The President arrives to check things out.
"Big Ben" with the departure time...
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Heathrow Inaugural: The preparations continue
The President arrives to check things out.
"Big Ben" with the departure time...
Heathrow Inaugural: The aircraft is at the gate
29MAR08 Newark Liberty International, Newark, NJ (EWR)
The aircraft arrived at the gate at about 2:52p local time.
The aircraft arrived at the gate at about 2:52p local time.
Heathrow Inaugural: Arriving in Newark, NJ (EWR)
29MAR08 Newark Liberty International, Newark, NJ (EWR)
We touched down at 12:05p with a bump as we were battered on the landing due to what I think were cross winds. The stabilizers on the wing were working overtime to doing their jobs. We landed on that runway that is parallel to I-95 heading into the city of New York.
I could see the usual fare in Newark at this time of the day; El Al's Boeing 777-200, Jet Airways' Boeing 777-300ER and a host of Continental jets all around.
We had to pause to cross the parallel active runway to allow an ExpressJet to take to the skies as well as a Q400.
Continental Express' Embraer ERJ-145 taking off
Continental Connection Colgan Air's Bombardier Q40 taking off.
After that, we headed to our gate and slowly pulled in at C-98.
It took about 15 minutes to start the de-boarding process for some reason. In the meantime, I just waited and watched takeoffs and landings from my window.
Continental Express' Embraer ERJ-135 taking off.
An American Airlines (AA) MD-80 taking off.
A Continental Airlines (CO) Next Gen 737 taking off.
A wingleted Bowing 757-200 positioning.
Eventually, it was my turn and I quickly exited.
As I walked out, I noticed that this airplane was destined for Hong Kong at 3:00p. Its routing so far had been, Houston to Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE) on Thursday night, then the return trip on Friday night, then my flight and now off to Hong Kong (HKG), simply amazing...
I saw a cordoned off area and figured it must be by gate 90 for the inaugural flight later. Indeed it was, as they are preparing with some decorations, etc.
I continued on and saw some additional decorations as well. I thought, let me go see what the check-in areas are like.
On my way there, I saw Richard Quest from CNN fame walking back, I guess he is going to check out the gates and something tells me he will be on my flight today. What a job to have? I thought. The last time I saw him was in Singapore (SIN) for the Airbus A380 first flight on October 25, 2007. Today, maybe we will be on the same airplane making history together once more.
At the check-in areas, they have special areas setup that says "Heathrow Guests." How cool.
Today is really a major milestone in aviation History you see. For eons the U.S. has lobbied for additional carriers to fly into London-Heathrow and it was finally granted and today is the day Continental, Delta and Northwest begins the flights that will showcase their livery at Heathrow for the first time ever. American and United were the only two carriers with this right for eons. Continental has the honor of being the first airline to land at 7:25a tomorrow March 30. If all goes well, I'll be on that flight.
Here are the three first flights of these carriers:
Continental's actual first flight from Newark to Heathrow is CO18 at 9:00a arriving at 9:15p, but it does not operate today, it starts tomorrow.
I made my way back through security after check-in in at a kiosk. It was neat to see London-Heathrow on a boarding pass with a non-codeshared Continental flight number on it.
The flight is actually not showing on the Flight Information display just yet.
I then went to the Presidents Club to have a much needed bite to eat. For now I wait until the celebrations begin later today.
We touched down at 12:05p with a bump as we were battered on the landing due to what I think were cross winds. The stabilizers on the wing were working overtime to doing their jobs. We landed on that runway that is parallel to I-95 heading into the city of New York.
I could see the usual fare in Newark at this time of the day; El Al's Boeing 777-200, Jet Airways' Boeing 777-300ER and a host of Continental jets all around.
We had to pause to cross the parallel active runway to allow an ExpressJet to take to the skies as well as a Q400.
Continental Express' Embraer ERJ-145 taking off
Continental Connection Colgan Air's Bombardier Q40 taking off.
After that, we headed to our gate and slowly pulled in at C-98.
It took about 15 minutes to start the de-boarding process for some reason. In the meantime, I just waited and watched takeoffs and landings from my window.
Continental Express' Embraer ERJ-135 taking off.
An American Airlines (AA) MD-80 taking off.
A Continental Airlines (CO) Next Gen 737 taking off.
A wingleted Bowing 757-200 positioning.
Eventually, it was my turn and I quickly exited.
As I walked out, I noticed that this airplane was destined for Hong Kong at 3:00p. Its routing so far had been, Houston to Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE) on Thursday night, then the return trip on Friday night, then my flight and now off to Hong Kong (HKG), simply amazing...
I saw a cordoned off area and figured it must be by gate 90 for the inaugural flight later. Indeed it was, as they are preparing with some decorations, etc.
I continued on and saw some additional decorations as well. I thought, let me go see what the check-in areas are like.
On my way there, I saw Richard Quest from CNN fame walking back, I guess he is going to check out the gates and something tells me he will be on my flight today. What a job to have? I thought. The last time I saw him was in Singapore (SIN) for the Airbus A380 first flight on October 25, 2007. Today, maybe we will be on the same airplane making history together once more.
At the check-in areas, they have special areas setup that says "Heathrow Guests." How cool.
Today is really a major milestone in aviation History you see. For eons the U.S. has lobbied for additional carriers to fly into London-Heathrow and it was finally granted and today is the day Continental, Delta and Northwest begins the flights that will showcase their livery at Heathrow for the first time ever. American and United were the only two carriers with this right for eons. Continental has the honor of being the first airline to land at 7:25a tomorrow March 30. If all goes well, I'll be on that flight.
Here are the three first flights of these carriers:
- Continental 28 - Newark Liberty, NJ (EWR) to LHR 7:25p 7:30a+1 777
- Delta 1 - New York-JFK, NY (JFK) to LHR 8:55p 9:25a+1 767
- Northwest 28 - Minneapolis, MN (MSP) to LHR 9:30p 12:15p+1 333
Continental's actual first flight from Newark to Heathrow is CO18 at 9:00a arriving at 9:15p, but it does not operate today, it starts tomorrow.
I made my way back through security after check-in in at a kiosk. It was neat to see London-Heathrow on a boarding pass with a non-codeshared Continental flight number on it.
The flight is actually not showing on the Flight Information display just yet.
I then went to the Presidents Club to have a much needed bite to eat. For now I wait until the celebrations begin later today.
Heathrow Inaugural: Arriving in Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)
29MAR08 Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)
The bus arrived at the airport at 7:37a, (8 minutes late) oops... After alighting, I made a dash for Terminal E, where I cleared security without incident. Luckily there was no line although I did ask one guy to allow me ahead of him as he was moving rather slow, he obliged thankfully.
By the time I got to gate E-18 out of breath, the agent had cleared the majority of the standby list and I think I missed my place in line :-(. But I did get a seat anyways, a window to boot.
I boarded immediately.
The bus arrived at the airport at 7:37a, (8 minutes late) oops... After alighting, I made a dash for Terminal E, where I cleared security without incident. Luckily there was no line although I did ask one guy to allow me ahead of him as he was moving rather slow, he obliged thankfully.
By the time I got to gate E-18 out of breath, the agent had cleared the majority of the standby list and I think I missed my place in line :-(. But I did get a seat anyways, a window to boot.
I boarded immediately.
Heathrow Inaugural: Houston, TX (IAH) to Newark, NJ (EWR)
CO52 29MAR08 Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH) to Newark Liberty International, Newark NJ (EWR) 8:00a 12:09p 777 N??007
Flight Time: 2:43
Seat Map
As I made my way back to my seat, I noticed a cello strapped in at a window seat. I knew that cello players usually buy a seat for that instrument, but I've never actually seen one "sitting" in a seat.
I found my window seat and settled in; the person in the middle and aisle were already seated. Th girl in the middle seat was on the phone so I could not really say hello.
At 7:54a, an open seat count was made and an announcement to take your seats as they are trying to do an open seat count as there were standby customers awaiting seats. The boarding process continued in earnest as the 8:00a departure time approached quickly.
A name was called out to come forward for an upgrade; lucky guy I thought, except that he was not on board so another name was called and that guy was indeed on board.
Another announcement was made for everyone to take their assigned seat so they could get standbys on board. At 7:59a, the "prepare doors for departure" announcement was made.
The overhead monitor actually had the local time off by one hour, not sure why. It was showing an estimated arrival time of 11:54a.
The safety video came on at 8:04a while we were still at the gate. The Spanish version started at 8:07a, about the same time as our pushback.
The left engine started up at 8:12a as the Spanish video was ending. After that the lead flight attendant came on the PA and said that our flying time was 2:43 and to enjoy our flight. Our taxi started at about three minutes after the first engine was started.
It was 8:21 when the Captain said "Flight attendants, please be seated for departure." I looked out the window and saw a US Airways Boeing 737-300 on the far parallel runway. At about 8:23a, we started our takeoff roll and was airborne in seconds into the foggy/rainy morning.
I pretty much fell asleep as we cleared the clouds to the bright sunshine. I awoke when the flight attendant was passing by with headsets for 1 USD. This aircraft does have some movie choices in individual seat back monitors. For this route, there were:
I was so tired, I went right back to sleep after eating. I awoke to put my seat in the upright position as we were landing in a beautiful morning in Newark, NJ. It was really windy and were rocking from side to side. A kid was screaming in the back of the plane as I think his ears were hurting. Poor little dude.
Flight Time: 2:43
Seat Map
As I made my way back to my seat, I noticed a cello strapped in at a window seat. I knew that cello players usually buy a seat for that instrument, but I've never actually seen one "sitting" in a seat.
I found my window seat and settled in; the person in the middle and aisle were already seated. Th girl in the middle seat was on the phone so I could not really say hello.
At 7:54a, an open seat count was made and an announcement to take your seats as they are trying to do an open seat count as there were standby customers awaiting seats. The boarding process continued in earnest as the 8:00a departure time approached quickly.
A name was called out to come forward for an upgrade; lucky guy I thought, except that he was not on board so another name was called and that guy was indeed on board.
Another announcement was made for everyone to take their assigned seat so they could get standbys on board. At 7:59a, the "prepare doors for departure" announcement was made.
The overhead monitor actually had the local time off by one hour, not sure why. It was showing an estimated arrival time of 11:54a.
The safety video came on at 8:04a while we were still at the gate. The Spanish version started at 8:07a, about the same time as our pushback.
The left engine started up at 8:12a as the Spanish video was ending. After that the lead flight attendant came on the PA and said that our flying time was 2:43 and to enjoy our flight. Our taxi started at about three minutes after the first engine was started.
It was 8:21 when the Captain said "Flight attendants, please be seated for departure." I looked out the window and saw a US Airways Boeing 737-300 on the far parallel runway. At about 8:23a, we started our takeoff roll and was airborne in seconds into the foggy/rainy morning.
I pretty much fell asleep as we cleared the clouds to the bright sunshine. I awoke when the flight attendant was passing by with headsets for 1 USD. This aircraft does have some movie choices in individual seat back monitors. For this route, there were:
- Continental Presents House
- Becoming Jane/Premier Destinations
- Continental Family Channel1: Sesame Street Presents: Follow That Bird/The Road Runner Show, Tweety's Circus, Baby Looney Tunes
- Evening/Picture This
- Enchanted/The Suite Life of Zack and Cody
- Continental Presents CSI
- Comedy Programming: The Drew Carey Show, The New Adventures of Old Christine, Everybody Hates Chris, The King of Queens, The Game, The Class
- The Entertainment Channel
- Airshow
- Chess
- Poker
- Solitaire
- Invasion
- Elephant Memory
- Bzzz
- Blackjack
- Cave Crunch
- Caveman
- Hang Man
- Opera
- Rewind
- Ambient Grove
- Latin Fiesta
- Continental Lounge
- The Classics
- The Hit Factory
- Jazz Beat
- Continental Talk
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- Country Roads
- Live Broadway
- Club Continental
- R&B Groove
- World Music
- Kid's Korner
- Hindi Music
- Japanese Favorites
- Chinese Pop
- Shalom
I was so tired, I went right back to sleep after eating. I awoke to put my seat in the upright position as we were landing in a beautiful morning in Newark, NJ. It was really windy and were rocking from side to side. A kid was screaming in the back of the plane as I think his ears were hurting. Poor little dude.
Heathrow Inaugural: At the bus stop
I'm on my way to the airport awaiting my second bus. I was up and atom at 5:30a, thirty minutes behind my alarm time.
It is raining, but I managed to escape being drenched even though I forgot my umbrella. I am due at the airport in an hour, just in time to get to gate E18 for the flight to Newark.
Surfing a neighboring hotspot at the bus stop...
It is raining, but I managed to escape being drenched even though I forgot my umbrella. I am due at the airport in an hour, just in time to get to gate E18 for the flight to Newark.
Surfing a neighboring hotspot at the bus stop...
No Boston
So yesterday, I contacted friend in Boston and he told me that it was snowing heavily :-(. With that I decided not to go as it would be hard for them to drive down and get me at Logan International. I later got a TripAlert that my flight was delayed, turns out only by 15 minutes on the departure side and twenty-six minutes on the arrival. Still, it would have made for a very late night.
I came home and then went to a baseball game between the Houston Astros and the Detroit Tigers. I need to decide how to get to New York tomorrow. I'd like to take the Boeing 777 at 8:00a, but that means a very early wake up like 5:00a and it is now 1:19a, so we will see what gives.
I came home and then went to a baseball game between the Houston Astros and the Detroit Tigers. I need to decide how to get to New York tomorrow. I'd like to take the Boeing 777 at 8:00a, but that means a very early wake up like 5:00a and it is now 1:19a, so we will see what gives.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Decision time
So, the weekend is here, so where am I off to.
Umm...I think it will be Boston, MA (BOS) for Friday night to see two friends of mine and then on Saturday to Newark for the inaugural flight to London-Heathrow (LHR) by Continental, then across to Amsterdam, Netherlands (AMS) and then back home to Houston.
The Boston to Newark flights look crappy, so I may take US Airways Shuttle to LaGuardia (LGA) and then take New York Bus Service over to New York City and then to Newark Airport. It makes for a much longer trip though.
I checked into Amtrak, and the cost is not bad at 90.00 USD, plus 31 USD if I want Business Class, but it take 4:47 minutes which I think is just bizarre!
I am also considering taking a bus. I will check out www.megabus.com. But I think in the interest of time though, I'll take a plane.
Umm...I think it will be Boston, MA (BOS) for Friday night to see two friends of mine and then on Saturday to Newark for the inaugural flight to London-Heathrow (LHR) by Continental, then across to Amsterdam, Netherlands (AMS) and then back home to Houston.
The Boston to Newark flights look crappy, so I may take US Airways Shuttle to LaGuardia (LGA) and then take New York Bus Service over to New York City and then to Newark Airport. It makes for a much longer trip though.
I checked into Amtrak, and the cost is not bad at 90.00 USD, plus 31 USD if I want Business Class, but it take 4:47 minutes which I think is just bizarre!
I am also considering taking a bus. I will check out www.megabus.com. But I think in the interest of time though, I'll take a plane.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Changing times
The last time I bought anti-perspirant deodorant, I noticed that it was 4oz. I was bummed as the TSA requirements is for 3oz in order for me to carry it in my carry-on bag. So, I bought stick which was still 4oz so that I can carry it on the plane, since stick in containers over 3oz was O.K., but not gel. I wondered when this company would make a 3oz gel container.
Well, on Monday, I went on Walgreen's and lo and behold, there it was 3oz gel anti-perspirant deodorant! I was excited until I realized that the price was the same as the 4oz container used to be :-(.
Well, on Monday, I went on Walgreen's and lo and behold, there it was 3oz gel anti-perspirant deodorant! I was excited until I realized that the price was the same as the 4oz container used to be :-(.
Well, I guess I should be happy as now I can take the gel with me in my carry on as I hate stick.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Del Rio, TX: Comment from a fellow traveler on the trip
A friend of mine sent me this comment at 7:19p tonight.
Just read your report, thanks for letting me know you were in DRT, I love reading stuff about small airports!
The DRT mystery aircraft are a Beech 18 and a Beech King Air.
Bummer about that long delay, but you made the most of it! Cool that you walked into town- I would have done the same thing! I can't believe they didn't comp drinks on the flight to IAH! Love the comment about "non-tarmac Del Rio air!"
That's not the VOR (but thanks for thinking of me!)- it's a localizer antenna, for RW13, that provides lateral guidance to get to the end of the runway.
It's on the opposite end as the approach- meaning if you're landing RW13 (towards town), the antenna is on the other end (the RW31 approach end- the southeast end) of the runway, which you walked by on the way into town.
The nearest VOR is DLH (Laughlin) at the USAF base.
Just read your report, thanks for letting me know you were in DRT, I love reading stuff about small airports!
The DRT mystery aircraft are a Beech 18 and a Beech King Air.
Bummer about that long delay, but you made the most of it! Cool that you walked into town- I would have done the same thing! I can't believe they didn't comp drinks on the flight to IAH! Love the comment about "non-tarmac Del Rio air!"
That's not the VOR (but thanks for thinking of me!)- it's a localizer antenna, for RW13, that provides lateral guidance to get to the end of the runway.
It's on the opposite end as the approach- meaning if you're landing RW13 (towards town), the antenna is on the other end (the RW31 approach end- the southeast end) of the runway, which you walked by on the way into town.
The nearest VOR is DLH (Laughlin) at the USAF base.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Del Rio, TX: Arriving in Houston, TX (IAH)
22MAR08 Houston-Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)
We taxied into gate A8 and then we deplaned. I made it over to A2 so that I get the complimentary shuttle over to Terminal C. I called Metro and the next bus was at 8:14p, so I had a little time for a stop in the Presidents Club before the bus.
Here is what I saw on my way over to Terminal C via Terminal B.
The Saab 340 at the hard stand after our arrival.
Looks like this Northwest Airlines A319 has an issue.
A Continental Boeing 737-300 passes by.
Frontier's ERJ-175 taxiing out.
A Continental Express ERJ-145 being pushed back.
I got to the Presidents Club relaxed a bit and then headed out at 8:05p. Quelle jour!
We taxied into gate A8 and then we deplaned. I made it over to A2 so that I get the complimentary shuttle over to Terminal C. I called Metro and the next bus was at 8:14p, so I had a little time for a stop in the Presidents Club before the bus.
Here is what I saw on my way over to Terminal C via Terminal B.
The Saab 340 at the hard stand after our arrival.
Looks like this Northwest Airlines A319 has an issue.
A Continental Boeing 737-300 passes by.
Frontier's ERJ-175 taxiing out.
A Continental Express ERJ-145 being pushed back.
I got to the Presidents Club relaxed a bit and then headed out at 8:05p. Quelle jour!
Del Rio, TX: Del Rio International, Del Rio TX (DRT) to Houston, TX (IAH)
CO9524/22MAR08 Del Rio International, Del Rio TX (DRT) to Houston-Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH) 10:45a 12:34p SF3 N356CJ operated by Colgan Air [delayed service]
Flight Time: 1:13
Seat Map
As soon as we all boarded, the Captain came on the PA and made an apology for the lengthy delay. He said there an oil leak and a mechanic had to look at it before it could fly again. None was available so they had to fly the plane in from Houston. He said that the flying time would be 1:13 and 1:30 with taxi times on both sides. Winds were gusty in Huston and we would cruise at 22,000’.
At 6:08p, the right engine started and then the flight attendant closed the door and started her safety demo briefing. The left engine started at 6:10p as she continued and a minute later, we pulled forward and headed out for runway 13.
It was a fast taxi and as we the only traffic, we took to the runway right away and were airborne in no time. We made a quick left turn as we headed out. It was good to see where I walked earlier.
At about 6:22p, we buzzed 10,000’ and the Captain came on the PA and said the air was smooth so he turned off the seatbelt sign in addition, we had a tail wind so we will make up some time.
The flight attendant gave her welcome speech and advised that beer, wine and margaritas are 5 USD, non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary. Peanuts and pretzels would be served today.
An offer for peanuts and pretzel plus a beverage came at 6:33p. I opted for some peanuts plus some apple juice and a glass of water.
As I was so tired, I fell asleep and the airplane was quite cold as well. The flight attendant woke me up to get ready for landing so I did. We touched down at 7:30p and headed for the gate.
Del Rio, TX: Delayed in Del Rio...
I am in the Library in Del Rio, TX as my flight is delayed for 7:15 due to a mechanical issue. I'll have the full story later.
However, Del Rio is a beautiful city and actually worth the visit. I've been walking around and just enjoying the city.
By the way, the airport is an international airport and I actually saw one of the flights that makes it international. It was a private Learjet with Mexican registration and it had only one passenger on board...
You should consider visiting sometime. There is even a vineyard here.
However, Del Rio is a beautiful city and actually worth the visit. I've been walking around and just enjoying the city.
By the way, the airport is an international airport and I actually saw one of the flights that makes it international. It was a private Learjet with Mexican registration and it had only one passenger on board...
You should consider visiting sometime. There is even a vineyard here.
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