The Emirates A380

London delayed

I had planned on going to London this weekend, but a little stomach flu on Friday afternoon put a damper on that. I thought of going to Texarkana, TX (TRK) when I felt better tomorrow, so we will see what gives there.

San Francisco, CA July 2008: Departing Dallas/Forth Worth International, Dallas, TX (DFW)

It was 5:48p when I arrived at Terminal E. I paid the drive the $18 plus a tip and went upstairs using the escalator.

There was no issues getting through security, except that the lady in front of me had an expired driver's license. Apparently she needed the receipt that said she had renewed it. The lady allowed her through anyways; she was with her husband I guess.

I then checked at the gate for my boarding pass which I got and scored a middle seat. I then went to the Presidents Club, showed my credentials and gained access.

I had a banana, a bagel and two muffins and some juice and relaxed for a bit. Soon it was time to go so I headed to the gate and boarded when it was my turn.

San Francisco, CA July 2008: It is way too early to be getting up

It was 4:00a when the phone rang. I had also set the mobile to ring at 4:00a, but I awoke at 3:59a and turned it off before it did so.

I was heading to San Francisco via Houston this morning before heading back to Houston later that day.

My body ached as I dragged myself out of bed as I had only gone to sleep less than an hour earlier.

By 4:30a, I was downstairs so I could wait for the Super Shuttle van to arrive at the pre-arranged 4:45a. At 4:44a, the driver called me and advised he was running late. he figured about 20 minutes or so. I reminded him of my 6:30a departure and he said no issues I should be fine.

He called again at 5:15a and said he was pulling into the parking lot. I went outside and jumped into the van. There were four others in there as well. They all had flights on American. We made one more stop and then we were on the highway to the airport.

He asked which terminal and gate and the folks who were taking American had no idea. So I asked for the flight number and called American at 1-800-433-7300 and got the information. The lady was quite impressed by the generosity.

When we got to DFW, the airline names were written on huge boards, but unless you knew your gate, you were pretty much hosed if you were flying on American as they used almost all the terminals. And DFW is so weird that you there are different stops for different gates. There has to be a better system I thought.

Dallas, TX July 2008: Arriving in Dallas-Love Field, Dallas TX (DAL)

26JUL08 Dallas-Love Field, Dallas TX (DAL)

It was 12:52p when we touched down on runway 31R. The airport seemed vacant, but that's cause we were on the American and Continental side.

We pulled off the runway and headed for the gate. I could see a boeing 767 on the left, but not sure who owned it. it seemed like a private ownership.




You can see the tower here as we pulled into the gate.

The Control Tower by the gate.

I deplaned and headed for the Baggage Claim area. There was a tiny sign pointing that way and the lady who was walking with me was not sure where to turn. I helped her along as I'd been to that airport before.

I called my friends, but they were a ways away so I decided to hang out in the Southwest terminal for a bit. I saw the following planes:





I did not think they still use Boeing 737-200s.

Eventually I went to wait outside security and in about an hour my friends showed.

Dallas, TX July 2008: Houston Intercontinental, Houston, TX (IAH) to Dallas-Love Field, Dallas, TX (DAL)

CO2826 26JUL08 Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH) to Dallas-Love Field, Dallas TX (DAL) 12:00 noon 1:00p ERJ N??933

Flight Time: 0:40
Seat Map

As I walked down the jetway, I could see that the cabin bags that are too big for the cabin were still in the jetway. There was also a little backup at the doorway as well. I looked over at the lone female flight attendant and smiled an hello; she reciprocated. Then she got on the PA and made a welcome aboard announcement.

The Embraer Regional Jet 145 (ERJ-145) is just about 6’2” in interior height so I had to bend a little as I negotiated my way down the 1-2 configuration of 50 leather seats. I had a window seat on the two side.

The lady at the aisle let me in and noting how tall I am volunteered for me to sit at the aisle instead. I told her thanks but took the window as it was a beautiful day for flying and I wanted to see out. I got settled in, stuffing my backpack under the seat in front of me.

The Captain came on the PA at 11:50a and announced that the flying time was a quick 0:40 today, the temperature was 29C/85F and the visibility was 10 miles.

At 11:55a, the flight attendant made another announcement that this was the flight to Dallas so please ensure that this is where you wanted to go. Two minutes later the door closed and came with a notification to turn off the electronic devices especially those blackberries, strawberries and raspberries; this brought a chuckle as did the prior announcement.

It was 12:02p when the safety announcement started playing and the flight attendant did the demo. Pushback started about the same time as did an engine start. Our taxi out to the runway started at 12:06p.

It was a quick taxi and by 12:10p, we were airborne having used runway 33R-15L.

It was a nice take off and we made a hard right hand turn so I could see the entire airport in its glory. I could even see the airplane that was behind us on the runway, a Continental Boeing 757-300.

The flight attendant came on the PA and announced that due to the very, very short flight, there would be no beverages served onboard, but she was available if anyone needed her. I always think it strange that U.S. carriers don’t serve a meal on short flights when in Europe, you sometimes get a hot meal on a 0:45 flight between London and Amsterdam or Paris.

As I was really tired, I went to sleep and awoke when the Captain said we had 0:25 to go and had started our descent. He also added that it was 90F at the moment on the ground.

It was great to see the city below as we descended.

Dallas, TX July 2008: Arriving in Houston Intercontinental, Houston, TX

26JUL08 Houston Intercontinental. Houston TX (IAH)

I made my way to through security, then headed for Terminal B via the overhead train. There was no waiting as a train arrived just as I made it to the platform. It was 11:23a when I arrived in Terminal B. I checked the Flight Information display (FID) to ensure that my flight was still at gate B71. It had actually changed to gate B73, so it was flashing on the FIDs. As I had some time, I made it to the Presidents Club but I had missed breakfast, so I just had some cheese, crackers, some water and a banana. I also picked up the weekend edition of the Financial Times.

I made my way down to the gate shortly and inquired if I had received a seat as yet. As it turns out, this was not the case. I was not really worried as this flight still had a few open seats. The boarding process started at 11:45a and soon after everyone had boarded, I received a window seat assignment at the rear of the plane.

I collected my boarding pass and boarding right away.

Dallas, TX July 2008: Leaving downtown Houston, TX

Downtown Houston, TX

I did not check the times for the bus and had decided to just wing it as I went along. I figured at most I’d have to wait 40 minutes for a bus to the airport. As such, I was in luck and caught the 10:08a departure which was scheduled to arrive at the airport at 11:21a, it arrived at 11:11a. The bus after that one would have arrived at 11:51a and would have made it a very anxious morning.

As I approached Terminal D, I noticed that a Lufthansa Boeing 747-400 was sitting at the hard stand. Odd, I guess yesterday’s flight had a mechanical issue.

Farnborough 2008: Videos from the Show

More videos to follow...

The Kingfisher A330 and the Airbus A380 standing around


Preparing the Kingfisher A330 for take off


The A380 moving into position for takeoff


The A380 Landing; people kept getting in my way...


The Kingfisher A330 taking off


Avro Vulcan B-2 taking off


The Dassault Falcons

Farnborough 2008: Pictures from the Show

General pictures around the Airshow

The Air India (AI) Boeing 777-300ER

The Airbus A380

The Airbus Company's Static Display

The Boeing Company's Static Display

Aerial Display of two Dassault Falcons

Kingfisher Airlines (IT) Airbus A330

The Red Arrows Aerial Display

The RAF Avro Vulcan B-2

Aerial Display of the USAF B-1B

Vintage Warbirds

Funny TSA Song

I saw this on one of my newsgroup and I think it is quite funny...

http://www.crainium.net/jdjArchives/2005/04/tsa_theme_song.html

Farnborough 2008: Departing London-Heathrow International

19JUL08 Arriving in London-Heathrow International, London England (LHR)

I had decided that I'd had back home as I felt rotten as my cold continued. I had breakfast and then headed out.

It was 9:07a when I got to Terminal 4 via the Picadilly line, exactly an hour from when I boarded the train at Kings Cross St. Pancras station.

I made my way up two floors to the departure level, found the Continental counter, checked in, did the security checks then headed to the security lines.

I was through there in no time and made my way to the Holideck near gate 11. I showed my credentials and entered the Lounge. Of course, I headed straight for the tower area so I could see the planes.

I was surprised that the Singapore Airlines (SQ) A380 was not at its gate. It must be late or not operating today I thought. I watched a few more planes land before going downstairs to the Quiet Room. I am still amazed each time I see a Boeing 747-400 land as it is a spectacular site!

I got online and watched a few more planes land. Eventually the Continental Boeing 777-200ER that would hopefully take me back to Houston landed and made its way to gate 24. It was indeed about 30 minutes late in arriving. That made our departure time 11:34a as my TripAlert had said.






At about 10:45a, I began to head to the gate area. It was quite a walk. Once there, I asked the agent if the I had a seat and indeed I did thankfully.

I was looking around for my colleague's wife as I knew that she was on the flight as well. As it turns out there were only two more empty seats so she would not make it. We talked a bit and it made sense for her to try the British Airways (BA) flight at about 1:15p or so.

Boarding started about 11:10a and I boarded when it was my time. It was odd as this lady pushed right in front of me and the guy checking the passports did not see that, oh well...

Farnborough Airshow 2008: It was FAB

If you don't know, the airport code for Farnborough is FAB...

Here are some pics to tide you over.







More Photos and videos to follow...

Farnborough 2008: Ariving in Houston Intercontinental (IAH) from London Heathrow (LHR)

18JUL08 Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)

We touched down on the far runway, 8L I think at 4:48p. It was a really smooth landing and the guy next to me and I commented on it as we turned off the runway.

We waited for a sec and then crossed the second parallel runway and made our way to gate D12 at 4:56p. I was expecting Terminal E, but I guess the gates were full over there since we are a bit tardy.

To add to our lateness, the agent could not get the jetway to the plane, so it took about 15 minutes for the doors to open.

I finally deplaned and headed for Immigration where there was no line and it was easy to get through. After a quick pass through Customs, I headed to Terminal C for the bus. Sadly, I just missed the 5:29p bus so had to wait for the 6:09p.

Farnborough 2008: Arriving in London-Gatwick International from Houston Intercontinental (IAH)

18JUL08 London-Gatwick International, London England (LGW)

We touched down at 7:16a on runway 8L. We crossed the right parallel runway, 8R and then turned right and taxied back to the terminal.

We passed a few airplanes that I'd not seen before. It's been a while since I landed in Gatwick; I think the last time was in March of this year.



I don't know who is operating this white A321.

There must be a Sheik in town.


So I did not realize that easyJet got Airbus A321. When did they get those?


Eventually, we taxied up to our gate at the Satellite terminal with a First Choice Boeing 757-200 on our left.

I deplaned and caught up with one of my colleagues. We talked all the way to the Immigration counter, where he went to the UK residents line.

We would have both used the IRIS as the line were really long, but unfortunately, it was broken. It was broken the last time I was in Gatwick in March! :-(. It was 7:36a when I got on the queue and 8:40a when I saw an Officer...

I did a quick change in the bathroom and then headed through Customs. I checked if there was a bus to Farnborough from Gatwick, but there was not. I then headed to the South Terminal and got the next possible train to Farnborough via Clapham Junction.

Farnborough 2008: Departing Downtown Houston, TX

Downtown Houston, TX

I departed work at about 1:02p and made my way to the bus stop. I realized that I did not have any change for the bus, so I had to buy a bottle of water from the coffee shop to get some change.

I walked to the stop in the blistering Houston heat; it was horrible!

1:19p arrived and no bus. So I called up Metro and was told that the bus had broken down and the next one was at 2:05p and would arrive at 3:15p. Well that sucks as so much for my airport plans - get a ticket on another airline, hang out in the Club for a bit, check e-mail, etc.

There was an apology, but does that really help? A replacement bus would have...

The bus did arrive as I finished my bottle of water. Promptly though at 3:15p, it pulled into Terminal C.

I made my way over to the E Terminal without any issues at security. I stopped for a bit outside the Club and checked e-mail and hotel information using the WiFi signal from the Club. It would have taken too long to get my card out and have it swiped, go upstairs and sit down.

After I was done, I headed for gate E18. Once there, I got a seat in BusinessFirst on the 767-400 so that was a very good thing indeed. Boarding had already started so I just showed my boarding pass and entered through the empty Elite Access lane.

My currency gadget shows an easy conversion btwn GBP and USD:

A colleague sent me this today...

Farnborough Airshow 2008

It is that time of the year again to visit a small sleepy town that comes to life once every other year for about two weeks or less for the Farnborough International Airshow.

It is the place where Boeing and Airbus show off their new toys, if they have any, and airlines spend money on airplanes.

The plan is to depart the U.S. for London, England on Thursday night and arrive first thing on Friday morning and make our way to the field. It is usually grueling as we try to stay up until about 6p or so when the show comes to a close for the last day of the Trade Days.

My first time to Farnborough back in 1995 I think it was, I had gone to the Consumer Days on Saturday and Sunday and the crowd was incredible; I vowed never to do that again if I can help it. So I am able to help it.

You can find more details about the show at www.farnborough.com.

This Airshow is similar, but not to be confused with the Paris Airshow, so you can take a look at a video for that show held last June to get an idea of what will be at this show.

Here are pictures from Farnborough in 2006. You may also find other pictures here as well.

Atlanta, GA July 2008: Arriving in Houston, TX (IAH) from Atlanta, GA (ATL)

13JUL08 Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)

We touched down about 4:30p and taxied to the gate in the C Concourse, or is it Terminal at this airport? We were almost 5 hours late.

The lead flight attendant announced that the gate agent would have connecting flight information so it was necessary to contact them once we deplane.

Deplaning was easy, no one seemed to be in a hurry, which was quite funny. We headed out and checked on the flight information displays. All the flights to and from Atlanta, GA were delayed. Oddly enough, the 1:10p departure had also arrived at about the same time as our flight did.

Our plane was due to do a flight to Miami, FL (MIA) which was showing about a 0:45 minute delay.

We then headed to the parking shuttle bus stop and headed out.

Atlanta, GA July 2008: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Atlanta GA (ATL) to Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)

CO1587 13JUL08 Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Atlanta GA (ATL) to Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH) 10:45a 11:53a 735 N??649

Flight Time:
Seat Map

I greeted the two flight attendants at the door and made my way past the two rows of 2-2 leather seats in First Class to the rows of 3-3- configuration in Economy class. As I was really tired, I snagged two pillows from the overhead as I made my way to my seat.

I found a place for my bag and then settled in, getting up twice to allow the window seat and middle seat passengers to pass. The guy in the middle was having issues finding a place for his bag and actually had to check it as there was no more room. There were also other bag space issues as the space came to a premium.

I looked through the window on the left and saw a massive storm building; I was hoping that we would get out of here before that engulfed the airport. The lady at the window and I commented on it.

It was a minute past departure time and the Captain came on the PA and announced that the airport had a ground stop due to the storm coming in and we had to wait until it cleared up. He thinks it would be 30-45 minutes. Bummer, I thought. As I was really tired, I fell asleep right away.

Later, I awoke and heard the Captain say that we were going to leave the gate and head out to the taxiways, but we would still have to wait. I think it was like 12:20p now.

[My traveling companion later told me that there was a lady who wanted to go to McDonald's to get something to eat, but no one was allowed off the plane. In situations like these, everyone has to stay put as no one knows when it will be time to go. You let one person off the plane and ATC rings back and say you have to go now and you can't then you may be delayed longer. Also, one person gets to go to McDonald's, then another wants to go to Starbucks, etc. I'm also told that some passengers had asked for drinks and were served in the back galley, which is fair as the wait was a bit long]

I fell asleep again and I kept waking up to announcements. One said that we were #10 for departure but the west departures were curtailed and another said we were #4 and the departures were curtailed again. Finally, we were #1 and the departures were curtailed again. Each time, passengers were allowed to use their cell phones and also the restroom. I know that at one time water and juice were offered. I was so out of it though…

It was interesting to hear some of the conversations when I was awake, almost all the phone calls blamed the airline. I guess the big storm sitting at the airport had nothing to do with our wait. I'm not sure why an airline would want to disrupt their tight schedule and keep passengers on a plane longer than they need to, especially with fuel so high these days. Do you?

Eventually, it was out time to take to the runway at 3:34p local time, nearly 5 hours since we boarded the plane.

The climb out was a little rough as there was turbulence from the storm. On our left you could see the gray clouds full of moisture. It was impressive to see, but was quite annoying as it was the culprit for our delay.

After takeoff, we were given a beverage service with one pack of peanuts each. I thought that the flight information had said Light Snack, but I guess I was mistaken as I think that was for the original flight we wanted to take at about 2:30p. Luckily I had some crackers and cheese in my bag, so I supplemented the meal.

With 50 minutes of flying to go, the Captain came on the PA and announced that the current weather in Houston was 95F, the winds were calm and visibility of 10 miles. We were also at 36,000’. He apologized for the delay and advised that he had asked for and received an alternate Northerly routing to avoid the storms. This accounted for an extra 15 minutes of flying though. He said we would arrive at about 4:50p or so.

I was surprised that there was only one drink service for the entire flight, but I guess they probably ran out of drinks as they were serving stuff in the galley during the lengthy delay.

The seatbelt sign came on at 4:06p local time, so that meant we were heading in.

Atlanta, GA July 2008: Airplanes in Hartsfield (ATL)

Atlanta, GA July 2008: Arriving at Hartsfield (ATL)

13JUL08 Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Atlanta GA (ATL)

It was about 8:45a when we arrived at the airport. It was not too crowded and we had no issues checking in at the airport kiosk and received our stand by boarding passes. Security was not an issue either and soon we were on the trains to Concourse D.

The trains in this airport are weird as they don’t tell you which airlines serve which terminal neither audibly or visually. I think you have to wait for the doors to open to see which airlines are at which terminal and then the doors are only open for a short time. But I digress.

We arrived at Concourse D in a few minutes and headed up the long escalator to the departure level. I did notice two guys all sweaty and panting on the left escalator. It seems like they ran from the main terminal building. I hope they caught their flight.

We headed for the Presidents Club where we showed our credentials and were granted access. Eventually, we found two comfy seats in the crowded lounge across from a couple. I searched for an electric outlet, but to no avail. It is weird that they actually have workstation at the windows and no electrical outlets. I did see one or two on the floor, but they were really in the walkway, so not really usable.

I eventually had a bagel with 50% fat free cream cheese and some mini muffins, while my travel companion had some juice and coffee. The coffee was not good, so we went to use a Starbucks free coffee coupon at the Starbucks across from Gate 8A, our departure gate. I thought that no outside food was allowed, but the agent advised that drinks were fine.

Once at the Starbucks, I showed her the card and she said they don’t accept it. I inquired why and she said she was joking. She then tried to upsell me to other beverages and eats, which I declined. She then poured me a steaming hot cup of coffee to the brim and directed me to the condiments section.

I returned to the Club and presented the coffee to my traveling companion. I did notice some Delta Connection CRJs (200s and 700s) outside the window with a flurry of activities. There was also a few airTran Boeing 737-700s with winglets as well as some Boeing 717s.

It was soon time to head to the gate. As we departed the Club, I checked pda.continental.com and saw that we were given seats; lucky aisles across.

At the gate, I inquired for our boarding passes and after waiting a bit, received the. Boarding had already commenced, so we just waited for our row to be called and then boarded the Boeing 737-500 with winglets.