Chicago or Toronto
May 12, 2019, 11:45 am
#17
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
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The A350 in club could be tempting too, at least if first isn’t available on the later flight we can try that instead. What are the general thoughts on taking new CW over first? We don’t have status and due to the Amex changes are unlikely to make any more avios trips, so the avios difference isn’t a factor. We’re also flying from Ncl, so will have the lounge experience both ways.
There is the aircraft consideration. In First then 777 isn't quite so bad, but nothing will improve the noise and air quality on that aircraft. The A380 is really good in First, lots of space and a seniority of clunkiness to it. The 787 gets mixed views, personally I like it due to the aircraft air and noise quality, and the First cabin is very intimate. Others find it cramped and you can do buddy dining in it. Finally you can never go wrong with the amazing and undisputed Queen of the Skies.
May 12, 2019, 11:45 am
#18
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Make a list of the things you want to see in and around both cities. Look at the relevant destination boards here on FT for more ideas.
Then decide based on your research on what suits your family and their interests.
Then decide based on your research on what suits your family and their interests.
May 12, 2019, 11:50 am
#19
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Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Falkirk, Scotland,VS Red, BA Gold, HH Diamond,UK Amex Plat
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Hi,
Toronto is a great city. Apart from Niagara Falls and Niagara on the lake you have
Toronto Islands ( great to hire a bike and cycle the trails)
Casa Loma
Royal Ontario Museum
CN Tower and lots of old railway carriages/wagons nearby ( I did love the changing lights up the tower at night)
Fort York
The Old Distillery district ( lots of restaurants/bars and speciality shops in old renovated buildings) was a hidden gem on my last visit in 2017.
Rogers Stadium (skydome) for Baseball if in season)
Chicago would be great also ( never been but it is on my to do list)
Regards
TBS
Toronto is a great city. Apart from Niagara Falls and Niagara on the lake you have
Toronto Islands ( great to hire a bike and cycle the trails)
Casa Loma
Royal Ontario Museum
CN Tower and lots of old railway carriages/wagons nearby ( I did love the changing lights up the tower at night)
Fort York
The Old Distillery district ( lots of restaurants/bars and speciality shops in old renovated buildings) was a hidden gem on my last visit in 2017.
Rogers Stadium (skydome) for Baseball if in season)
Chicago would be great also ( never been but it is on my to do list)
Regards
TBS
Last edited by The _Banking_Scot; May 12, 2019 at 3:24 pm
May 12, 2019, 11:54 am
#20
Join Date: May 2018
Programs: BAEC Silver
Posts: 219
Hi,
Toronto is a great city. Apart from Niagara Falls and Niagara on the lake you have
Toronto Islands ( great to hire a bike and cycle the trails)
Casa Loma
Royal Ontario Museum
CN Tower and lots of old railway carriages/wagons nearby
Fort York
The Old Distillery district ( lots of restaurants/bars and speciality shops in old renovated buildings) was a hidden gem on my last visit in 2017.
Chicago would be great also ( never been but it is on my to do list)
Regards
TBS
Toronto is a great city. Apart from Niagara Falls and Niagara on the lake you have
Toronto Islands ( great to hire a bike and cycle the trails)
Casa Loma
Royal Ontario Museum
CN Tower and lots of old railway carriages/wagons nearby
Fort York
The Old Distillery district ( lots of restaurants/bars and speciality shops in old renovated buildings) was a hidden gem on my last visit in 2017.
Chicago would be great also ( never been but it is on my to do list)
Regards
TBS
(Also apologies for hijacking the thread but I'm sure it's useful!)
May 12, 2019, 12:01 pm
#21
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 950
Was in Chicago last year and thought it was fantastic in No Particular order some thoughts:
Get the A380 flight if you're going at that time of the year when it operates. I am a big of seat 53k as it's direct aisle on the UD.
The architectural boat tour is superb, the guides are so knowledgeable.
Sears (Now Willis) Tower excellent views from the top and they also have the glass boxes with a glass floor.
A downtown thats easy to walk around whilst at the same time having lots to explore.
If you like sport especially baseball you're in luck. Wrigley Field where the cubs play is one of the few remaining old fashioned stadiums.
Cheap public transport and you can get the "L" train from ORD into town.
Only negative for me is that I found deep dish to be terrible.
Get the A380 flight if you're going at that time of the year when it operates. I am a big of seat 53k as it's direct aisle on the UD.
The architectural boat tour is superb, the guides are so knowledgeable.
Sears (Now Willis) Tower excellent views from the top and they also have the glass boxes with a glass floor.
A downtown thats easy to walk around whilst at the same time having lots to explore.
If you like sport especially baseball you're in luck. Wrigley Field where the cubs play is one of the few remaining old fashioned stadiums.
Cheap public transport and you can get the "L" train from ORD into town.
Only negative for me is that I found deep dish to be terrible.
May 12, 2019, 12:04 pm
#22
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We're heading that way in March, so perhaps not the most favourable for weather... What's the best way to get to the falls and Niagara on the Lake? I'm comfortable driving but wonder if a snowdump might make things difficult.
(Also apologies for hijacking the thread but I'm sure it's useful!)
(Also apologies for hijacking the thread but I'm sure it's useful!)
You can drive ( this would give you most flexibility) or you could take a bus tour ( some tours may stop at Niagara on the lake) or a train to Niagara Falls ( limited service IIRC ie some in the morning and some in the evening)- not sure about March weather though.
Regards
TBS
May 12, 2019, 12:07 pm
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 628
I’m veering towards Toronto, perhaps spending 3 or 4 nights in Toronto and then hiring a car and spending a night in a B&B at Niagara on the lake before heading back to the airport.
However I’ve never been on an A380, so that’s a pro for Chicago!
Last edited by trvllvr123; May 12, 2019 at 12:17 pm
May 12, 2019, 12:13 pm
#24
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
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May 12, 2019, 12:22 pm
#25
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 628
It looks like we won’t go wrong with either option, so I may just see which one has avios first class availability and let fate make the decision. We’ll be flexible on dates (my babysitters/parents are keeping June free until we’ve booked!)
May 12, 2019, 1:04 pm
#27
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Transplanted Chicago resident weighing in. I've never lived in a better US city. Museums, lakefronts, beaches, some of the best restaurants on the planet, parks and concerts, a different festival each weekend, blues clubs, river life, architecture galore, lovely diverse people... no end to the attractions. And OP is coming in June; Chicago does summer better than anyplace I have ever seen. (Because everyone knows the deep freeze will be back in a few months.) Toronto is very nice but Chicago is like nowhere else. If OP does the deal, PM me and we'll go out for a beer.
May 12, 2019, 1:13 pm
#28
Join Date: Jul 2006
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Posts: 830
As a Toronto resident, I can assure you it's a much better choice than Chicago. However, why not do both? For $200 CAD you can fly one-way from Toronto Island to Midway. Just do an open jaw on the 2-4-1.
May 12, 2019, 1:17 pm
#29
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May 12, 2019, 1:24 pm
#30
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 628
Nice idea, but as we’re limited to 4, or possibly 5, nights we’ll probably go for one or the other. My husband hates airports, so would be less than impressed if I added another flight to the itinerary!