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Due to the potential of delays with traffic and new security arrangements at the airport we set off early. Val picked us up at 6am, a good run saw us checking in way ahead of our flight.
We spent our time at the QANTAS lounge having a leisurely breakfast.
Once we boarded the plane we were pleasantly surprised to find it wasn't, as usual, fully loaded. There was a spare seat beside us and another two spares across the aisle
This year we opted for premium economy, much more expensive but so worth it. Soon after settling in our seats our steward for the trip offered champagne, ok so it was only 10am but come on, free champers, it had to be done! Surely it was after 5 somewhere!
The flight passed, we watched some movies, had a few drinks and ate some pretty good food. Pete took up residence in the two seats across the way and caught a little sleep.
An hour or so out of LAX the sun was rising and put on quite a show.
August 22nd take two:
As is the way with the date line etc we arrived in LA before we left Oz.
The flight got in early so walking to the terminal to check in bags and so on for our flight to NOLA was stress free. Just in case we were delayed I booked a 10.20 flight, as it turned out we could've caught a much earlier flight but you can't ever count on that.....
The couple of hours at the gate was a good chance to catch up on what had happened over the time we were in the air via emails etc.
Our first time flying Delta, again we opted for the next grade up from economy, very comfy, plenty of room and great service for the three and a bit hour flight. We even managed to grab an hour or two of sleep.
For the first time ever we heard the announcement go up, is there a Dr on board? A twenty something Aussie woman who had come in on the same flight as us from Brizzy had pains. Once landed we all waited while she was met and taken off by paramedics - not the best start to a holiday for her or the other three young women with her.
Having left LA a little late, in the end we arrived earlier than scheduled into NOLA even with the medical emergency.
We used Uber for the first time ever, applied the MACNA discount code and the $33 ride dropped to $18 - bargain!
We checked into the Hilton Riverside, our home for the next six nights. Straight up to our room on the 25th floor and hit the shower. We had been on the road all up for close to 30 hours and the shower was amazing.
The question then was, do we settle in for a couple of hours nap or head out and catch up with some friends? Friends won out so we headed out to a local sports bar for a couple of cooling beverages. The weather isn't as steamy as expected, warm but not crazy high humidity so far.
It was great catching up but none of us were super perky having all come from either Aust, England or Germany.
We lost a couple of guys but four of us headed to Mothers, a restaurant a short walk away. It was recommended to Alex by his limo driver as they passed it on the way to the hotel. We went Asian style, five main dishes and several side dishes and all had some of everything. Classic southern food baked ham, fried chicken, gumbo, corned beef & cabbage and of course jambalaya. Amazing food, far too much but we gave it our best shot leaving very little uneaten. After a solid day of airline food the comfort food went down a treat. All that food plus a drink each for around $100, no tips please the sign said so no tips it was.
Another short walk back to the hotel and a couple of drinks and much lively discussions on the state of the industry and that was pretty much it for our first very long day back in the USA.
Back to our room about 11 and some proper sleep at last in a super comfy bed.
- comments
Ann The flight upgrade on one distance is well worth the extra. Food sounds great and if anyone says anything about the drinks - remember that it's my share as well