|
Trip To Peru: Planes & Trains
Got back last week from Peru, and just about done with organizing and uploading the pictures I took on the trip. Unlike my pervious trip reports, where I get way too verbose and just don't have the time to finish up, I'm going to focus just on the planes and trains part and add more filler if I have time.
|
United Airlines LAX - IAH
After months of planning, the time had finally come for our trip to Peru. We left my parents house early to catch the FlyAway bus to LAX. So early in the morning, we were surprised at how full and busy the FlyAway was.
https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8290/2...393db485_b.jpgDSC09388 by B H, on Flickr When we got to terminal 7 at LAX, we were directed to a empty check-in counter by one of the staff walking around the hall greeting passengers. https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8435/2...e9c2cec3_b.jpgDSC09390 by B H, on Flickr Check-in was quick and in no time we had our boarding passes in hand and heading to security. When I was here in May, due to construction, everyone had to go outside and then reenter the terminal, but this time the passage between the checkin and security was open. https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8531/2...effffe6f_b.jpgDSC09393 by B H, on Flickr This was also our first time using PreCheck with a KTN after getting Global Entry. Security took less than 2 min. TSA did not like me taking pictures of the PreCheck area and told me to stop. https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8136/2...3c698829_b.jpgDSC09396 by B H, on Flickr My parents and I headed directly to United Club. There were already a group of people waiting for the club to open at 4:30AM. https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8090/2...623e99f0_b.jpgDSC09400 by B H, on Flickr Currently, the new club is being constructed and soon this one will be replaced. https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8171/2...a8ef2a63_b.jpgDSC09404 by B H, on Flickr https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8046/2...88bc8f89_b.jpgDSC09411 by B H, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8023/2...949da681_b.jpgDSC09412 by B H, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8221/2...dc43c259_b.jpgDSC09436 by B H, on Flickr About 20 min before boarding, we headed out of the club and went to the gate. Surprise surprise, the gate louse's were already forming. https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8204/2...3490680c_b.jpgDSC09443 by B H, on Flickr https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8443/2...ecd48324_b.jpgDSC09447 by B H, on Flickr https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8414/2...5cc57308_b.jpgDSC09452 by B H, on Flickr Boarding started right on time with only 1 Global Services passenger boarding before anyone else today. Blankets were already on the seats. https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8703/2...4953636c_b.jpgDSC09463 by B H, on Flickr https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8490/2...93909e31_b.jpgDSC09466 by B H, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8540/2...1e933445_b.jpgDSC09469 by B H, on Flickr https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8486/2...83d19e06_b.jpgDSC09474 by B H, on Flickr Pre departure drink orders were taken and served in the standard United blue plastic cups. https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8016/2...bc8d1d42_b.jpgDSC09488 by B H, on Flickr We pushed back on time and in no time we were in the air. https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8815/2...2e309875_b.jpgDSC09527 by B H, on Flickr Breakfast started with hot towels, and then breakfast and drink orders were taken. We were asked for our first and second choices, between omelette or oatmeal. https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8197/2...ed7934d6_b.jpgDSC09532 by B H, on Flickr https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8484/2...67e43fb6_b.jpgDSC09534 by B H, on Flickr My mimosa for breakfast. My mom gave me a dirty look and the FA just laughed. https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8730/2...4cc8a713_b.jpgDSC09539 by B H, on Flickr I got stuck with my second choice but my parents got their first choice of omelette. https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8299/2...591790ba_b.jpgDSC09545 by B H, on Flickr https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8542/2...af13575f_b.jpgDSC09548 by B H, on Flickr My mom gave me some of her omelette and it was REALLY GOOD! My mom and I ended up swapping meals since she really only wanted some fruit so early in the morning. Bread basket came around with a choice of cinnamon rolls or croissants https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8777/2...fda2be49_b.jpgDSC09555 by B H, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8244/2...a8a8ec5a_b.jpgDSC09557 by B H, on Flickr The rest of the flight was uneventful. The aircraft had BYOD entertainment but I passed. About an hour before arrival into IAH, I asked the FA's for some of the Stroopwafel served in coach, and I was brought 3 from the coach galley. https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7692/2...63d3368a_b.jpgDSC09563 by B H, on Flickr I told them it was a shame that the Stroopwafel's are only served in coach and just before landing, one of the other FA's working FC surprises me with a stack of Stoopwafel's! https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8213/2...4ba9c61c_b.jpgDSC09566 by B H, on Flickr |
|
^ Love me my stroopwafels!
|
United Airlines IAH - LIM
My parents and I headed directly for the United Club located at the E gates. Lunch food were setup already when we arrived and I helped myself to some soup and nibbles.
https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8224/2...7a2dde0d_b.jpgDSC09573 by B H, on Flickr This club has 3 levels. 1st floor is check-in and the other two floors are for the club. We started out on the second floor but moved to the 3rd floor which was much less busier. Great view of the activity on the ramp from the club. https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8870/2...ca08776a_b.jpgDSC09576 by B H, on Flickr During our stay in the club, a massive thunderstorm rolled into IAH. With the amount of rain, we were worried about delays, but nothing major. https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8874/2...ccd1c580_b.jpgDSC09632 by B H, on Flickr We headed out to the gate for our Lima flight. It turned out, that our gate has an automated gate system. During boarding, this did not work so boarding was processed manually. https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8324/2...e18c0554_b.jpgDSC09648 by B H, on Flickr https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8505/2...0e8cdab2_b.jpgDSC09649 by B H, on Flickr https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8356/2...30440687_b.jpgDSC09655 by B H, on Flickr The problem with gate E4 is that you can't see your plane. :td: https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8031/2...74818aa6_b.jpgDSC09657 by B H, on Flickr That is all you can see. https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8398/2...9162628e_b.jpgDSC09660 by B H, on Flickr Had the same FA greeting passengers at the door on our way back. https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8387/2...42e86805_b.jpgDSC09666 by B H, on Flickr My mom and my seat. My dad had the center aisle single seat. https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8186/2...5f378ba0_b.jpgDSC09667 by B H, on Flickr https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8269/2...ba16a9c6_b.jpgDSC09669 by B H, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8548/2...63620469_b.jpgDSC09673 by B H, on Flickr Full size pillows! Why can't other airlines do this as well? https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8394/2...8e62aa45_b.jpgDSC09680 by B H, on Flickr Amenity kit in a terribly designed tin. https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8141/2...83e1f1ef_b.jpgDSC09690 by B H, on Flickr https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8434/2...e4761d1f_b.jpgDSC09691 by B H, on Flickr Menus were distributed while still at the gate. https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8548/2...0ec67a15_b.jpgDSC09695 by B H, on Flickr Lots of activity outside. https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8727/2...56227576_b.jpgDSC09700 by B H, on Flickr Before they could close the door, we had to wait for people connecting from the NRT flight. After takeoff, hot towels and immigration forms were handed out. Our aisle was being worked by one of the BEST FA's I've ever flown with. She was cheerful and I felt like she genuinely enjoyed her job. It was really refreshing to have a "human" FA than always dealing with the forced smile of foreign carriers. Actually all the FA's on our flight were great. God bless her she also thought I was in my mid 20's and was shocked when I told her I was in my mid 30's. https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8596/2...8112c430_b.jpgDSC09738 by B H, on Flickr Beverage and dinner service started shortly. Table cloths were placed on my traytable vs being handed to me as others have mentioned in previous reports. Drinks were constantly refilled, and empty dishes were prompty removed and all done with a smile! My mom was too tired for dessert but I was determined to have dessert before bed. https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8348/2...4d407a3f_b.jpgDSC09748 by B H, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8596/2...8fc27e2f_b.jpgDSC09750 by B H, on Flickr https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8247/2...d27c2299_b.jpgDSC09753 by B H, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8475/2...8cf00897_b.jpgDSC09754 by B H, on Flickr https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8664/2...9c2fbb97_b.jpgDSC09756 by B H, on Flickr https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8438/2...aacca33d_b.jpgDSC09759 by B H, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8432/2...cae009f2_b.jpgDSC09761 by B H, on Flickr Out of ALL the business class seats I have slept on. United's was the most comfortable and I got the best sleep ever on an airplane. Reclined 180, I did not feel any lumps or pressure points and with the large pillows, woke up just before snack service feeling really refreshed. https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8081/2...c22bcca7_b.jpgDSC09763 by B H, on Flickr When I woke up, there were two bottles of water on the center console. https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8367/2...46dd7053_b.jpgDSC09765 by B H, on Flickr Pre-arrival snack service started with more hot towels and another tablecloth. https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8554/2...87c338e2_b.jpgDSC09770 by B H, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8329/2...6fb02fd3_b.jpgDSC09771 by B H, on Flickr Snack was a cheese plate. https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8427/2...d1ba4a14_b.jpgDSC09774 by B H, on Flickr https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8027/2...e694e87d_b.jpgDSC09775 by B H, on Flickr Landing in Lima was uneventful and due to the small size of the airport, be were at the gate like 2 min after touching down. Having avoided flying United Internationally due to reading so many bad reviews, we ended up flying United due to no other reasonable option getting to Lima from LAX on a Star Alliance carrier. There is Avianca and Copa which both involved multiple connections and really really tight transfer times. We expected the worst but ended up quite pleased with the service and comfort provided by United. |
Originally Posted by seat38a
(Post 27213034)
Having avoided flying United Internationally due to reading so many bad reviews, we ended up flying United due to no other reasonable option getting to Lima from LAX on a Star Alliance carrier. There is Avianca and Copa which both involved multiple connections and really really tight transfer times. We expected the worst but ended up quite pleased with the service and comfort provided by United.
Curious to see your thoughts on the Hiram Bingham train. I didn't book that because, well, it was 4x the cost but it looked nice through the windows as it was parked on the adjacent track when we were leaving Machu Picchu. When were you there? I was there 2-3 weeks ago and wrote it up here. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-...ia-aa-f-j.html |
Originally Posted by krazykanuck
(Post 27213587)
As to the bolded, that's super true. That's why I flew AA even out of Houston because UA was being really tight with saver availability on the direct IAH-LIM flight (as in it seemed to not exist for when I planned to go).
Curious to see your thoughts on the Hiram Bingham train. I didn't book that because, well, it was 4x the cost but it looked nice through the windows as it was parked on the adjacent track when we were leaving Machu Picchu. When were you there? I was there 2-3 weeks ago and wrote it up here. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-...ia-aa-f-j.html I was there 25th - 8th. |
After 3 nights in Lima, our private driver drove us down to Paracas for couple nights to checkout the Nazca Lines. The flight left from Las Dunas Airport in Ica Peru on a Cessna Caravan. During check-in, everyone is weighed and then assigned seats based on weight and balance needs of the aircraft.
https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8113/2...6d05cb79_b.jpgDSC00448 by B H, on Flickr https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8163/2...90793bb2_b.jpgDSC00454 by B H, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8167/2...0a164ac5_b.jpgDSC00461 by B H, on Flickr https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8021/2...b928bbf4_b.jpgDSC00462 by B H, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8200/2...4373147d_b.jpgDSC00464 by B H, on Flickr https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8326/2...5ff04f51_b.jpgDSC00466 by B H, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8038/2...16998a7f_b.jpgDSC00468 by B H, on Flickr https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8075/2...0ea61703_b.jpgDSC00475 by B H, on Flickr First Class Seating https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8204/2...40d2abda_b.jpgDSC00501 by B H, on Flickr Pan American Highway https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8229/2...6d39693c_b.jpgDSC00527 by B H, on Flickr The Whale https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8301/2...f3afbc0f_b.jpgDSC00532 by B H, on Flickr The Astronaut https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8144/2...2312b669_b.jpgDSC00535 by B H, on Flickr https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8195/2...67cf29e0_b.jpgDSC00536 by B H, on Flickr Monkey https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8125/2...e12ca7d6_b.jpgDSC00537 by B H, on Flickr We were running late so the only breakfast we had were the stoofwaffles that the United FA gave us. This turned out to be a blessing since due to all the 45 degree banking left and right so that everyone on the plane could see the lines, I got airsick for the FIRST TIME in my life. When the airsickness hit, I stopped looking at the lines and just wanted it to end. I did dry heave but there was nothing to projectile vomit out. |
How did you arrange for the driver to Paracas?
Some of those small planes have crashed. Now you also told me about air sickness i will skip this flight when I hopefully go. |
Originally Posted by Bretteee
(Post 27218485)
How did you arrange for the driver to Paracas?
Some of those small planes have crashed. Now you also told me about air sickness i will skip this flight when I hopefully go. We did the 2 nights 3 days tour and did a special request to be dropped off at Lima airport instead back at a hotel. The driver showed up at our hotel exactly at the time Jon Green said he would be. It would be a shame to go all that way and not do the flight. Just make sure you don't eat before the flight or eat something that is quick to digest. In our case it was the stoofwaffles that we got on United. |
Great Report --- food looks delicious!
|
Timely
I returned from Peru last night. Your TR is timely, as I was going to post one myself. The Hiram Bingam is way out of my budget, but I was going to post a way we saw the Sacred Valley and Macchu Picchu for a very reasonable cost.
|
Avianca LIM - JUL
After 2 nights down in Paracas, our driver picked us up and drove us 3.5 hours back to Lima for our evening flight to Julica/Puno. We arrived at Lima airport with plenty of time to spare.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8037/2...d77e6262_b.jpgDSC00871 by B H, on Flickr https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8696/2...1cdeec4e_b.jpgDSC00883 by B H, on Flickr https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8393/2...b8f5b578_b.jpgDSC00884 by B H, on Flickr https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8339/2...d441ef5f_b.jpgDSC00887 by B H, on Flickr When I purchased our tickets for the Hiram Bingham online, it said that we needed to pickup the tickets at one of the ticket offices due to "security," by bringing the CC used to make the purchase and our passport. I'm guessing that due to the high price, they didn't want to risk any frauds. As we were walking to our gate, we saw a small makeshift Peru Rail stand in the domestic terminal so I inquired if we could pick up our tickets and the lady replied yes and printed out our tickets and gave us 3 ticket jacket/itineraries. https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8513/2...052bdafb_b.jpgDSC00897 by B H, on Flickr Since we would be arriving into our hotel late, we decided to eat at the only option past security. Terrible pizza was microwaved. https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8495/2...a33a0732_b.jpgDSC00905 by B H, on Flickr https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8092/2...7a9dd6df_b.jpgDSC00898 by B H, on Flickr https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8487/2...0d8d6db6_b.jpgDSC00909 by B H, on Flickr The boarding process for our flight to Juliaca made United's seem WAY advanced and civilized. Avianca's boarding process was just a free for all. https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8150/2...9c344062_b.jpgDSC00917 by B H, on Flickr https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8521/2...4e6a4c03_b.jpgDSC00920 by B H, on Flickr https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8516/2...7272228a_b.jpgDSC00928 by B H, on Flickr https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8496/2...461ba324_b.jpgDSC00929 by B H, on Flickr https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8024/2...599bdbd5_b.jpgDSC00937 by B H, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8112/2...becf7a60_b.jpgDSC00940 by B H, on Flickr The seats felt really roomy for coach. https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8487/2...c8e51df7_b.jpgDSC00943 by B H, on Flickr One of the nicest FA's that I have ever met. https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8398/2...31e94383_b.jpgDSC00945 by B H, on Flickr headphones were given out. https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8744/2...4be59c17_b.jpgDSC00950 by B H, on Flickr Inflight service starting https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8186/2...63fbaa1c_b.jpgDSC00955 by B H, on Flickr Snacks. One FA came down with the snack cart while the other followed with the drink cart. https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8883/2...5e169571_b.jpgDSC00959 by B H, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8330/2...00e2e604_b.jpgDSC00963 by B H, on Flickr Drink cart https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8067/2...ac674240_b.jpgDSC00968 by B H, on Flickr C/J seats https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8288/2...855fafeb_b.jpgDSC00971 by B H, on Flickr https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7557/2...2547db9a_b.jpgDSC00973 by B H, on Flickr https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8253/2...034490a8_b.jpgDSC00978 by B H, on Flickr https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8020/2...37f245da_b.jpgDSC00976 by B H, on Flickr I was really impressed with Avianca's (AKA TACA Peru) service for such a short flight. The FA's were helpful, courteous and efficient. Once we got off and walked down the stairs, I immediately felt the difference from the high altitude. Once we picked up our luggage, the driver sent by our hotel was waiting for us with a sign with my name on it. Word of advice to all who venture to Julica/Puno. Arrange your transportation to your hotel ahead of time with your hotel or another third party. Our hotel charged us 120 Peruvian Soles for the 1 hour ride to the hotel from the airport. Juliaca is not a place you want to be without pre arranged transport. |
Originally Posted by seat38a
(Post 27224854)
When I purchased our tickets for the Hiram Bingham online, it said that we needed to pickup the tickets at one of the ticket offices due to "security," by bringing the CC used to make the purchase and our passport. I'm guessing that due to the high price, they didn't want to risk any frauds. As we were walking to our gate, we saw a small makeshift Peru Rail stand in the domestic terminal so I inquired if we could pick up our tickets and the lady replied yes and printed out our tickets and gave us 3 ticket jacket/itineraries.
https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8513/2...052bdafb_b.jpgDSC00897 by B H, on Flickr |
| All times are GMT -6. The time now is 3:26 pm. |
This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.