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From Scotland to Mexico
A good friend of mine who lives in San Francisco invited me to his wedding in Guadalajara, Mexico. The wedding was taking place in mid-April which was a great opportunity for me to escape the cold spring in Scotland and head for a warmer climate. I was more than happy to accept the invitation and visit a city I had not been to before. After a bit of playing around with routings, I managed to bag a pretty decent fare on the AA website for a little under £1300. That was DUB - LHR - DFW - GDL // LAX - ORD - HEL - AGP. Add in a one way from GDL to LAX (via DFW) and a one way ABZ - DUB, the total was £1600 or there abouts. Thankfully, I booked this trip before British Airways decimated their Executive Club so I earned TPs and Avios on the 'old' rules, not the new rules. I booked probably 6 months in advance and the itinerary was cancelled and changed numerous times in that period which involved numerous chats with AA on their app. However, not to worry. I find the online chat function with AA absolutely fantastic - far superior to anything BA offers.
Fast forward to the day of departure and I made my way to ABZ for around 7.30am. Aer Lingus Regional flights are a pure economy offering so there was no fast track security for me this morning. However, the queue was short and I was through in a number of minutes. One good thing about booking Aer Lingus Regional flight which has a BA codeshare flight number is that, as a Gold card holder, I was able to access the BA lounge. Granted, it took the lady at the desk a good 5 mins or so to refer to her folder and check the rules but we got there eventually. I have reviewed the ABZ lounge a number of times before so won't again. Needless to say, it was excellent as always with one of my favourite ladies working who will always stop by for a gossip. My ATR arrived on time and that was my cue to head down to the gate. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...0179574f_c.jpg ABZ - DUB, EI3243, EI-GPO, ATR72 You can pay for seat selection on these flights but I didn't. I'm not sure if Aer Lingus recognised my status with BA or not but I was allocated a window seat in Row 17 (a few rows from the back of the plane) and the aisle seat next to me was free. On these small prop planes, we board and exit from the rear and the luggage is stored in the front. Greeted by some lovely crew at the back, the safety demo was played and before long, we were on our way to Dublin. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...a5a1ba80_c.jpg I do't have much to say about the flight. It was a 10am flight so I just watched something on my phone and didn't buy anything from the BOB menu. There were a bunch of guys in front of me who I think were on their way to Dublin for a stag weekend who were getting fired into the beers, though. Go on, lads! We landed in Dublin and it was pouring rain. We disembarked onto a bus and then drove around what seemed like the whole airport before we got dumped off at arrivals. Even with the fact there was no passport queue, all luggage from our flight had been delivered by the time I got through to baggage reclaim! I had an 8 and a half hour layover in Dublin (after changes to the itinerary) so decided that I would head into Dublin for lunch. I stopped by the BA desk in departures because I couldn't get a boarding pass for that evening's flight. The lady on the desk very kindly said that she could change me flights so that I didn't have such a long wait but I explained that I was going to go into the city. I cheekily asked if I could check my case in at that time, fully expecting to be told 'no', but was surprised when the answer was 'yes, of course you can'. That saved me 20 Euro or so! I grabbed the bus into central Dublin and had a wander around for a while. By this time, the rain had eased off a bit. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...1accc922_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...4d9830a0_c.jpg I found a bar with some live music (pretty hard NOT to find a bar with live music in Temple) and enjoyed a few pints of the black stuff. I then jumped on the bus back to the airport. Security was a breeze and I was on my way to the Aer Lingus lounge. I didn't take any pics of it - it's pretty unremarkable to be honest. Although, they did have quite a tasty Irish stew which I enjoyed before boarding. DUB - LHR, BA823, G-EUOF, A319 Boarding was a relatively orderly affair which is unusual for DUB in my view. Once boarded, we were treated to some nice sunset views as we taxied and took off. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...b1ec8205_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...0dc0af48_c.jpg As I'd eaten in the lounge, I passed on the 'meal' BA had to offer and stuck to a few drinks. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...8e6e375e_c.jpg Cases took an AGE to get delivered at LHR. I always find this to be an issue and it's clear there aren't enough baggage handlers at LHR to handle the volume of arriving flights. Anyway, after waiting close to an hour, I hopped on the tube to Hatton Cross and made my way to the Garden Inn. I have reviewed it before so won't go into much detail. It's my favourite hotel at LHR. It's close to the tube, the rooms are great, it's got a good bar with decent food, some great staff and fantastic views of arriving / departing aircraft (an avegeek's dream, right?!). I got a really good night's sleep and decided to jump on the Heathrow Hoppa bus in the morning as it was sitting outside the hotel as I left. 15 mins later, I was arriving at T3. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...6774afdc_c.jpg I lingered outside for a while to enjoy the last bits of fresh air I'd get for 24 hours and then headed in to check-in. The guy who was checking me in was on training with someone supervising him so it took a little bit longer than usual but I wasn't bothered. He was a really nice guy and I wished him well for his new job. Fast track security wasn't too bad - I was through in about 10 mins. Everyone knows about the T3 lounge crawl which is kinda what I did. I always make a point of going to the CX lounge first and this morning was no exception. I love a window seat and there was one free so I pulled up a pew, got myself a glass of fizz and enjoyed the views. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...c693fbd6_c.jpg Breakfast called shortly thereafter and, as usual, it did not disappoint! https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...pg" width="800 I went to check out the QF lounge afterwards and had a glass of fizz there before heading to duty free to stock up on a few litres of whisky to take back with me. By the time I was done that, boarding had already started. LHR - DFW, AA79, N735AT, B777-300ER When booking, I managed to snag myself seat 3J in the business class mini-cabin. It is a fantastic seat and the mini-cabin is so quiet. Waiting at the seat was an amenity kit, the menu and bedding. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...5cfc59cb_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...4d75a716_c.jpg Before long, one of the members of crew came around and introduced herself and offered a pre-departure drink. Yes, it's served in a plastic glass but it's the thought that counts, right?! https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...5c68d455_c.jpg The captain came on and informed us of a flight time just shy of 10 hours across to Dallas. After taking off, it was the usual nonsense with AA in that the seatbelt sign stays off until they reach cruising altitude :D But drinks and warm nuts were served before this.... LOL https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...6c6f2c98_c.jpg The carrot starter was just OK... the side salad was decent enough. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...45b5c6c0_c.jpg Main course - absolutely delicious. It did say on the menu that the salmon came with edamame grits but it was served with rice. Not to worry. The teriyaki sauce was fantastic. One of the better meals I have had in business class on any carrier recently. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...c438e442_c.jpg And, of course, it wouldn't be AA if you didn't have a sundae to finish off! https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...9f621b69_c.jpg After the meal, I asked for a tea and a whisky and got delivered the biggest whisky ever.... probably why I then slept like a baby for 4 hours!! https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e7726639_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...5980f123_c.jpg I found the seat really comfy to sleep in and the blanket was so cosy. Anyway, after waking up, it wasn't too long before my chicken pot pie was being served. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...b3b2370e_c.jpg It wasn't long until we were coming in over the central US and the crew came around offering some more drinks. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...6c8daec5_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...d3e74b35_c.jpg So, that was a great flight with AA. I have read countless reports where AA have been slated for bad meals and poor crew but this was the complete opposite. Connection in DFW was 4 hours. We landed into Terminal D so I headed up to the Flagship lounge. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...27840a55_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...9a1d35e9_c.jpg I grabbed a drink and had some dinner. After a while, I dozed off and woke up to realise that my flight to GDL was departing from the A gates. F****CKKKKK..... I ran to the monorail and hot footed it across to the A gates. It seemed to take an ETERNITY but I got there as boarding was still in full swing. Thank GOD! https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...ce05d707_c.jpg Boarded and there were just 2 rows of business class on this A319. The purser was absolutely fantastic and had an open bar for us all. She spent time talking to each passenger individually - a true credit to AA. There was a bit of a delay and then a bit of a hubbub at the front with ground staff coming on and off the plane. And then the plane went tech. Everyone was told to leave the plane and head back to Terminal D. Hahahaha! They'd found another aircraft but we had to go to it. Fair enough. All bags, etc would be transferred to the new plane and the crew would meet us there. Anyway, we all traipsed over back on the Monorail to Terminal D and I made friends with a local Dallas guy who was heading down to GDL to see his gf. We had a pint together whilst we waited for the new plane to be ready for us. Kudos to AA here - the delay was handled really well. Staff went around the gate area to give updates as to how long the delay would be. All in all, we were only an hour late getting to GDL. DFW - GDL, AA2063, N744P, A319 Boarded again with the same fantastic Jill in business class. "I take it y'all just want the same drinks as you had an hour ago before we take off?" :D After that, we made out way out of Texas and across to Mexico. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...816b9453_c.jpg I had pre-ordered the short rib with mac n' cheese which was actually pretty nice. Wouldn't say the same as to whatever that salad plate was. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...59c85a02_c.jpg I asked for a Baileys but Jill was insistent that I had to try her special mix which was coffee, baileys and Amaretto... who was I to refuse? https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...d8b7c03b_c.jpg A bus gate a the late hour we arrived but hey, you can't have it all! https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...d273d79b_c.jpg So a great day of travel overall. AA actually surpassed my expectations, mainly due to the great crew I had. I could have got p!ssed with the delay to the GDL flight but AA handled it exemplary. I had a car waiting for me at GDL so I was straight on my way to the Rui hotel and checked in. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e9597e48_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...1a136318_c.jpg The suite was fine, albeit a bit dated. I met my friend down in the bar for a few drinks before I called it a night. I needed a decent night of sleep before a day of exploring tomorrow. |
@stu1985 great to have you back with another no nonsense factual 'keen to read' trip report. V much looking forward to learning more of your adventures in Guadalajara and subsequent flights back. Can I clarify though, did you book your positioning flight with EI to DUB through BA in order to get a 125- ticket and as such access as a Gold member to the BA lounge in ABZ?
Happy travels! |
Looking forward to following along!
Perhaps this trip will have the tequila influence the forum seeks next? |
Originally Posted by BarelyBAGold
(Post 37069312)
@stu1985 great to have you back with another no nonsense factual 'keen to read' trip report. V much looking forward to learning more of your adventures in Guadalajara and subsequent flights back. Can I clarify though, did you book your positioning flight with EI to DUB through BA in order to get a 125- ticket and as such access as a Gold member to the BA lounge in ABZ?
Happy travels!
Originally Posted by babystepper
(Post 37069330)
Looking forward to following along!
Perhaps this trip will have the tequila influence the forum seeks next? |
The one thing that's turned me off to the TR forum over the years was the preponderance of photo heavy reports, especially those with detail shots of things like the seat's electrical plug outlet or an exciting hot towel tray. But that's my problem as I accept that most people here love that sort of detail.
That said, I've enjoyed what appear to be a greater number of nicely written trip reports of late, of which this one is an excellent example :tu: Again, I'm probably the only one with this "problem" (So shine on, you crazy photo reporters! :D) and thanks so much for this most enjoyable report. Rather surprisingly, it's nice to read some positive commentary on our much maligned (and deservedly so) flag carrier. That trans-Atlantic Business Class seat and service looked nicer than I expected. And those sunset photos out of DUB were beautiful. Here's wishing you a great time in Mexico and an equally enjoyable trip home 🏡 |
Originally Posted by Seat 2A
(Post 37079824)
The one thing that's turned me off to the TR forum over the years was the preponderance of photo heavy reports, especially those with detail shots of things like the seat's electrical plug outlet or an exciting hot towel tray. But that's my problem as I accept that most people here love that sort of detail.
That said, I've enjoyed what appear to be a greater number of nicely written trip reports of late, of which this one is an excellent example :tu: Again, I'm probably the only one with this "problem" (So shine on, you crazy photo reporters! :D) and thanks so much for this most enjoyable report. Rather surprisingly, it's nice to read some positive commentary on our much maligned (and deservedly so) flag carrier. That trans-Atlantic Business Class seat and service looked nicer than I expected. And those sunset photos out of DUB were beautiful. Here's wishing you a great time in Mexico and an equally enjoyable trip home 🏡 |
Sorry for the delay in updating this... just come back from another trip which I may do a TR on.
Anyway.................. The next morning, I was up and about relatively early and decided to take a walk around the city to see what it had to offer. What did I think of Guadalajara? Honestly, I probably wouldn't return. It was nice enough but there wasn't that much to see and do in the city and I thought it was pretty industrial. That said, I did take a day trip to Tlaquepaque the days after the wedding and it was a cute, bustling town. The view from my room on the 33rd floor https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...fe806dd9_c.jpg So, some pictures of what I did see on my meanderings around in the sun... The hotel I was in was kinda far from the main city centre area so it was a decent length walk I had to take. There was no chance I was doing that twice so I grabbed an Uber back in the late afternoon :D https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f7ea3763_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...4bc96a07_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...3c5a8f4d_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...6ace3116_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...def1356c_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...ecfea470_c.jpg The main area around this cathedral was really busy and there was some type of market going on with a number of different stalls set up. There were also a number of back streets off the main square with small restaurants and bars. I popped into one of them early afternoon to quench my thirst and get out of the sun and started talking to this local guy who was having lunch and a beer too. It was a fascinating conversation about him growing up in Mexico, how he sees the country going and the current political situation. That's why I like travel. You never know who you are going to bump into and strike up a conversation with. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...2de4e136_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...a0ea4501_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...d5ea4ef2_c.jpg That evening there was a 'meet and greet' at a local venue. I thought this was a great idea as it gave all of the wedding guests the chance to meet each other. A lot of them already knew one another (obviously) but I appreciated it being the only Scot there and who hadn't met most of the people going to the wedding. A great night was had by all. A local Mariachi band had been hired and played some fantastic traditional music. Many tequilas were consumed. I successfully managed to avoid being dragged to a nightclub until the wee small hours as I still had a bit of jetlag which was catching up on me. Some good sleep was badly needed! The day of the wedding was another scorcher but thankfully it wasn't until late afternoon so out of the heat of the midday. As I had a few hours to kill, I took a walk around the area beside the hotel and came across some nice neighbourhoods. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...fe3b5ef6_c.jpg I think this is Guadalajara's main tourist attraction - La Minerva fountain https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...a4896461_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...a9da0eaf_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...bc977250_c.jpg Back to the hotel and it was time to make myself look relatively decent for the wedding. The guests staying at the hotel hopped into a pre-booked bus and took the 45 min ride out to the absolutely stunning location. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...d241552a_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...df87ebc9_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...806d3dc3_c.jpg It was a fantastic day. The ceremony went well as did the evening. A beautiful meal was served along with a number of Tequila Squirts (I'm told it's a local drink) as well as shots of Tequila. After the amount I had, I think it's safe to say that I am a convert! The morning after was a bit of a slow affair ;) but once I felt relatively human again, I called an Uber and went down to Tlaquepaque. A number of the wedding guests had already been and recommended that I go too. I am glad I took the recommendation because I loved walking around the small streets and the bustling markets. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...01690e7a_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...aa313a0d_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...c630f60f_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...437bc06f_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...a40c370a_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...1637c161_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e2c4b6e2_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...5e7658a4_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...edd201fc_c.jpg My friend had some family stuff on in the evening so I just pleased myself and had a few drinks and some dinner at the hotel. When he got back, we headed up to the rooftop bar with a few of the other for some late night drinks. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e374544a_c.jpg The day after, pretty much everyone had left but I still had another day. After all the busyness of the last few days, I decided that a pool day was in order. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...ca4f8bda_c.jpg I dotted in and out of the pool and (mainly) out of the sunshine as it was just so hot that day. Read a good bit of a book I had taken with me and generally had a really nice, chilled day. The hotel did have a small lounge so I headed there in the evening for a few glasses of wine before going to the rooftop bar to take in my last sunset over Guadalajara and it was a good one! https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...7a94ff35_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...0c96776d_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...0bb9bb48_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e53b2075_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...0c96776d_c.jpg |
So, after a relatively quick trip for the wedding, it was time to head home.
I left the hotel around 730am and grabbed an Uber to the airport. The traffic was crazy at that time in the morning so the ride seemed to take forever but we got there eventually. There was no line at check-in so I was seen immediately. My case was supposedly 2lb over the weight limit but when the guy saw I was on a J ticket, he said it was fine. Thank you! AA have no lounge facilities as GDL as far as I could see so I just camped out in a quiet area of the airport for an hour and a half. AA1830, GDL - DFW, N822AW, A319 Boarding was started promptly 30 mins before departure and some interloper from Zone 5 was turned back when she tried to board with priority customers.... we love to see it :D Again, another fantastic AA crew on this flight. I can't remember the name of the purser but she was absolutely fantastic. PDBs offered to all of us in J with some polite chit chat. Pre-orders were confirmed on the ground along with a request for what I would like to drink once we took off. I must say, AA crews (sometimes rightly) get a LOT of stick but my experience on this trip was a far cry from any of that! Before long, we were on our way to DFW. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...6a24d2f9_c.jpg I am pretty much CERTAIN that I chose chicken enchiladas and that's what the crew confirmed but that's not what was served. It was a chicken breast with some rice and sauce. It was actually a decent enough meal, albeit I was a bit confused when I received it! https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f8aace5d_c.jpg I said the crew were great and they were. Frequent presence in the cabin but not to the point where it was overbearing asking passengers if we needed anything else. Let's just say that my wine glass was always fully replenished! So now we arrive into DFW where the fun starts... We arrive into the D gates and my connection to LAX in a few hours is leaving from the A gates. Fine. I hop on the Monorail and get across to the A gates and up into the lounge where I found a nice quiet spot to chill for a few hours. An hour or so after I arrived to the lounge, the flight was delayed by an hour. Then it went to 2 hours. Then it went to 3 hours. Then it went to departing form the A gates... ugggggggh, so back on the Monorail to take the tour of DFW back to the A gates. But at least it was a nicer Flagship lounge than I had been in previously. Found a spot towards the back and enjoyed a glass of white wine. After a while, Gate D 30-something was allocated to the flight and a message "Go to Gate". I leisurely finished my wine then headed down. I got go the gate allocated to find a flight to Paris boarding priority customers :confused: Worried that there was an issue with the app, I managed to find some AAgents at a desk nearby to ask what the situation was. "Yes, it's definitely that gate". Anyway, turns out that our plane had been in maintenance and would be getting towed back to the gate once the Paris flight had left. Of course, the crew for my flight were hanging around the gate with probably as much information as those of us at the gate had. Rather than heading back to the lounge, I just milled around the gate area. The Paris flight LOL https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...fd9e9c56_c.jpg AA2767, DFW - LAX, N797AN, B772 It was a pleasant surprise when I got a notification on Flighty that my flight had been changed from a 738 to a 772 :cool: I took my seat at 1A and we ended up departing 4 and a half hours late. Damn the US not having compulsory compensation like the UK! Another great crew on board led by a woman who could have been my Gran. But she worked the WHOLE flight walking down the aisle with her tray and offering passengers in J service all of the time. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...a5701dcb_c.jpg The salad was the other option which was offered on my earlier flight so I decided to try it and it was pretty good. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...b7b70e61_c.jpg Some nice pics coming into LAX in the evening. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...2495ed96_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...d4fe07da_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...d5bffc54_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...4b9e2766_c.jpg Eventually, we landed in LAX. Unusually for AA, the bags took an AGE to be delivered. I had planned to go for a nice dinner that evening but given the fact it was now 11.30pm, I just grabbed the bus to the H Hotel and promptly crashed into bed for some well needed sleep! |
Great TR. I'm glad you enjoyed your time on AA and that glass of whiskey, man, that was more like a vat of pure gold!
I dont fly AA at all - actually scratch that, I did pull a AA long haul J award from LA to SYD last year and I thought it was excellent. Keep up the good work! |
Just catching up on your TR and OMG at that whisky you got served!!! :o
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Originally Posted by eightblack
(Post 37089116)
Great TR. I'm glad you enjoyed your time on AA and that glass of whiskey, man, that was more like a vat of pure gold!
I dont fly AA at all - actually scratch that, I did pull a AA long haul J award from LA to SYD last year and I thought it was excellent. Keep up the good work!
Originally Posted by nequine
(Post 37098827)
Just catching up on your TR and OMG at that whisky you got served!!! :o
|
The next morning was a relatively leisurely affair. After doing a bit of repacking, I grabbed the shuttle bus and got dropped off to check-in at LAX. The priority queue took ages this morning with some woman at the front obviously not happy that she was way over her baggage allowance and had to pay extra if she wanted her case on board. "No ma'am, you can't just take it to the gate and ask them to load it" :rolleyes:
Security was a dawdle for a change and I was on my way to the Qantas FLounge. It's my favourite lounge here at LAX and I always make a point of stopping by before a flight, even an internal one. I've reported on it before so won't go into any real detail here. Safe to say it's still as good as always. Staff very friendly. Didn't eat this morning but the food all looked great. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...63c01daa_c.jpg AA1979, LAX - ORD, N872NN, B738 The flight left from T4 but I hadn't realised that there were a load of works going on which meant that the usual route from TBIT to T4 was cut off and there was a detour. Thankfully, I had left enough time and turned up to the gate 10 mins before boarding. Once on board, another extremely pleasant AA crew who had an open bar for PDBs this afternoon. I obliged with a Bloody Mary. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...654466f4_c.jpg Departure was early from LAX (excellent!) and we got some great views as we took off. Shortly after departure, the crew came around and confirmed that I had pre-ordered chicken enchiladas and then took meal orders from the other passengers in F. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...48341deb_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...7e41f5cd_c.jpg The food was actually really tasty and the small cucumber side salad was delicious. Crew were very pro-active at coming through the cabin offering refills of drinks to all passengers. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...914a474d_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...d2671571_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...8dff0487_c.jpg The crew passed through the cabin with some small pots of ice cream about half way through the flight. The flight itself passed really quickly what with me enjoying the views from the window and catching up on some Netflix. We got some great views of Chicago on our approach to ORD. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...3e423a29_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...c51ec29d_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...b716c3c5_c.jpg Flighty tells me that we taxied for 21 mins when we landed at ORD - lol. It felt a lot longer than that. Anyway, we arrived at T3 and I had to get the bus across to T5. I got a pleasant surprise when I was looking to see what lounge Finnair use at ORD to see that they use the newly opened LOT Business Lounge. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f95f05a1_c.jpg The lounge was fairly busy so I didn't really take any pictures but it's got a decent sized buffet area in the middle and a manned bar. It's also got a fantastic view of the LOT aircraft. I wonder how much LOT paid to get this stand each day?! https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...de7dd358_c.jpg I had a couple of Polish vodkas and a small nibble to eat as I had decided that I wouldn't take the meal on this 8 hour flight to Helsinki in order to get some sleep. AY10, ORD - HEL, OH-LTO, A333 Boarding started promptly at a gate which was right at the end of the Terminal. After a bit of a scrum with folk picking up duty free bags, I was on board and settling into my AirLounge seat. I also reviewed it here if you want to get acquainted with it again. The crew came around with champagne or water as pre-departure drinks. I informed them that I would simply like a few whiskies after take off (the Finnish whisky on board, Kyro, is excellent). https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...9aa69080_c.jpg Here is the menu for those interested in what was being served. To be honest, the grilled chicken dish did sound very nice. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...1dc820af_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...3d73cb5b_c.jpg I cannot get enough of the glassware on Finnair! https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...42e57bba_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...86a39ef6_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...8eafb242_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...8931c114_c.jpg My whisky was served near enough as soon as the crew started their service. After enjoying it, I got a fantastic night of sleep. The seat, in my opinion, is great to sleep in and the blanket was very cosy. Only niggle is that I would like a slightly larger pillow! I awoke to the noise of breakfast being served about an hour out of the Helsinki and one of the crew asked if I would like to eat to which I said I would. Check the portion size of the breakfast tray! This is probably more than you would get on BA F from ORD! https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...62854efe_c.jpg Breakfast finished, I changed into my normal clothes and the purser came by my seat. I thought he was going to be saying his thanks but it turns out that my HEL - AGP flight had been cancelled. I started to stress a little bit as I was departing from AGP the next lunchtime on a separate booking so needed to be in AGP that evening if the separate booking wasn't to be ruined. "Don't worry, you are rebooked on new flights but you just have to go collect your boarding passes". https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...1344c542_c.jpg So, off the plane, I dutifully headed to the connections desk. I had been rebooked on a Finnair flight to Zurich and then a Swiss Airlines flight to Malaga. With some good luck, the Swiss Airlines flight actually arrived in Malaga 10 mins before the Finnair flight I was scheduled to take did! I asked about my case that had obviously already been tagged but was told not to worry as that would all be taken care of. I went to the Platinum Wing and took a much needed shower and had a few long drinks whilst catching up on some What's App messages. I then headed through to the Schengen zone and into the lounge there. It's been a while since I have been in that lounge but I never remembered it having a wing for Emerald oneworld passengers so that was a nice surprise. The views were pretty good too! https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...5efd88f0_c.jpg AY1513, HEL - ZRH, OH-LVD, A319 What with me being rebooked at the last minute on this flight, I was stuck in an aisle seat which was a bit of a pest as I like to see the views from the sky. Never mind - at least I was on my way to AGP. An older Finnair crew member was in charge of the cabin today who worked her socks off during this 2 and a half hour flight south. Drinks and pretzels were served after take off while the meals were heated in the ovens. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...a005a1a1_c.jpg The prawn linguine dish was absolutely fantastic and one of the best things I have eaten in the air this year. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...82d63160_c.jpg After the trays were cleared, the crew came round with some type of cake which they had cut into pieces and they also did a number of runs through the cabin offering drinks. Arrival in ZRH was fine and I made my way to the Swiss lounge, I think at the A gates. By this time I was getting a little bit tired so found one of the few remaining seats and chilled for an hour or so before heading to the (bus!) gate. LX2120, ZRH - AGP, HB-JPC, A321N At least with boarding remotely, you get a nice view of your aircraft! https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f2164639_c.jpg At each paid of seats in J was a small bottle of water and hand wipe. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...b2e01aa7_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...58ce1ac7_c.jpg I think the meal was a vegetable curry. I don't think there was any meat in it. This was my first time flying Swiss and, I have to say, I was really impressed. The curry was flavourful, had a really good kick to it, the cheesecake was delicious and the cheese equally as good. I also liked how the hot drinks were served with small chocolates. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...12f5ed61_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...b9166cba_c.jpg We landed in AGP and, of course, my suitcase wasn't there. My AirTag told me that it was still sitting in Helsinki. The guy at the luggage desk had great difficulty in me trying to explain that I was staying only one night and would then be flying back to Scotland the next morning. However, after some reiteration from me, he seemed to grasp what I was saying and took my home address saying that the case would be delivered there. Fast forward a few days and I got a call on the Sunday morning from the luggage folk at AGP who were confused because there was no address in Malaga for them to deliver my case to. After explaining that I was now home, she replied "well how are we supposed to get your case there?". After telling her that she was the luggage service, not me, I was reassured that it would be sorted that day. Fast forward 4 hours and another Spanish number is coming up on my phone. "We just want to check where you want your luggage delivered to"... agggggggggh. Give them their due, they must have put it on a KLM flight as it appeared in Amsterdam that evening and then I tracked it later that evening in ABZ airport. Phew! Anyway, back to the TR. I made my way to the Holiday Inn Express at the airport where I promptly crashed out after a long day of travel. I grabbed a bit of breakfast in the morning before getting an Uber to the airport. It was actually quite nice not having to stand in the check-in queue and wait to check my bag. Instead, I was through security and on my way to the lounge where I enjoyed a few Mahou beers before boarding. BA8488, AGP - LCY, G-LCYS, E190 https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...bde6eb54_c.jpg I nabbed 2D - the best seat in the house. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...aa86e30b_c.jpg Ugh, after some great catering the last few flights, back to BA's average offering. A slimy artichoke salad, a cold quiche and a processed chocolate pot for dessert. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...df61fe5c_c.jpg The crew on this flight were your usual BA crew - disinterested and simply going through the motions. No pro-active offering of refills with all passengers in J either having to go to the galley or use the call bell. Never mind, at least the views were nice, especially as we came in over central London. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e7e8f998_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...a5831251_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...a1c9e38e_c.jpg Thanks for following along on this trip. It's probably a shorter report than normal but I'm betting not everyone wants to read screeds and screeds of my ramblings, instead preferring to see some pics of the travel! Safe travels! :) |
I’ll happily read screeds and screeds of your ramblings :D
Fast forward a few days and I got a call on the Sunday morning from the luggage folk at AGP who were confused because there was no address in Malaga for them to deliver my case to. After explaining that I was now home, she replied "well how are we supposed to get your case there?". After telling her that she was the luggage service, not me, I was reassured that it would be sorted that day. Fast forward 4 hours and another Spanish number is coming up on my phone. "We just want to check where you want your luggage delivered to"... agggggggggh. I’m in a hotel bar reading this and have now clearly been labelled as ‘the nutty guy you don't want to make eye contact with’ for laughing out loud at this point |
Originally Posted by stu1985
(Post 37101513)
The seat, in my opinion, is great to sleep in
I’ve been on the A350 lounge chair from Finnair. I’m not sure I like it. Partly due to comfort. But also, the lack of recline means when lying flat your head sits exactly where everyone has been sitting, with a pillow in between. Just not my vibe. But loads of people seem to like it. |
Originally Posted by JapesUK
(Post 37101626)
I’ll happily read screeds and screeds of your ramblings :D
Fast forward a few days and I got a call on the Sunday morning from the luggage folk at AGP who were confused because there was no address in Malaga for them to deliver my case to. After explaining that I was now home, she replied "well how are we supposed to get your case there?". After telling her that she was the luggage service, not me, I was reassured that it would be sorted that day. Fast forward 4 hours and another Spanish number is coming up on my phone. "We just want to check where you want your luggage delivered to"... agggggggggh. I’m in a hotel bar reading this and have now clearly been labelled as ‘the nutty guy you don't want to make eye contact with’ for laughing out loud at this point
Originally Posted by ScottishOdyssey
(Post 37101652)
Great report. Your jeans and shoes seem to change a lot on one connection! Good effort.
I’ve been on the A350 lounge chair from Finnair. I’m not sure I like it. Partly due to comfort. But also, the lack of recline means when lying flat your head sits exactly where everyone has been sitting, with a pillow in between. Just not my vibe. But loads of people seem to like it. |
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