AirSamurai:

I would enjoy swapping stories about our LHR travels if you're up for meeting sometime - maybe for a drink? (too bad there are no Pizza Express restaurants in Chicago but we do have Giordano's!)

As for Heathrow Express, I have had the doors of the last train close literally on my er, um ... baggage. Glad to hear that AA 90 usually runs full; I would hate to lose that flight.

PAUL PALMER:

Thank you for pointing out my error (now corrected above). You know, I made the same mistake at the ticket window at Liverpool Street station, where I asked the gentleman for a ticket to Hadleigh. He looked at me quizzically then asked if I perhaps meant Manningtree or Ipswich. Must be a mental block with me. Obviously I need much more tea (today I'll brew a pot of PG Tips) to stay alert!

As for the crew on AA 91/3OCT, I had a lengthy conversation about that experience with Customer Relations at AA's Executive Offices, and I believe they will follow up on my concerns.