Woke up that morning and did a brisk walk over to the Rennaissance hotel which I wanted to check out and bought some goodies at a petrol station. Boy they drive fast, a bloke just missed me trying to cross the street.

Packed up, did some quick room service with a wonderful club sandwhich, then hopped on the shuttle to Gatwick.

Had the friendliest check in agent who was great and walked around the terminal, picked up some timetables for friends back home, and then again, security, A-.

I went in later so didn't have as much time at the BA lounge.

Hit the Delta lounge and one of the generic lounges. All fun.

Ironically, the flight to Frankfurt left from the very gate where I had ended up yesterday, I laughed.

They took the BP and had stacks of newspapers, including the Financial Times.

I was shocked that the plane was full.

We had to go down to the tarmac and with the coat in the suitcase it was so cold. Note that BA had 2 empty jetways near the gate dead empty.

Boarded the full 737 and threw everything but the paper into the overhead.
Taxi out and take off into a very cloudy sky. Pretty much the same planes as I had seen yesterday, not much changes at Gatwick but you do get an occassional something cool.

Plane was chalk full but was doable.

Over the clouds and East to Belgium. They said we flew near Brussels which was hard to see with varying clouds in the way.

They served an apple pie which I am not big on and so gave it back.

The mineral water did wonders, thank you.

We flew over a major German city which I could not recognize, sorry, and started our descent. They said a plane going into Frankfurt had problems and so everyone else was being put into a holding pattern while they were able to go in.

The cabin crew didn't speak a single word of German but the pilot did come on and made a good announcement in German. I think it is part of the service.

We descended and then came in from the West with a few turns.

The plane flew right over Frankfurt Airport and then past the city, then turned around.

I was on the right side so at this point, the view was awful, but as he turned around
you had a fantastische view of beloved Frankfurt-City and then the Airport. I love Frankfurt and have strong feelings for this place. I have never had such a good view before
and of course the camera was packed away. It was a new camera that I hadn't started to use yet, who knew I would have this. We pretty much did the Tour of Hesse and saw all kinds of smaller cities, beautiful homes, thousands of trees, etc. A USAF plane flew right below us going in and was wondering if that was the plane that had trouble.

We did a full turn and then came in, I believe from the West, if I have my FRA geo right.

Incredible view all the way and then touch down, right side, could see the American military base with several USAF planes, never seen so many before there, to be honest, and there was a Northwest 747 parked there as well.

The people on the left had a good view of the airport, but if we had arrived on the normal runway, the right side is always better. Quick turn around and taxi to the gate at Terminal 2.

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[This message has been edited by InterflugIL62 (edited Mar 06, 2004).]

Ok, landed at Frankfurt, exit z aircraft , and up the escalator to arrivals. I was hoping to get to the BA lounge for a quickie but they blocked it off. So I went to the Generic Priority Pass lounge and she was very kind. A few good magazines and timetables after a drink and I was on my way.

I stopped at the Cathay lounge which was being used by someone, I think Asiana?, and I was able to get a coveted Hong Kong newspaper, something I love.

Then back down the terminal to Passport Control. German passport control is easy, stamp it, you are in. They also smile. Gott bless Deutschland.

After the delay I was amazed that the bags were still going around on the caroussel and we took care of that.

The benefit of BA sending my bags back at Gatwick vs. keeping them was that now they were EU customs cleared. I understand some German and the German customs wanted to check me. He noded to his fraulein counterpart to get me, but she said to him "er eine grune haben" meaning I have a green tag, so they can't check. ha ha There is nothing to check anyway, just airline junk. I said guten abend and she returned the same, good evening.

Out the door and behind the mass of Turkish people arriving from one of the interesting charter flights. I was just here in November, wow.

Went straight to BA, threw a couple of things in my bags and went to check in, Club Class line.

She checked my visit Europe, Oneworld ticket to Heathrow and then time for the bags. Remember, in Europe you get a much smaller baggage allowance than to/from the USA which is disgusting.

She nailed me, or tried, as they were over. I said I just came from the USA which technically speaking was right, though I had thrown a couple of things in, but was also on a special ticket only purchased in the USA and usually they work with us on the higher allowance. She went back to the supervisor and got it cleared, alles gut.

It was fun watching her tag my suitcase to Tel Aviv. TLV That was exciting.
Then the other bag went to Heathrow.

They only went along with the USA 2 piece system, not the carry on, so was stuck with that.

Off I went.

Frankfurt Airport has wonderful shops, delicatessens, konditorei, bakerei, you name it. I went to my favorite haunt which half of it was closed down, being remodeled?, I don't know, then went to a new deli and bought all kinds of yummy meats, salami, bratwurst, mineral water-Selters, und of course some wonderful German chocolate(schoogi), Theodora. Yummmm
I was already salivating.

Up the escalator where you can take the carts, but my shopping bag was not secure, out came the waters. Oh it was frantic. They fell onto the escalator and thanks to my sweet neighbor behind me we picked them up and put them in the bag. I laughed afterward, but not during. Wasn't so bad in the end.

I wanted to play at Terminal 1 landside but only had so much time, had 4 hours between the flights, so went back airside at T2 to deposit the carry on at a lounge. However, there were the gatekeeps at the checkpoint who didn't like my bag, though it is a fair carry on, just heavy. They tried to send me back down to BA, which wasn't going to happen as they would def. charge me for it, and we can't have that! I explained in broken German that I would gate check it. Took me 2/3 attempts but finally got through to them and they let me thru, but no trolley, so that stayed.
Yes, I quietly prayed in all this I can assure you and it worked.

Easy outbound passport control and then security, strip down, alles. While the bags were coming through I ran over and grabbed a cart airside, worked wonders.

I did a quick perousal at the main Duty Free store and some of the others. Then went to the Delta lounge with Priority Pass and left the bag there, after a drink or 2 and a WC visit, and a clean and well kept WC it was.
Delta lounge is large and spacioius, most comfortable. They also had some really good baloney.

i think this is a great trip report, fun to read and full of info. keep it coming!!!!

thanks, I love your name!!

I have more. At some point I am going to break down, but for now, want to get us to Israel, then will slow it down, as that is more rare. Thanks

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[This message has been edited by InterflugIL62 (edited Mar 06, 2004).]

I've no idea what your previous history on FT was but I supose if you didn't get banned, it can't have been that bad. Just ignore the emails and dazzle them with your report mate. Everyone deserves a second chance.

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[This message has been edited by InterflugIL62 (edited Mar 06, 2004).]

I agree with you about the wonderful rum punch on Cayman Airways. And I love the one legged pirate, as their symbol. One of the nicest places I have visited.

In the US I believe it's "3 strikes and you are out?" Even if you had 1, you still have 2 chances left. Just kidding.

Ok, from the Delta lounge I walked, and a long walk it is, to Terminal 1. The skytrain was the other way and I needed the walk, but turned out to be longer than I had thought.

Some history. On a previous trip in this middle area there was an ELAL 757. I photographed the ELAL 757, they have police and security all over. ELAL and the Frankfurt Airport security didn't like that. I was duly followed but never approached in a situation that was just quite freaky. I was so happy to get out of there.

Obviously, more than 24 hours going to Israel and walking past the scene of the crime, it came back to me, haunted me a little./ They followed, I ducked into a lounge, got out of the way, boarded a Lufthansa flight home to LA and that was that. Boy did it put me off and it didn't help me going to Israel anytime soon, ouch. /

Walked past the infamous area, even stood there, of course an empty gate. They have a special security gate C 21-23 for all fights to Israel and I hear it is nasty. No thanks. Hence, I would never fly directly from Germany to Israel, period.

It was pretty empty. They had a Lufthansa Airbus to Beirut, kind of cool.

To my surprise was the Red Carpet Club which was being renovated last time I was there in Nov. What they renovated I can't imagine, looked the same to me when I was there a few years ago, the time of the nasty ELAL incident.

I flashed my Untied P/E card and got in. He said they were closing in 5 minutes, so I grabbed a Hessia, a wonderful German sparkling water that has a sweet taste to it. If they had it in the store I would have bought some. Selters is also wonderful.

5 minutes were up and I was out., so made my way to the B area.

I like this since they have redesigned it. They have good Duty Free and shops. I headed past all the US bound x-ray machines, I get mine later, and went to one of the Lufthansa
Business Lounges. I wasn'f flying Star Alliance and as my beloved card was expiring the last day of Feb 2004, I wanted to get in. I flashed the card and they waved me in. I had had problems earlier in Nov. Kind of funny.

This is the lounge, used to be a Senator lounge(First class and more food), that we enjoyed when we went to South Africa. So many good memories here. They had the usual drinks, snacks, and newspapers. I grabbed a table by the window and watched planes take off. Hey I was happy to have gotten in. Air Mauritius A340, Croatia A320, SAA A340, the list goes on. I love this airport and I felt bad, almost disloyal for spending so little time there, but if you can't get a hotel, was konnen sie machen? (what can ya do? hope that is right)

I waved a thanks to the lounge warden and made my way down. Bought some more chocolates, they had some good Swiss ones which went to good use. I decided to pass on the Europe City Club, where I had spent much time the last time I was here, and to the Skytrain and to Terminal 2. I didn't want to miss my flight.

Found a cart and made my way to the Delta lounge. They had CNN and a few drinks and some more baloney. It was really good.

My cart was still there, now the fun.

After 9/11 they instituted a special checkpoint for certain flights, mostly the flights to the USA and for British Airways, turns out Qantas and Qatar Air as well.

There were long lines for this and I kind of freaked, but then also realized they would call us up as flighttime came, which they did. It really is a form of hell, nothing in regard to German efficiency or order, which is too bad.

For now I was allowed to keep the trolley, Gott dank. This bag was heavy.

They called up the Qatar Airways people and they moved forward. Then they called us up, BA to Heathrow, but he said the trolley stays there.

You go up to the security machine for your carry ons, but they do a very manual and personal frisk and check. If the cute fraulein wants to do it fine, alles gut, but this really is over the top. It is intrusive. I went in, wasn't as bad as last time, the last guy was nasty,and then grabbed my stuff, sans trolley, and had to lug the bag.

I got to the gate, asked them to gate check it, which they did, but I did a faux pas.
I assumed she would think London is where I wanted it to go. More on that later. UGH

The gate area was crowded so I am like let them fight it out. but it was too close to departure to run down to the lounge, via LIFT, and they have a wonderful hot chocolate. It is a stupid security check and really fowls everything up. I figure eventually FRA will just submit everyone to another security check who is in transit, I even said that to the BA staff, who just looked away. I am sure they have heard it all.

Finally it cleared and after kicking back in one of the seats, I went up to get the aircraft reg.
Then boarded. BA 767 to Heathrow, info later.

LOL, amusant

Boarded by going down the escalator. More water falling out? Yes, that had occured to me, cringe.

They wished me a pleasant flight and walked onboard. To my amazement it was full. Def. something very big going on in Frankfurt. So late at night.

Put what I could in the overhead and read my copy of Business Traveler.

Push back and BA safety video. Crew was very friendly and warm, much more so than the outgoing flight. Was this all the same day? Wow! what a day this has been.

Now, on the right side, I had the view of the terminals, planes, und alles. I love it!

I was sad to leave Frankfurt, I really do love this place. Have I communicated that yet?

I had intended to call Uli having my German phone card and es tut mir leid , I forgot. I owe you one. Anyway, I say hello now, my friend. It was quite a busy evening.

I also have good friends in Dus and Hamburg. All of my German friends have been very good to me. They send me good packages and are very nice. It is all appreciated, you know that. I love the Christmas package, danke!

Past the terminals and to the runway, turn around, we did the same going to South Africa so that was cool.

Take off, lift off, back to England.

It was cloudy most of the way and you couldn't see much, so read B/T. My seatmate was quiet, we exchanged pleasantries and that was about it.

I did one WC visit. We were in the middle section with the comfy leather seats, while those in the far back had a different, cloth seat and probably less legroom.

The plane did the usual fly over Belgium but could see nichts.

Over the English coastline and cloudy most of the way, some lights.

We came in from the West(near Windsor Castle), something I hadn't done in a very long time, and landed, with a good view of Terminal 3 and all the fun planes therein.

Arrived at the new section of Terminal 1 and lugged my (crap) to passport control.

I was weighed down with what I did have and if they had made me carry my big bertha carry on, I would have been dead. I was tired, it had been a long day, it is a very long walk to arrivals, and I barely made it. Sorry to ask for the sympathy.

It was after 11pm and the last Hoppa, pay bus to the hotels, was at 1130. I was stressing a bit. The line was small but slow moving. Again, some people had more intense questions.

When I got up I asked for a passport stamp on an emtpy page, which he did, said I am trying to make the last Hoppa, which he sympathized,and explained that in 24 hours, I would be on a plane to Israel(yeah). Stamp and out. The last time I did this flight, in November, I asked for a stamp on an empty page, she knocked out half of my beloved and coveted Kiwi stamp from Auckland, was not amused. Everytime I see it I give a growl. Not an easy stamp to get now is it?

Down to bag claim and I had to make tracks. My other suitcase came, onto the cart.
But then the suitcase destined for Tel Aviv came around, that freaked me out. I figured because it was late they would just come around, pick up the bags, and transfer them in the morning, but I played it safe and grabbed it as it made me a bit concerned.

Then came my carry on with a TLV tag on it, that freaked me, as the bag was destined to be left here at London. cringe. I was mad, but got out of there.

Out the exit at Terminal 1 to the coaches and I made it by 5 minutes max, whewww, otherwise, I would have to pay for a taxi to the hotel. Been there, done that, no thanks. Save it for Terminal 4.

Loaded the bags and off to the Marriott we go.

Had to porter the bags myself and it was a quick check in. 4th floor, somewhat of a view of LHR, and I had lounge access.

All my German goodies went to good use. What a day. The room was great and very comfy, though the view of the planes could have been better. Such is life.

Ok, up to a quasi sunny day at Heathrow and hit the Club Lounge.

Had a wonderful Bangladeshi who warmly welcomed me to the lounge and seeing I was a fellow plane spotter we got along just fine.

One of my all time favorite professors in college was from Bangladesh, an econ professor.
He invited me up to the 'roof', a hang out, for drinks. Was alwasy fond of him and this guy dearly reminded me of his sweet soul.

Breakfast was cold cuts, breads, cheeses, fruits, cereals, too much food, plus he went back and brought me mineral water. Planes kept taking off to the East with the Air Jamaica A340 being the most notable. What a beautiful plane.

There was a Qatar Airways flight crew together speaking Arabic, when the others left, the captain and I, along with the lounge attendant, started talking. This was exciting. I love meeting the crews here, they are more relaxed and you can ask them questions. I asked him about Qatar Air, seeing the DVD on Qatar Air which is one of my favorites. They showed an approach into Khartoum, Sudan, which was just awesome.

Then a beautiful English flight attendant from Emirates came in. Oh Paul!! Paul wants to work for Emirates and so I did get her e-mail. She has a boyfriend so forget it, but she will help you.

We sat there and talked about everything to do with aviation. It put me on an emotional high, I loved it. It is like a drug.

I asked them what they thought about people (removing) things from the plane and they said overall, if they don't see it, they don't care. Sometimes even if they do see it they pretend not to see it, which is what I gathered. They did mention a cabin crew for Qatar that had been fired for taking a newspaper, too strict. I have heard other stories.

They did go after people who took blankets, not that I would ever know anything about that.
The Air New Zealand blanket was just too tempting and I still have it . I love it. I would pay for it. There are just no stores where you can buy this stuff.

We had a great time, great food, and each made their adieu. I did get her e-mail.

The attendant said when I come back, when I am at the Sheraton Skyline nextdoor, I can come back and if he is there, he will let me in. Very nice. When I did come back he wasn't there, oh well.

I wished him all my best, he is so sweet, and back to the room for final packing and whatever. CNN and all.

Now, I called a porter and the poter took Bertha and my other rollaboard for storage, tip of course. Check out was easy and friendly.

Took my green suitcase and my small carry on and hopped the Hoppa, which oddly enough stopped at the Sheraton next door where I would be in a few days and the driver had to go inside, so that was cool. So did I.

Off to Heathrow Terminal 1 where the set down is in a different place, upstairs at departures, new for me. He even helped me find my way. Not that I needed it but was nice to have one of the Hoppa guys actually give a darn, it was new.

They had so many timetables and goodies and I just couldn't take them, but actually never got back there. I grabbed one SN Brussels Air Timetable, sorry Phil and everyone. It is mine! I keep the first one. I thought I would get back.

After a quick walkabout, a pain with the cart and bags, down to the Heathrow Express
and out to Terminal 4. Oh what a pain this is. Down the lift, a very long walk to the train, then have to ditch the cart, then thru the barrier, then way down the platform, then onto the train, take the train to Terminal 4, then off, then out, then up to departures. It sucks!

When I have all my bags I just take a cab. I am not going for any medals. You would think BAA, the British Airport Authority, who runs Heathrow, would be utterly ashamed.

Many people bash Heathrow and if you aren't ashamed of that, what can I say?

I get to the BA Business Class line, and hours before my flight. I explain to the gatekeeper that I am a Sapphire. A Sapphire, what's that? Oneworld Sapphire, the equivalent to American Platinum. Whatever dude, keep up the good work, NOT!

Check in line was nothing, though coach was full, ouch. Glad I am not over there.

They didn't want to take the bag this early but explained that it had already been checked in. He had to clear it with a supervisor and was approved. A fresh, new TLV tag plus a new TLV boarding pass, he he he. I like BA boarding passes.

Went to WH Smith and they had a book I really wanted. Don't know the title exactly. It had to do with the East German Stasi files on the UK and a whole bunch of spying. I saw it somewhere online, really wanted the book, but didn't want to take it to Israel, who knew what they would think of it !? and I could just get it when I got back, right? WRONG. I love spy novels and have read many East/West books, love that stuff.

Oh well. I will find it someday. So I moved on. Went airside, show the BP, A- at security, and into my beloved Heathrow Terminal 4, one of my favorite places in the whole world.

It is a beautiful terminal, tons of great shops, great lounges, it is worldclass.

The Heathrow Terminals per se, like Gatwick, are great, it is the connection and hassle between them that is the problem. They need a Skyline train between them airside and landside and they just need to be more customer friendly.

Off to the BA lounges and the Heaven they are.

I always play with the lounge attendant. BA makes a big fuss about my Platinum card. No one else makes a fuss about the card and the boarding pass.

So I show one or the other. Then play around and show the other. It is childish but they annoy me so. The boarding pass has all your info and the other Oneworld airlines are fine with it, Qantas, Aer Lingus, Iberia, Cathay, it is just BA that makes a big deal, so I have fun.

Got a drink, caught up on the internet, and took a shower. Another en-suite shower, toilet, love it. Wonderful prior to a red-eye flight.

Toured the terminal and also visited the Holideck lounge, which is great as well.

Both lounges are multi level and fun. From the Holideck you can watch planes take off, while hearing the ATC, it is great.

I bought some chocolates at the Chocolate Box and looked at watches, not what I wanted.

I enjoy the shops, the feel, the quaintness of the terminal.

Back to the BA lounges and caught some zzzzs. Finally you had some Hebrew speakers
come in and my fellow passengers were arriving.

I wrote some last minute e-mails to everyone before heading off to Israel, oh this is exciting.

I was one of the last to leave as TLV and Athens are the last flights of the evening.

Made my way to the gate and here we go.....................

You're wrong, actually. If you read your own 'pre' trip report here, you'll see that mad_atta made the connection, on February 24th, at 01:12am. That's not me.

Pity, I was actually enjoying your trip report up until this point.

With regard to whomever is e-mailing you, I do sincerely hope that stops. I too have been subject to FT 'hate-mail' in the past, it's not warranted and there's no place for it here or anywhere else.