After resting, browsing FT, and a little chat, I had to leave the Marriott a little after 6:00. The front desk had to call me twice to kick me out.

I took the shuttle back to LAX and, armed with by boarding pass, bypassed all the lines and went directly to the joint Qantas/BA First Class lounge. The lounge was small and full, no doubt because of all of the flights going out (BA to London and QF to Oz). They had the annoying AT&T phones, but I had no trouble connecting to my company’s 800 computer number for surfing the internet. There was a good selection of small sandwishes, alcoholic drinks, and non-alcoholic drinks (for me!), plus British, Austrailian, and US newspapers.

After about 30 minutes, Mike showed up and we had our improptu meeting. He had some important info that I needed to know so I don’t make a fool of myself at the Tokyo meeting. He also came bearing good news for me: My Tokyo meeting had been cancelled. While that means likely another trip to Tokyo next month, it also beens that I have four free days.

I wasn’t sure if an agent would come or not, but I decided to walk around the terminal. Mike joined be as well. I found the gate for the Qantas flight and boarded.

A Qantas flight attendant showed Mike and I to our seats. I was seated in a single aisle/window seat on the right side, while Mike sat in one of the pairs in the middle. I like the 1-2-1 arrangement because I can enjoy the window with access to the aisle without anyone blocking me. Also lots of privacy, great for solo travelers like me.