Taking Junior to School

[robd]

Junior has been accepted into Uni in the states to finish her degree, so we've added in a bit of a holiday on the way there.

We headed off from Melbourne with Virgin Australia flight VA 11 to LAX on the 777 in premium economy. We fortunately got 10H & K allocated, which I was really looking forward to experiencing. I found the legroom good (I'm short) and the fact that no-one reclined into the space was great. Last time we had row 12, but we both now prefer row 10 (highly coveted and not easy to obtain without status).






The amenity pack included socks, eyemask, earplugs, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand cream, tissues and a pen.

Had a couple of glasses of bubbles whilst the economy passengers were boarding and pushed back about 10 mins late and then had to wait further whilst three QF's took off, 1 QF, 1 JQ & 1 Rex landed, but it was lovely weather out of the window, when we eventually took off.
View attachment 9251

Lunch was served a couple of hours into the flight, and was, well, edible. The main course was a beef stew with mashed potato and beans.




There was also a wedge of lovely King Island Camembert, but someone has got the cheese to biscuit ratio completely wrong . What were they thinking?

Watched a couple of movies and tried to nod off, without success. The Temazapan the Doc prescribed, just seemed to make me hungry!

Apparently I can only post 5 pics at a time, so this is to be continued .......




.

 

[Deewhy]

Looking forward to the TR. Booked this later in the year, but not much info found for PE experiences. So keep the posting up!

BTW - do you have status with VA? Did you get row 10 through that or by luck?

 

[ckck]

Do you have to unwrap your own meal in PE on VA?

I haven't flown QFi PE in over a year now but we had a little tablecloth placed on the fold out table, and our meal selection was unwrapped by the FA.

 

[loobloke]

Im pretty sure the PE meals are Y meals ... only difference was asked at beginning of flight for meal choices and then hand delivered (foil on) instead of using trolley. Could do with an improvement.

 

[robd]

Looking forward to the TR. Booked this later in the year, but not much info found for PE experiences. So keep the posting up!

BTW - do you have status with VA? Did you get row 10 through that or by luck?

.

Just got to Silver status on arrival here, so no status when I booked (I don't think Silver would have helped anyway). I kept checking E/F and rang VA when there was less than 48 hrs to go and the seats were still vacant (blocked).

 

[robd]

Do you have to unwrap your own meal in PE on VA?

I haven't flown QFi PE in over a year now but we had a little tablecloth placed on the fold out table, and our meal selection was unwrapped by the FA.

No tablecloth and yes, have to peel off the foil.

 

[robd]

With a couple of hours left, breakfast was served. It was ok.



One of the best sights at either end of this flight, has to be the sunrise. It is a beautiful sight and very vivid. Unfortunately, it just doesn't photograph well out of the window. Seeing the sunrise, also means that you are close to either LA or home.

We had a good landing which was about 15 mins early and headed straight to the terminal. After Business Class de-boards, PE is next. Got to immigration, and there was virtually no one there (hooray). We had a great TSA who was pleasant and cracking jokes and that process plus collecting bags and clearing customs took all of about 20 minutes.

Next we had to phone LAX Luggage storage and get them to collect a suitcase which we didnt want to lug around on the holiday part of this trip. After a couple of phone calls, we finally found each other at the Southwest Terminal and off loaded the suitcase (hopefully we will meet up again in about 3 weeks time).

Now we are off to Vegas!! Given this flight is only about an hour, I chose Southwest Airlines. I think it cost about US $52 each.


I believe Southwest are currently refitting their 737's, but this one had not yet been done. The flight was full and we ended up with a mum and crying baby in our row. Not the best particularly when tired and scratchy!

 

[robd]

I'm not sure which seat number we had for this Southwest flight, but I do remember getting up at 4.30am on the morning of our flight to LA to check-in and get a boarding assignment. On Southwest, you don't get an allocated seat. IIRC we were assigned A20 & A21 which means that we got to board 20th & 21st onto the plane. You can sit anywhere you like after boarding. We were offered complimentary soft drink & peanuts.

We landed on time in Vegas, grabbed our bags and queued up for a taxi, which didnt take long. It's hot in Vegas!

The taxi to the Bellagio cost about $30 (inc tips) and took about 15mins. Check in was efficient and we headed up to our room. Unfortunately, we didn't score a fountain view room, but the room was ok, not what I would call 5 star, but we didn't pay 5 star rates either, Aud $670 for 4 nights thru Expedia.




I am not sure why people recommend staying mid-strip in Vegas because the place is so huge. You really can't walk anywhere. If fact, it took 8 minutes walking from our room to get to the street at the front of the hotel, and that included using the travellators.



We invested in a 3 day RTC pass which was US $20 each. This gets you on the buses that go up and down the strip. We hit the premium outlets at both ends and also the Fashion Show Mall (make sure you wear comfy shoes).

We also did a Helicopter flight to the Grand Canyon, which included a picnic with champagne, landing in the canyon and a flight over the strip. Originally, we booked for the sunset tour, but it was cancelled due to a storm, so we just did the day flight. On the outbound flight, we were seated in the back of the helicoptor and it was a little uncomfortable (hot & squishy), but we scored the front position on the return, which was much more pleasant. The experience was fantastic. Photos aren't able to capture the magnificance of this natural wonder. It is awesome.

The picnic.

The Strip.


Another highlight of our stay was seeing Cirque du Soliel "O". I didn't think I was going to enjoy this, but I was totally enthralled. The show is full of activity and at many points, you're not sure where to look as there is so much going on. If you get to see this show, you will understand the meaning of the title "O".

On our last night in Vegas, we took the bus to the Stratosphere Hotel & Casino where we did the 3 rides on the top of the building. I wasn't a fan of the X-Scream ride but the other 2 were ok. Actually, come to think of it, I didn't really like the Insanity ride much, it just made me feel dizzy more than anything. Still, very exhilarating.

Stratosphere. The coloured light on the top, is one of the rides.



Overall, we enjoyed Vegas and could have stayed perhaps another night or 2 to look around, particularly at the other hotels. Vegas is "over the top" - a nice place to visit, but ......

Next up, we're headed to New York.

 

[robd]

So the next flight was again with Southwest Airlines. I can't recall why we opted for Southwest again, but it was probably $$$ & flight times. Actually, this flight I re-booked when they advertised a sale fare and got it ~ $65 cheaper, with no change fee. Jnr & I both now have a credit that can be used. Doubtful that I will get to use it before it expires in 12 mths, but Jnr can use hers plus the reward points earned for a weekend away somewhere whilst here if she wants. I chose a non direct flight which stopped in St. Louis because 5+ hours on any LCC is not fun. I checked us in online at T-24 and got "A" boarding allocations for both legs of the flight. The plane was a 737 with a 3-3 configuration, but it was newly refitted and looked much fresher. I had done a little research to see which seats to aim for and rows 11/12 is the recommendation. Boarding at number 22 & 23, I wasn't confident, but wait, row 11 on the left hand side (as you are boarding) - bingo! This row only has two seats being in the exit row and feels more spacious. We were pleasantly surprised how comfortable the flight was, and again, we were offered complimentary soft drinks and nibbles (peanuts, shortbread, savoury biscuits). There are no videos or anything on Southwest, so BYO entertainment. I had my crossword book which filled in the time. Another great thing with Southwest is that it doesn't cost extra to check up to 2 bags each, which worked well in our favour. We had to take the third suitcase out of the second one after our shopping expeditions in Vegas! Stopped in St. Louis for about 1hr 40 mins and on to another Southwest 737 for the second leg into LaGuardia.

St. Louis (not much to see from here).



Again a newly re-fitted aircraft and this time we got row 12. Jnr took 12F which has no seat in front of it, so you can really stretch out.



Landed at LaGuardia on time, collected the bags (a little hiccup there with the carousel breaking down for a good 10 mins or so) and joined the taxi queue.



The taxi into Times Square took about 40 minutes and then we checked in at the Doubletree Suites. I had booked the King room and was hoping for upgrade as HH Gold. The guy on the desk was pleasant and helpful, but because this weekend was a holiday weekend, he was not able to move us into a double/double room until the next night. Our first night was in the King room on the 10th floor and Jnr was supposed to sleep on the sofa couch, but after I checked it out, there was no way I could subject her to that - very uncomfortable

After unloading the bags in our room, we headed outside. Wow, this place is in your face. Crowds of people.





We had a bit of a wander around, had dinner at a diner and called it a night.

 

[robd]

The next day, we headed off to the baseball at Yankee Stadium. We went to the 49th St subway entrance, which is right next door to the hotel, and got a 7 day Metrocard for use on the public transport system. These cost US $29 each. The Subway has saved us heaps of money and legwork, but whilst the trains are relatively clean and have run consistently, it's bloody hot down there and it smells like newly laid asphalt. Once you figure out which end is Uptown and which is Downtown, it's really simple to navigate the system. The baseball tickets I got off Stubhub before we left Australia. Unfortunately, the Yankees lost to Baltimore Orieles, but it was a good day overall.





My boss recommended a rooftop bar to get a great view of the Empire State Building on top of the Metro Hotel. I had a rather strong Apple Martini whilst I pondered the view.

Rooftop at The Metro



Day view from The Metro


Had a really nice meal at The Metro Grill and headed back up to the rooftop for the night viewing.

 

[Holly]

Thanks for sharing your TR robd. I've just returned from my first trip to the US, and there are a lot of similarities with our trip. We however did the reverse- NYC first, then flew out of LGA also on Southwest to Vegas. Agree with you at my surprise at how grotty the NYC subway stations are (but the inside the trains were clean & efficient). I just dreaded heading down to the platforms and being engulfed by the smells!

Also, ditto at how impressed I was with Southwest airlines- the non-allocated seating arrangements worked surprisingly smoothly on the three flights I boarded. And the drinks + snacks are a nice touch and a memory from a distant past when airlines actually used to routinely include refreshments!

Vegas was OTT but I embraced it. I similarly was enthralled by Cirque du Soleil's "O"- just amazing! Also loved the Bellagio's dancing fountain. We did the sunset trip to Grand Canyons and it was so breathtaking and truly the highlight of my trip to US.

 

[robd]

Thanks for sharing your TR robd. I've just returned from my first trip to the US, and there are a lot of similarities with our trip. We however did the reverse- NYC first, then flew out of LGA also on Southwest to Vegas. Agree with you at my surprise at how grotty the NYC subway stations are (but the inside the trains were clean & efficient). I just dreaded heading down to the platforms and being engulfed by the smells!

Also, ditto at how impressed I was with Southwest airlines- the non-allocated seating arrangements worked surprisingly smoothly on the three flights I boarded. And the drinks + snacks are a nice touch and a memory from a distant past when airlines actually used to routinely include refreshments!

Vegas was OTT but I embraced it. I similarly was enthralled by Cirque du Soleil's "O"- just amazing! Also loved the Bellagio's dancing fountain. We did the sunset trip to Grand Canyons and it was so breathtaking and truly the highlight of my trip to US.

Really wish we could have done the sunset trip. They did offer to re-schedule, but the only time they could give us, was the day we were leaving, which was no good. Still glad we did it.

 

[robd]

Continuing on in New York, we visited the usual tourist haunts -

Staten Island Ferry


Lady Liberty from the ferry



Jnr found another shopping mall on Staten Island so we jumped on a bus and headed out there. If anyone is wondering, the mall was ok, but really, don't bother. The bus ride took almost an hour, and whilst i know every city has its good and bad areas, you are pretty much going through 90% bad to get there.

The next day we headed out to Washington DC. The decision to do this started with this thread:-

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....-guide/washington-dc-sights-in-day-42344.html

Our flight was with Delta (operated by Chautauqua Airlines) from LGA to IAD (Dulles) on a Embraer 145 which has a 1 - 2 config. We had seats 9b & c. Nice terminal at LGA - desks with Ipads. We were due to take off at 8.10am but pushed back around 8.20am. We must have missed our slot 'cause we got stuck in a queue for another 45 mins. We landed in Washington only about 30 mins late. We weren't offered any drinks or nibbles on this flight.

Delta terminal at LGA


Embraer 145



The terminal at Dulles was really nice.

There is a shuttle that runs from Dulles Airport to the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum (Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center) which is only a couple of miles from the airport. It costs 50 cents each, each way.




I was really looking forward to this, and I wasn't disappointed.....

 

[robd]

The Air & Space museum is big and looks fantastic. Like most places in the US, you have to go through a security check, which was quick & painless. The wonder of this place hits you as soon as you walk into the main area. There are several employees/volunteers ?? who are happy to give you a free guided tour which goes for approximately 1.5 hours.

Some highlights -

Concorde


An early Boeing - Looks like window seats went for a premium - I could only see about 8 of them.



This one changed the face of the world.



And this is the one I really came to see.





The excursion to this place was fantastic and I wish we'd had more time here. I would probably recommend allowing a minimum of 3 hours to explore it all. If you are wondering about food & drinks at the museum, there is a big McCafe.

Unfortunately, after only 2 hours, we had to head back to the airport (on the 0.50c shuttle) to catch a taxi into DC for the next part of our day trip to the National Mall.

 

[robd]

The taxi from the airport to City Segway tours located in Foggy Bottom (he he) was approximately US $65. I organised this tour the previous day via the internet and it cost US $75 each for a 3 hour tour. When you get there, you have to "sign your life away" before embarking on the tour and then you are split into groups. Fortunately, there was only 4 of us in our group. Our guide was Melissa. Before heading out, you go through a training session which is only about 15mins or so. The segways are really easy to ride and are great fun.



Off we scooted down the streets (literally, which was a bit daunting), onto Pennsylvania Avenue with Melissa very chatty and informative, explaining the significance of the buildings and sights as we passed them. There was plenty of opportunities to stop and take photos.

The White House


The Capitol Building



The Reflecting Pool was recently drained and renovated, but the repairs have now been completed. When you get to the Lincoln Memorial and look down the pool, there is a definate urge to re-enact the scene from Forrest Gump.... and yell Jenny!

 

[robd]

The National Mall reeks of history and patriotism on a massive scale.







There are many other memorials to those that have served in wartime including the Korean & Vietnam wars, just to name 2.

All in all, in was a great day.

So back to Dulles airport to catch our Delta flight back to LaGuardia and the departures board informs us that we are going to be leaving 10 mins late. Boarded the plane and then just sat there.... waiting, waiting. Pilot then tells us we're not going anywhere due to bad weather in New York. OK, so we then have to wait for the bridge to come back and let us off the plane....waiting, waiting. Off we get and most of us head over to the next gate which is showing a delayed 5pm flight (by this time its about 8pm) into JFK. Eventually got ticketed and boarded. Funnily enough, the pilot welcomes us on board and tells us should be a good flight and there's no weather to speak of in NYC tonight - what the? This time the aircraft was a CRJ200 with a 2-2 config. I must admit that we didnt really care what aircraft we were on as long as we we're heading back to NY. Again no offerings of water or anything on the flight. My overall impressions of Delta, (and my total experience to date has been limited to these 2 flights), is that given a choice, I would be avoiding them. I think we lost around 3 hours due to their delays and plane changes.

 

[Simo]

The Air & Space museum is big and looks fantastic. Like most places in the US, you have to go through a security check, which was quick & painless. The wonder of this place hits you as soon as you walk into the main area. There are several employees/volunteers ?? who are happy to give you a free guided tour which goes for approximately 1.5 hours.

Some highlights -

Concorde
View attachment 9442

An early Boeing - Looks like window seats went for a premium - I could only see about 8 of them.

View attachment 9443

This one changed the face of the world.

View attachment 9444

And this is the one I really came to see.

View attachment 9445

View attachment 9446

The excursion to this place was fantastic and I wish we'd had more time here. I would probably recommend allowing a minimum of 3 hours to explore it all. If you are wondering about food & drinks at the museum, there is a big McCafe.

Unfortunately, after only 2 hours, we had to head back to the airport (on the 0.50c shuttle) to catch a taxi into DC for the next part of our day trip to the National Mall.

This one the places on my bucket list.

 

[robd]

This one the places on my bucket list.

Well worth it in my opinion

 

[robd]

So back in New York, we continued with the usual tourist sights :-

The World Trade Center Memorial you need a pass to get into. The pass is free and we booked it online the previous day and collected it on site before we entered. It's a bit like going through a TSA check when entering the site and there is a large police presence and cameras everywhere. The space is huge with demolition and rebuilding continuing in the area. When I entered, I felt the emotions of what occurred on that day.....



The sole surviving tree from 9/11



We also did the Top of the Rock



Jnr located another Mall in Queens, so we hit the subway and headed out there and we also did the obligatory Broadway show, we chose Jersey Boys. The show was good, but the theatre was a little uncomfortable with the seats extremely tight at the August Wilson Theatre.

Summarizing our time in New York I would say that we enjoyed it, albeit a little overwhelming, particularly when staying right in the heart of Times Square which is pretty much overrun by hoardes of people/tourists. We really enjoyed our stay at the Doubletree Guest Suites and the separate lounge area is great if one likes a little sleep in but the other does not. The perks that the HH Gold status afforded us were also fantastic with complimentary breakfast and wifi saving a fair bit of money.

Our next stop is Orlando, Florida. We flew with Jetblue and also purchased the "Even More Space". The aircraft was an A320 with a 3-3 configuration. The space was really good, and the aircraft felt new.



The legroom shot - Jnr was happy do it - showing off the new Nikes!



There was free TV channels on this flight and we were also offered free snacks & drinks. We did however, have to pay for 1 checked bag at US $40. The first checked bag is free. It was a very comfortable flight.

 

[robd]

Oh I almost forgot. One of the snack offerings on Jetblue is blue potato chips. i've never seen them before - very quirky!





They tasted ok.

Oh and I also tried the A space C seat allocation and it worked (the flight was really full). I checked Expert Flyer whilst waiting to board and the middle seat was blocked. Chalk one up!