Currently sitting in freezing Amsterdam looking out at the snow. How the world can change so quickly!
Some might say that my planning was lacking as the return trip was even longer than the way out. I’d disagree because I enjoyed all of it, and it meant the pleasure of four lounges, many films, and some really good food and drink. I’m also feeling remarkably fresh which I think is explained by my body being so utterly confused by time zones that it’s given up caring.
I say that because I first flew west back to Honolulu from Phoenix, and after a night’s kip then flew back east to LA. Lots of point accrued and prizes to come! Temperature wise it was lovely – 80F in Phoenix and much the same in Oahu though to my delight it was raining.
American Airlines Admirals’ Lounges (HNL and PHX) aren’t up to much but they do provide good coffee and wine as necessary, with a little grazing. I’ve been impressed by American on the flying front too because unlike BA, every flight left on time, and the ground and cabin staff have been uniformly very good.
They actually manage the passengers so things work well – for example boarding begins early to prevent chaos and they stop people blocking channels. My favourite example was at Toronto where the delightful lady bellowed “Happy Thursday! Kindly step out of the aisles to let others past”. She also caused universal mirth by telling a feckless young man who wandered up with a question “Take your headphones out! I’ve just finished giving a three minute spiel about that (she had), you’re worse than my teenager”. She then laughed and repeated it for him.
In the air they are attentive, and I was also impressed by the pilots, particularly the one who flew us from HNL who began by speaking to passengers from the cabin, opening by saying “Aloha, I’m the pilot, yes the one in the white shirt waving at the front”.
However, if that was good, it was nothing compared to the joys of the Qantas First Class Lounge at LAX, which seems to be accepted as the best lounge in the US. I’d agree, and it certainly shows up the Concorde Room. To be fair the whole experience in the Tom Bradley International Terminal is a joy. It’s light, airy, and unlike T5 isn’t over crowded.
Neither is the lounge, but what really makes it stand out is the food and the service. The staff are proactive and I actually had to stop the refills coming just to save myself for the flight!
As you can see the food is interesting and based on the Rockpool Bar and Grill in Sydney. It’s cooked in an open kitchen beside the dining area and unlike London always arrives hot. Since I had some hours to kill I managed to have a burger with the red wine (both excellent) and then pass some time before trying the salt and pepper squid which was the best I’ve ever tasted – remarkably tender – with the white. And then some sea bass which was sublime. Life is not always tough.
And that was also true of the flight back to London, my first experience of the A380 super jumbo. Not all perfect as the crew was less than great with poor attention to detail and a somewhat tired approach. I don’t know whether it was in some way connected to the strike but they were all rather old and it showed.
However, the aircraft itself was fabulous – the amount of room is daft and I particularly liked the essentially redundant staircase up from the first cabin to the upper business section.
It’s also a really pleasant aircraft to fly in. Movements were smooth, it was quiet, and I actually slept for four hours uninterrupted which for me is a record.
And having been rude about the crew, I did still enjoy a second dinner, keeping healthy and light with more fish, and, naturally, more of the white Burgundy I’d so enjoyed on the way out!
And by the morning I was ready for a healthy breakfast, though fear not, a full cooked duly balanced all that fruit!
And then to keep momentum going I was in the Concorde Room within twenty minutes of leaving the aircraft, and to my joy managed to get a cabana – a little room within the lounge with it’s own facilities – for the layover before the flight onto Schipol. This was ideal as it allowed me to flake out and enjoy the rugby in peace – it was going well when I took the photo.
All the lounge facilities are available – you just press a button and someone turns up to take your order which arrives promptly I must say. I followed advice and felt a pick me up (thanks Richard) and a wee snack would be sufficient. It was more than fine and I too now recommend the expresso martini!
So clearly the CR has its merits but I still prefer Qantas. The comparison bar shot in London perhaps explains why though the Concorde chairs are fun.
And onto the last points earning flight to Amsterdam which was on time if a little rushed – an hour really isn’t enough for another meal and more drinks!
So twenty three hours flying, 11159 miles, and the gold card target achieved. Hurrah – but still time for a free beer in the hotel before finally conking out!
Indulgence and some opulence over. Sigh. Until the next time!!