Not too early a start on the Sunday morning - I got to the airport around 8am for my 10.40am flight. I had a massage booked for 8.20am and wanted to grab some breakfast in the Concorde Room (rather than in the hotel). The First Wing was pretty quiet at this time of morning and I was through into the lounge before long (welcomed by the usual horse and bucked of fizz).
Nice Christmas tree in the CCR!
I grabbed a seat on the terrace and was promptly offered something to drink. I had a small glass of fizz before heading to the Elemis spa.
I had a great back and shoulder massage with the therapist exclaiming that I had one of the biggest knots in my upper back she's ever seen. Guess a guy needs to take a compliment when he can get it, huh.....?!
Back through to the CCR which had got a bit busier but I managed to get a booth in the 'restaurant' to grab a tasty cooked breakfast.
Boarding was across at the B gates so I did what I usually do and use the underground walkway rather than take the transit across. A guy in the lift was curious as to why I pressed level -4 and decided to join me when I explained that the underground walkway rarely has anyone in it and is a nice way to get a bit of peace and quiet before your flight.
My Queen of the Skies waiting to take me to LAX.
BA283, LHR - LAX, G-BYGF, B747
I boarded and was passed over to one of the First Class crew and shown to my seat in the nose.
Fizz and some warm nuts were offered on the ground along with pyjamas, washbags and the menu for today's flight.
Flight time of 10 hours 45 minutes announced by captain and we were off on our way.
Around 20 minutes after take off, drinks and canapés were served. And of course, it wouldn't be me if I didn't order at least one Bloody Mary on the flight!
The crew came around taking orders for lunch and I asked to delay lunch by a few hours which was absolutely no problem for the crew at all. I watched a film and enjoyed a few beers before the prompt member of crew came to me and asked if he could set my table. Nothing better than sipping a nice cold beer while looking out of the window thousands of feet above land.
The truffle linguine was delicious, although a little on the salty side. Nice to see a different type of starter on the menu though.
As avid readers know, I am a fan of BA's soups - the broccoli soup was no different. Hit the spot!
Decided against the beef and went for the pork cutlets which were really tasty with the apple. Some nice dauphinoise potatoes on the side made for a decent main course.
Meal finished off with some ice cream and some delicious dessert wine.
Oh, and some tea and a whisky!
The views as we crossed Greenland were amazing - the pics don't really do it justice but it was beautiful with the sun setting too.
The crew made up the bus for me and I grabbed some shut eye. I find the BA seat really comfortable for sleeping once the mattress topper is put on and the duvet is very cosy.
After a few hours napping, I grabbed a drink and some popcorn and listened to some music.
Some more spectacular scenery!
Before long, we were on the west coast of the US and it was time for the second meal service.
Opted for the lamb tagine which was pretty good.
Finished with the very light rhubarb and ginger timbale.
We arrived into a dull LAX slightly ahead of schedule.
I thanked the crew for a very good flight and made my way to get stamped into the US. I think we must have timed it badly because immigration was crazy - it took over an hour to get through. By no means as long as I have heard some people wait but it's really the last thing you want to do after coming off of a long haul flight. I picked up my case and re-checked it (who knows why on earth you have to do this in the US?!) and then headed to find myself a lounge to relax in before my connecting flight to LAX. Things had brightened up a bit.
Of course, I headed to the Qantas First Class lounge in the international terminal. I love the fact that there's a walkway which connects TBIT to T4. I chilled for a while and then got a bit peckish so decided to grab a snack knowing that I wouldn't get anything substantial until I got into Las Vegas.
I headed back to Terminal 4 but the flight posted a delay of around half an hour. Rather than traipse back to TBIT, I went into the AA Flagship lounge to sit out the half hour.
AA504, LAX - LAS, N521UW, A321
Boarded and took my seat in the front row and the chirpy crew on this sector had already opened the bar to do pre-departure drinks for those of us up front.
The usual snack basket was passed around.
After landing, I grabbed my case and hopped into an Uber to the hotel - a DoubleTree quite close to the airport. It was still relatively early - about 8pm - so I decided to stay up and have a few drinks in the hope that I could avert jet lag. A decent sleep was had and I woke up around 6.30am to the sun starting to rise. Managed to nap for a few more hours and I was ready for the day ahead!
