RTW 2.5x - a DONE4 with stops in NYC, London and Italy (HCO only)

[PrezRegan]

Onboard now - the gate is conveniently next to the lounge. As an aside that’s the third time that’s happened lol.

The plane has an interesting blue mood light thing going on. I like to think it’s to discourage the junkies from shooting up on the plane… America things. But it’s probably just keeping with Alaska’s blue livery.

They do offer a pre departure beverage of wine, water or OJ. Having taken a look at the menu in the app, I think the only offering on this flight is a cheese platter. Methinks I shall be sleeping on this one.

 

[NM]

The plane has an interesting blue mood light thing going on. I like to think it’s to discourage the junkies from shooting up on the plane… America things. But it’s probably just keeping with Alaska’s blue livery.

I hope Aer Lingus don't choose their mood lighting this way

 

[Princess Fiona]

I’m taking it you are on QF codes for those AA flights to get towards your 2700?
Next time you go to ANC I would definitely stay there. It’s pretty spectacular countryside.

 

[Aeolus]

AA15
NYC-SFO
18:00-20:56 dur 5h 56m
A321T, seat 7A

I was very impressed with this flight, despite the delays which were out of their control really. I love how the AA app updates you promptly of any changes to gate and boarding etc.

I was slightly late to board after heading back to the lounge but was able to cut the line in front of the group 4 people. J on the A321T is in a 2-2 configuration but it is lie flat and quite spacious. The seat is comfy, they give you a blanket and pillow and amenity kit and you get a plated 3 course meal. I’d say it’s similar to the SYD-PER flights but much nicer (unless you manage to snag a 787 but even then I’d say AA’a food is better).
View attachment 469974

See below for the menu. I had to get the sundae of course!
View attachment 469975View attachment 469976
View attachment 470106
View attachment 469980
The only negative I could give is that you only get 20 mins of free wifi on board. You can pay for an hour for about 20 USD or the whole flight for 29USD.

Service was friendly and attentive. I had difficulty correctly placing the accent for a whiskey onboard (Dewar) and the word “pecan”. I will practice pronouncing these words over the next 4 flights as I return to status run mode.

Caught a nice sunset out the window too. For some reason everyone else had the shades down - why bother flying in a window seat if you won’t look out it?
View attachment 469979

The pre landing baked-onboard cookie was a nice touch but super sweet.
View attachment 469978

Thankfully the hotel shuttle showed up. Time to check in to Crowne plaza SFO and get some sleep before my 0800 flight back to the east to DFW tomorrow morning.

The food and menu looked way better than our QF J domestic of similar distances.

 

[PrezRegan]

I’m taking it you are on QF codes for those AA flights to get towards your 2700?
Next time you go to ANC I would definitely stay there. It’s pretty spectacular countryside.

Yes and definitely will next time!

 

[PrezRegan]

AS192 ANC–LAX
23:35–06:13, dur 5h38m
B737 MAX 9, Seat 2F

Not much to report in the air — I managed to sleep for the entire flight. It wasn’t particularly pleasant, but better than nothing. The cabin was quite cold and Alaska doesn’t provide a blanket or pillow.

The drama started on the ground with my transfer to the hotel. I’d pre-booked a car through Transfeero, a third-party service that organises transfers worldwide. At the time it looked like a good deal at about USD 62 each way between LAX and Beverly Hills, especially when peak-hour rideshares were showing over USD 100. Transfeero also advertises flight monitoring and a driver to meet you on arrival, so I was expecting a fairly seamless experience.

Well… I got none of that. Their partner did message me to confirm a driver, but I ended up waiting a full hour (no exaggeration) after landing for them to turn up. In that time I could’ve grabbed a USD 30 Lyft and been at the hotel — maybe even back again — before the scheduled driver appeared.

Safe to say, I wasn’t impressed. I’m en route to the hotel now and have already fired off a fairly firm refund request. For those who know me, I’m usually pretty relaxed about travel hiccups or less-than-stellar service, so the fact I actually sat down and wrote that email (albeit with an unexpected hour to kill) shows just how annoyed I was.

 

[PrezRegan]

After the car debacle I arrived at the Sofitel Beverley Hills at about 0900 - still 6hrs before I was technically able to check in. The front desk staff were lovely and tried to find me a room despite this, however none were available. They were confident one would be available around 10/1030 so I chilled in the lobby, did some work, and cashed in my drink voucher (for a coffee, I’m not that much of an alcoholic - despite what some of you might think).

I checked back again at 1100 but unfortunately nothing was available. They kindly cut me a key so I could use the gym - the benefit of HCO is all your gear is ready and at hand so a quick change wasn’t difficult at all. The gym is very good, was busy with a few people who appeared to be conducting private PT sessions so no photos. Suffice to say it is as good as a commercial gym.

On return I was told there were no higher rooms available (they were trying to proactively upgrade me) but that a lower one was. They had less lighting I’m due to half windows instead of floor to ceiling. At this stage I just really wanted a shower and a change of clothes so I took it. The room is very spacious but a bit old. Lots of dead space and it is a bit dark. But for one night it’ll do. I am intrigued to see what the upgraded room would have looked like.


After a nap and a quick bowl of noodles from aChinese restaurant down the road I decided to check out Hollywood. There really isn’t all that much here. The Chinese Theatre was closed due to an upcoming screening but I did the walk of fame and grabbed a drink in the Roosevelt Hotel.


Heading back to the hotel I decided to try out a Waymo - a driverless taxi. It was pretty cool, very smooth experience and no need to tip! It was the same price as a Lyft so would definitely recommend and use it again, provided you’re in the service area. Thanks @Dantas for the suggestion to do this.


After a burger from Fatburger I decided to turn in for the night. Tomorrow will be a quiet one before my 2130 flight to LHR. I pray my transfer shows up on time at 1800. I have a late checkout at 1300 (the hotel seems very busy) so will probably laze around then hit the gym and then find a quiet space to continue doing uni before going to the airport and enjoying the LA Flounge.