Another manic month for kiwi

[Kiwi Flyer]

NEW YORK

The next day I headed out to the airport early - fearing immigration would take some time. Unfortunately I made the mistake of getting dropped off at domestic terminal not realising US departures are at the far other end of international terminal, so I had a small hike to check in.

The Air Canada agent on premium check in was totally disinterested in serving me, and I had the distinct feeling that if it weren't for a reasonable queue in this line quickly forming behind me she would have left the counter unmanned. This is my first visit to US since the new rule requiring address to be given at check-in (which can be matched to address given on visa waiver form). She doesnt seem to type much in so I wonder if there's some abbreviations used? Since the visa waiver form is actually collected at US immigration in Canada, I'm not sure how having the address info a short while earlier helps with security - but what do I know?

Check in completed and I join a loooong queue for immigration. For some reason at the entrance to duty free the line is split into 2 by an agent, only for it to reform into 1 line on the other side. I cant see what that achieves.

The queue is incredibly slow and I am glad to have checked in so early as it took 90 minutes to reach immigration. The reason for the long queue? (A) lots of pax (yes its holiday season) and (B) only half the immigration booths are manned. Its not hard to do the maths and realise there's far too few officers to process 1000+ pax an hour. I'm sure many folk missed there flights that day.

Having arrived at the airport so early I did have enough time for a brief visit to the US departure Maple Leaf Lounge. It had soup and some biscuits on offer but little other food. A modest selection of drinks and 2 computer terminals.

Soon enough it is time to board - and yes its the A319 again but fortunately I avoided row 4 successfully. The service was minimal - apart from handing out food/drink and collecting later the FAs were nowhere to be seen. Again there was no views to be had - both due to the extensive west coast cloud cover and also the encroaching night as we headed east. The approach into JFK airport was mostly clear however so good views of Manhattan, Statue of Liberty, etc.

With the late arrival, and another early start tomorrow I stayed at an airport hotel. It was fairly basic but clean and had all you needed, perhaps a little expensive for what it was though.

[Kiwi Flyer]

ONE WORLD STATUS RUN

For some time I've been following how to get into American domestic first for quite cheaply even other long distances, and with the revamp to Qantas frequent flyer one of the few real enhancements (as opposed to the other kind which are nothing of the sort) was the increase in status earning in first.

So with having a day free I scouted out a round trip that would net 480 status credits comfortably (well as comfortable as you can get in American domestic first ) and avoiding the dreaded winter transfer at Chicago.

New York JFK to Dallas to Fresno to Dallas to New York La Guardia fit the bill and was available - each segment nicely over the 1200 mile mark and thus zone 3 earning, and the turnaround at Fresno will be the same aircraft to minimise the risk of misconnection.

So it was an early start yet again back to the airport. On the way I realised that my first American flight will complete the set of having flown in all One World airlines - something I have yet to do in the (admittedly larger) Star Alliance which is my preferred alliance.

I'd hoped to get all the boarding passes issued at JFK, but as expected only got them for the first two sectors. Oh well I can try again at the Admirals Club in Dallas. Then wander over to the older part of the 2 terminals (sorry forget which number 8 or 9) where the flight departs from. There is an elite line at security - but this actually takes longer than the regular line, and no they wont let me switch. I thought there was an AC in this terminal but I must have missed it so ended up wandering the short corridor to stretch out with a day of cramped seating ahead of me.

[Kiwi Flyer]

We boarded on time. I had managed to snag bulkhead seat, and thanks to my status boarded early (from reading FT I knew the US-based airlines you need to board early to ensure space to stow carry-ons near your seat unlike the asia, pacific and european airlines I am more used to).

The aircraft was a 757. Meal was a mediocre breakfast so I just had some water. Flight pushed back on time. There was total cloud cover most of the way - until about half an hour or so out from Dallas - but we were above the clouds most of the time and so of course I noticed lots of contrails glistening in the sun. We landed pretty much on time and had a long taxi towards the terminal but instead parked up at a remote stand while we waited for our gate to clear. The pilot announced a 5 minute delay. We waited some more. Then another 5 minutes, and another. Eventually about an hour after touchdown we pulled into the gate.

So my nice easy connection with enough time for a lounge visit had turned into a mad dash to the next flight - of course it had to be departing from the diagonally opposite terminal. I had made good use of the time spent waiting by looking up the map in the American Way magazine (having never previously visited DFW) so had some idea where to go and I ran and ran and ran. I was surprised given how many connecting passengers there were (many onward gates announced by the FA) that there was no one at the gate to assist those with tight or missed connections.

By the time I got to the gate for the flight to Fresno boarding had not long ago started so I hopped straight on - to another bulkhead seat on the MD80(?). Once doors closed there was a delay as some bags needed to be offloaded. Apparently they were hard to find as this took quite a long time. A light lunch was served. I cant recall it exactly so not memorable. We had great views of the southwestern plains before clouds again (and some turbulence) over the mountains. Fortuitously there was a clearance over Yosemite so nice views on descent before going back into the murk closer to Fresno. With our late departure and strong headwinds we arrived around the time the next flight was due to leave, so I hoped not having checked in wouldnt cause any issues. I quickly deplaned and went straight to the desk to collect my 2 return BPs - not a problem ^ Another mileage runner (FTer?) had passed through the day before so the GA was not in the least fazed by my turnaround. A couple of pax hoping to upgrade groaned however as I collected my BPs. This had been done so quickly that the aircraft was still being emptied of passengers from DFW-FAT. So I had time to wander around the small terminal. There is very little there - a placque announcing a fairly recent expansion, and several odd bronze disks in the floor. I'm not sure what they're for - perhaps for future concessionary stands?

[Kiwi Flyer]

With the late arrival it was no surprise that the return flight to Dallas was also late. I wasnt worried as this time I had a bigger connection in Dallas, although obviously any delay eats in to lounge visit time

Its been a while since I've flown out of an airport where an active air force (or in this case marines - why they should have an jet air capacity in the first place when there is a perfectly good air force as well, and then to base it well inland of all places I have no idea but I digress) uses the same runways as civilian aircraft (unlike eg Singapore where the air force has its own runway). So it was a surprise to have the taxi held up for some marine jets taking off and others landing.

The snack served was very similar to that on the way in so I pass. The weather had deteriorated a bit so no views, and in any case by the time we reached Dallas it was again dark. Again arrival and departure gates almost as far apart as can be so by the time I reach the lounge there is no time to do anything other than use the bathroom and back out again. The monitors show our flight back to New York as boarding but arriving at the gate it is clear we wont be for a while. The gate agents refuse to give a boarding time so I decide not to return to the lounge (which is some distance away within the terminal).

Apparently the aircraft had just arrived on international flight and so supposedly required special cleaning/security checks. These dragged on and on, so we boarded nearly an hour late. My own personal on-time performance stats for AA are atrocious - all four flights either late arriving, or both late departing and arriving; and none could be blamed on the weather.

With the delay they also changed the meal service (in F at least) from dinner to snack which turned out to be the same as the light lunch on the Dallas to Fresno flight. The 737 was full but again I had a bulkhead seat. By now I was getting tired and so tried to doze but the seat wasnt comfortable enough to do so. The only thing of interest (well to me) were the lights of other aircraft taking off and landing at Dallas Fort Worth and presumably Love Field, and then also on approach to New York city - this time on a different flightpath (duh different airport) to the previous night. However during the day the cloud and showers over New York didnt clear and so the view was mostly obscured.

With the flight being so late and nearly first to leave the aircraft (and no checked bags) the taxi queue was non-existant and so quickly made my way to the Millenium Hilton. Whether it was my HHonors status or the tired look on my face I dont know, but scored an upgrade to a fantastic corner suite ^ Unfortunately the first few times they set the keycard it didnt work so it was 2am before I was finally able to get checked in properly.

[Kiwi Flyer]

ANOTHER OVERNIGHT FLIGHT

I hadnt properly appreciated the magnificent view from the room on checking in, but I have to admit I spent several minutes just looking out the window before getting started for the day. Ground zero immediately in front (and a long way down), the river and across to Jersey, Statue of Liberty, many tall skyscrapers in the vicinity of Wall Street, the other other river and some bridges. Breaking out of the reverie, a short stop for breakfast at Church & Dey and then out to explore. Did the usual touristy things but had fun despite the near freezing temperature and occassional snow and rain showers.

After a couple of days it was time to head out to JFK on the train. I was seeing someone off on the LH flight so visited the lounge there despite not having checked in. The Senator lounge at JFK is okay but not great - selection of rolls, food and drinks. No computers. Could get crowded but not today. Some newspapers and magazines. Then I wander over to terminal 4 which Singapore uses. Check in still isnt open, but I can use the Virgin Atlantic clubhouse anyway. Wow! I'd say the best feature to be the food and drink - with actual meals cooked to order (from a selection - see below). Some of the bar staff actually wandered around the lounge asking folk for drinks orders, and indeed insisted on the consumption of several glasses of champagne.

So after several hours, with a brief interlude outside the lounge to check in, I had had enough food and more than enough drink to keep me going for a while.

FREEDOM MENU

Here in The Clubhouse, you can order from today's menu at any time. As soon as you're ready we'll take your order from your table - or simply help yourself to our selection from the snack bars. Plus, if you'd like to plan what to eat during your flight, just ask our staff for a copy of today's onboard Freedom menu. And remember, Freedom gives you the flexibility to eat in before your flight or dine out at 35,000 feet.

Daily specials

A selection of daily specials are on offer to complement the set menu, please ask a member of the team or see a copy of our specials card at the bar.

Lighter bites

Soup of the day served with a selection of fresh breads

Jumbo pesto shrimp with arugula and prosciutto

Pear tomato salad with baby greens and crumbled blue cheese served with grilled bread wedges and sherry vinaigrette

Bigger bites

Flying club sandwich - a frequent flyer on the menu. Tortilla wrap with tofu, corn and garlic and herb mayonnaise

Bourbon baby back ribs with three cheese macaroni

Pan seared salmon served with warm quinoa, tomato and asparagus salad and lemon and chive dressing

Naughty but nice

Seasonal fresh fruit creme fraiche

Warm granny smith apple cobbler

Selection of international cheese with accompaniments

Snack bar

Just help yourself!

Wines

A selection of fine wines are available, please ask a member of the team

Cocktails

If its on the bar we'll mix it the way you like it! Just ask!

Hot 'n' herbal

Choose from cappuccino, espresso or one of our herbal or fruit infusions

Better bytes

If you're more interested in bytes than bites, you'll be pleased to know The Clubhouse is now a hot spot with high-speed wireless internet connection. Details and charges will display when you access the hot spot provider. You can easily check your email, surf the web, or book your next flight with Virgin Atlantic from the convenience of your comfy chair.

[Kiwi Flyer]

FWIW here is the menu for JFK to Frankfurt. I didnt ask for much but no Dr Loosen riesling and notice no blue mountain coffee any more (the same applied on all my SQ flights this trip).

DINNER menu

A Savoury Note

Ceasar salad with marinated prawns, asparagus and olives

The Main Event

Braised short rib of beef with root vegetables and celeraic-pear puree

Braised grouper fillet in Oriental hot bean sauce with vegetables and egg noodles

Stir fried chicken in dried chilli with vegetables and fragrant rice

Stewed lamb shank in red wine with lima beans, baby carrot and asparagus

The Cheese Board

Gourmet cheese with garnishes

A Sweet Note

A selection of fresh fruit

Ice cream

A Connoisseur's Choice

Gourmet coffee

Selection of tea

and pralines


CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST menu

A Fresh Start

A choice of apple, tomato or freshly squeezed orange

A selection of fresh fruit

From the Bakery

Assorted breakfast rolls

Butter - Fruit preserve

A Connoisseur's Choice

Gourmet coffee

Selection of tea

BEVERAGES

special cocktail

Orange Cooler

cocktails

Singapore Sling
Silver Kris Sling
Gin Fizz
Cloud Nine
Screwdriver
Bloody Mary
Daiquiri
Red or White Wine Cooler

aperitifs
Campari
Dry Vermouth

non-alcoholic cocktails

Citrus Royale
Tropical Sparkle
Golden Spice
Fruit Spritzer
Sunrise Surprise

spirits

Cognac XO Otard
Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky
Johnnie Walker Black Label
Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey
Gordon's Dry Gin
Absolut Vodka
Bacardi Carta Blanca

liqueurs

Cointreau
Tia Maria
Baileys Original Irish Cream

beer

International Selection

stout

Guinness Stout

champagne

Charles Heidsieck 1995

white wines

Dr Loosen Qualitatswein Dr L Riesling 2003
Kloster Eberbach Riesling Kabinett 2003 Rheingau
Montagny 1er Cru 2002

red wines

Chateau Cissac 1998 Cru Bourgeois Haut Medoc
Nipozzano Riserva 2001 Chianti Rufina Docg Frescobaldi

port

Taylor 2000 Late Bottled Vintage Port

tea selection

Pure Ceylon Tea
Earl Grey
Darjeeling
Camomile
Decaffeinated Tea
Japanese Green Tea

chinese tea selection

Oolong

gourmet coffees

Brazil Santos Bourbon
Colombian Supremo
Kenyan AA Kilimanjaro

specialty coffees

Brewed Coffee
Cafe Royal
Espresso
Cappuccino
Decaffeinated Coffee
Mocha

other beverages

Chocolate
Milo

mineral water

Carbonated mineral water
Non-carbonated mineral water

fruit juices

Apple
Orange
Pineapple
Tomato
Cranberry

soft drinks

A range of regular or low-calorie drinks is available

iced drinks

Iced Tea
Iced Coffee
Iced Mocha
Iced Chocolate
Iced Milo

[Kiwi Flyer]

With the lounges being landside the boarding call is announced a few minutes early so we have time to get through security, but it doesnt take long to get through and board.

The flight was very empty - just 1 in first and 2 upstairs business cabin, and 2 more in business class downstairs. Economy was also light - definitely under 100 passengers all up. There seemed to be the full complement of crew. I guess it is hard to rearrange schedules, so we had fantastic service.

We arrive to a very grey and freezing europe. Fortunately I missed the big snowfalls of the prior week which would have upset my schedule considerably. Due to the early arrival I would not yet be able to check in to the hotel, and the inclement weather meant I wasnt keen to wander around in the cold just yet. So I paid a visit to the "B" Senator lounge in Frankfurt. As noted elsewhere on FT this has recently been renovated. There are no major changes (its still just as small and prone to overcrowding) but the minor ones have improved it considerably IMO. Smokers are no relegated to separate room so the air is clean (unlike the rest of the terminal). The wall of tvs has gone and layout changed slightly, giving impression of more space (but none actually). What's this I see in the corner - finally LH has installed 2 computers! Admittedly they are in high demand so it can be hard to get on, but at least they are there.

I soon change my mind - figuring I should be exploring and seeing/doing stuff and to hang with the cold. So I take the train into the city. 3.25 euros for anywhere even remotely central. I'm staying at the Hilton which is in the financial district on the edge of the old town. There is a choice of about 3 or 4 subway stations within easy 5 minute walking distance but Hauptwache is easiest (no connections necessary to/from airport).

Once checked in I wander through the old town and along the banks of the Main River for quite some time. Despite the similar latitude I notice it gets dark much later than Vancouver or New York - due to being further west within the time zone I suspect.

Coming up - a run through western europe.

[clifford]

[quote=" So I take the train into the city. 3.25 euros for anywhere even remotely central. [/quote]

Hey Kiwi,

That's super cheap.

No doubt you've sampled the luxurious train offerings at HKG, KUL and SYD, which will set you back well over AUD 10 one-way.

Nothing more needs to be said (just don't take these rides).

[Kiwi Flyer]

Yup and that fare includes connections through the subway system to most of the city.

[Kiwi Flyer]

Summary update

Map

19 flights
42,259 flown miles
Aircraft 747, 777, A319, Beaver, Dash 8, Beechcraft 1900C, 757, MD80, 737
Airlines Singapore, Air Canada, Harbour Air, Pacific Coastal, American