wakesetter93

Good to know! Just got off DFW-LAX in C+ and had the snack basket. Guess I wasn’t paying attention earlier

wakesetter93

After three days at home I’m off again today for a buddies bachelor party in Lake Tahoe. I checked in on the Delta app the day before my flight and for the 3rd time in as many trips my boarding pass was not showing TSA PreCheck. I messaged delta through the app and the agent unchecked me in and had me re-check in and my PreCheck appeared. For some reason Delta IT keeps flipping the last 2 numbers in my KTN even though it is correct when I check online. Hopefully they get this issue fixed as it is a pain having to do this each time I fly. The night before departure I booked pre-paid terminal parking through DFW at the discounted rate of $56 for 4 days. This would allow my fiancé to sleep in and for me to not have to worry about finding an Uber/Lyft. After a few hours of sleep my alarm went off at 4:00a and after taking Gumbo out and having a cup of coffee I was out the door at 4:45a and headed towards DFW.



Not many folks out on the road this morning and I made the drive from Highland Park to the airport in roughly 20 minutes. I parked in the Terminal E garage and was quickly inside. While looking for the TSAPre line a helpful but overcaffenated Clear agent approached me and offered to sign me up. Since I have the benefit as part of my Amex Platinum and I had some time to kill I went ahead and did the sign up as it was on my to-do list anyway. Signup took less than a minute and I was airside in no time.




Obligatory photo to remember where I parked


A short walk later and I was at the DFW SkyClub where I relaxed a bit, had a bite to eat and fired off a few emails. I did a full review earlier in this trip report so I won’t do another one here but I will say that the Thursday breakfast spread at 5:45a looked much better than the 4:45a spread last Saturday.



A little before 6:00a I left the SkyClub and headed out to the SkyLink down to the high E gates to check out the Plaza Premium lounge for the first time. The lounge is located near the Spirit and American Eagle gates right next to the Terminal E satellite tunnel.





Plaza Premium Lounge DFW


Plaza Premium Lounge - DFW Terminal E

The Plaza Premium Lounge at DFW opened back in 2020 but between my SkyClub, Centurion Lounge and The Club at DFW access I never had any reason to make the trek over. The lounge is fairly small and I could probably fit the entire thing in one photo if I wanted too. On the left side of the lounge is the reception desk, a small bar and a buffet area while the right side of the bar has a small variety of seating areas.



The friendly lounge dragon verified my access and invited me in. Given the fact that there wasn’t much to review in the lounge and since I had already eaten in the SkyClub I just had a cup of coffee and a bottle of water while watching the local morning news on one of the two bar TV’s. The only other group there during my time was a family of 4 so the area was pretty quiet and laid back. The bar offers to-go coffee and large bottles of water for a fee that they also sold to folks who stopped in from the concourse and 2-3 pax purchased something during the 15 minutes that I was there. I left the lounge and made the short walk to E17 at the scheduled boarding time.



Plaza Premium Lounge DFW


Check-in

Buffet



Bar Area


To-go Menu

All in all the lounge was perfectly sufficient and makes for a good option for folks flying United, JetBlue, Alaska, Frontier, Spirit and American Eagle from the E terminal that hood Amex Platinum cards. For those flying Delta the SkyClub is a better option and the Centurion Lounge, though extremely crowded, is still the best option at DFW.

wakesetter93

Just touched down bach in Dallas after 4 days in Lake Tahoe, I'll get started back up on the TR tomorrow!

wakesetter93

I left the Plaza Premium lounge just as boarding was schedule to begin. Due to the nature of DFW’s Terminal layout, the Plaza Premium lounge is actually closer to the high Delta gates than the SkyClub. The boarding gate was just a 2 minute walk from the lounge and we began boarding about 5 minutes behind the scheduled boarding time starting with First Class and followed by Comfort+ and Sky Priority.

Delta Air Lines
DL 732
DFW-LAX (Dallas/Fort Worth International - Los Angeles International)
Seat: 12A (Comfort+)
A320-200 (N354NW)
Scheduled: 7:00a-8:20a
Actual: 6:57a-8:00a

Once on board, I settled into my seat and noticed that our A320 for this flight was definitely showing it’s age. The window shade at my seat was jammed and would not go up more than halfway and, while the plane was still at the gate the IFE went out. Fortunately, 12A was open so, after checking with the flight crew, I moved from my reserved 11A to 12A once the boarding door had been closed.

We buttoned up a few minutes early and taxied out to runway 36R. No wait for a departure slot this early and we were off to the north in no time before turning west towards LAX. The FA’s came through the cabin with a beverage/snack service as I enjoyed the sunrise from the window.






11A

12A




I had some work to do while on the flight to prep for a meeting during my layover at LAX and the time flew by. Before long we were approaching the airport and a heavy marine layer had settled over the Los Angeles basin.

Though the approach was sunny we landed from the east into a dreary LAX and fortunately we had a gate waiting for us even though we came in 20 minutes early. Upon arrival at the gate I noticed a first for me at an airport, one of the ramp workers pulled up on a tricycle and left it on the ramp as he went to go unload the aircraft. Has anyone else seen this before?


Sunny

Overcast


What is this thing doing on an active ramp?

Dawgfan6291

the bike? (well technically a trike)

Maintenance uses them to get around. You don't see them as much on the ramp, but they are all over the place at TOC in Atlanta (inside and out) and at Building C in MSP.

wakesetter93

After my flight from DFW I was off for a quick layover in the SkyClub. LAX is currently a packed mess with the Delta SkyWay project underway and the airline consolidating all operations into T2 and the TBIT. With passenger numbers rebounding this is putting a strain on the terminal capacity at LAX. Currently Delta operates two SkyClub’s in T2, a large club on the west side of the terminal and a smaller club on the east side, connected by a walkway above the terminal.

Having been to the smaller SkyClub on an earlier trip through LAX I opted for the larger one even though the line was out the door when I arrived. After a few minutes the lounge dragon invited me in and provided me the WiFi password and my departure gate, which had changed to a bus gate.

After entering the lounge I set off in search of a seat. The place was packed but I managed to find a seat near the buffet and set out to check out the food spread.



The food spread was typical lounge fare. Cheese and meat tray, pastries, cereal, hot food items and fruit. Since I had had a breakfast sandwich in Dallas and snacks on the flight over, settled on a croissant and a mimosa from the bar. When I returned to my seat I noticed that a window seat had opened up so I switched over to take advantage of the excellent plane spotting you get at LAX. I was even able to spot my SkyWest E175 that would be taking me to Reno.

I had a couple of quick work calls to take care of on my layover and unfortunately the LAX SkyClub doesn’t have any sort of private phone booth/rooms. I tried to keep my calls as quick and quiet as possible out of respect for others I’m the lounge. However, the whole place was packed to the gills and rather loud so I’m not sure the “peace” of the lounge was really there.










On the way out of the lounge I managed to grab a quick pic of the coffee/beverage area as well as some additional bowls of fruit that had been set up on the side of the lounge as well as the additional, smaller SkyClub located across the hall. While the lounge was on the full side, given the 8-9a departure Bank, it did it’s job for the most part. The only complaint I have was the fact that the restroom is entirely too small for an operation the size of LAX. Two stalls and two urinals made for some long lines for the restroom.

After leaving the lounge I was off to Gate 24B for my flight to Reno!




Smaller T2 SkyClub Entrance

wakesetter93

Interesting. Reminds me of the carts used to get around a certain large building in San Antonio. Never thought I'd see something like that on the ramp, seems like it could be a hazard.

Dawgfan6291

keep your head on a swivel and be smart, just like you would in a tug, truck, bag belt etc and its completely safe.

and some nice exercise as well.

wakesetter93

SkyWest DBA Delta Connection
DL 3501
DFW-LAX (Los Angeles International - Reno/Tahoe International)
Seat: 5A (Comfort+)
EMB-175 (N301SY)
Scheduled: 9:30a-11:03a
Actual: 9:25a-10:39a

After a quick layover in the SkyClub I was off to the departure gate for my flight to Reno. My flight was departing from 24B which I assumed was a bus gate however, once I got down to the concourse I only saw signs for Gates 24, 26 and 26B. After a closer look I saw a sign above a door directly attached to Gate 26 showing 24B. They even utilized the same BP scanner at 26 which I found confusing.

After scanning my BP I made my way down a ramp to our waiting bus that would shuttle across the tarmac to our waiting E175. We had about a 10 minute wait on the bus as the last of the passengers loaded, the first bus had already left, before we made the short drive over to our aircraft.

The bus pulled up right next to the boarding stairs and I was quickly on board and after managing to find space for my rollerboard in the overhead bin, I settled into seat 5A for our 1h 30m flight up to Reno/Tahoe.






We had a fairly full flight and even with the bussing we managed to button up and push back about five minutes before our scheduled departure time. A short taxi out to runway 7L where we took off to the west before turning north towards Reno.


Delta SkyWay connector progressing nicely




Once we reached our cruising altitude the FA’s sprung into action and began the beverage and snack service as we flew over central California.

The flight went by quickly and soon we were on descent into RNO.

it’s here that the flight took a turn as we encountered some severe crosswinds as we approached the airport. The plane was pitching and rolling up and down as well as side to side as we encountered some serious updrafts and crosswinds. I’d like to consider myself a very experienced flyer and have had many issues over the years while on board an aircraft but this was by far the worst. An E175 is not a fun place to be during severe turbulence and I was visibly shaken to the point that the passenger next to me and the deadheading pilot behind me both assured me that we were fine.

I chock part of this up to the fact that I’ve been more on edge since a good friend of mine was in an aviation accident last year, but I was never more excited to get on the ground than I was on this flight.








Happy to be on the ground
After arriving in Reno I went over to an empty gate to check on the inbound of the rest of my friends on the DFW-RNO AA flight who would be arriving about 20 minutes after me and riding up to Lake Tahoe with me.

Once they were on approach I headed off to get our rental car so it would be ready upon our landing. Unfortunately, they had two aborted landings before diverting to Sacramento. Since I had already left the secured area after seeing that they were on final approach to go and get the rental car, I found myself with some unplanned time in Reno while we worked on a plan.



If you see airport slot machines, you’re probably in Nevada


The Reno airport doesn’t have an Emerald/Executive Aisle so I first had to check in with the desk where I was directed to the kiosk outside to get my vehicle. Once outside I was initially offered some sort of car, I don’t remember the make and model, but after explaining there were 3 of us and we would be heading up to Lake Tahoe I was offered a Dodge Ram Classic or a Toyota Tacoma.

Having previously owned a 4Runner I was interested to see how the new Tacoma was so I went with that. I was given a 2021 Tacoma TRD Off-Road with only 6k on the odometer.



How much for the International Harvester?!



With my friends stuck in Sacramento for the time being, I got on the phone with other members of our party to formulate a plan as they were driving up from the Bay Area. We ultimately decided that, since they didn’t have any extra food in their car, I should wait for them in Reno to see if American decided to fly SMF-RNO later that afternoon where I would pick them up. If not, they would rent a separate car and drive up to the house from Sacramento.

With that in mind I set off for a quick, unexpected visit around Reno where I was searching for a coffee shop to take a work call.





Reno sign
Unfortunately, every Starbucks/coffee shop I could find was located inside one of the downtown casinos or was closed for renovations. I saw another on the map out near the airport which was in the Grand Sierra Resort. Though it was also in a casino it had free parking and was adjacent to the airport which would make it easy to pick up my friends if they. We’re able to make it in.



During my meeting I got a text that they were departing SMF to head back to Reno. With a bit of time to kill I had “lunch” consisting of a casino hot dog while I waited on them to make the short flight. As I was walking out of the building I saw their plane on final approach into RNO and I met them curbside at the terminal.

After picking them up we were headed up the hill and through the pass to Tahoe City, CA.


Nice of you to join us

wakesetter93

After making the roughly one hour drive up to Tahoe City from Reno, we arrived at our home for the weekend on Dollar Point. Due to our delays getting out of Reno, the Bay Area crowd had arrived just before us and we’re in the process of unloading. After unpacking the food and luggage from both vehicles I get off to explore our house for the next 3.5 days.

We booked the house through Vrbo and the three levels provided plenty of space for our group of 9 to spread out. From the Vrbo page:
On the first, main level there was a large kitchen with 2 sinks, dishwashers, trash cans, etc. as well as a dining area, living room, half bath and two decks.

Exterior


Kitchen

Dining area


Living Area

Upper Deck
On the second level, below the first level, were all of the bedrooms. There was a large master bedroom with a fireplace, balcony, large steam shower and a king size bed. There were also two identical bedrooms with queen size beds and on suite bathrooms along with a large bunk room that held 4 bunk beds and two queen beds along with a large bathroom.


Master bedroom

1 of 2 identical bedrooms

Bunk room

Bunk room
Finally, on the lowest level was a large game room complete with a pool table, wet bar, full bathroom, sofa, foosball table, poker table and a large covered deck with a hot tub.


Game room


Wet bar
Back on the main level, we checked out the view from the balcony out over Lake Tahoe. We were also joined by some blue feathered friends who were enjoying the cool mountain air.


Deck view

Visiting blue jays



Sunset from the deck

kevincrumbs

I have travelled to Reno a few times for work and the approach into RNO from the north is pretty much always bumpy according to the clients based in Reno whom I was visiting. They told me that you can tell who the locals are on the flights because they're the ones who sit there unfazed while everyone else is clutching their armrests. Or as it happened on my first flight into RNO, someone screaming loudly as the plane suddenly drops.

wakesetter93

We were the last AC to land from the south. After us, my friend's on the AA 738 attempted and aborted landing twice before diverting. Once planes started landing again they were coming in from the north.

PoincianaKings

Dollar Point is a great location. We went with my parents, brother and our young kids pre pandemic for a break. Another great TR Wakesetter thanks as always.

wakesetter93

We really enjoyed the location. Only issue was it took forever to get Uber's as it was fairly remote and in the off-season.

Glad you enjoyed it, need to get the last few parts up this week!

wakesetter93

After unpacking the vehicles and settling in to the house, we were all too exhausted after traveling to go out and do anything Thursday night. Instead, we ordered some pizzas and had some beers/whiskey at the house while playing some pool/poker/foosball and watching Thursday Night Football. We had some issues with the TV and the home sound system and I ended up having to use an HDMI chord to stream the game from my laptop and connect the audio to the home hub via Bluetooth.





Not sure who decided to pull out the Blue Label at 8:45 on the first night
The next morning, the majority of the guys headed out on a fishing charter. Not wanting to wake up at 5am and having a few meetings for a new client gave me an excuse to hang back at the house. One of the other guys on the trip also had some work to take care of but we managed to make it to brunch by 11:00 after finishing up our meetings.

We had brunch at The Old Post Office Cafe in nearby Carnelian Bay. We found the place by sheer luck as it was next to the shuttle van drop off for another friend who had flown up that morning. After a hearty lunch, which provided us with a great foundation for the day ahead, we went back to the house and played pool while waiting on the fishermen to return. They made it back to the house around 3:00p and with 17 trout for 8 people we started prepping them for the grill and had a fantastic late lunch of fresh grilled fish. It doesn’t get much fresher than eating while overlooking the lake they were in 3 hours earlier.




Chicken fried chicken



After cleaning up the fish we changed and called Ubers to take us to the Hyatt in Incline Village to do some gambling. After a few hours at the blackjack table we headed back to the house while we still had some money in our pockets.



I forgot you can still smoke inside in Nevada


Saturday started much the same as Friday night crept we brought the whole crew to The Old Post Office Cafe for brunch. We showed up just in time as our group took up the majority of the horseshoe shaped bar and other large groups, who arrived right after us, had 30-40 minute waits for a table.




Another hearty brunch
We initially had reserved a boat to go out and explore the lake but the weather was taking a turn for the worse. Even though I’m an experienced boater and the boat was a decent size, we decided it wasn’t worth the risk with the high winds coming across the lake. In a stroke of good fortune, for us, the owner texted saying that the boat was having some engine issues and therefore we weren’t going to be able to go out anyway. With that in mind, we started looking at other options for our Saturday.

With two willing drivers, we ultimately decided to head to Reno and pass some time at the gun range. While it’s not something we would typically do, it seemed perfect for a bachelor party. The range had a private room and range, separate from the main area with large couches and TV’s so we watched some football games and shot a few guns including a few fully automatic rifles.








After the gun range we tried to find a place near us in Reno to eat but we were underwhelmed by the options. We decided to head back to the house and pick up some take out on the way. While on the way back, the car I was in swung back by the Hyatt as one of the guys had some chips leftover from the night before. My LSU Tigers were beating Alabama so we sat down at one of the blackjack tables while we watched the game. Unfortunately, LSU wasn’t able to pull it out but we managed to both win a few bucks so we were feeling good.

After collecting our casino winnings we headed back to the house where the other car was already back with dinner in tow. Once dinner was over we hung out in the game room and caught the end of some of the west coast games before heading to bed as we all had long travel days the next day.

All in all it was a nice, relaxing weekend at Lake Tahoe!