Not BA to the USA, via DUB (of course)
Sep 21, 2015 | 1:14 pm
#1
Original Poster
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
Programs: BA Silver again, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!
Posts: 32,496
Not BA to the USA, via DUB (of course)
All the talk about ex-DUB fares was getting under my skin! Eventually I struggled with Matrix to explore the opportunity of some cheap[-ish] travel to the USA using the “Irish Connection”. Our destination was Savannah, GA, for various reasons I won’t bore you with, and in the process gave us the opportunity to fly TATL with US Airways in their nice A330 and clock up a couple of [short] sectors in First in the RJ. The deal was done with Expedia for the TATL, and a separate booking on-line with BA to get us to DUB. Routing and costs were:
JER-LGW/LHR-DUB with BA @ 238 pp, in CE, price abated by 15,000 avios each.
DUB-CLT-SAV with US/AA @ 1159 pp, in Business and Domestic First.
Total 2,795 for 2
Other costs were:
Hilton in DUB €85 (60) for one night outbound.
Hilton/Homewood Suites in SAV $1,803.48 (1,160) for 14 nights.
Avis/BA 388 for 14 days of mid-size SUV.
TPs = 40+40+140+60 each way, for a total of 560
Avios (Flights) = 24,240
Avios (Hilton Double Dip) = 1,689
Avios (Avis/BA) =still waiting to post! 1,321
And, of course, loads more Avios from BA PP Amex spend (c. 18,000)
HHons points = 1,166 + 19,950 = 21,116
Right, here we go. On with the story.
The Outward Journey
2 Sep 15
BA2669, JER-LGW, 0850>0945, CE (2A/C), B737 G-DOCW
Nothing of significance, just another x-Channel hop! The only moment of note was the dear old lady who was fully convinced that my wife in 2A had stolen her seat, until I pointed out that her BP said 6A. We smiled sweetly as she wandered back a few rows. Meal service was the ‘English Breakfast’, which was perfectly acceptable. Bags x 2 at LGW took about 10 minutes to arrive in Reclaim - a notable improvement on the 60+ minutes they were achieving last year! And so, with our regular taxi driver, we launched into the M23/M25 and the wonders of LHR Terminal Five.
2 Sep 15
BA830, LHR-DUB, 1415>1535, CE (2A/C), A320
Dropped off at the south end of T5, we saw the short queues at Zone H (Club pax) and decided to exercise our BAEC Gold privileges by using Zone J (First) which was empty. Friendly greetings from the staff, who never queried our right to be there as they clearly identified us as “suitable people”. Bags dropped, we entered the short queue for Priority Security which was working well. The experience was marred by the typical DYKWIA passenger who, without a word, half-pushed my wife aside to grab a tray from underneath her as she was about to push hers forward onto the belt, dumped a couple of things in it and then pushed his tray in front of hers. Post screening, he of course left his trays to be tidied up by someone else [me].
A couple of sandwiches and a glass or two of fizzy beverage in the FLounge passed an hour or so, some of it in the company of aks120 who was returning from DUB after a trip to HNL. Boarding went smoothly, and we squeezed into the CE seats on the A320. Wow, they are both cramped and uncomfortable! Afternoon Tea was served - more sandwiches! This is not a balanced diet!
And then it was our first experience of DUB airport. Arrivals and Reclaim was quite painless, and I tried to work out the translations between English and Gaelic on the signs. According to Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_language), “Irish is spoken as a first language by a small minority of Irish people, and as a second language by a rather larger group.” I found it far too difficult! Sadly my photo was blurred.
Emerging from Terminal 1, we were greeted by one of our favourite signs …
… so we took a short break before passing through Terminal 2 and into the beyond (to Zone 14 where the hotel shuttle buses are to be found). Straight ahead, keep walking, it’s about 200 yards, helpful map and info on the Hilton website.. Unfortunately we had just missed the Hilton bus, which operates on roughly a 30-minute cycle, so we loitered. Eventually it arrived, and we watched as an even older couple struggled with the concept that this mini-bus with “Hilton” written all over it wasn’t going to their hotel.
A 10-minute drive had us at the Hilton, where we were surprised [and pleased] to discover we were in a spacious, high-ceilinged, ‘Family Room’. The clues were there when I checked in on-line the day before and had a choice of 2 rooms, but it never really registered. Anyway, a most acceptable spot for a night-stop before the next leg of the journey and, with a shuttle booked for the 0630 departure in the morning, after a couple of drinks at the bar we decided that was enough excitement for one day.
3 Sep 15
US725, DUB-CLT, 0930>1250, Business (2A/3A), A330
We rose, showered, repacked and shuttled with a growing sense of anticipation and adventure. This is NEW territory, a NEW airline and the NEW experience of US Pre-clearance [a distinct bonus of the ex-DUB routing]. Shortly before 0700, there was a bit of a queue (or Ci in the Gaelic), during which time we were loosely interrogated by a floor-walking Agent asking things like “Is your name and address on your bags?”.
Bag dropped, we headed upstairs to begin the journey through a maze of shops, more shops, Security, Duty Free, US security, immigration and finally Customs … we seemed to be going up and down all over the place! However, it was all very well managed and our Immigration Officer was charm personified. And, finally, we found ourselves at Gate 426 at 0750 … with an hour to wait before boarding commenced. Still, better that than being late, and that’s what Kindles and iPads are made for, and at least we had an aircraft sat outside
Yes, it’s in AA markings, but it’s a US booking. When the merger is completed later this year it will be easier! Boarding was conducted in a civilised manner … i.e. we were in the first boarding group Oh, what a nice cabin: the 1-2-1 configuration is obviously akin to BA’s First, and one reason we chose this particular route/flight. Nice wide and comfortable seat, with handy shelf and storage space … miles better than BA’s CW seat, and without the yin/yang factor! Not many decent photos here, as they’re all available on the www. anyway - sorry.
Wheee … I also have a window [or three], although the view is less than perfect, this being the Emerald Isle
PDB of some unknown fizzy liquid which was probably champagne and was decently chilled, and push-back at 0925. A bit later, meal orders were taken, together with the first beverage run … wine and warm nuts is fine by me.
The Menu … of course you want to see the menu, and the reality of what was served.
oops … wrong image … try this one …
The Salad[s] was/were … OK. Well, you do need to stock up on vegetables in your diet before hitting the US of A, although they might have varied the theme a little
I went for the Jalapeo Chicken, which was likewise … OK
And finished with the famous and delicious Traditional Ice Cream Sundae, which deserved a round of applause!
That all done and dusted, I turned to the IFE. A good, clear picture, and a choice of 216 films. I watched "Mall Cop" and then "Mall Cop 2", because I like 'brain dead' films on long-haul flights, and then decided to have some sleep. Good, comfortable flat-bed, with much more shoulder space than BA’s CW seat, although the “foot socket” arrangement didn’t do me any favours as a 6-footer. Decent-sized pillow and blanket too.
For the “Light Meal” before landing I chose an agreeable plate of charcuterie. No problems there, and infinitely nicer than BA’s Tea sandwiches!
And …. here we are in CLT, some 50 minutes early (!) after a 6h30m TATL, at 1200 local time at Gate B9. With our bags checked through to SAV, and having done all the ‘procedures’ at DUB, we just popped out to kerb-side for a quick smoke before re-entering the system [via the efficient TSA Pre✓] to loiter in the AAdmirals Club for 3 hours or so. What a nice airport: busy but a very calm environment, and the AA Lounge was fine.
3 Sep 15
AA5043, CLT-SAV, 1617>1717, First (2A/3A0, RJ700
Eventually it was time for the longish walk to Gate E26 for our Domestic First sector to SAV. We were pleased to see our RJ700 parked up at the Gate - it’s always a comforting feeling. Despite the dense gathering of people at the gate, boarding was well managed, and we slipped into our comfortable seats [this is going so well!].
Hey, you get leg-room in a little RJ in First
One hour later ... SAV is a lovely little airport, about the size of JER [14 stands] but much prettier!! We seemed to be the only aircraft there at the time, so the cases were on the carousel within moments of us getting there.
Then straight across Reclaim to the Avis desk, where we picked up the keys for the SUV and wandered outside to the covered Rental parking area. So simple, so painless, really satisfactory!
Hmmm. We booked a “Ford Escape or similar”. What did we get? A Ford Escape! At least Dollar and Budget used to come us with a “Similar” occasionally
We called the vee-hickle ‘Humbug’, as the FL plate said HBG and we have a sad habit of naming our cars.
Whatever, after two days’ travelling we leave SAV airport, turn left onto I-95S for a coupe of miles, then left onto I-16 and filter onto I-516 which becomes DeRenne Avenue. Turn right at the 2nd traffic signal onto Abercorn Rd, about 1/2 mile south turn in to Homewood Suites by Hilton. About 20-25 minutes, couldn’t be easier!
More later
JER-LGW/LHR-DUB with BA @ 238 pp, in CE, price abated by 15,000 avios each.
DUB-CLT-SAV with US/AA @ 1159 pp, in Business and Domestic First.
Total 2,795 for 2
Other costs were:
Hilton in DUB €85 (60) for one night outbound.
Hilton/Homewood Suites in SAV $1,803.48 (1,160) for 14 nights.
Avis/BA 388 for 14 days of mid-size SUV.
TPs = 40+40+140+60 each way, for a total of 560
Avios (Flights) = 24,240
Avios (Hilton Double Dip) = 1,689
Avios (Avis/BA) =
And, of course, loads more Avios from BA PP Amex spend (c. 18,000)
HHons points = 1,166 + 19,950 = 21,116
Right, here we go. On with the story.
The Outward Journey
2 Sep 15
BA2669, JER-LGW, 0850>0945, CE (2A/C), B737 G-DOCW
Nothing of significance, just another x-Channel hop! The only moment of note was the dear old lady who was fully convinced that my wife in 2A had stolen her seat, until I pointed out that her BP said 6A. We smiled sweetly as she wandered back a few rows. Meal service was the ‘English Breakfast’, which was perfectly acceptable. Bags x 2 at LGW took about 10 minutes to arrive in Reclaim - a notable improvement on the 60+ minutes they were achieving last year! And so, with our regular taxi driver, we launched into the M23/M25 and the wonders of LHR Terminal Five.
2 Sep 15
BA830, LHR-DUB, 1415>1535, CE (2A/C), A320
Dropped off at the south end of T5, we saw the short queues at Zone H (Club pax) and decided to exercise our BAEC Gold privileges by using Zone J (First) which was empty. Friendly greetings from the staff, who never queried our right to be there as they clearly identified us as “suitable people”. Bags dropped, we entered the short queue for Priority Security which was working well. The experience was marred by the typical DYKWIA passenger who, without a word, half-pushed my wife aside to grab a tray from underneath her as she was about to push hers forward onto the belt, dumped a couple of things in it and then pushed his tray in front of hers. Post screening, he of course left his trays to be tidied up by someone else [me].
A couple of sandwiches and a glass or two of fizzy beverage in the FLounge passed an hour or so, some of it in the company of aks120 who was returning from DUB after a trip to HNL. Boarding went smoothly, and we squeezed into the CE seats on the A320. Wow, they are both cramped and uncomfortable! Afternoon Tea was served - more sandwiches! This is not a balanced diet!
And then it was our first experience of DUB airport. Arrivals and Reclaim was quite painless, and I tried to work out the translations between English and Gaelic on the signs. According to Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_language), “Irish is spoken as a first language by a small minority of Irish people, and as a second language by a rather larger group.” I found it far too difficult! Sadly my photo was blurred.
Emerging from Terminal 1, we were greeted by one of our favourite signs …
… so we took a short break before passing through Terminal 2 and into the beyond (to Zone 14 where the hotel shuttle buses are to be found). Straight ahead, keep walking, it’s about 200 yards, helpful map and info on the Hilton website.. Unfortunately we had just missed the Hilton bus, which operates on roughly a 30-minute cycle, so we loitered. Eventually it arrived, and we watched as an even older couple struggled with the concept that this mini-bus with “Hilton” written all over it wasn’t going to their hotel.
A 10-minute drive had us at the Hilton, where we were surprised [and pleased] to discover we were in a spacious, high-ceilinged, ‘Family Room’. The clues were there when I checked in on-line the day before and had a choice of 2 rooms, but it never really registered. Anyway, a most acceptable spot for a night-stop before the next leg of the journey and, with a shuttle booked for the 0630 departure in the morning, after a couple of drinks at the bar we decided that was enough excitement for one day.
3 Sep 15
US725, DUB-CLT, 0930>1250, Business (2A/3A), A330
We rose, showered, repacked and shuttled with a growing sense of anticipation and adventure. This is NEW territory, a NEW airline and the NEW experience of US Pre-clearance [a distinct bonus of the ex-DUB routing]. Shortly before 0700, there was a bit of a queue (or Ci in the Gaelic), during which time we were loosely interrogated by a floor-walking Agent asking things like “Is your name and address on your bags?”.
Bag dropped, we headed upstairs to begin the journey through a maze of shops, more shops, Security, Duty Free, US security, immigration and finally Customs … we seemed to be going up and down all over the place! However, it was all very well managed and our Immigration Officer was charm personified. And, finally, we found ourselves at Gate 426 at 0750 … with an hour to wait before boarding commenced. Still, better that than being late, and that’s what Kindles and iPads are made for, and at least we had an aircraft sat outside
Yes, it’s in AA markings, but it’s a US booking. When the merger is completed later this year it will be easier! Boarding was conducted in a civilised manner … i.e. we were in the first boarding group
Oh, what a nice cabin: the 1-2-1 configuration is obviously akin to BA’s First, and one reason we chose this particular route/flight. Nice wide and comfortable seat, with handy shelf and storage space … miles better than BA’s CW seat, and without the yin/yang factor! Not many decent photos here, as they’re all available on the www. anyway - sorry. Wheee … I also have a window [or three], although the view is less than perfect, this being the Emerald Isle
PDB of some unknown fizzy liquid which was probably champagne and was decently chilled, and push-back at 0925. A bit later, meal orders were taken, together with the first beverage run … wine and warm nuts is fine by me.
The Menu … of course you want to see the menu, and the reality of what was served.
oops … wrong image … try this one …
The Salad[s] was/were … OK. Well, you do need to stock up on vegetables in your diet before hitting the US of A, although they might have varied the theme a little
I went for the Jalapeo Chicken, which was likewise … OK
And finished with the famous and delicious Traditional Ice Cream Sundae, which deserved a round of applause!
That all done and dusted, I turned to the IFE. A good, clear picture, and a choice of 216 films. I watched "Mall Cop" and then "Mall Cop 2", because I like 'brain dead' films on long-haul flights, and then decided to have some sleep. Good, comfortable flat-bed, with much more shoulder space than BA’s CW seat, although the “foot socket” arrangement didn’t do me any favours as a 6-footer. Decent-sized pillow and blanket too.
For the “Light Meal” before landing I chose an agreeable plate of charcuterie. No problems there, and infinitely nicer than BA’s Tea sandwiches!
And …. here we are in CLT, some 50 minutes early (!) after a 6h30m TATL, at 1200 local time at Gate B9. With our bags checked through to SAV, and having done all the ‘procedures’ at DUB, we just popped out to kerb-side for a quick smoke before re-entering the system [via the efficient TSA Pre✓] to loiter in the AAdmirals Club for 3 hours or so. What a nice airport: busy but a very calm environment, and the AA Lounge was fine.
3 Sep 15
AA5043, CLT-SAV, 1617>1717, First (2A/3A0, RJ700
Eventually it was time for the longish walk to Gate E26 for our Domestic First sector to SAV. We were pleased to see our RJ700 parked up at the Gate - it’s always a comforting feeling. Despite the dense gathering of people at the gate, boarding was well managed, and we slipped into our comfortable seats [this is going so well!].
Hey, you get leg-room in a little RJ in First
One hour later ... SAV is a lovely little airport, about the size of JER [14 stands] but much prettier!! We seemed to be the only aircraft there at the time, so the cases were on the carousel within moments of us getting there.
Then straight across Reclaim to the Avis desk, where we picked up the keys for the SUV and wandered outside to the covered Rental parking area. So simple, so painless, really satisfactory!
Hmmm. We booked a “Ford Escape or similar”. What did we get? A Ford Escape! At least Dollar and Budget used to come us with a “Similar” occasionally
We called the vee-hickle ‘Humbug’, as the FL plate said HBG and we have a sad habit of naming our cars.
Whatever, after two days’ travelling we leave SAV airport, turn left onto I-95S for a coupe of miles, then left onto I-16 and filter onto I-516 which becomes DeRenne Avenue. Turn right at the 2nd traffic signal onto Abercorn Rd, about 1/2 mile south turn in to Homewood Suites by Hilton. About 20-25 minutes, couldn’t be easier!
More later
Last edited by T8191; Jul 26, 2018 at 6:14 am Reason: Replace photos post-Photobucket/imgur
Sep 21, 2015 | 1:15 pm
#2
Original Poster
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
Programs: BA Silver again, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!
Posts: 32,496
Part 2 - This is Savannah [or some of it]
We’re there! A fair bit of research went into using the Homewood Suites, which offered us the following perceived benefits:
Plenty of space … open-plan except for the bedroom and bathroom
… with a kitchen and full-size fridge and dishwasher …
… and a typically large and comfortable bed.
Spanish Moss is everywhere, giving the hotel [and indeed the whole surrounding area] that classic Southern look!
We spent the first few days doing essential retail, non-essential retail and generally getting to know the area. Oglethorpe Mall was about 1/2 mile away, and Savannah Mall about 3 miles away, both straight down Abercorn St/Hwy 204. Typical American eating places abounded. All in all, a very convenient location [if you like suburban America, which we do], and the Malls are safe …
A few touristy pictures now. I’m not a great photographer, and I only use a pocket Lumix, so you’ll just have to accept the limitations that imposes.
Savannah and the Waterfront.
Head North up Abercorn St and keep going! Wide tree-lined streets and numerous shady City Squares are the norm!
Parking is supposed to be an issue, but on Sunday parking meters are not required so [at 1000] it was just too easy for words! We parked a few blocks back from the Waterfront, and walked in. There is also a FREE trolley service run by the City … http://www.connectonthedot.com … and clearly a better option than the private Tour companies that charge a LOT … http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g6....Trolleys.html
In addition to being ‘historic’, Savannah is also a working port as was soon evident.
Fort Pulaski
Another short run up Abercorn St, turn right onto US-80 and keep going for about 15 miles. Well maintained by the National Parks Service, this historic fort has an interesting history which you can read about here >>> http://www.nps.gov/fopu/index.htm
It was a gorgeous day, and kept us interested for 2-3 hours.
National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
All the way back to just before SAV airport [Exit 102 off I-95 North] is the 8th AF Museum, commemorating the US Army Air Force’s strategic bombing force in WW2. It’s a bit short on aircraft, but awash with good displays of artefacts. National Mighty Eighth Museum
Aircraft and Air Forces being “our thing”, we spent about 3 hours there.
The B-17, being lovingly restored …
… and the nose of an early model B-24 …
That’s about it for the Tourist bit. I’ll get back to the journey in a moment, leaving you to ponder the merits of good ole’ Southern food … deep fried battered steak with white gravy ... and veggies!!
Journey home hopefully to come later today.
Large accommodation, suitable for lounging around and as a base for activity
Smoking allowed in the suite!!
Hhons Points with Double Dip Avios
Good location with shopping malls in the vicinity
A few acceptable (but not high-end) restaurants nearby
The hotel has a central Admin and Reception block, where breakfast and a light evening meal is provided [the latter only 5 days a week], a small pool and 3 separate 2 or 3 storey accommodation blocks. We were in #300 on the 1st [Ground] floor with parking right outside the door. Nothing glamorous, no gold-plated bathroom fittings or luxury furnishings, all very basic, but it suited us just fine - we are honestly not DYKWIA Smoking allowed in the suite!!
Hhons Points with Double Dip Avios
Good location with shopping malls in the vicinity
A few acceptable (but not high-end) restaurants nearby
Plenty of space … open-plan except for the bedroom and bathroom
… with a kitchen and full-size fridge and dishwasher …
… and a typically large and comfortable bed.
Spanish Moss is everywhere, giving the hotel [and indeed the whole surrounding area] that classic Southern look!
We spent the first few days doing essential retail, non-essential retail and generally getting to know the area. Oglethorpe Mall was about 1/2 mile away, and Savannah Mall about 3 miles away, both straight down Abercorn St/Hwy 204. Typical American eating places abounded. All in all, a very convenient location [if you like suburban America, which we do], and the Malls are safe …
A few touristy pictures now. I’m not a great photographer, and I only use a pocket Lumix, so you’ll just have to accept the limitations that imposes.
Savannah and the Waterfront.
Head North up Abercorn St and keep going! Wide tree-lined streets and numerous shady City Squares are the norm!
Parking is supposed to be an issue, but on Sunday parking meters are not required so [at 1000] it was just too easy for words! We parked a few blocks back from the Waterfront, and walked in. There is also a FREE trolley service run by the City … http://www.connectonthedot.com … and clearly a better option than the private Tour companies that charge a LOT … http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g6....Trolleys.html
In addition to being ‘historic’, Savannah is also a working port as was soon evident.
Fort Pulaski
Another short run up Abercorn St, turn right onto US-80 and keep going for about 15 miles. Well maintained by the National Parks Service, this historic fort has an interesting history which you can read about here >>> http://www.nps.gov/fopu/index.htm
It was a gorgeous day, and kept us interested for 2-3 hours.
National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
All the way back to just before SAV airport [Exit 102 off I-95 North] is the 8th AF Museum, commemorating the US Army Air Force’s strategic bombing force in WW2. It’s a bit short on aircraft, but awash with good displays of artefacts. National Mighty Eighth Museum
Aircraft and Air Forces being “our thing”, we spent about 3 hours there.
The B-17, being lovingly restored …
… and the nose of an early model B-24 …
That’s about it for the Tourist bit. I’ll get back to the journey in a moment, leaving you to ponder the merits of good ole’ Southern food … deep fried battered steak with white gravy ... and veggies!!
Journey home hopefully to come later today.
Last edited by T8191; Jul 26, 2018 at 12:48 pm Reason: Repair photos post-Photobucket and bloody imgur!
Sep 21, 2015 | 1:15 pm
#3
Original Poster
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
Programs: BA Silver again, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!
Posts: 32,496
Part 3 - Homeward bound, reverse route, same airlines/aircraft!
Dammit, time to head for home. We had a very nice, lazy, interesting time in SAV, but all good things etc. etc. OLCI and PYOBP with US was simplicity itself, with the convenience of the website having a button for printing all BPs instead of the “click each one at a time” arrangement on BA
So, with checkout at a civilised 1200 and a 1429 flight to catch, it was 25 minutes back up I-516, I-16 and I-95 to the airport.
17 Sep 15
AA5266, SAV-CLT, 1429>1535, First (2A/3A), RJ900
Did I mention I liked SAV airport?
We parked the car, returned the keys and resolved a small foul-up of the refuelling charge [the guy had entered the wrong fuel gauge reading, glad I checked the receipt!] and proceeded to drop our cases with AA.
They were both slightly overweight (52 lb and 54 lb) but presumably our OWE privileges overcame that issue. The Agent spent a couple of minutes on the computer getting the bags interlined through from DUB to LHR with BA, and showed me the tags before attaching them to the bags: I felt confident we would all meet up again at LHR
After a last cigarette outside, we wandered through another effortless TSA Pre✓ security process (why can’t we do that in UK, I ask myself?) into the simple, straight-line, Departures hall and gates.
Nice clear displays told us what was happening with our flight from Gate 8, and shortly before our intended departure our aircraft arrived on stand … this time the bigger RJ900.
Boarding was again properly prioritised, and we quickly moved down the ‘floor level’ jetway to our seats (2A/3A) where we watched the larger carry-ons being fed out of the end of the jetway to be placed in the hold: what a neat arrangement!
A nice, smooth, 1-hour hop to CLT with a drink (“just juice, please”) and some nice snacks that were apparently reserved for OWE pax in First!!! And here we are at CLT again.
17 Sep 15
AA724, CLT-DUB, 1810>0635, Business (2H/3H), A330
As usual, we popped land-side for a couple of cigarettes on a bench in the sun, then re-entered through TSA Pre✓ and sat around in the smaller AAdmirals Lounge in Concourse B, which was fairy bleak. The single drink voucher we each received was enough, but I later confirmed we could have had another from the front desk if we asked.
At 1715 we headed for the Gate, where a degree of chaos ensued. I had forgotten the previous experience at LAX, where passports are checked before boarding! The announcements from the woman at the desk were virtually inaudible over the general hubbub, there was no orderly queue or signage, and it was a right muddle. However, with passport checked and pink scribble all over our BPs, we waited for boarding. “Are you in First?”, shouted this woman at the queue for priority boarding. I was tempted to say “No, we’re in Business, there’s no First on this aircraft” but decided to just stay quiet … there was enough noise and shouting going on already!
Anyway, at 1730 we boarded, so nothing to complain about, and settled in to our seats on the starboard side for a change. As iWife settled in to her seat, a panel fell off - I passed this to one of the the cabin crew, and in moments a technician was there to re-instal it. Something to do with access to table or seat mechanism, apparently, and a not very well engineered item - I had noticed mine standing proud of the surface on the way out. Meanwhile, I admired the sticky tape holding some of my cabin trim in place … all rather BA, and a bit disappointing!
Whilst enjoying the PDB I watched one of the World’s fattest pilots squeeze his way up to the flight deck, and eventually at 1810 we pushed back, taxying past what appeared to be a training area for people who paint white lines …
… and at 1830 we were airborne. Orders having been taken already, the meal service started at 1900. Yum-yum time, drooling is permitted.
The Roasted Beet and Quinoa Salad was ‘interesting’ … I’m not sure I would order that specifically.
The Salad was OK, but the real test was about to come … Can US Airways cook a steak in the air? Boursin Crusted Beef Filet … well, Boursin spread over the steak if you’re honest …
Well here goes … time to cut it open and see what … whaaaat? A rare steak? Oh, joy and bliss, even though it was a little on the tough side for filet.
I finished the meal with Ice Cream, and had a glass of port with my coffee … yes, that’s large enough! Thank you, I may sleep well tonight.
And with the Dinner service completed by 2015, that’s exactly what I did. My next conscious moment was about an hour before landing, when the lights came on and the crew handed out glasses of orange juice. I blearily took mine, placing it carefully on the shelf beside me, and recalled that I am largely dysfunctional for several minutes after I wake up. But not a moment to lose - seat upright, deploy table, here’s the breakfast tray …. hey, give me a chance to wake up, please!
Quiche Lorraine with fire roasted (?) turkey sausage and paprika potatoes. I can’t honestly judge it, as I was still semi-conscious and only ate a fraction of it. I need about 30-60 minutes between waking and eating, so this was going to be a guaranteed fail. But at least I had slept well in this nice, wide, comfy seat.
And as the sky lightened, I looked out of the window at “Dawn Over Dublin”, and took a wobbly photo to match my current state
We slammed/bounced onto the runway at at 0630, and by 0700 we were off the aircraft and into a completely deserted Immigration and Customs area. According to the agent I spoke to, it gets rammed later on! Yay, off to kerbside for a cigarette or two, reset watch, make our way across from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1 and realise it’s another day, so …
18 Sep 15
BA827, DUB-LHR, 1135>1255, CE (2A/C), A320
Back to the reality of European Security, although in fairness it was reasonably well run. And then to find the Lounge … http://www.executivelounges.com/loun...airport-lounge
Pretty basic, but comfortable enough for a couple of hours. Boredom eventually drove us to take a walk around the Terminal and the endless shops, where we discovered that a Bar on the upper level had a smoking terrace outside. So we enjoyed polluting the fresh air, having our ears assaulted by quite loud pop music and gazing in amazement at the number of people who were having endless pints of beer for breakfast
Enough of that … off to Gate 211 and the reality of BA flying again.
Despite first appearances, boarding was done efficiently and correctly, and we were soon squeezed into our BA seats again. What a depressing contrast BA’s CE seating is, after the US/AA Domestic First experience.
We pushed back at 1130, and then sat on the taxiway for a while. We were advised there was a problem downloading the aircraft’s load sheet from London. Hmm - they have WiFi on board for the flight deck? Eventually airborne at 1205 [30 minutes behind schedule] and on our way to LHR. The usual disrespectful individual in 1K with his feet/shoes up on the bulkhead, of course.
But a very pleasant cold plate for lunch/late breakfast - I was by now awake enough to enjoy it!
We disembarked quickly at LHR, after a very short taxy to T5, and waited for 10-15 minutes [nervously] for the bags. Yessss … there they are! So we meet up with our taxi driver, and crawl round the M25 to the shambles of LGW.
18 Sep 15
BA2776, LGW-JER, 1740>1840, CE (2A/C), A319
The usual mess of kerbside drop-off 2 levels below Departures, then take lift or travelator to next floor, find another lift that actually works, and hike a further 300 yards dragging 2 heavy cases to BA Check-in. In many respects I’m looking forward to the BA move to the South Terminal, as North is a PITA [unless you’re flying Emirates, of course, where their cars can drive up the old access ramp … I wonder how much they bunged LGW for that privilege?].
The ladies at the BA First desk were charm personified as we dropped our bags and then chatted a bit about the impending changes. No significant information was imparted, but at least we were able to leave them with the impression that some pax understood their problems, and what was going on generally with BA.
By now it was getting on for 1500, and although Premium Gatwick security was open, there was a queue at the door. I had a quick look at the main security, which was quiet - one of their staffers explained that they were testing new equipment at the Premium area, so we took his advice and just went through into an almost empty main security.
And so to the Galleries Lounge, which sucks! (The First Lounge was, of course, closed by this time - thanks, BA). We managed [just] to find 2 comfortable seats to spend the next 2 hours. The crowding was not helped by the old gent, and his old wife, who felt it necessary to use 2 soft seats to store their luggage whilst they sat at a nearby table … and used the table next to that to hold their collection of newspapers! He is BA Silver, according to his tag - you’d think he’d know better, but then again perhaps not!
Yes .. YOU, Sir. Awa’ wi’ ye to Edinburgh. And, no they don’t announce flights in the Lounge. btw ... The lady here was an innocent bystander, after that second table had been cleared of all their newspapers by the staff.
And then the end-of-the-day delays started creeping in. Our 1740 departure eventually became an 1840 takeoff, the only consolation being that the high-speed meal [which we didn’t have time to finish] was a rather tasty chicken and couscous dish that we hadn’t seen before.
Nearly home …. landed JER 1917, and by 1930 [is this a record?] we and our cases joined the queue for the non-existent taxis who had given up waiting for BA2776
Fortunately they started turning up quickly, and we were through our front door at 2000 … nearly 30 hours after leaving the hotel in SAV.
There we are, that was the trip. Part 4 will conclude the impressions of the new airports, airlines and aircraft that added considerable interest to our journey and was definitely part of the ‘holiday experience’
Bye for now!
So, with checkout at a civilised 1200 and a 1429 flight to catch, it was 25 minutes back up I-516, I-16 and I-95 to the airport.
17 Sep 15
AA5266, SAV-CLT, 1429>1535, First (2A/3A), RJ900
Did I mention I liked SAV airport?
We parked the car, returned the keys and resolved a small foul-up of the refuelling charge [the guy had entered the wrong fuel gauge reading, glad I checked the receipt!] and proceeded to drop our cases with AA.
They were both slightly overweight (52 lb and 54 lb) but presumably our OWE privileges overcame that issue. The Agent spent a couple of minutes on the computer getting the bags interlined through from DUB to LHR with BA, and showed me the tags before attaching them to the bags: I felt confident we would all meet up again at LHR
After a last cigarette outside, we wandered through another effortless TSA Pre✓ security process (why can’t we do that in UK, I ask myself?) into the simple, straight-line, Departures hall and gates.
Nice clear displays told us what was happening with our flight from Gate 8, and shortly before our intended departure our aircraft arrived on stand … this time the bigger RJ900.
Boarding was again properly prioritised, and we quickly moved down the ‘floor level’ jetway to our seats (2A/3A) where we watched the larger carry-ons being fed out of the end of the jetway to be placed in the hold: what a neat arrangement!
A nice, smooth, 1-hour hop to CLT with a drink (“just juice, please”) and some nice snacks that were apparently reserved for OWE pax in First!!! And here we are at CLT again.
17 Sep 15
AA724, CLT-DUB, 1810>0635, Business (2H/3H), A330
As usual, we popped land-side for a couple of cigarettes on a bench in the sun, then re-entered through TSA Pre✓ and sat around in the smaller AAdmirals Lounge in Concourse B, which was fairy bleak. The single drink voucher we each received was enough, but I later confirmed we could have had another from the front desk if we asked.
At 1715 we headed for the Gate, where a degree of chaos ensued. I had forgotten the previous experience at LAX, where passports are checked before boarding! The announcements from the woman at the desk were virtually inaudible over the general hubbub, there was no orderly queue or signage, and it was a right muddle. However, with passport checked and pink scribble all over our BPs, we waited for boarding. “Are you in First?”, shouted this woman at the queue for priority boarding. I was tempted to say “No, we’re in Business, there’s no First on this aircraft” but decided to just stay quiet … there was enough noise and shouting going on already!
Anyway, at 1730 we boarded, so nothing to complain about, and settled in to our seats on the starboard side for a change. As iWife settled in to her seat, a panel fell off - I passed this to one of the the cabin crew, and in moments a technician was there to re-instal it. Something to do with access to table or seat mechanism, apparently, and a not very well engineered item - I had noticed mine standing proud of the surface on the way out. Meanwhile, I admired the sticky tape holding some of my cabin trim in place … all rather BA, and a bit disappointing!
Whilst enjoying the PDB I watched one of the World’s fattest pilots squeeze his way up to the flight deck, and eventually at 1810 we pushed back, taxying past what appeared to be a training area for people who paint white lines
…… and at 1830 we were airborne. Orders having been taken already, the meal service started at 1900. Yum-yum time, drooling is permitted.
The Roasted Beet and Quinoa Salad was ‘interesting’ … I’m not sure I would order that specifically.
The Salad was OK, but the real test was about to come … Can US Airways cook a steak in the air? Boursin Crusted Beef Filet … well, Boursin spread over the steak if you’re honest …
Well here goes … time to cut it open and see what … whaaaat? A rare steak? Oh, joy and bliss, even though it was a little on the tough side for filet.
I finished the meal with Ice Cream, and had a glass of port with my coffee … yes, that’s large enough! Thank you, I may sleep well tonight.
And with the Dinner service completed by 2015, that’s exactly what I did. My next conscious moment was about an hour before landing, when the lights came on and the crew handed out glasses of orange juice. I blearily took mine, placing it carefully on the shelf beside me, and recalled that I am largely dysfunctional for several minutes after I wake up. But not a moment to lose - seat upright, deploy table, here’s the breakfast tray …. hey, give me a chance to wake up, please!
Quiche Lorraine with fire roasted (?) turkey sausage and paprika potatoes. I can’t honestly judge it, as I was still semi-conscious and only ate a fraction of it. I need about 30-60 minutes between waking and eating, so this was going to be a guaranteed fail. But at least I had slept well in this nice, wide, comfy seat.
And as the sky lightened, I looked out of the window at “Dawn Over Dublin”, and took a wobbly photo to match my current state
We slammed/bounced onto the runway at at 0630, and by 0700 we were off the aircraft and into a completely deserted Immigration and Customs area. According to the agent I spoke to, it gets rammed later on! Yay, off to kerbside for a cigarette or two, reset watch, make our way across from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1 and realise it’s another day, so …
18 Sep 15
BA827, DUB-LHR, 1135>1255, CE (2A/C), A320
Back to the reality of European Security, although in fairness it was reasonably well run. And then to find the Lounge … http://www.executivelounges.com/loun...airport-lounge
Pretty basic, but comfortable enough for a couple of hours. Boredom eventually drove us to take a walk around the Terminal and the endless shops, where we discovered that a Bar on the upper level had a smoking terrace outside. So we enjoyed polluting the fresh air, having our ears assaulted by quite loud pop music and gazing in amazement at the number of people who were having endless pints of beer for breakfast
Enough of that … off to Gate 211 and the reality of BA flying again.
Despite first appearances, boarding was done efficiently and correctly, and we were soon squeezed into our BA seats again. What a depressing contrast BA’s CE seating is, after the US/AA Domestic First experience.
We pushed back at 1130, and then sat on the taxiway for a while. We were advised there was a problem downloading the aircraft’s load sheet from London. Hmm - they have WiFi on board for the flight deck? Eventually airborne at 1205 [30 minutes behind schedule] and on our way to LHR. The usual disrespectful individual in 1K with his feet/shoes up on the bulkhead, of course.
But a very pleasant cold plate for lunch/late breakfast - I was by now awake enough to enjoy it!
We disembarked quickly at LHR, after a very short taxy to T5, and waited for 10-15 minutes [nervously] for the bags. Yessss … there they are! So we meet up with our taxi driver, and crawl round the M25 to the shambles of LGW.
18 Sep 15
BA2776, LGW-JER, 1740>1840, CE (2A/C), A319
The usual mess of kerbside drop-off 2 levels below Departures, then take lift or travelator to next floor, find another lift that actually works, and hike a further 300 yards dragging 2 heavy cases to BA Check-in. In many respects I’m looking forward to the BA move to the South Terminal, as North is a PITA [unless you’re flying Emirates, of course, where their cars can drive up the old access ramp … I wonder how much they bunged LGW for that privilege?].
The ladies at the BA First desk were charm personified as we dropped our bags and then chatted a bit about the impending changes. No significant information was imparted, but at least we were able to leave them with the impression that some pax understood their problems, and what was going on generally with BA.
By now it was getting on for 1500, and although Premium Gatwick security was open, there was a queue at the door. I had a quick look at the main security, which was quiet - one of their staffers explained that they were testing new equipment at the Premium area, so we took his advice and just went through into an almost empty main security.
And so to the Galleries Lounge, which sucks! (The First Lounge was, of course, closed by this time - thanks, BA). We managed [just] to find 2 comfortable seats to spend the next 2 hours. The crowding was not helped by the old gent, and his old wife, who felt it necessary to use 2 soft seats to store their luggage whilst they sat at a nearby table … and used the table next to that to hold their collection of newspapers! He is BA Silver, according to his tag - you’d think he’d know better, but then again perhaps not!
Yes .. YOU, Sir. Awa’ wi’ ye to Edinburgh. And, no they don’t announce flights in the Lounge. btw ... The lady here was an innocent bystander, after that second table had been cleared of all their newspapers by the staff.
And then the end-of-the-day delays started creeping in. Our 1740 departure eventually became an 1840 takeoff, the only consolation being that the high-speed meal [which we didn’t have time to finish] was a rather tasty chicken and couscous dish that we hadn’t seen before.
Nearly home …. landed JER 1917, and by 1930 [is this a record?] we and our cases joined the queue for the non-existent taxis who had given up waiting for BA2776
Fortunately they started turning up quickly, and we were through our front door at 2000 … nearly 30 hours after leaving the hotel in SAV.There we are, that was the trip. Part 4 will conclude the impressions of the new airports, airlines and aircraft that added considerable interest to our journey and was definitely part of the ‘holiday experience’
Bye for now!
Last edited by T8191; Jul 27, 2018 at 2:54 am Reason: Repair photos post-Photobucket and Imgur. Now hosted on Flyertalk!
Sep 21, 2015 | 1:25 pm
#4
Original Poster
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
Programs: BA Silver again, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!
Posts: 32,496
Part 4 - Comparisons and Summary
OK, comparisons time and our personal perspectives. This is all BA CE/US Business/AA Domestic First, with OWE privileges such as lounge access and baggage allowances … YMMV.
Airports.
JER … development since the 1930s inevitably piecemeal, so not a great success. Check-in and security all OK. Small but effective Lounge with good staff. 7/10
LGW(N) … an inefficient mess land-side, a crowded Concourse, Security very variable, and of course the emasculation of the BA Lounges [which were never that good anyway]. 5/10
LHR T5 … survivable with practice. Security remains a lottery, the ocean of shops and associated congestion are also a downside. BA Staff OK at First, fairly good elsewhere. Security - meh. Not nearly as good as it should have been, with all the global experience to draw on. 6/10
DUB … Not bad at all. Surprised to see crude graffiti in a toilet cubicle, despite the anatomical accuracy. Pre-clearance is a bit of a maze, but clearly signed and worked well. All staff encountered were good/excellent. 8/10
CLT … a bit spread out, but at least there are walkways. Sufficient space for the masses of people passing through this major US hub. Plenty of natural light. Good staff all round, including TSA AAdmirals Club OK, but the smaller B Concourse one is a bit minimalist. 7/10
SAV … so cute! And clean, and well laid out. All staff were excellent. No lounge, but adequately provided with refreshment areas. 8/10
Aircraft
BA A319 … adequate in CE for an hour or less to LGW. CC usually very good, and alway amazed at how quickly they can work the CE cabin. Seating pretty poor. 6/10
BA A320 … simply awful! Cramped, and hard seats. I dread doing more than an hour in the latest iteration, and that’s a real indictment for the price they charge. 5/10
US A330 … now that’s more like Business Class. Sensible 1-2-1 seating, places to put things [like the water-bottle pocket] and a decent shelf. Good IFE too. Crew OK in our experience - different, but no problems. Much better for hard product than BA, slightly better on catering in some respects if not overall. 8/10
AA RJ700/900 … delightful for a short [1-hour] hop, and punctual. Excellent seats, loads of space [except for those with over-sized carry-ons]. CC were fine, too. What more do you need? 9/10
Websites
BA ... as clunky as ever. 4/10
AA ... denied the existence of a booking [US and AA Confirmation codes existed]. 4/10
US ... easy OLCI, PYOBPs all with one click, unlike BA. Infuriating micro-print in grey, though - almost illegible when you print out schedules. 6/10
As I said, this is just a personal view ... from 2 Senior Citizens doing this for the first time. I have no doubt some road-runners will have experienced worse, or more glitches, but for us as complete newbies [despite over 41,000 miles this year] it was all essentially a seamless and pleasant experience from start to finish. In that sense, BA/US/AA and the various airports added 4 pleasant days' enjoyment to our 2 weeks in SAV
Next stops ... HNL in Jan, KIN in Mar and then hopefully PHX and ANC in Jun/Jul. This is fun!
Airports.
JER … development since the 1930s inevitably piecemeal, so not a great success. Check-in and security all OK. Small but effective Lounge with good staff. 7/10
LGW(N) … an inefficient mess land-side, a crowded Concourse, Security very variable, and of course the emasculation of the BA Lounges [which were never that good anyway]. 5/10
LHR T5 … survivable with practice. Security remains a lottery, the ocean of shops and associated congestion are also a downside. BA Staff OK at First, fairly good elsewhere. Security - meh. Not nearly as good as it should have been, with all the global experience to draw on. 6/10
DUB … Not bad at all. Surprised to see crude graffiti in a toilet cubicle, despite the anatomical accuracy. Pre-clearance is a bit of a maze, but clearly signed and worked well. All staff encountered were good/excellent. 8/10
CLT … a bit spread out, but at least there are walkways. Sufficient space for the masses of people passing through this major US hub. Plenty of natural light. Good staff all round, including TSA
AAdmirals Club OK, but the smaller B Concourse one is a bit minimalist. 7/10SAV … so cute! And clean, and well laid out. All staff were excellent. No lounge, but adequately provided with refreshment areas. 8/10
Aircraft
BA A319 … adequate in CE for an hour or less to LGW. CC usually very good, and alway amazed at how quickly they can work the CE cabin. Seating pretty poor. 6/10
BA A320 … simply awful! Cramped, and hard seats. I dread doing more than an hour in the latest iteration, and that’s a real indictment for the price they charge. 5/10
US A330 … now that’s more like Business Class. Sensible 1-2-1 seating, places to put things [like the water-bottle pocket] and a decent shelf. Good IFE too. Crew OK in our experience - different, but no problems. Much better for hard product than BA, slightly better on catering in some respects if not overall. 8/10
AA RJ700/900 … delightful for a short [1-hour] hop, and punctual. Excellent seats, loads of space [except for those with over-sized carry-ons]. CC were fine, too. What more do you need? 9/10
Websites
BA ... as clunky as ever. 4/10
AA ... denied the existence of a booking [US and AA Confirmation codes existed]. 4/10
US ... easy OLCI, PYOBPs all with one click, unlike BA. Infuriating micro-print in grey, though - almost illegible when you print out schedules. 6/10
As I said, this is just a personal view ... from 2 Senior Citizens doing this for the first time. I have no doubt some road-runners will have experienced worse, or more glitches, but for us as complete newbies [despite over 41,000 miles this year] it was all essentially a seamless and pleasant experience from start to finish. In that sense, BA/US/AA and the various airports added 4 pleasant days' enjoyment to our 2 weeks in SAV
Next stops ... HNL in Jan, KIN in Mar and then hopefully PHX and ANC in Jun/Jul. This is fun!
Last edited by T8191; Sep 27, 2015 at 4:19 am Reason: Added Website thoughts
Sep 21, 2015 | 1:31 pm
#5
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Gold, Mucci: Classe de la Luxe Eternelle
Posts: 919
Nice report so far! I did wonder what the a330 service was like from DUB to CLT as it has been an option for a few of my routes recently.
I am completely gobsmacked that AA provides a full translation of the menu in Irish - does Aer Lingus even do this!? I can only assume this is forced upon them by some Irish government department.. keeping some translators in work
I am completely gobsmacked that AA provides a full translation of the menu in Irish - does Aer Lingus even do this!? I can only assume this is forced upon them by some Irish government department.. keeping some translators in work
Sep 21, 2015 | 1:43 pm
#7
Original Poster
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
Programs: BA Silver again, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!
Posts: 32,496
Nice report so far! I did wonder what the a330 service was like from DUB to CLT as it has been an option for a few of my routes recently.
I am completely gobsmacked that AA provides a full translation of the menu in Irish - does Aer Lingus even do this!? I can only assume this is forced upon them by some Irish government department.. keeping some translators in work
I am completely gobsmacked that AA provides a full translation of the menu in Irish - does Aer Lingus even do this!? I can only assume this is forced upon them by some Irish government department.. keeping some translators in work
But comparisons are for Part 4, when I get there!As to the translation, I can only assume political correctness, in the same way we pander to the handful of Welsh speakers who insist all their road signs, Government documents, etc are in their moribund exclusive language. That is the way of the 21st Century everywhere, including signs in stores in the USA in English and Spanish. But this is a probably a topic for the Rant Thread, or indeed OMNI
Last edited by T8191; Sep 21, 2015 at 1:57 pm
Sep 21, 2015 | 1:44 pm
#8
Join Date: Aug 2013
Programs: BAEC Gold, IHG Spire Elite
Posts: 1,782
I have done the US A330 a couple of times and find it quite nice, but then I find CW quite nice too! Window seats are definitely better than the middle on the A330.
I now rate the BA tapas, the alternative to sandwiches on long haul afternoon tea, as the best light meal I have had in a while and I'd say better than the US offering you show.
Enjoy the rest of your trip and I will be sure to tune in for your updates, especially as I did my first ex-DUB just a couple of weeks ago!
I now rate the BA tapas, the alternative to sandwiches on long haul afternoon tea, as the best light meal I have had in a while and I'd say better than the US offering you show.
Enjoy the rest of your trip and I will be sure to tune in for your updates, especially as I did my first ex-DUB just a couple of weeks ago!
Last edited by BerksFlyer; Sep 21, 2015 at 2:00 pm
Sep 21, 2015 | 2:38 pm
#9
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Argentina
Posts: 40,878
The problem with enjoying pre-clearance at DUB is the extra faffing about having to get there. Personally I'd rather fly from LHR and do it on arrival. Much quicker.
SAV looks an interesting destination.
Sep 21, 2015 | 2:46 pm
#10
Join Date: Oct 2013
Programs: BA Gold GGL
Posts: 1,068
Looking forward to the rest of the report T8191. ^
The translated menu is very interesting. I have a feeling it's just some sort of nice gesture though. "Ooh, we're up against Aer Lingus. What can we do to be a bit more Irish-y?"
Seeing as you would struggle to find a menu in Irish in Dublin, I can't imagine there's a law that demands first class airline menus be translated while restaurants don't have to bother
The translated menu is very interesting. I have a feeling it's just some sort of nice gesture though. "Ooh, we're up against Aer Lingus. What can we do to be a bit more Irish-y?"
Seeing as you would struggle to find a menu in Irish in Dublin, I can't imagine there's a law that demands first class airline menus be translated while restaurants don't have to bother
Sep 21, 2015 | 2:46 pm
#11
Join Date: May 2009
Location: London
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 3,060
Thanks for this. I'm looking forward to my first AA TATL experience next month and this shows I've got nothing to fear.
Enjoy Savanna. I had a great time when I was there.
Will you be going to the Lady and Sons restaurant ? If so, be prepared for an artery busting experience...
Enjoy Savanna. I had a great time when I was there.
Will you be going to the Lady and Sons restaurant ? If so, be prepared for an artery busting experience...
Sep 21, 2015 | 3:50 pm
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Falkirk, Scotland,VS Red, BA Gold, HH Diamond,UK Amex Plat
Programs: Master of the Privy Purse des Muccis
Posts: 19,258
Hi,
Our AA flight DUB-JFK ( 757) in July did not have the Irish translation in the menus.
Regards
TBS
Our AA flight DUB-JFK ( 757) in July did not have the Irish translation in the menus.
Regards
TBS
Sep 21, 2015 | 5:05 pm
#14
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Gloucestershire
Programs: BA Silver (ex-GGL and Gold), Hilton Diamond
Posts: 6,469
Originally Posted by Uncle T
SAV is a lovely little airport, about the size of JER [14 stands] but much prettier!
Originally Posted by Douglas Adams
It can hardly be a coincidence that no language on Earth has ever produced the expression "As pretty as an airport." Airports are ugly. Some are very ugly. Some attain a degree of ugliness that can only be the result of a special effort. This ugliness arises because airports are full of people who are tired, cross, and have just discovered that their luggage has landed in Murmansk (Murmansk airport is the only exception of this otherwise infallible rule), and architects have on the whole tried to reflect this in their designs.