SFO-LAX-SAN-IAD-ZRH-FRA-DUB-FRA-SFO

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/monie5000/my_photos


Arrived early; quick stop at RCC for a banana and coffee. Security smooth; easy check through. Today's travel is but another day of many in recent weeks. Last trip I was off to SIN... this time DUBLIN lye ahead. SIN made me 1P and this trip was planned to nudge me a little closer to 1K The perks: MR to make 1K and gain SWU's /mini vacation and Irish horse trek.

I joined T-Mobile wireless annual plan for use at RCC. SFO-LAX flight smooth on time perfect. Flight attendants are in good spirits.

However, much to my surprise there is no wireless internet access at the LAX facility; with a 2 ½ layover it was an inconvenience as I was waiting to connect with TVL4FREE from Flyertalk. TVL4FREE booked my itinerary a full 5 hours in advance and was working on last minute accommodations in Dublin. LAX was our point of contact for establishing where to overnight in Dublin. No such luck. The staff at RCC begged forgiveness for no internet access, and suggested I contact customer service as LAX is one of the few Clubs without an internet connection. Perhaps if Flyertalk addresses this issue we may see change in the future?

Thereupon, I spoke with the customer service agent who suggested I use certs if interested (she claimed Business was open) to upgrade the upcoming SAN-IAD long haul portion of the trip since it was a red-eye. Flight arrival IAD at 5:45 am and with the next connection not until 5:00 pm, it sounded like a plan for a good nights rest for a few certs. Since my miles have not fully updated I purchased the certs as a full day layover warranted a good nights rest in my opinion.


A quick 35 minute hopper to get onto the next flight - hopefully an upgraded red eye for some sleep☺ incurred a gate change; no problem I was keeping up with the changes. Flight boarded quickly and flight was full; departed on time. Surprisingly on this 30 minute flight one receives an entire bottle of water, rather than the small cups they pour for you on longer flights. Would enjoy hearing the theory behind that one. Flight arrived on time.

Everything running brilliantly and I’m happy as a clam. I tend to take things in stride, simplify and look forward. While on the bus I hear about today’s murder at the Miami Florida airport (hearsay: "Yes, some man made it through security with a firearm, and security finally shot him") OK, that’s some interesting info to think about. Will have to catch the full story in tomorrow’s paper or the next time I get to the news.




Gate agent unfriendly speaks [at me] "you won’t make upgrade" I nicely asked what happened as 1 hour prior first was almost empty and therefore I purchased 4 certs (already have a few in my account) (as 5 required), as recommended by the customer service agent in Los Angeles who I spoke with for some time since I could not get much done with no internet access to communicate to TVL4FREE and catch up with work mail.

The gate agent was grumpy, firm; his demeanor did not reflect any orientation toward customer service. I politely asked if it was possible to refund the certs since an hour ago I purchased them under the impression the upgrade was available. "No they are not refundable" yes, but I was not made aware of this by the customer service agent and was almost assured a seat on this flight. Therefore since it was just over an hour ago can we make an exception and refund my money since I’m not using them. Within the next few days I would automatically receive several free certs when my miles updated. The agent stated: "Go see customer service, but since we are boarding now, better do at in Dulles instead".

Boarding was then delayed by 25 minutes. We were again delayed in take off.
There were no blankets or pillows on this flight (and it’s the red-eye). I happened to find a single blanket under a seat ☺ noticed an elderly lady remarking about the cold and gave her the blanket; still wondering why a red eye to D.C. would have no pillows or blankets aboard?

Slept through most of the flight, and was surprised and happy with at our early arrival. A friend in D.C. picked me up at 6:00am and we went for breakfast; my friend offered I could nap over at her flat for a few hours. Appreciated a nice shower and a few extra hours of sleep. Followed by a great lunch in the afternoon when my friend could get away from work. Arrived back to the airport at 3pm. Next flight scheduled for a 600P departure.

Spent the next few hours in the RCC catching up with e-mails and reconnecting with TVL4FREE on Dublin accommodations and going over one last MR planned for the 14th.


TVL4FREE further booked one night in a castle for a great rate of 70 Euros outside of Dublin as my original plan was to visit the countryside. There was virtually no availability in Dublin due to local holiday parties. I spent the next few hours on the phone and on the internet searching for any availability. The Conrad was available but had a budget for this trip so no go. It then struck me to stay at the Airport Hilton (at TVL4FREE) suggestion for the first night. When booking I realized I could use a rewards coupon through HHONORS for the 2nd night (Saturday night) stay in the downtown Hilton.
While searching the HHONORS site I noticed the same Downtown Hilton hotel offering a special for the Sunday night and I chose to book it too, as the stay at the castle would have come out to the same pricing with taxi service back and forth. The ease of not moving hotels again appealed to me as well so I am scheduled for two nights at the downtown Hilton..after the stay at the Airport Hilton.


Flight delayed 1 hour. No possibility for upgrade as business was overbooked with several 1k standbys. After boarding we were delayed for take off. Eventually the flight departed, the meal was a nice chicken and rice, other choice pasta. Listened to the IPOD, started on more of the trip report and then fell asleep writing. Woke up and we were 1 hour prior to landing. But our flight arrived delayed.


My connection to FRA was going to be almost impossible. The agents said to proceed to customer service and reschedule. However, I decided to go for it, and so I ran to the gate and was the last one on board just at the cut off☺


Flight was completely full, sat in last row in the middle….no E+ this time. Now I was realizing just how accustomed one can get to E+. The flight was delayed 45 minutes due to weather and backlogged landings in FRA. No worries as I was to have a 6 hour layover in FRA.

Arrived FRA; I’m happy during my layover as I am an RCC member. When speaking with UA when I purchased the membership for full price, they stated whatever status I attained within the 30 days of purchasing they would refund the difference in price.

Arrived FRA delayed. The airport was swarming with people coming and going everywhere. Many starting their holiday trips. There was not one seat open in the terminal at the deli’s seating areas, etc. Headed for the RCC and enjoyed the afternoon relaxing, meeting a few locals from SFO, caught up with e-mail etc. Picked up a few magazines and converter in the airport and then proceeded to gate. A side note: MANY UA flights were cancelled and/or delayed overnight heading to the East Coast USA due to bad weather. It was a scene at the RCC, I was happy to be going in the opposite direction.

Sat down in the departure area as we were 10 minutes delayed, awaiting the bus to take us to our plane. I fell asleep sitting there, the jet lag must have been catching up at this point. I swear by the product "Airborne" which can be purchased at grocery stores and airports. It’s packed with vitamins and helps with jet lag (usually) and I believe has kept me healthy throughout all the travels, dropping one fizz tablet every 3 hours into water.
Boarded the flight which was full. The flight was to be 2 hours. They served a bagel on the flight and then went back to sleep. Early arrival.
Easy airport to find your way around. Planned to stay at the Hilton Airport: there were no visible signs for the hotel shuttle, was shuffled around the airport several times by different airport staff. After 20 minutes of going from one end to the other, finding the shuttle area and being told the Hilton bus arrives somewhere else and I would need to go back in and try to find the Hilton phone as without a reservation they do not come to the airport as do the other hotel buses. Too tired….and took a cab to the hotel which was expensive 15EU.

December 9, 2005 Dublin Airport Hilton:

Hotel was nice, more like a Hilton Garden Inn 5 stories, new hotel. It is right next to the main road to the airport and noisy on the street side so I moved to the back side of the hotel. Hotel staff was friendly but very busy with local parties in the hotel. When asked for a robe and shower cap they must have forgotten because it never arrived. An hour later and the staff asked if I was pleased with room and needed anything. I said no as I had already showered, etc.
The hotel manager Brian (from Florida) was kind enough to suggest an idea that I move to the Mount Juliet Conrad, a country hotel down south, then rent a car to go horse riding the next day. However, the Juliet Conrad in the countryside was booked.

The internet did not work in my room so the manager allowed me 2 hours free internet access at the business center to sort my arrangements. The hotel charges 20EU for 24 hours internet use, so I was happy for the time to catch up with e-mail and research some ideas for the Dublin stay. Also re-confirmed with TRVL4FREE about the MR on the 14th. He just books them for me and voila, I show up and go. Apparently another FT member will be doing the same routing; so this next one won’t be solo☺
Heading off to bed..Planning to see Dublin tomorrow. Leaving on the 12th to return via DUB-FRA-SFO DIRECT!!! Yeah☺

The stay was fine aside from the concierge service; please note review on flyertalk.com hotel reviews for further information.

**No executive floor or lounge at this hotel.

December 10, 2005 Dublin Hilton Downtown:

Checked out of hotel hell (just kidding). It was disappointing because even up until the next day the Airport hotel/concierge could not figure it out with how to handle my request for horseback riding. Nevertheless, I wasted a day which could have otherwise been spent touring since the concierge assured me every hour to give him a little more time. Finally had it by 1PM and checked out.

Checked into the Dublin Hilton Hotel which was more like it ☺ Again a 5 story Garden Inn style hotel, off the beaten path. However the service was excellent. Upon check-in the concierge had received my e-mail from the night before and had set up a complete Pony Trekking experience set for the next morning. After further conversation the concierge informed me that had the concierge and/or staff known what they were doing over at the Hilton Airport they would realize there is a stable for riding just 2 miles down the road from the hotel. O.K. enough of dragging on the riding experience, however this is a dream realized for me and it was a reason to visit Ireland aside from the MR.

Spent the rest of the day walking near by the hotel; not much to see as the hotel is located just outside the central part of town. If you’re an HHONORS member and want to stay at a Hilton property-go for the Conrad downtown as its location is worth it. Saves you plenty of money in cab fares, and cabs are very expensive in Dublin. Example: Airport-airport Hilton a few miles = EU15 another EU20 to get from the airport Hilton to the Dublin Hilton.

Again EU95 to get out to the countryside for riding (roundtrip price-maybe 20 miles roundtrip).
Relaxed in the room and ordered room service; preparing for the upcoming big day. Logged onto the internet and paid the EU20 for 24 hour usage through the hotel in room service. Made the HUGE mistake of calling direct to the States. In Singapore the other week a direct call was only 30 cents/minute. From Ireland it was outrageous, and it’s my fault for not researching in advance. For 8 minutes it came to EU22.
Room service was excellent by the way; order the cheeseburger it’s tasty, almost a gourmet burger style about EU15. The hotel did provide nice amenities as an HHONORS Gold; bottle of nice red wine, souvenir, fruits and water every day. Stayed in the room as the hotel was packed with business parties and party goers dressed in black tie.

It was a kick watching the women in their slinky black dresses (sleeveless-like you would see in summer in California) all huddling together in the courtyard smoking cigarettes. The hotel has an anti-smoking policy and therefore many of the guests and party goers were in the courtyard shivering and smoking until all hours of the night. It was noisy, but it’s the holiday and I found it entertaining as I typed up my trip report and watched out the window while listening to my IPOD (would not travel without it).

***No executive level in this hotel. Fruits and amenity provided.
Please note full write up and review on flyertalk.com hotel reviews section.

December 11, 20005: Pony Trekking Trip 4 Hours Riding/6 hours total

A wonderful taxi ride out to the Paddocks: FYI contact Tony Lee the driver on his mobile for great deals, he is awesome, friendly, true Irishman, toured me around downtown after the trekking trip at no extra charge. Very knowledgeable fellow, who is the only taxi driver you will find in Dublin wearing a black suit☺ Very charming older gentleman who comes from the old country. Tony Lee (086 105 2151) the concierge at Hilton originally booked the driver; and as I was very impressed, we worked out a return trip. He stated he would head home while I rode and eat some lunch with the wife and wait for my call as he lives close to the Paddocks. Really traditional Irishman can’t recommend him highly enough as he is a gentleman and an awesome tour guide.

Pony Trekking (Horse riding through the country side).
Signed on for the advanced/expert ride as I previously trained jumping horses and wanted the full IRISH experience. The experience was a dream realized. We galloped through the countryside, up into the hills, jumped over fences, old stone walls, rivers, fallen trees and went on and on, running through the fields. It was a direct scene out of a movie. If you have ever heard of a hunt, it was like that only we were not chasing anything. They put me on a HUGE horse 18.2 hands for anyone who knows a little about horses. For 3 hours we ran through the country. Some parts were difficult on the trek as there were windy tight downhill slopes, full of mud and one must duck ones head and trust the horse to get through the brush.

It was an expensive outing; and for those of you who are not into the sport you are sure to shake your heads. It’s one of those sports where you either get it, or you don’t. ☺ The ride was EU50/hr total: EU150 worth every cent for me. I came to realize it’s time to get a horse once again here in the near future as I sure do miss it. Ok enough getting personal this is supposed to be a trip report right ☺

Tony picked me up and we drove all over Dublin and downtown for an extra hour at no charge, pointing out the important points of interest. It was a quick ride with so much to see, but at least my perspective was broadened on Dublin.

If you go definitely take the time to visit the main park in Dublin. It’s the largest park in all of Europe. Many points of interest in the park, US Ambassadors residence, the Irish President lives there too. I found out one can ride horses through the park also; had I more time it would have been a done deal for me.

Returned to the hotel at about 6:30PM Considered going out for a bite, then realized I had to be up at 4am. Not to mention I knew I would be sore in the morning from riding so many hours after not riding for 8 years (lol). Ordered room service; it was excellent. FYI: the Continental breakfast is nothing to write home about at all. The other meals are worth it; however the eggs and breakfasts are not appetizing.

Took a nice long bath with the crystal salts the hotel provides as a bathroom amenity. It was relaxing and a great way to end the day. Spent some time on Flyertalk writing reviews about the hotels, checked e-mail, then went to bed at about 11pm. Found it difficult to sleep, the excitement was still in me. Finally fell asleep at 12:30am... wake up call at 4 am. Arranged for the same taxi service to pick me up and transfer to the airport for a flat fee of EU30.

The hotel staff in the lobby was gracious and prepared a coffee to go for me, just like Starbucks (lol). I was amazed at the traffic at 5:00am going to the airport. I suppose there must be many flights departing early morning. Checked into Lufthansa to get my e-ticket boarding pass.



The airport was mayhem at this hour; amazing. Everyone heading everywhere, you name it. Checked into the Lufthansa flight and the unfriendly ticketing agent quickly points out there is absolutely NO WAY I can take my roll aboard on this flight. He weighed it and it was 14kg. The agent further stated the max was 8kg which is ridiculous as I use a Travel Pro roll aboard same as the flight attendants use. Been around the world with it and this was the first time it was taken from me to be checked. I wasn’t happy about it as this was my entire luggage and the thought of it not making the connection etc. had me a little nervous. Checked the bag for the first time and went towards the boarding gates.

Slow security check through, too many people, not enough checkers open for screening. Sat in the Star Alliance lounge to catch my breath and wait for the flight to board. I signed on with T-Mobile annual contract before leaving this trip as I can make great use of it at the RCC lounges, and get extra miles using it. Unfortunately, T-Mobile was not available in Ireland-thus paying the EU20 at the hotel etc. I was supposed to check in with TVL4FREE as he was working on a possible upgrade for me on the return from FRA-SFO 11 ½ hr. flight. I signed up for a 30 minute pass for EU5. Now here is the weird part. When you sign up they send the password to your e-mail address and then you sign on from the info they send to your e-mail.

Now, how is one supposed to check e-mail when one can’t get on the internet to begin with? The whole thing defeated the purpose and I was out the money. Oh well, I’ll try TVL4FREE again from FRA RCC lounge. The LH flight was delayed to board, delayed to take off and delayed to land. I noticed it’s a common occurrence to get held up in flight pattern when flying in and out of FRA due to air traffic control. All of my flights into and out of FRA were delayed.

Boarded the flight with a seat in the back, no problem 3 hour flight. Would you believe my luck??? Here I thought ok I can finally catch a quick snooze, and yes my rear end and legs are sore sore from the horse riding (lol) ☺ Next thing you know the lady behind me has two children who are out of control the entire flight. Screaming, yelling, crying, and kicking the back of my seat over and over again. I tried to communicate with the mother however she appeared and sounded to possibly be from India, so no way to help out there. The flight from hell.. Most of the passengers were looking at one another with their hair standing on end. We arrived 30 minutes delayed. This situation was beyond the norm, and I wish I had taken photos of all of our facial expressions, everyone searching for any seat in the opposite direction of the noise.

Arrived to the terminal and went to RCC; checked in for flight and asked about possible upgrade/standby.



Found out there was no possibility for the upgrade as my miles and status had not posted to date. I was way ahead of my status posting. They should have had me at Prem Exec +, but there were flights missing dating back to the 5th, so no chance and with no certs deposited it was not going to happen.

Relaxed in the lounge, and then did a little duty free shopping in the airport, plenty of chocolates and goodies for the family. While in the lounge I was feeling a little run down. I had run out of the airborne two days earlier and with the flu running through Ireland (according to the hotel staff and taxi) I think I caught a bug. The sweats, hot/cold, jet lag the whole thing. Asked again about the upgrade with the same answer as before. The agent further explained that economy was almost totally booked and I would be next to two other passengers – full load.


I imagined the darkness and the tight squeeze in sardine city (that’s what I call international economy on a 747) ☺ I was booked for E+ so had that going for me. Although with two other people next to me I thought about it and realized it was still going to be cramped. Forget about typing the trip report. The only thing to do at that point is knock oneself out and sleep it off (lol). Hmmm something had to be done if I was going to arrive in SFO healthy enough to be seen by friends and family who were picking me up (all of whom think I’ve lost it due to these MR’s around the world). Last thing I want to do is bring back the flu.

When it came time to board I spoke with a supervisor and explained that I had flown 50k miles since November 23rd and was waiting for miles and status to post. There was nothing she could do at this point. However, she offered me what she referred to as a "Promotional Upgrade" to business for a fee.

The fee being EU320 (so around $550 ish). Well at this point it sounded good; plus the double miles for flying(C) business with status and bonus. The whole point of this adventure is to get status for next year when my new job kicks in for flights and I can get upgrade and be set ahead of the curve. If I didn’t make 1k this year I would not receive any of the benefits once I made it next year; it would be the following year. For those of you who are grimacing at the thought of my making 1k with only 52k flown miles. Please take into consideration I’ve spent a fortune (financially) and if you follow the fact I flew 50k+ miles in 60 days it’s allot of hard work on ones body. It would be easier to fly 100k in 365 days than 50k in 60. Nonetheless I’ll be paying my dues next year flying the full 100k+.

Yeah! So I am now sitting on the upper deck 747 seat 17A window, kicking back and loving every minute. A nice reward. After the meal (filet mignon with peppercorn sauce, and salmon appetizer) I literally passed out for 2 hours.

The gentleman next to me and flight attendant giggled once I woke up. Wow…was I that tired? Thank goodness for the upgrade as I’m feeling better. Drinking plenty of water and napping; typing and relaxing. I’m feeling almost 100% again☺ Well worth it.

Had I stayed on my original ticket it was a total of $599 taxes included thanks to TVL4FREE who set up the itinerary. I swear TVL4FREE amazes me every time. 4 years ago our goal was to get me from 0 to Plat on CO in 90 days. It worked perfectly, allot of traveling but we hit the goal. This time the goal is UAL 1k, and we are heading for a home run starting out with 3,000 EQ miles on Oct 30th. Now we are up to over 50k ☺ Thanks TVL4FREE without you it would not have come about. I’m referring everyone to TVL4FREE; in my opinion he is the best!

It’s lovely sitting up here overlooking the sunset skyline/horizon, beautiful views; it does not get much better than this does it?

Enroot 5 hours and 6 ½ to go, then home free – looking forward to my temperpedic bed ☺ What a long flight! I walked down to sardine city and confirmed I made the right decision to upgrade. Although I did notice TVL4FREE had me booked in the bulkhead so it would have worked out. However, I was not aware of this until after boarding and taking a quick walk around the plane. TVL4FREE is always looking out for flyertalkers!

Well once I get back it’s two days down time to recoup and then one more MR to D.C. and back. (I'm going for the IAD bonus, and West Coast Promo, too!). Then I’m finished for the year! I’ve been adding Flyertalk.com to page 17 in Hemispheres with the online name Fox Trot and seat number, so look for me in a seat near you☺

***Watch for my other trip reports I'm finishing up. The goal was 50k+ in under 3 weeks. This report is one of several