Do many of the rooms at Renaissance Heathrow have views of planes landing and taking off? Are they more expensive?

Felicitations à votre noce!

Salut et merci bien, mon ami http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif.

"Do many of the rooms at Renaissance Heathrow have views of planes landing and taking off? Are they more expensive?"

Ah, hmmmmmmm Time to exercise the brain.
If you go to the Rennaissance/Marriott website, could probably see it. One side of the hotel faces Heathrow, obv. you want and really need the top 2 floors, otherwise you are staring into the parking lot.

I have paid some very cheap rates at this hotel(it is old and the rooms are small), but I think that it is the Marriott Silver status that gets me a good view. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif The staff are friendly, although probably one of the most int'l you have ever seen.

Careful, as a whole lot of the rooms face the interior of the hotel, not a pleasant view.

If it weren't for the view, I would be at another hotel that has bigger rooms, Crowne Plaza has large, comfy American style rooms, but almost no view. You can't win. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif Yes, the view is impeccable. Wait til Concorde takes off http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif. It will rock your world http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif.
A bientot.

------------------
Michael
AA PLT,1 MLN Miles+
Hilton Gold
Sheraton Gold
Marriot Silver

7 CONTINUED

Anyway, back in the terminal. What am I to do? I had shopping to do, Terminal 3, like 4, really does have some of the best airport shopping in the world, and I don't mean reaching over ticket counters and taking those "extra" ticket jackets that somehow fell on the floor, smile. Figured I would do my Duty Free later as would come back anyway. We had business to attend to.

I did a quick perousal of the shops and more so the chocolates. That is important, especially when you are a chocoholic. My chocoholic traits come out in Switzerland, I can very much assure you. The construction and big ugly walls around everything made it a mess, it will be nice when they are done.

OK, exited the departures area and made my way to the transfer bus area. On the transfer bus to
the FCC-Flight Connections Center. They handle all the connections for all the flights out of LHR. The trip is worth it alone just for riding a bus around airside, skirting around planes and all. It is odd to look past the security post near T2 and see inside Britain. So near, yet so far.

Up the long escalators into the FCC and then had to design my plan of attack.
Wanted to see Terminals 1 and 2, and did. Hit Terminal 2. Long, boring walk over there, but once you get there, good shops and things to see. This is essentially the Euro terminal, so I enjoy it. Every major language from Europe spoken on a cell phone, UGH!, and yes, they do have token Britts there. With Priority Pass, hit the Servisair generic lounge, what most airlines use for their Business Class pax. Not worth it. The lounge is way too small, cramped, and nothing much to eat. The agent was very nice and there was a cute woman, some kind of reporter, trying to get in. Ok, she made it interesting. Obviously, I went to get max. use of my PP card but also to see if there were any magazines to, ah, "borrow". Return on my trip back, sure. (NOT!)
I think it was Austrian or something that they had, but not much. More of these lazy airlines should have their own lounges, specialized and personal service, take better care of you. Air France has a lounge nearby, didn't bother. I had the magazine.

Then did something new. There is a small lounge area upstairs from one of the concourses. Lufthansa, Alitalia, and Iberia. I passed on LH, visited AZ to say hello and try to get a magazine, then tried Iberia, another OneWorld airline. Took him 2 seconds to let me in. No offense, he wasn't British. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
He knew the rules that I was entitled to go in. Conversely, the BA lounges will chase you away unless you are flying out of their terminal, and that is not right in the least. The lounge was nice, a small touch of Spain, the staff were very friendly(made up for the rude woman at Madrid who chased me away cause I was flying BMI), and the food decent.
Orange juice and some very salty cashews hit the spot. Debated taking a Spanish paper, too much to read, so passed, but thanked him dearly for his kindness, helped make up for some of the BA staff.

Then, Terminal 1. Very easy to hit. All the shops are convenient to walk through.
I didn't feel like doing the boring Servisair lounge at T1. I have dealt with many a cranky agents at that lounge, just wasn't in the mood, though I had forsaken magazines by doing so. I did hit the BA lounge and wanted to see what they would say. He was ready to turn me away, not flying out of T1, stupid!, but he let me in for a bit, so that helped. It was a gamble as I would have been (pissed) had he turned me away. One of the women there is just nasty, a def. WARDEN. The lounge was packed wall to wall with stuffed shirts and ties and not very friendly. I was in my casual sweatpants so def. stood out, but then I was flying an evening long haul in coach(no need to dress up here), they would be on the ground in an hour. The lounge serves Europe, essentially. I am curious if they do the sandwhiches at certain times of the day!? This wasn't one of them.

I wanted to go play at the gates with the SAA 747's, but wanted to get back, to be safe. I was sad to see that they had closed down the SAA First class lounge, was very nice, the one SAA lounge outside of South Africa. They had a huge 747 model (yes, I wanted it!) and I could always pick up a South African newspaper, usually from Jo'burg. Oh well, will have to wait til May.

Had to exit the terminal, down the ramp, walked down to see if anything has changed, it hasn't. Same old boring gate hold areas with very few windows, was there last summer when we flew in from Geneva, nothing new, then back to the FCC, clearing security for my third time that day. Have to.

Good bus ride at dusk to T3, now feel more relieved, tour of the airport, successfully completed, back in the right terminal. Remember, I took care of Terminal 4 on the way out to AMS, though jetlagged.

The long, winding hallways lead you to the shopping area. Did more perousing then made the staff at the chocolate box very happy. Dropped a considerable amount of LL(pounds) there for my coveted Benedicks, round box, green cover, chocolate mints. I love these so much! They had actually discontinued them, almost went insane. Was very happy a couple of years ago to return to Britain to see they had returned to life. These are the best chocolate mints on the Earth. In fact, I am gonna go have one now http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif.
Received my BAA points for the purchase and put some smiles on the faces of the staff, cleaned out their supply. Did the same last August, easier when I flew nonstop to LA. Now I had to work these into my bags to get home to LA.

Next, nextdoor to the Harrods shop. Since they have received them by now, smile,
bought some goodies for mum and fiance. They both loved them. Mum loves the Harrods bags, she takes them everywhere. Now I will get my fiance into that tradition. Can we have another anglophile here please?!
I had made the mistake of buying sandwhiches, and not cheap. In the past, I had bought their chicken ticka, yummmm. I had bought something else for the flight, one was average, one was disgusting. Was not pleased about the money down the drain. I also realized during the flight, DUH on me, that I couldn't bring the dear sandwhiches through US customs to eat in New York, so just trashed on the plane that which I couldn't eat. More BAA points, then off to the Admirals Club. I could have gone to the BA lounge, where I had been impolitely sent away from at the start of the trip, didn't really feel like going up there. I usually do a magazine run(from the different lounges at T3), but for some reason!?, my carry on was full and didn't feel like doing any more. Call me lazy, whatever.
Admirals Staff are very nice, they actually have some Americans working there, one guy is so cool. Gives you a feeling of home even before you get on the plane. In all fairness, the English ladies here are quite pleasant and helpful. I swiped(and drank) some of those tiny Malvern mineral water cans. They always come in handy inflight as beloved AA doesn't know what mineral water is, and club soda ain't mineral water!!! hmmmmm

As I was on the last flight of the evening to JFK, the best way to go, there was a Boston(Baston http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif!) flight right before us, the club was emptying out. This really is a nice club. They did have the Gulf Air Duty Free catalog(ue) so that was something. The evening news showed fierce winds up north, scary. An entire lorry/truck overturned, freaky! I think this was my first time to Europe in January, usually come in November and a bit later, so this was new. Hate these winds.

As always, I have to be one of the last to the gate. On one flight, I was the LAST going to LA and the security staff junked the BS questions that a good US citizen and Platinum member know very well(and so tired of!!!) and just chastized me for being so late, saying in 2 minutes my bags would have been removed from the hold. I know how to kiss up and apologize, but they should keep track of who is at Admirals, something BA and KLM are good to do.

This is the emotional walk as I head to the gate as I am leaving Europe and Britain. And with a mass of carry on from chocolates and Harrods goodies, and of course, "Airport Shopping."
I am sad to leave, happy to get home. It is a tough one. When I was younger, this part was pure hell. But when you come to Europe 4/5 times a year, http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif, it is doable.

As usual, and as when we came in, they put the ********** thing at the very last gate, I always seem to leave from here. That is awful! AA has many gates and the last flight of the evening is at gate 22, if I am correct.
The security check was easy, was *CLR*, thank goodness, but I think it was late and they wanted to go home. YEAH! I had expected an ELAL style search from the rumors I have heard, probably done more in the morning, shoes and all. It was easy. After Lockerbie, Pan Am and TWA put you through some grilling security at the gate, always done by people from the Middle East/Central Asia, just have to love the freaking irony there.
The fact they don't use Americans at this point is awful and shows the idiocy of the airlines. One I will chalk up for ELAL, they use Israelis. Gee, what an idea. UGH

The flight attendant gave me a sarcastic comment, yeah, I will let you board. That may have cost him an SOS card, :P.

The plane was empty, loved it!!! beautiful 777 and I was essentially home.
I love having the 2 seats to myself. As there was a residue of newspapers from Business Class, I received my last Euro edition of the coveted Financial Times. I am a Business major geek so I love this paper. Probably the best source of financial news in the world, in my opinion. Listing countries and happenings that most Americans have never heard of, with respect.

------------------
Michael
AA PLT,1 MLN Miles+
Hilton Gold
Sheraton Gold
Marriot Silver

END OF 7

Quick reverse, taxi, safety demo, and lights out. Had the customary take off, again facing the hotels, right hand side, and into the air. Had a great view of London and suburbs at night, like I have never had before departing.
Did some turns and shakes, good bye London and Heathrow. I love the radar tower, tall and makes the place look like an airport. My last glance at that thing is like the sendoff from Europe. Lived by the flight map and watched as we cruised out over Northern England, near Manchester(Matthew!!!) and out over the coast. Last time we went straight West over Wales and recognized a bridge that I had taken between Wales and England, that was cool.

Friendly service, loved the crew, served a nice dinner, those dear US customs forms, few things on this earth that I hate more, save going to the dentist, I can fill it out in about 1 minute,if that. They are just stupid, especially for the frequent traveler. I think I had a chicken something, to be honest, not sure. I seldom keep track of the meal unless it is first class. All menus go to the friend in Paris, and no menu in coach, but it was good. Meals on AA, in general, and atleast to me, are good. Meals on Northwest, atleast in the past, were a part of jokes spoken at parties. SMILE

The dear woman in front took away my extra legroom, gratis a AA, by putting her seat all the way back in my face. This is the disgust of my mother, and I think I am adopting it. I usually sit emergency exit row or bulkhead, but with 2 seats to myself, opted for a regular row. You really do lose your free space, it sucks! To be honest, and bad, I know, wanted to "accidentally" smack her on the head with my newspaper, but I am a gentleman, sometimes http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif, and my fiance would have killed me. I was begrudging to her selfishness.

Did the usual walk around the plane. With those curtains open, one can see everything. I brought out my several aviation magazines and cleared through all picked up inflight magazines, so can put away at home.
I did follow the flight path and tried to enjoy their inflight entertainment video at the seat. American loves CBS and I hate CBS, one of our 4 major networks in the US. It is the worst of them. United and NBC established a love affair as I was leaving them so I did get cheated out of that. Nothing like watching Friends at 30,000 feet, my fav. They show the same I Love Lucy and Everybody Loves Raymond( I don't love Raymond!, http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif ) Atleast he is at CBS where he belongs, :P. Let's get some NBC over here, thank you!!! A new portable DVD player will take care of that, Friends and all.

Thanks to the dear in front, was hard to try to get some sleep. Wasn't all that comfortable but she had her reading light on the whole time, her right, and the seat all the way back. I duly, http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif, returned the favor when she turned her light off and tried to sleep, my light went right on, DING http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif. he he he (blew the A/C nozzle in her direction, yowsa!)
I did feel bad in case it disturbed the nice girl behind me trying to sleep.
I try to punish the guilty, not the innocent, unlike Iran. smile

We had a nice approach over Quebec, la belle Quebec, sob, been so long since I have been there. A few lights here and there and with a full moon, was very clear. You could see the snow down there. We flew past some ville/city on the St. Lawrence. I miss that place. Then into Maine, over Boston, and into NY, with an incredible view of NY coming in, again, so clear. While the crew overall was friendly, there was one F/A(stew) who was so cool! I gave her 2 SOS cards and wrote on one, "she is cool"!!!
She liked that. I waited for her to come by but then had to go back, and in front of several other crew, oh boy, handed her the 2 cards. The others were jealous, literally, and she shoved them in the senior crew member's face, the same guy who made that sarcastic comment at LHR. he he he
Needless to say, she was happy, she earned them, was sorry I couldn't give her more.

I had done a faux pas by thinking I would upgrade the next day, wanted to save some. As you will see, I didn't upgrade and came home with the extras, sorry...

We had a nice, soft landing at JFK, back in the good old USA!!! There is always a good feeling coming into the USA, even though I am still far from home. I suppose after 9-11, it means even more so. The last time I landed in the US was from Australia, right after 9/11, and yes, cried when the plane touched down at LAX, with flights back to the US suspended for a week. Ok, this wasn't as emotional, but nice. The crew did heartily thank us for supporting American, which I am happy to do, and that thanks went along way.

Now, the pain of coming home. I dread US customs, I dread US customs at AA at JFK, and I dread this stupid terminal. All in one. Like at LHR, we had parked at the very far end of the second int'l concourse, making me drul over the previous long walks from my Finnair and other AA planes in the past. This is ridiculous. With a mass of carry on. So far, nothing is breaking. Just get to that luggage cart!!!

This is my revenge to those Euro people when I go through US customs. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif ( All in fun) Foreigners to the left and they have a LONG, LONG wait, it sucks for them, let's be honest, but then I waited how many times over in Europe, they only wait once, unless they bounce up to Canada or something. A plane had come in from Santo Domingo, I am sure a high customs profile flight, so, more fun. We had our share of the wait, but not as bad as our visitors.

After a not too exhaustive wait, she sends me to one line, waiting for a family to clear. Well, people came and went at other stations, I probably waited another 5 minutes, which was ok. The officer was cool, friendly, the kind I like, and made me feel welcome. When I came in on Finnair a couple of years ago, that place was a hell hole, with several flights from the Carribean. I will only land there at off peak times like these. It really is a crummy customs area, with Delta's-JFK, being much nicer.

Down the escalator and amazingly, my bags had not only arrived but were on the side, cool. Most of the pax were from the Santo Domingo flight so I had to eavesdrop and hear their Spanish accent. New to me, couldn't understand, so, so much for that. I did resent the cutting in line and did point that out to someone.

I handed my card to the officer, explained that I had chocolates, and he sent me to talk briefly with secondary. I learned in Australia to declare all food, even chocolate. I have since learned my lesson when the nice Aussie gave me a lecture. The second officer said fine, was done, and out the door.
Welcome to the USA!!! Yeah and it felt good. Grabbed a couple of Nathans dogs to take to the hotel, they sucked, but hey, it was late.

A nice gentleman, very sweet actually, called the hotel-Radisson for me, the only acceptable hotel at JFK. FYI, the Sheraton is a dump! They need more people like him at the tourist desk. The terminal is a mess, it is ugly, and I am sure will be nice when they remodel. Just have to grin and bear. I was amazed as to how short the wait was and the driver picked up me and 2 American pilots. Yes, I eavesdropped on their conversations on the way out, as they pointed out the empty gates at the AA terminal. I felt their sentiment. They were cool and held the door for me as I exited. I have always looked up to the pilots. Young and old, I have never wavered from that respect, except on one horrible Australian flight, but that is another story.

The Radisson is old and beat up, but the rooms are large, and with a decent view of the runway and the AA terminal. The staff had that charismatic New York sarcastic wittt, with her laughing uncontrollably that I love planes and wanted a good view of the airport. "Are you for real?" Yes, fraid so. This made me miss Britain as the Britts do understand the love of aviation.
I just say it is NY and leave it at that. She and the others were cool. Welcome home!

The room is large, old, and run down. It was good to be there, it had been a long day, have never left Europe so late, had to be close to 5am back in London. Hey, I was awake. Unlike in Europe, to my joy, they had several sitcoms on tv, and it is fun to watch Friends, Seinfeld, etc., in NY, and more so Law and Order, it just doesn't get more natural than that. Even though the cast of Friends is about as Californian as you can possibly get(that is a positive, FYI http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif ), they ain't NYers, but it is a funny irony.

I called my fiance and we talked, was good to be back on this side of the pond where the phone bill won't cost as much as our firstborn http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif smile,
and well, it was just nice.

Bedtime, I earned it. Probably 7am back in Europe, I have been up all night and not preceding a finals exam. HMMMMMMMM

Next and last segment coming soon to a theater near you (this is where we all say YEAH! )

I love watching planes land and take off.

One of these days, I'm going to get a room at the Westin O'Hare and just sit by the window and gaze.

What other airport hotels around the world do you recommend?

>>> This is a loaded question!!! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif I am trying to think how your question snuck in,
just found it. HMMMMM AND OU LA LA

I will give you a couple:
HEATHROW RENNAISSANCE, PROBABLY THE BEST
WHILE I LOVE THE HYATT CDG, THE HILTON AT CDG IS INCREDIBLE, MY FRIEND HAD TO DRAG ME OUT OF THE ROOM, GOOD VIEW OF CDG1 (ALWAYS OVERPRICED, ROOMS AREN'T WORTH IT)
ALSO, CDG SOFITEL, CERTAIN ROOMS, SMACK INTO AEROGARE 1, AGAIN, HAD TO BE DRAGGED OUT BY MY FAMILY, HAD MY OWN ROOM, :-P~~~
AMS SHERATON(LOVE THAT HOTEL!)
TORONTO SHERATON(T3)
HMMMMMMMMMM http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
REGAL HK CLK (WINDOW LOOKED OUT TO A KOREAN 744)
SYDNEY AIRPORT HILTON(OLD), PERFECT VIEW OF PLANES TAKING OFF, DIRTY WINDOWS TOOK AWAY PICS, IF YOU COULD GET ON THE ROOF!?
THE DOUBLETREE AT MIA HAD A GOOD, SIDE VIEW, BUT THE HOTEL SUCKS http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif HILTON POINTS THOUGH, WHY I DID IT
THE FAIRMONT VANCOUVER AIRPORT, IT DOESN'T GET MUCH BETTER THAN THAT http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
HAVE TO ASSUME HILTON AT MEXICO CITY(INSIDE TERMINAL, HAVEN'T STAYED THERE)
HILTON AT ORLY
WHAT ABOUT THE O'HARE HILTON? I NEED TO STAY THERE!!!
FRA SHERATON, PARTIAL VIEW, IS THE PROBLEM, STUPID ADMIN. BUILDING BLOCKS HALF THE VIEW,THEY NEED A HOTEL AT T2

I AM STAYING AT THE EMBASSY SUITES AT LAX-SOUTH THIS WEEKEND, DECENT VIEW, ASKED FOR THE TOP FLOOR

HAVEN'T STAYED, BY DEFAULT, DFW HYATT
DFW IS CLOSE ENOUGH, I JUST FLY HOME, I DO WANT TO STAY THERE

I WILL THINK OF MORE

HOW'S THAT FOR A LIST? YOU PICKED MY BRAINS WHEN I AM HALF ASLEEP, http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Francophile, svp, ou se trouve ton e-mail? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif ecris moi svp

PART 8, FINAL
Ok, here we go. Let's wrap this thing up. Thanks to everyone for your comments and support, whether it be vocal or silent. I can tell that I have made people think, which is a good thing. I will work on making these shorter next time, as this was my first on here, the opposite of other sites where you get edited to death.

Woke up at the JFK Radisson, morning news, with the sun glaring. Could see a few planes at JFK, not too much action at the AA area, which is under construction.

Breakfast is included in the room, nice. Full buffet, very NY. Huge bagels and cream cheese, lachs, French toast, etc... All good and pretty much had the place to myself, though USA Today was my bkst companion, and a good one at that, getting the full domestic edition.

I had to time it right to get over to JFK, check in at the earliest window, then do my long awaited tour of the new IAB(Int'l terminal) at JFK. I have so long wanted to see this thing.

Thinking I had an easy check out, nah ah. Check out was easy, no shuttle, so I stand there while the doorman, very NYish, if you will, is chastizing these 2 limo drivers. Ok, I eavesdropped and enjoyed it. Most places wouldn't allow this sort of thing in public, but in NY, different. It was unprofessional to chastize them in front of the guests, ok, the place was pretty much empty besides me and one other.
I guess people don't like to stay by JFK. The doorman needs to take a few lessons in tact. I swear they need more hotels at that airport.

The skycap was very inquisitive why I was checking in so early, tried to get me to take an earlier flight. Nah ah! I want to see JFK and I don't come into LA during heavy traffic, ok, that is most of the day, smile.

I am assuming it was the early check-in, that would make you a terrorist for sure!!!, but I had to get my bags X-rayed, no biggie. Just curious for the reason. So I had to follow him to the massive machine, dang, catscan and all for those bags.....One bag, the one from France with most of the "Airport Shopping", cringe, got red flagged. They did a quick hand check, she called it books, works for me, and it was sent on. Yeah! Now hope to see it in LA in a few.

9-11 got me with Admirals. Since the lounge at Terminal 9 is landside, no baggage storage. UGH I was planning, as I usually do, leaving a bag filled with mineral waters, etc., nothing valuable in the storage area. So much for that. Painfully tossed some of them, too much to carry. One of the joys(ah, sarcasm here) is taking the freaking airline connections bus at JFK. They are always out of order, they are full, and the 20 stops at Delta just does you in. Sometimes a rental car or hotel shuttle will take you part way. So, there I went.

Finally, after a long wait, I got to see the new IAB. For those of you who don't know, the IAB-Int'l Arrivals Building at JFK has always been an aviationists playground, def. no exception now... I will miss the segmented check-in areas, was always mad at how they had made everything pax only. UGH
I got into the Swissair entry by saying I needed a timetable. Well, I did, then moved on upstairs, smile.

The new terminal is beautiful, well decorated, good light, and was a relief after finally visiting the new terminal at SFO which I don't like, too plain and ugly. I wish that they had more individual airline representation. Just the same generic counters with airline stickers on the background. LAX Bradley, for the most part, each airline has its own area. That has to make it easier.

I did the full walk in arrivals, one side to the other, then upstairs. Yeah, I pretty much hit every nook and cranny, long live tennis shoes!!!

The Aer Lingus agent gave me a heads up on the lounges.

The Terminal went the complete opposite in going from absolute privacy and secrecy(segmentation by airline) to openess. I would have selected something in between. This is bad, but I always like to watch the ELAL security check, a fun experience. The plane was leaving too late to watch.

Air India had a mess in front of it, and Kuwait, the rest was decent. I was expecting more crowded, more planes, more people, more, more, more!

To my delight, I do well with lounges at JFK, IAB. There are, that I know of,
5 main lounges: ELAL, Swissair, Swissport, Northwest, and Aer Lingus, going from right to left. Yes, I looked into the LY lounge, but closed. Needless to say, I want to raid it. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif I can use miles and fly them Business, so I could get access.

If I fly Swissair out, I have access with my AA Platinum card, it is nice. They let me take some Swiss chocolates, but she had attitude.
With Priority Pass(just renewed, YEAH!), I have access to Swissport(which handles pretty much everyone else) and Northwest Worldclub.
Swissport is nice, large, open, and spacious. They have large windows looking out to the field, plus, full windows and views of the terminal.

I wonder if they did this so security can keep an eye on us. Dunno.
The staff were very nice, and like the other lounges here, and contrary to AA, they had a luggage holding area, and this is before security. So many contrasts in this industry.

They had decent snacks, not too much in the way of magazines, and I was sufficiently bored after a bit http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif. So, left the bags(nothing valuable), and on I went. They had suitcases there, fyi. While the Northwest Worldclub is nextdoor, have to go all the way around, with an alarmed door between them. I know, just want to say the heck with it and hit the alarm, he he he. NW staff were ok, typical Worldclub, though again, nice and spacious. NW always has cookies, smart, so they get a point. Since 9/11, I haven't been to a Worldclub, can't get to them with the pax only rule, I miss them. The Admirals Clubs are a joke. I can't imagine why anyone would pay for Admirals, UGH! Northwest Worldclubs are the best lounges for any US airline. I used to belong pre-Priority Pass, but I don't have access to the Int'l ones, like the ones in Asia. Again, done this, bored, what is next?

The remaining lounge is Aer Lingus, there have got to be more lounges there!? Never expecting to get in, I went to visit Aer Lingus. I showed her my boarding pass, Plat. card, she gave me that funny look, but she let me in.
AA bugs you when you are only flying domestically, but on an int'l ticket, and they make it seem like a big favor to let you in. The other members of Oneworld don't have such a stupid restriction, hence, I actually benefit by their generosity, though they are usually airside int'l and can't get to them, save at JFK.

The EI Gold Circle Club is VERY, VERY NICE. They have a beautiful conference area, table, fireplace, library, all in 1. Good windows. Internet access, finally!, usually just Delta where I can do that, but slow and won't allow you to respond, just read. Oh well. They have a decent bar but they need ice! Americans like ice!!! hmmmmmmm Had an OJ. A fork, accidentally http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif, fell into my pocket, dang, and was done. Thanked her for letting me in. Sorry, had to have the fork. This stuff is too rare. They also had a very comfortable sitting/tv area. EI put some money into this place. I give the Irish much credit for a job well done. Now, let's fix up those Dublin lounges.

With that, spent some more time at Swissport, not too much plane action.
I did check out the shops and eateries downstairs, nice, but for some reason I had expected more. Someday in the eternities the US Airports will learn the concept of a shopping mall in the airport, like every European and Asian Airport, they will be amazed when they try it. They had one Duty Free Shop,
UGHHHHHHH

There are no hallways, atleast for now, between the concourses. I have been inside one of them when I flew SR a couple years back and that area had been completed, so done that. I am sure I was being watched as I was looking everywhere, whatever.

I literally looked at every nook and crannie. It was fun.

I was amazed how easily I accessed a shuttle bus back to AA. During construction it was insane down there......whewwwwwwww

Because the walkway between AA Terminals 8 and 9 is out, I gave up on 8, the Int'l terminal for AA with a nicer Admirals. They have some temporary link. It sucks. It would suck even more in bad weather. This freaking Airport!!!

They actually compete with Heathrow for craziness. If you are changing terminals here, give yourself lot's of time. I have usually connected within one terminal, i..e Delta, Pan Am(miss them), and AA. That is fine. When we connected from AA to SR, my dad was just losing it on that bus, Mr. Patient, LOL. As all my friends know, ugh. JFK is working on a monorail like Newark, so it will be great when that is done.

I still need to get airside at the BA terminal, want to hit those Terraces Lounges!!! I will, don't worry.

I miss the old TWA terminal and lounge, all shut down. Their lounge-Ambassadors Club was very special, old, but special. I shall miss it.

Anyway, back to that ugly AA Terminal 9, tear the thing down now!
My upgrade hadn't yet come through and I said screw it, I don't feel like waiting at the gate for the worst seat possible and paying 5 upgrade certs for it. I asked her for a window and aisle in coach, not brain surgery here, and canceled the upgrade. Another drink at the bar, called mom, and was amazed as to the emptiness. No magazines, save some American Way, oh joy, like I ain't sick of that freaking thing, smile, and a couple of messy newspapers lying around.

Security wasn't too bad. I remembered I had the Aer Lingus fork, not a ding, so worked. Was happy. Sometimes security at JFK can be messy, as a couple of people on FT have experienced. DANG!

This concourse, (with gate 44) and all, is just old, dirty, and messy, ready to get out of here. Some parts of JFK are depressing, sorry, but true.

AMERICAN 767-200 JFK -LAX (don't remember the flight #, sorry, to be honest, don't really care, smile)

Long line at boarding, saw them profile, thought of the fork. I sat and waited. When the time was right, snuck on and no profiling, fork goes home. :-P~~~
I would have been mad if they had taken that away from me. Even the lounge at Dublin doesn't have them. I had *CLR*, but they still pull you over.

To my disgust, the dear agent, and I had given her 2 SOS's, messed up and gave me an aisle in the middle. NO! I was not happy. I asked the F/A for help and she looked out for me. There were several sets of windows and aisles, each one filling up over time, cringe. One did come through, it was mine, and I was happy. I think I would rather have a window and aisle in coach than an upgrade, as the front is always full, takes away from the quality of the front cabin there are always so many people. I have sat next to some nasty people, especially on the LA-NY run, in Business. Rude, arrogant, and they know everything. They just love it when you get up to go to the bathroom/ or that long marathon walk around the plane. UGH

Anyway, quick push back, could see the Air France Concorde at Terminal 1, ( I have been on that, :-P~~~) , and it was an easy departure. I did ask for a free headset, being a Platinum, sometimes they do it, sometimes they don't, I think she just forgot.

We taxiied around T1, Delta, a small view of the IAB, then out on the taxiway that goes toward the beach, with a decent take off. We had the view of the coastline and I thought of the AA Airbus that crashed near there, poor souls.
God bless them.

Had a great view of Philadelphia and then later Pittsburgh, incredible! You could see the whole city. Full moon, very clear.

They did the usual dinner, with all plastic, of course. Usual AA fare, which I like. I had bought some pretzel dogs back at JFK, so that supplemented. Unfortunately, sorry, I don't remember what the food was. Probably tells you how much I care. smile. After I get back I go and hit my fav. haunts, mostly Asian food which I miss while in Europe. LA has some of the best Asian restos on earth, serious.

I wanted to sleep and they had a bunch of dear sweet little girls http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif running around, oh joy! 2 of them sat behind me, literally yacking all the way, with others running around the plane. Made sleep difficult. I tried.

I kinda wish the crew would do something about them. The F/A's were nice, older, but nice. I was mad that she had forgotten my headset. UGH, more the principle. I am an American Airlines Platinum and you know what!? on the airplane, IT MEANS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!! DEAD SERIOUS. Though United goes the opposite way with their elites, and Northwest upgrades them, I miss that.

As I couldn't sleep, too much noise and rackett, we had a clear flight across the country. What drove me crazy was not having a flight map like on the 777, this was a 767-200, so I had to guess where we were.

The drink service was good, actually, all the service was good. They were attentive and kept an eye on us, appreciated. I did sneak a peak into Business, packed to the gills. I'd rather be in an empty economy, DUH! I actually have more room to move around, have the window, and can get up when I want...... DUH!!! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif In a few months, remember, this is January, this plane will be full, then it is back up front.....Also, AA's generous program of more legroom is wonderful! One of the reasons I am with them, among others. Their Frequent Flier program is simply the best on the earth!

Ok, the usual approach into LAX, landed on the South side. There is always a wonderful feeling to coming home. I can't explain it, just seeing LA, LAX, it gives you a feeling a " A FAIT ACCOMPLI", if you will....Love seeing all the lights, Palos Verdes, beloved Redondo( Thai Thani-YUMMM), and all, to the South.
To the north, the list is too long. You can see where Malibu is and hate thinking of the drive. But so nice when you see the Malibu(paradise http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif ) sign.

The arrival was easy, the baggage claim was packed. Could feel that LA feel, LOVE IT!

I won't bore you with the home procedures, caught a shuttle, great to be home, and DONE!!! YEAH!!!

Hey, thanks everyone for your kind words and support.
I will do better on future reports. Less details and shorter.

Please tell me what you think. Thanks............

Hey WT36 - very good trip report - both entertaining and informative (I was in AMS more or less at the same time but stayed at the Hilton and it's pretty old and depressing) - so to the Sheraton next week.

Keep in touch!

Cheers Canista, thanks.

I love the Sheraton-AMS and it is one of my fav's. I stayed at the Hilton many, many moons ago, my first trip to the European Continent with my family. We all hated it and we're happy to leave. Is it still that bad? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif I did want to go check it out but was too lazy. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Next time. Request a floor on the Executive Floor and see if they give it to you. Also, rooms with a view of the control tower have a good view.
Try the pool and buffet!!! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif