North America - 6 Cities, 12 Days

[flying_duck]

Really it's an individual choice. Business back was absolutely brilliant, fantastic hard product. I was a little underwhelmed with PE. Having said that, I haven't flown Economy long haul in about 5 years so I wouldn't provide a good comparison. How important is getting sleep to you? What do you need to do after you land? United economy + I can sleep like a baby (the dreamliner helps) but VA PE I didn't sleep at all. Your mileage may be completely different. All else fails a couple sleeping pills are much cheaper than business upgrades (points or otherwise).

Ps I have just booked AirNZ for my next trip in September, so will write up a trip report about the seats after that. They were less than half the price of VA economy.

 

[justinn]

I am amazed by how many people come to the US just to come shoot at the range. I usually go weekly to keep proficient and is great to see visitors enjoying the sport. If anyone goes to Florida the tourist area ranges are well over priced but some off the beaten path are inexpensive and provide good instructors.

 

[get me outta here]

FIFO, did you have an airbnb in NYC? I do know they are illegal, but just wondering.

 

[kevrosmith]

I am amazed by how many people come to the US just to come shoot at the range. I usually go weekly to keep proficient and is great to see visitors enjoying the sport. If anyone goes to Florida the tourist area ranges are well over priced but some off the beaten path are inexpensive and provide good instructors.

This post proudly bought to you by NRA.ORG

 

[mel-world]

Thanks for the report on your quick trip - no wonder you were sick for part of it - enjoyed the photo layout.

 

[robd]

I'm travelling VA Sydney to LAX next week premium economy, your reviews of the seats sounded a little scary and uncomfortable! Did you notice a marked difference between economy and premium? Should I spend the points and upgrade to business or is PE perfectly fine? Such first world problems!

Do the upgrade to PE as it's much better than Y. If you're doing the return on VA, I would suggest upgrading to J, as it's an overnighter. Beware though, if you do upgrade to J, you will find it extremely difficult to fly a lesser cabin in the future - just saying...

 

[robd]

You jammed a lot into your 2 weeks. A very good trip report.

Was your friend laughing when you stacked their car, or just you? lol.

 

[PLANT]

I've flown all three classes in VA.... Go the points to business..... I found PE in aisle average and no great upgrade from middle seat in economy!.... The champers in PE is poor compared to business!!!

 

[Dr Ralph]

No update on the BNE to MEL flight, I imagine it will be standard domestic VA stuff. No upgrade thus far which is disappointing, a VA gold (this flight will hit platinum) on flexis coming off a business class international leg, would have thought I couldn't tick any more boxes.


TSA
Every single airport required shoes off, liquids out, belts and coats off, and laptops out. Sometimes iPads, sometimes not. Be prepared, wear slip on shoes, keep your must have liquids in a zip lock bag in the purse etc. think standard AU international screening, but for every single domestic flight and passenger. Sky priority does not always guarantee you a fast track lane, even when there is one, it is often very full so do not rely on it getting you through faster.

Yep, they are pathetic. Noticed with interest when I was there in June this year a report from Congress on the effectiveness of the TSA. The report concluded that a lot of money was being wasted. TSA was subject to random tests of people trying to get through with unauthorised material and failed in 97% of the cases to detect that material.

I made the mistake of mentioning this to a rather officious TSA member when in Miami. Lets just say they weren't happy!

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Louisville KY! I've been there maybe 100 times or more... every time I go to land the crew say 'Louisville huh? You must know someone there!' (otherwise you'd never go :mrgreen

Re cold and flu meds... used to be easier - they would accept a foreign passport, but the last couple of years they've clamped down on that... I now need to get my friend to purchase using their driver licence. A lot of folks round there haven't ever seen a passport i suspect (the supermarket didn't know how to handle it for a purchase of some bitters which contained alcohol).