Arrived at M23 and rang through to the meet and greet parking service to tell them of my immanent arrival. Arriving at the North Terminal, parking was mayhem (What is so difficult about parking a car in a space?) but my driver had grabbed a space, flagged me down and directed me to the spot great job. I was right outside AA check in so a short walk found me at the desk. Service was prompt, efficient and courteous. In no time at all I was clutching a boarding pass and lounge invite. I failed to see fast track, so went through normal security. There were no queues, and none of this pleased remove your computer. Why, as the airports are both BAA would the rules be different? Maybe computers do not pose a threat south of London? After a quick stop to get some $, I found myself in BAs terrace lounge. All in all from driving up the entry ramp to being in the lounge was 35 minutes. Cant fault that!
A cold breakfast is laid out in the lounge. I skipped the rum and wine (Sorry to let the side down Mcuth, but it was still pretty early in the morning) and went for some cornflakes, toast, espresso, juice and yoghurt. I passed the Danish and croissants. Obviously the catering is not up to the Clubhouse, but what was on offer hit the mark and to be frank was all I wanted.
News of the impending final of some soccer competition came on the TV news, so I moved myself to another area of the lounge for some peace and quiet. Fat chance! A family have come and sat down, and their children are running riot. So I am just off to advice them to restrain the little darlings before I do it for them! Ill let you know how I get on.
Well that went OK. There is a play area upstairs. So the poor stressed parents were in fact only too pleased to hear that there is a padded room where the fruits of their loins can go an run a riot. Peace and tranquillity has returned to the lounge. The lounge is fine. It lacks any flair and is looking rather worn round the edges (a bit like an UCS [;)] but the views are good out over the aerodrome. In a way, for my taste, I prefer the more conservative decoration. Anyway, I am now going to kick back for a while, so I will append the flight part of the TR to this later on. Seeya.
So, here we are in 12G just leaving the western coastline of Greenland. Boarding was a total scrum with no priority for premium or disabled passagers or for families with young children. To be fair the staff were somewhat distracted by a rather exciting incident. Standing right by the exit from the waiting lounge was a family of Mom, Dad, off-spring and Grandma. As soon as the doors opened, the pounced on the groundcrew saying that they had been waiting 3 hours for an assistant to turn up to help Grandpa, and that the poor fella was still sat waiting in the main lounge. All staff immediately ran of to solve this total breakdown in customer service, leaving boarding unattended! The free-for-all than followed would have been a real problem, had the family concerned not positioned themselves, with linked arms, over the gate. They then proceeded to announce that they were denying boarding to all passengers until AA had sorted out grandpa. Needless to say, there were a few frank exchanges of views between the competing clans of passengers, not to mention a few fairly forceful pushes and shoves. Eventually the Goths prevailed and the Celts parted to allow them boarding, which the Goths did en-masse. Staff were still absent by the way.
Once I got to my seat, moving the discarded shields and cudgels from the earlier battle, I was immediately greeted by Ed, the cabin crew for our area. With his deep gravely voice, smooth charm and distinguished-grey-hair good looks, he soon set to work charming both the male and female pax. Were my bread to be buttered that side, I would have willingly asked him for a date. Nothing was too much trouble, nothing fazed him and every comment by a passenger bought forth a genuine smile or a witty comment. I honestly think he was the best cabin crew I have come across and yes we are talking grumpy old American Airways!
After a pleasant sherry dinner was ready. Starters was a Salmon with Thai sweet dressing and a green mixed leaf salad with a range of dressings to choose from. For the mains, it was the normal choices of fish, poultry, beef or veggie. I opted for the Guinea Foul, which I have to say was very pleasant. Ben and Jerrys Chunky Monkey went down a treat for afters [drool]. Coffee, with cheese and biscuits, was served in a proper beaker [y] (beaker=mug for those of you who are not fortunate enough to have come from Gods fair county). Drinks were on free-flow; so much so that I (amazingly enough) had to turn some down as I had had enough. This continued throughout the flight the drinks that is, not me turning them down!
IFE was not VOD, but there was a selection of about 10 channels and the big plus point is that Bose QC2s are handed out to all premium customers on AA although not to keep I am afraid. The seats were very roomy and comfortable; although not a patch on UCS they beat J2000 hands down. Recline was generous and legroom was great (at 64 I could not kick the seat in front with my legs out straight, and needed to get up to get magazines out of the pocket as I could not reach otherwise). After dinner, all blinds were pulled down, and children stowed securely in the overhead lockers or under the seat in front, so that most pax could settle down to get a nap. The Boeing 777 was just fine, although perhaps a little aged and tatty. But aged and tatty suits my clothes, and lets face it, Boeings are far superior to Airbuses (If you are thinking of replying to that comment, dont. I am just playing with you!). After a quick trip to the heads (where I left my stash of VF business cards [;)] I too settled down for some rest.
..
It seems much sooner than I expected, but we are just approaching DFW and will start decent shortly. I had a good few hours kip, and now feel much refreshed if a little dehydrated. A light snack of an individual deep pan pizza was served with a green salad before landing. Very pleasant it was too. Overall I have been very, and I mean very, impressed with this flight; to think the cost was slightly less than VS in PE, there is just no comparison. I think that Ed made the flight as far as I was concerned. This has highlighted how important the crew are in making a memorable journey. However, even if he had not been on duty, I would have been content with the food, delighted with the space, and ecstatic at the value for money of the flight.
So now I will be off to fight the next battle. This time it is retrieving my luggage and facing the delight I have heard so much about US Security and immigration. I will tell you all about that in my next TR on the flight across from DFW to ABQ.
Tottle pip!
Ed was not the real name of the cabin crew, but is a similar name I have made up to protect his identity. My description of his good looks and charm is however genuine, and his phone number is 001 23 456 789
