Flying tomorrow, genuinely excited!
Jun 24, 2011, 10:14 am
#16
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It's sort of funny: when I saw the thread title, I thought "When did I last really enjoy a flight?" Immediately I thought of LH and FRA.
September 2008: flying to Germany to meet up with some buddies for Oktoberfest and the Berlin Marathon. (Yes, in that order - note to self: next time reverse that.) Since my itin was solo, I decided to blow 120k UA and fly F the whole way. Even carved out nice layovers both ways in FRA to enjoy the FCT. ^
Anyway, aside from the excellent LH service in the air and on the ground, there's just something unique about the 747 that I still enjoy. At FRA, they deliver you directly to your jet via private car...something about standing on the tarmac next to a 747-400 that reminds you that long-haul aviation is still pretty cool. Even though it's now 2010 and this is mostly 1960's technology (probably with 90's avionics), it's still very cool.
But I realize that's an extreme. I don't always spend my miles 120k (now more) at a time for int'l F. As long as I have at least a low-tier status and a desirable coach seat, I don't dread it. If I have mid-tier (lounge access) and/or a business class seat, I look forward to it - even if it's a typical 767/777 setup. Something about the range and speed still excites me...I'm flying ORD-PVG nonstop in a couple months, in coach one direction and F the other, and I still find that semi-amazing.
The only travel I grow really weary of is the short-haul domestic U.S. stuff. Cramped planes, poor service, and the double-whammy of increasing fares and decreasing overall quality. I guess it's just another fully-matured form of public transport - we shouldn't expect more, just like we don't expect pre-departure drinks on the London Underground.
September 2008: flying to Germany to meet up with some buddies for Oktoberfest and the Berlin Marathon. (Yes, in that order - note to self: next time reverse that.) Since my itin was solo, I decided to blow 120k UA and fly F the whole way. Even carved out nice layovers both ways in FRA to enjoy the FCT. ^
Anyway, aside from the excellent LH service in the air and on the ground, there's just something unique about the 747 that I still enjoy. At FRA, they deliver you directly to your jet via private car...something about standing on the tarmac next to a 747-400 that reminds you that long-haul aviation is still pretty cool. Even though it's now 2010 and this is mostly 1960's technology (probably with 90's avionics), it's still very cool.
But I realize that's an extreme. I don't always spend my miles 120k (now more) at a time for int'l F. As long as I have at least a low-tier status and a desirable coach seat, I don't dread it. If I have mid-tier (lounge access) and/or a business class seat, I look forward to it - even if it's a typical 767/777 setup. Something about the range and speed still excites me...I'm flying ORD-PVG nonstop in a couple months, in coach one direction and F the other, and I still find that semi-amazing.
The only travel I grow really weary of is the short-haul domestic U.S. stuff. Cramped planes, poor service, and the double-whammy of increasing fares and decreasing overall quality. I guess it's just another fully-matured form of public transport - we shouldn't expect more, just like we don't expect pre-departure drinks on the London Underground.
