Just a quick update on the trip, firstly thanks to Kiwi flyer.
Trip report:
Friday the 11th of May 16.45pm, left central Auckland by car, traffic was not to bad, we arrived at the airport by 5.30pm. Proceeded to the premium check in, agent said they would block the middle seat of our row of 3. Drinks and a shower in the lounge. Upon boarding we found the blocked middle had been assigned, we switched to a middle and isle 2 rows forward to allow a couple to sit together.
Arrived in LA and proceeded to clear customs and immigration, cues were not very long, but it still took a while, we did get back in to the NZ lounge, but only had time for a shower and sandwich before we had to board.
Upon arrival in London at about 10.30am, I was off the plane and out of the airport within 25 mins, no cues there! However when I got to the London Underground, it was closed! Proceeded to the Heathrow express and GBP29 later (the Tube home in GBP 2.90) I was underway. I changed to the Tube, and upon arriving at Earls court, I bumped in to 2 of my brothers (we were planning to meet at home). We all proceeded to our parents house, where my Mother was very surprised to see me (because I live in NZ). We had a BBQ and sang happy birthday and it was time to get underway again. Friends droped me at Paddington station (I don't miss London traffic, even worse than the North western at 7.30am). The Heathrow express was there, and within 20 minutes I was back at Heathrow's Terminal 3. Checked in and headed strait to the lounge to meet Kiwi Flyer again (he had a side trip). Another shower and change of cloths and we were underway again at about 9pm. This time loads were light in Y, so we had a row of 3 each to ourselves.
Hong Kong was our next stop, I had issues getting through transit with my boarding pass, so had a long walk back to the NZ desk, but before long I was back in the SQ F Lounge with Kiwi Flyer, another shower, and some drinks later we were back on the plane for our last flight. Again I had a row of 3 to myself, so I made a bed with 3 blankets an 4 pillows, and managed to sleep form right after dinner until the PA announcement for breakfast (which is rare for me).
We arrived early and picked up duty free, I rushed to my car, to drop of my duty free and get some clean cloths, I then proceeded to check in for my flight to WRE. I met Kiwi Flyer gain at the domestic Kuru club for a coffee. He had a shower and left for work, and I am now waiting for my flight, also showered n feeling surprisingly good for having been around the world in less than 60 hours!
All in all a great trip, hope to repeat it soon, next stop JFK (Via a $496 NZ Grab a Seat fare to LAX).
Again a big thanks to Kiwi Flyer's status and knowledge who made the whole trip allot easier for me!
tht