More crazy mileage running back to Cairo via AC, AA, BA, Alitalia and Cathay First
Sep 22, 2018, 11:42 pm
#46
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
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Posts: 21,598
This was my 2nd visit to Cairo. On my first time earlier in the year, I used the Sofitel's complimentary meet and greet service, which is a must for first time visitors. With that under my belt, I'd felt that I'd learned enough to navigate the process by myself. All I needed was to officially enter Egypt and cross the street to Terminal 2 departures.
At the bottom of the escalator to passport control, the throng of meeters and greeters.
From the bottom of the escalator, 45 seconds for my $25 visa on arrival at the bank kiosk, 3 minutes in line for passport control and into the arrivals lobby. So far, so good.
Once outside Terminal 2 arrivals, across the street is Terminal 2 departures. But you have to walk to the end of and around the metal barricades to access departures.
Before you enter departures lobby, another security check. And 19 minutes from the arrival gate, I'm in the departures lobby with nearly 4 hours to kill.
Entertaining people watching while I waited for the Alitalia counter to open. And people watching was all one can do as I couldn't get CAI Wifi to work for me. Seems you need a code by text. Tried a few minutes to no avail as I never received a text.
Lots of Baggage Wrapping stands, apparently one of the most popular concessions here.
Apparently, no one here has heard about just travelling with carry-ons. And most of the baggage is indeed wrapped. Go figure.
Whoa, now that's a lot of baggage for one familly.
At 1:30am, the Air France signs were replaced by Alitalia signs and Alitalia check-in opened for business. I chose Alitalia as I found another cheap Business Class fare, which will earn 53 Flying Blue XP points and get me within a domestic flight of the 100 XP points I need to requalify for Flying Blue Silver.
After easy check-in, up the escalator to passport control.
And then the walk back on across the street over the sky bridge back to the arrivals and main terminal departures. Confused yet? LOL.
... thru security and into the departure concourse.
To a pathetic contract lounge which most of the airlines use.
Pretty weak all around, although it did have its own Wifi which worked reasonably well.
Lots of food options, none of which looked the least bit appetizing.
On the way out, another room.
And another one. No idea what and/or for whom.
At the bottom of the escalator to passport control, the throng of meeters and greeters.
From the bottom of the escalator, 45 seconds for my $25 visa on arrival at the bank kiosk, 3 minutes in line for passport control and into the arrivals lobby. So far, so good.
Once outside Terminal 2 arrivals, across the street is Terminal 2 departures. But you have to walk to the end of and around the metal barricades to access departures.
Before you enter departures lobby, another security check. And 19 minutes from the arrival gate, I'm in the departures lobby with nearly 4 hours to kill.
Entertaining people watching while I waited for the Alitalia counter to open. And people watching was all one can do as I couldn't get CAI Wifi to work for me. Seems you need a code by text. Tried a few minutes to no avail as I never received a text.
Lots of Baggage Wrapping stands, apparently one of the most popular concessions here.
Apparently, no one here has heard about just travelling with carry-ons. And most of the baggage is indeed wrapped. Go figure.
Whoa, now that's a lot of baggage for one familly.
At 1:30am, the Air France signs were replaced by Alitalia signs and Alitalia check-in opened for business. I chose Alitalia as I found another cheap Business Class fare, which will earn 53 Flying Blue XP points and get me within a domestic flight of the 100 XP points I need to requalify for Flying Blue Silver.
After easy check-in, up the escalator to passport control.
And then the walk back on across the street over the sky bridge back to the arrivals and main terminal departures. Confused yet? LOL.
... thru security and into the departure concourse.
To a pathetic contract lounge which most of the airlines use.
Pretty weak all around, although it did have its own Wifi which worked reasonably well.
Lots of food options, none of which looked the least bit appetizing.
On the way out, another room.
And another one. No idea what and/or for whom.
Sep 22, 2018, 11:43 pm
#47
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,598
After another make work fake security check from the lounge to the concourse, back in the retail part of the concouse.
Cairo CAI to Rome FCO
Alitalia AZ 895
A321
3:30am-7:00am
September 13, 2018
Business Class Seat 1F
Lots of gate lice as departure approached. But Sky Priority had a separate clear path and boarded right after a dozen wheel chairs and families with kids.
With most people sleeping, service started about an hour after take-off. And then breakfast.
As we got closer to Rome, my seatmate with a creative way to sleep.
Gorgeous sunrise on approach to Rome.
Cairo CAI to Rome FCO
Alitalia AZ 895
A321
3:30am-7:00am
September 13, 2018
Business Class Seat 1F
Lots of gate lice as departure approached. But Sky Priority had a separate clear path and boarded right after a dozen wheel chairs and families with kids.
With most people sleeping, service started about an hour after take-off. And then breakfast.
As we got closer to Rome, my seatmate with a creative way to sleep.
Gorgeous sunrise on approach to Rome.
Last edited by SFO777; Sep 24, 2018 at 6:46 am
Sep 23, 2018, 4:30 pm
#49
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: BNA (Nashville)
Programs: HH Diamond
Posts: 6,225
The wrapping is supposed to discourage pilfering.
Sep 24, 2018, 6:43 am
#51
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,598
While we landed 30 minutes ahead of our scheduled arrival time, we were banished to a tarmac bus position.
Where there were just 2 buses for our pretty full plane. I may have been the 3rd person on the bus but I was joined by 80 or so of my closest friends. LOL.
Now our driving tour of Fumicino. Row after row of buses means bus gates are common here.
Apparently there is only one single lane path to the terminal, which led to a lengthy traffic jam as we wait for Lufthansa to push back and depart. Italian engineering at its finest.
Transit connections means everyone goes thru "security". Business Class priority lane? LOL, not a chance. The only way to jump the queue is if your fight departs within the next 60 minutes.
The line actually moved pretty quickly...
... and then I discovered why. It wasn't really security, it just pretend security. How else to explain why no one said anything about my full water bottle?
Welcome to Rome, finally.
Casa Alitalia, the Business Class Lounge.
The lounge was quite attractive, nice decor and comfy seating areas.
A full kitchen with pizza ovens for later in the day.
Nice buffet breakfast spread.
And a number of showers, which were available and welcome.
At around T-50, I headed out for the gate.
Where there were just 2 buses for our pretty full plane. I may have been the 3rd person on the bus but I was joined by 80 or so of my closest friends. LOL.
Now our driving tour of Fumicino. Row after row of buses means bus gates are common here.
Apparently there is only one single lane path to the terminal, which led to a lengthy traffic jam as we wait for Lufthansa to push back and depart. Italian engineering at its finest.
Transit connections means everyone goes thru "security". Business Class priority lane? LOL, not a chance. The only way to jump the queue is if your fight departs within the next 60 minutes.
The line actually moved pretty quickly...
... and then I discovered why. It wasn't really security, it just pretend security. How else to explain why no one said anything about my full water bottle?
Welcome to Rome, finally.
Casa Alitalia, the Business Class Lounge.
The lounge was quite attractive, nice decor and comfy seating areas.
A full kitchen with pizza ovens for later in the day.
Nice buffet breakfast spread.
And a number of showers, which were available and welcome.
At around T-50, I headed out for the gate.
Sep 24, 2018, 6:45 am
#52
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,598
By the time I got to the gate, there was a healthy Priority line.
Yeah, I'm thinking that she's had it with travel for a while. LOL.
Rome FCO to Los Angeles LAX
Alitalia AZ 620
777-200
9:35am-1:40p
September 13, 2018
Seat 1A
Boarding began promptly at T-40.
OK, this is one tired looking cabin.
My inside window seat 1A.
What a strange set-up with the exposed tray table, flipped up and fastened to the wall panel.
Today's menu...
Which actually looks really good. Unfortunately, reality wasn't anywhere nearly as good.
\
The Alitalia amenity kit.
Meh, although the Tuscan Soul body lotion was a nice take home.
Pretty weak headphones. Glad I always travel with my Bose.
The pillow and duvet were a little worn but still functional and comfy.
Ready to go.
Once in the air, our cabin crew began prompt and efficient service, although without much warmth or personality. My Campari Spritz, campari, prosecco and soda water. With canapés.
Showtime, Alitalia style. I decided to go with the full menu and the suggested wine pairing. While the wines were actually quite good, the food was not.
My joke of a starter... two balls of mozzarella and one and a half cherry tomatoes.
OMG, IFE from the dark ages. With a similarly antiquated controller, and a terrible selection on movies... if you can even get them to work.
Yeah, that works really well.
Casarecce pasta in seafood and monkfish sauce. It didn't taste any better than it looked.
For my main, Neapolitan style sea bass fillet with traditional scapece style zucchini and potato gateau. The potato was OK but the sea bass overcooked and "fishy".
On the other hand, the Italian Cheese Board was substantial and tasty... with another glass of Campalliano Rosso Piceno. Caciocavallo, baked Ricotta and Grana Padano served with quince jam and dried fruit.
And the Lemon Delight was really good.
Especially with a glass of Oirad Bianco Dolce and a glass of Limoncello Piemme L'Oro di Sorrento.
I finally settled on ARGO, the best of a bad lot of movie options, got it to play most of the time, and then slept for a good 5 hours. But OMG, this flight was neverending... with strong headwinds today clocking in at nearly 14 hours. Despite the All Day menu, I have no idea whether any of this was indeed offered or just located somewhere else in the cabin. And no direction from the crew, who basically disappeared after the initial meal service. When I got hungry and inquired in the galley, I was told a snack would be served soon... OK. And indeed, 20 minutes later, The Cutting Board fron Campania. Again, this looked good on paper.
But was pretty pathetic in real life.
Mercifully, more than 13 hours after departing Rome, we descend to LAX.
Nearly 14 hours later, we finally land...
... but are banished to the dreaded Gate 200+ bus gates. This day will never end. The only good thing about this flight was it was nonstop from Rome. As bad as BA is, I think Alitalia is even worse. Unless I had to be in Rome, I'd connect on any other airline to get to Europe or the Middle East... that is unless the price was dirt cheap like mine.
On the other hand, nice plane watching on the drive to the bowels of the Bradley terminal.
Global Entry kiosks were wide open and I was in my car less than 10 minutes after entering the CBP facility. Unfortunately, it took more than 2 hours in heavy 405 traffic for the 55 mile drive home to The OC.
Thanks for following along on this fun trip and report.
For more pics and an HD version of this report, please visit SFO777.com.
• Off to Vancouver
• Air Canada Economy to Vancouver
• SkyTeam Lounge at YVR
• Cathay Pacific Lounge at YVR
• Cathay Pacific First Class to JFK
• American Flagship Lounge at JFK
• American Business Class to LHR
• Premier Inn at Heathrow T4
• BA Galleries First at LHR T5
• BA Economy TP run to Glasgow and back
• BA Club World London to Cairo
• 4 hour layover in Cairo airport
• Alitalia Business Cairo to Rome
• Casa Alitalia Lounge at Rome FCO
• Alitalia Business Class Rome to LAX
Yeah, I'm thinking that she's had it with travel for a while. LOL.
Rome FCO to Los Angeles LAX
Alitalia AZ 620
777-200
9:35am-1:40p
September 13, 2018
Seat 1A
Boarding began promptly at T-40.
OK, this is one tired looking cabin.
My inside window seat 1A.
What a strange set-up with the exposed tray table, flipped up and fastened to the wall panel.
Today's menu...
Which actually looks really good. Unfortunately, reality wasn't anywhere nearly as good.
\
The Alitalia amenity kit.
Meh, although the Tuscan Soul body lotion was a nice take home.
Pretty weak headphones. Glad I always travel with my Bose.
The pillow and duvet were a little worn but still functional and comfy.
Ready to go.
Once in the air, our cabin crew began prompt and efficient service, although without much warmth or personality. My Campari Spritz, campari, prosecco and soda water. With canapés.
Showtime, Alitalia style. I decided to go with the full menu and the suggested wine pairing. While the wines were actually quite good, the food was not.
My joke of a starter... two balls of mozzarella and one and a half cherry tomatoes.
OMG, IFE from the dark ages. With a similarly antiquated controller, and a terrible selection on movies... if you can even get them to work.
Yeah, that works really well.
Casarecce pasta in seafood and monkfish sauce. It didn't taste any better than it looked.
For my main, Neapolitan style sea bass fillet with traditional scapece style zucchini and potato gateau. The potato was OK but the sea bass overcooked and "fishy".
On the other hand, the Italian Cheese Board was substantial and tasty... with another glass of Campalliano Rosso Piceno. Caciocavallo, baked Ricotta and Grana Padano served with quince jam and dried fruit.
And the Lemon Delight was really good.
Especially with a glass of Oirad Bianco Dolce and a glass of Limoncello Piemme L'Oro di Sorrento.
I finally settled on ARGO, the best of a bad lot of movie options, got it to play most of the time, and then slept for a good 5 hours. But OMG, this flight was neverending... with strong headwinds today clocking in at nearly 14 hours. Despite the All Day menu, I have no idea whether any of this was indeed offered or just located somewhere else in the cabin. And no direction from the crew, who basically disappeared after the initial meal service. When I got hungry and inquired in the galley, I was told a snack would be served soon... OK. And indeed, 20 minutes later, The Cutting Board fron Campania. Again, this looked good on paper.
But was pretty pathetic in real life.
Mercifully, more than 13 hours after departing Rome, we descend to LAX.
Nearly 14 hours later, we finally land...
... but are banished to the dreaded Gate 200+ bus gates. This day will never end. The only good thing about this flight was it was nonstop from Rome. As bad as BA is, I think Alitalia is even worse. Unless I had to be in Rome, I'd connect on any other airline to get to Europe or the Middle East... that is unless the price was dirt cheap like mine.
On the other hand, nice plane watching on the drive to the bowels of the Bradley terminal.
Global Entry kiosks were wide open and I was in my car less than 10 minutes after entering the CBP facility. Unfortunately, it took more than 2 hours in heavy 405 traffic for the 55 mile drive home to The OC.
Thanks for following along on this fun trip and report.
For more pics and an HD version of this report, please visit SFO777.com.
• Off to Vancouver
• Air Canada Economy to Vancouver
• SkyTeam Lounge at YVR
• Cathay Pacific Lounge at YVR
• Cathay Pacific First Class to JFK
• American Flagship Lounge at JFK
• American Business Class to LHR
• Premier Inn at Heathrow T4
• BA Galleries First at LHR T5
• BA Economy TP run to Glasgow and back
• BA Club World London to Cairo
• 4 hour layover in Cairo airport
• Alitalia Business Cairo to Rome
• Casa Alitalia Lounge at Rome FCO
• Alitalia Business Class Rome to LAX
Sep 24, 2018, 6:49 am
#53
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,598
Big business in Miami on flights back to the Caribbean and to South America. People buy suitcases full of stuff in Miami and take them back home. A lot of electronics, clothes, etc. That is also why the Big 3 American airlines have different (higher) baggage fees to the Caribbean, Central, and South America. People check a lot of suitcases full of goods. The wrapping is supposed to discourage pilfering.
Sep 24, 2018, 9:43 am
#54
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Bargara Australia
Programs: VA, SQ, IHG, HH,ALL, Europcar
Posts: 1,530
Baggage wrapping is very popular with Australians particulary travelling to Bali - after the boogie board was apparently stuffed with 4 kg of green vegetable matter - somewhere between check in in Brisbane, transit in Sydney and arrival in Bali.
Google Sharpelle Corby if you are not familiar with this story.
Most of us do not believe this as there were many pointers that indicates she was either a known mule or set up by family members
Google Sharpelle Corby if you are not familiar with this story.
Most of us do not believe this as there were many pointers that indicates she was either a known mule or set up by family members
Sep 27, 2018, 3:54 am
#56
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: YVR
Posts: 39
Another excellent trip report SFO777, the BA smoked salmon looked very tasty. Always thought the bag wrapping was to help keep liquids leaking from someone's luggage from getting into yours, and to help keep out bloodsucking bugs (i.e. bedbugs) from a neighbouring bag from moving over to travel with you.
Sep 29, 2018, 1:56 pm
#59
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: YVR - Vancouver, with most winter weekends in Whistler.
Programs: Aeroplan 35K, Alaska MVP, Marriott Titanium / Lifetime Platinum, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 4,609
Another entertaining trip report. Thank you!!
MrsWT73 indicates that the BA Lounge in Vancouver is nothing outstanding and IS always full when the A380 is in town.
MrsWT73 indicates that the BA Lounge in Vancouver is nothing outstanding and IS always full when the A380 is in town.
