Travel Diary

I checked out in the late morning and then took the Tube back to Heathrow Airport. Checking in was quite easy since I had a first class ticket, as they have a dedicated first class check in there. It's fascinating that they have 12 agents working at counters ONLY for first class passengers. And then next you get a private security screening for first class passengers too. And mind you, this is only for British Airways passengers. Since I was one of them, I also got access to the Concorde Lounge, one of my favorite lounges in the world.

I didn't want to fill up before the flight, but I did end up getting a burger and fries which even though they seem like a simple diner type food item, they were made to look like I was eating at a very fancy restaurant. They actually do come by and take your orders there. For a beverage, I stuck with water for a while, but eventually got a small glass of wine. As always, everything was complimentary.

I wanted to get a photo of a really nice seeing-eye dog that was in the lounge. I asked the lady if it was okay, and she had no problem with, it so I got to photograph and pet the dog who was very sweet. It was very nice experience, and I was quite touched by it.

Another nice thing about these fancy lounges is that you can leave your bags out without worrying about them. It's just a very safe place for passengers to be. I don't think they have many thieves buying first class tickets. As usual I didn't have a lot of time there because we were soon boarding. It was around 5 PM and I got onto the plane and found my seat which was next to the window. There's always a little luck involved because when you're using miles for a seat on another airline, you don't get a choice of the seat, only the class, meaning you could end up in the aisle.

Once seated, they served me the complimentary champagne. (Well, I guess everything is complimentary in first class.) Still, the champagne is always a nice touch. After takeoff, the hors d'oeuvres came, and for my first drink, I selected a highland sling. My seat contained all of the niceties of first class: socks, pajamas, a blanket, and pillow, some bed padding and a very nice amenity kit filled with all sorts of useful items (eye cream, skin lotion, toothpaste and toothbrush, eye mask, pen that actually works well, chapstick, earplugs, etc.)

There are a few considerations though. Even though it's first class, the layout on British Airways First Class section is fairly aged and in need of a retrofit. Now, the seats aren't bad and they are certainly comfortable and turn into beds, but the area is just getting worn down on many flights. Plus, no wireless charging and fairly limited storage space. The table is nice, but the entertainment screen is just way too small (even though I don't use it that much) and the controller slow to respond and difficult to use. Yeah, they definitely need to update the entertainment hardware and software, though I think business class has bigger screens. The headphones were nice although I don't think I ever used them. It would be good to see bluetooth adapted for people to use their own earbuds as other airlines are doing recently.

But back to the good stuff!

They start off by bringing a helpful tray of salt and pepper shakers, olive oil, and butter. For the main meal, they bring out real silverware, china, and glasses. I started off with a stuffed artichoke. (It was kind of like a mix of artichoke and quiche), and then I got the braised pork and potatoes and some really good grilled broccoli.

I tried all the wines of course. Afterwards, it was time for rest so I turned my seat into a bed and dozed off. When I woke up again, it was morning – sort of. Because we were going west in time zones, it was still the same day but it felt like morning, and we were getting served more food and drink. I just got a cappuccino and passed on the meal—though they offered me a few chocolates, which I accepted.

I got off in New York City at EWR as I had a layover there. Immigration went very fast because I had my Global Entry card (which has made a big difference).

But a huge problem was occurring in that Seattle had ice storms that forced them to close the airport. I had no way of getting to Seattle. I would have to remedy this stat.

Since my flight was canceled, I had to check into a hotel room near the airport. Then I started making phone calls to Alaska Airlines trying to get another flight. I was also pretty hungry because I hadn't expected to be there overnight.

I decided to try something new and order White Castle hamburgers via Uber Eats ($25). I got a couple burgers and some fries or something. Since I was on the phone with Alaska Airlines, when the driver showed up, I wasn't able to talk much with him, but only to say thank you. He handed me a small bag of food, and then another small bag, and then a large box of something. I found that a little odd but I accepted it figuring it was still part of what I ordered. I went back up to the flat (or hotel room now that I was in America again) and I then checked my meal. The first part was just fine, but the box contained 20 hamburgers, which I had an ordered or paid for.

There was no way to get ahold of the driver again, so I was kind of just stuck with them. I didn't really want to eat any of the extra burgers because I had not paid for them. However, if I didn't eat them, they were all going to spoil, and that wasn't doing anyone any good either, so I ended up eating just one or two. And then maybe another one in the morning. I did tip the driver very well in case it was all just a matter of him ending up with some extra food and handing them over to me.

I was relieved to talk with Alaska then because they had got me a flight to Washington (DC) and then over to Seattle. A detour, but very well. I could finally sleep in peace…