Grumble

I should be flying over Texas now, but am home instead. I'll explain more on Monday.

United Couldn't Find a Working 777 for Me

British Airways First Class LHR Terminal 3 Lounge

I was excited to check out the new Heathrow Terminal 5. I read great things about the new terminal and was excited to dine in the Concorde Room, reserved for British Airways passengers only (unlike first class lounges that can be accessed by oneworld top level flyers).  The shopping looked great with seemingly every Scotch on the market available.  I ran (literally) through Terminal 5 last year after a flight delay and I was excited to explore the blur.

Best View from T3 BA Lounge

My flight from JNB landed early and I had about 5 hours to kill before boarding my flight to Denver. This was ample time for lounging, shopping, a few meals, and plane spotting. One problem, I couldn’t enter Terminal 5. My flight to Denver was departing Terminal 3 and those passengers can’t go anywhere except Terminal 3.  I was crushed.  Terminal 3 is the decrepit reject terminal that needs to be bulldozed. There is no dedicated first class space either. 

I took the shuttle van away from my dreams to meet my fate (disappointed there was no first class passenger car ala Lufthansa). A quick trip through security and I found the BA lounge.  I grabbed a shower (renovations needed) and scoped out the best window seat in the lounge so I’d have something to look at for four hours.

A Better Lounge View at DFW

The dining room has the views of the field in the lounge. I didn’t feel guilty planning to occupy a table for 4 hours because the lounge was sparsely populated in the morning. The service was poor. I had to grab my own beverages and it took over 10 minutes to get a waiter’s attention and place an order.  The food was OK when it arrived.  I just needed something to munch on as I watched planes land in the distance.

There were about 10 different whiskeys at the self-serve bar (Lufthansa has over 80 and they were poured and delivered for you). Blue Label and Glenfiddich 18 were available, so not bad.  Still the ground experience left much to be desired. Sadly it felt more like a US carrier than a European carrier.

I Like Airplanes

Terminal 3 shopping was limited and pedestrian. Only mass market brands were visible and the prices seemed exorbitant after coming from South Africa with the best priced alcohol on earth.  After a very long walk to the gate, I was ready to get in my seat and get home.

Bing Rewards Devalues

Starbucks and Amazon gift cards for searching Bing will be more expensive soon. I liked Bing Rewards because I was rewarded for searching with Bing. Every 15 days I would earn a $5 gift card. The program is changing so the gift cards will take an extra two days to earn. Not the end of the world, but not what I wanted to see in my Hotmail inbox this morning.

Think Happy Thoughts

NEW BRITISH AIRWAYS PILOT PHOTO APP

This is a fun idea:
British Airways pilots have developed a new photo app for customers to take away a souvenir cockpit picture from their flight.  All British Airways’ 4,000 pilots will have the ‘View From The Flight Deck’ app loaded onto their iPads from the start of August to take photos of customers visiting the cockpit before take-off or after landing. 
The app automatically sends this special photo, which includes a graphic showing facts from their flight, to customers so they have an instant, unique memento of their trip. The information on the photo includes the Captain’s name, route traveled and distance flown, as well as the aircraft type and registration. There is also an image of the aircraft to help budding young future pilots to recognize individual plane types the next time they fly.

Me on Lufthansa's A380

Great Time to Fly

There are cheap fares to lands far away on United and Star Alliance partners. Enjoy playing around on ITA Matrix and happy hunting.

Star Alliance Heading South

Happy Weekend

Going somewhere fun?

McDonnell Douglas Party at ORD

British Airways A380 First Class

OR Tambo Airport (JNB) leaves much to be desired. As the main international gateway to southern Africa, the airport should at least provide some basic comforts. Things it’s missing include decent air conditioning, practical signage, genuine copies of Microsoft Windows, and basic queue management. It does have an observation room (good idea) upstairs (bad idea) and down a winding administrative hallway. The duty free shopping was spectacular because the booze prices were ridiculously low.

A380 Stairs Up To Business Class

My flight from Cape Town landed on time and I retrieved my checked bag (bags weren’t making connections due to a strike) and went for a 15 minute walk to the British Airways (UK) check in counter. It was closed. To kill time I took a stroll to the observation deck. There was little to see, so I went back to the check in desks and read a book while sitting in front of the first class check in counter. Check in starts 3 hours before the first departure, not a minute sooner despite staff being present.  

My Aircraft to London

Check in didn’t take long and the trip through security and customs wasn’t terrible (it’s a zoo in the evening). After my disappointing lunch on my flight to JNB, I went directly to the BA first class lounge for a proper meal. I was one of 5 people there and found a nice seat with an outlet and view of the terminal (only view offered). I grabbed a Scotch and some cold cuts.  The hot food buffet didn’t look appetizing. I wound up being hungry enough to not mind snacking and Castle Lager. As departure neared, the lounge filled up. Really, there were 28 first class seats on BA flights that day and there were easily 60+ people in the small space. There were 5 open seats and 0 open outlets when I left for a stroll. The business class lounge was standing room only and a mess. The customs line seemed more relaxing.

First Class Seat

This ground experience was not up to Lufthansa standards. My trip in 2013 on Lufthansa is my only time on a proper international first class. They set the bar very very high. From arrival at the airport through baggage claim, the experience is superb. BA could still win me over because I was booked on an 11 hour A380 flight with a connection at their new Heathrow terminal. 

Ample Space Up Front

Power Window Shades

BA’s A380 first class cabin is massive. Other airlines fit 52 economy seats it the lower deck between doors 1 and 2. British Airways only accommodates 14 first class seats in the same area. The personal space is wonderful and there is a strong sense of privacy. There is also ample storage space with a personal closet and overhead bins. I was offered Champagne after storing my stuff then presented with a pajama set and amenity kit. I settled in and started to familiarize myself with the gadgets. Power window shades, large tv, the seat adjustment knob (it was milled aluminum and felt great to touch), and on and on. I was in for a treat.

Seat Adjustment Knob

View From my Seat

The captain’s welcome about announcement mentioned that our aircraft was two months old. Soon after the lead flight attendant came by to welcome me, give an introduction to the service plan, and ask if there was anything special I might require on the journey. I was excited and ready to take it all in.

Evening Meal Service

Blue Cheese Pear

Main

The drink service started right after takeoff. I went with Johnnie Walker Blue. First class passengers can dine when they wish. I wanted to dine as soon after takeoff to maximize my sleep. The service and food were great. I also enjoyed listening to A History of English Speaking Peoples over dinner. My flight was oozing of British-ness. I easily slept for 7 hours after the meal service. I enjoyed the English breakfast before landing and was sad my flight was ending.  It was an outstanding flight with a great onboard product.

Beer For Breakfast - I Had a Long Connection

Free Drinks on Southwest

Who knew? Southwest has four days a year with an open bar.

Boeing Sale

Now you can buy Boeing products for 30% off just like airlines buy jets at much less than list price.

New Current Generation 737-700's are a steal at ~$25M

Happy Weekend

Where to?

You've Flown on This One

Milwaukee Airport Bar Inovation

You can pour your own beer at the Milwaukee airport.  The taps are prepaid for up to two pints. Cool feature, but go to the museum first. Also Miller has a free brewery tours less than 30 minutes from the airport.

No One Can Judge You Drinking in an Airport.

Heathrow Airport Needs to Advertise?

The Brits love their sappy commercials that are over a minute long.  Heathrow hopped on board the trend, but didn't do it well.

Here's a better example.

Win Some Free United Airlines Miles

United is giving away 1,000,000,000 miles, but if you don't have a United Visa you'll need to do a lot of typing to enter. It's easier (a likely better odds) to win a firearm.  You can also win a firearm here.

United Isn't Worried About Miles Inflation

Power and Streaming Content

United's A320's are being converted to include power for seats in coach. This is great because they provided streaming content if you provided the device.

A320's Upgraded

Weekend Flew By

Happy landings.

737 About to Touch Down at PHX

Fun Photo

Happy travels!

I'm Excited To Be In Air Again

British Airways in South Africa

South Africa's British Airways (BA-ZA)is a franchise of UK's British Airways (BA-UK) operated by Comair. BA-ZA looks more or less correct, but it is not the same. They don't run up to Europe, but they do run around southern Africa and are full Oneworld alliance members, so I was able to book a flight with American miles.  I wanted to get from Cape Town to Denver, but the BA-UK flight from CPT wasn't available for mileage awards. BA-UK had space in first on the A380 in JNB, so I booked CPT-JNB-LHR-DEN on a single American award in first class.

BA-ZA Uses 737's

The Uber from the Westin (great hotel) to the Cape Town airport was about $10. Crazy cheap since the city's airport bus is $7.50. It also took no time at all and I arrived about 2.5 hours before my flight. This was a problem since the staff won't check you in until 2 hours prior. They are inflexible in this policy, so I killed a half hour and checked in. I wanted to check my bag to Denver, but due to an industrial action, bags weren't making connections in JNB. Begrudgingly I agreed it would be best to pick up my bag at JNB and recheck it. I also only received a boarding pass for my first segment.

SLOW Lounge CPT Domestic - Amazing

Security was a breeze, liquids of any size allowed and helpful private staff.  I strolled around the domestic terminal to enjoy the views and then went to the SLOW lounge (another Comair owned brand). This is the best domestic airline lounge I ever visited. It was two floors with sweeping views of the field. The design was modern and relaxing with ample food on both levels. They also had baristas on both levels. The lounge was impeccably clean and well maintained.  The Loo With a View was a fun and silly idea.  The food spread was great and rotated over to lunch around 10:30. Ample beer and soda options offered too. I left with fully charged devices and a full stomach.

Business Class Seats and Space

The 737-400 to JNB was parked at a stand gate and bus boarding process was slightly unruly. I made it on board and enjoyed a row to myself. The interior felt dated and cramped, but the staff was cheerful and hustled. The views departing CPT are stunning and that was the extent of the inflight entertainment.

Um? Lunch?

Lunch looked less than appealing. I think it was beef. The Johnnie Walker Black and Coke were perfect. I also enjoyed the cheese dessert option. Lunch didn’t bother me since I filled up in the lounge and planned on going direct to the BA-UK lounge at JNB to refill.  Interesting trip, but enjoyable.

Fairwiew Makes Good Wine Too

Fuel Stop Text

Arrival change for fuel stop
As of 6:48 Jun 14
UA1105 DEN-EWR will arrive
late.
Departs: 7:55a
Now arrives: 3:14p
Subject to change

Thanks United.  How a 737 can't make it 1,600 miles with a tail wind is baffling. It forced me to rearrange flights to get to my final destination before midnight. I don't get too stressed from irregular operations, but this one was an exception.

Not Cool

Coup Fizzles

We need coups more often, it'll increase the odds of success and help others learn how to do it better. With the lack of recent pan-European wars, they are also the best movie plot starting point.

Back to Normal

Happy Bastille Day!

Vive la Air France!

Air France A318 at GVA

Cool Photo

Happy travels.

Even a Short Hop Sounds Fun

Happy Airshow Week

The Farnborough Airshow opens today and Boeing and Airbus are fighting for the biggest PR splash.  Airbus has a big website for the show and Boeing released their 20 year aircraft forecast. Expect new product announcements (nothing new, but enhancements to the current line up) and purchase announcements.

Boeing 20 Forecast

Wow- Cool 787 Video

Post 747

This is my 747th post, so I thought I'd share a photo to commemorate the occasion.

I Love the 747

Fun SPG Moments

The best aspect of points programs is how they make the unattainable a reality. SPG's Moments auctions are a great example of experiences that can only be had with points (they also have a bunch of show and sports tickets available). I liked the VIP at the Farnborough Airshow experience, but couldn't make it out.  Good value on some listings too.

Qatar & SPG Make an Amazing Experience

Happy 4th

Yay America!

Not a Spin Off of British Airways

Yay America?

Good Luck

If you want a four day weekend, travel will be simpler and cheaper if you fly Saturday and Tuesday. Avoid the Friday to Monday trip pairing.

Make Your Own Luck and Avoid CRJ's

Happy Canada Day

A happy Canada Day to my friends up north.

A319 to Toronto

South African Airways Johannesburg to Cape Town

The ground experience in JNB leaves something to be desired, even for transoceanic business class customers. The customs agents arrived at their well after the aircraft landed. Contrary to what was said onboard, they wanted filled out immigration cards from everyone too. Once I got through that issue, I went to the SSA business class arrivals lounge for a shower. It was closed. I waited for 15 for it to open, even though it appeared fully staffed. The shower/changing room was nice, but the coffee machine was broken and the food spread unappealing.

Arrivals Lounge Look

Slightly dejected, I worked my way through security and to the domestic lounge. The food spread was ample, English style breakfast options mainly, and the coffee machines was manned by baristas. I enjoyed some caffeine and eggs while waiting for my departure to Cape Town. The view was wonderful and I enjoy watching aircraft land with the sunrise.

SAA Business Class breakfast

SAA A320 Business Class Seat

There are 24 business class (like first class in the USA) seats onboard the A320. This is twice the number United carries, so award space is always ample. The cabin was less than half full, so there was plenty of room to spread out.  The crew was very friendly and I felt like they were genuinely excited to fly with me that morning. The breakfast, my third of the morning, was tasty and was nice to pick at. Sadly, it was too early for alcohol.  It's a pretty arrival on the way into CPT and I was glued to my window for the final 30 minutes of flight.

SAA 737

QANTAS Bonus Miles Citi Transfer

If you've made a series of poor life choices and have over 1,000,000 Citi Thank You points, QANTAS will give you a 30% bonus when you transfer points to miles.

QANTAS A330

Fun London City Airport (LCY) Video

London City Airport is a great option if you are going to London.  Here's a video to make my case. It's from the early 90's and still works.

Air Berlin Mileage Earning Is Very German

airberlin is changing their mileage program in a very German way.  Check out the new earning methods, it seems delightfully complicated.

airberlin Uses 737's Like Miami Air

Good Sign for the Airline Industry

The airline business must be doing well. 3.5% on an unsecured loan is a great rate.  United had trouble with secured loans at 12% only a few years ago.

WestJet is Canada's Southwest

CALGARY, June 13, 2016 /CNW/ - WestJet Airlines Ltd. (TSX:WJA) today announced that it has priced an offering of US$400 million aggregate principal amount of 3.50% senior unsecured notes due June 16, 2021 (the "Notes"). The offering is expected to close on or about June 16, 2016. WestJet intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, which includes the purchase of aircraft.