What do you do with two hundred thousand Lufthansa miles that have a very hard expiry date? Book whatever you can in First Class on a 747-8. With 1A and 1K secured on LH418 from Frankfurt to Washington on 5th December, it was time to decide how to get to Frankfurt and how to get home from Washington.
Getting to Frankfurt was an easy decision. BA business class from Edinburgh to Frankfurt via London, as one of us needs the tier points. We'd position the day before and have a night at a hotel near Frankfurt airport.
Getting home was a bit more complicated as there was a plethora of options from the east coast of the USA. I have a young daughter and wife at home and wanted to be away from home for as little time as possible, so we decided to stay just one night which limited us somewhat. Cash prices in anything comfortable for a one-way fare from the east coast to the UK were ridiculous but we eventually noticed that Norse Atlantic had some very attractive fares from JFK back to London Gatwick. We were a wee bit indecisive, and of course the fares went away. So one helpful Google Travel price alert and a month later, we managed to get them booked for the original price. 250ish for JFK-LGW in premium economy, and 1A/1C.
Between Washington and New York was another easy decision, as one of us needed tier points we went with American on a very early flight between National Airport and LaGuardia.
Last flight was another easy decision, business class on BA between Gatwick and Glasgow for the tier points. Edinburgh is a far more convenient airport for us, but for some reason BA don't fly between Edinburgh and Gatwick, and the slightly longer drive home was preferable to a bus journey between Gatwick and Heathrow.
So final routing was EDI-LHR-FRA-IAD/DCA-LGA/JFK-LGW-GLA.An overnight in Frankfurt, an overnight in Washington, and around 10 hours on the ground in New York City. My first long haul trip in 9 years.
Big thanks to my Dad, pmcg , for organising everything and providing the much needed Lufthansa miles for the main event of the trip. Stay tuned to find out if we could handle such a whirlwind trip.
Getting to Frankfurt was an easy decision. BA business class from Edinburgh to Frankfurt via London, as one of us needs the tier points. We'd position the day before and have a night at a hotel near Frankfurt airport.
Getting home was a bit more complicated as there was a plethora of options from the east coast of the USA. I have a young daughter and wife at home and wanted to be away from home for as little time as possible, so we decided to stay just one night which limited us somewhat. Cash prices in anything comfortable for a one-way fare from the east coast to the UK were ridiculous but we eventually noticed that Norse Atlantic had some very attractive fares from JFK back to London Gatwick. We were a wee bit indecisive, and of course the fares went away. So one helpful Google Travel price alert and a month later, we managed to get them booked for the original price. 250ish for JFK-LGW in premium economy, and 1A/1C.
Between Washington and New York was another easy decision, as one of us needed tier points we went with American on a very early flight between National Airport and LaGuardia.
Last flight was another easy decision, business class on BA between Gatwick and Glasgow for the tier points. Edinburgh is a far more convenient airport for us, but for some reason BA don't fly between Edinburgh and Gatwick, and the slightly longer drive home was preferable to a bus journey between Gatwick and Heathrow.
So final routing was EDI-LHR-FRA-IAD/DCA-LGA/JFK-LGW-GLA.An overnight in Frankfurt, an overnight in Washington, and around 10 hours on the ground in New York City. My first long haul trip in 9 years.
Big thanks to my Dad, pmcg , for organising everything and providing the much needed Lufthansa miles for the main event of the trip. Stay tuned to find out if we could handle such a whirlwind trip.
EDI-LHR-FRA
5/12/23
First up for the trip was positioning to Frankfurt on British Airways. After a delightful car service from home to the airport, we headed to check-in to check our bags through to Frankfurt and save ourselves the trouble of the overhead bin wars. There was a bit of a wait at check-in, but after we had our boarding passes we were through to the lounge in about five minutes. The BA lounge is currently closed, so it was into the Aspire lounge next door. I was a bit peckish so had a little breakfast of bacon and eggs, which could only be described as 'fine'.
It was soon time to board, and I was eventually settled into 2D for the short flight down to Heathrow.
I wasn't hungry after eating in the lounge, so I just had a glass of champagne.
My Dad and I switched seats for landing as I wanted to get a few pictures of London, but it ended up being far too cloudy.
After landing at Heathrow, we had a short wait for a gate. Once we had a gate, we were quickly off the plane and on the way to the lounge. After getting settled into some seats, we noticed the flight to Frankfurt now had a gate assigned and it was right next to the other lounge. So we trundled down there to find the flight was "boarding", but no boarding appeared to be happening. After making our way up to the lounge the main departures board now said boarding, so we headed back down to again find that boarding wasn't happening.
Boarding eventually started after about 15 minutes, and we were quickly down the jet bridge with a short wait to actually get on board.
This flight was absolutely fantastic with the crew addressing us by name throughout. I really enjoyed the afternoon tea too.
Sadly we had a bus gate on arrival...
...but we were soon at the hotel enjoying some Paulaner.
5/12/23
First up for the trip was positioning to Frankfurt on British Airways. After a delightful car service from home to the airport, we headed to check-in to check our bags through to Frankfurt and save ourselves the trouble of the overhead bin wars. There was a bit of a wait at check-in, but after we had our boarding passes we were through to the lounge in about five minutes. The BA lounge is currently closed, so it was into the Aspire lounge next door. I was a bit peckish so had a little breakfast of bacon and eggs, which could only be described as 'fine'.
It was soon time to board, and I was eventually settled into 2D for the short flight down to Heathrow.
I wasn't hungry after eating in the lounge, so I just had a glass of champagne.
My Dad and I switched seats for landing as I wanted to get a few pictures of London, but it ended up being far too cloudy.
After landing at Heathrow, we had a short wait for a gate. Once we had a gate, we were quickly off the plane and on the way to the lounge. After getting settled into some seats, we noticed the flight to Frankfurt now had a gate assigned and it was right next to the other lounge. So we trundled down there to find the flight was "boarding", but no boarding appeared to be happening. After making our way up to the lounge the main departures board now said boarding, so we headed back down to again find that boarding wasn't happening.
Boarding eventually started after about 15 minutes, and we were quickly down the jet bridge with a short wait to actually get on board.
This flight was absolutely fantastic with the crew addressing us by name throughout. I really enjoyed the afternoon tea too.
Sadly we had a bus gate on arrival...
...but we were soon at the hotel enjoying some Paulaner.
FRA-IAD
Lufthansa First Class
6/12/23
First up was a few hours in the Lufthansa First Class Terminal. After you arrive, you're greeted by your own personal assistant who checks you in while you clear security, so after security you can merely go relax in the lounge and then your boarding pass is delivered once check-in has been completed.
It was a great few hours in the lounge, starting off with a couple of pots of tea and some breakfast, then a few relaxed glasses of champagne at the bar. All too soon though, it was time to head down for our car to the aircraft.
After a short elevator ride and walk down the jetbridge, I was sitting very comfortably in 1A enjoying a glass of champagne.
We were soon underway, and once airborne the service started with another glass of champagne and a hot towel.
Afterwards it was time to eat. I opted for caviar, pigeon and then veal. There was only 1 veal loaded, and being in 1A that meant it went to me.
Everything was absolutely delicious. I was absolutely stuffed and refused dessert, but of course the crew delivered a slice of chocolate cake anyway. It would have been rude not to eat it so I had to force it down... After lunch we had a little wander down the back of the plane and then I settled in with a beer and a couple of movies.
Somewhere over northern Canada I opened the blinds and got a few nice pictures.
It was soon time for the second meal service, but quite frankly I was still stuffed from lunch so just opted for some more champagne.
And then unfortunately it was time to land.
We were met at the end of the jet bridge by two very attentive staff members who did their all to make sure our journey through the airport was as smooth as possible. This was an incredibly nice touch and really appreciated. I actually beat my Dad through immigration despite his Global Entry.
Thanks to our swiftness through immigration, we were actually in a Lyft heading to National Airport about 20 minutes after arriving at Dulles.
Lufthansa First Class
6/12/23
First up was a few hours in the Lufthansa First Class Terminal. After you arrive, you're greeted by your own personal assistant who checks you in while you clear security, so after security you can merely go relax in the lounge and then your boarding pass is delivered once check-in has been completed.
It was a great few hours in the lounge, starting off with a couple of pots of tea and some breakfast, then a few relaxed glasses of champagne at the bar. All too soon though, it was time to head down for our car to the aircraft.
After a short elevator ride and walk down the jetbridge, I was sitting very comfortably in 1A enjoying a glass of champagne.
We were soon underway, and once airborne the service started with another glass of champagne and a hot towel.
Afterwards it was time to eat. I opted for caviar, pigeon and then veal. There was only 1 veal loaded, and being in 1A that meant it went to me.
Everything was absolutely delicious. I was absolutely stuffed and refused dessert, but of course the crew delivered a slice of chocolate cake anyway. It would have been rude not to eat it so I had to force it down... After lunch we had a little wander down the back of the plane and then I settled in with a beer and a couple of movies.
Somewhere over northern Canada I opened the blinds and got a few nice pictures.
It was soon time for the second meal service, but quite frankly I was still stuffed from lunch so just opted for some more champagne.
And then unfortunately it was time to land.
We were met at the end of the jet bridge by two very attentive staff members who did their all to make sure our journey through the airport was as smooth as possible. This was an incredibly nice touch and really appreciated. I actually beat my Dad through immigration despite his Global Entry.
Thanks to our swiftness through immigration, we were actually in a Lyft heading to National Airport about 20 minutes after arriving at Dulles.
Washington, DC
After arriving at the Holiday Inn Crystal City/National Airport, we got checked in and dumped our bags very quickly. We were departing at 7am the next morning so wanted to make the most of our time. With a 15 minute walk to the nearest Metro station or a six minute drive on the airport shuttle, we opted for the shuttle.
Six minutes later we were at the airport, and headed straight to the Metro station. Can you tap your card to pay in Washington? Hell no, you've gotta buy a Metro card and then load credit on it. It was very antiquated and it took us a few minutes to work out what we were supposed to do. But eventually we were on the Metro and headed towards Smithsonian where we were going to get off and see a couple of the sights.
It was very cool to see these sights up close at night, and I'll definitely need to come back at some point for longer.
After arriving at the Holiday Inn Crystal City/National Airport, we got checked in and dumped our bags very quickly. We were departing at 7am the next morning so wanted to make the most of our time. With a 15 minute walk to the nearest Metro station or a six minute drive on the airport shuttle, we opted for the shuttle.
Six minutes later we were at the airport, and headed straight to the Metro station. Can you tap your card to pay in Washington? Hell no, you've gotta buy a Metro card and then load credit on it. It was very antiquated and it took us a few minutes to work out what we were supposed to do. But eventually we were on the Metro and headed towards Smithsonian where we were going to get off and see a couple of the sights.
It was very cool to see these sights up close at night, and I'll definitely need to come back at some point for longer.
DCA to LGA and Manhattan
7/12/23
A 4am alarm the morning after a transatlantic flight is not something I can recommend, but after waking up and having a shower I surprisingly didn't feel too bad. We were soon at DCA and settled into the lounge with a glass of orange juice and a nice view of our aircraft as the gate was directly across from the lounge.
It was soon time to board and after an incredibly civilised boarding process (take note BA!) I was settled into 1A for the very short flight up to LGA.
It was almost comical how short this flight was. Our drink orders were taken while still on the ground, and I ordered a beer. Less than thirty seconds after it was delivered, the captain announced that we were starting our initial descent so the flight attendant returned and had to take my beer away to decant it into a plastic cup. The seatbelt sign also didn't go off for the whole flight which I thought was quite funny.
The views coming into New York simply cannot be beaten though. Absolutely incredible views of Manhattan.
After landing it was time to go and enjoy the roughly ten hours we'd have on the ground, so we headed to the shuttle bus to the subway and then to Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.
7/12/23
A 4am alarm the morning after a transatlantic flight is not something I can recommend, but after waking up and having a shower I surprisingly didn't feel too bad. We were soon at DCA and settled into the lounge with a glass of orange juice and a nice view of our aircraft as the gate was directly across from the lounge.
It was soon time to board and after an incredibly civilised boarding process (take note BA!) I was settled into 1A for the very short flight up to LGA.
It was almost comical how short this flight was. Our drink orders were taken while still on the ground, and I ordered a beer. Less than thirty seconds after it was delivered, the captain announced that we were starting our initial descent so the flight attendant returned and had to take my beer away to decant it into a plastic cup. The seatbelt sign also didn't go off for the whole flight which I thought was quite funny.
The views coming into New York simply cannot be beaten though. Absolutely incredible views of Manhattan.
After landing it was time to go and enjoy the roughly ten hours we'd have on the ground, so we headed to the shuttle bus to the subway and then to Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.
Manhattan
7/12/23
First stop after getting to Manhattan was to dump our bags somewhere. I found an app called Bounce that seemed to be pretty legitimate, so I booked somewhere near where we got off the subway for about $25 and when we got there it was a pretty stereotypical New York convenience store. We probably would have preferred somewhere a bit more secure looking, but it was already booked so we just went with it. Once the bags were dumped it was time to find some breakfast. After a couple of closed places, we eventually found a nice Irish bar and ordered some breakfast.
Needless to say, I didn't finish this.
We then explored a bit of Manhattan and visited FAO Schwarz to buy a toy for my daughter.
Then after quite a few miles of walking, it was time for a beer (or two).
7/12/23
First stop after getting to Manhattan was to dump our bags somewhere. I found an app called Bounce that seemed to be pretty legitimate, so I booked somewhere near where we got off the subway for about $25 and when we got there it was a pretty stereotypical New York convenience store. We probably would have preferred somewhere a bit more secure looking, but it was already booked so we just went with it. Once the bags were dumped it was time to find some breakfast. After a couple of closed places, we eventually found a nice Irish bar and ordered some breakfast.
Needless to say, I didn't finish this.
We then explored a bit of Manhattan and visited FAO Schwarz to buy a toy for my daughter.
Then after quite a few miles of walking, it was time for a beer (or two).
TWA Hotel, JFK
7/12/23
Originally the plan was to get a room for the day at the TWA Hotel. I really fancied swimming in the pool that overlooks one of JFK's runways. We decided not to do it after discovering it would cost almost 200 dollars for a room from 11am to 4pm, but we still wanted to go there and have a drink.
We headed to T7 at JFK and got checked in, then hopped back on the Air Train and headed to T5 to see the hotel. It's an incredible space and we had a great time having a drink there.
7/12/23
Originally the plan was to get a room for the day at the TWA Hotel. I really fancied swimming in the pool that overlooks one of JFK's runways. We decided not to do it after discovering it would cost almost 200 dollars for a room from 11am to 4pm, but we still wanted to go there and have a drink.
We headed to T7 at JFK and got checked in, then hopped back on the Air Train and headed to T5 to see the hotel. It's an incredible space and we had a great time having a drink there.
JFK-LGW
7/12/23
We headed to security at T7 expecting about a 30 minute wait, but after having our boarding passes checked we were directed to the priority security line and it only took about 10 minutes. After getting through and heading to the gate, we headed to the bar near the gate where I nearly died after paying $34 for two beers. After periodically checking the gate we noticed it was boarding so headed down and boarded, only to discover that the whole premium cabin had boarded already and we could only get our bags a couple of rows back.
This was a really good flight. The seats were very comfortable and spacious, with good recline. The food was not particularly good though, so I feel like if Norse improved that they'd have an incredibly competitive product. Their seat already blows all other premium economy products out of the water across the Atlantic. Service was really good with a very attentive flight attendant offering plenty of drinks. I didn't sleep much (or at all according to my Fitbit), despite trying my best to fill up on food and beer.
7/12/23
We headed to security at T7 expecting about a 30 minute wait, but after having our boarding passes checked we were directed to the priority security line and it only took about 10 minutes. After getting through and heading to the gate, we headed to the bar near the gate where I nearly died after paying $34 for two beers. After periodically checking the gate we noticed it was boarding so headed down and boarded, only to discover that the whole premium cabin had boarded already and we could only get our bags a couple of rows back.
This was a really good flight. The seats were very comfortable and spacious, with good recline. The food was not particularly good though, so I feel like if Norse improved that they'd have an incredibly competitive product. Their seat already blows all other premium economy products out of the water across the Atlantic. Service was really good with a very attentive flight attendant offering plenty of drinks. I didn't sleep much (or at all according to my Fitbit), despite trying my best to fill up on food and beer.
LGW-GLA and Home
8/12/23
We landed at Gatwick incredibly early, around 5.30am, and I was absolutely exhausted. I don't think I slept at all on the flight over from New York. We had to check in and reclear security but we were soon in the lounge, where it was time to have a shower and change clothes.
Having never used Gatwick before, but Heathrow numerous times, it's incredible what a difference there is between BA's facilities at the two airports. Heathrow is like a zoo, and in comparison Gatwick is a calming oasis. Even the shower facilities at Gatwick are a million times better. You don't feel like you're showering in a hospital.
After my shower I had an hour or so napping in the lounge (think Dad did too!), then we decided to kill some time with a wee walk around the airport.
It was soon time to board, so we headed down and boarded. We got our bags in the overhead bin no problem but after us there was a lot of trouble. First up was an old couple who were seated in row 1 who nicely asked the gentleman in row 2 if he'd move his coat for one of their bags. He obliged with no comments, but then the wife sat down in 1C and started ranting to her husband about how much the guy hated moving his stuff. He hadn't said a thing!
Then shortly after, a man boarded the plane and started berating the flight attendant because his bag potentially might not make the flight. What a complete and utter arsehole, he even had the audacity to sarcastically say to her "well you should know" when she informed him that she has no knowledge of bags being checked.
Pleasant flight though, with an enjoyable meal of coronation chicken.
8/12/23
We landed at Gatwick incredibly early, around 5.30am, and I was absolutely exhausted. I don't think I slept at all on the flight over from New York. We had to check in and reclear security but we were soon in the lounge, where it was time to have a shower and change clothes.
Having never used Gatwick before, but Heathrow numerous times, it's incredible what a difference there is between BA's facilities at the two airports. Heathrow is like a zoo, and in comparison Gatwick is a calming oasis. Even the shower facilities at Gatwick are a million times better. You don't feel like you're showering in a hospital.
After my shower I had an hour or so napping in the lounge (think Dad did too!), then we decided to kill some time with a wee walk around the airport.
It was soon time to board, so we headed down and boarded. We got our bags in the overhead bin no problem but after us there was a lot of trouble. First up was an old couple who were seated in row 1 who nicely asked the gentleman in row 2 if he'd move his coat for one of their bags. He obliged with no comments, but then the wife sat down in 1C and started ranting to her husband about how much the guy hated moving his stuff. He hadn't said a thing!
Then shortly after, a man boarded the plane and started berating the flight attendant because his bag potentially might not make the flight. What a complete and utter arsehole, he even had the audacity to sarcastically say to her "well you should know" when she informed him that she has no knowledge of bags being checked.
Pleasant flight though, with an enjoyable meal of coronation chicken.
Nice report - good mix of photos and text and a nice read.
Quote:
Can you tap your card to pay in Washington? Hell no, you've gotta buy a Metro card and then load credit on it. It was very antiquated and it took us a few minutes to work out what we were supposed to do. But eventually we were on the Metro and headed towards Smithsonian where we were going to get off and see a couple of the sights.
Perhaps not obvious but you can add a transit pass for the Metro from within the Apple wallet app on iPhone (and I believe via Google Wallet on Android). Works great and non rush hour fares are a flat $2 each way so its easy to figure out how much valid to add to the pass.Can you tap your card to pay in Washington? Hell no, you've gotta buy a Metro card and then load credit on it. It was very antiquated and it took us a few minutes to work out what we were supposed to do. But eventually we were on the Metro and headed towards Smithsonian where we were going to get off and see a couple of the sights.
Indeed incredible views of Manhattan👍
Thank you ... much enjoyed! The dining on the LH sector would offer me my dream meal, I think. The Washington Metro was a major stress point the last time I used it (2015?) and needed much assistance from a staffer!
Excellent trip report, great read. I’d have suggested a cocktail at the TWA hotel, when I was there a few months back the bartender was incredibly heavy handed and the resulting beverages were rocket fuel goodness. The hotel itself was as impressive as I’d hoped, I’d done something similar to yourself and dumped a load of avios for a new york trip just to visit it and was not disappointed.
Also thanks for the metro tip in washington, I’m there in a couple of weeks time and will be following in your footsteps.
Very jealous of the duck
Also thanks for the metro tip in washington, I’m there in a couple of weeks time and will be following in your footsteps.
Very jealous of the duck
Quote:
8/12/23
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It was soon time to board, so we headed down and boarded. We got our bags in the overhead bin no problem but after us there was a lot of trouble. First up was an old couple who were seated in row 1 who nicely asked the gentleman in row 2 if he'd move his coat for one of their bags. He obliged with no comments, but then the wife sat down in 1C and started ranting to her husband about how much the guy hated moving his stuff. He hadn't said a thing!
Then shortly after, a man boarded the plane and started berating the flight attendant because his bag potentially might not make the flight. What a complete and utter arsehole, he even had the audacity to sarcastically say to her "well you should know" when she informed him that she has no knowledge of bags being checked.
Sounds like double DYKWIA candidates!Originally Posted by mmcg
LGW-GLA and Home8/12/23
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It was soon time to board, so we headed down and boarded. We got our bags in the overhead bin no problem but after us there was a lot of trouble. First up was an old couple who were seated in row 1 who nicely asked the gentleman in row 2 if he'd move his coat for one of their bags. He obliged with no comments, but then the wife sat down in 1C and started ranting to her husband about how much the guy hated moving his stuff. He hadn't said a thing!
Then shortly after, a man boarded the plane and started berating the flight attendant because his bag potentially might not make the flight. What a complete and utter arsehole, he even had the audacity to sarcastically say to her "well you should know" when she informed him that she has no knowledge of bags being checked.