Latent TR JFK/AMS
 

This latent trip report documents how a needy fragile flyer can reclaim his throne for only $900!

I’m old, 56, not ancient, don’t fly as often as I did years ago but have been lucky with upgrades and while not rich just can’t fly long hauls in economy anymore so I don’t mind paying for a comfortable seat now and then if that’s the only option.

Decided to try Icelandair’s Saga class and all seemed well the night before my 5/22/11 JFK/KEF/AMS flights so I paid little attention to the Grimsvotn eruption preferring instead to contemplate a relaxed visit to the BA lounge for a cocktail followed by a sampling of the bill of fare and wine selections in my aisle bulkhead seat.

Sleep did not come easily and my unplanned fitful 06:30 awakening portended the tale of woe you will now read, confirmed shortly by an FI email saying KEF is closed and all flights cancelled.

The discounted non-refundable Eden Amsterdam American Hotel booking only made my trembling hand worse as it moved the mouse over DL/KL and ExpertFlyer pages in a desperate search for a cheap economy fare that could be upgraded to C or Economy Comfort.

Like a slap in the face with a cold herring came the realization that the only option was an exorbitant $2600 DL M fare on KL 747 metal, no upgrade, no EC, oh woe is me.

Row 43 aisle was my destiny and the “gray background noise” closed in a little tighter as the cab dropped me off at JFK. Visions of a comfortable and relaxed journey had evaporated long ago.

I scanned the agents for the most sympathetic looking one and found Kelly, then proceeded to plead for an Economy Comfort seat which she gladly freed up, 9C exit row, and for which I gladly paid $113.

While now well over my original FI fare by $600+ I nevertheless decided to celebrate liberation from row 43 with a quick stop at the Oasis Lounge where a couple small double scotches and unremarkable snack fortified both body and spirit.

Aside from the young and brusque TSA’s barking, boarding was a breeze and I soon settled in to my seat with a football field for legroom, followed by KL’s repast, two red wines and sleep.

The City of 88 Canals was wonderful and the usual sights were seen, cold fresh Heineken, jenever, fine wines much partook of and knowing that a return flight in economy was simply not in the cards, decided to pay for C if I could, and did, add another $300.

The KL AMS lounge I must say was nice and despite oversleeping my hotel wake up call was able to enjoy a quite decent meal and ample beverages along with 77J, possibly the best seat I’ve ever had.

The “Wisdom” of this trip report, if one can so stretch a noun, is that if you’re like me, willing to occasionally pay for comfort, avoid Icelandair because they own you and in this case because of the volcano offered zero options for rebooking on another airline.

While I can afford the extra $900, many may say I should have just sucked it up and stayed in the back, perhaps they have a point. But as I mentioned, I’m old and set in my ways.

We are 6 billion citizens of the world. 6 billions way to travel. The baby crawls over the floor. You fly economy comfort/business. Do whatever you feel like. What is right for you may not be right for others and vice versa. Nice trip report by the way. :)