Me and the family were on that same flight with you! Don't know if you spotted us, I was carrying my sleepy six-year old as we were all herded out of the sterile gate area for the re-check. When the UA concierge came through the line looking for 1Ks to move over to the first class/business security line, I asked if a lowly 1P with a sleepy six-year old could go over to the shorter line. After processing the 1Ks, she came back and moved us over to the shorter line.

Rather than a taxi, I splurged on the Conrad's car service to the airport. I think it was S$70 and isn't something I would normally do, but my wife & son got a kick out of being in a chauffered Mercedes.

We were in 47-A-B-C on the flight to NRT. Couldn't get moved up to Economy-plus as there was no room.

I think our security breach was caused by the young lady in shorts near the check-in desk (she looked like she was with a group of college students) who wandered out of the sterile area to refill her water bottle. Apparently she came back in without clearing security and the UA concierge spotted her. At least that's the impression I got while eavesdropping to the debate at the check-in desk as to whether or not they were going to rescreen everybody.

I can't say enough about how great the Conrad was. My son got sick shortly after arrival to Singapore and the staff were wonderful to us. They arranged for a well-qualified doc to come out to the hotel early Sunday (4/14) morning. Turns out he had a sinus infection that antibiotics quickly cleared up. But throughout the week the staff checked on him, making sure we had anything and everything we needed.

[quote]<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by El Cochinito:
It's a small world. This flight was one of several I actively looked for FTers. I had a feeling there'd be more than just me on the flight. I did the walk around the boarding area a few times before settling near the desk.

Too bad we didn't know til now. I've got a FT tag on my bag now, thanks to another friendly Fter.

I did a run just like yours a few weeks back.. It was SFO-LAX-NRT-SIN-NRT-JFK-ORD-HKG-SIN-NRT-HNL-LAX-SFO. I am suprised you got HNL in on your trip to JFK. I could not, two HNL layovers are better than one... I got the SIN-JFK for like $470 USD with a 15% coupon.. Now that I think back I should have done a few more SIN-JFK runs, well thats because I was in First on NRT-JFK, yet it wasn't too long.. I hope you enjoy your trip, and I thought I was the only one to do one like this. You should have seen the look on my buddies face at the NRT RCC when I asked for my BP's for SIN-JFK, the next morning. You see, I landed in SIN, and took off the morning I landed! But I spent a few days in NYC though.

Thank God I'm not the only one. Have to meet up one time as we cross paths.

NOTE - re: Conrad

I just checked my HHonors account & I recieved 510 points for the stay & 500UA miles too (and noticed it's a point stretcher hotel for the next month or 2)

5hours @ NRT

I've never had a problem at NRT security and this time is no different. I head to the RCC to meet a FT friend as we cross paths on our different Mileage Runs. Now, I don't have a FlyerTalk tag on my bag at this time (I do now though ) so I wonder how we'll possibly find each other. But, I do have my Trip Reports with the logo prominent so carry them in my hand as I do the rounds. Stopping every once in a while for another bite/coffee, or to chat to another traveller. I hop between floors a bit and even the other RCC, just in case. Even pop by the gate. Back at the RCC I ask them to page a friend, and they do. Remember that if you need it. They are so nice here in NRT. No response and his flight's gone so I head down to the shower area, freshen up &lt;ahhh&gt; and head over to the Silver Kris lounge, stopping to check out the duty free on the way.

The attendant greets me, checks BP and MP card. As she's signing me in she notices my departure time (8:00pm) and appologises that they close at 6:30. No problem I say. Just glad to be here. Wow, it the first time I've seen it busy here. Their flight to SIN has yet to depart and I find myself searching for a seat, but secure one right away. The sushi, snacks, sandwiches are all being eaten and replaced just as quickly. The talbes are being cleaned just as quickly. Service here is top notch. I grab a bite or 3 and have a chat to the other travellers. Is seems that the flight is delayed at least by a half hour and the lounge is getting even busier. But that doesn't stop them from replacing the food as quickly as it's taken. Yes, it was busy, but still a great oasis. I decide to leave about 7pm, say thanks, and I'm off.

A bit of souvenier shopping at the electronic shop. Also I check the price of the Sony NR headsets. NC-11 for 112,000Y (I think), but decide not to. I'm still through again in another week.

Another quick stop in the RCC to use the Internet on the lower level.(Boy, it's quiet here, last flight outsoon, I guess) They've got their own browser and I find Control-Alt-Delete starts it up to access Explorer. I pop off a few emails and here the boarding announcement. Normally I leave boarding until late, but am starting to get drowsy, so I head up to the gate.

Wow, I'm tired and getting a headache/grumpy. I don't remember being this tired last time. Right, last time we took a few hours in the Day Rooms. I recommend getting a few hours sleep in here. The double day rooms are often full , but the singles are usually vacant ($5/hr single & $8/hr double). They also have showers (if you don't have lounge access) For $4 but I recommend against that as they are so small that it's hard to move around.They tend to get quite steamy too. Each of the day rooms have showers and that is a better choice.

Now at the gate, boarding has begun. As I pass my boarding pass, the lady hands me an envelope from the FTer I was to meet. He got time to write me a note as they shuffled him from his late flight to his departing gate and they held it and probably checked each persons name during boarding until they found me. Now THAT'S GREAT SERVICE! NRT & UA = (BTW thanks again for the note, nice gesture. we'll connect again another time)

April 19 UA 0826
NRT-HNL in C - seat 23G
Back in Business Baby

Yup, glad to be back in C after the last flight not clearing. It's a light load for the whole plane. Most of us in Business class have only 1 person per seat pair (except couples travelling). Coach is equally lightly loaded. I find it hard to believe that my overhead bin is full. The FA suggests that I just put it 'over here'. I appologise as I'm too tired and need to sleep. She smiles with understanding. HNL crew. Always professional. Thanks!

It's the red-eye and I ask to be awakened for meals if I doze off. Just then the Captain announces that all booked passengers are on board so we'll be leaving 20 minutes early. Cool! I can't remember when I dozed off, or which movies I watched, but Very thankfull for C+ seating and noise cancelling headsets!

I remember the meal on this flight because it wasn't cooked properly and came almost cool. I had the steak or filet... But hungry so ate it rare anyway.

Lots of sleep on this flight. AHHHH!

Awakened for the fruit plate an hour or so from HNL. It's such a great place to arrive. I love to watch as we're descending in Hawaii so I switch seats.

And then something I've never experienced in all my life....

A landing so perfect.....
...I couldn't tell right away if we were on the ground yet!

On a 747. A flawless landing! Impressive!

And I'm a pilot. SOFT landings in a light plane no problem. Jumbo, I'm impressed.

So, here we are in HNL for the day. Passport check on the way off the plane. A scoot up to Immigration - a breeze; Customs - breezier. Done!

April 19th (again)
A day in paradise - 14 1/2 hours anyway!

8:00am (appx)

Now, having missed The Bus (Honolulu's city bus) before, I knew to take the elevator right up and over to the bus stop. I arrived within 5 minutes. The Bus is a great way to get into HNL in the morning. It's about $1.50 for the fare and your luggage must fit on your lap or you will be refused. The trip takes a while as it snakes through downtown before getting to Waikiki, but it's eally in the morning so what's the rush.

I ask to be let off at the HHV (Hilton Hawaiian Village) and decide to check out the day rates at the front desk. Boy, they're grumpy here. I've noticed it every time. No big deal. At first she tells me they're sold out; then hold on; gone for 5 minutes. Now since I'm HH gold, they have a rate untill 5pm at $155US++. Thank you very much for finding out (but no thanks). She looks put out. I want to remind her that without guests and their questions, she may not be able to pay the mortgage, but decide to smile and save my speach. I save my dignity with the same decision.

OK, now up to the Mandara SPA (at HHV). It's in the building closer to the road. The one with the Ukelele shop in it. Elevator to the second floor and up to the reception desk. I tell them I'm not staying at the hotel, but would like to pay for SPA priveledges for the day. I present my HH Gold card and they refer me to the manager. She asks if I've been with them before. I say, yes my wife and I were here in November. She seems unsure to my answer (I guess they opened very close to then), but quickly finds my name and history in the computer.

I get the very sincere welcome back. Thank you. Prices are $25pp for non-hotel guests, $20 for hotel guests, and $3 discount for HHonors members. She types up a receipt for $17.71 and I quickly cough up the dough . I get the colored wristband and an escort to the Men's room to show me my locker, robe, slippers, facilities, etc.

God, I love it here. Ask if I can leave my carry-on behind their counter when I'm finnished. They're happy to accomodate. All the staff are friendly and seem intersted in my trip. I keep it brief, but share about the routing I'm on and the fact that I've got my boarding passes for tonight's flight and tomorrows too already. They really are great here.

I hop out to the Hot tub for a mineral soak, a quick steam, and I'm feeling fresh again.

My laundry is starting to add up & today is the perfect time to take care of it. I pack my stuff into a smaller carry-on (I travel with the smaller one packed in my roll-aboard) and ask directions to the nearest laundramat.

[This message has been edited by seanthepilot (edited 05-20-2002).]

I'm in luck as the laundry is really close. Down the village to the street. There's a restaurant on the corner that we've been to before, past it, past the ABC store, the street curves to the right. Follow it up to the corner (about another block) and in a set of stores beside 7-11 there it is. I don't remember the name but it's at 478 Ena rd. ph. # 942-3451. I ask for change, noticing the machines are quite full and wondering if they have available ones. I notice the sign advertises Drop off laundry. How much? $0.90 per lb. Whoa, cheap! 10 lb minimum, sounds good. So, for $9US I leave my bag of laundry and head back for an afternoon of relaxing. With an ETA of 3pm to return.

Back to the HHV, and I decide to head up the beach. Ahh, it's beautiful and I start up the walk. I hop on the cell phone and chat to some friends for about an hour (now that I'm back in the US my canadian cell phone is cheap @ $0.20US/min). Stopping in the Sheraton and up again. I take my time, and a few photo's too, and find myself on Kuhio beach. Always love it there. Strike up a conversation with a few gals and hang out there for a while. It's getting a bit warm (means HOT) and so I decide to head back to the Hilton.

Watch the ice shaver fellow on my way back and remember the time here with the kids and family. Note to self: Bring the kids back here again!

Some window shopping once back, a sales pitch from the timeshare crew, I even look at a show perhaps at dinner time. Realize I need a later flight than 10:30 to seee a dinner show. I grab some souveniers and head back to the spa. Time now for the pool. I hop in and enjoy. Got my postcards to get done too.

To make a long great day short, I'm out by the pool for a while, shower and change, head back to find my laundry almost done, but once finnished, folded in a plastic bag all packed up. Everything but the ironing done. Back to HHV, I grab a burger at the restaurant close to the main pool. Awsesome. Towel in hand, I head for the beach. Have a nice ocean swim, a bit of shoping, another mineral soak, steam, and shower. Pack all my stuff and thank the spa crew. Shutle bus back to the airport (I called down to the bell desk to arrange earlier), just as the fireworks are starting. I found out later that the prices vary depending on the hotel you called a pick up from. The Hilton is the most expensive one $8, I think.

At the airport, I walk right past check-in, through security with no line up, and I'm off to the RCC. I notice an earlier flight and ask at the gate if I can go earlier. They see I'm in First and tell me right away that they're lucky to have seats at all. None in First, middles in the back of the 777. That they almost took VDB's so I should be happy on the flight I'm booked on. You Bet!

RCC was excellent. The agent there (forget name) was just back from maternity or something. She was amazing. Asked to put on the VDB list in case for my flight. Done and she's noted that I'm up here too. How's my connecting flight tomorrow (LAX-JFK)? Overbooked too! How about the VDB list for that flight too since I'm already checked in for the flight? She says she's happy to. Thanks.

The RCC in HNL is simple but nice. I settle in and find a spot by the tube. CNN's Larry King is talking about the Robert Blake fiasco. I plug in my cell phone to the wall to charge (almost forgot it too &lt;phew&gt; ). Relax. they don't call boarding so I'm sure to monitor the time. Before too long it's time for boarding. As it turns out, no VDB's. So I hop on.

A really excellent report Sean. Very well organised too!

Thanks for the excelent and very detailed trip report.

Oh, yes. In Waikiki on Kuhio beach, we always like to rent the umbrellas from Palekaiko Beach Club. Always found them friendly and reasonalbe. They have a great area and OK prices (no they didn't pay for the airtime, just like ther attitude).

Ok, so now I see why the 2 class 777 is a poor choice for the upgrade. No footrest (was there a in seat video, I can't remember) to start. And that's a big drawback on the red-eye. Happy to be heading on anyway. The flight was otherwise uneventfull. Glad to doze off......

Arival into LAX fine. Quite busy, but I'm stil tired. I figure I'm doing good for so long on the road. Freshen up in the RCC, grab a paper and a few snacks. Chill for a bit and chat here and there.

No Bump here either, and I'm off.

April 20 UA 0956
LAX-JFK in C - seat 7D
767... means 7Sucks7

Ok now, its 2 crummy planes in a row. After wondering what all the fuss about differnt planes, I finally see it.

767-(300?) It feels like a 20 year old plane. With 20 year old decorations, seats, and definitely no C+.

The seats in C barely recline at all. Footrests are old and took me half the flight to get figured out. In seat video, not a chance.

But, to compensate, they do have to most wonderful crew. Rarely am I blown awaay by the service. The LAX-JFK crew really went above and beyond. It made the poor equipment choice seem redundant.

We had the eggs breakfast, which left much to be desired, but I was soo hungry.

I like to walk around and usually use the lavs in Y. In the 777 one of them is twice as big, so I head to see if they've got one there too. The line up is too long so I head back to C. Line up there too.

Next thing I know, the FA is yelling at us in the washroom line up... "Excuse me, you have to use the washroom in your own cabin." The 3 of us each look at one another and do nothing. Then he says "Not you 2. YOU! Is this your cabin?" Moi, I think? "Yes, sir it is." He's like Doh! But I saw you in here, sorry sir. No biggie. My FA comes over and cracks a joke. Harmless,, but funny. A moment that stood out, anyway.

Then before our arrival, the FA went around to shake each persons hand and thank them for their business. His name was John, I think. A rally classy thing to do. They really were awesome.

Sorry I've been busy wit life. I am trying to get it all down before I forget! Next installment the Big City.