Red Sox Weekend
Jun 8, 2005 | 10:09 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2004
Location: VA
Programs: Marriott Silver, Hilton Silver, Hertz #1 Gold, Avis Preferred
Posts: 709
Red Sox Weekend
My wife end up headed up to Boston from Northern VA to see my beloved Red Sox play the Angels (I'm NOT calling them LA...). This was my first trip since my parents moved from MA, so for the first time I had nowhere to stay in MA.
We left Friday morning on Independence Air out of IAD, with exit row seats. Flight was mostly full, mix of business and leisure travelers. Departed IAD gate a few minutes late, and then had a long taxi out. It was a steady stream of RJs---a few nice ERJ's in new UALEX colors, a JetBlue A320 and a couple of Indy's. Service on the flight was great...got a big bag of cookies, refills on drinks, hot towel and mint. Certainly didn't feel like a 'low-cost' carrier. Pilot was friendly and even made his preflight annoucement standing in front of the cabin. Told a few jokes and introduced himself in person.
We arrived at Terminal B in Boston about 10 minutes late. The Captain personally delivered the bags checked in at the aircraft in IAD as part of FlyI's "Bag Valet" program.
I used to work for Massport at BOS so I stopped by to see some old coworkers who ended up not being in over in the Old Control Tower. Walked over to C to pick up the Massport Bus to the Airport T Station.
The Airport T Station was just refurbished and looks MUCH nicer. They also have gotten rid of tokens (but not in the system, oddly enough!) and have replaced it with the 'Charlie Card" (think Kingston Trio, early 60s.). Took the Blue Line train to Government Center, and switched to an "E" Green Line train to Prudential for check-in at the Sheraton Boston.
From the Airport T-Station to the hotel took just 25 minutes. As it was only 11 am, I wasn't sure if we could check-in, but they had a room for us in the South Tower. Unfortunately, it was located right next to an elevator. Though quite spacious (even had a fridge), the noise was a bit much for me (though not my wife, she doesn't like to make waves). I called down to the desk to ask for another room, and was treated very well by the Sheraton Guarantee Desk. They moved us to the North Tower, 25th floor. The room itself had a much more modern decor, but was considerably smaller. However, the view was incredible...overlooking the Charles River and Cambridge, with Fenway and the Citgo sign off to the right.
We went for a walk around Boston--down to Downtown Crossing and back, before getting ready for the game. We are DIEHARD Sox fans, but I had never sat in the Green Monster seats before. Our seats were in the first row of the Monster, right in the middle. The atmosphere at Fenway was, as usual, great. I can't get over how beautiful the ballpark is now that the new owners invested in it. We got into the Park right as it opened, and raced up to the Monster to watch Sox BP. Kevin Millar hit quite a few shots OVER everything, but no HR's came near us. However, when the Angels came up, an unidentified player hit a shot off the Sports Authority time above the Monster. It bounced down to where I was standing...I dove for it and ended up with it! What a great souveneir.
The game itself was great, with the Sox coming back from a 4-1 deficit to win 7-4. There is no better place to watch a sporting event that where we were, I'm convinced.
After the game, we headed over to the Cheesecake Factory at Prudential for some dessert, which was nice, and then back to the room. At night, the view was great.
The next morning, after a leisurely Dunkin Donuts breakfast, we headed back over to Fenway. This time we sat behind homeplate in the Grandstand Section, a good bit back. Unfortunately, the Sox looked terrible and lost 13-6, but it was still a good time.
We had a few hours to kill before our flight back to IAD. We went shopping around Boylston and Prudential, then picked up our bags over at the Sheraton and headed to the airport. When we got there, we checked them in to get the Happy Bags coupon and get rid of them, and headed over to check out the new Terminal A. Quite an impressive structure, though the old Eastern terminal had some charm that I miss--the new one is so antiseptic.
We then went to one of my favorite spots...Terminal B garage nearest runway 22R-4L. We were fortunate to get there right as a Lufthansa A340 was on short final. As it got to a few hundred feet, all of a sudden the tail dipped and I realized it was 'going around.' on a missed approach. I really couldn't tell why, but it shot up like a rocket, put gear up, and landed safely on 15 about 12 minutes later. We also saw a nice AF Airbus rolling out and quite a bit of US/AA narrowbodies.
Soon, it was time to head to the gate. The whole of Terminal B (US side) was DESERTED. Ours was the last flight left (I had a hard time believing it). Our flight down to IAD left on time and was uneventful, except for a passenger across from me using his GPS when I though he shouldn't have been (I posted about it on the FlyI thread). Grabbed our bags in IAD (they were waiting for us) and our $20 coupons, and headed home.
This coming weekend, we'll be headed to Chicago to see the Sox play at Wrigley for the first time ever...should be fun!
We left Friday morning on Independence Air out of IAD, with exit row seats. Flight was mostly full, mix of business and leisure travelers. Departed IAD gate a few minutes late, and then had a long taxi out. It was a steady stream of RJs---a few nice ERJ's in new UALEX colors, a JetBlue A320 and a couple of Indy's. Service on the flight was great...got a big bag of cookies, refills on drinks, hot towel and mint. Certainly didn't feel like a 'low-cost' carrier. Pilot was friendly and even made his preflight annoucement standing in front of the cabin. Told a few jokes and introduced himself in person.
We arrived at Terminal B in Boston about 10 minutes late. The Captain personally delivered the bags checked in at the aircraft in IAD as part of FlyI's "Bag Valet" program.
I used to work for Massport at BOS so I stopped by to see some old coworkers who ended up not being in over in the Old Control Tower. Walked over to C to pick up the Massport Bus to the Airport T Station.
The Airport T Station was just refurbished and looks MUCH nicer. They also have gotten rid of tokens (but not in the system, oddly enough!) and have replaced it with the 'Charlie Card" (think Kingston Trio, early 60s.). Took the Blue Line train to Government Center, and switched to an "E" Green Line train to Prudential for check-in at the Sheraton Boston.
From the Airport T-Station to the hotel took just 25 minutes. As it was only 11 am, I wasn't sure if we could check-in, but they had a room for us in the South Tower. Unfortunately, it was located right next to an elevator. Though quite spacious (even had a fridge), the noise was a bit much for me (though not my wife, she doesn't like to make waves). I called down to the desk to ask for another room, and was treated very well by the Sheraton Guarantee Desk. They moved us to the North Tower, 25th floor. The room itself had a much more modern decor, but was considerably smaller. However, the view was incredible...overlooking the Charles River and Cambridge, with Fenway and the Citgo sign off to the right.
We went for a walk around Boston--down to Downtown Crossing and back, before getting ready for the game. We are DIEHARD Sox fans, but I had never sat in the Green Monster seats before. Our seats were in the first row of the Monster, right in the middle. The atmosphere at Fenway was, as usual, great. I can't get over how beautiful the ballpark is now that the new owners invested in it. We got into the Park right as it opened, and raced up to the Monster to watch Sox BP. Kevin Millar hit quite a few shots OVER everything, but no HR's came near us. However, when the Angels came up, an unidentified player hit a shot off the Sports Authority time above the Monster. It bounced down to where I was standing...I dove for it and ended up with it! What a great souveneir.
The game itself was great, with the Sox coming back from a 4-1 deficit to win 7-4. There is no better place to watch a sporting event that where we were, I'm convinced.
After the game, we headed over to the Cheesecake Factory at Prudential for some dessert, which was nice, and then back to the room. At night, the view was great.
The next morning, after a leisurely Dunkin Donuts breakfast, we headed back over to Fenway. This time we sat behind homeplate in the Grandstand Section, a good bit back. Unfortunately, the Sox looked terrible and lost 13-6, but it was still a good time.
We had a few hours to kill before our flight back to IAD. We went shopping around Boylston and Prudential, then picked up our bags over at the Sheraton and headed to the airport. When we got there, we checked them in to get the Happy Bags coupon and get rid of them, and headed over to check out the new Terminal A. Quite an impressive structure, though the old Eastern terminal had some charm that I miss--the new one is so antiseptic.
We then went to one of my favorite spots...Terminal B garage nearest runway 22R-4L. We were fortunate to get there right as a Lufthansa A340 was on short final. As it got to a few hundred feet, all of a sudden the tail dipped and I realized it was 'going around.' on a missed approach. I really couldn't tell why, but it shot up like a rocket, put gear up, and landed safely on 15 about 12 minutes later. We also saw a nice AF Airbus rolling out and quite a bit of US/AA narrowbodies.
Soon, it was time to head to the gate. The whole of Terminal B (US side) was DESERTED. Ours was the last flight left (I had a hard time believing it). Our flight down to IAD left on time and was uneventful, except for a passenger across from me using his GPS when I though he shouldn't have been (I posted about it on the FlyI thread). Grabbed our bags in IAD (they were waiting for us) and our $20 coupons, and headed home.
This coming weekend, we'll be headed to Chicago to see the Sox play at Wrigley for the first time ever...should be fun!
Jun 9, 2005 | 1:05 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 238
That's great you had such a good time in Boston! I can't believe you caught a ball! I love that city..haven't been in awhile, but i'm planning on going back real soon if i get a good cheap deal.. My friends are actually going to Chicago this weekend too for the game. Are you flying with Independence again since you probably have one of those $20 off coupons??
Anyways, it was good to read your trip report. Motivates me to book a trip to Boston now since the weather is so nice!
Anyways, it was good to read your trip report. Motivates me to book a trip to Boston now since the weather is so nice!
Jun 9, 2005 | 1:16 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2004
Location: VA
Programs: Marriott Silver, Hilton Silver, Hertz #1 Gold, Avis Preferred
Posts: 709
Thanks...
We did have a great time!
Actually, we're flying US out of DC to ORD...got a $150 r/t which was less than Indy at the time and more convenient my wife and I work on Capitol Hill.
Now I need to find a good use for the Independence coupons!
The game should be a lot of fun. I've never been to Chicago or Wrigley so I'm excited about that. We're staying at the Westin River North which is supposed to be a good location, so I'll report back.
We did have a great time!
Actually, we're flying US out of DC to ORD...got a $150 r/t which was less than Indy at the time and more convenient my wife and I work on Capitol Hill.
Now I need to find a good use for the Independence coupons!
The game should be a lot of fun. I've never been to Chicago or Wrigley so I'm excited about that. We're staying at the Westin River North which is supposed to be a good location, so I'll report back.
Jun 10, 2005 | 10:22 am
#5
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 238
I'm so jealous you guys are going! Have a great time there. I'm sure you won't have a problem using those coupons..LOL.. I love those kinds of incentives - just makes me want to travel more, which I love to do! Enjoy Chicago!!
Jun 19, 2005 | 2:18 pm
#8
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: BOS
Programs: JetBlue Mosaic, WN A List Preferred, Hyatt Globalest, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum, IHG Spire
Posts: 3,966
Bos
MFLetou,
Thanks for the report. I too try to stay on top of what is going on at BOS as I fly out of there on average once a week.
Silver Line: The MBTA finally opened Silver Line service from BOS to South Station. These are convertable electric and I think natrual gas buses. They use a dedicated right of way tunnel out of South Station to where the new federal courthouse and World Trade Center are (south Boston) and then go via Ted Williams Tunnel to Logan. They stop at A, B1, B2, C-D, and E1 and E2. It takes about 18 mins from South Station to A. I have taken it twice and that time has been right on. Its amazing how quickly it goes through its own tunnel and ends up in South Boston...about 3-4 minutes. You pick up the bus underground at the South Station subway stop in between where the turnstiles are and where the red line is.
New Airport T Station: The new station is cleaner than the old one, but still you have to take those shuttle buses which contribute to heavy traffic around the airport. I would have preferred that they install some kind of people mover system (perhaps above ground) to get people to the subway. I think the best subway>airport connection is at DCA where the subway station is accessed from the middle gate level. LGA is perhaps one of the worst where you have to take an even longer bus ride than BOS to access subway in Queens, NY.
Plane Spotting: I suppose the observation deck in control tower is still closed? I know it closed around the gulf war, and I don't know that they ever re-opened it but I have not gone over to check it out in years. It used to have a bar, and views of the airport and city. Which side of Term B do you think is better for plane spotting the AA or US side?
Thanks for the report!
Thanks for the report. I too try to stay on top of what is going on at BOS as I fly out of there on average once a week.
Silver Line: The MBTA finally opened Silver Line service from BOS to South Station. These are convertable electric and I think natrual gas buses. They use a dedicated right of way tunnel out of South Station to where the new federal courthouse and World Trade Center are (south Boston) and then go via Ted Williams Tunnel to Logan. They stop at A, B1, B2, C-D, and E1 and E2. It takes about 18 mins from South Station to A. I have taken it twice and that time has been right on. Its amazing how quickly it goes through its own tunnel and ends up in South Boston...about 3-4 minutes. You pick up the bus underground at the South Station subway stop in between where the turnstiles are and where the red line is.
New Airport T Station: The new station is cleaner than the old one, but still you have to take those shuttle buses which contribute to heavy traffic around the airport. I would have preferred that they install some kind of people mover system (perhaps above ground) to get people to the subway. I think the best subway>airport connection is at DCA where the subway station is accessed from the middle gate level. LGA is perhaps one of the worst where you have to take an even longer bus ride than BOS to access subway in Queens, NY.
Plane Spotting: I suppose the observation deck in control tower is still closed? I know it closed around the gulf war, and I don't know that they ever re-opened it but I have not gone over to check it out in years. It used to have a bar, and views of the airport and city. Which side of Term B do you think is better for plane spotting the AA or US side?
Thanks for the report!
Jun 21, 2005 | 10:17 am
#9
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: BOS. Formerly DL PM, GM, now nothing
Posts: 605
Originally Posted by jetsetter
Plane Spotting: I suppose the observation deck in control tower is still closed? I know it closed around the gulf war, and I don't know that they ever re-opened it but I have not gone over to check it out in years. It used to have a bar, and views of the airport and city.
You can also get good views of Logan from off airport: Castle Island in South Boston, and Constitution Beach in East Boston. Depending on the takeoff/landing patterns, each of these provide fine views.