After a short, long weekend in South Florida, Sunday arrived and it was time to fly home. Of course, no trip is complete without a stop at an airline lounge. This Sky Club location is one of the less crowded and more relaxing ones. The lounge is located right in the middle of the Delta gates, just on the other side of security so it’s definitely convenient. There is a very nice view of the apron and runway although the windows are in dire need of cleaning.

There are plenty of spaces to get away from everyone, but still be in the lounge. Included in these spaces are 2 dozen work desks and a quiet room. If you want to be in the “thick of it” there are 2 flat screens in the middle of the lounge that are usually tuned into a news channel. There is a full service bar with a healthy selection of beverages including Tanquery, Dewar’s, Sky Vodka and Baileys.
It seems that Delta has stepped up their snack offerings with gold coast snack mix (pictured), popcorn, hummus, cheese & crackers, cookies and cut veggies.
The bathrooms were spotless and spacious

coke and snack mix

work space

quiet room

Or did they ever? Which magazines you ask? You know, the ones on the top shelf wrapped in plastic that you see in nearly every airport newsstand in the United States. Who exactly are marketers targeting by selling pornographic magazines in an airport? They have been there as long as I can remember. Perhaps it dates back to when one could walk their spouse all the way through the airport to the actual gate? On the way back they could pick up a little somethin’ somethin’?

Are business travelers and airline crew being targeted because they are away from home and can get away with “it”? Really. It makes no sense to me. It isn’t sissy stuff either, it’s harder core than what’s in your local mega-warehouse bookstore.

Maybe it’s a package deal, like cable. If you want Sports Illustrated, People and Southern Living, you have to carry Hustler and Penthouse too… (?)
Peculiar indeed…

After arriving from Auckland on Air New Zealand flight #2, I reported directly to
In-N-Out Burger at the base of runway 24R.
A.) Because I wanted one of the best burgers money can buy
B.) I wanted to snap some photos of various aircraft
It was my first visit to this spot and it is most enjoyable; if you love jet noise of course. Here is what I saw in the late afternoon. Special nod to Konstantin who was also there (from Germany), enjoying the sights.

This is the first part of a flight from Auckland to Los Angeles. This 777-300ER (ZK-DKN) featured Air New Zealand’s innovative Space Bed and Sky Couch Seats. I have heard people say that this Delta cabin resembles a spaceship, and maybe it does, however, compared to Air New Zealand’s interior, Delta’s looks very normal.

The Premium Economy Spaceseats look quite futuristic and combined with the mood lighting and overabundance of white/cream hues, they were unlike anything I had ever seen. When I first took my seat (24D), I thought: “where the hell are my legs going to go for 12 hours?”
Then I realized there is space under the seat in front of you to stretch your legs. No, not as much space a Business Class seat, but that is not what this is. Air New Zealand also provided a fluffy beanbag to rest your feet on.

The black divider between the two seats is actually two separate pieces that lift up several inches to become an armrest. The top also flips open and there is a storage area inside. If the seat next to you is vacant, as mine was, one can easily lay down flat on your side for a snooze. If the seat next to you is occupied, not to fear. The whole seat is in a large shell and you will be able to rest your head to the side (see photos)
Air New Zealand will be removing a row of Premium Economy Seats, giving passengers in this cabin an additional 6″ of pitch.

The seat has 2 levers, one to recline the seat and one to tilt the entire seat backward. I included a few pictures of the Sky Couch and Business Class seats below. In the next post I will share the actual flight experience where it will become evident that Air New Zealand has re-invented the Premium Economy Class concept.
**Disclaimer: This flight was provided to me by Air New Zealand

23 a&b

23 d&e

24 d&e

32 d&e

premium economy cabin

looking down into seat area

across the aisle 23 a&b

meal tray

seat guide

economy cabin

sky couch-all 3 seats feature extension

seats 34 a&b

business class

After 15,000+ miles of flying, I received my first passport stamp in New Zealand and headed for the airport exit. Despite no reservation and a mid-morning arrival, I was able to book a day room at the Novotel which is street crossing away from Auckland’s main terminal. The front desk attendant was very friendly and happy to see me. People being happy to see you is nice, especially when you have never met them before.

My flight to LAX left at roughly 9pm. This gave me about 6 hours to grab some food, nap and shower. My room was modern and spotless and featured a well stocked mini-bar and also plenty of complimentary beverages. There was plenty of space to work and ample power outlets and ports at the desk. I opted to walk back into the terminal to eat where I found numerous options. The bed was soft, the water pressure solid and I was happy when I checked out at 6pm.

While its location could qualify it as a transit hotel this Novotel, without question, is a full service hotel.

novotel auckland airport

i took this picture from in front of the hotel-that 2nd story bridge leads from terminal to hotel

entrance

This is the lounge you will have access to if you are flying economy class and hold Star Gold Status or Elite Status with Singapore Airlines. Of course, I would have loved to see the Business Class class lounge, but this space offered everything you would expect of a top of the line business class lounge.

The space is divided into 3 or 4 sections one of which houses the main event: food an drinks. There were finger sandwiches, mixed nuts, snack mixes, chicken wings, fried rice, vegetables, cheese, salads and arguably most importantly, a wide selection of booze. One dish available which I have never heard of: chicken thighs Milanese. Didn’t taste it, but looked interesting.
There were also a few Apple desktops and televisions. Only about a dozen passengers occupied the lounge during my evening visit.

*** it’s a minor miracle that I got this post up with power that only became available last night and no Internet connection. Are you impressed yet?
Singapore Airlines economy class coming up as soon as possible.

Entrance to Silverkris lounge

First things first: There was very little food at this lounge, but I was there from 5:30 am until roughly 6:45am. I may have been the first passenger of the day, but none-the-less, the two desk agents both jumped up to greet me. A Business Class ticket on Singapore Airlines allowed me access, but Star Alliance Gold members also have access. The Lounge is located on the 2nd floor of Terminal A (not the main terminal that Korean Air flies out of).
The entire space is rather dark and there are no windows. It sort of feels like you are in someone’s basement, albeit a very nicely appointed basement.

As mentioned, the food was sparse, but there were a few chefs scurrying around, about to prepare something. There were some instant noodles, bread and a small salad bar set-up. Come to think of it, there were some signs that said hot food would be available shortly.
The shower room looked great, as it was stocked with toiletries. There was also a large business center and rooms to rest and sleep. My experinece at the Cathay Pacific Lounge, opposite this Asiana Lounge, was much better, but again, I was there at a different time of day.
Here are a few pictures of the Asiana Lounge in the main terminal.

i can only assume this plays itself

dining area

Last time I transited Incheon, I stayed at this awful “hotel.” Why I did not stay at the Incheon Transit Hotel, I have no clue.

This transit hotel could not be any more convenient as there are two locations, both within the airport. The East location, the one I stayed at, is on the 4th floor across from gate 10 (you will have to take the escalator or elevator to the 4th floor). The other location, also on the 4th floor, is across from gate 43.

According to the reservation process, one can only stay here is they have an international connection flight. In fact, I was required to provide both my arriving and departing flight information. You will need to pass through transfer security screening but NOT customs. For this you, in theory, should have a boarding pass. I did not, however, and simply told the security guard what I was doing.

While the standard room was small, it was spotless and modern. Of course, you have access to the entire airport for shopping and dining at your fingertips. There is a restaurant which services the hotel. There was a $20 buffet offered at dinner time, but I ate elsewhere. There are also some computers for guest use. The window in my room looked out over the check-in area.

I was happy I had a reservation as the hotel was sold out when I was there. In the morning, I walked to the transfer desk and checked-in for my next flight.

cant say i have even seen the cargo flights listed

2 types of outlets

Swiss Airlines provided a guided tour of the Zurich Airport including the luggage screening & processing areas, check-in areas, transfer desks and lounges (more pictures on the lounges to follow). What stood out the most about the Zurich Airport is its convenient access to the main city of Zurich.

After proceeding through arrivals and down 2 escalators, you can take a 15 minute train ride to Hauptbahnhof, Zurich’s “Grand Central” station. But there is no need to go any further because Hauptbahnhof is in the heart of Zurich. It is worth noting that for around 20 francs you can buy a 24 hour pass good for all trains, light rails (to get around the city) and the river boats that run up and down The Limmat River.

swiss 1st check-in; there is a private door curbside to enter

departures

old tower & terminal

entrance to swiss 1st class lounge

private cars for swiss 1st passengers

downstairs to luggae screening and processing (under tarmac)

sea of convery belts

luggage roller coaster

bag being deposited to correct carousel

more departures

nursery; open to all passengers

Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv is very well known for a high level of security. One security technique widely and openly used is racial profiling.  Little did I realize one race that would be profiled would be a 6′ white American with a bunch of stamps in his passport wearing khakis and a wrinkled sport coat… ME!    I was definitely surprised with the amount of scrutiny I received, trying to leave Israel.  Maybe I am just naive about these things.

What I have since been told by friends and colleagues is that, in certain instances, Americans, it  may be assumed, are travelling in Israel to support Palestinian causes.  I mean, yes, I considered spending my time in Israel getting involved in some shady, underground activities in order to insert myself into the middle of a 1000+ year old  conflict, but I opted for some light sightseeing and good meals instead.

Before I could check in for my flight, my passport was inspected by 2 security guards, who asked me a series of questions with regard to my luggage, my current travel plans and essentially all previous trips I have ever taken, only a portion of which I can recall clearly.   The 2 guards then asked me to stay put.  They went and found their superior who came over asked me several specific questions about my travels to Dubai.  Finally, I was allowed to pass only to the face the real security.

My luggage was tagged with a stickers that each had a series of numbers on them.  The first number in the series (mine was 5) indicated which security screening line to the enter.  After the normal removal of pocket contents and passing through a metal detector, I was asked, for what would be the first of several times: “What time does your flight depart”

Several different security guards and their supervisors, proceed to unpack and test the entire contents of my luggage with explosive detecting devices and other insturments I had never seen before.  Even my dirty clothes were inspected.  After that my entire camera bag and laptop went through the same routine.  It was then requested that I turn on my laptop and start a program.  I opened an Excel document and that was met with blank stares after which the guards conferred with each other.

Security took their sweet ass time through out this process.  Again, asking me several times when my flight left, almost to be sure to use each available minute to intimidate me.  Finally I was cleared to pass, but first had to re-pack my bags, as my belongings were strewn across a long metal table.
Boarding was under way when I reached the gate.

This was my first trip to Tel Aviv and I am assuming nobody gets the benefit of the doubt when it comes to security. Nor do I think I deserved it, but my patience wore thin during this ordeal.  Mainly because I missed the opportunity to stroll around the airport and visit a lounge or 2.

Feel free to share your experiences & opinions in the comments

If you saw the last couple of posts,you know I booked a round-trip international flight with a 70 minute connection at London Heathrow.   I didn’t make the connection.  I was not even really close as our incoming flight from Miami was about an hour late.  My return flight had already left.  The 2nd question, how would I be re-accommodated, if at all. 

I was more than impressed.  The agent greeting my flight promptly presented with me with my options for flying back to Miami.  Basically a connection through Atlanta, Minneapolis or JFK.  She then booked me, in Business Class, through Atlanta and on to Miami.  She then handed me off to a godsend.  A ground staff member by the name of Cara Willis from Cobalt Staffing.  Cara escorted me through customs via a “staff only” line.  She the walked me to Delta departures and checked me in.

Continuing her streak of going beyond the call of duty, she then showed me to Delta’s arrival “lounge,” the Yotel and made sure I was admitted promptly.  Thank you Cara, for making my potential disaster connection into a seamless and stress free process.   Report of the inaugural flight from Miami and photos of the Yotel coming right up.  Thanks.