Trip Report: Round the World in 139 days (24 flights)

Status
Not open for further replies.
Photo of the airside area Ushuaia.
ImageUploadedByAustFreqFly1353590732.458334.jpg


Sent from my iPad using AustFreqFly app
 
Flight 13: Ushuaia to Buenos Aires (EZE)

Date: 21 November 2012
Flight Number: Aerolineas Argentinas - AR 1853
Fare type: Economy (Paid)
Aircraft: Boeing AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A343 JET)
Requested Seat: nil
Allocated Seat: 41H (Window)
In-flight Entertainment: None

Scheduled Departure: 13.45
Actual Departure: 15.03

Scheduled Arrival: 17.13
Actual Arrival: 18.26
Duration: 3 Hours 23 mins

Meal:
Ham, cheese and tomato roll, chocolate biscuit. Soft drink in small cup (but refilled)

Summary:
I was originally schedule to leave on the 20th but the National strike killed off that plan. I don't think this is a regular flight but was put on to get people down to Ushuaia for cruises and others out like me. Seating was 2-4-2 bring a window seat I only had to share overhead with one person, lots of space. Comfortable seats, aircraft looked like maybe refitted in last 12 months.

There was also lots of turbulence, twice plane had to climb higher but I'm not sure how high. A lengthy round of applause when we landed. The delayed flight still allowed me to make my connection.




Sent from my iPad using AustFreqFly app
 
Buenos Aires (EZE) Airport
21 November 2012

Landed at Terminal C with a tarmac disembarkation which took so time with lots of buses needed. Bags were delivered very quickly, I think I was one of the last most people just picked their bag up as the got to the reclaim area.

I was leaving from Terminal A which is the main terminal for international flights. Took about 15 minutes to get there. American Airline First/Business lines move very quick. Noticed economy line a lot slower.

Border Control and security was very easy and fast moving. As I was going to the USA I was subject to additional screening at the gate.

Admirals Lounge
It looks like they are building a new lounge. The temporary one is at gate 11 which is close to 10 minute walk from the gates AA uses. Lounge is small for number of guests. Everything is self serve including alcohol so no tips required. Free wifi accessed via password available from the desk.

As I had a tight connection didn't get any of facilities sorry. Announcements for flights are in Spanish only, listen carefully.


Sent from my iPad using AustFreqFly app
 
Flight 14: Buenos Aires (EZE) to Miami

Date: 21 November 2012
Flight Number: American Airlines - AA 900
Fare type: Business (RTW Award)
Aircraft: Boeing 777-200/30
Requested Seat: 10A
Allocated Seat: 10A
In-flight Entertainment: AVOD (back of seat)

Scheduled Departure: 21.15
Actual Departure: 21.45

Scheduled Arrival: 04.15
Actual Arrival: 04.45
Duration: 9 Hours

Meal:
Dinner (supper) options
Starter; warm nuts, water/orange juice
Main; Salad, beard plus either
1) beef fillet with onion Demi-glacé
2) seafood curry
3) gnocchi bolognese
4) Fruit and cheese plate
Dessert; Ice Cream or Fruit and Cheese

Wine and beer available but I didn't select.

Breakfast options
1) Spanish Omelette (my choice)
2) Yogurt
3) Kellogg's cereal
Plus bread

Or you could select the express service.

Summary:
Business section was 100% full showing how lucky I was to get changed to this flight with less than 24 hours notice. Priority boarding lane but from Gate 3 you can't get to it until general boarding lane moves so don't really that great except at the end faster for pulling you out of line for additional screening.

Seat is an almost lie flat which I later got about 4 hours sleep in which is great since I have 4 back to back flights. There are two trays you can use with the back of seat one accessible by adjusting the seat forward.

The amenity kit is fine with usual inclusions but also with a pen which is a good item for those custom / border forms. You are given a Bose Noise Cancelling headset which is collected at the end of flight. Reasonable range of current movies and TV videos.

The staff in J cabin seemed to speak Spanish as first language not English. Easy to get their attention. I had a family next to my with 6 month old baby but he/she was fine for the trip. Having three adults (I'm assuming mother inlaw as the extra) helps.

Overall a good product around the Iberia offering but below BA and QF INT.


Sent from my iPad using AustFreqFly app
 
Flight 14: Buenos Aires (EZE) to Miami

Date: 21 November 2012
Flight Number: American Airlines - AA 900
Fare type: Business (RTW Award)
Aircraft: Boeing 777-200/30
Requested Seat: 10A
Allocated Seat: 10A
In-flight Entertainment: AVOD (back of seat)

Scheduled Departure: 21.15
Actual Departure: 21.45

Scheduled Arrival: 04.15
Actual Arrival: 04.45
Duration: 9 Hours

Meal:
Dinner (supper) options
Starter; warm nuts, water/orange juice
Main; Salad, beard plus either
1) beef fillet with onion Demi-glacé
2) seafood curry
3) gnocchi bolognese
4) Fruit and cheese plate
Dessert; Ice Cream or Fruit and Cheese

Wine and beer available but I didn't select.

Breakfast options
1) Spanish Omelette (my choice)
2) Yogurt
3) Kellogg's cereal
Plus bread

Or you could select the express service.

Summary:
Business section was 100% full showing how lucky I was to get changed to this flight with less than 24 hours notice. Priority boarding lane but from Gate 3 you can't get to it until general boarding lane moves so don't really that great except at the end faster for pulling you out of line for additional screening.

Seat is an almost lie flat which I later got about 4 hours sleep in which is great since I have 4 back to back flights. There are two trays you can use with the back of seat one accessible by adjusting the seat forward.

The amenity kit is fine with usual inclusions but also with a pen which is a good item for those custom / border forms. You are given a Bose Noise Cancelling headset which is collected at the end of flight. Reasonable range of current movies and TV videos.

The staff in J cabin seemed to speak Spanish as first language not English. Easy to get their attention. I had a family next to my with 6 month old baby but he/she was fine for the trip. Having three adults (I'm assuming mother inlaw as the extra) helps.

Overall a good product around the Iberia offering but below BA and QF INT.


Sent from my iPad using AustFreqFly app

Thanks so much for your entertaining enthrallments.. Look forward to your next 'chapters" of adventure
 
Miami International Airport
22 November 2012

At disembarkation we had to walk to sky train to get to border control. Being in business class meant I was one of the first there an at 5 am in the morning it looked like there was only one plane of PAX in front. Large lines formed behind me so would have taken somenPAX a long time to get through.

I think I was a rare English speaking passenger in non-resident line. Custom and Border Protection officer actually seemed welcoming, this is different then my usual LAX experience. All bags were taken of belt before I got to reclaim which is a different experience for me.

Lined up again for customs check but I was one of the rare PAX not pulled aside to check bags. Not sure if being an Australian on an Argentinean flight had anything to do with it. They seemed to pull 2 out of 3 people aside to open bags.

I then had to recheck in. As I have two AA domestic flights today I hope to check bags though but agent couldn't help me. Though security once again and then I caught the sky train to D1-19 terminal.

Admirals Club (D15)
You go up escalators near gate 15. You get check for right to be there at the top and then are directed to main entrance. I inquire about a shower and I'm out on a waiting list. About 50 minutes later I get a call up. They have 2 spacious showers and you are asked to take less than 20 minutes.

I'm handed one complimentary drink voucher but bar isn't staffed until 9 am (might have been a little earlier). Orange juice, coffee, tea and water is self serve. Some muffins available as well. You can purchase food, they seemed to take orders around 8 am. Almost no one in lounge at 6.15 am but slowly builds up.

At some point OJ and muffins are removed with biscuits the replacement.

Free wifi with no password but you have to accept fair use policy to connect. Lots of power points to recharge gadgets. Business centre had three working pcs. You send a secure document to printer and input code to receive.

Very happy for access to a shower with no more flights to finish this marathon day.


Sent from my iPad using AustFreqFly app
 
Last edited:
Admirals Lounge Miami (D15) Photos

ImageUploadedByAustFreqFly1353596211.113201.jpg

ImageUploadedByAustFreqFly1353596221.773951.jpg


Sent from my iPad using AustFreqFly app
 
Elevate your business spending to first-class rewards! Sign up today with code AFF10 and process over $10,000 in business expenses within your first 30 days to unlock 10,000 Bonus PayRewards Points.
Join 30,000+ savvy business owners who:

✅ Pay suppliers who don’t accept Amex
✅ Max out credit card rewards—even on government payments
✅ Earn & transfer PayRewards Points to 10+ airline & hotel partners

Start earning today!
- Pay suppliers who don’t take Amex
- Max out credit card rewards—even on government payments
- Earn & Transfer PayRewards Points to 8+ top airline & hotel partners

AFF Supporters can remove this and all advertisements

Flight 15: Miami to Dallas (DFW)

Date: 22 November 2012
Flight Number: American Airlines - AA 395
Fare type: Economy (RTW Award - no J Seat available)
Aircraft: Boeing 737-800
Requested Seat: 27F
Allocated Seat: 27F
In-flight Entertainment: Audio & Video (cabin screen)

Scheduled Departure: 11.15
Actual Departure: 11.15

Scheduled Arrival: 13.35
Actual Arrival: 13.35
Duration: 3 Hours 20 mins

Meal:
Coffee / Tea and soft drink (normal size can)

Summary:
On a full flight I got an empty seat next to me since 27E was broken, what are the odds of sitting next to the only seat they couldn't use :). I got to watch people bring on the entire contents of their house, one person had 4 bags, 3 that looked over the normal size limit. This was Thanksgiving in America so lots and lots of "Happy Holiday" and "Happy Thanksgiving".

You have to pay $2 USD for headphones which you get to keep, I used my iPad headphones for free. No option to buy food on the flight but most people bought on MacDonalds from the terminal.

After the flight I found myself at Baggage Services enquiring about my bag. Apparently it came in on an earlier flight and was in another terminal. Now I would have loved to have been on an earlier flight but at least my bag was so we know who is more important :).

Interestingly the AA customer service guy was happy to put the boat into Miami staff "always those #%#*, a happy family company.



Sent from my iPad using AustFreqFly app
 
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (Terminal 4)
22 November 2012

After retrieving my bag from terminal C (see earlier post) I returned to Terminal D via the free shuttle bus service which is an excellent and easy way to get between the terminals coming every 5-8 minutes.

Check in for my fourth and last flight at the First Class counter for American Airlines as easy since I was the only one there. I heard it was chaos travelling on Thanksgiving in the USA but no problems for me. Security took about 10 minutes to clear. They wanted to but my in the nude scanner but the machine had other ideas, I tried not to take it personally.

Admirals Club (Terminal)
The club was near gate 24, which is accessed by a lift. Wifi access was fast. A voucher was given for a drink which I just gave away. Free biscuits and nuts available. The is also a kids lounge which was used by some parents with kids who seemed to have a lot of energy so glad the room exists. There is a sign saying "no an accompanied adults in the room".

The called international flights but not domestic ones.


Sent from my iPad using AustFreqFly app
 
Last edited:
Flight 16: Dallas (DFW) to Washington (R Reagan National)

Date: 22 November 2012
Flight Number: American Airlines - AA 2270
Fare type: First (Award)
Aircraft: Boeing 737-800
Requested Seat: 4F
Allocated Seat: 4F
In-flight Entertainment: Audio and Video (Cabin Screen)

Scheduled Departure: 17.10
Actual Departure: 17.10

Scheduled Arrival: 20.55
Actual Arrival: 20.55
Duration: 2 Hours 35 mins

Meal:
Pasta or Fish option I choose pasta. Choose of bread and a salad. Lots of drinks, kept being asked if I wanted more.

Summary:
The seat was very comfortable. First class was full, probably due to about 9 people requesting upgrades at the grade five cleared. The landing at Reagan was interesting they hit the brakes hard at this airport, I'm assuming the runway must be short.

In summary they treat you much much better in First Class.




Sent from my iPad using AustFreqFly app
 

Attachments

  • ImageUploadedByAustFreqFly1353805812.589941.jpg
    ImageUploadedByAustFreqFly1353805812.589941.jpg
    95.6 KB · Views: 160
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (Terminal 4)
22 November 2012

After retrieving my bag from terminal 3 (see earlier post) I returned to Terminal 4 via the free shuttle bus service which is an excellent and easy way to get between the terminals coming every 5-8 minutes.
...
I'm enjoying reading this report - keep 'em coming. :D

I believe you mean Terminal D and C - AA use 4 of the five terminals there. A, C are dedicated AA mainline, with B for AeAgle, D is a mix of AA domestic and the international flights for AA and several other airlines including BA and QF.
 
Last edited:
Miami International Airport
22 November 2012

" ... I then had to recheck in. As I have two AA domestic flights today I hope to check bags though but agent couldn't help me... "

Is there something more to this? I may try a status credit run while I'm in the USA next year. I would hate to have to collect and re-check any checked baggage at terminals along the way.
 
Last edited:
Is there something more to this? I may try a status credit run while I'm in the USA next year. I would hate to have to collect and re-check any checked baggage at terminals along the way.

The flights were on different tickets so the agent in Miami wouldn't check to final destination. The customer service agent in DFW indicated they should have been able to check all the way though. I was too tired to argue the point at the time.


Sent from my iPad using AustFreqFly app
 
I'm enjoying reading this report - keep 'em coming. :D

I believe you mean Terminal D and C - AA use 4 of the five terminals there. A, C are dedicated AA mainline, with B for AeAgle, D is a mix of AA domestic and the international flights for AA and several other airlines including BA and QF.

You are correct. I was in terminal D but my bag visited terminal C :)


Sent from my iPad using AustFreqFly app
 
JFK International Airport (Terminal 8)
28 November 2012

An OMG o'clock wake up at 4.15 am made me wonder if I'm actually on holidays or another work flight that some of my insane colleagues actually envy me for. I considered smashing the iPhone but one replacement per holiday is more than enough!

Scheduled shuttle dropped me off at Terminal 8 and there was no traffic at all which I was very surprised by despite the early time. Used the inside coach checkin line for American Airlines noticed they have curb side but way to cold for that service. I confirmed I would probably wake up in an emergency and panic, agent was satisfied And I was given my exit row seat.

I wish security was this easy at other airports which only two people in front of me, it pays to get an early flight I suppose. I was leaving from gate 44 which is in the second part of the terminal like a T8B if you like so a little walk under the tarmac. The Admirals Lounge was located between gates 44 & 45 which works out fine for me.

Admirals Lounge (Terminal 8 Gate 44/45)
I was welcomed back by the lounge guardians for me first visit. The lounge was very empty at first. Given two drink passes which I didn't use, I think other lounge members are happy with my stays since I always leave these passes :)

There was a selection of muffins and apples for food choices. There also had self serve orange juice and water. There are two showers, I know this as an increasing number of PAX arrived asking to use and being told they are already in use. There didn't appear to be a registration service which I found very surprising and the other PAX who appear to be in transit were very unhappy about.

There are approximately 5 PCs with fast Internet, at least when you are the only one using! Wifi also available with no password. Lots of room and power points to charge devices. Sorry no photos as I was about 75% the walking dead for this flight.


Sent from AFF Mobile Edition
 
Flight 17: New York to Orlando

Date: 28 November 2012
Flight Number: American Airlines AA1815
Fare type: Economy (Paid)
Aircraft: Boeing 757
Requested Seat: 21A (Exit Wing)
Allocated Seat: 21A
In-flight Entertainment: Audio & Video (Main Screen)

Scheduled Departure: 06.59
Actual Departure: 07.14

Scheduled Arrival: 09.59
Actual Arrival: 10.08
Duration: 2 Hours 54 minutes

Meal:
No meal service, even for purchase. Orange juice selected for a drink. Coffee and Tea arrive.

Summary:
Flight Attendant obviously asleep like me as she kept forgetting the emergency exit talk, lots of args and mms, between the attendant and myself (OMG o'clock wake up) the plane is doomed if we crash land. Couple behind me given and on board upgrade to First as they were related to someone working on the plane.

The video entertainment was an NBC show I think. The show has ads during it like you are watching normal TV. I settled for shut eye and using my iPad when awake. Very light load on the plane some PAX turned empty seats into a bed.

Landed at the satellite terminal in Orlando were you catch the monorail/shuttle to the main terminal, very quick. American Airlines managed to get my bag onto the right plane this time and the priority tagged bag (though QF Gold status / Sapphire I assume since in cheap Y) arrived as the third bag off at the same time I got to baggage claim.


Sent from AFF Mobile Edition
 
Orlando International Airport
30 November 2012

Today I'm flying American Airlines to Mexico City via Miami in a First then Business class paid ticket, hoping this will get me close enough to re qualification to Gold that QF will comp me (fingers crossed).

Once again AA offered curb side checkin, while the weather was fine at 7 am I had access to the First Checkin. This was a good thing given PAXs everywhere trying to figure out what to do, I'm assuming lots of very seasonal or occasional travellers here.

First checkin was empty but it took a while to get my tickets as Agent was concerned I didn't have an outbound ticket from Mexico. This was because 1) I do but it's on another airline to Cuba and 2) when I return to Mexico I'm starting a Central America land tour. Eventually she printed my ITN of flight flying from Panama to Dallas on 10 February 2013. Apparently Mexican Border Control will want to see this, I have me doubts.

Priority access for First PAX to clear security but I still had to go though the 'nude' scanner. I know for sure the image would have been deleted the second I exited :)

I then caught the shuttle / mono rail to the satellite terminal for my AA departure at gate 17. On arrival I learned that their is no lounge (shock!) however since they have free wifi n the airport it isn't that much different from the lounge :). The public area is a tally very good for an airport. I quickly spied the only PowerPoint spot next to a chair and I was set for the next 2 hours.

You can check out my travel blog at: http://nathanburgessinsights.com/


Sent from AFF Mobile Edition
 
Orlando International Airport photo
ImageUploadedByAustFreqFly1354285106.508602.jpg

It's Christmas time in the USA - after a few days of the never ending songs you start to go crazy!


Sent from AFF Mobile Edition
 
Last edited:
Flight 18: Orlando to Miami

Date: 30 November 2012
Flight Number: American Airlines AA1593
Fare type: First (Paid)
Aircraft: Boeing 757
Requested Seat: 4A
Allocated Seat: 4A
In-flight Entertainment: Audio & Video (Cabin)

Scheduled Departure: 11.35
Actual Departure: 11.35

Scheduled Arrival: 12.35
Actual Arrival: 12.45
Duration: 1 Hour 10 minutes

Meal:
No service in economy at all for this short flight. First got one drink and a mixed snack pack, basically pretzels and nuts.

Summary:
Very short flight, we levelled off I got my drink and about 10 minutes later (max) we were descending. First class cabin was full but since they had about 15 people requesting upgrades that's not a big surprise. I wonder how many people actually pay for First?

Most First PAX gave their jackets for storage but I think for 25 minutes i was willing to keep onto mine.

On descend, right near the airport, we had to suddenly climb again. No idea why other than a plane was still on the runway. I could see one plane on one of the runways not sure if that was the one we were meant to land on. Eventually we landed after flying around Miami once again.

A real short flight that should earn me 40 status credits before my business flight to Mexico City later in the day.


Sent from AFF Mobile Edition
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Become an AFF member!

Join Australian Frequent Flyer (AFF) for free and unlock insider tips, exclusive deals, and global meetups with 65,000+ frequent flyers.

AFF members can also access our Frequent Flyer Training courses, and upgrade to Fast-track your way to expert traveller status and unlock even more exclusive discounts!

AFF forum abbreviations

Wondering about Y, J or any of the other abbreviations used on our forum?

Check out our guide to common AFF acronyms & abbreviations.
Back
Top