks. I was looking forward to a nice hot shower and perhaps a mimosa.
WINTER 2012 (summer southern Hemisphere)
Part 1: JFK-YUL-AMS
Part 2: AMS-CPT
Part 3: Pepper Club Hotel & Spa
Part 4: Pepper club Hotel & Spa part II
Part 5: Cape Town
Part 6: CPT-JNB BA/Comair
part 7: JNB AirFrance Lounge/KLM JNB-AMS
part 8: AMS crown Lounge/KLM AMS-JFK
Coming off a great experience on BA/ComAir, it was an easy transfer between the domestic side of JNB terminal to the international side with lots of stores and regular food outlets. I would be departing out of terminal A which was a 5-10min walk depending on how fast you walked.
JO'BURG ARRIVALS INTERNATIONAL
Since I did not have a boarding pass for AMS-JFK I decided to go to the Checkin counter and reissue my boarding pass on KLM stock and to get my through boarding Pass. KLM/AirFrance keep it simple and print both boarding ID's on the single stock card. Boarding Card in hand the agent suggest the AirFrance lounge. Thanked her and off I went turning around to say good bye to South Africa with a wave and smile only to see the faces of weary travels waiting for me to move out of the way lol.
Terminal A checkin counters have their own security and immigration. You pass past the check in counter and head to security. The only other time I have done this, is when I check at certain airports in Canada for USA flights e.g.: YVR, YOW.
Security was a quick simple event. The Rugby team that was on my flight from Cape Town were in fact departing South Africa as well. As I neared the immigration counters, they are an open air both with views right behind them to the terminal, quite relaxed feel to them. I stepped forward to my IO and he greeted me with a smile. We exchanged pleasantries and I was quickly through.
As I turned around to take a look, I noticed the screen of the IO computer. I have always wondered what they did when they put the passport on the scanner. It was the first time I have seen the image on the screen, pretty much a simple scan of the passport and information about what I think was entry details, I stood from a far so good not make out what it said.
IMMIGRATION
I had a 70 rand left and I decided to head into the duty free store, which has an extensive selection of goods, perhaps I would get some chocolate but alas they were well beyond 70rand. Before I splurge on one bar, I realized my batteries had died in my Bose headset, and surely needed them replaced. 69rand, perfect. Looking around I decided to head to the AirFrance/KLM which was on the far pier terminal A.
DUTY FREE ENTRANCE
DUTY FREE
FREE LIQUOR TASTING
AIR FRANCE ENTRANCE
Walking into the lounge, the dragon greeted my with a smile as I handed her my boarding pass, again no need to show my Diamond Medallion card, I was automatically let in. As you walk in, to your left there is a kitchen/dining area and around the back to the other side of the entrance, seating area. To the far Right of the entrance, La Premiere area cautioned off by a red velvet rope.
LA PREMIERE
Once I did a quick scan of the lounge I asked about the shower rooms, and the lounge dragon informed me to simply pick a room. As I entered one of the shower rooms, to my right was a towel with toiletries wrapped up in a sealed plastic wrap. The bench bright red, with the typical AirFrance design, but as you looked straight ahead a not so inviting shower stall. In Fact it was a little grimy to say the least. Adequate water pressure, though the nozzle constantly moved around like it was in the exorcist, little freaky at times.
SHOWER ROOM
BATHROOM PRODUCTS
Refreshed and smelling like a perfumery counter at Macy's I head back into the lounge to take claim of my fort next to the guarded entrance of La Premiere.
LOUNGE
THe food selection was...Ok, nothing special. There was a selection of pies with assortment of filings e.g: chicken, anchovies as well as assortment of quiches. Since they were cold, I popped them into the microwave and nuked them for a few seconds. They were delicious, though not mouthwatering enough to warrant another one. I was far too interested in having a glass or bottle of champagne! Did you expect me not to? Ha.
Further on the counter two choices of muffins, chocolate and vanilla and both dry, of courser I sampled them both, haha. On a back counter assortment of chips, savory snacks and pita rolls that were shamefully dry. One bite and I politely opened my mouth in a napkin to remove. Just vile!
AIR FRANCE - FOOD AREA
FOOD SELECTION
MICROWAVE
A great selection of drinks for the taking, and I most certainly stocked up on water for the flight, like so many did in the lounge. They barely keep you hydrated on the planes.
DRINKS
And...finally what I was waiting for my buddy, my friend, my companion, a glass of champagne... only to look closer and the horror, sparkling wine, and you call yourself AirFrance. With dismay and shock I quickly poured a full glass of champagne, I mean sparking wine. OK, I poured it twice, ok I felt like I practically camped out drinking the sparkling wine, haha. I just wish they had champagne flutes rather than regular glasses.
SPARKLING WINE/WINE
Since I was a few hours early into the lounge it was quiet, but soon the lounge became quiet lively but not too full. One thing I must mention, is how terribly slow the internet is in the lounge. It felt like ancient dial up speeds.
Since my flight was at 11:59pm and it was now nearing 11:40pm, boarding was flashing on the monitors, it was time to packed my things and head to the gate, full and perky from the cham...sparkling wine.
As I neared the gate, it was quite apparent boarding had not commenced. You must pass a security check point to board the flight. They took my passport looked at it, looked at the boarding pass and wished my a pleasant journey. Though the guy behind me was grilled for practically a DNA sample.
There was a separate line for business and Elites and on the other side boarding for rows 30 and up. As I joined the Elite line, several passengers one, from the US and the other from India pushed their way through to the front. DYKWIA first hand. Finally an American turned to them and said we are ALL elites and I am in Business class, you are not going in front of me! Burn. ha
Boarding card scanned the two air bridges delivering a quick boarding process. To the left Business class and to the right Economy split by a glass barrier. As I walked down the business class lane right before entering a guard was standing directing those elites seated in the back and those in business class, of course my head down I merged back into the right side.
KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES
KL 592
Aircraft: 777-200
Actual seat: 12F
Depart: Johannesburg Airport (JNB)
Arrive: Amsterdam (AMS)
Sched.Departure: 11:59pm Actual Departure : 12:05am
Sched.Arrival: 10:15am Actual arrival: 9:45am
Once on board I was greeted and quickly prepped myself for the 10hr and 30min flight back up the middle of Africa to AMS. Sure enough right before I sat down, I notice the elites who barged their way in the elite line, were sitting behind in Economy, not economy comfort!
With boarding complete within 5-10mins, I was starting to smile, as the seat between me and another EC passenger left empty. In fact, there were 4 middle seats empty.
But now I was dreading the, up sell, but who would really want a middle EC seat? No mention of up sell was made, so with a sigh of relief I would definitely get some rest this overnight flight back to AMS.
Number one for take off, we rolled down the runway for what seemed forever, even longer than I have experienced flying from DTW-HKG. Seat belt signs off moments after take off, I headed to the bathroom to change into sleepwear. As I waited for the bathroom, I noticed the flight attend bringing a passenger forward. The back was quite empty. After changing, I walk towards my seat and with utter annoyance, the flight attend was throwing my Bose headphones, and my neighbors newspapers off the middle seat. She had brought the guy from the back to sit right between us. I was so annoyed but, what can you do that's how the dice rolled. I said, calmly to her with a big smile, please let me move my own things and make room for him. She was very abrupt and said hurry up, this is now his seat not yours. I smirked at her with "go F%@ yourself eyes" call me a DYKWIA but I was not a happy camper. The guy though was apologetic Afrikaans speaker and I told him no worries.
Of course now the question was why was he moved and not moved to another open seat in the back, why was he moved next to me, perhaps because It was an unlucky choice to that I happened to be in the bathroom and there was room. Note to self; do not go to the bathroom and go right to sleep on take off and pray, ha. No matter, I had to make the best of it, and hide my jealousy of the three other seats free. After that exchange I simply decided to put my ear plugs, in my eyeshades on and call it a night. Besides I had already stuffed myself in the lounge, I really didn't need to eat again. With Armrest war brewing (we were 3 tall built guys sitting in the middle section) I gave in and leaned to my right and gave him full use of the armrest. Afrikaaner won the armrest battle.
Moments later I passed out and woke to breakfast being served. I had literally slept 8 or so hours, feeling better than when I went to sleep, the flight attend saw that I had woken up and came back to serve me breakfast, and asked if I slept well enough and perhaps a coffee. (trying to sleep in coach is rough, haha) She was lovely and brought me out of my sedation to smile at the world again. With under an hour to go, I went to front cabin bathroom, only to find it out of order. Heading back there was a carnival long line for the rest room.
Ready to tackle the day ahead, We landed on the outer runway, but 35mins ahead of schedule.
Taxiing to the gate, the passenger began to get up before reaching the gate. Don't they know to listen to the chime to let us know when to get up.
Boarding door opened, the flight attendants let the business class passengers off and soon I was let off, being at the front definitely has its perks. I was looking forward to a nice hot shower and perhaps a mimosa.
Last edited by nycflyer75; Mar 13, 2013 at 9:37 pm
Mar 13, 2013, 10:22 am
#19
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: CLE/CAK
Programs: DL Gold (2.5MM program miles), Airtran A+ Elite, Hilton Diamond, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 593
At the Big Five duty free store, I bought some Paton's South Africa Dark Chocolates, complete with the cover photo of the African elephant. Upon arriving at home, I flipped the box over to discover that my "South African" chocolates were actually a product of Australia.
Oh well, it's still the Southern Hemisphere! And the chocolates were quite tasty!
Oh well, it's still the Southern Hemisphere! And the chocolates were quite tasty!
Mar 13, 2013, 9:25 pm
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: New York city, NY
Programs: DL DM 1MM, DL reserve, Hilton Diamond, SPG Platinum, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 407
Part 1: JFK-YUL-AMS
Part 2: AMS-CPT
Part 3: Pepper Club Hotel & Spa
Part 4: Pepper club Hotel & Spa part II
Part 5: Cape Town
Part 6: CPT-JNB BA/Comair
part 7: JNB AirFrance Lounge/KLM JNB-AMS
part 8: AMS crown Lounge/KLM AMS-JFK
AMSTERDAM AIRPORT - AMS
Having over 3 hours of downtime, I decided to check out Duty Free. I always wondered what happened with liquids since security check is at the gate. Mind at ease that I can carry any duty free through the X-ray machines I went shopping. Duty free in hand, I decided to visit the Rijks museum and after spending some quality time, I headed to the Crown Lounge.
museum
Welcomed in Dutch I handed my boarding pass and she asked me what my level medallion I was, Diamond I said and she thanked me for my business. As I entered I went to the desk to get a shower room. The wait would be 20mins. So off to the upper deck area to get myself, what else a mimosa and something to eat...again!
Since I was arriving in the lounge on the food change over, lunch was placed out. I decided to eat a little bit later and just relax in the lounge, and catch up on some work and my trip report. As I began uploading photo's to my photobucket account, I had forgotten how fast the lounge wifi was, I was happy to have the speed back. High speed wifi does make life much easier.
Time wafting away, I noticed I hadn't been called to the desk yet for the shower, and now it had been 50 mins, So off to ask where I was in line, and there was still 2 people ahead of me, so it wouldn't be long. As you would know the minute I decide to go east some food, the first bite "Mr NYCflyer75 please come to the desk, crap I had to scoff down the food, and take a big gulp of my fresh mimosa.
Showing up to the desk, they handed me the keycard for the showers. The showroom was a little better than Jo'burg but to be honest my favorite showroom is still the Delta Skyclub at LAX. I just love the red tiles and the design and the fact the there is a toilet as well.
shower amenities
A quick shower, shave, I was ready for my Final flight. AMS-JFK
AMS-JFK
As I was leaving the Crown Room, Mr Jermaine Jackson, as in Michael Jackson's brother walked right past me, with a bodyguard into the lounge. Quick observation and off to the gate I went. We would be leaving from gate F7. They had already begun boarding when I rocked up. I was expecting the full interrogation from the pre-security into the gate area, but alas it was simply an agent too look at the boarding pass and that was it. Wow, I guess it must only be for US carriers leaving AMS. I always fly the transatlantic on Delta via AMS, so this trip was the first time I would be using KLM.
AMS-JFK
KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES
KL 641
Aircraft: 777-200
Actual seat: 14G
Depart: Amsterdam (AMS)
Arrive: John F Kennedy Airport (JFK)
Sched.Departure: 1:25pm Actual Departure : 1:30pm
Sched.Arrival: 4:35pm Actual arrival: 3:45pm
There was a long line for security screening but the elite lane was empty, so a quick minute or two and I was through. Once on board I put my things in the overhead, in doing so I saw some of the rugby team guys already seated. I caught the eye of one of the guys and he nodded and smile, and said we sure have come a long way from Cape Town... I smile and said, "Indeed". I was ready to go home. The flight was completely full, but expected for a flight to JFK. It would be a 7hr and 50min flight back to the US. Boarding door closed we taxied tot eh runway and off we went bound for the US. I decided to see as many movies as possible this flight, since I slept the whole previous flight from South Africa.
Hot towelettes were distributed there after lunch was served. It seems the meals are almost identical on all flights. Chicken and rice. One thing I noticed this time, once the meal were serviced, another beverage cart came down and on the car, cognac and some sort of Irish cream, like baileys or amoretto.
After three consecutive movies, it was time to stretch my legs. One thing I noticed in general on KLM, people tend to hang out in the aisles reading , etc. One gentleman read a newspaper right next to the inoperative bathroom at the front of the EC cabin. Yep you guessed it, another bathroom on the 777 out of order mid-flight. Out of Air France, KLM and delta, I feel like it's the three bears story when it comes to the temperature of the cabins. Air France is too hot, KLM is too cold and Delta is just right.
old video screens
midflight
Ice cream snacks handed out and then 1 hour before arrival, a pizza or warm cake snake handed out. The pizza was actually quite delicious. As the cabin was finally secured and flight crew taking their seats. Moments before wheels touched down an announcement was made, "Sir please remain seated," I turn my head to the back and see a man going to the lavatory. We were literally 30 seconds from touchdown on the runway. I was floored, he seriously went to the bathroom right on landing, wonder if he pee'd on the seat ha. The flight attendants sat there staring, but remained. As we taxied I saw them once again pier out as he walked out of the bathroom. If this was on a US carrier I bet there would have been hell to pay for that type of action.
We had landed 30 minutes ahead of schedule. Great I would get home earlier. As we taxied to terminal 4 it just went on 3:45pm. I have only come through Terminal 4 immigration once before and that was on Jan 1, 2013 from LHR (the last flight of the day from LHR-JFK on Delta. I walked right through. Well today would be a different ball game, that in all of my travels over the years have never in contended even at Terminal 3( there was a few times, but I was escorted through during the Diamond Meet & greet - before USCIS shut it down) As I walked into the great hall there seemed to be 4 flight landing at the same time. 777 Egypt air, A380 Emirates, 777 delta and jetblue from Jamaica. It took 1.5hrs to get through and there seemed to be more flights right behind us, so the wait extended back far into the hallways. The immigration officers were handing out pamphlets for the global entry. It is official I am now going to make an application since that wait was ridiculous but much worse for those that came in after us.
Over all it was an incredible adventure flying to South Africa, and look for the day I return, as for flying KLM, I think I am going to pass on flying on longhaul trips with them and stick to either air France or even better Delta. Cape Town will forever make me smile.
Part 2: AMS-CPT
Part 3: Pepper Club Hotel & Spa
Part 4: Pepper club Hotel & Spa part II
Part 5: Cape Town
Part 6: CPT-JNB BA/Comair
part 7: JNB AirFrance Lounge/KLM JNB-AMS
part 8: AMS crown Lounge/KLM AMS-JFK
AMSTERDAM AIRPORT - AMS
Having over 3 hours of downtime, I decided to check out Duty Free. I always wondered what happened with liquids since security check is at the gate. Mind at ease that I can carry any duty free through the X-ray machines I went shopping. Duty free in hand, I decided to visit the Rijks museum and after spending some quality time, I headed to the Crown Lounge.
museum
Welcomed in Dutch I handed my boarding pass and she asked me what my level medallion I was, Diamond I said and she thanked me for my business. As I entered I went to the desk to get a shower room. The wait would be 20mins. So off to the upper deck area to get myself, what else a mimosa and something to eat...again!
Since I was arriving in the lounge on the food change over, lunch was placed out. I decided to eat a little bit later and just relax in the lounge, and catch up on some work and my trip report. As I began uploading photo's to my photobucket account, I had forgotten how fast the lounge wifi was, I was happy to have the speed back. High speed wifi does make life much easier.
Time wafting away, I noticed I hadn't been called to the desk yet for the shower, and now it had been 50 mins, So off to ask where I was in line, and there was still 2 people ahead of me, so it wouldn't be long. As you would know the minute I decide to go east some food, the first bite "Mr NYCflyer75 please come to the desk, crap I had to scoff down the food, and take a big gulp of my fresh mimosa.
Showing up to the desk, they handed me the keycard for the showers. The showroom was a little better than Jo'burg but to be honest my favorite showroom is still the Delta Skyclub at LAX. I just love the red tiles and the design and the fact the there is a toilet as well.
shower amenities
A quick shower, shave, I was ready for my Final flight. AMS-JFK
AMS-JFK
As I was leaving the Crown Room, Mr Jermaine Jackson, as in Michael Jackson's brother walked right past me, with a bodyguard into the lounge. Quick observation and off to the gate I went. We would be leaving from gate F7. They had already begun boarding when I rocked up. I was expecting the full interrogation from the pre-security into the gate area, but alas it was simply an agent too look at the boarding pass and that was it. Wow, I guess it must only be for US carriers leaving AMS. I always fly the transatlantic on Delta via AMS, so this trip was the first time I would be using KLM.
AMS-JFK
KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES
KL 641
Aircraft: 777-200
Actual seat: 14G
Depart: Amsterdam (AMS)
Arrive: John F Kennedy Airport (JFK)
Sched.Departure: 1:25pm Actual Departure : 1:30pm
Sched.Arrival: 4:35pm Actual arrival: 3:45pm
There was a long line for security screening but the elite lane was empty, so a quick minute or two and I was through. Once on board I put my things in the overhead, in doing so I saw some of the rugby team guys already seated. I caught the eye of one of the guys and he nodded and smile, and said we sure have come a long way from Cape Town... I smile and said, "Indeed". I was ready to go home. The flight was completely full, but expected for a flight to JFK. It would be a 7hr and 50min flight back to the US. Boarding door closed we taxied tot eh runway and off we went bound for the US. I decided to see as many movies as possible this flight, since I slept the whole previous flight from South Africa.
Hot towelettes were distributed there after lunch was served. It seems the meals are almost identical on all flights. Chicken and rice. One thing I noticed this time, once the meal were serviced, another beverage cart came down and on the car, cognac and some sort of Irish cream, like baileys or amoretto.
After three consecutive movies, it was time to stretch my legs. One thing I noticed in general on KLM, people tend to hang out in the aisles reading , etc. One gentleman read a newspaper right next to the inoperative bathroom at the front of the EC cabin. Yep you guessed it, another bathroom on the 777 out of order mid-flight. Out of Air France, KLM and delta, I feel like it's the three bears story when it comes to the temperature of the cabins. Air France is too hot, KLM is too cold and Delta is just right.
old video screens
midflight
Ice cream snacks handed out and then 1 hour before arrival, a pizza or warm cake snake handed out. The pizza was actually quite delicious. As the cabin was finally secured and flight crew taking their seats. Moments before wheels touched down an announcement was made, "Sir please remain seated," I turn my head to the back and see a man going to the lavatory. We were literally 30 seconds from touchdown on the runway. I was floored, he seriously went to the bathroom right on landing, wonder if he pee'd on the seat ha. The flight attendants sat there staring, but remained. As we taxied I saw them once again pier out as he walked out of the bathroom. If this was on a US carrier I bet there would have been hell to pay for that type of action.
We had landed 30 minutes ahead of schedule. Great I would get home earlier. As we taxied to terminal 4 it just went on 3:45pm. I have only come through Terminal 4 immigration once before and that was on Jan 1, 2013 from LHR (the last flight of the day from LHR-JFK on Delta. I walked right through. Well today would be a different ball game, that in all of my travels over the years have never in contended even at Terminal 3( there was a few times, but I was escorted through during the Diamond Meet & greet - before USCIS shut it down) As I walked into the great hall there seemed to be 4 flight landing at the same time. 777 Egypt air, A380 Emirates, 777 delta and jetblue from Jamaica. It took 1.5hrs to get through and there seemed to be more flights right behind us, so the wait extended back far into the hallways. The immigration officers were handing out pamphlets for the global entry. It is official I am now going to make an application since that wait was ridiculous but much worse for those that came in after us.
Over all it was an incredible adventure flying to South Africa, and look for the day I return, as for flying KLM, I think I am going to pass on flying on longhaul trips with them and stick to either air France or even better Delta. Cape Town will forever make me smile.
Last edited by nycflyer75; Mar 13, 2013 at 9:31 pm
Mar 14, 2013, 6:00 pm
#24
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 4,771
Great trip report, thoroughly enjoyed it, I'm getting kinda weary of the repetitive F class SQ, EK, BA etc reports.
I hate to burst your bubble on the Chandon, it's sparkling white wine not champagne.
Thanks for posting this trip report.
I hate to burst your bubble on the Chandon, it's sparkling white wine not champagne.
Thanks for posting this trip report.
Mar 14, 2013, 6:43 pm
#25
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Mar 14, 2013, 6:44 pm
#26
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Mar 17, 2013, 5:45 pm
#29
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In South Africa I went to a supermarket, but I saw lots of similar goods to those sold in Britain.
Duty free wine in ZA wasn't that bad either.
(Then again, your return was to the US, so it's not that you could bring it back)
Duty free wine in ZA wasn't that bad either.
(Then again, your return was to the US, so it's not that you could bring it back)