As soon as my I disembarked my TG flight, the “fun factor” of this trip went way down. I’d have to overnight in FRA, hop on a Euro J flight to Heathrow, spend a (planned) 23 hours and 45 minutes in London, then get on a United flight to Los Angeles.
From the Holiday Inn Express Messe, there’s a bus stop just in front that goes to the main train station, and from there, a train to FRA. One thing that always confuses me about Europe is where and when I pay for public transportation tickets. I spent probably 20 minutes online trying to figure out the fare from hotel to airport, and even got exact change in Euros. At the bus stop, I got on with two locals who promptly sat down – no payment, no validation of monthly pass, no nein nada. Does anyone here pay for transport??
Once at the train station, I fought with the ticket machine only to realize it wouldn’t take my chip card. I ended up buying a ticket with the few coins I had, and I’m glad I did, because I would later find a tall, thick German lady barking at me on the train for my fahrkarte. Though once I figured out what she was saying, I got a polite “dankeschön” out of her.
Check-in was relatively easy at FRA, given the number of LH J passengers flying out of there (hint: it’s a lot). I wish I’d gotten my FCT PA’s number last month, if only I could call him up and sneak in today …
Anyway, after a long security line that would make LAX on Memorial Day blush, I went through to the LH Business Lounge. With no *G status at the time, the Senator Lounge was off-limits, though I found it funny that the line to enter stretched 15-deep when I passed by, only to get into the J lounge unhindered.
Questionable lounge food
Never too early for one of these ...
A bit of luck placed my gate right before the J lounge and I headed on down shortly before boarding to find the J line - the J line which didn’t exist. It was a mad free-for-all at the gate. Gate lice were being trampled. Star Golds were foaming at the mouth. DYKWIAs did not know who they were themselves.
I made it through. Unscathed. But only to find the largest business cabin I’ve seen on an A321, “business” being economy without a middle seat. It went back all the way to the exit row door 2L. I guess the 10am LHR run is mighty popular.
LH 904
FRA-LHR, 1h25m
Airbus A321
Seat 4F, Euro J
The sole highlight of the flight was catching a momentary glimpse of ANA's 787 parked at its gate, a bit too brief and distant for a good picture though.
Well, that wasn't really part of the flight, it was just part of the taxi. So I guess the highlight of the flight was breakfast, only because it was a short flight.
Canary Wharf (I think?)
Just my luck, the most interesting parts of the city are tiny and covered by clouds
After disembarkation, I made it to yet another long line, this time for UK immigration. I finally understand the horror stories of Heathrow immigration. It took about 30 minutes on this try, cutting down on the time I had in London. As I snaked my way to the front, I could hear immigration officers grilling everyone with a funny looking passport about their purpose of visit, address in the UK, who they were meeting, how many goats they owned at home. Maybe not the last one. So I walked forward with a bit of trepidation, and placed my blue passport down.
Immigration officer, looking at my arrivals card: “Just here for a day?”
Me: “Yeah. Continuing to the U.S. tomorrow.”
Imm off: “Oh, right then. Have a good day in London.”
A part of me wishes that immigration would give me a tough time now and then, but c'est la vie. I made my way to baggage claim and to the Heathrow Express, which I had gotten a coupon for that made it not that much more than the Connect. A quick trip to Paddington Station and a walk around the corner to the Quality Crown Hyde Park, just 8000 Choice Points (or a transfer of a few thousand MR points during a bonus period to top off my account) to save the £170/$260 every other hotel in London wanted. A decent steal for the number of points, and it's just behind the Hotel Indigo that many love for its location.
The rest of the day was spent in a city I hadn’t visited since I first got to know it almost a decade ago. The <24h connection rule really is amazing. A few pics ...
A long way from home. Though it did take a more direct route from HKG than I did ...
The flag and the flag carrier