Living (and Flying) the Dream: An Odyssey to Honolulu.
Dec 10, 2016, 4:00 pm
#33
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: London
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold & GGL & CCR, HH Diam, Bonvoy Titanium, IHG Spire, Tastecard
Posts: 7,549
Great to meet you in PHX - glad the deo came in handy and that the fridge magnet managed to smooth ways for your next trip with the Mrs.
Dec 11, 2016, 2:02 am
#34
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2016
Programs: BAEC GGL
Posts: 417
Thanks so much for the magnet, we have a crazy little collection. Really good to meet you too, not sure when the next time may be, but look forward to it
Dec 12, 2016, 1:30 pm
#35
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Aberdeen, Scotland
Programs: BA Bronze, Emirates Silver, Virgin Silver, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 1,403
My OH keeps teasing me with the amount of fridge magnets I buy on holiday that it will affect the navigation on the plane! LOL
Great catching up in your latest instalments. F in US domestic planes doesn't seem much to write home about.
Great catching up in your latest instalments. F in US domestic planes doesn't seem much to write home about.
Dec 12, 2016, 3:13 pm
#36
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2016
Programs: BAEC GGL
Posts: 417
Yes I know domestic F isn't the most exciting things, but all my trip was amazing...I hope I'm conveying it.
I'm very grateful for your comments.
Dec 12, 2016, 3:16 pm
#37
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: MSP
Posts: 398
Nice report. AA's domestic first does leave a lot to be desired (I've gotten re-routed MSP-PHX-BOS after 8 hour weather delays). This is especially true on the runaround you're taking, imo. Having said that, I love the enthusiasm you have for it.
Dec 12, 2016, 11:36 pm
#38
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2016
Programs: BAEC GGL
Posts: 417
Thanks shuom, I do have a passion for flying. I've left it a long time to actually do this sort of trip, but I loved every second.
Dec 13, 2016, 5:38 am
#39
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2016
Programs: BAEC GGL
Posts: 417
Homeward Bound...but first CCR at JFK.
JFK-LHR
27/11/2016
BA0114 B747
Dep 2130 Arr 0920
Actual 2142 Arr 0946
My arrival to JFK meant heralded two really important things; firstly a long awaited shower, and secondly my first ever CCR experience.
Transit through to GC for a shower was really easy. I noticed a guy who was on my JFK-PHX flight previously, and I did wonder if he was TP running. It turns out he was off to Vegas for a stag do evening. We got chatting as we disembarked the aircraft at JFK, and got the air train and went through security together. It was really nice having someone with you who knows their way around, knowledge I hope to pass onto people in future. He was a really nice chap, and told me he used to work in the travel business, so he was well aware of TP running. I told him about my trip and he very kindly offered to guest me into the Flounge. It's gestures like this that make travelling these sort of journeys such a life enhancing experience. The generosity of people can never be underestimated... I was loathe to decline his offer, but I'd already been invited to join a friend who I'd chatted to on here in CCR.
But first to GC for the showers. Luckily there was no wait for the facilities, and I was shown to the shower room. You can tell these get a lot of use, but I was very grateful of the long drawn out shower and multi water jet function. Sadly no pics of this, but you're not missing out on much.
Shower done and looking and smelling much better, I headed off to CCR to meet KARFA. After sending a number of messages backwards and forwards, it was great to finally meet. I'd only been sat for a few minutes when a glass of champagne was delivered, and very welcome it was too. The surrounding of CCR were amazing, it was hard to believe I was in an airline lounge. It's a very nice space and great to people watch...more on that later.
Before too long, and after a few more glasses of bubbles, we retired to the dining area. Our hostess was amazingly friendly, and nothing was too much trouble. KARFA made his choices, sorry I was talking way too much to make up my mind, and I ended up choosing exactly the same...
The menu had some great choices...
I went for the croque- madame.
Followed by the braised short ribs.
Both were fantastic, and the service was superb. All too soon it was time for KARFA to depart for his flight back to LHR. I'd hopefully make it for a quick breakfast with him the following morning as he was heading to DUB on the same flight as me.
I headed to the very quiet seating area when KARFA headed off, little did I know I was to have a bit of a laugh with someone shortly afterwards. This space is just amazing...
I ordered another glass of champagne, and a whisky. I'm loathe to put the drink pics on here as I know there will be negative comments; but let me explain. I have granite stones at home to put in my whisky as I like it cold. The only alternative here was a cube of ice...please don't be too harsh haha.
As I was sipping this very fine whisky, and not really paying much attention, some guy in a shabby blue tracksuit wandered up towards me. He had the squeakiest shoes I'd hard in ages, so only half looking up I said to him "you want to get some oil on those shoes". He walked straight in front of me, and only then did I recognise his as Sir Paul McCartney! Haha, mugging off the A lister. I told him that he needed a bit of lubricant on his squeaky shoes a second time which he found quite funny. He was actually a nice bloke, and took the time to chat for a few minutes. When he wandered off I just kept chuckling to myself, and he looked over and smiled a few times.
As my flight was no shown as boarding I went to leave, and thanked the staff for their great hospitality. There was a chap from special services at reception, and when I said what flight I was going to be on, he told me to wait a little while as the crew were only just getting on. He was there to escort someone...no guessing who!!
Que another dram of whisky and as soon as the Beatle was collected, off I went to piggy back. Macca (obviously we're officially buddies now haha) noticed I was following on, and turned round and gave me a thumbs up and said "alright mate". See, told you were were buddies!
Up and into the little bubble on the 747, a place which feels so special. I was warmly greeted by the cabin crew.
64A was my seat this time. I'd certainly recommend this space, so private and nobody to step over.
As I'd already had plenty to eat in CCR, I was only interested in a glass or two of fizz before bedtime. As per usual, this was delivered really quickly before departure. I made my breakfast choices on the supplied card. You could either be woken for breakfast, or else go without and be woken for landing. I asked to be woken with a coffee as I was meeting KARFA for breakfast.
Then off to sleep...I found the flat bed quite comfortable, but pyjamas would have been very welcome. Oh well have to wait for F for those. I was woken mid Atlantic with some pretty choppy turbulence, and then I stirred just as the crew were beginning breakfast service. The crew once again were excellent, and my coffee was delivered and refilled without any prompting at all. The only slight downside now, was that we were told that we were expecting to be held for some time. This was to almost take away my second CCR visit, as my DUB flight was at 1055.
We were held for quite some time, and once we were back on the ground and I'd made my way through fast track security in flight connections, I only had time to order a coffee! Oh well I'd been so lucky so far, you can't look a gift horse in the mouth!
So onwards for the final two legs, and the end of my first ever TP run...
JFK-LHR
27/11/2016
BA0114 B747
Dep 2130 Arr 0920
Actual 2142 Arr 0946
My arrival to JFK meant heralded two really important things; firstly a long awaited shower, and secondly my first ever CCR experience.
Transit through to GC for a shower was really easy. I noticed a guy who was on my JFK-PHX flight previously, and I did wonder if he was TP running. It turns out he was off to Vegas for a stag do evening. We got chatting as we disembarked the aircraft at JFK, and got the air train and went through security together. It was really nice having someone with you who knows their way around, knowledge I hope to pass onto people in future. He was a really nice chap, and told me he used to work in the travel business, so he was well aware of TP running. I told him about my trip and he very kindly offered to guest me into the Flounge. It's gestures like this that make travelling these sort of journeys such a life enhancing experience. The generosity of people can never be underestimated... I was loathe to decline his offer, but I'd already been invited to join a friend who I'd chatted to on here in CCR.
But first to GC for the showers. Luckily there was no wait for the facilities, and I was shown to the shower room. You can tell these get a lot of use, but I was very grateful of the long drawn out shower and multi water jet function. Sadly no pics of this, but you're not missing out on much.
Shower done and looking and smelling much better, I headed off to CCR to meet KARFA. After sending a number of messages backwards and forwards, it was great to finally meet. I'd only been sat for a few minutes when a glass of champagne was delivered, and very welcome it was too. The surrounding of CCR were amazing, it was hard to believe I was in an airline lounge. It's a very nice space and great to people watch...more on that later.
Before too long, and after a few more glasses of bubbles, we retired to the dining area. Our hostess was amazingly friendly, and nothing was too much trouble. KARFA made his choices, sorry I was talking way too much to make up my mind, and I ended up choosing exactly the same...
The menu had some great choices...
I went for the croque- madame.
Followed by the braised short ribs.
Both were fantastic, and the service was superb. All too soon it was time for KARFA to depart for his flight back to LHR. I'd hopefully make it for a quick breakfast with him the following morning as he was heading to DUB on the same flight as me.
I headed to the very quiet seating area when KARFA headed off, little did I know I was to have a bit of a laugh with someone shortly afterwards. This space is just amazing...
I ordered another glass of champagne, and a whisky. I'm loathe to put the drink pics on here as I know there will be negative comments; but let me explain. I have granite stones at home to put in my whisky as I like it cold. The only alternative here was a cube of ice...please don't be too harsh haha.
As I was sipping this very fine whisky, and not really paying much attention, some guy in a shabby blue tracksuit wandered up towards me. He had the squeakiest shoes I'd hard in ages, so only half looking up I said to him "you want to get some oil on those shoes". He walked straight in front of me, and only then did I recognise his as Sir Paul McCartney! Haha, mugging off the A lister. I told him that he needed a bit of lubricant on his squeaky shoes a second time which he found quite funny. He was actually a nice bloke, and took the time to chat for a few minutes. When he wandered off I just kept chuckling to myself, and he looked over and smiled a few times.
As my flight was no shown as boarding I went to leave, and thanked the staff for their great hospitality. There was a chap from special services at reception, and when I said what flight I was going to be on, he told me to wait a little while as the crew were only just getting on. He was there to escort someone...no guessing who!!
Que another dram of whisky and as soon as the Beatle was collected, off I went to piggy back. Macca (obviously we're officially buddies now haha) noticed I was following on, and turned round and gave me a thumbs up and said "alright mate". See, told you were were buddies!
Up and into the little bubble on the 747, a place which feels so special. I was warmly greeted by the cabin crew.
64A was my seat this time. I'd certainly recommend this space, so private and nobody to step over.
As I'd already had plenty to eat in CCR, I was only interested in a glass or two of fizz before bedtime. As per usual, this was delivered really quickly before departure. I made my breakfast choices on the supplied card. You could either be woken for breakfast, or else go without and be woken for landing. I asked to be woken with a coffee as I was meeting KARFA for breakfast.
Then off to sleep...I found the flat bed quite comfortable, but pyjamas would have been very welcome. Oh well have to wait for F for those. I was woken mid Atlantic with some pretty choppy turbulence, and then I stirred just as the crew were beginning breakfast service. The crew once again were excellent, and my coffee was delivered and refilled without any prompting at all. The only slight downside now, was that we were told that we were expecting to be held for some time. This was to almost take away my second CCR visit, as my DUB flight was at 1055.
We were held for quite some time, and once we were back on the ground and I'd made my way through fast track security in flight connections, I only had time to order a coffee! Oh well I'd been so lucky so far, you can't look a gift horse in the mouth!
So onwards for the final two legs, and the end of my first ever TP run...
Dec 13, 2016, 9:01 am
#40
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: AA
Posts: 14,735
I wonder if there's a celebrity only version of FT.
Classic story. I loved it!
Originally Posted by pmcc
You won't believe what happened just now at JFK. Some guy insulted my shoes and then followed me to my plane.
Classic story. I loved it!
Dec 15, 2016, 4:26 am
#44
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Aberdeen, Scotland
Programs: BA Bronze, Emirates Silver, Virgin Silver, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 1,403
