Mrs. "No way am I going to India"... goes to India via Etihad & Singapore First
Feb 17, 2016, 11:05 pm
#31
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: US Air, UA BA LH AI DELTA MARRIOTT CHOICE SGP
Posts: 9,883
SFO777 so by now Princess has been " assaulted " by the traffic, cacophony on the streets etc. Hope the hotel facility and staff grounds her !
May I strongly recommend that she wear ( buy locally if nesc) WHITE COTTON tops to combat the heat along with a floppy hat ? An umbrella is not a bad idea.
I dare you to get her to ride the Autorikshaw ( ' Auto")
This is an experience never to be forgotten.....DISCLAIMER Not responsible for her reactions ! You cannot sue me.
Also both of you need to figure out who is honking the horn at whom in traffic.
I am busy doing my shopping, mainly goodies to eat and take to Chicago.
Reassure her that the Palace experiences coming up will make all this worthwhile.
May I strongly recommend that she wear ( buy locally if nesc) WHITE COTTON tops to combat the heat along with a floppy hat ? An umbrella is not a bad idea.
I dare you to get her to ride the Autorikshaw ( ' Auto")
This is an experience never to be forgotten.....DISCLAIMER Not responsible for her reactions ! You cannot sue me.Also both of you need to figure out who is honking the horn at whom in traffic.
I am busy doing my shopping, mainly goodies to eat and take to Chicago.
Reassure her that the Palace experiences coming up will make all this worthwhile.
Feb 18, 2016, 3:20 am
#32
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
Programs: Disillusioned Cent
Posts: 1,880
Very much looking forward to this TR SFO777!
Ever since your first India TR I've been wondering whether I should go, but the prospect of shots and meds has tamed my enthusiasm so far.
Feb 18, 2016, 6:30 am
#33
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: US Air, UA BA LH AI DELTA MARRIOTT CHOICE SGP
Posts: 9,883
Since you are staying at the Oberoi, you must hit up Bademiya (10 mins by car). Even if you have to go by yourself, which I recommend as I am sure the atmosphere is something the missus won't really appreciate anyway.
The food is AMAZING !!!
And if you are really adventurous, try the Beja Fry !!
If you don't mind, is there a link to the 5 star India? I have some friends who want to go and would prefer that route.
The food is AMAZING !!!
And if you are really adventurous, try the Beja Fry !!
If you don't mind, is there a link to the 5 star India? I have some friends who want to go and would prefer that route.
I am gathering pictures ( not as good as his
) to give you all an everyday look at life here....
Feb 18, 2016, 9:37 am
#34
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Airline nobody. Sad!
Posts: 26,062
One of my very good friends is the same way as the Mrs. was about India, she does not want to go and swears up and down she will never go.
Our mutual good friend basically camped in Varanasi and Bodh Gaya for 3 weeks. We are working on the first friend to go to India eventually, even if all top-class hotels and flights and private tours .
Good trip report as always SFO777, looking forward to the rest of it.
Our mutual good friend basically camped in Varanasi and Bodh Gaya for 3 weeks
. We are working on the first friend to go to India eventually, even if all top-class hotels and flights and private tours .Good trip report as always SFO777, looking forward to the rest of it.
Feb 18, 2016, 11:28 am
#35
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
Washington to Abu Dhabi
Etihad EY 130
787-9 Dreamliner
9:10p-7:20p +1 (sked)
9:45p-6:55p +1 (actual)
February 16, 2016
First Class
Suites 1A and 2A
At around T-50, boarding was announced, directly from the lounge. I originally selected 1A and 2A because 2DG were blocked. In the end after we had boarded and settled, 2DG were available but we decided to stay in our single seats, ala Cathay First.
Our first look at the 787 Dreamliner First Cabin. Interested mix of forward and rear facing seats.
Very nice, although the side single seats seem to have less room than the middle pair and a little smaller than the side 777 seats.
A happy Mrs. SFO.
And the Business Class cabin. Doesn't look too bad if you're not in First.
And back in First...
A glass of Bollinger to start the evening.
Tonight's wine list.
And menu.
Showtime.
Our amuse-bouche, salmon with creme fraiche.
The Mushroom Soup was fabulous.
And the Alaskan King Crab and prawns.
Our palate cleanser.
Tried the Chianti Reserva. OK, this was either corked or just plain ugly.
And the Oven roasted Lamb Loin. After Chef Maria's build-up, pretty disappointing. But the side of Fresh Tortellini was tasty.
The decadent Chocolate Nougat Souflé was delicious.
After finishing my Bollywood fix, time to bed.
Even though I'd stupidlt forgotten my Ambien, this was one of the best in flight sleeps ever. The extra humidity on the Dreamliner makes an incredible difference as I slept for nearly 7 hours.
Another meal? Why not.
The signature Etihad Steak Sandwich was sensational.
Despite the late departure from IAD, we arrived early. That was the good news. The bad news is that the horrifically awful Etihad ground experience shows no sign of improving any time soon. We've been relegated to a remote stand. Ten minutes for the stairs to be in position.
Ugh.
Seriously? Even Emirates has a First Class Bus for remote stands.
After a cursory security check, we are in ancient Terminal 1.
Our AUH Lounge AUH-DEL segments are posted onSFO777.com...
• Etihad Terminal 1 Premium Lounge at AUH, and...
• Etihad 77L First Class AUH-DEL
Will post to FT as soon as possible.
For an HD version of this report, please visit SFO777.com
And if you like these reports, we'd love if you would sign up for e-mail alerts from SFO777.com on new trip reports and our upcoming newsletter.
Please click here.
Etihad EY 130
787-9 Dreamliner
9:10p-7:20p +1 (sked)
9:45p-6:55p +1 (actual)
February 16, 2016
First Class
Suites 1A and 2A
At around T-50, boarding was announced, directly from the lounge. I originally selected 1A and 2A because 2DG were blocked. In the end after we had boarded and settled, 2DG were available but we decided to stay in our single seats, ala Cathay First.
Our first look at the 787 Dreamliner First Cabin. Interested mix of forward and rear facing seats.
Very nice, although the side single seats seem to have less room than the middle pair and a little smaller than the side 777 seats.
A happy Mrs. SFO.
And the Business Class cabin. Doesn't look too bad if you're not in First.
And back in First...
A glass of Bollinger to start the evening.
Tonight's wine list.
And menu.
Showtime.
Our amuse-bouche, salmon with creme fraiche.
The Mushroom Soup was fabulous.
And the Alaskan King Crab and prawns.
Our palate cleanser.
Tried the Chianti Reserva. OK, this was either corked or just plain ugly.
And the Oven roasted Lamb Loin. After Chef Maria's build-up, pretty disappointing. But the side of Fresh Tortellini was tasty.
The decadent Chocolate Nougat Souflé was delicious.
After finishing my Bollywood fix, time to bed.
Even though I'd stupidlt forgotten my Ambien, this was one of the best in flight sleeps ever. The extra humidity on the Dreamliner makes an incredible difference as I slept for nearly 7 hours.
Another meal? Why not.
The signature Etihad Steak Sandwich was sensational.
Despite the late departure from IAD, we arrived early. That was the good news. The bad news is that the horrifically awful Etihad ground experience shows no sign of improving any time soon. We've been relegated to a remote stand. Ten minutes for the stairs to be in position.
Ugh.
Seriously? Even Emirates has a First Class Bus for remote stands.
After a cursory security check, we are in ancient Terminal 1.
Our AUH Lounge AUH-DEL segments are posted onSFO777.com...
• Etihad Terminal 1 Premium Lounge at AUH, and...
• Etihad 77L First Class AUH-DEL
Will post to FT as soon as possible.
For an HD version of this report, please visit SFO777.com
And if you like these reports, we'd love if you would sign up for e-mail alerts from SFO777.com on new trip reports and our upcoming newsletter.
Please click here.
Feb 18, 2016, 11:32 am
#36
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS
Posts: 15,027
Please let us know about the real India, not just the fancy pics of 5* hotels.
I really would like to know about how often you were harassed. How many touts there are. If there is a horrible smell on the street, etc.
I really would like to know about how often you were harassed. How many touts there are. If there is a horrible smell on the street, etc.
Feb 18, 2016, 11:37 am
#37
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
Thanks very much glennaa11. Paid UA First to IAD and then 90,000 AA miles for IAD-AUH-DEL.
For selfish reasons, sorry to hear you didn't opt for the A380 F, SFO777, as my wife and I will be flying that in a week and I would have valued your impressions. But yeah, the connections through NYC from the West Coast (and especially dealing with winter weather, for a California softy like me) do make it a hassle. Anyway, liked your AUH-DEL photos. Have a great trip!
Since you are staying at the Oberoi, you must hit up Bademiya (10 mins by car). Even if you have to go by yourself, which I recommend as I am sure the atmosphere is something the missus won't really appreciate anyway. The food is AMAZING !!!
And if you are really adventurous, try the Bheja Fry !!
If you don't mind, is there a link to the 5 star India? I have some friends who want to go and would prefer that route.
And if you are really adventurous, try the Bheja Fry !!
If you don't mind, is there a link to the 5 star India? I have some friends who want to go and would prefer that route.
SFO777 so by now Princess has been " assaulted " by the traffic, cacophony on the streets etc. Hope the hotel facility and staff grounds her !
May I strongly recommend that she wear ( buy locally if nesc) WHITE COTTON tops to combat the heat along with a floppy hat ? An umbrella is not a bad idea.
I dare you to get her to ride the Autorikshaw ( ' Auto") This is an experience never to be forgotten.....DISCLAIMER Not responsible for her reactions ! You cannot sue me.
Also both of you need to figure out who is honking the horn at whom in traffic.
I am busy doing my shopping, mainly goodies to eat and take to Chicago.
Reassure her that the Palace experiences coming up will make all this worthwhile.
May I strongly recommend that she wear ( buy locally if nesc) WHITE COTTON tops to combat the heat along with a floppy hat ? An umbrella is not a bad idea.
I dare you to get her to ride the Autorikshaw ( ' Auto")
This is an experience never to be forgotten.....DISCLAIMER Not responsible for her reactions ! You cannot sue me.Also both of you need to figure out who is honking the horn at whom in traffic.
I am busy doing my shopping, mainly goodies to eat and take to Chicago.
Reassure her that the Palace experiences coming up will make all this worthwhile.
One of my very good friends is the same way as the Mrs. was about India, she does not want to go and swears up and down she will never go.
Our mutual good friend basically camped in Varanasi and Bodh Gaya for 3 weeks. We are working on the first friend to go to India eventually, even if all top-class hotels and flights and private tours .
Good trip report as always SFO777, looking forward to the rest of it.
Our mutual good friend basically camped in Varanasi and Bodh Gaya for 3 weeks
. We are working on the first friend to go to India eventually, even if all top-class hotels and flights and private tours .Good trip report as always SFO777, looking forward to the rest of it.
Feb 18, 2016, 2:34 pm
#38
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: DCA
Posts: 7,769
Great TR so far!
Interesting, when I flew that route in biz a couple months ago wifi was free with a code at each seat. I hadn't researched it beforehand so I figured it was just part of the deal. Still, $22 isn't bad at all, though if someone's doing paid F or J I find it silly that the carriers bother to charge anything.
Indeed. Probably the best J product I've been in. Great hard product, food, and service. I held out for F awards opening on that route for months but no luck! (Was traveling around the holidays so just thankful to snag award tix at all)
Indeed. Probably the best J product I've been in. Great hard product, food, and service. I held out for F awards opening on that route for months but no luck! (Was traveling around the holidays so just thankful to snag award tix at all)
Feb 18, 2016, 6:44 pm
#40
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Anywhere I need to be.
Programs: OW Emerald, *A Gold, NEXUS, GE, ABTC/APEC, South Korea SES, eIACS, PP, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 16,046
I was harassed only once when I was there for 2 days (well, 8, but 5 of them were spent at a client site and transport to/from that site and the hotel, and the last Sunday was basically spent only at BOM before heading to YVR (via LHR)...)
Feb 18, 2016, 8:11 pm
#42
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
Etihad Premium Lounge at Terminal 1
Just outside of security is the Terminal 1 Etihad Premium Lounge. As with the T3 lounge, no FIrst Class Lounge, just a roped off or separate area. Etihad has really fallen behind in premium ground services since supposedly renovating the old First Class Lounge. It's been nearly two year and still nothing. Etihad claims May but I'll believe it when I see it.
On seeing our First Class boarding passes, the check-in agent escorted to the First Class area of the lounge. LOL.
The agent offered us complimentary spa services but we declined.
The dining room with a nice selection of buffet food offerings.
At around T-60, we headed out to find our Gate 8.
OK, no one is going to miss this antique gate area when the midfield terminal opens.
Abu Dhabi to Delhi
Etihad EY 218
777-200 (77L)
9:50p-2:50a
February 17, 2016
First Class
Suites 2DG
Funny sign which meant absolutely nothing as gate agent just started processing boarding passes without any announcement or priority boarding.
Finally on board, we were met by our wonderful crew for tonight's short flight.
Up for 30 hours, even I don't have to ask about tonight's pics. LOL.
For an older plane, this is a wonderful First Class cabin. Very comfy especially with only one other pax tonight (1L).
Tonight's menu.
Very cool, live TV. Like we never left home.
Showtime.
My Asian style minted King Prawns were quite nice.
But the Yogurt Tikka Lamb was absolutely sensational. Wow.
The Central Coast Line 39 Pinot was excellent.
A little extra yogurt.
And to finish, the Hazelnut Tart was divine.
We arrived on time and our tour company had arranged for a buggy to meet us at the gate. Jr. and I walked last time here.
Our greeter escorted us to and thru the e-visa line.
Where a porter met us and escorted to our tour comany liaison and drive.
Thirty minutes later we pulled up to The Oberoi Delhi.
The Oberoi Delhi and both Delhi segments are posted onSFO777.com...
• The Oberoi Delhi, and...
• Delhi Day 1
• Delhi Day 2
Will post to FT as soon as possible.
For an HD version of this report, please visit SFO777.com
And if you like these reports, we'd love if you would sign up for e-mail alerts from SFO777.com on new trip reports and our upcoming newsletter.
Please click here.
Just outside of security is the Terminal 1 Etihad Premium Lounge. As with the T3 lounge, no FIrst Class Lounge, just a roped off or separate area. Etihad has really fallen behind in premium ground services since supposedly renovating the old First Class Lounge. It's been nearly two year and still nothing. Etihad claims May but I'll believe it when I see it.
On seeing our First Class boarding passes, the check-in agent escorted to the First Class area of the lounge. LOL.
The agent offered us complimentary spa services but we declined.
The dining room with a nice selection of buffet food offerings.
At around T-60, we headed out to find our Gate 8.
OK, no one is going to miss this antique gate area when the midfield terminal opens.
Abu Dhabi to Delhi
Etihad EY 218
777-200 (77L)
9:50p-2:50a
February 17, 2016
First Class
Suites 2DG
Funny sign which meant absolutely nothing as gate agent just started processing boarding passes without any announcement or priority boarding.
Finally on board, we were met by our wonderful crew for tonight's short flight.
Up for 30 hours, even I don't have to ask about tonight's pics. LOL.
For an older plane, this is a wonderful First Class cabin. Very comfy especially with only one other pax tonight (1L).
Tonight's menu.
Very cool, live TV. Like we never left home.
Showtime.
My Asian style minted King Prawns were quite nice.
But the Yogurt Tikka Lamb was absolutely sensational. Wow.
The Central Coast Line 39 Pinot was excellent.
A little extra yogurt.
And to finish, the Hazelnut Tart was divine.
We arrived on time and our tour company had arranged for a buggy to meet us at the gate. Jr. and I walked last time here.
Our greeter escorted us to and thru the e-visa line.
Where a porter met us and escorted to our tour comany liaison and drive.
Thirty minutes later we pulled up to The Oberoi Delhi.
The Oberoi Delhi and both Delhi segments are posted onSFO777.com...
• The Oberoi Delhi, and...
• Delhi Day 1
• Delhi Day 2
Will post to FT as soon as possible.
For an HD version of this report, please visit SFO777.com
And if you like these reports, we'd love if you would sign up for e-mail alerts from SFO777.com on new trip reports and our upcoming newsletter.
Please click here.
Last edited by SFO777; Feb 19, 2016 at 4:09 pm
Feb 19, 2016, 12:38 am
#44
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: US Air, UA BA LH AI DELTA MARRIOTT CHOICE SGP
Posts: 9,883
DEL
SFO777 Great review of EY F and DEL arrival. Those are long walks BTW DEL &BOM are in the top five of the world.
Can't wait to see how you did in Old Delhi and New Delhi, including quotes from the Princess !
Can't wait to see how you did in Old Delhi and New Delhi, including quotes from the Princess !