OK, off the plane and to the hotel and for most, a most precious commodity — a shower and maybe, just maybe a few minutes of sleep. Though as we know, sleep is whatever is leftover from lurking or posting on FlyerTalk.

So we meet in the lobby and off we go toward the infamous Flight Attendant Training with the Moderators. There’s nothing more humorous than the flight to “Colorado Springs” and having two moderators point different directions to where the “aft” emergency exits are. Seems like remedial from what I saw. The simulation center for this training was an A320 and we have to admit, was fairly realistic including the part where the trolley actually nicked my leg and ran over a shoe. So, word to the wise, FlyerTalk “Trolley Dollies” may be better suited for CRJs where they can hand deliver the cans of Coke or snacks rather than risk maiming the passengers. But who knows, there a whole bunch of members that will learn the results of this exhaustive training to be a “flight attendant in 3 hours.”

Well, with grand service from Lufthansa, the biz class crowd seemed to mellow out and let the coach class carry on the grand tradition of a trans-Atlantic party. As you know at these FlyerTalk Do’s … it’s the last man or woman standing that claims the title, so we’ll see. Kidding aside, lovely flight and trust me, we never got tired of hearing the overhead announce the word “FlyerTalk.” Sounds as good at 37,000 feet as it looks online.

So, off everyone went to the Sheraton for some quick R&R — some needing it more than others. But, what noble FlyerTalker doesn’t avail themselves to all the benefits of privilege so en masse a number of them (yours truly included) made use of the Welcome Lounge. Of course us Americans had to use all the ice and while teased with the pretzels for breakfast, decided to wait on more scrambled eggs.

But we all needed showers and that trumped everything else. Nice ides Lufthansa and let 91 members of FlyerTalk let you know one word … Bravo!

So, we’re checking in ay the Sheraton and after getting my room assignment, the front desk person gasps and leans low over her computer. Seems she was completing the check-in procedure and came across my SPG point balance. Exceeding 1.2 million points, she grabbed my room key back and said she would like to upgrade me to as suite. Given I was wanting to just go take a shower, the suite was passed along to the next FlyerTalker in line, marty, and I’m pretty sure he was still saying something about party in his “new” room while i was likely already headed to a quick nap. Tip: If ever at a Do, always, as in ALWAYS, stand behind me in any check-in line. Play it forward … the FlyerTalk way.

OK, I admit it, I may not stay up all night and party but before I make that decision, here’s the picture of our private jet this evening.

You’ll enjoy this picture. FlyerTalkers make up the world’s longest elite check-in line. In the picture you’ll note that the economy check-in line is miles shorter. But do you think any of us want to be seen checking in in a non-elite line?

Case closed.

OK, you are reading this and thinking …. cool, a bunch of crazy mileage hounds from Chicago and New York are flying to Frankfurt.
Wrong.
I chat with several of our members from Germany who flew to New York yesterday to join the event in New York. Guess they just couldn’t wait but of course that’s another way of saying many of us are jealous that they won’t likely have a jet lag problem!

And then the member flying in from Hawaii with a huge case of his personal Kona coffee. He is actually going to prepare fresh pressed Hawaiian coffee for everyone on Thursday’s charter flight.

And then the member only on FlyerTalk three weeks when she read about this. And she’s on board with us tonight. Oh, did I mention she flew in from Australia to join us? Just a minor (major miles) detail.

So, have your ideas changed as to who is along for the ride?

Pinch me.

I got some comments from some of you that you like reading this because it seems like you are here. Well with that in mind here you go:
- you are overhearing conversations about what a blast the kitchen tour was … something about the salad prep, sorry I didn’t hear more.
- a verbal trip report of flying El Al.
- something about 150,000 OnePass miles and United. An award put on hold?
- comments regarding 777 long range aircraft to Dallas.
- which of three different flights from Las Vegas have as meal service and why to choose them
- car rentals in Europe and the autobahn

Yep, it is FlyerTalk … even when we’re busing it.

P.S. And this was all heard in a 10 minute period just around the seat I am in.

All the tour groups are back and now we begin the next phase of the longest day: a bus ride from Newark to JFK Airport — thank goodness for minimum miles for elite!
So, we’re on three buses and Continental being such the fine hosts that they arranged for meal snacks for the buses and you can see from this picture that this group does more than talk.

I’m thinking food fight!

This trip features no less than a dozen tours along the way and as the group grew larger (picture ‘the blob’ growing from a bad Hollywood sci-fi flick) Continental became the new tour guide. Three tours: Chelsea kitchens, OPS and maintenance. As with Chicago, all were popular and tours were equally divided in interest.

As for me?

I’m this guy …

colpuck, the member lost his passport in transit is living to fly another day. Someone found his passport and turned it in to Border patrol who paged him. But by then he had missed his flight. For most travelers … end of story. But for a FlyerTalker, it’s just a speedbump. So, quick call to Continental OnePass and an award ticket directly to Frankfurt. We’ll see him there. Guess this event is not to be missed!

Never have so many FlyerTalk bag tags assembled in a single area. See for yourself: