Hollywood to Bollywood, the long way: UA/Swiss/Thai 77W/Emirates A380 F + Singapore J
#93
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Digital Nomad
Programs: AA2MM LIFETIME PLT, Turkish Miles&Smiles Elite, Marriott Plat
Posts: 1,024
Great epic report!
I'm a rock climber and often have a backback or some sort as I board in first class. When I was younger, I definitely would get looks and the occasional comment. I'm glad when the airline personnel politely ask in which class am I traveling. They are doing their job to keep first class exclusive. As for the fellow passengers who assume you are in the wrong place, just smile and ignore. It's a technique that will always win out.
A couple of years ago, I was teaching in Munich and had flown down to South Africa on Emirates in FC. The funniest moment came at the gate in Dubai on the way home when I ran into several of my students and their families who had spent the week there. The gate was chaos and the minute they called for the FC pax, I wished them a good flight. I didn't stick around for their reactions but I did hear whispers about it when I was lecturing the next week!
I'm a rock climber and often have a backback or some sort as I board in first class. When I was younger, I definitely would get looks and the occasional comment. I'm glad when the airline personnel politely ask in which class am I traveling. They are doing their job to keep first class exclusive. As for the fellow passengers who assume you are in the wrong place, just smile and ignore. It's a technique that will always win out.
A couple of years ago, I was teaching in Munich and had flown down to South Africa on Emirates in FC. The funniest moment came at the gate in Dubai on the way home when I ran into several of my students and their families who had spent the week there. The gate was chaos and the minute they called for the FC pax, I wished them a good flight. I didn't stick around for their reactions but I did hear whispers about it when I was lecturing the next week!
#94
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: LAS
Programs: DL PM, UA PS, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,904
A lot less time this week, so I'm glad I got the good parts of the TR out of the way (still left are the LH Euro J and United "F" flight, but they were okay).
Thank you Crampedin13A!
Thank you vecta!
That was a few years ago, so no pics (thank goodness), but I couldn't look at grapes for a few days afterward. The things we're able to do in our youth ...
Thank you HMPS! Avios would be tough, mostly because you can't find a non-stop OW flight from North America to India (you pay more for each segment you take). I burned most of my BA miles on a trip to South America since LAN doesn't have fuel surcharges down there. You could fly BA or CX to India on BA miles, but will pay incredibly high prices in terms of miles and fuel surcharges on both (BA's fuel surcharges might make a grown man cry). It's why I stick to *A for India trips, with some ST if I can find AF J space using DL miles.
Thank you, olafman! Means a lot coming from you, as I followed your grand yearlong epic tour around the world. Your TRs about South America, Easter Island, and the Emirates AKL-SYD flight were very helpful for this trip and my previous one. ^
After years on FT, I've realized just how people end up flying F, especially long-haul. Most are either not paying for it themselves or have worked hard to learn how to use their miles that way. Does it make us more special? Not at all. But the knowledge helps escape the unnecessary hubbub involved in flying nowadays.
Though I still have a few people who don't believe how I got this trip to work out ...
Thank you vecta!
Great epic report!
I'm a rock climber and often have a backback or some sort as I board in first class. When I was younger, I definitely would get looks and the occasional comment. I'm glad when the airline personnel politely ask in which class am I traveling. They are doing their job to keep first class exclusive. As for the fellow passengers who assume you are in the wrong place, just smile and ignore. It's a technique that will always win out.
A couple of years ago, I was teaching in Munich and had flown down to South Africa on Emirates in FC. The funniest moment came at the gate in Dubai on the way home when I ran into several of my students and their families who had spent the week there. The gate was chaos and the minute they called for the FC pax, I wished them a good flight. I didn't stick around for their reactions but I did hear whispers about it when I was lecturing the next week!
I'm a rock climber and often have a backback or some sort as I board in first class. When I was younger, I definitely would get looks and the occasional comment. I'm glad when the airline personnel politely ask in which class am I traveling. They are doing their job to keep first class exclusive. As for the fellow passengers who assume you are in the wrong place, just smile and ignore. It's a technique that will always win out.
A couple of years ago, I was teaching in Munich and had flown down to South Africa on Emirates in FC. The funniest moment came at the gate in Dubai on the way home when I ran into several of my students and their families who had spent the week there. The gate was chaos and the minute they called for the FC pax, I wished them a good flight. I didn't stick around for their reactions but I did hear whispers about it when I was lecturing the next week!
After years on FT, I've realized just how people end up flying F, especially long-haul. Most are either not paying for it themselves or have worked hard to learn how to use their miles that way. Does it make us more special? Not at all. But the knowledge helps escape the unnecessary hubbub involved in flying nowadays.
Though I still have a few people who don't believe how I got this trip to work out ...
#95
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, LH Senator *Gold, AA EXP OWE Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,556
#96
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: US Air, UA BA LH AI DELTA MARRIOTT CHOICE SGP
Posts: 9,882
SFO O77
You can find Thai chilli sauce in US. Look for Sambal in Thai or Indian stores.
I spike mine with some great " Bhoot Jolakia " hot sauce.
launches you in an orbit. !
You can find Thai chilli sauce in US. Look for Sambal in Thai or Indian stores.
I spike mine with some great " Bhoot Jolakia " hot sauce.
launches you in an orbit. !
#98
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Atlanta, GA
Programs: Delta Skymiles, AA Advantage
Posts: 80
Wow what an amazing TR. I wholeheartedly agree with others who said this is the best TR of the year.
I haven't been back home to India in about 5 years, wouldn't mind seeing some India pics with your great photo taking skills.
I haven't been back home to India in about 5 years, wouldn't mind seeing some India pics with your great photo taking skills.
#100
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: LAS
Programs: DL PM, UA PS, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,904
Thanks Angeleno228! Not trying, but if it is ....
Thank you, bikeNfly, and welcome to FT!
Last edited by amolkold; May 31, 2012 at 10:27 pm
#101
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: LAS
Programs: DL PM, UA PS, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,904
Lufthansa 904, FRA-LHR (Euro J); London
As soon as my I disembarked my TG flight, the “fun factor” of this trip went way down. I’d have to overnight in FRA, hop on a Euro J flight to Heathrow, spend a (planned) 23 hours and 45 minutes in London, then get on a United flight to Los Angeles.
From the Holiday Inn Express Messe, there’s a bus stop just in front that goes to the main train station, and from there, a train to FRA. One thing that always confuses me about Europe is where and when I pay for public transportation tickets. I spent probably 20 minutes online trying to figure out the fare from hotel to airport, and even got exact change in Euros. At the bus stop, I got on with two locals who promptly sat down – no payment, no validation of monthly pass, no nein nada. Does anyone here pay for transport??
Once at the train station, I fought with the ticket machine only to realize it wouldn’t take my chip card. I ended up buying a ticket with the few coins I had, and I’m glad I did, because I would later find a tall, thick German lady barking at me on the train for my fahrkarte. Though once I figured out what she was saying, I got a polite “dankeschn” out of her.
Check-in was relatively easy at FRA, given the number of LH J passengers flying out of there (hint: it’s a lot). I wish I’d gotten my FCT PA’s number last month, if only I could call him up and sneak in today …
Anyway, after a long security line that would make LAX on Memorial Day blush, I went through to the LH Business Lounge. With no *G status at the time, the Senator Lounge was off-limits, though I found it funny that the line to enter stretched 15-deep when I passed by, only to get into the J lounge unhindered.
Questionable lounge food
Never too early for one of these ...
A bit of luck placed my gate right before the J lounge and I headed on down shortly before boarding to find the J line - the J line which didn’t exist. It was a mad free-for-all at the gate. Gate lice were being trampled. Star Golds were foaming at the mouth. DYKWIAs did not know who they were themselves.
I made it through. Unscathed. But only to find the largest business cabin I’ve seen on an A321, “business” being economy without a middle seat. It went back all the way to the exit row door 2L. I guess the 10am LHR run is mighty popular.
LH 904
FRA-LHR, 1h25m
Airbus A321
Seat 4F, Euro J
The sole highlight of the flight was catching a momentary glimpse of ANA's 787 parked at its gate, a bit too brief and distant for a good picture though.
Well, that wasn't really part of the flight, it was just part of the taxi. So I guess the highlight of the flight was breakfast, only because it was a short flight.
Canary Wharf (I think?)
Just my luck, the most interesting parts of the city are tiny and covered by clouds
After disembarkation, I made it to yet another long line, this time for UK immigration. I finally understand the horror stories of Heathrow immigration. It took about 30 minutes on this try, cutting down on the time I had in London. As I snaked my way to the front, I could hear immigration officers grilling everyone with a funny looking passport about their purpose of visit, address in the UK, who they were meeting, how many goats they owned at home. Maybe not the last one. So I walked forward with a bit of trepidation, and placed my blue passport down.
Immigration officer, looking at my arrivals card: “Just here for a day?”
Me: “Yeah. Continuing to the U.S. tomorrow.”
Imm off: “Oh, right then. Have a good day in London.”
A part of me wishes that immigration would give me a tough time now and then, but c'est la vie. I made my way to baggage claim and to the Heathrow Express, which I had gotten a coupon for that made it not that much more than the Connect. A quick trip to Paddington Station and a walk around the corner to the Quality Crown Hyde Park, just 8000 Choice Points (or a transfer of a few thousand MR points during a bonus period to top off my account) to save the 170/$260 every other hotel in London wanted. A decent steal for the number of points, and it's just behind the Hotel Indigo that many love for its location.
The rest of the day was spent in a city I hadn’t visited since I first got to know it almost a decade ago. The <24h connection rule really is amazing. A few pics ...
A long way from home. Though it did take a more direct route from HKG than I did ...
The flag and the flag carrier
From the Holiday Inn Express Messe, there’s a bus stop just in front that goes to the main train station, and from there, a train to FRA. One thing that always confuses me about Europe is where and when I pay for public transportation tickets. I spent probably 20 minutes online trying to figure out the fare from hotel to airport, and even got exact change in Euros. At the bus stop, I got on with two locals who promptly sat down – no payment, no validation of monthly pass, no nein nada. Does anyone here pay for transport??
Once at the train station, I fought with the ticket machine only to realize it wouldn’t take my chip card. I ended up buying a ticket with the few coins I had, and I’m glad I did, because I would later find a tall, thick German lady barking at me on the train for my fahrkarte. Though once I figured out what she was saying, I got a polite “dankeschn” out of her.
Check-in was relatively easy at FRA, given the number of LH J passengers flying out of there (hint: it’s a lot). I wish I’d gotten my FCT PA’s number last month, if only I could call him up and sneak in today …
Anyway, after a long security line that would make LAX on Memorial Day blush, I went through to the LH Business Lounge. With no *G status at the time, the Senator Lounge was off-limits, though I found it funny that the line to enter stretched 15-deep when I passed by, only to get into the J lounge unhindered.
Questionable lounge food
Never too early for one of these ...
A bit of luck placed my gate right before the J lounge and I headed on down shortly before boarding to find the J line - the J line which didn’t exist. It was a mad free-for-all at the gate. Gate lice were being trampled. Star Golds were foaming at the mouth. DYKWIAs did not know who they were themselves.
I made it through. Unscathed. But only to find the largest business cabin I’ve seen on an A321, “business” being economy without a middle seat. It went back all the way to the exit row door 2L. I guess the 10am LHR run is mighty popular.
LH 904
FRA-LHR, 1h25m
Airbus A321
Seat 4F, Euro J
The sole highlight of the flight was catching a momentary glimpse of ANA's 787 parked at its gate, a bit too brief and distant for a good picture though.
Well, that wasn't really part of the flight, it was just part of the taxi. So I guess the highlight of the flight was breakfast, only because it was a short flight.
Canary Wharf (I think?)
Just my luck, the most interesting parts of the city are tiny and covered by clouds
After disembarkation, I made it to yet another long line, this time for UK immigration. I finally understand the horror stories of Heathrow immigration. It took about 30 minutes on this try, cutting down on the time I had in London. As I snaked my way to the front, I could hear immigration officers grilling everyone with a funny looking passport about their purpose of visit, address in the UK, who they were meeting, how many goats they owned at home. Maybe not the last one. So I walked forward with a bit of trepidation, and placed my blue passport down.
Immigration officer, looking at my arrivals card: “Just here for a day?”
Me: “Yeah. Continuing to the U.S. tomorrow.”
Imm off: “Oh, right then. Have a good day in London.”
A part of me wishes that immigration would give me a tough time now and then, but c'est la vie. I made my way to baggage claim and to the Heathrow Express, which I had gotten a coupon for that made it not that much more than the Connect. A quick trip to Paddington Station and a walk around the corner to the Quality Crown Hyde Park, just 8000 Choice Points (or a transfer of a few thousand MR points during a bonus period to top off my account) to save the 170/$260 every other hotel in London wanted. A decent steal for the number of points, and it's just behind the Hotel Indigo that many love for its location.
The rest of the day was spent in a city I hadn’t visited since I first got to know it almost a decade ago. The <24h connection rule really is amazing. A few pics ...
A long way from home. Though it did take a more direct route from HKG than I did ...
The flag and the flag carrier
Last edited by amolkold; Jun 5, 2012 at 8:25 pm
#102
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: between DM464 and DM463 on the NAPSA26 RNAV TRANS in EDDM
Programs: this and that
Posts: 1,731
I spent probably 20 minutes online trying to figure out the fare from hotel to airport, and even got exact change in Euros. At the bus stop, I got on with two locals who promptly sat down – no payment, no validation of monthly pass, no nein nada. Does anyone here pay for transport??
I hope this makes things a little bit more clear (at least from a local's perspective). Thanks for posting such an excellent trip report with so many phantastic pictures!
#104
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: BTR/MSY
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LTP, Hilton Gold
Posts: 1,257
amolkold, thanks for the great detailed report. I've gotten quite a few ideas from this TR and your Easter Island TR for my upcoming trips. It's nice to see another recent college grad with the ability to do things like this.
You've officially made my "must read" list, alongside Seat 2A, SFO777, and eightblack.
You've officially made my "must read" list, alongside Seat 2A, SFO777, and eightblack.
#105
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: LAS
Programs: DL PM, UA PS, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,904
amolkold, thanks for the great detailed report. I've gotten quite a few ideas from this TR and your Easter Island TR for my upcoming trips. It's nice to see another recent college grad with the ability to do things like this.
You've officially made my "must read" list, alongside Seat 2A, SFO777, and eightblack.
You've officially made my "must read" list, alongside Seat 2A, SFO777, and eightblack.
It's humbling to be placed in amazing TR company as those 3. They're on my shortest of shortlists.