The Trip Report
 

Ok people, I am lunging myself into starting this report before backing out.

Someone on my e-mail list asked for it as I was considering backing out. It is alot of work but it is also fun.

For the Flyertalk people before I start the report, please, let's hold back on the flames and the negative.

It is a trip report. Take the wars to Omni and let them have it, thanks.

I was just joking about Luftwaffe and everyone got mad. Go and ask some Germans what they think and they have far worse things than 'Luftwaffe' to call Lufthansa, etc. The airline runs Germany. I was just being cute as I have pet names for several airlines, Delta(Widget) being one of my biggest grudges, sorry Dov.

Let's have fun and I welcome comments, questions, praises, and the complaints go upstairs, 2nd floor, turn right, then fall thru the trap door. he he

Allons-Y!

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LA-Miami, Raleigh, Gatwick, Frankfurt, Heathrow, Tel Aviv/Jerusalem, LHR, Paris CDG, LHR, New York JFK, and home!
AA Plat,Lifetime Gold, UA P/E, Marriott Silver, Sheraton Gold,
Hilton Silver(for now)

Hello everyone. Let's do a trip report. I was going to try to back out of it and then someone on here really asked for it, so I guess I need to do it. It was a great trip and with many wonderful experiences and I want to share with all of you. FYI, I am posting it in a couple of places as well as sending to you my e-mail list, which keeps growing.

Feel free to ask questions or share thoughts, praises, except for Marty and Jon where I think that might take us into the next century, kidding.

Some background before we start.

I am an American Airlines Platinum member, that means that I fly American alot and I do love American, while my best friend hates the airline with a passion, and I ain't crazy about his airline(Delta,which I call Widget http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif ).

I needed to do some big flying before the end of February to rescue my coveted American status. Unfortunately, family and friends can't understand the addiction to airline elite status but please trust me when I tell you, once you get it, you really can't live without it and I was having nightmares at the thought of losing it, ok, not that bad but I really want to keep it. You can thank United for giving me my first taste to this addictive drug, starting me as a Premier frequent flier, when I had no idea what elite status even was.

Hence, I needed to hop on planes to Europe and get some miles. Flying around the US/Canada, as I had learned from my Northwest Air Gold days, just doesn't do it.
In the winter time the fares to Europe are a joke, especially from the West Coast, and you get all kinds of perks. I can upgrade domestically and I always go through Miami, one of the perks. Not that I love Miami or the beautiful latina women there. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif))

Also, as some of you know, and some of you are tired of knowing http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif, I have always wanted to go to Israel. I have chickened out and postponed several times. I was finally ready to go when the dear Palestinians started the Intifida back around 2000 or something like that, so I went to Rome instead. I should have gone, though Rome was fun.

I finally decided to take the plunge and go even though many thought I was crazy.

My mom took it much better than I had expected and was shocked. I really thought you would try to stop me http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif and you didn't. It helped that she had to go to Vegas to see my sister the weekend before so I had set off on my own, no chauffeur to LAX. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif I know she thought I was nuts but she supported me in it.

So, with some effort, I had put together a nice trip to Europe and then threw in the flights to Israel. Ironically, I had found the best airfare I have ever seen to Israel (from Europe) via
British Airwyas for $360 US including all taxes. Trust me when I tell you, it is a steal. I have checked fares and hotels to Israel and it is one of the most expensive markets in the world and the planes go full, even in February.

I was having some second thoughts leading up to the trip and the funniest thing.
I was out at LAX the Sunday before I had left, driving on the 105 freeway into our beloved airport, and there was an ELAL 767 taking off right before me. Call me crazy, it just comforted me and told me, I was going to Israel. It was an awesome feeling. tear

With that, we will start the report.

Remember, positive comments, praises, chocolates, and other goodies, safety cards http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif, are more than welcome. Condemnations, attacks, critiques, and whatever, go to Brian. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Away we go!

One of my challenges that I seem to somehow, ah, miss, is being packed and ready to go before departure time. I really did try this time. I canceled my fitness instructor, thankfully had a doctor reschedule an appointment which I needed to be moved, and did packing and preparing the day before. Somehow Tuesday morning, I still had more to do.

I usually do a shuttle or mom takes me but I wanted to drive. I needed to stop at the bank on the way and it was nice to drive myself, when I wanted, not when a shuttle bus driver wanted, use my cell freely, listen to music, whatever.

Hence, no comments please http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif, I had a later start than I had wanted.

American started it off right by calling and updating fight info, that the flight was on time, etc. Have never had that for some reason til now.

It was a beautiful drive and it is fun to drive along the Pacific ocean when heading to someplace cold.

Back in my Northwest days I went to Eastern Canada all the time and it was amusing to drive by the sparkling blue Pacific on a beautiful day in February when I knew what I had waiting for me in Toronto/Montreal(nasty, nasty cold weather). So it was the same here, nasty nasty cold weather in Europe. Oh joy.

They now have a security checkpoint going into LAX since the last terror alert. Many times we have parked at a hotel or long term lot and taken a shuttle in. The last time I went in for one of my drive arounds the airport( I like to see who is at Bradley, the Int'l terminal), they nailed me for a spot check and it took several minutes, with their checking the car and using like a mine sweeper around the entire thing. Gee, what fun, and for a 5 minute turn around, no thanks.

As I approached the airport I prayed, please no, not this time, don't have time. Someone upstairs was listening and I was waved thru, thank goodness, but I had felt bad for the poor souls who didn't pass as it really is time consuming and it is a joke. Gee, not like I could bring something in on one of the shuttles or a taxi, doyee. Our mental capacity, sad, isn't it?

Now, this should have, would have, could have been easy, but we know that is not allowed, right? I was planning to go to the skycap check in in front of the airport. Since 9/11 this process at US airports has become more challenging but has actually evened out. Well.

A few days before I upgraded to Business Class, something which I always do on this special flight as it is a 777, there is a meal, and it is a transcon. I don't upgrade the short flights. With American's legroom in coach, you really don't need it, but this is a flight that I like to spoil myself on. And I missed the bloody thing last November when I was playing at the stupid Admirals Club. Long story, maybe for another trip report, will consider.

Anyway, pull up to skycap. Stupid hotel shuttle bus drives past me missing me by inches.
I chastize the driver, the jerk shouts back. Never their fault. They, the airport buses, the taxis at LAX, drive like madmen. I think they had their driver's training in Paris. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Then a lovely something comes right off said bus and cuts right in front of me, delaying the check in process. After quite a delay I give my ticket to the skycap, who was cool, and explains that he can't check me in. Have no idea why. He grabs my bags and runs me inside. I am thinking he is going to take me to the front or something. Nah ah.

He takes me inside, puts the bags down, and says to check in there. Ugh He did say that he would watch my car.
OK...

As a Platinum I get First Class check in, but there was still a line. Beloved American had 2 agents working the F/C line, which is unacceptable. There was a problem passenger who had been there the entire time, that left one agent for the few who needed a boarding pass to get airside, one of our many presents since 9/11. Cringe and sweat.

Finally did get up and asked why I couldn't check in. I have never had this problem before.
Because I had upgraded to Business, it had changed my fare basis which was at the rock bottom to, I guess, something better. She wasn't the friendliest person, sadly, typical of many LA agents, checked me in, tagged the bags, then TSA. I had run one bag over to TSA so that helped, but with the 2nd, he made me wait til it cleared, then they took it.

I ran like mad outside where there was duly an LA robo cop on his Harley http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif. The skycap ran over and said he tried to stop the ticket but was too late. He did say he would watch the car and explain. There was a ticket on the car, of course, but in all fairness it is only $30 US, and that is cheap, trust me, if you have ever picked up a beloved ticket in Westwood.

I explained what happened, cop said he couldn't remove the ticket, I mentally cursed him to hell for all eternity http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif, gave a thanks to the skycap, who did try, and got the heck out of there before I am sure the tow truck came. Oh well.

I shoved the ticket in my seat pocket and will probably pay it tomorrow.

Now I had to jam. Parked at one of the hotels nearby, won't mention the name. They don't charge so it was an experiment, shall we say. (it worked)

I then had to hike back to the front of the hotel with my heavy carry ons and shared a bench with a Delta stew while I prepped for security. Take out the drivers license and the rest goes into the carry on.

I learned from UK security where the machines are ultra sensitive and you get a free pat down, from a guy of course, if you beep, to pack everything in the carry on. It works. ( In Japan you can get patted down by a lovely girl, hence, no need to pack anything, http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif ).

I don't care for the security check at TSA, an experience(TSA) I have come to loathe and only do when absolutely necessary, meaning I don't go back and forth airside to landside and back as I once did.

My asking about the shuttle seemed to prompt a special trip for us and away we went. Mentally flipped off the security people as we drove into the airport. Sorry, hate 'em, and they really are a bunch of idiots and very inconsistent. I have 500 ways to take something into the airport, I could walk something in, and they hassle innocent travelers who are pushing their flights.

Drop off and walked past the skycap. UGH Enjoy the $5 dude.

Had access to the First Class/Platinum line to security, special escalator, which means nothing as I can take the elevator right into special area, ah doyee. LOL

Security was easy, since I had completely stripped down. It is like a special dance at our security checkpoints but also you would think most people would be ready for it when they get there. They stand there, block the way, and do all their (crap) removal at the station.
Come on people. I then spend 5 minutes putting everything back. Shoes didn't have to come off, I just ask and if they want shoes off, I take them off. As you will see later, the British security people laugh about the shoes. doyee

Don't fight the wonderful TSA on the shoes issue. Even if you know they are ok, if they want them off, they will play power trip and send you to secondary to punish you, not kidding, ask Paul. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Just kiss their behinds and move on. Don't worry, they will get theirs in the next life, he he.

The Miami flight was the first gate where the Int'l flights go out of. I went to the Admirals Club but they said no time, you need to get onboard. This was my punishment for the last time when I had spent too much time there. I can always come back to this club so not a problem. Would have been nice, but will live.

My sister called my cell as I was arranging my stuff and getting ready to board.
I hope that you will forgive me for not taking the call. In all fairness, she left a sweet
Happy Birthday message(the Saturday before) and wished me a pleasant trip.

With that, it was boarding time and off to Miami, which I love.

It is nice to actually board a plane and get to sit down in the front end of it vs. walking through it, which is usually how I fly. As an American Platinum I can upgrade using stickers, much cheaper than any (cough, fool) who actually pays for such a thing on a US airline, sorry, my pet peeve. It ain't worth it. Singapore, Cathay Pacific, even Virgin, that is another story. There have been too many cutbacks at the US airlines and the plastic silverware alone is a dead giveaway.

I don't have the seat # in front of me but will provide all relevant info at the end of the report, for my fellow crazies who actually like that stuff. It was the left side, window, 2nd from the bulkhead, in Business Class. 777

Comfy seat but seemed to like to go back, hmmmmm.

My seatmate was cool and was there with a few friends, found out later that he was going to Rio for Carnival, I am jealous.

What I love about the Miami flights, cough cough cough, ah, vs. the New York flights, oh did I say that?! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif, the passengers and the crew are generally friendly and fun to be around.

I will say more as to the flight back from NY but those flights are usually a circus and drive me nuts. More later. I could already see this was a great crew, very professional, and friendly.

Push back and taxi out. We went by the beloved Bradley Terminal and there were some good planes. Lufthansa 747-400, which some may call Luftwaffe http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif, hmmm, which I would be seeing in Frankfurt in a few days. The usual Japan, Eva, China, etc. going the Western route. At the end to my delight was the ELAL 767. It was special to see this knowing that I would actually be in Israel in a few days.

We taxxied out on the South side of the airport, passing American, Delta, Continental, United, etc., in that order. They did the safety demo via the video which I think I have memorized by now http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif first in English, then in Spanish, appropos for Miami.

We did that turn around, waved to our Proud Bird restaurant where we have done many a meal, and past the cargo planes he takes off, with my seat going back a bit, ick.

Liftoff and over World Way, over the dunes, the Pacific coastline and out over the beautiful, sparkling ocean, like 1000's of takeoffs to date. As usual he turns around Palos Verdes, I waved to Brian below, also admired our beloved hang out at Redondo Beach and Thai Thani below(no Thai food for 2 weeks).

He flew over Long Beach, south of downtown LA, and then out toward Palm Springs, etc.

Basic routing was southbound: Arizona, New Mexico, Texas( I waved to Sarah and Tex http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif ),
Louisiana, great view for my first time of New Orleans, then a bit after he heads out over the Gulf of Mexico and then into Florida.

My seat kept going back, I kept bringing it up, it kept going back. I had this many years ago on a short Aeromexico flight from LA to Tijuana that we did for fun but this was crazy, especially in Business. I passed on doing the 'walkabout' through the coach cabin, since I would be spending plenty of time on 2 777s in coach. Did the bathroom break, stretch, and peeked into First, which is never never land for me, oh well. One can dream.

Everytime I use my miles I go First, but I never fly American, going right onto Qantas or Cathay, both beloved. The first one was on South African. I only want to use my precious miles in First.

Service on this flight was great. These crew have been trained to refill drinks. I had a large bottle of Dasani(which I love) in the seat pocket and they kept me full on orange juice, which is good on AA. Half way through the flight I converted to gingerale. AA doesn't do Perrier, to Brian's delight. :P

The meal was excellent, a typical AA chicken something, salad, and accroutements. All menus went to the guy in Paris and so sorry, can't see them. The dinner, lunch, whatever, was good, but this is when the seat really started to go back and was annoying. I didn't want to disturb the crew who were busy but my seatmate saw my plight and he said something. Thank you! I would have after they were done as they had their hands full and the tray is in the way, thankfully it is a swinging tray.

They showed me how to lock the seat, which then kept it full upright, but better than before, but somewhow it would subtly unlock and there we go, then I would have to lock it again.
Oh well. This is why you don't pay $$$ for Business or First on US Airlines. I pittied the poor guy flying to Sao Paulo that night. They said they would note it. Ok, but I knew it was going to Brazil in the same condition.

Desert was tiramisu or ice cream. I want to be spoiled and so I want both. I have to compete with Uli on being spoiled and a snob. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif So I asked for the tiramisu, very good, but also for the ice cream if they had extras, which they did. The thing is frozen solid when you first get it and so it just sat and defrosted long after they were done with the service. It was pretty good actually.

My reading material for the trip included: Inside Flyer, a magazine that feeds our addiction to frequent flyer miles and points and read it from one end to the other, highlighting and circling many things in the AA section which is my preferred program, Northwest second, the rest, not sure if I really care. Had a USA Today and then I had been reading a book on the Israelis, hence, called, 'The Israelis, ' by Donna Rosenthal. This is an outstanding book
which really tells you everything you ever wanted to know about Israel and the Israeli people, which is a fascinating nation. I am still working on it as I savor the book bit by bit.
I strongly recommend it if you want to know about Israel. More later. Also had Business Traveler, the American edition, a wonderful magazine.

I took one of the cabin crew aside and asked him to write down his name. I said how sad it was that American, and ever so naively, removed the SOS stickers. The SOS cards were a way to say thank you to American staff who did a good job and I loved having them. I had people who went out of their way for me and this is a way to say thank you.

So he gave me his name and I promised I would write something nice to American, which I have yet to do as I have a few things to take care of with AA, then will throw in the praise, after the complaints. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif I thanked him for the wonderful service which was just exceptional.

Usually it is airlines like Singapore and Cathay who are taught how to refill your glass and make you feel welcome. Some American Airlines crews are just nasty and I have dealt with too many of them. In coach I seldom care, but up front, I care.

Anyway, after passing New Orleans which was just a nice site, someplace I have always wanted to go, we passed several boats in the water, then all dark. It is amazing to me how quickly you fly over the Gulf of Mexico, which is about an hour.

One of my favorite parts of the trip is flying over the West Florida coastline, with lights all the way up the coast. This time it was cloudy and so sadly you couldn't see much. We crossed Florida at Fort Myers.

The plane then starts its decent, fasten seat belt signs on, and I prepped my carry on for a quick exit. I was looking forward to staying at the beloved Embassy Suites Hotel at Miami Airport. Well, so I thought.

We came out of the clouds as we were passing the coastline, left side, had a gorgeous view of downtown Miami on the beach. I love this city and Gloria Estafon(small crush on her, fyi) and Miami Sound Machine come to mind when I come here. The flaps, landing gear, all the fun noises went. We flew past Miami and then turned inward and the view was just spectacular. Miami is a very beautiful, attractive city, green and tropical, with water inlets everywhere, I just love it. If I ever had to be booted out of California, probably where I would go, save Maui. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

We flew over the city, the buildings leading to MIA, came in over the Hilton, and then touch down with the lovely Sofitel on our left, where I stayed last time and was spoiled rotten at that wonderful French hotel.

Taxi to the AA terminal and really, if you get technical, it is all AA. AA planes everywhere. It is like Widget in Tara(Atlanta), only that I like seeing lot's of silver birds.

One of the joys of Miami is all the planes from Latin America and the Carribean.
I loved our trip to the Cayman Islands many years ago and it is fun to see the Cayman 737. They had the best punch and Brian brought home extra, smart.

We dock at the gate, the inner E concourse. I miss taking the tram upstairs but now you need a boarding pass to go up so forgedaboutit.

We thought we had been delivered and then there was a problem with the jetway, so after everyone gets up we had to sit down and wait. In this last 5 minutes my seatmate and I do more talking than we had the entire 5 hour or so flight. Too much. He was very nice and I wished him a good trip. I apologized to the sweet woman behind me for my seat and she understood, saying no problem.

I grabbed some menus from a side pocket, again, for the nice guy in Paris and thanked the crew for a wonderful flight.

Now at Miami Int'l it was a quick exit into that smelley, stuffy, humid terminal (E).
They really need to redo the thing and they are, with AA building a new megahub and I can't wait. I still like this place, I don't know why, maybe cause it is Miami, the land of Golden Girls. Yes, I like that show.

Exit past security, you feel sorry for all the pax enduring the TSA who are going mostly to points South. AA has a massive hub here with flights going everywhere imaginable to South and Central America, the Carribbean, Mexico, etc.

Our flight went onto Sao Paulo, bad behaving seat and all. LOL

Exit to the public area and I love all the int'l counters. When I see LTU I think of my Cargochica. Curious if LTU flies here year round?

I grabbed a cart, free of course, and did some walking. It felt good to walk and it was emptier than during the day so easier to see the counters and yes, do some
'Airport Shopping.' No one on Planet Earth does 'Airport Shopping' better than the guy in Paris, I can assure you, he is my mentor. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif (and we did plenty of such shopping when I finally got to Paris) Nice to have a partner in crime.

I did check out the int'l terminal, not much on the counters. I did nail some more Taca ticket jackets. Also found a brochure that they would test charging for meals on flights to Central America from Miami. Bad airline! Shouldn't do that on international flights.

I missed my chance for a yummy Starbucks hot chocolate as they had closed when I came back, stupid me.

Down to bag claim and again, stupid me, went to the wrong carousel, thinking the 2 were combined. After a while I started to panic and asked about the LA flight. Oh senor the LA flight is on carousel 10, not 9. Duh on me. Bags were there which duly went onto my cart.
This is when I called Keli and yanked her chain a bit about something. Since she is engaged we have to tease her a bit, and teasing you shall get until May. I promise. he he
Very happy for you and Sal, you know that. We will party later, I promise.

Called the dear Embassy Suites which I had put into my cell, nationwide calling and all that. Great, they are on their way. Took forever so I called the token German woman in Miami, who actually answered the phone in Espanol. I punished her by speaking German and reminding her of her Deutsch heritage. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Glad to do it. Sadly she couldn't come out and meet me for breakfast as she had a meeting, but she works near MIA. We had lunch at the Sofitel last time and by the way, an expensive lunch it was, though good.

James and Karina I apologize. I never got to you. I always get miffed at James who lives in Fort Lauderdale and will never come down to Miami, something I,ah, UGH. whatever.
Karina and I had a nice chat last time I was in town.

Dear shuttle finally comes and he takes my bags. Miami was colder than usual, not the usual heat and humidity. Last time I was there standing in front of the airport all dressed up I was going crazy, but this time, quite nice, but not the warmth I expected in this tropical port.

Off to that beautiful, wonderful hotel. A hotel chain someone and I knew well. Leave it at that,thanks.

Go inside to check in, yeah, it has been a long day, great to be here. He says I know you have had a long day, BUT, cringe, we are full and we need to send you someplace else. No hotel at MIA is better than the E/S, unless they give you an actual suite, which is once in a blue moon and I never seem to see blue moons.

We are sending you to the Baymont. The Bay what? I had heard of them but they didn't sound like the Ritz. They didn't even sound like the Sheraton, one of my beloved pampering grounds.

As I had expressed an interest in dinner he offered to take care of it, then sent me with the driver to the other hotel, just around the corner.

Well, it is a dump. Bags all over the floor and people everywhere speaking weird languages, which I always have to easedrop in on. I love languages.

Duly checked in but showed my AA card and hoped that would come through.

My suite at the E/S turned into a 3rd floor dump. My concierge back there who is lugging my bags on the cart turned into self service of navigating that stupid cart through the small hallways. ick

I did call the E/S and asked for a free night which they obliged and gave me a cert the next day and they really did apologize. That was professional. So next November, I am good.

I called a few of you, packed and repacked, then my beloved calzone came like 2 hours later. too much.

Remember, it is 3 hours later than CA, but I am still on CA time. it is awkward to say the least.

Bed at the wee hours of the morning.

Up early and after peeking at their breakfast, pass, went to the E/S for what would be my only real meal til dinner to London that night. I went up to the top floor and watched the planes from different angles. Should have had my camera as the planes and shots were great. I did tour the hotel. I knew the E/S hotels well with my ex(fiancee) and from a company that I worked for that would put us up in them and had nothing else to do but explore, explore, and explore, and raid the maid's cart, not that I would ever do that. I think I had a few pens sticking out of my pocket. smile

Back to the dump, packed, and out. Was going to go down to grab the cart and something just said no, so I dragged the bags to the elevator and down.

The Lobby was a freaking,horrid mass of people, bags, what have you. Miami had a boat show and why the hotels were so full. The carts, as anticipated, were taken by some very well to do women. They had been on a shopping spree and if I had time and didn't have to check in myself, I would have followed them to their counter. They must have paid a $1,000 US in excess bags. Queen Sheva and all. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
Lot's of jewelry and very fancy. Their bags took up the entire shuttle and I was wedged in between the bag holder and one of theirs, not comfy. I made a sarcastic remark to the driver and tipped him. Oh too much. Hate to see them in London.

Found a porter, a method to the madness here, and he took my bags to check in.
I could have found a cart and done it myself, but I learned from the past.
The AA check in agent at Int'l First Class was a doll, made it very easy. The porter said my bags are not heavy(at this point http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif ) shall I just tag them here, she said fine.
He then said, http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif)), if the bags are not locked, which I stopped doing long ago,thank you, that he could take them to the TSA for me. He earned his tip. Should have given him more.

Then they gave me a bag cart for my heavy carry on, which will get gate checked later, after doing some more 'Airport Shopping.' http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Didn't do the Starbucks, too long of a line, though could have used a nice hot chocolate something. Went to the Air Jamaica desk and borrowed some tags for which I was duly chastized, mon. How many of those do you need, mon? I have enough, thank ya.
Too much.

Then Bahamasair and a stack of ticket jackets were beckoning to me. and to the guy in Paris, I am sure. The agent by coincidence just went in and so I grabbed a stack, then some baggage labels. That was nice.

Unfortunately, no Cayman flight at the time so no Cayman goodies, though nailed a few last time and someone left a ticket wallet on the counter, which ironically, I just filed away tonight, of all things.

Did the look and see but wasn't much. Then tried to hit the Admirals Club, at E, and a very nice club it is, but you must go up via elevator. One dear elevator was out. ick
I abandoned the cart and we joined a stack of US customs officers who did their key thing and made it stop at level 3, where they exited. When we tried to go up to Admirals, it wouldn't budge. We freaked a bit. Then went down to departures. One guy said no way and got off, I persisted, some joined. We tried one more time and again, stuck somewhere and wouldn't ascend, and I had a nasty vision of missing my strategic flights which I really couldn't afford to miss by being in that stupid elevator. God graced us back to dep. and we all got out, whewwwww. So much for the club which is nice.

Being the lounge lizard that I am I had a back up. Found my same, abandoned cart and made my way to Concourse A, the Int'l terminal. Not much in the way of Airport Shopping and a couple of airlines were completely blocked by TSA and whatever and with the cart, forget it.

Up to security at A, left the cart, she questioned my boarding pass but AA does have some flights out of A. Said I was going to the Club America, she let me thru. Full, cursory strip down and (dance, NOT lol) and thru security, passed with an A-.

No carts airside, at that point, and made my way, dragging that freaking bag, to Club America.

I assumed it was too early for the British Airways lounge as I am normally there in the evening. I didn't even try the BA club as I would be getting BA lounges up the ying yang throughout the trip and the 'Warden' or person checking your card going in is a pain in the butt and always in a bad mood. Don't need it.

Club America is one of those generic lounges that you seldom see in America, but you will find just about everywhere else in the world.

Beautiful latina welcomed me, a Kathryn Zeta Jones look alike, not that I would ever have a crush on her or anything http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif, and she was very kind and brought me in.

I only had so much time before the flight to Raleigh and I was leaving from Concourse C, so had a slight trek ahead of me. Set big bertha down and helped myself to a mass of Perrier. Other than the Admirals Club at CDG I have never seen so much Perrier, so I was home.

The lounge is comfy, great couches, little snacks, and allowed me to prep the carry on which I would gate check either here or Raleigh. I should have made it here. AA will charge you for the third bag at check in, BA won't. Amazing discrepancy.

After a few drinks and I could see a few planes, like a Taca and a couple of special somethings from South America, like Aeropostal-Venezuela, I made my exit and found carts, paid the $2/3, and enjoyed the walk which is all airside to Concourse C. They are doing renovation so a bit torn up, but doable. Called Brian from the gate and it was time to board. AA Super 80 to Raleigh.

Boarded the AA Super 80 to Raleigh Durham where I will connect with a 777 to London Gatwick.

About a half empty flight, had the coveted 2 seats to myself on the left hand side, will give all the other info later. However, I never found the aircraft reg. Sorry. Because of the way the plane was parked at Mia and Raleigh, couldn't see it, no windows at Mia. Was going to come back to the gate when it pulled out to get it and I just didn't feel like it, to be honest.

I also didn't feel like asking the crew which can range from oh sure let me find out to a full fledged security profile in all their stupidy and overaction. Another present from 9/11.
Whatever.

I had very few hours of sleep, kind of like right now, oh boy. Plane pushed back and taxxied out and I was dozing off and on. They did the manual safety demo, which I seldom see now, and we sat parked in a long line of AA planes, I think all AA, with a cool Avianca 757 landing and a Grupo Taca doing someting or other.

I must have dozed off a few times, it was a long delay, with planes cutting in front of us, forgot the excuse the captain used, I really didn't care.

I had over 3 hourse at Raleigh. You can easily see everything and then some in one.

Finally, it was our turn and took off, going East to West which I seldom do at MIA.

As we took off an Iberia 747 was coming in for a landing. After we lifted off it was an awesome view of the 747 on approach. No pics, I am very sorry. Out to the West over the boring and nothing Everglades and then a right bank. I was thinking he would fly over the ocean, up the coast, like we did to NY. It was all inland, much to my surprise.

We flew right over Orlando and he mentioned Disneyworld but didn't see it, probably on the right. The Captain mentioned Savannah and a few other small towns. It was all new territory which was nice but I was wiped out and slept half the flight. Did one WC break and they did the usual drink service. I was craving a candy bar and everything was packed away in the overhead and didn't feel like going for it, oh well.

The excitement here was getting a new airport. A new Admirals Club. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Not a new State.
Many moons ago we had the Airliners Intermational in Atlanta. Staying at the beloved, dumpy Hampton Inn I was bored and went for a drive, ended up at 2am in Greenville, SC, a pretty place. The Ramada guy where I parked it was freaky, but it was fun. That drive, late at night, on the Georgia highway was exciting. I will always remember it. After playing at the Greenville Airport and lunch, I was too close to North Carolina, Greenville being in South Carolina, so took a drive and went a few miles into the State. Beautiful scenery.
(Also hit Alabama the day before, went to Birmingham and crashed at the Delta Crown room at Birmingham Airport) Now all undoable with the pax only rules at the US airports so not as worth it. Oh well. Great fun.

I woke up and we were already in descent for Raleigh. Had no idea what the airport looked like. Very beautiful scenery, reminded me of Ohio, where I lived for a time. Flew over green fields, rivers, bridges, gorgeous scenery that is so unlike California and the Western US. Not that it isn't great out here, but it is different.

Plane touched down and there were a bunch of broken up jetways to the side of the runway.
Coming around there were some cargo planes but the treat was a Shorts 330. Nice!

I was impressed with the large terminal, very modern, clean, well organized, and they are even adding to it, so AA must have plans for it as AA owns the airport, pretty much. It is a small hub but nice to see AA have a presence.

I couldn't get the reg because of the location of the gate, plane was out in an awkward, twist position, so I will live.

Carry on was heavy and had to drag it to the Admirals club, duly at the other end of the terminal, but atleast airside, unlike Miami. Miami does have a 2nd Admirals Club that is airside at Concourse C but it is a dump, been there, done that. No thanks.

Walked past the empty London gate. I figured the one 777 sitting there was our flight, so I nailed the aircraft reg. as we passed it. You can always get the 777 reg. onboard, so not a problem, helps out the handy flight log book, which so needs to be updated.

The Admirals club was in a temporary setting as they had an asbestos problem in the real one and doing renovating. Agents there are very friendly, probably par for the course, as you are in the South. My brother married a sweet, Southern Belle from Georgia so I know of their kindness. I can buy her off with chocolate anytime, just thought I would mention in case they actually read these things. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

They had the usual drinks, cheese, crackers, whatever. I used my coupons they give the int'l pax at entry for 2 small San Pelligrinos. Not as wonderful as Perrier, but they will do, he he he. I know that will get someone.

My reward was 2 doctors who came in and talked air travel. They nailed Southwest, I laughed out loud, they smiled, and just talked about everything under the sun about FF programs and all this good stuff. I loved it. I love being in the airport, at a lounge, I am going to Europe, then Isreal, have my drink, and hearing this stuff. Yummmmmmy

I found a place to stash the bag, taking all valuables with me, of course. Did the rounds around the airside, checked out what I could of the int'l area, made a couple of those last calls before I cross the pond and it becomes insanely expensive.

Then went landside, wasn't much to see. Basic AA and a few others check in and a couple of stores. But the terminal is modern, clean, and very efficient. I went across the street where they had some snow and stepped in my first thing of snow in who knows how long now!?
I am rewarded in Paris later.

Back to security, one machine, they take forever to strip down, come on people, allons-y!, and then back to funville. Hit the gift shop and bought some Belgian chocolates, they were polished off in Tel Aviv, and some North Carolina local brand of chocolates, very good, they were cleaned out during the flight.

Did another drink, more cheese and crackers, and bid my lovely hosts adieu. The club was filling up, too crowded for pampered me.

Found a great space at the gate next to mine and found a huge table where I was able to sort the dear carryon, off ya go mate. Cleaned out and arranged what was going to London and what was going carry on. While doing this I called someone special, we will call her V, with a cute Brazilian accent, and we chatted til flight time with all the I will miss you and we actually meant it. Yes dear, of course I thought about you over there, how could I not? LOL

Checked in and gave them my bag. They explained they don't normally do gate check, oh, but thanks for taking it. Allowed me to collect more junk then get rid of it, but I should have done it at Miami. I was one of the last to board, with reason.

First time I have ever seen US immigration officers checking us as we entered the gate/heading to the plane area. Hope that it is not a new thing. Probably a new Homeland Security Special. ugh

When we went to Australia on Qantas there was a flock of US customs officers watching us as we boarded, they didn't check anything, but they let their presence be known. One was a yutz, I remember him well.

This is the first time I have been checked leaving the US. And off we go.

This is that exciting time when you leave the US and you get to go someplace else.

Not that London would excite me or anything http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif. I love Gatwick Airport. Gatwick Airport is truly an aviationist's paradise. Much cleaner and neater than Heathrow, by a 1000 fold, and always some surprising goody flies in.

Boarded the plane and said my hellos. I could already tell a very friendly crew.

This Raleigh thing could work, though wish that I had less time in transit.

While I had 2 seats to myself, I still try to board last,then I can freely move to whatever seat I want. As there was a lovely couple in front of where I was scheduled to be, I moved one back, hence, echoing my mom's pet peeve and I now agree, no one to put their seat in my face. ick

Love AA's extra legroom, love the 777, love this crew. This is going to be a great flight.

Ok. Magazines, my book, Dasani, some snacks, all there and available. Shoes off, sorry Brian, they're going off.

We did that push back and taxi thing. Did the safety demo first in English and then surprisingly, in Italiano. So I actually watched the video to pick up some Italian. Been years since I flew AA to Milan and the only time I saw it.

We taxxied past the terminal and out to the runway. My beloved cell now turned off til I am back Stateside. Talk about an addiction.

Before I knew it, he turned a curve and we were off, lift off, and then some lights of what seemed to be the suburbs. I had the flight map in front of me and we headed up to Virginia and then out to the Atlantic.

Up the coast to Penn/Delaware, yes, I thought of you, Amy dear. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Also B-K. Before we got to New York and NJ he headed out over the water and so no more lights, which was sad.

My greatest trip up the coast years ago was on a Sabena A-340 Atlanta to Brussels and right up the East Coast, Atlantic City and all, it was golden. This was nothing like that.

After we left land I checked out the inflight entertainment. AA has a naughty fetish with CBS which just gets old after a while. I am not big on Everyone Loves Raymond but can tolerate a show or 2, that's it. I do like King of Queens and so that is one thing CBS did right.
I am a NBC fan. Don't even challenge me on that as you will never win. Friends, Seinfeld, Cheers, Law and Order, Frasier. Must I go on? Hope not, thank you. Friends is # 1. If you ever disagree, prepare to pay dearly, thank you.

To my delight on the BBC channel they had one of my fav. Britt sitcoms, Good Neighbors, but they actually called it something else?! It was an episode I have never seen before where Jerry and Margot get into an exercise routine, gee, can't understand that one?! LOL, and then Tom and Jerry (not the cartoon) challenge each other into a race. I give AA credit as it really does prep you for Britain. Loved this show and will have to get it on DVD.

Other than that, it was nothing too special on the entertainment and I did more reading.

Dinner was served. I believe it was a chicken or something. If they offer chicken, I take the chicken. Makes it simple. Standard AA coach meal but the service was great.
Very kind and friendly crew and I told one of the attendants later, quietly, if I had the SOS coupons she could have them all. I took one trip on AA where I think I had barely given any away as the service was that bad.

Did some reading, did my Israeli homework.

Finally nodded off. Not long after nodding off, the guy from 2 in front comes back and starts opening the blanket in the seat in front. jerk Woke me up, then I asked him to please not put the seat back in my face as that is why I moved. He sat for a bit then did a full lie down in the middle seats on the floor. We had some major turbulence and he had to get up and fasten.

Nice guy but was mad that he chooses to come back as I finally fall asleep.

After that, couldn't get back to sleep so I paid him back with lights on, reading, and organizing. Sorry. he he he

I did make my walk through the cabin and entered an unusually empty Business class, which is always full on TransAtlantic flights, and asked the lovely crewmember for an extra amenity kit and a menu, saving me hassle when leaving. She handed me both and again, with a smile. I still grabbed a couple on my way out, to the guy in Paris' delight.

With that the sun came up and we were out over the Atlantic, approaching Ireland. Love this moment when you hit Europe. It really is special.

We buzzed the Southern part of Eire and Cead Mille Failte and all that. Family has spent much, much time here: Killarney, Rosslare, Waterford, Galway, Dublin, etc. I love to play at the ferry port in Rosslare. Proably my favorite boat ride on earth(over to Wales).

Then out over the Irish Sea as we descended. They came out with a lite, and I mean lite, breakfast. Crossaint, raisins(which I gave to someone http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif ), and not much else. O/J.
Croissant was good and asked for another which they obliged. Raisins went later to the guy in Paris and he liked that.

Came in over Wales, Croeso!, and looked for our beloved Tenby, a Welsh coastal resort town that to my family and I is Heaven on Earth. Very hard to get to, let me tell ya, maybe that is why it is so special. It is near Pemroke, fyi.
Beautiful, storybook place. The service at the Imperial Hotel was wonderful. I need to go back.

Cardiff/Caerdydd, a big stack of lights, into the West of England, but we were north of Bournemouth, our Haven in Southern England and what I call the English Riviera. Love and miss that place so much.

Sun is coming up and lights were turning off. Mostly green fields and prepping for Gatwick.

You don't see anything to do with London, so far away.

Did that last WC check and reflected on what I would do when we land, so many options.

More green fields and then could see we were approaching West to East, heading toward the terminal. I may have the direction wrong but it seemed like a straight W to E, usually the other way.

Bump, hump, and slump, and reverse engines and we were in England.

Old and expired Comet, I think a Trident, and who knows what was out there. Loving it.

European 747!? who the heck are they? I like the tail logo. All kinds of Britanias, Monarchs, My Travel, Thomas Cook, BA, and every kind of British charter you could think of. Air Zim(Zimbabwe, mates) 767, one of Gatwick's prizes.
I love it! I didn't cry but I do get a little emotional at this point, to be honest, having a ton of British ancestry from all over the UK, everything, even the Isle of Man.

They had a Nationwide 767 from my beloved South Africa and that was worth it right there, been so long since I have seen a Nationwide plane and first to see their new 767.

We taxiied to the gate, South Terminal, left side facing the main terminal, it was great.

Gave my thanks and adieu to the crew and again they were wonderful.

Ok, left the aircraft and entered into the terminal. To my surprise everything has changed. It was quite a pleasant arrivals/holding area and you take an escalator upstairs, then an up level walkway toward arrivals. I could be wrong, but I suspect that they have completely separated arrivals from departures, as with the North Terminal, boo hoo.

I was going to visit the South Terminal airside and play a bit, but didn't want to chance it if I can't just gracefully exit as in days past. Oh well.

I made my way to the arrivals area, checked out the transfer areas to the airside of the South and North terminals, decided to pass and hit the passport control area.

If anyone knows if you can easily come back down to arrivals that would be appreciated.
North Terminal is hard, but not impossible, thanks to a fellow flyertalker http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif who guided my way via private e-mail. Cheers mate. I still owe ya a pint.

So down to arrivals. The Euro people had no lines and walked in, flashed an identity card or passport and were gone.

We 'foreigners' are relegated to 2 very long lines at the other end. I am guessing
that it was the planes from Africa that held things up.

The 2 lines were non-moving so get the paper out. The immigration officers were asking some nasty questions of the African travelers. They wanted someone to vouch for them in England and had a few sit on the benches in front of the passport desks and the officer said they would ring a person for them. Yikes. Asked about their financial conditions, etc.

They were being more 'selective' than I have ever seen. Yes, I am nosy and as I love all the passport stuff, I watch. They did need to open up another desk as these lines were terrible.

Finally my turn at the front. Basic questions. Very friendly lass, stamped the passport and landing card, and on my way.

I like the Gatwick Passport/arrivals area, it is old, but it works.

Up the escalator to baggage reclaim, not claim, as we say here in the Colonies http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif, one is reclaiming one's luggage. smile

Carry on was sitting idly on the floor and threw it onto a cart and out through the Green channel we go. The bags were checked thru to Frankfurt.

The last time I flew in here there were no customs officers, now it was wall to wall officers. Are we in Australia? (Australia customs officers everywhere all over Sydney bag claim, fyi)

As I did that exit thing I always stop at the Travel Value shop. Overpriced junk, thanks. There are certain English chocolates I like and they weren't here, so off we go.

Masses of people await the arrivals. I am sure some of them waiting for the Africans who have a long wait ahead of them.

I went to the information desk to check on a shuttle. I was impressed that I had a Frenchmen in front of me and the girl behind the desk went into fluent French.
Wow! Go Britts! LOL

Checked out the Whistlestop, nothing of interest, not now anyway.

Did the walk around the South Terminal. Arrived at 7am so you have all the flights to America going out. Packed check in hall with supervisors above the check in counters watching everything, cameras everywhere, you learn this after a while.

The British doorbell kept going off before each flight announcement. I love the doorbell but gets old after a while. smile

There wasn't much to pick up and I didn't really feel like doing the Airport Shopping thing so early. Took a glance past immigration into the coveted airside that I passed on. Had access to atleast 3 lounges, oh well.

Before I came over I was playing with purchasing a cheap Easy Jet ticket out and next time I think I will do that. The American planes to the US leave too early for me, whereas from Heathrow I can leave at 8pm, wonderful.

Now out to the place with fresh air. Cold air, yet fresh.

Had to pull over and put the jacket on, oh is it cold. Where is Miami now?

Wow this is too much! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thumbsup.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thumbsup.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thumbsup.gif

Nice to name it [i]the[/b] trip report http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif Looking forwarded to the rest of it.

[This message has been edited by Kiwi Flyer (edited Mar 05, 2004).]

Ok, here is where I must come clean.

The original plan was to go to Frankfurt and spend a night and annoy a wonderful snob and wein connaisseur there. Big smile He pampered me well last time in November. Was very nice. From a German beerhall to Jimmy's Cigar bar. Lesen sie es, mein herr?

However, in doing trip planning, I could get nothing in FRA via Priceline and the hotel prices via every possible medium were out of this world. Here at home I freaked. I would be sleeping in the airport. Someday I may try that. Have given it thought, but not now. smile Our Novotel at 50 euros last November was close to 200. I called hotels direct, it was nasty. Anything near Frankfurt. Even the small Mercures when I called Accor, I was aghast.

So to play it safe I booked a Priceline for Gatwick, whewww, a roof over my head, and then did some research for what would happen if I were to 'miss the flight.' oops

We had a fantastic Thai food dinner (Siam, near LAX), one of our favorite haunts, prior to the LA regional airline show earlier this year. I had some of the greatest minds representing various airlines (i.e. Air France, Delta, ATA) and fellow travelers like myself. It is like a dentist going to another dentist. We need someone else to see the position clearly.

They all agreed over wonderful beef and pork(no one keeps kosher here) satay that as long as I am checked in and happened to miss the flight, I should be ok. So, that worked for me.

Hence, for the first time in my life, and hopefully the last, as it is nerve wracking, I needed to miss the flight.

Back to Gatwick.

Several options lay before me. My first was to go down to the shuttle, go to the hotel and get some shuteye.

Gatwick is a pain and needs to invent the elevator, as one refers to as the LIFT in these parts. Fair word. The Germans use it, too. Instead, you push your cart and Heaven help you if you are laden with bags, as I later was at Heathrow, down several flights of ramps. (bloody insane)

Then when you get to the bottom, not above, they tell the poor souls (suckers) that the coach station down below has been closed and you must go up one floor. Major, major sadists running this airport, and even more so Heathrow. For shame Britain. smile

The hotels 'courtesy' ha ha ha coaches do leave from this level, thankfully.

I phoned the hotel, checked the time, shared info with 2 lovely fellow Yank(British and Canadian slang for American) travelers who were appreciative. As it was biting cold out there I went inside and read the paper.

First, I had missed the shuttle that I thought was right as it is a generic white bus and it certainly didn't come when it was supposed to. So much for English efficiency LOL.

Then turns it out it was the wrong (bloody) shuttle which I found out later. Which worked out all the same.

There was another option, skip the hotel, wasn't that tired, had to pay for the shuttle, and plenty to do at North Terminal, so up the many ramps to departures and into the terminal.

You take a long moving sidewalk to/from the terminal. One could qualify for the Olympics by making basic rounds at this airport, won't even mention Heathrow for now, thanks.

Took the train which I do like to North Termnial. North Terminal is BA-British Airways' home at Gatwick and is a different world from the South Terminal, much more efficient and modern.

I also realized that I would no matter what from now on catch a Hotel COURTESY coach from the North Terminal, a millenia easier. By the way, they charge you to go to/from the hotel and the Britts are just about the only people tacky enough on this planet to do such a thing. Why more and more I just want to change and go on to the Continent. A couple of hotels at CDG, sadly, charge you, but it is free to the hotel then double back. But if you have a wonderful Parisian who can drive you over, save that as well. BAA bites!

Well, what do I do. I don't want to drag bertha airside, it ain't going to Frankfurt today, and
I need to stash it someplace, where the hotel would have come in handy and I would have broken even on the hotel shuttle fare. I went to the handy left luggage area, friendly chaps there, they x-ray the bag and give you a coupon which I like a good yutz misplaced.

Then went to BA First Check in. I had technically already checked in at Miami but wanted BA to know I was there, plus the extra freebie boarding pass makes for a nice gift as well, though it is AA(that I kept).

Did the check in, very friendly, and not too long of a wait. Made a quick cursory round of the North Terminal landside and then went through security. Sadly they had those queue thingies, what we call lines, and they weren't short.

Security in Britain is more efficient than in the US, but they have had the IRA and other troublemakers to deal with, we have only recently learned about terrorism on our own doorstep, Heaven Forbid.

Passed the security check with a B+ and everything in the bag. Now I hit one of the tables to put everything back.

Head for the wonderful and Heavenly BA Terraces Lounges for some nice rest, internet, drinks, sandwhiches, and a shower.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

removed

[This message has been edited by InterflugIL62 (edited Mar 05, 2004).]

In case I didnt make it clear, I like the name. After all your hype in the other thread, we all expect nothing less.

Keep it up.

[This message has been edited by Kiwi Flyer (edited Mar 05, 2004).]

thank you Kiwi...



[This message has been edited by InterflugIL62 (edited Mar 05, 2004).]

Alright, BA Terraces lounge, lovely lady checked the card and BP and wrote an L on the card so that I could come and go as I pleased.

Picked up the Mineral water, a la Americaine(with ice), and hit the internet. I updated
my trip notes with flyertalk, checked the mail, BA lounge wouldn't allow me to check my singles sites, so that went out the window.

I did a walk around the lounge and then did a walk through the terminal. Looked up my friend at the Travelex booth who unfortunately was home sick, sorry to hear.

Bought some Bendicks chocolates and after a look in the shops, back to the lounge.

Sandwhiches are out. They fill you up but get old fast. Watched a few planes and then
took a shower. The lounge has a private shower facility which is great. It is not the Cathay
Wing by any means, but quite nice.

As flight time rolled around I needed to get busy. I 'accidentally' walked to the other side of the airport, oops, then went to another gate, saw my BP, and called the Frankfurt gate and told them I was coming. I arrived at the gate, missed the flight. I have never in my life wanted a flight to close so much. It was done. They said we have more flights out of Heathrow and I said, ah, take a room at Gatwick. They understood as I had been there since 7am.

They also gathered that I was not in a hurry to get to Frankfurt which they had no problem with. They walked me to the chicken exit, walked through a security machine, they set me up for the next day, no problem and I think they figured out that I had intentionally missed the flight. Was not a problem.

Back to passport control, no stamp. She was very sweet and said she wouldn't stamp me as it would just cause confusion.

Downstairs to bag claim, they had my bags there, wasn't sure if they would go or not. American did send them on one time saying they were TSA cleared. I was prepared either way.

Out through an empty green channel to the landside, picked up my carry on, forgot the stupid coupon but they found it. Took forever for the shuttle to come and it was so very cold.
A cold I had not felt in a long time, but perfectly sunny. Amazing.

Bus came along and you pay but I expected it, it is kind of cheap in my opinion.

What used to be the Post House was now one of the many Holiday Inns at Gatwick.

Totally redone, marble floors, and such friendly staff. Quick check in and up to the room.

They had carts that helped to bring the bags up. With that did some quick unpacking and was out.

That night I arranged my suitcase for a quick check in at Frankfurt to Israel, separating the bags at that point.

I passed on dinner and just snacked on chocolates and mineral water, which worked for me, while watching tv.