Just started the HNL mileage run, which I know a number of you have either done yourselves already, or are planning to do later in the year. Quick update on progress so far:
BRU-LHR
After arriving from MAN on a very uninspiring Brussels Airlines flight and staying overnight at the Sheraton airport hotel the BA lounge and flight to LHR was very pleasant, and felt like we were going home (which obviously we were). LHR flight connections security fast track was open and progress through to T5 First Lounge was speedy. The First Lounge was a good as ever, especially the hearty breakfast.
LHR-IAD
Nothing much to report on our 747 flight on the upper deck, but enjoyed the extra legroom that 62K gave me. Was very proud of Mrs BillinghamN as she fought through the Americans in front of us to get down the stairs in double quick time to ensure we were in good position to get through immigration quickly.
Immigration at IAD was a breeze - we were worried by the reports of 3 hours waiting in line, but we were through in 5 mins, and then straight off on to the Hilton since we are hand luggage only on this trip. Mrs BillinghamN seems to appreciate the flexibility this offers us, and I've had no whinging about it so far on the trip.
IAD-LAX
Just on this flight now. Was annoyed when I tried using GoGo inflight Wifi when the price increased from $14.95 (before the flight) to $26.95 if purchased during the flight. And of course they don't tell you this prior to the flight. Anyway happy to report I beat the system with that well known trick of telling Safari to pretend to be an iPhone, getting the price reduced to $12.95, paying and then simply resetting the User Agent to Automatic.
Looking forward to 3 hours in the Admirals lounge next, and then the final hop on to Hawaii.
All good so far. If anyone is interested in reading our blog of our trip (it's a personal record of what we get up to, so it's meant to be a little self indulgent), feel free to have a scan here. The password is the place we are heading to starting with the letter h (6 letters - all lower case):
http://2013-aug-hawaii.holidays.bill...d/hols/chrono/