Vegas airport is a bit of a dump, really. And there's no AA lounge there. Why on earth not, I do not know - they seem to have a decent number of flights leaving from LAS. Anyway, I managed to find a corner away from the constant chiming of the gambling machines and waited for the flight to be called.
AA2942, LAS - LAX, N337PJ, B737
Our Boeing 737 pulling into the gate.
Los Angeles coming into view on approach to LAX
The layover in LAX was a good few hours so I went back to my happy place.....
I do love the Bloody Marys that they serve in the QF FLounge at LAX - topped off with olives and celery and a great kick!
AA2084, LAX - MSY, N823AW, A319
Boarding commenced around 4.30pm and we were welcomed on board by a great flight attendant. I can't remember his name now but he was fantastic. There were three rows of F and instead of telling each individual passenger what the choices for the meals were, he just stood at the front and spoke out loud. Shame for those in Row 4 who were going to miss out
Fully open PDB bar with this guy doing refills before we even got off the ground.
Someone didn't take the advice to switch phones to flight safe mode as someone's started ringing as the guy was finishing the safety announcement. He immediately said over the PA: "We can all hear your cellphone which is quite clearly not in flight safe mode and I know exactly who you are so I would shut it down now"
The sun was setting just as we took off over the coast from LAX and it made for some absolutely beautiful views on the way out.
Bye LAX! See you in a week or so!
On AA, it always seems so long before the flight crew let the cabin crew jump into action. Like almost at causing altitude level. In the UK, the crew can be out of their seats a few minutes after take off ready to start the service. Anyway, when our guy was let up, he handed out some warm towels and then served warm nuts and did a few drinks rounds.
I opted for the filled pasta. Despite looking not amazing, it actually tasted great. It was washed down with a few glasses of red and some great chat with the crew guy. He really seemed to enjoy his job and went to pains to chat to every passenger.
Some ice cream to finish. Not the amazing sundae which you get on the Transcon flights but still great.
After three and a half hours we landed in New Orleans. "We're at the recently opened terminal tonight folks", said the guy cabin crew member, "so if you get lost then don't ask us because we've never been here before!"
A great flight with AA!
I can't really compare the new terminal at MSY to the old one because I was never at the old one. The new one is great though. It's open, airy, bright and still in pristine condition. I've got some more pictures of it in the return part of the trip.
I hopped on the hotel shuttle bus and got dropped off at the Hilton. I was the only non member of cabin crew / flight crew on the shuttle bus. Checked in by a lovely lady who wanted me to keep speaking "because I JUST LOOOOOOOOVE that accent, honey!"
A quick night cap in the bar and I was ready for bed!
Couple of pics of the hotel courtyard from the next morning.
