ORD Check in and Air France First-Class Lounge
As I was connecting from PHX, I was a little early for checking-in, for my international flight! I arrived in terminal 3, from PHX, and was connecting to terminal 5. Took the airport train! It actually took just about 10-15 mins from the baggage belt to the KLM/Air France first-class check-in (that includes the train ride)!
I had to wait for about 5 minutes, at the check-in area, and then, a cheerful looking lady appeared! When I asked if this was the check-in for business-class passengers, her face lit up, and she offered to help me. She was very chirpy, which was exactly what I needed that day. After she learnt my route, and that I would be flying for almost 2 days, she was a little shocked, but hid it. She advised me to drink plenty of fluids and sleep as much as possible. Then, she showed me where the security was, and advised me to take the line for First/Business class passengers. She advised me of the J load in the main cabin (it was a 747, and I selected a seat in the first floor). There were only 4 people in business class in the main cabin, and 4 in the upper deck. She also said that I have the whole FIRST ROW to myself!! Oh, btw, my check-in agent's name was Alesia, and she was really pretty too!
When I approached the security, I could not see any special lines for First/Business class passengers, however, the guy who was checking the boarding passes advised me to take the line on the far-right, as there was no one in front of me! Quite surprisingly, I was in and out of security check in just 4 minutes, without a dedicated lane(yes, I timed it!). I headed over to the Air France lounge.
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AvidFlyer1990, on Flickr
It was, by far, the smallest international lounge I had ever visited! I was kind of surprised! They did not have very good food/beverage selection either!
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AvidFlyer1990, on Flickr
However, although the lounge was a little bit crowded, there was this one section of the lounge, where no one was sitting (I guess that was because of the bad wifi connection at that part of the lounge)! It worked out for me pretty well, as I had the whole section to myself, for quite sometime! This allowed me to work in peace (I had to complete my report :P, LOL)!
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AvidFlyer1990, on Flickr
However, they do have a good hot-chocolate, though!
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AvidFlyer1990, on Flickr
I spent the time working, and plane spotting!
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AvidFlyer1990, on Flickr
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AvidFlyer1990, on Flickr
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AvidFlyer1990, on Flickr
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AvidFlyer1990, on Flickr
MY BIIRRRDDDD!!!
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AvidFlyer1990, on Flickr
Boarding started, about 45 mins prior to departure, with Business class guests!
IMG_0934 by
AvidFlyer1990, on Flickr