A Florida run and nature vacation
Dec 4, 2001 | 3:07 pm
#1
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FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
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Posts: 22,946
A Florida run and nature vacation
I needed to requalify for Gold Preferred status on US and was less than 400 mils short. Unfortunately, the shortest flight I could do from my side of the world was a 2,125 mile flight to PIT and beyond so the GF and I chose Florida at $161.
28 November - Leaving the wet and cold
Almost not wait at the border today. Headed south across the Pacific Highway (a.k.a. truck) crossing with 3 lines and 5 cars at most in each. Picked the line with the pickiest I.N.S. inspector. Polite but very thorough in questioning. In contrast, one of the neighbouring lanes cleared quickly and then the inspector closed it and went off-duty. Proceeded uneventfully to SEA with a few stops along the way. The temperature was close to freezing that evening and was much colder earlier that day (evidence of snow along the I-5 corridor). We were glad to be going for 28C/80F warmth and sunshine.
First flight on my first all-Airbus itinerary
US 134 SEA 2305 PIT 0630+1 319 1D & 1F (originally in row 9 exit) N746UW
Pulled into the Ajax No. 3 lot just before 9 p.m. and parked. Shuttle came in only minutes and were on our way to SEA. Quick check-in at the US counter which was very quiet (US only has one redeye - a 319 while earlier there were at least 2 with at least one being a 757 flight). Realised I had left the 6 upgrade coupons for the outbound in the jacket I declined to take at the last moment (it was close to freezing in SEA and a lot warmer in FLL). Fortunately between my GF and I, we still had enough for 2 r/ts. Check-in done in 2 minutes, we went back over to the car rental area so my GF could get her National Car Emerald Club membership. Took all of 5 minutes while we chatted to the clerk who had family (and family cabin) in B.C.
Security line was non-existent and were through in less than 2 minutes. US has taken to using other gates than S10, S11 and S12 and tonight the flight uses S14. Boarding starts as usual at 2235. Theres a security guard standing there but apparently no one got marked with the S and no FC/elite boarders got selected.
With a fairly light load (FC was 12/12 but EC was 63/108), boarding was quick and FAs managed to serve a preflight drink. Noticed that there were no blankets or pillows on this flight and the 3 following ones (a new cost-saving measure) though the FAs had stashed a few pillows in the closet and were gave them to FC pax on request. Onboard magazines were also gone. Door closure and pushback was pretty much right on time and the a/c had a long taxi to the north end of the airport for a takeoff to the south. Airborne at around 2320. FA came around shortly after for a drink order and orders for the cold snack which was a choice of cold chicken breast on a bed of conchigelia (shell) pasta and what appears to be red peppers with a light dressing, and shrimp (4) on a bed of capellini or spaghettini. Accompanying the snack were 2 packages of crackers and a generous slice of cheese cake. The GF has the shrimp plate and I have the chicken. Her complaint with the pasta was that it had been sitting too long. Had some red wine with my meal which was a R.H. Philips cabernet sauvignon. Not too bad.
Try to sleep shortly after although this was disturbed by the pax in 2D who was in the galley chatting with the FA through most of the flight. Flight across was mostly smooth.
29 November
Landing into PIT was a few minutes early and gate was in the B concourse 3 gates from the hub. Weather in PIT was surprisingly warm for late November, 10C/50F. Headed over to the US Club (using the pass that came with the membership kit) to join the rest of the living dead who must have arrived earlier. There was ample coffee available though the coffee machine only spat out hot milk when I choose a latte. Food was limited to yoghurt and overly-sweet mini muffins. The trial energy bars are gone (so bad no one shouldhave to even nibble on one). Headed out at 0825 to the next gate (2 over from the gate wed arrived in) for the flight to FLL.
My first A-321 flight
US 1211 PIT 0905 FLL 1150 321 3D and 3F (was 8D and 8E)
Theres a mix/combination of business, retiree and cruise pax waiting for this flight (my first on a 321) and boarding was about to begin at 0830. There were pax selected for secondar security on this flight). Lots of elites who chose not to upgrade (FC had at least 6 empty seats). Get on first but got seperated from my GF by an elderly woman who had been paged and barged in (thought the GF had been selected for random checks) and subsequently managed to trip and hurt her knees walking down the jetway. The Charlotte-based (or so I'd deduced by the accent) cabin crew helped with bringing her ice (her husband and her were seated in the row behind) and got her a wheelchair at FLL though she managed to walk to the lavatory unassisted. With boarding completed quickly, FAs manage to offer a round of preflight drinks which isnt always possible on crowded A321 flights (boarding has to be through 1L rather than 2L on 757s). I think the A-321 FC seats have a little more recline than those on the A-319s. They seem identical except there are no phones installed. Quickly go look at the pair of seats on row 8 for future reference. They seem quite roomy legroom wise, more so than row 7 on US 757s.
Pushback was a few minutes tardy but the a/c was quickly on the way and off to FLL. More drinks offered post takeoff as well as the snack basket (Pepperidge Farm Milanos, Cape Cod potato chips, US private label cashews, Quaker Oat snack bars, and some others). Flight route took the a/c over water with the a/c crossing back over into land somewhere over PBI, turning back west over the Everglades and landing towards the ocean. Get to the gate some 10 minutes early. Noted that the security line wasnt too bad (some 20-30 in line) as wed be leaving at the same time in 4 days.
Were off to National on the shuttle. See an ATA winglet-equipped 738 take off. Wonder why more airlines don't choose the wingtip if it saves as much as 5% fuel as claimed. The only compact available was a Georgia-plated Cavalier with 28,300 miles on the clock exactly. Off shortly and we get to Miami South Beach by 1p.m. A bit hungry, we head to the Puerto Sagua on 800 block Collins Avenue for a Cuban lunch. Special of the day was an oxtail stew which was exquisite (for the price). GF ordered a Cuban sandwich which wasnt what shed expected (she had a roast pork sandwich in mind).
Headed off to the Loews Miami Beach and get a room facing inland/the west (cant complaint for the price paid). My AA PLT status wasnt about to count either. The hotel is of a contemporary Art Deco (or Art Nouveau) design and decorated as such. The rounded corner and tower are the highlights of the buildings design. The rest of building could have done with a few more touches to make it all the more spectacular. Our room is a bit small but nicely decorated. Other than colouring, a chaise lounge and lamp highlight the period decor. The marble bathroom sink is the highlight of the bathroom but the 2 vanity lights are the only lighting for the bathroom. Theres a divider between the toilet and the sink. The arrangement is a bit weird but o.k. Other amenities are inroom safe, coffee maker, minibar (with light to indicate it has been opened), hair dryer and a rather flashy weigh scale.
Headed to the pool for a swim. En route, we see the palm-lined walkway which is another designer highlight. The pool is a highlight of the Loews but theres not much sun in the late afternoon. The design is rather nice but not noticeble unless youre viewing from above. The afternoon was a bit marred by a crane next door moving palm trees around. Id hate to pay for a cabana and have flying palm trees above you.
Walked to the newly-revived Lincoln Street mall and find its over blown. The pedestrian mall aspect makes it a nice place to dine. Weave through the neighbourhood towards Ocean Drive to admire the architecture. Getting to Ocean Drive, we notice that theres really only a short strip thats nice and the rest are half-hearted revivals/renovations. There are too many restaurants here with staff (in various states of dress) trying to lure in prospective patrons. Tried to find a restaurant called the Cafe Piazzolla only to find that its been long gone. Ended up at a Cuban restaurant El Viajante Segundo (not as good as Puerto Sagua) near the Loews and opposite the National. Were seated so we can see the socialites and partiers headed to the National for some function. GF orders ropa vieja while I have fried pork chunks, with a 1/2 carafe of sangria to wash it down. The waiter Alfredo is nice enough to advise against ordering the green salad but go for the less expensive tomato salad. The pork is a bit overcooked but nice. The ropa vieja needs more seasoning and tomatoes. Theres not much garlic so it seems the food might have been adapted for tourists tastes. Disappointing experience saved only by the plantanos maduros
(to be continued)
Edited to correct typos, name of restaurants
[This message has been edited by terenz (edited 12-05-2001).]
28 November - Leaving the wet and cold
Almost not wait at the border today. Headed south across the Pacific Highway (a.k.a. truck) crossing with 3 lines and 5 cars at most in each. Picked the line with the pickiest I.N.S. inspector. Polite but very thorough in questioning. In contrast, one of the neighbouring lanes cleared quickly and then the inspector closed it and went off-duty. Proceeded uneventfully to SEA with a few stops along the way. The temperature was close to freezing that evening and was much colder earlier that day (evidence of snow along the I-5 corridor). We were glad to be going for 28C/80F warmth and sunshine.
First flight on my first all-Airbus itinerary
US 134 SEA 2305 PIT 0630+1 319 1D & 1F (originally in row 9 exit) N746UW
Pulled into the Ajax No. 3 lot just before 9 p.m. and parked. Shuttle came in only minutes and were on our way to SEA. Quick check-in at the US counter which was very quiet (US only has one redeye - a 319 while earlier there were at least 2 with at least one being a 757 flight). Realised I had left the 6 upgrade coupons for the outbound in the jacket I declined to take at the last moment (it was close to freezing in SEA and a lot warmer in FLL). Fortunately between my GF and I, we still had enough for 2 r/ts. Check-in done in 2 minutes, we went back over to the car rental area so my GF could get her National Car Emerald Club membership. Took all of 5 minutes while we chatted to the clerk who had family (and family cabin) in B.C.
Security line was non-existent and were through in less than 2 minutes. US has taken to using other gates than S10, S11 and S12 and tonight the flight uses S14. Boarding starts as usual at 2235. Theres a security guard standing there but apparently no one got marked with the S and no FC/elite boarders got selected.
With a fairly light load (FC was 12/12 but EC was 63/108), boarding was quick and FAs managed to serve a preflight drink. Noticed that there were no blankets or pillows on this flight and the 3 following ones (a new cost-saving measure) though the FAs had stashed a few pillows in the closet and were gave them to FC pax on request. Onboard magazines were also gone. Door closure and pushback was pretty much right on time and the a/c had a long taxi to the north end of the airport for a takeoff to the south. Airborne at around 2320. FA came around shortly after for a drink order and orders for the cold snack which was a choice of cold chicken breast on a bed of conchigelia (shell) pasta and what appears to be red peppers with a light dressing, and shrimp (4) on a bed of capellini or spaghettini. Accompanying the snack were 2 packages of crackers and a generous slice of cheese cake. The GF has the shrimp plate and I have the chicken. Her complaint with the pasta was that it had been sitting too long. Had some red wine with my meal which was a R.H. Philips cabernet sauvignon. Not too bad.
Try to sleep shortly after although this was disturbed by the pax in 2D who was in the galley chatting with the FA through most of the flight. Flight across was mostly smooth.
29 November
Landing into PIT was a few minutes early and gate was in the B concourse 3 gates from the hub. Weather in PIT was surprisingly warm for late November, 10C/50F. Headed over to the US Club (using the pass that came with the membership kit) to join the rest of the living dead who must have arrived earlier. There was ample coffee available though the coffee machine only spat out hot milk when I choose a latte. Food was limited to yoghurt and overly-sweet mini muffins. The trial energy bars are gone (so bad no one shouldhave to even nibble on one). Headed out at 0825 to the next gate (2 over from the gate wed arrived in) for the flight to FLL.
My first A-321 flight
US 1211 PIT 0905 FLL 1150 321 3D and 3F (was 8D and 8E)
Theres a mix/combination of business, retiree and cruise pax waiting for this flight (my first on a 321) and boarding was about to begin at 0830. There were pax selected for secondar security on this flight). Lots of elites who chose not to upgrade (FC had at least 6 empty seats). Get on first but got seperated from my GF by an elderly woman who had been paged and barged in (thought the GF had been selected for random checks) and subsequently managed to trip and hurt her knees walking down the jetway. The Charlotte-based (or so I'd deduced by the accent) cabin crew helped with bringing her ice (her husband and her were seated in the row behind) and got her a wheelchair at FLL though she managed to walk to the lavatory unassisted. With boarding completed quickly, FAs manage to offer a round of preflight drinks which isnt always possible on crowded A321 flights (boarding has to be through 1L rather than 2L on 757s). I think the A-321 FC seats have a little more recline than those on the A-319s. They seem identical except there are no phones installed. Quickly go look at the pair of seats on row 8 for future reference. They seem quite roomy legroom wise, more so than row 7 on US 757s.
Pushback was a few minutes tardy but the a/c was quickly on the way and off to FLL. More drinks offered post takeoff as well as the snack basket (Pepperidge Farm Milanos, Cape Cod potato chips, US private label cashews, Quaker Oat snack bars, and some others). Flight route took the a/c over water with the a/c crossing back over into land somewhere over PBI, turning back west over the Everglades and landing towards the ocean. Get to the gate some 10 minutes early. Noted that the security line wasnt too bad (some 20-30 in line) as wed be leaving at the same time in 4 days.
Were off to National on the shuttle. See an ATA winglet-equipped 738 take off. Wonder why more airlines don't choose the wingtip if it saves as much as 5% fuel as claimed. The only compact available was a Georgia-plated Cavalier with 28,300 miles on the clock exactly. Off shortly and we get to Miami South Beach by 1p.m. A bit hungry, we head to the Puerto Sagua on 800 block Collins Avenue for a Cuban lunch. Special of the day was an oxtail stew which was exquisite (for the price). GF ordered a Cuban sandwich which wasnt what shed expected (she had a roast pork sandwich in mind).
Headed off to the Loews Miami Beach and get a room facing inland/the west (cant complaint for the price paid). My AA PLT status wasnt about to count either. The hotel is of a contemporary Art Deco (or Art Nouveau) design and decorated as such. The rounded corner and tower are the highlights of the buildings design. The rest of building could have done with a few more touches to make it all the more spectacular. Our room is a bit small but nicely decorated. Other than colouring, a chaise lounge and lamp highlight the period decor. The marble bathroom sink is the highlight of the bathroom but the 2 vanity lights are the only lighting for the bathroom. Theres a divider between the toilet and the sink. The arrangement is a bit weird but o.k. Other amenities are inroom safe, coffee maker, minibar (with light to indicate it has been opened), hair dryer and a rather flashy weigh scale.
Headed to the pool for a swim. En route, we see the palm-lined walkway which is another designer highlight. The pool is a highlight of the Loews but theres not much sun in the late afternoon. The design is rather nice but not noticeble unless youre viewing from above. The afternoon was a bit marred by a crane next door moving palm trees around. Id hate to pay for a cabana and have flying palm trees above you.
Walked to the newly-revived Lincoln Street mall and find its over blown. The pedestrian mall aspect makes it a nice place to dine. Weave through the neighbourhood towards Ocean Drive to admire the architecture. Getting to Ocean Drive, we notice that theres really only a short strip thats nice and the rest are half-hearted revivals/renovations. There are too many restaurants here with staff (in various states of dress) trying to lure in prospective patrons. Tried to find a restaurant called the Cafe Piazzolla only to find that its been long gone. Ended up at a Cuban restaurant El Viajante Segundo (not as good as Puerto Sagua) near the Loews and opposite the National. Were seated so we can see the socialites and partiers headed to the National for some function. GF orders ropa vieja while I have fried pork chunks, with a 1/2 carafe of sangria to wash it down. The waiter Alfredo is nice enough to advise against ordering the green salad but go for the less expensive tomato salad. The pork is a bit overcooked but nice. The ropa vieja needs more seasoning and tomatoes. Theres not much garlic so it seems the food might have been adapted for tourists tastes. Disappointing experience saved only by the plantanos maduros
(to be continued)
Edited to correct typos, name of restaurants
[This message has been edited by terenz (edited 12-05-2001).]
Dec 4, 2001 | 7:11 pm
#2
Original Poster
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Programs: FB PLT again afater a decade as plebian
Posts: 22,946
30 November - Off to the Gulf Coast
Go for breakfast at the El Viajante Segundo again the next morning (close by). The cafe con leche is much better here than at Puerto Sagua. Service is not so good this morning. My cuban sandwich is good but my GFs hashbrowns and cold. Bacon and cuban bread toast are good though the toast comes too early. Took out more cafe con leche to the Loews, we enjoy more time by the pool before heading off to the Gulf Coast. Valet parking costed $18/day which is about what nearby self-parking costs.
Stop at Puerto Sagua to get a roast pork sandwich to go. Head off on US 41. Stop at the Shark Valley part of the Everglades National Park. Were greeted by a basking alligator on our way to the parking lot where we hire bikes at $4.50/hr to cycle the 15 mile loop. See a lot of egrets, Ahingas, rabbits, deer, raccoons (theyre emaciated here and are prey of the big gators (karmic, as they are predators of little alligators)) and alligators of all sizes.
The place for the best stone crabs?
Took a short detour after this to Everglades City to stop at a stone crab fishery, the Everglades Fish Company (208 Camellia). The crab claws here are very reasonable in price and are very fresh - the best in some 6 times Ive sampled them (been disappointed to various degrees elsewhere else). Jumbo claws are $14-15/lb and large $9/lb.
For those unfamiliar with how stone crabs are harvested, you'll learn that it's a sustainable fishery. When the crabs are caught and netted, only the male crabs (assuming the crabmen are licensed, ethical and adherent to laws and regulations) can have their large claw ripped off if the other claw is large enough. The male crabs are returned to the sea and will grow a new harvestable claw in 1-2 years.
Stopped next at some hidden part of the Fakahatchee Strand state preserve to observe flocks of birds coming to roost for the night.
Headed to the Radisson Inn in Fort Myers (Gateway area) - another which I got cheap through the name-your-price outfit. The property is rated 2* but is very nice. Rooms are all accessed through an outside corridor. The rooms (supposedly have mediterennean decor but I couldn't even find a hint of any) have a couch (probably a sofa bed), small dining table with 2 chairs, smal divider between the bed and sofa, usual cable TV, coffee maker, and a fairly large bathroom with a very nice complete set of Asira toiletries (stuff like exfoliating oatmeal almond bath bar soap, green tea & cypress shampoo, and lavender & chamomile conditioner).
Since the quality of dining in the beach area is found to be lacking, we stop at a Publix to pick up bread and deli selections for dinner. The Publix deli is nice in that the servers give samples first but service is dreadfully slow as a result. Also picked up a few bottles of Las Palmas Chilean wine which is being cleared out. The chardonnay is a bargain at $3.99 (US should pick this up as its FC white wine). The crabs were delicious with the chardonnay. Went for a dip later (pool is fairly warm and is salty so it isnt too chlorinated though the hot tub was and smelt vaguely of dry-cleaning fluid.
1 December - Disappointment at the beaches
Woke up too early so we could go shelling at Sanibel. Got to the beach at 0630 to find that the abundance of shells in late October had disappeared with the high high tide and other weather reasons. Headed back to the Radisson for a swim. Its nice and quiet here. Did notice some bikini-clad 40-something blonde who was busy shouting out orders to some underlings on her cell phone for all to hear. Sitting nearby was a man with a baby. I didnt think much of it until another man came along and took the baby to one of the rooms. Still not used to seeing families with 2 daddys (not with young children anyway). Checked out and headed to Marco Island via Fort Myers Beach and a stop at Delnor Wiggins state park. Tried to get more of the Chilean wine but alas only the Publix on Gladiolus Road had it.
Hilton Marco Island
Got to the Hilton around 3:30 and checked in. The front desk put us in a more desirable view room (XX14) even though I got this room cheap through the name-your-price outfit. A resort fee of $8 is charged which includes a variety of things including valet parking and 2 beach lounge chairs a day (but shade umbrellas are extra at $9 a pop).
The hotel is an older property rated 3* by Priceline but is supposed to be one of the nicest big properties on the island. The single-storey areas are occupied by ball/meeting rooms, one good restaurant, one adjacent cafe, and the gym. The room on the 6th floor is a junior suite which is what most of the some 300 rooms are at this hotel (one long block with the other rooms being 28 suites and 4 penthouses on the 11th floor). The room is quite big with a sofa bed and 2 arm chairs. Theres a small fridge as well as a mini bar. Theres also a balcony with 2 chairs and a table. To make up for the large room, the bathroom is tiny. You cant close the door if youre sitting on the pot. Full range of Neutrogena toiletries are supplied. The sewing kit (I only opened this when I got home) even has a pair of mini scissors. To make up for the small bathroom, there is a vanity and 2nd sink outside a la Doubletree. There is small inroom safe (no fee for usage or it's included in the resort fee). There are some black birds who infest the place and can make a mess of your balcony.
We checked out the pool which is small but adequate. The sun is there from late morning onwards. Theres a good unobstructed view of sunsets from here.
Looking for a place to dine, we tried to find a place which had a menu listed in the phone book (theres nothing good here unless you want to pay $$$ for it). After not being able to find the place (it had become a full-service all-you-can-eat joint), we settled for someplace called Porkys Last Stand which is some chain based out of nearby Naples. The meals are reasonable with entrees priced in the low teens with a choice of 2 of 4 sides, one of which is a salad bar. GF had the 2 pork chops BBQd while I chose the same but blackened. Food was decent for the price.
2 December
Headed to the beach after a late morning (this was our only relaxing morning since we got here) start with breakfast on the balcony. Decided after a while that it was boring and we headed out to Fakahatchee Strand preserve again to have a look at the swamp from broadwalk with its Royal palms, Bald Cypresses, and epiphytic plants. The low level on the mosquito activity is only relative as we soon discovered. Id hate to think what medium is like and high must be unimaginable. Saw lots of young and juvenile alligators and one large adult sprawled out on a log.
We made a mistake after this and headed to the fishing town of Goodland to check out the stone crab prospects instead of doing a 20 mile round trip from the preserve. The crab claws there were pricier and nowhere near as fresh despite the claim of fresh from the boats daily. If you want good stone crab claws, do make it to Everglades City.
Headed back to the Hilton for more pool time and to catch the sunset from the beach. Went to the Paradise Cafe at the Hilton for the sunset menu (salad, choice of 4 entrees, dessert and beverage for $14.95). The salad was o.k. if not big and more than adequate in size. My GFs 12 oz t-bone steak was quite good with good mash potatoes. My grouper was a bit tough (not fresh?) and the sauce was too peppery. Dessert was a selection of 3 cakes (probably leftovers from the buffet brunch) though there was a half-hearted attempt to sell some desserts from the adjacent higher-priced restaurant (the two must share the same kitchen). Our server Andrew was from Manchester (MAN, not MHT) and was here for a year on some exchange from a U.K. Hilton (ambitious lad had also completed a year of college). I guess wanting to move up the Hilton track, he provided very good service though he needs some polish.
3 December - Going Home
There was a low cloud, almost mist like, on the beach this morning. Went for an early AM walk and was surprised to see so many people on the beach.
Headed out of the Hilton shortly after 0930 and headed for I-75/Everglades Parkway. making good time, we get to the outskirts of Fort Lauderdale in two hours with a stop for gas just before the airport. Just missed the shuttle bus as I wanted to get the car rental credited to the GF's account (clerk had the nerve to ask if we had flown in) but its only a 4 minute wait before the next one arrives and leaves. Getting to the US terminal, we see a long (some 40-50 pax) check-in for the regular line and none for elite. Its just past noon and theres some screaming as some pax (mother, daughter and infant grandchild?) had just missed a flight to NYC because of a 2 hour wait inline (didnt seem like it at that time). Not sure whose fault it was or if the US check-in staff had could have done more to help them before their flight left (might have been a lot of cruise pax earlier and all flights are oversold) but they were sure quick to call security. Some pax was trying to get to BOS 6 hours earlier. Agents let him know that itd cost $100 change fee for a confirmed seat (not sure if hed bought a Priceline ticket) and all the earlier flights were overbooked.
I had been trying to upgrade the connecting PIT-SEA flight for 3 days - there was only one upgrade seat when I called and I gave it to my GF. No luck at all on the waitlist though earlier in the morning, I called again and the reservation agent tried to upgrade me and then put me on the airport standby list. The check-in agent was nice enough to give me a F inventory seat (thats worth some 1,063 Q-miles and 2,125 bonus ones.)
With too much time to kill, we look for food and only find a Chilis (didnt notice there was another more interesting airside restaurant other than the pizzeria which had a sign by security). GF had a chicken burger while I had a bowl of over-salted chili. The Chilis location overlooks the airport traffic area so it can be good for planespotting. Not much of interest except perhaps an AC 320 which may have been in Tango colours (purple dinosaur tailfin). Got back to the security line around 12:40. The line had shrunk from some 30 pax to half that. Security is more rigorous at this airport. My carryone and my GFs rollonboard were selected for inspection (even though we had the same contents going through security at SEA, MCO, and MSY post 11/09/01). Theres ample security staff so there wasnt too much of a delay. Just before you have to show a ticket or travel itinerary, theres a big cardboard box with signs for nail files and other prohibited items to be placed for disposal.
Got scissors through security!
On unpacking tonight, I noticed that security missed 2 little scissors with 1.5 cuting edges in the sewing kits that the Hilton provided. Theyre probably made of very soft mild steel and are rather thin.
US 880 FLL 1405 PIT 1639 319 2D & 2F (was 4A & 4B) N740UW
Waited some 1/2 hr before boarding. There were S-marked pax on this flight. We avoided random security again. The 319 was quite full (10/12 in FC) though the FAs managed to offer preflight drinks. Pushback was ahead of time. The flight took offer towards the east but turned in land soon after, flying over MCO enroute to PIT.
New reduced levels of service
Picked up the December issue of the inflight magazine to find out that apparently no more movies will be shown on domestic flights and be replaced with an expansion of the non-movie video entertainment instead. The music on the expanded channels found only on the Airbus aircraft had not been changed from the November selections.
Service was pretty much the same as the flight down. Had some white wine to drink which I believe was a Californian chardonnay (it was pretty insipid and served from a burgundy bottle). The FAs didnt want pax waiting around to use the FC washroom but didnt prevent those in the back from using it as on other flights. Landing was from the west and on the leftmost runway (of 4). Quick taxi to the gate (A7) and were off the plane at 1625. Headed to the US Club to burn up my GFs coupon as US doesnt seem to honour expired ones.
Usual legions of tired travellers were there with almost every work desk occupied with the occupants using laptop to check e-mail. Snacks available were savoury ones with some cheese and crackers (Le Petit Snack cheese of US Shuttle snack box fame). The Club empties out just after 5pm as a bank of flights was just beginning to board and the Club is rather empty by 5:25p when we head to our gate (A17). Go to the airside post office at base of the D concourse to send the mini bar key that Id forgotten back to the Marco Island Hilton. I like airside post office facilities and PIT has the only one I know of. Note that most flights at this concourse are scheduled to leave between 545p and 605p.
US 115 PIT 1805 SEA 2039 321 1C and 1D (was 8D and 8E)
Boarding is just about to start when we got there at 530. There is quite a scrum of preferreds, FC pax and those continuing on from CLT who have to get through others waiting to board. Get my GF seated in 1D and wait for the 1A or 1F occupant to show up to do a seat swap. Fortunately, the occupants are a split up mother and son (dad is in row 5) so the mother takes 1C and we get 1F.
Theres so much traffic that no preflight drinks are offered. Theres still 1 FC seat empty. A basket ball is in the seat next to a boy in 2C (mum and teenaged sister are in 2D and 2). Not sure if the FAs notified or the CP who had gone to the back asked, but he went back out to the gate and got 2A. Boy has the cheek to ask his mum if 2A was occupied! The family had been on extended turkey day vacation and the mother was (loudly) getting the children caught up on homework.
Pushback and take off were pretty much on time. It would a long flight this evening, some 5 hours inflight (is the 321 slower than the 757?). Takeoff was around 620p. The FA working in the front galley looked pretty senior so perhaps not all senior FAs prefer the coach cabin on A-321s.
More reduced levels of service
Service began with drinks order and cashews after takeoff. Menus - the new reduced cost ones - were distributed after. Its on a 4 x 7 3/4 card instead of the old 6 1/4 x 9 3/4 foldout menu/winelist.
On tonights menu:
To start
Selection of Cocktails and Drinks with Roasted Cashews
The could have done away with this - the cashews are foiled-packaged ones).
Todays Appetizer
Smoked Chicken Slices
served with a sweet and fruity relish
and fresh mesclun salad
Mixed Garden Salad
with croutons and a choice of fresh herb vinaigrette
or parmesan peppercorn dressing
Selection of Warm Breads
Our Entrees
Seared Tenderloin with Mushroom Stuffing
served with a tasty herb sauce,
sauteed vegetable medley
and duchess potatoes with chives
or
Lemon Pepper Rock Shrimp
with mascarpone ravioli and a velvety cream sauce
or
Grilled Mahi Mahi
with Thai barbeque sauce, peppers and mushrooms,
steamed green beans and jasmine rice
Creamy Cheesecake
Coffee Tea
The orders for the salad dressing and entrees was taken shortly after drinks and nuts were served. The appetizer and salad was served together on a tray. The plastic knives seem to have gone towards a lighter grade. The butter is packaged now instead of curled/balled and served in ceramic dish.
The 3 chicken slices were thickly-sliced and like ham - compressed meat - bit dry - with the possibility of smoke flavour added. The relish (mostly sweet red pepper) was nice as were the two orange slices that made up the salad along with 2 assorted lettuce leaves. Hope the smoked salmon and shrimp have just been rotated out and not gone for good.
The salad stays the same and it just as good though some lettuce leaves seemed a little wilted. There was a generous amount of tomatoes and croutons. The parmesan peppercorn dressing wasnt particularly peppery and was more like a thick creamy Caesar dressing. My GF had the vinaigrette and was disappointed with it (this was her 4th Pennsylvania-SEA in FC and shes used to FC food on US).
3 choices of bread were offered, of which we both had the tomato bread slices.
The entrees were served a little bit on the hot side. I find the ovens on the Airbus not particularly good with reheating food compared to the 757s, particularly when it comes to steak (prior experience from 6 A330 trans-Atlantics in Envoy, 2 trans-continental FC dinner flights). My GFs steak wasnt anywhere the best she had which wasnt surprising. It was a bit small (smaller than 8 cubic inches) and she couldnt find any traces of mushrooms. The vegetable portions (julienned) were good but small. The mashed potatoes were good too. My rock shrimp dish turned out to be 4 large raviolis stuffed with rock shrimp bits and mascarpone so the menu description seemed a bit misleading. The sauce was very nice but where it hadnt covered the ravioli, the pasta was dry and hard.
Had the red wine which was a Geyser Peak California Merlot - a disappointing wine.
After reading the exploits of those who had travelled US to/from SEA Doo III, I had eagerly anticipated Baileys on ice with my ice cream sundae. The menu said it all - it was gone. I had a coffee with the cheesecake which was a generous slice and was better than the ones served on the short haul and redeye cold plates but it still wasnt an ice cream sundae.
Sometime after FC dinner service began, the FAs announced the rear cabin dinner. Can't remember the 2nd choice (I think it was beef and/or pasta) but the first was "cheese pizza french bread". My GF was appalled by this. Just slices of french bread with melted cheese? Salad, bread and dessert were also announced as being served. No wonder quite a few in the back were packing their own meals when boarding.
Sometime before the meal service started, the FAs found a movie to show which was the same one that played on the eastbound flight 5 days earlier.
The flight was pretty smooth until 1/2 way when the flight deck lit the seatbelt sign as reports showed there was turbulence (though very light) all the way to Washington. Didnt watch it and wouldnt have anyway as its pretty hard to watch a movie on the Airbus overhead screens if youre not a row behind it (sit in even-numbered rows in FC on the A319s and A321 - only been on US Shuttle A320s so dont know about mainline ones).
Approach into SEA was from the north. Landed at 2027 with a short taxi to S4 which is normally used by NW. Got out to the main terminal and the Ajax 3 shuttle was there shortly after. Good thing as it was windy and 4C/39F and windy. Got out of the Ajax lot at 2059, which was 4 days, 23 hours and 59 minutes after wed checked in. For the third straight time, it was a nasty windy (tail wind this time - had strong winds from the left and the right the two previous times) drive with rain north to the border. Took barely enough expensive gas ($1.379/U.S. Gallon) at SEA before I parked the car to get us to the border where I filled up at US$ 1.199 a gallon (was a bit annoyed as I saw another station of the same brand selling at $1.139/gallon). Only 10 seconds to get across the border and this time, we hit wet snow just north of the Fraser river so we only had to deal with it for the last 15 minutes of driving. Back home at 2345 local time or 17 hours after we left Marco Island!
[Edited for typos + addition of some names, details of service]
[This message has been edited by terenz (edited 12-05-2001).]
Go for breakfast at the El Viajante Segundo again the next morning (close by). The cafe con leche is much better here than at Puerto Sagua. Service is not so good this morning. My cuban sandwich is good but my GFs hashbrowns and cold. Bacon and cuban bread toast are good though the toast comes too early. Took out more cafe con leche to the Loews, we enjoy more time by the pool before heading off to the Gulf Coast. Valet parking costed $18/day which is about what nearby self-parking costs.
Stop at Puerto Sagua to get a roast pork sandwich to go. Head off on US 41. Stop at the Shark Valley part of the Everglades National Park. Were greeted by a basking alligator on our way to the parking lot where we hire bikes at $4.50/hr to cycle the 15 mile loop. See a lot of egrets, Ahingas, rabbits, deer, raccoons (theyre emaciated here and are prey of the big gators (karmic, as they are predators of little alligators)) and alligators of all sizes.
The place for the best stone crabs?
Took a short detour after this to Everglades City to stop at a stone crab fishery, the Everglades Fish Company (208 Camellia). The crab claws here are very reasonable in price and are very fresh - the best in some 6 times Ive sampled them (been disappointed to various degrees elsewhere else). Jumbo claws are $14-15/lb and large $9/lb.
For those unfamiliar with how stone crabs are harvested, you'll learn that it's a sustainable fishery. When the crabs are caught and netted, only the male crabs (assuming the crabmen are licensed, ethical and adherent to laws and regulations) can have their large claw ripped off if the other claw is large enough. The male crabs are returned to the sea and will grow a new harvestable claw in 1-2 years.
Stopped next at some hidden part of the Fakahatchee Strand state preserve to observe flocks of birds coming to roost for the night.
Headed to the Radisson Inn in Fort Myers (Gateway area) - another which I got cheap through the name-your-price outfit. The property is rated 2* but is very nice. Rooms are all accessed through an outside corridor. The rooms (supposedly have mediterennean decor but I couldn't even find a hint of any) have a couch (probably a sofa bed), small dining table with 2 chairs, smal divider between the bed and sofa, usual cable TV, coffee maker, and a fairly large bathroom with a very nice complete set of Asira toiletries (stuff like exfoliating oatmeal almond bath bar soap, green tea & cypress shampoo, and lavender & chamomile conditioner).
Since the quality of dining in the beach area is found to be lacking, we stop at a Publix to pick up bread and deli selections for dinner. The Publix deli is nice in that the servers give samples first but service is dreadfully slow as a result. Also picked up a few bottles of Las Palmas Chilean wine which is being cleared out. The chardonnay is a bargain at $3.99 (US should pick this up as its FC white wine). The crabs were delicious with the chardonnay. Went for a dip later (pool is fairly warm and is salty so it isnt too chlorinated though the hot tub was and smelt vaguely of dry-cleaning fluid.
1 December - Disappointment at the beaches
Woke up too early so we could go shelling at Sanibel. Got to the beach at 0630 to find that the abundance of shells in late October had disappeared with the high high tide and other weather reasons. Headed back to the Radisson for a swim. Its nice and quiet here. Did notice some bikini-clad 40-something blonde who was busy shouting out orders to some underlings on her cell phone for all to hear. Sitting nearby was a man with a baby. I didnt think much of it until another man came along and took the baby to one of the rooms. Still not used to seeing families with 2 daddys (not with young children anyway). Checked out and headed to Marco Island via Fort Myers Beach and a stop at Delnor Wiggins state park. Tried to get more of the Chilean wine but alas only the Publix on Gladiolus Road had it.
Hilton Marco Island
Got to the Hilton around 3:30 and checked in. The front desk put us in a more desirable view room (XX14) even though I got this room cheap through the name-your-price outfit. A resort fee of $8 is charged which includes a variety of things including valet parking and 2 beach lounge chairs a day (but shade umbrellas are extra at $9 a pop).
The hotel is an older property rated 3* by Priceline but is supposed to be one of the nicest big properties on the island. The single-storey areas are occupied by ball/meeting rooms, one good restaurant, one adjacent cafe, and the gym. The room on the 6th floor is a junior suite which is what most of the some 300 rooms are at this hotel (one long block with the other rooms being 28 suites and 4 penthouses on the 11th floor). The room is quite big with a sofa bed and 2 arm chairs. Theres a small fridge as well as a mini bar. Theres also a balcony with 2 chairs and a table. To make up for the large room, the bathroom is tiny. You cant close the door if youre sitting on the pot. Full range of Neutrogena toiletries are supplied. The sewing kit (I only opened this when I got home) even has a pair of mini scissors. To make up for the small bathroom, there is a vanity and 2nd sink outside a la Doubletree. There is small inroom safe (no fee for usage or it's included in the resort fee). There are some black birds who infest the place and can make a mess of your balcony.
We checked out the pool which is small but adequate. The sun is there from late morning onwards. Theres a good unobstructed view of sunsets from here.
Looking for a place to dine, we tried to find a place which had a menu listed in the phone book (theres nothing good here unless you want to pay $$$ for it). After not being able to find the place (it had become a full-service all-you-can-eat joint), we settled for someplace called Porkys Last Stand which is some chain based out of nearby Naples. The meals are reasonable with entrees priced in the low teens with a choice of 2 of 4 sides, one of which is a salad bar. GF had the 2 pork chops BBQd while I chose the same but blackened. Food was decent for the price.
2 December
Headed to the beach after a late morning (this was our only relaxing morning since we got here) start with breakfast on the balcony. Decided after a while that it was boring and we headed out to Fakahatchee Strand preserve again to have a look at the swamp from broadwalk with its Royal palms, Bald Cypresses, and epiphytic plants. The low level on the mosquito activity is only relative as we soon discovered. Id hate to think what medium is like and high must be unimaginable. Saw lots of young and juvenile alligators and one large adult sprawled out on a log.
We made a mistake after this and headed to the fishing town of Goodland to check out the stone crab prospects instead of doing a 20 mile round trip from the preserve. The crab claws there were pricier and nowhere near as fresh despite the claim of fresh from the boats daily. If you want good stone crab claws, do make it to Everglades City.
Headed back to the Hilton for more pool time and to catch the sunset from the beach. Went to the Paradise Cafe at the Hilton for the sunset menu (salad, choice of 4 entrees, dessert and beverage for $14.95). The salad was o.k. if not big and more than adequate in size. My GFs 12 oz t-bone steak was quite good with good mash potatoes. My grouper was a bit tough (not fresh?) and the sauce was too peppery. Dessert was a selection of 3 cakes (probably leftovers from the buffet brunch) though there was a half-hearted attempt to sell some desserts from the adjacent higher-priced restaurant (the two must share the same kitchen). Our server Andrew was from Manchester (MAN, not MHT) and was here for a year on some exchange from a U.K. Hilton (ambitious lad had also completed a year of college). I guess wanting to move up the Hilton track, he provided very good service though he needs some polish.
3 December - Going Home
There was a low cloud, almost mist like, on the beach this morning. Went for an early AM walk and was surprised to see so many people on the beach.
Headed out of the Hilton shortly after 0930 and headed for I-75/Everglades Parkway. making good time, we get to the outskirts of Fort Lauderdale in two hours with a stop for gas just before the airport. Just missed the shuttle bus as I wanted to get the car rental credited to the GF's account (clerk had the nerve to ask if we had flown in) but its only a 4 minute wait before the next one arrives and leaves. Getting to the US terminal, we see a long (some 40-50 pax) check-in for the regular line and none for elite. Its just past noon and theres some screaming as some pax (mother, daughter and infant grandchild?) had just missed a flight to NYC because of a 2 hour wait inline (didnt seem like it at that time). Not sure whose fault it was or if the US check-in staff had could have done more to help them before their flight left (might have been a lot of cruise pax earlier and all flights are oversold) but they were sure quick to call security. Some pax was trying to get to BOS 6 hours earlier. Agents let him know that itd cost $100 change fee for a confirmed seat (not sure if hed bought a Priceline ticket) and all the earlier flights were overbooked.
I had been trying to upgrade the connecting PIT-SEA flight for 3 days - there was only one upgrade seat when I called and I gave it to my GF. No luck at all on the waitlist though earlier in the morning, I called again and the reservation agent tried to upgrade me and then put me on the airport standby list. The check-in agent was nice enough to give me a F inventory seat (thats worth some 1,063 Q-miles and 2,125 bonus ones.)
With too much time to kill, we look for food and only find a Chilis (didnt notice there was another more interesting airside restaurant other than the pizzeria which had a sign by security). GF had a chicken burger while I had a bowl of over-salted chili. The Chilis location overlooks the airport traffic area so it can be good for planespotting. Not much of interest except perhaps an AC 320 which may have been in Tango colours (purple dinosaur tailfin). Got back to the security line around 12:40. The line had shrunk from some 30 pax to half that. Security is more rigorous at this airport. My carryone and my GFs rollonboard were selected for inspection (even though we had the same contents going through security at SEA, MCO, and MSY post 11/09/01). Theres ample security staff so there wasnt too much of a delay. Just before you have to show a ticket or travel itinerary, theres a big cardboard box with signs for nail files and other prohibited items to be placed for disposal.
Got scissors through security!
On unpacking tonight, I noticed that security missed 2 little scissors with 1.5 cuting edges in the sewing kits that the Hilton provided. Theyre probably made of very soft mild steel and are rather thin.
US 880 FLL 1405 PIT 1639 319 2D & 2F (was 4A & 4B) N740UW
Waited some 1/2 hr before boarding. There were S-marked pax on this flight. We avoided random security again. The 319 was quite full (10/12 in FC) though the FAs managed to offer preflight drinks. Pushback was ahead of time. The flight took offer towards the east but turned in land soon after, flying over MCO enroute to PIT.
New reduced levels of service
Picked up the December issue of the inflight magazine to find out that apparently no more movies will be shown on domestic flights and be replaced with an expansion of the non-movie video entertainment instead. The music on the expanded channels found only on the Airbus aircraft had not been changed from the November selections.
Service was pretty much the same as the flight down. Had some white wine to drink which I believe was a Californian chardonnay (it was pretty insipid and served from a burgundy bottle). The FAs didnt want pax waiting around to use the FC washroom but didnt prevent those in the back from using it as on other flights. Landing was from the west and on the leftmost runway (of 4). Quick taxi to the gate (A7) and were off the plane at 1625. Headed to the US Club to burn up my GFs coupon as US doesnt seem to honour expired ones.
Usual legions of tired travellers were there with almost every work desk occupied with the occupants using laptop to check e-mail. Snacks available were savoury ones with some cheese and crackers (Le Petit Snack cheese of US Shuttle snack box fame). The Club empties out just after 5pm as a bank of flights was just beginning to board and the Club is rather empty by 5:25p when we head to our gate (A17). Go to the airside post office at base of the D concourse to send the mini bar key that Id forgotten back to the Marco Island Hilton. I like airside post office facilities and PIT has the only one I know of. Note that most flights at this concourse are scheduled to leave between 545p and 605p.
US 115 PIT 1805 SEA 2039 321 1C and 1D (was 8D and 8E)
Boarding is just about to start when we got there at 530. There is quite a scrum of preferreds, FC pax and those continuing on from CLT who have to get through others waiting to board. Get my GF seated in 1D and wait for the 1A or 1F occupant to show up to do a seat swap. Fortunately, the occupants are a split up mother and son (dad is in row 5) so the mother takes 1C and we get 1F.
Theres so much traffic that no preflight drinks are offered. Theres still 1 FC seat empty. A basket ball is in the seat next to a boy in 2C (mum and teenaged sister are in 2D and 2). Not sure if the FAs notified or the CP who had gone to the back asked, but he went back out to the gate and got 2A. Boy has the cheek to ask his mum if 2A was occupied! The family had been on extended turkey day vacation and the mother was (loudly) getting the children caught up on homework.
Pushback and take off were pretty much on time. It would a long flight this evening, some 5 hours inflight (is the 321 slower than the 757?). Takeoff was around 620p. The FA working in the front galley looked pretty senior so perhaps not all senior FAs prefer the coach cabin on A-321s.
More reduced levels of service
Service began with drinks order and cashews after takeoff. Menus - the new reduced cost ones - were distributed after. Its on a 4 x 7 3/4 card instead of the old 6 1/4 x 9 3/4 foldout menu/winelist.
On tonights menu:
To start
Selection of Cocktails and Drinks with Roasted Cashews
The could have done away with this - the cashews are foiled-packaged ones).
Todays Appetizer
Smoked Chicken Slices
served with a sweet and fruity relish
and fresh mesclun salad
Mixed Garden Salad
with croutons and a choice of fresh herb vinaigrette
or parmesan peppercorn dressing
Selection of Warm Breads
Our Entrees
Seared Tenderloin with Mushroom Stuffing
served with a tasty herb sauce,
sauteed vegetable medley
and duchess potatoes with chives
or
Lemon Pepper Rock Shrimp
with mascarpone ravioli and a velvety cream sauce
or
Grilled Mahi Mahi
with Thai barbeque sauce, peppers and mushrooms,
steamed green beans and jasmine rice
Creamy Cheesecake
Coffee Tea
The orders for the salad dressing and entrees was taken shortly after drinks and nuts were served. The appetizer and salad was served together on a tray. The plastic knives seem to have gone towards a lighter grade. The butter is packaged now instead of curled/balled and served in ceramic dish.
The 3 chicken slices were thickly-sliced and like ham - compressed meat - bit dry - with the possibility of smoke flavour added. The relish (mostly sweet red pepper) was nice as were the two orange slices that made up the salad along with 2 assorted lettuce leaves. Hope the smoked salmon and shrimp have just been rotated out and not gone for good.
The salad stays the same and it just as good though some lettuce leaves seemed a little wilted. There was a generous amount of tomatoes and croutons. The parmesan peppercorn dressing wasnt particularly peppery and was more like a thick creamy Caesar dressing. My GF had the vinaigrette and was disappointed with it (this was her 4th Pennsylvania-SEA in FC and shes used to FC food on US).
3 choices of bread were offered, of which we both had the tomato bread slices.
The entrees were served a little bit on the hot side. I find the ovens on the Airbus not particularly good with reheating food compared to the 757s, particularly when it comes to steak (prior experience from 6 A330 trans-Atlantics in Envoy, 2 trans-continental FC dinner flights). My GFs steak wasnt anywhere the best she had which wasnt surprising. It was a bit small (smaller than 8 cubic inches) and she couldnt find any traces of mushrooms. The vegetable portions (julienned) were good but small. The mashed potatoes were good too. My rock shrimp dish turned out to be 4 large raviolis stuffed with rock shrimp bits and mascarpone so the menu description seemed a bit misleading. The sauce was very nice but where it hadnt covered the ravioli, the pasta was dry and hard.
Had the red wine which was a Geyser Peak California Merlot - a disappointing wine.
After reading the exploits of those who had travelled US to/from SEA Doo III, I had eagerly anticipated Baileys on ice with my ice cream sundae. The menu said it all - it was gone. I had a coffee with the cheesecake which was a generous slice and was better than the ones served on the short haul and redeye cold plates but it still wasnt an ice cream sundae.
Sometime after FC dinner service began, the FAs announced the rear cabin dinner. Can't remember the 2nd choice (I think it was beef and/or pasta) but the first was "cheese pizza french bread". My GF was appalled by this. Just slices of french bread with melted cheese? Salad, bread and dessert were also announced as being served. No wonder quite a few in the back were packing their own meals when boarding.
Sometime before the meal service started, the FAs found a movie to show which was the same one that played on the eastbound flight 5 days earlier.
The flight was pretty smooth until 1/2 way when the flight deck lit the seatbelt sign as reports showed there was turbulence (though very light) all the way to Washington. Didnt watch it and wouldnt have anyway as its pretty hard to watch a movie on the Airbus overhead screens if youre not a row behind it (sit in even-numbered rows in FC on the A319s and A321 - only been on US Shuttle A320s so dont know about mainline ones).
Approach into SEA was from the north. Landed at 2027 with a short taxi to S4 which is normally used by NW. Got out to the main terminal and the Ajax 3 shuttle was there shortly after. Good thing as it was windy and 4C/39F and windy. Got out of the Ajax lot at 2059, which was 4 days, 23 hours and 59 minutes after wed checked in. For the third straight time, it was a nasty windy (tail wind this time - had strong winds from the left and the right the two previous times) drive with rain north to the border. Took barely enough expensive gas ($1.379/U.S. Gallon) at SEA before I parked the car to get us to the border where I filled up at US$ 1.199 a gallon (was a bit annoyed as I saw another station of the same brand selling at $1.139/gallon). Only 10 seconds to get across the border and this time, we hit wet snow just north of the Fraser river so we only had to deal with it for the last 15 minutes of driving. Back home at 2345 local time or 17 hours after we left Marco Island!
[Edited for typos + addition of some names, details of service]
[This message has been edited by terenz (edited 12-05-2001).]
Dec 4, 2001 | 7:28 pm
#3
Original Poster
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Programs: FB PLT again afater a decade as plebian
Posts: 22,946
Miles:
The outbound of 2,125 and 994 miles for the first 2 legs have posted. I got a 100% elite bonus while the GF got 50%. Have to ask US for the double miles bonus as we're signed up for too many bonuses for the bonuses to process properly.
GF should get 6,238 q-miles for the trip, 3,119 elite miles + 6,238 double bonus miles, and possibly a 1,000 mile online ticket purchase bonus for 16,595 miles total, and 4 upgrades.
I should get the 6,238 q-miles + a bonus 1,063 for the F seat on the PIT-SEA run for 7,301 q-miles in total + 7,301 elite + 7,301 double + 1,000 online booking bonus = 22,903 miles in total. Will also get 10 more upgrades.
Not bad for a $161-something fare.
The outbound of 2,125 and 994 miles for the first 2 legs have posted. I got a 100% elite bonus while the GF got 50%. Have to ask US for the double miles bonus as we're signed up for too many bonuses for the bonuses to process properly.
GF should get 6,238 q-miles for the trip, 3,119 elite miles + 6,238 double bonus miles, and possibly a 1,000 mile online ticket purchase bonus for 16,595 miles total, and 4 upgrades.
I should get the 6,238 q-miles + a bonus 1,063 for the F seat on the PIT-SEA run for 7,301 q-miles in total + 7,301 elite + 7,301 double + 1,000 online booking bonus = 22,903 miles in total. Will also get 10 more upgrades.
Not bad for a $161-something fare.
Dec 4, 2001 | 10:17 pm
#4
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: CHS
Programs: UA Premier, AA Gold, AC 25K, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,144
terenz,
Nice report, but the continuing and escalating cutbacks are very disappointing. US has quickly gone from the best cabin service/amenities of the major domestic carriers to the worst.
It sounds like the wine in F is quickly approaching 'plonk' level. I wonder if US would charge corkage if I brought my own.
Nice report, but the continuing and escalating cutbacks are very disappointing. US has quickly gone from the best cabin service/amenities of the major domestic carriers to the worst.
It sounds like the wine in F is quickly approaching 'plonk' level. I wonder if US would charge corkage if I brought my own.
Dec 5, 2001 | 6:57 am
#5
Moderator: CommunityBuzz!, OMNI, OMNI/PR, and OMNI/Games & FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: ORD (MDW stinks)
Programs: UAMM, AAMM & ExPlat, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott lifetime Plat, IHG Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 24,165
terenz,
in depth report! Great recommend on Puerto Segua, I LOVE that place.
Did you ever get the photos I emailed to you in RE:Marco Island?
in depth report! Great recommend on Puerto Segua, I LOVE that place.
Did you ever get the photos I emailed to you in RE:Marco Island?
Dec 5, 2001 | 8:53 am
#6
Original Poster
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Programs: FB PLT again afater a decade as plebian
Posts: 22,946
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">
It sounds like the wine in F is quickly approaching 'plonk' level. I wonder if US would charge corkage if I brought my own.
</font>
It sounds like the wine in F is quickly approaching 'plonk' level. I wonder if US would charge corkage if I brought my own.
</font>
I still do appreciate the service ones gets for FC on US as I was travelling on a very low fare and upgrades are cheap (maybe that's why service is being cut?)
As for the cut in the nuts with the post T/O drinks, my GF is actually quite glad that's gone. Too many calories and too filling in her opinion.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Sweet Willie:
in depth report! Great recommend on Puerto Segua, I LOVE that place.
</font>
in depth report! Great recommend on Puerto Segua, I LOVE that place.
</font>
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">
Did you ever get the photos I emailed to you in RE:Marco Island?</font>
Did you ever get the photos I emailed to you in RE:Marco Island?</font>
[This message has been edited by terenz (edited 12-05-2001).]