“Creative Routing”, JER-PHX, with pitfalls!

As most readers will understand, BAEC Tier points don’t grow on trees! So our recent trip to PHX inevitably involved a few extra sectors including a night-stop for the ex-DUB element for financial benefit! The routing was a familiar one for us: JER-LGW-LHR-DUB//DUB-PHL-PHX, with one booking on BA to get us to/from DUB and another with AA covering DUB to/from PHX. Both bookings were done with BA, on 125- tickets, with the DUB-PHX done on the phone with BA. The DUB-PHL [and return] were booked as a BA codeshare (AA723/BA1580) which caused further complications down the line.

Prices were for 2 adults (I claim that title, despite rumors!) and of course round-trip in J/Domestic F.

DUB-PHL-PHX = GBP 2973
JER-UK-DUB = GBP 349 + 46k Avios
Homewood Suites = USD 1139 for 13 nights
Avis Intermediate SUV = USD 460.




Both BA and AA then decided quietly to mess up a carefully-planned and leisurely trip by changing things constantly since we first booked back in September 2017. Most changes were trivial and typical of bookings on AA, although the flight number changes were a bit confusing. Keeping track required a small text table to ensure we knew what was happening! But the real last-minute PITA was the last one (#9 below) - a nice leisurely start to the trip turned into another “Taxi at 0530” to catch the Red-Eye to LGW

1. 10 Dec, BA. DUB-PHL 5 Jun BA1580, BA codeshare on AA, now departs 20 min later.
2. 11 Dec, MyFlights. PHL-DUB 18 Jun BA1579. 5/10 min time changes.
3. 12 Dec, BA. DUB-LHR 19 Jun BA827. 20 minutes earlier.
4. 13 Dec, MyFlights. LHR-DUB 4 Jun BA824. 5 minutes later.
5. 4 Feb, BA. PHL-PHX 5 Jun AA2026. Now AA777 and 10/20 min time changes
6. 15 Feb, BA. PHX-PHL 18 Jun AA1803. Now AA629, c. 15 min time changes.
7. 11 May, BA. JER-LGW 4 Jun BA2771. Now op by Eastern Airways, seat changes required.
8. 11 May, BA. Four calls to BA to resolve tight connection at DUB following re-timing of BA1579 (2) and BA827 (3). Rebooked free on BA835, DUB-LHR @ 1255.
9. 20 May, BA. JER-LGW 4 Jun BA2771. BA2771 @ 0950 cnx, rebooked on BA2767 @ 0705.
10. 20 May, BA. LHR-DUB 4 Jun BA824. Following a couple of phone calls, BA moved us [at no charge] from BA824 @1735 to BA836 @ 1305 to avoid sitting at LHR for some 7 hours!

The changes also required re-booking our National Express coach connections between LGW and LHR, at no cost thanks to our advance purchase of ‘Flex’ tickets. And from somewhere, for the DUB-PHL codeshare, I acquired a second AA Record locator to go with the one I had earlier, along with the BA PNR. At least some of them are showing the right seat assignments, if I hop between AA.com and BA.com … although I struggled to pre-order the meals on that codeshare leg from either airline!

But it was not just the pre-planning that went awry, as you will see later.

3 Jun 18
OLCI proved to be a bit of a PITA. The BA bits of the process actually worked OK on this occasion, including the codeshare segment DUB-PHL. But AA777 (PHL-PHX) steadfastly refused to let me check in, and kept bouncing me between AA and BA websites to no effect.

4 Jun 18
JER-LGW, BA2767, 0705-0810 (1h 5m), A319, CE seats 3D/F.

As noted earlier, a revoltingly early start to the day with the taxi booked for 0530. A quick check on the BA App showed a 1 hour delay for arrival at LGW - subsequently discovered it was a precaution against fog delay/holding at LGW. Safely at the airport at 0545 just as the doors opened, and after bag-drop and Security grabbed seats in the crowded Lounge for a snack breakfast. The Monday red-eye is clearly a popular flight, and had c. 8 rows of CE. Boarding was, however, excellent as we were called to the holding room at Gate 10, waited a couple of minutes, and then straight on board.

Breakfast was somewhat below par, with cold rolls and warm orange juice. Happily the LGW delay did not materialise, and after the usual short hop we were soon on the bus to Gatwick’s Domestic/CTA Arrivals. Our 2 large “Shopping Cases” arrived on the belt quite quickly, and we were out of the Terminal and down in the lift to the coach stops. No sign of a staffer helping people find the right stop, but a mix of self-checking and luck had us at the right stop for the 0930 #201 service to LHR.

One hour later, and with no significant delays en route, we were deposited at the Arrivals level at LHR T5 … just below Zones H (Club) and J (First). Very convenient for 2 Gold Card holders, who made their way painlessly to the First Wing, dropped the cases and strolled through effortless Security and into the First Lounge … which was crammed! We walked a full circuit before eventually finding 2 seats together - which were fortuitously right beside the Rioja wine presentation. Yum-yum.



I tried to get some check-in help from the BA Customer Services desks in the FLounge and upstairs in GC (South). They displayed little interest, despite being a BA booking. To be resolved further down the line, I hoped.

LHR-DUB, BA836, 1305-1430 (1h 25m), A321, CE seats 1D/F

Priority Boarding worked [at least for Group 1] and we settled down for breakfast. We accepted the ‘Chicken Panini’, which was quite disgusting. A look across the aisle showed that the Salad option was equally inadequate, with a couple of mozzarella balls, some tomato and leaves. We were served a single glass of the duty fizz, with no top-up offered … perhaps they were being sparing, as CE was filled back to Row 12? Slightly irritated by the CC constantly referring to the lunch-time meal as ‘Dinner’ - must have been a Northern lass

DUB arrival was punctual and completely routine, and after a moderate wait for our luggage we headed out across the airport to the bus stops in Zone 16 where the hotel shuttle buses live. As usual we had booked the night-stop at the Hilton, a couple of miles away, and as usual we had just missed the bus and had a 30 minute wait for its return! The new Hilton policy of charging €2 for the ride to the hotel (HHons Gold go free) was in force to a certain extent. The driver seemed somewhat disinterested in collecting the fares, and a mumbled ’Gold’ seemed to satisfy him as far as we were concerned. I should feel guilty about playing the expired HHons Gold card again, but having waited 30 minutes I felt sufficiently irritated to self-justify

The Hilton was familiar by now, as we moved into Room 112 for the night. We then discovered that the aircon wasn’t working, meaning a rather hot room. A quick call to the front desk, where a very helpful David moved us to 108. In addition, as a Service Recovery gesture, he gave us a 10%-off voucher for the restaurant and a free return Shuttle pass fo the morning! A quick meal at Burnells (the Howth Seafood Chowder … smoked haddock, salmon, cod & Guinness soda bread for €9 is excellent!) and after a further attempt at OLCI for AA777, we retired.

5 Jun 18
DUB-PHL, AA723, 1120-1350 (7h 30m), A330, Business seats 1H/2H

We took an 0600 call, and the 0700 shuttle to DUB T2. The ‘Priority’ line for the AA desks was empty, and by 0730 we were bag-dropped and BP’d for both sectors of the day’s travel with no difficulty. Upstairs to Departures, where we found a new and partitioned off DAA Fast Track Security over on the far left side - very quick and efficient. From there, through the shops to the well-signed US Pre-Clearance area, where US Security was also quick. However, Immigration was painfully slow as the E-Passport machines were not working, requiring manual processing of everyone. We stood in line for an hour!!

Eventually we reached the sanctuary of the Lounge (51st and Green) where we noticed the paid entry fee is now €39. Considering the fairly thin offering (by UK Lounge standards) that seems a little high.





Our nice BPs said “Boarding 1030”, so we headed at that time for Gate 410, where we arrived at 1040 to find an empty Priority Boarding lane - no sign of Group 1 anywhere!. Entering the cabin, it was clear that everyone in J was on board already! We were quickly served with our PDB of champagne by our excellent FA, James. Efficient, funny and engaged, he even provided a PDB top-up … we clearly had quickly established a rapport! (Good Show sent to AA for his overall performance)

And now the first glitch (of many). The Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) wouldn’t start, so we ended up with a ground delay of c. 35m and eventually pushed back at 1155, and got airborne at 1215. In the interim we were entertained with a manual safety demo, during which James’ demonstration of the oxygen mask resulted in the elastic band coming away … cue giggles all round!

I found space to temporarily stow the very nice pillow and blanket, and deployed my Kindle and notebook on the convenient side shelf - so different from BA CW ,





More drinks and warm nuts (cue more giggles from James) at 1245, followed by a real nice meal.





The Salad


Sliced Smoked Chicken - tasty and smoky


Slow Cooked Beef - delicious and tender.


Ice Cream Sundae? Yes, please, James ... with everything!




I guess I watched a film on the good IFE, but have no recollection! Indeed, I may even have grabbed a couple of hours sleep, as 7h 30m has to be used efficiently. Before landing we were served the ‘traditional’ Beef and Cheese Toastie, a tasty nod to the famous Philly Cheese Steak. I really like that, and I should have asked for some wine or beer to wash it down (silly me!).



With a 2-hour layover in PHL, we wandered casually to the next part of the VERY long terminal, in this case from A West to B (about 1,000 yards, mercifully much equipped with moving walkways!), where we collapsed in an uninteresting AAdmirals Lounge to await the last leg.

PHL-PHX, AA777, 1600-1815 (5h 15m), A321, First seats 1A/C

Despite the confusing time-zone shifts, this was a totally unremarkable 5 hours of droning across America. Much Kindle time (no IFE) and probably some un-photographed food … frankly, just VERY boring! However, eventually the landscape showed evidence of imminent Phoenix-ness ….



... and we arrived. A refreshing 500+ yard walk had us at Reclaim, where we nipped outside, turned left and walked a further 250 yards to the smoking area for a much-needed cigarette! Returning to Reclaim, we were pleased to see our 2 cases emerging on the belt (Priority seems to work with AA). Across the street to the Shuttle Bus to the Rental Car Center (a 10-minute ride) and down to the lowest subterranean level for Avis Preferred pickup.

This time our “Intermediate SUV” turned out to be a Toyota RAV4, with some 8k miles on the clock, and very nice it was too.



Prepaid in full, I tacked on the “Buy a Tank of gas” option and headed off to the Homewood Suites Phoenix/Chandler again for our 3rd visit. Straight down I-10 East (which at this point heads south) and some 10 miles later leave at Exit 160 for Chandler Bvd. At 1930 we received a warm welcome at the Front Desk, and made our way up to our spacious Suite 329 (KING FIREPLC STE SMOKING as they term it) which we have enjoyed before.

Unpack and collapse required.

6-17 June 2018

Just to set the scene, we have friends who live 5 miles away. She took a week off work to spend time with us. We did a lot of retail, including some grocery items we can’t get in UK. Oh, and clothes. And other things. And they have a pool, which is nice when the temperatures are around 108şF/42şC

So the 3 of us spent a fair amount of time doing Malls, and Premium Outlets, in the west and south-west corners of the huge sprawling conurbation of Phoenix. Oh, and cooling off in the pool, of course. I know, we’re a bit weird, but we like suburban America - it’s very useful, for a start. And Phoenix has wide streets, with carefully tended gravelled verges comprehensively planted with various cacti and flowering shrubs underneath the over-arching trees … it’s really rather attractive! Some road signs can be a bit confusing, though.







Other excitements included some torrential rain one morning …



… and a visit to a local shooting range, where I revisited my old sport of making holes in paper with a rented 9mm pistol. Not a bad result for an out of practice old-timer! Some high shots on the RH target due to ‘pushing’ the shot, but almost no evidence of ‘snatching’ the trigger at all even when doing rapid fire. Well pleased with myself!



And then it was time to head home, having filled both suitcases but not needing the overflow sports bag. The OH was very pleased with her new rolling carry-on, though … $180 reduced to $40 will do nicely! Must shop harder next time!

18 Jun 2018
PHX-PHL, AA629, 0958-1737 (4h 40m), A321, First seats 1A/C

Up at 0600 for the long journey home, and away from the hotel at 0655. The very convenient run up I-10 West (heading North!) to Exit 149 for the Rental Center, which is very well signed once you get off the Interstate, had us at the Avis returns area at 0715. By 0720 we were on the shuttle to Terminal 4, and by 0745 the bags were in the care of AA and we had our BPs for the next 2 sectors. Again the codeshare sector (PHL-DUB) caused a bit of difficulty and much rattling of the Agent’s keyboard, but I was pleased to discover the overprint of “TSA PRECHK” on them all, so clearly [despite recent changes to the program] we are still deemed ‘suitable people’.

After a last kerb-side cigarette or two, we made our way through Security (no queues, no problems) and made our way to the Admirals Club between Gates A19 and A21 … very handy for our Gate 22 departure, but otherwise a typically quite underwhelming and crowded Lounge.





I think we had some yoghurt and berries to keep us going until Group 1 boarding at 0928 (AA is very precise). Our friendly male FA provided PDB in the form of a couple of requested Mimosas, with the comment that he would make better ones when we were airborne. Which he subsequently did!



Lunch was quite acceptable, with My Lady having the Lasagne while I attacked the Greek Salad with Chicken Breast.





Thus acceptably nourished, we endured the subsequent boredom by assiduous use of our Kindles before our eventual arrival at PHL. On this occasion we arrived at the C Gates, a mere 1,300 yards from our intended departure gate in A West!

With 3 hours to kill, we decided to evaluate the BA Lounge near the A Gates. I have to say it was somewhat underwhelming, and although actual champagne was on self-pour the food offer was decidedly uninspiring. Slightly better than a typical Admirals Club, but that was the best I could say. The group of 5 Millennials seemed to have had the right idea, as they brought their own pizza into the First section.









Eventually boredom overtook us, and we decided to venture out to land-side for a couple of cigarettes. We sat on a bench by the Taxi pickup zone and the rail station outside Terminal A, enjoying our last bit of warmth for half an hour, before exercising our TSA Pre✓ privilege to re-enter the Terminal without difficulty. Then, having declared the BA Lounge a bit of a waste of time, we plodded down to A West and the nearest Admirals Club. This proved to be one floor down, small and quite crowded, but we weren’t there for long anyway.



PHL-DUB, AA722, 2110-0855 (6h 45m, revised to 6h by the Captain), A330, Business seats 1H/2H

Finally, off to Gate A12, where we boarded punctually at 2025 and resumed our ‘usual’ seats. At which point things started to go gently downhill.This 2 hour ground delay nibbled away at our comfortable 4h connection time at DUB, of course.

Eventually, at 0030, the meal was served. By this stage I was more interested in sleep than anything else, but I was well pleased with the Korean Braised Short Ribs … extremely tasty, and with a lovely bulgogi sauce.





And so the (abbreviated) night passed, with occasional bursts of light turbulence, before a rather disappointing hot breakfast was served. The pastry was cold and rather dry, the ham almost tasteless and the scrambled egg curiously artificial. On this occasion, BA does it better [usually].



………..

19 June 2018
We arrived back at DUB, touched down at 1015 and were on the stand at 1025 ... 1h 30m late, but at least some time was made up en route.

And so to the Irish Border, where we met the new e-passport readers for EU passengers. Similar to the typical UK ones, they have one significant difference. After placing the passport face down on the glass, it is then seized by the machine and briskly dragged inside the workings for scrutiny. This unexpected process led to my fingers, still pressing down on the passport, almost being scanned as well!

Having survived that process, it was the usual wait for bags at Reclaim, grab a trolley, and make our weary way across to Terminal 1 for the next leg. At the BA Priority desk, more delays ensued, as one Agent’s terminal wasn’t working and the other Agent wasn’t working at all. After about 10 minutes, normality was restored, and we were bag-dropped and BPd for the last 2 sectors. It was then time for a couple of much-needed kerb-side cigarettes!!

Re-entering through Fast Track security was both quick and painless, and a quick left turn took us up to the DAA Lounge where we loitered briefly before making our way to the distant Gate 204.

DUB-LHR, BA835, 1255-1425 (1h 30m), A310, CE seats 1D/F

Boarding had all the indications of a shambles, as the GA’s walked around encouraging pax to put bags in the hold - it was clearly a full flight again. After much milling around, “families with small children” were called: the definition of “small” is clearly flexible and unenforced! Anyway, at 1255 (our intended departure time) the doors were opened to Group 1 boarding … at which stage we then all stood on the airbridge going nowhere. Eventually allowed to proceed, we took our seats and waited … and waited.

At 1315 the Captain then came on the PA and apologised for the delay. (1) Late arrival of inbound aircraft. (2) A wheelchair pax on the inbound with a very delayed unloading process - indeed, we watched it happening from the airbridge. We eventually pushed back at 1320 (25 minutes late) and joined a long queue of aircraft trying to depart on rw 10 … the captain said there were at least 4 ahead of us, and of course aircraft were also landing on 10. Finally airborne at 1355 (that’s 1 hour late), where I saw another 9 aircraft queueing for takeoff! Fortunately the transit was quite quick, and we made up a bit of time; despite a short hold approaching LHR, we landed at 1447 and were at the gate at 1453 (about 30 minutes late).

However, the timing for the NEx coach to LGW, and the subsequent flight to JER, was getting rather critical. All the time-shifts outlined at the start of this narrative had destroyed our planned stress-free connections, and the need to shift the DUB-LHR (#8 in the list) had eaten much of our MCT for LHR-LGW. Time to demonstrate how quickly OAPs can move!! Head for Reclaim at high speed, inevitably Carousel 11 at the far end! By now there was no chance of catching the 1515 coach (#201) but the 1530 (#200) was still just achievable if the bags would kindly emerge! The next one, at 1540, would probably mean we would be too late for bag-drop at LGW! Phew, there they come at last! Dump on baggage trolley, move briskly through the throng muttering curses under my breath, out into Arrivals and across the plaza to the coach stops. “Where’s the next coach for LGW, please?” .. “Should be down there at stop 11 soon, mate”. And we and the coach arrive at the same moment!! Made it, with less than 5 minutes to spare!!

Off we go, in air conditioned comfort. Oh, good, plenty of congestion on the M25 all the way past the M3 and A3 junctions. But mercifully we reach LGW within the hour … only to call first at LGW(N) Terminal. More delay on the road between the Terminals due to roadworks!! Eventually, at 1640, we’re at the bus stop at LGW(S) … grab cases from the cargo compartment and start moving fast again. Up in the lift, along the walkway to Departures, left to the far end for the BA desks and, happily, one is free! “Bags to Jersey, please”. Access to the quiet “First”desks for BAEC Gold pax is a major benefit at times like this! Scamper upstairs to security, where Premium Gatwick is as friendly and efficient as ever (thank Heavens!). OH dives into Duty Free for some cigarettes, while I look for the Gate. Ah, Gate 4, another long-ish brisk walk … where we arrive at 1710. Boarding commences almost immediately! That was severely tight, and not a lot of fun.

LGW-JER, BA2776, 1750-1850 (1h), A319, CE seats 1A/B

With deep sighs of relief, having made our homebound sector, nothing else mattered. I know food was offered, but it was declined. A stiff Vodka and Tomic for me, and a Champagne for her, will suffice. And so we hopped across the Channel again, landed, recovered the bags, grabbed a taxi and were at home in sunny Jersey at 1920. The cases were left in the hall to be attended to in the morning, as we opened assorted windows and went straight to bed … where we both slept solidly for at least 10 hours

…………….

20 June 2018
Unpacked, attended to post, watched daytime TV, had dinner, bath and bed. Neither of us slept well!

21 June 2018
All 720 TPs posted, to start the new Membership year nicely. She does laundry, I write TR.

And I am again reminded that these TP-efficient 'creative routings' carry with them a certain element of risk, especially where tight connections are involved. Even fairly well planned ones remain at the mercy of airline changes and delays, which can really make life difficult. On this occasion we had at least 2 'just made it" moments, which isn't a lot of fun!

Next trip will be a repeat of the previous MLA, at the beginning of September. A nice simple, uncomplicated, JER-LGW-MLA. But more interesting will be the visit of our friends from PHX, for their first encounter with Jersey, at the beginning of August … that will undoubtedly be something of a culture shock for them both!

Thanks for reading. Bye for now.

AS usual a very lucid and entertaining account.

Nice trip report Uncle T. I also like the sunday with the works^ I thought you would be closer to ltg than that. Time for some more Tier point runs, oops I mean holidays

I assume autocorrect over-wrote your sundae!!

No chance of ever getting LTG, Sir. We were late starters on this travel game, and VS and MY had our attention when we first started! It was only in 2008 that we really started hitting the BAEC TPs.

Wonderful, as always. Thank you so much for sharing and glad that the delays did not end in absolute mayhem.
Are you going to do a TR of when your friends come to visit? Sort of a TR from another perspective?

Thank you, and yes, it was getting a bit tense at times - especially on the DUB connection, which was unprotected (being on a different PNR). I was looking at a potential 4-figure bill to get home ... no refund, and no prospect of Original Routing Credit, so the TPs would be down the plughole as well!!

I like the reverse TR idea, but it might be a bit intrusive for a couple of non-FT-ers!!

Well written, I was biting my nails when the coach was stuck in traffic!

Do you mind me asking what the Ex-EU to Phoenix cost? I can tell you that Oneworld J flights out of PHX to Europe are very expensive (published CW fare is ~$5500 and sometimes more) so I position out of LAX most of the time.

I still get tripped up by that unfortunate thing.

hahaha ... and thank you! It was even more gripping being there, jetlagged and sleep-deprived

No problem with costs, and indeed I usually detail that in the introduction. Do bear in mind this was booked last September, going the opposite direction, ex-EU. Not sure how that scenario (and time) fits with your needs, of course. Prices are for 2 adults (I claim that title, despite rumors!) and of course round-trip in J/Domestic F.

DUB-PHL-PHX = GBP 2973
JER-UK-DUB = GBP 349 + 46k Avios
Homewood Suites = USD 1139 for 13 nights
Avis Intermediate SUV = USD 460.

We were seriously surprised at how cheap the hotel and car rental were compared with the previous visit ... almost half the cost!

The next trip was booked this May, for another 2 weeks next February (chilly weather!). Simple route this time ... JER-UK-PHX direct, as it was cheap and has nothing to do with the irritations of this one!! GBP 3282, including the SUV for 2 weeks, all done on ba.com which happened to be working that day

dylanks here is a regular PHX-UK flyer. A PM to him might offer some help (he’s a nice guy - we met at the JER FT Do!!)..

Thanks. Definitely cheaper coming TO Phoenix than away as I suspected. I wish I could buy EU-PHX-EU tickets (and use points to get out your way), but since my travel is leisure it isn't consistent enough to do that. Oh well, I still appreciate knowing.

For 13 nights that's a stellar rate on an SUV -- better than my Avis negotiated rates (corporate)!

Different World, different Markets, I feel your frustration!!

But the Avis bill was seriously weirdly cheap! Last April it was USD 600 for 2 weeks.

Many thanks for the detailed TR, UncleT Mrs T and I are doing PHX (Sedona, mostly) next month and your report is invaluable!
Like you, we are late starters in the TP game, but finding it (mostly!) enjoyable.

Very nice report thanks!

Those US airbus heavies are ghetto birds.