We arrived at JFK after a five-hour ride from New Hampshire. But thanks to a transportation company we hired, it was very comfortable and I rested. We checked in, which was very simple and no hassle at all. My parents were flying Business Class, while the three kids (me included) were in coach. But it was not as bad as it sounds. Because of this, we were able to go to the lounge for Business/First Class ticket holders. This was nice, as the weather was horrible and our plane was delayed for who knew how long. After sometime I left and when exploring around the gate area. It appeared that our plane N771UA, was at the gate. One issue was though; I could not see more than 100ft out of the window. It was pouring rain and very windy. Walking around the terminal area, I explored the British Airways gates. There was a BA 747, 777 and a 767. Everyone was delayed. And they announced several times that many planes coming from Europe were diverted to BOS until JFK was clear. At 1729, there was an announcement: “JFK IS CLOSED.” Departure moved to 1930. Time passed and finally we were able to board around 2030.
One thing I enjoyed about my seat was that it was a window on the right side of the plane and I had no seatmate. This was nice as I knew I would see the sunrise in the morning. Anyway, the load factor for this flight was roughly 85%. Once everyone was seated we were told that we would be delayed because of the thunderstorm directly overhead us. My Mom soon came back from Business Class. She told me “The Captain wants to see you. I went up and told him you are a Student Pilot.” Whoa! This was exciting for me. I jumped up and made my way to the front. I was greeted with a smile by the Captain and First Officer. We talked for 15 minutes and then the Captain jumped on his cell phone to talk to his son. So the FO and I talked. She showed me the flight computers; we mapped out our route on the map and how much fuel we would need. I really learned a lot. After 30 minutes or so, we were told we could pushback. I shook both pilots’ hands and thanked them for their time. I went back to my seat with a smile on my face. We pushed back taxied to the runway and waited for several heavies to land that had been holding in the pattern or diverted to BOS or PIT. I saw many planes that ranged from a Finnair MD-11 to a Jet Blue A320. We departed and soon made a right bank to head towards Boston. We crossed over Plum Island (2B2), which is an airport on the MA/NH border that I flew to this summer. Soon after we were served a meal, which I can’t remember but I do remember I ate it all! I then fell asleep. I awoke to a sunrise like no other. To avoid disturbing other passengers: I put my blanket around the window and me so I could look out while blocking the sunlight. The clouds were so interesting and I saw two other jets bound for Europe below us. Soon enough I came out of the cave and other people were awake and I was served breakfast. I do not remember breakfast either, but I do remember it was edible. One thing I would like to point out is the audio channels are an excellent feature. I enjoyed Channel 17: Eurobeat. It was very soothing and I enjoyed. I actually only checked out the PTV a couple times. I left it on the map as the movies did not interest me. After sometime I decided to go to the lavatory and wash up and brush my teeth for arrival into London. The FO made her announcements and we soon descended into Heathrow Airport. We touched down lightly and taxied in to our gate. I felt as if I was at home away from home. There were UAL and AAL 777’s everywhere!
The pilots were standing by the door on the way out. I thanked them again for letting my visit in New York. They both wished me good luck with flying and a good trip. We deplaned and about 30 minutes later we were on our way into the city.
United did an excellent job on this flight despite the delay in JFK which is beyond their control. Although I was asleep most of the flight I had no complaints other than they did not operate Channel 9 on this flight.
Monday, August 16th, 2004
Lufthansa: LH4725
London-Heathrow (LHR/EGLL) – Frankfurt/Main (FRA/EDDF)
Departure time: 0950
Airbus A321-231 D-AISC
Heathrow Airport was very busy this morning and it was hard to figure out exactly where you needed to go as they did not post our flight for quite some time. The Terminals here are much different than I am use to in The United States. They have a different set-up and it has its pros and cons to it. Either way, we had plenty of time so we ate breakfast at a very nice café. We then proceeded to a waiting area where you can just sit around and wait for your flight before going to your assigned gate. Because it was 0845 I had time to try and spot some aircraft. I watched an Alitalia A320 arrive, a Swiss A319 depart from the gate and an Air France A320 arrive from Paris. Off across the runways I could see the British Airways terminal. Basically there were heavies everywhere. 747s, 777s lined up at their gates. At 0920 we made our way to our assigned gate. We boarded easily and I was happy to be able to try my German for the first time as it might be useful. I handed a letter to the Flight Attendant which requested a visit to the cockpit either in-flight or on the ground after the flight. Because this is not allowed in America, I thought I would try the world. She said “Okay. I’ll bring it to the Captain.”
This plane was very clean and looked quite new. I looked forward to a pleasant flight. Before we pushed back the F/A who I had handed the letter to came back and said: “I am sorry, we do not allow visits in-flight. But in Frankfurt, you may visit.” I thanked her and immediately was questioned by a lady sitting in front of me why I would want to visit the cockpit. Her EXACT words were “You’re not a terrorist or anything are you?” I responded with “I am a student pilot in America and have no intentions to do such a thing.” She turned around and told her seatmates what I wanted to visit for. Thanks lady, because you spoke so loud, now all the passengers around us are staring in my direction.
We pushed back and taxied to the active runway. There was a variety of planes everywhere that included: Air India 747, Air Canada A340, British Airways Concorde and a Virgin Atlantic 747. It was something you don’t see back home at MHT, so this was exciting for me. After some time we were lined up and cleared for take-off. Soon we were cruising over the English Channel and I watched boats pass under the wing. We were served drinks and a mixed nut/pretzel package. I used my German quite well as I asked for an apple juice. What a waste – Two years on a foreign language and I can ask for an apple juice on a German airline!
I spent most of the flight looking out of the window and observing interesting features of the land in Europe. As we started a descent into Frankfurt I glanced out of the window again to see a Delta 767-300 climb past us! At that moment I started to miss home a little, but I thought about it and decided: I would just be on airliners.net looking at pictures of planes. Before I really knew what was happening we were 100ft off the ground and soon enough touching down on 25R. It amazed me how many USAF C-47s were on the ramp. I would say close to 15 all lined up. Once again as we were in a different country I realized that I would see many new airlines and planes. And that happened as I saw lots of flashy colors painted on the tails. I even saw the CLT-bound US Airways A330-300 start its take-off roll. We parked at one of the gates that are out on the tarmac. On my way out I stopped in the cockpit and talked to the pilots for a few minutes about the flight. I thanked them and came down the stairs just as the bus was ready to leave. Perfect timing.
Monday, August 16th, 2004
Lufthansa: LH760
Frankfurt/Main (FRA/EDDF) – New Delhi/Gandhi Intl (DEL/VIDP)
Departure time: 1350
Boeing 747-430 D-ABVX – “Schleswig-Holstein”
After spending some time in the Lufthansa Business Lounge we decided to head to gate A63 based on the time. We arrived to find out that our flight was delayed two hours partly because the aircraft wasn’t there yet. Oh well, I guess we’ll have to go back and eat and rest for free, while the rest of the coach passengers sit there and whine about the delay! After returning to the Business Lounge and eating some fine chocolates and assorted things it was finally time to go to the gate. Schleswig-Holstein was there, and ready for us. We made our way out to the taxiway and soon directly onto the runway for a South departure.
Once in-flight they started the movie Shrek 2. Which I don’t really care for but was forced to watch because we don’t have PTVs! Soon they came around with beverages. I used my German once again. Yipee. Then meals were served. It was: Chicken or Pork. This surprised me to serve Pork on an India bound flight. I opted for the chicken, and checked it out. It looked okay, so I dug in. Halfway through the meal they came around with beverages again. The service was really good. As we made our way to New Delhi I decided to go up front and visit my parents: seats 1A and 1B, which are right in the nose of the Boeing 747. It was very nice up there and despite the wall, I think it was a good thing because it seemed like they had more room than the others. I chatted with them for a while and we watched the sun set into the west very quickly. There was also a white jet heading Northeast below us, which is always neat to see. After a while I made it back for another round of beverages and the end of the first movie. Another movie started soon after. This movie was entitled Love in Nepal. I decided that I would watch it because there wasn’t much else to do. I must say, it was quite a good comedy to show on an airline flight to India. As more time passed and we inched our way closer to New Delhi we were served more food. Once again I can’t remember exactly what it was, but it wasn’t a large meal. It was just a snack to get you there. Drinks were served again. Trash was collected. And I went back to watching the in-flight entertainment.
We soon started a slow descent into the New Delhi area. I could finally see some lights off in the distance, which meant we were somewhat close to a city. Indeed it was the Capital of India…New Delhi. We touched down on what was certainly not the best landing I have experienced, but we were there. After a couple of seconds of slowing down, clapping arose from the cabin around me. I noted it was just about everyone with an Indian background. My guess was that this is a normal thing. As it was only 1am New Delhi time, the airport was very quiet. As we deplaned I made my way to the stairs to visit the flight deck as the Purser had told my Mom I would be able to upon landing. But once I made my to the stairs one of the F/As asked what I was doing and I told her that the Purser said I may visit the flight deck. She said no, we don’t allow that and to keep moving. Thanks Lufthansa, nice flying with you too.
I would like to point out, that while in New Delhi I saw this airport:
We arrived at Gandhi Intl Airport just before 2030. I was anxious, as I was finally leaving this country for another interesting one including culture. Well, the lines just to get into the airport were close to 50 minutes long! We stood in line for about 10 minutes before realizing, this is ridiculous, and we need to find a better way in. Well, since we are American and all we really stand out as tourists without a problem some men came over and said they could get us in to the building right now for a price. After some thought my Step-Father said “Yes, $10 USD” and they agreed to bring us right in. We walked past the line and right up to the guards. The men gave the guards some Rupees (Indian Currency) and they waved us in as everyone else waited. Ah, money buys happiness even in a foreign country...or so I thought. We turned the corner and there were hundreds of people everywhere! There was hardly any room to walk. After some time, then finally security checked our bags and we were able to bring them to the Thai Airways desk. They took them and sent us off with our tickets to go to Immigration. Oh great, another 45 minute line. If I recall correctly it was about 2220 by now. After another hassle, we made it through and we were on to security so we could enter our gate area. After 25 minutes of having a gun pointed in our direction, asking us questions and searching our carry-on bags we were released. Delhi Intl Airport is by far the worst airport I have ever been to. Dirty, unorganized and very difficult to understand by any foreign visitor.
We did it make it to Gate 8 by the way, and did happen to make flight TG316 to Bangkok. We boarded and I made my way to my seat, 38F. After sitting down I could see they had very clean planes and this might be a nice ride. We pushed back just before midnight, and after some waiting for an Air France A340-300 we were soon barreling down the runway, bound for Thailand.
Once airborne, we were served drinks and a meal. We were given the option of Shrimp with Vegetables or Chicken with Rice. I said Chicken with Rice. But what was I given? Shrimp with Vegetables. Oh well, it wasn’t worth fighting for or saying anything, she clearly did not speak English well. Instead, I ate the bread and drank my bottled water. One smell of Thai’s in-flight meal made me feel nocuous. I hate to say it but then I again I don’t, their food sucks. But, their movies were good. We were shown 13 Going On 30, which I watched before passing out due to lack of sleep. About 3 hours later, I awoke. I went for a walk around the plane to stretch my legs. When I was seated again, they announced our descent into Bangkok. They brought up the map on the screens and I watched our approach to Bangkok on the map, as I could not see out of any windows. We touched down very lightly onto the runway and used full reverse capabilities to slow us down. At last I could see out a window. It was now sunrise and there was a beautiful Thailand sunrise on the right side of the aircraft taxing to the gate. The local time was 0500. We deplaned and made our way directly to the Thai Airways Business Lounge for some breakfast and rest as our next flight would not depart until 1105.
I have a few things to say about the Thai Business Lounge. First off, it has great food and drink. Second, there is an entire room of recliners and body massagers for the sore traveler. There is internet access available at a small cost. And there are also showers with towels provided. I first, ate some of the breakfast buffet they had set-up. I then made my way to the shower, and cleaned up. The next thing was go on the internet for about 15 minutes. Then watch television on a big screen. THEN, I feel asleep. Life is good in Bangkok Intl Airport.
Monday August 23rd, 2004
Thai Airways: TG614
Bangkok Intl. (Don Muang) (BKK/VTBD) – Beijing Capital (PEK/ZBAA)
Departure time: 1105
Boeing 747-4D7 HS-TGX - “Sirisobhakya”
We soon re-engaged in our journey and we were heading towards the gate for the flight to Beijing. Our itineraries had TG614 operating as another A330-300. But to my surprise we made it to the gate to see a lovely 747 entitled “Sirisobhakya.” After walking through another security checkpoint we were able to walk down the jet way. We boarded and I handed the Flight Attendant a copy of my letter that requested a visit in the cockpit either in-flight or on the ground after the flight. I got a puzzled look but they said okay and that they would bring it to the Captain. After we were all settled in, the F/A came back and he said, “You requested to see cockpit. Unfortunately, MY answer is no.” And he walked away. That’s great, but I asked for the Captain’s answer not yours. Anyway, I shrugged that off and looked over my brother out the window to see us pushing back. And minutes later we were once again under the full power of 4 G&E engines pushing our way towards The Republic of China. After leveling out at our cruising altitude we were served beverages and food. I can’t remember which meal I chose, but I ate only a little bit. To be fair, it wasn’t that good. The movie for this 4hr40min flight was Shrek 2. Which I did not watch, instead I fell asleep. I awoke to a piece of paper in front of me. I read it: “Hi Adam, I talked to the Captain. He said he would be happy to have you visit the cockpit after the flight.” The note was from my Mom. I immediately went to Business Class which is up the stairs. I found their seat and asked her more about it. She said that the Captain had come out of the cockpit to use the toilet and on the way back to the cockpit; she stopped him and asked him if I could visit. He said that normally they do not allow this, but he would be more than happy to show me in Beijing. I was excited as I made my way back down the stairs and to my seat.
As we made our way closer to Beijing we were served another drink. I chose bottled water if I remember correctly. Then we were given a snack. Our snack was interesting. It was a bag, similar to peanuts or pretzels in the US. But this was Seaweed Rice Crackers. – A cracker wrapped in seaweed dried up. Wow, this was very appealing I said to my Brother who opened up his to look and try it out. I tried one of his and it was horrible. So I stored the Seaweed Ride Crackers in my bag, as a souvenir from Thai Airways. The Thai people around us were going crazy about them though, one lady asked for more from the flight attendant.
The descent into Beijing took a very long time, as we circled the Airport to the East. I noticed there was a cloud over Beijing City, which I would learn later, is because of the air quality. We touched down and I noticed there was construction at the airport on the left side of the plane. On our way to the gate I saw many Air China Cargo 747s lined up on the tarmac. I also noticed many Gulfstream jets in a marked area. We pulled next to a Korean Air 747 and were ready to deplane. I made my way toward the stairs to see the cockpit with the Captain’s permission. An F/A was standing there and asked “Do you need something?” I said “Yes, I have permission from the Captain to visit the flight deck here in Beijing.” She replied with “We don’t allow visits ANY time after September 2001.” I decided not to fight it since my parents had already left the aircraft. I gave the F/A a really fake smile and said “Sure,” and left the plane. Oh well, I’m sure to have better luck with United on the flight back home.
Sunday August 29th, 2004
United Airlines: UAL850
Beijing Capital (PEK/ZBAA) – Chicago/O’Hare Intl. (ORD/KORD)
Departure time: 1635
Boeing 777-222/ER N227UA
The purpose of the stop in Beijing was my Step-Father’s business. Every two years a meeting is held somewhere around the world and the company (which is worldwide) meets there. This year the location chosen was Beijing. The company is primarily based in Boston which would mean over 20 people from the Boston area would be at the meeting! We loaded the bus at the Grand Hyatt Beijing, with 17 other people on our flight to ORD and then to BOS. 3 other people opted to fly to Vancouver and then to Boston. And 2 others flew to San Francisco and then to Boston. Which would arrive first...? This is sort of like “The Amazing Race.”
We arrived at the airport and all the Boston people stuck together to check-in. Every person was First Class, except for us three kids. Probably because our parent’s would be broke if they did. Anyway, we made our way through immigration and security which was difficult because we are foreign to China. I had a water bottle in my bag, the security examiner went as far as breaking the seal, opening it and smelling it to assure it wasn’t alcohol. I watched her do this in disgust and threw the water out right after. I don’t want someone that close to my water. Especially from a foreign country.
We hung out in the First Class Lounge for a while. I ate some food, pastries and drank for a while because where else would I be treated so well in the coming hours? Soon after resting, we all decided to head to the gate to board the aircraft. As we waited in line I noted: N227UA was the reg. and it was indeed the 777 as planned. We boarded before everyone else because of our First Class tickets although we three kids were coach. I made my way to seat 25B. It was an aisle seat and my seat occupant was already there, a Chinese man in his 40’s COUGHING up a storm. How exciting! I might even get sick from my seatmate.
My Brother was placed in the middle section right in the middle, I felt bad for him. My Step-Sister was right behind me, so I knew reclining my seat would feel even better knowing it was annoying her. As everyone made their way into their seats, I plugged in my headset and to my excitement, Channel 9 (ATC) was available! I now knew this ride would be a little more interesting. We were now moving towards the runway and ATC was very busy. I heard Mandarin and English being spoke. One thing that did bring a smile to my face was a FedEx pilot in a deep southern draw saying “Cleared for take-off.”
My PTV indicated that we were heading north and now at 35,000ft. Most people started to close their shades because of the sun coming into the cabin. We seatmate was no exception and he closed it. I didn’t mind though. Drinks were served, I went for water. I reclined my seat, with a gasp, followed by a “jerk!” from my Step-Sister. I listened to Air Traffic Control for a while. And soon they announced they would be playing movies from their entertainment list. I selected “The Whole Ten Yards,” as I had not seen it yet. Food came around, and I went for chicken over something else. It was nice, and so was the dessert. I must have lost 5 lbs over this trip, and it was nice to eat something fattening. After the meal, I was offered another drink and I had orange juice. Then, I finished the movie, turned back to Channel 9 and the map and fell asleep. I had many radio calls from different airlines, it was really neat. Soon after I awoke, we were crossing the Sea of Ohkotsk. I stood up and decided it was time for a walk. I walked to the rear of the cabin find the F/A’s joking with a passenger in the rear galley. At least people were smiling and having a good which is what flying should be about. I walked back to the front of the plane and into the First Class section and visited with my Mother who was watching a movie. My Step-Father was on his Sony Viao Laptop playing music of his choice. My Mother said, “Do you want something to eat?” Of course I said “sure” and she got up, went to the galley and came back with some candy and assorted goodies. Apparently there is a basket for the First Class Passengers to enjoy. I thanked her and walked back to 25B. I decided to listen to the Euro Beat Station that I listened to on the JFK-LHR flight. It was up and running and I toned out for a while. I was just relaxing and thinking about how much I love flying. After sometime I turned back to the Map to see that we were over Khabarovsc, wherever that might be! Once again, I toned out to the Euro Beat and fell asleep.
The next thing I do remember is turning to Channel 9 for ATC…and falling back asleep.
I did wake back up, but I my eyes remained closed listening to each aircraft trying to decipher what ATC was instructing. I made note of this conversation in my notebook:
“Air Canada 991, turn to heading 090.”
“Center, say again for Canada 991.”
“Air Canada 991, turn to a heading of 090, proceed on course.”
Center, please repeat for Air Canada 991.”
After some radio silence, our flight crew came to the rescue!
“United 850 relaying a message to Air Canada 991.”
“Air Canada 991, turn to 090 and proceed on your course.”
“Thanks 850. We appreciate it.”
I often wonder how often this takes place or if I was just lucky. Either way, it was pretty neat and I wrote it in my journal right away. After sometime I started to realize we were going to cross the International Date Line soon. I took out my camera and took this shot:
And we were to live Sunday, August 29th 2004 all over again….
Finally more food was going to come around. I could see the F/As meeting up and starting to prepare something, and it smelled nice. To my surprise, they came around with “Ramen Noodles” in a Styrofoam cup. And about 1 minute later another Flight Attendant came around with hot water to pour in. There was also a roll served with it, which is probably what smelled so nice. Drinks were served again. As I was tuned into Ch. 9 I heard a familiar flight that I have read about on the internet; “Singapore 022.” This is the non-stop EWR – SIN flight, the longest non-stop flight. After that I soon fell asleep.
I awoke to light pouring into the cabin out of a window on the right side of the cabin. I quickly turned on the map. We were over Winnipeg, Canada. And we would soon be crossing back into America. This consisted of more waiting, walking around until finally they announced a decent into the Chicago area. Finally we were going to be on the ground. I listened to our pilot on the radio as we neared the airport. We touched down on 27L and taxied in. Once parked at the gate, and the seat belt sign was turned off, I made my way to the front of the cabin. I found the Captain and requested to see the cockpit. He was more than happy to and replied “Sure! Anything you would like to know?” We ended up talking for about 10 minutes about flying and he offered advice on sticking to it even though the business was grim at the moment. He then said “Okay, I have to go catch a flight home to Atlanta. You can stay here, you sure won’t harm anything.” I was shocked. He was going to leave me in the cockpit alone! I quickly sat down, started the engines and added power. Okay Okay, I’m just kidding. But I really was left alone in the cockpit of a Boeing 777. I looked at all the dials and switched up close and sat down in the Captains chair for a minute. I thought to myself, this is what it is like. This is what I want. And at that moment I was more motivated to go home and fly than I ever have been before. I left the cockpit and smiled at the F/A on the way out. I think she was surprised a teenager just came out of the cockpit alone.
I left the plane and walked down the jet way, my parents were waiting there. But they weren’t disappointed in me making them wait. They were happy for me. We made our way to customs, cleared without a problem and were welcomed home. I love America. One thing I did notice was how there were MASSIVE lines for the foreigners getting into the country, but no lines for the US Citizens. Many of them complained about it too. I didn’t feel bad though, I had to put up with it in all their countries.
Sunday August 29th, 2004
United Airlines: UAL540
Chicago/O’Hare Intl. (ORD/KORD) – Boston Logan Intl. (BOS/KBOS)
Departure time: 1800
Airbus A320-232 N429UA
We checked back in, and had to clear security again. It was a breeze. And we made our way down to the TED gates. Although we were not flying TED, our plane was in their gates. And once again the Boston crew was re-UNITED! (Pun intended) We all shared laughs and were in high spirits as this was our final leg home. Soon they called First Class boarding and we all boarded together. Even though the three kids (us) were in the back again. I immediately plugged in my Sony headset which I bought in China for 10USD and listened to Channel 9. And immediately after doing so, the head F/A came over and asked me if they were “noise-canceling.” I said no, which they aren’t. Then it hit me, that F/A looks just like Bruce Willis from The Whole Ten Yards, which I just finished watching on the other flight. Ha-ha, I had a good laugh with my Brother when I pointed that out. Anyway, we had now started to taxi. And I was able to see O’Hare at a very busy hour. After some time we were cleared for take-off and we were now on the final leg of this trip. We pushed our way up to the sky and we were starting to level off. I heard on ATC that we were following an Air France jet. Then I heard “Yeah, We have the Frenchy in-sight, United 540.” Sure enough, just to our left I could see it. It was a massive A330 bound for Paris. I then kicked back, was served a Pepsi and some crackers or something and fell asleep while listening to Channel 9. Life is good.
I awoke to Boston Center telling us that there was a delay coming into Boston. Sure enough, we were put into a holding pattern for 10-15 minutes and then we were back on track to Logan Intl. As we approached the airport, the F/A’s came around, collected the trash and all and checked to make sure everyone had their seats in the upright position. Over the radio I heard an interesting conversation taking place between Boston Tower and Our plane….
“United Five-Fortay, if you could make Charlie that would work out great for ya.”
“Alright. *pause*, I’ll have to see how good my co-pilot is.”
“Say again?”
“I said, I’ll have to see how good my co-pilot.”
“Alright, *ha* I’ll give you a rating when you get here.”
“Alright.”
I laughed out loud after this and wrote this down in my journal so I would remember to post it.
As we touched down….we made it to the Charlie Taxiway as requested.
“United 540, you’re ahead of me, nice job, I’ll give you a 10.”
“Thanks for the help. G’Night."
I thought this was hilarious, and I was determined to make my way to the cockpit and say something. We taxied in and parked at the gate, engines were turned off and we had completed our final leg of the trip around the world! On my way out, I stopped in the cockpit. I said “I’d give you a 10 too,” to the co-pilot. He laughed and said thanks. I talked to both of the pilots for a while about the Airbus in-comparison to the Boeing. The Captain had flown the 777 and then down graded to the Airbus’ just recently. He said he preferred flying the shorter domestic routes aboard the Airbus rather than long-range on the 777. After a little more talking I thanked them for their time and for the entertaining flight.
I made it out of the jet way and down to baggage. The entire Boston crew was there and we all said good-bye to each other. Then, out of no-where the two people who opted for the PEK-SFO-BOS flight came in. We were all shock as they were to get in much earlier than us. We talked with them and as it turns out they were sent to MHT on their BOS inbound flight because of the delays! They then left MHT and took the short hop to BOS. If only we were on that flight, we could have gotten off at MHT and been home earlier.
My Final Thoughts:
This was an amazing trip. I thank my Parents for the opportunity and all of the people who offered advice for it. I do recommend the Star Alliance if you plan on a trip around the world. The airlines were clean, kind and close to on-time.
We left New York, headed east until we were back in Boston. This qualifies as “Around-The-World.”
Wants2fly From United States of America, joined Oct 2002, 84 posts, RR: 0 Reply 1, posted (8 years 6 months 1 week 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 4928 times:
What a great report! I give you a perfect 10 too!
I enjoyed every word of it.
You are so lucky to have this opportunity to see the world.
Great Job!
Goboeing From United States of America, joined Jun 2000, 2630 posts, RR: 12 Reply 2, posted (8 years 6 months 1 week 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 4912 times:
Captain_777 From United States of America, joined Jan 2000, 295 posts, RR: 2 Reply 7, posted (8 years 6 months 1 week 17 hours ago) and read 4098 times:
Thank you all. I appreciate the comments.
RyanAir - I don't want anyone that close to my water bottle then expect me to drink out of it. Especially from a country with such a record of Respritory Diseases, i.e. SARS. If it was America, I'd probably feel the same way. That comment slipped out I suppose. I'm not sorry for it though.
Captain_777 From United States of America, joined Jan 2000, 295 posts, RR: 2 Reply 9, posted (8 years 5 months 5 days 19 hours ago) and read 3487 times:
SQ772 From Singapore, joined Nov 2001, 1792 posts, RR: 5 Reply 10, posted (8 years 5 months 5 days 13 hours ago) and read 3395 times:
"meals were served. It was: Chicken or Pork. This surprised me to serve Pork on an India bound flight."
What's so surprising about serving pork on an India bound flight? I would be even more surprised if they served beef on an India bound flight...and pork to Moslem countries.
Captain_777 From United States of America, joined Jan 2000, 295 posts, RR: 2 Reply 11, posted (8 years 5 months 2 days 18 hours ago) and read 3149 times:
I had heard from people before hand that airlines that serve that region TYPICALLY don't serve any other meat than chicken. That surprised me, maybe not you.
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