Wednesday, November 26, 2008
The French Caribbean Connection
Its been a while since I've wanted to do the Caribbean flight to the French islands (territories). Well, that time is here, so I'm off to Miami, FL (MIA), then to Haiti, Guadeloupe, Martinique and then to French Guiana. Oh, and there is a side trip to Monaco.
Come on, you knew there had to be a twist :-)...
Come on, you knew there had to be a twist :-)...
The French Caribbean Connection: Arriving in Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH) from Downtown Houston, TX
26NOV08 Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)
We did not have a long wait for the parking shuttle to show and we were in luck as we were taken directly to Terminal E. Once there, we had no issues clearing the security area after which we headed for the ticket office. We needed to get tickets for our Paris-Orly, Paris France (ORY) to Nice, France (NCE) to Amsterdam, Netherlands (AMS) trip. This is our side trip for this journey.
This journey will be Houston to Miami to Haiti to Guadeloupe to Martinique to French Guiana to Paris to Nice to Amsterdam and back to Houston.
Once that was accomplished, we headed to the Presidents Club where we relaxed for a bit. I checked the flights and it did not look so good for the Miami, FL (MIA) flight. Our backup was Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL), but it left only five minutes after the Miami flight and was at gate E-14. The Miami flight was at c-37, which was a world away. I started to look at other options just in cacs we missed that flight. I noticed that Fort Myers, FL (RSW) was at 7:50p and had room. It would be a little drive down to Miami, but at least we were in the same state.
There was also a flight to West Palm Beach, FL (PBI), but I think it was at the same time as the Fort Lauderdale and Miami flights, so I did not bother to check it. We had come up with a cut off time to make a decision and that was at 6:30p.
So once 6:30p rolled around, we headed for the gate for the Miami flight. On my way there, I noticed that the West Palm Beach flight was at 7:50p; relief we can try the Miami flight and not worry as it was open.
It was 6:45p when we both got middle seats on the flight to Miami. It was time to board. I was calling Avis to check on the price of cars from West Palm and the guy on the phone booked it although I told him not to, geez...
We did not have a long wait for the parking shuttle to show and we were in luck as we were taken directly to Terminal E. Once there, we had no issues clearing the security area after which we headed for the ticket office. We needed to get tickets for our Paris-Orly, Paris France (ORY) to Nice, France (NCE) to Amsterdam, Netherlands (AMS) trip. This is our side trip for this journey.
This journey will be Houston to Miami to Haiti to Guadeloupe to Martinique to French Guiana to Paris to Nice to Amsterdam and back to Houston.
Once that was accomplished, we headed to the Presidents Club where we relaxed for a bit. I checked the flights and it did not look so good for the Miami, FL (MIA) flight. Our backup was Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL), but it left only five minutes after the Miami flight and was at gate E-14. The Miami flight was at c-37, which was a world away. I started to look at other options just in cacs we missed that flight. I noticed that Fort Myers, FL (RSW) was at 7:50p and had room. It would be a little drive down to Miami, but at least we were in the same state.
There was also a flight to West Palm Beach, FL (PBI), but I think it was at the same time as the Fort Lauderdale and Miami flights, so I did not bother to check it. We had come up with a cut off time to make a decision and that was at 6:30p.
So once 6:30p rolled around, we headed for the gate for the Miami flight. On my way there, I noticed that the West Palm Beach flight was at 7:50p; relief we can try the Miami flight and not worry as it was open.
It was 6:45p when we both got middle seats on the flight to Miami. It was time to board. I was calling Avis to check on the price of cars from West Palm and the guy on the phone booked it although I told him not to, geez...
The French Caribbean Connection: Leaving downtown Houston, TX (IAH)
26NOV08 Leaving Downtown Houston, TX
It was 4:07p when I met my colleague downstairs in the lobby area. We headed for the parking facility and got in the car. Before long, we were on I-45 heading to the airport via I-10 and US59. The traffic was pretty light for a Thanksgiving Eve, so before you know it, we had arrived at the airport.
It was 4:07p when I met my colleague downstairs in the lobby area. We headed for the parking facility and got in the car. Before long, we were on I-45 heading to the airport via I-10 and US59. The traffic was pretty light for a Thanksgiving Eve, so before you know it, we had arrived at the airport.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Mokulele Airlines: Arriving in Houston Intercontinental., Houston TX (IAH) from Los Angeles International, Los Angeles CA (LAX)
23NOV08 Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)
We touched down on the runway closest to Terminal D and then taxied back to gate E9. Using http://pda.continental.com I looked up the gate for the lady next to me and then got her on a cart to her gate.
I then made my way to the ticket office, picked up another few tickets, then made my way to the Presidents Club for a snack. I had about 30 minutes to the next bus.
We touched down on the runway closest to Terminal D and then taxied back to gate E9. Using http://pda.continental.com I looked up the gate for the lady next to me and then got her on a cart to her gate.
I then made my way to the ticket office, picked up another few tickets, then made my way to the Presidents Club for a snack. I had about 30 minutes to the next bus.
Mokulele Airlines: Los Angeles International, Los Angeles CA (LAX) to Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)
CO194 23NOV08 Los Angeles International, Los Angeles CA (LAX) to Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH) 6:30a 11:46a 752 N57111
Flight Time: 2:47
Seat Map
As I boarded, I said hello to the flight attendant who I had just left behind. I guess it is the same flight attendants from my Honolulu flight.
I made my way to my seat, saying hello to my seatmate as I did so. The flight attendant asked what I wanted to drink and I chose water. She then came back and asked if I wanted an omelet breakfast after takeoff; I said sure. I also put in my drink order.
This aircraft has a 2-2 configuration in this cabin with power at each seat plus audio/video on demand entertainment system.
The door soon closed and we pushed back. On our way out to runway 25L, I saw a slew of planes as you can see below:
Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 767-300
Frontier Airlines (F9) Airbus A319
MasAir Boeing 767-300
JAL Cargo Boeing 747-400
Cargo planes
Skywest EM2
American Airlines (AA) Boeing 757-200
Delta Air Lines Boeing 757-200
American Airlines Boeing 737-800
United Express CRJ-200
Delta Air Lines (DL) Boeing 757-200
ExpressJet Airlines Embraer ERJ-145
Cargo DC-10
As we took off, you could see the mountains in the background as the clouds rolled right out to them. It was amazing that below all this was not quite pretty.
Soon after takeoff, hot towels were handed out. This was followed by a breakfast which was:
Soon, we started our descent. As we got closer to the airport, we flew right by it.
Flight Time: 2:47
Seat Map
As I boarded, I said hello to the flight attendant who I had just left behind. I guess it is the same flight attendants from my Honolulu flight.
I made my way to my seat, saying hello to my seatmate as I did so. The flight attendant asked what I wanted to drink and I chose water. She then came back and asked if I wanted an omelet breakfast after takeoff; I said sure. I also put in my drink order.
This aircraft has a 2-2 configuration in this cabin with power at each seat plus audio/video on demand entertainment system.
The door soon closed and we pushed back. On our way out to runway 25L, I saw a slew of planes as you can see below:
Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 767-300
Frontier Airlines (F9) Airbus A319
MasAir Boeing 767-300
JAL Cargo Boeing 747-400
Cargo planes
Skywest EM2
American Airlines (AA) Boeing 757-200
Delta Air Lines Boeing 757-200
American Airlines Boeing 737-800
United Express CRJ-200
Delta Air Lines (DL) Boeing 757-200
ExpressJet Airlines Embraer ERJ-145
Cargo DC-10
As we took off, you could see the mountains in the background as the clouds rolled right out to them. It was amazing that below all this was not quite pretty.
Soon after takeoff, hot towels were handed out. This was followed by a breakfast which was:
Fresh seasonal fruit and yogurt, biscuits and cinnamon rolls with butter and strawberry preserve, omelette with broccoli potato gratin, grilled smoked pork loin and turkey sausage patty.
The lady next to me was having trouble with her TV, so I pulled up the movie on mine so she should watch it. I then did some work, reading and a little sleep. I was able to keep my phone and computer charged as I had a plug at my seat.
I took some more pictures as we passed over Phoenix, AZ.
Soon, we started our descent. As we got closer to the airport, we flew right by it.
Mokulele Airlines: Arriving in Los Angeles International, Los Angeles CA (LAX) from Honolulu, HI (HNL)
23NOV08 Los Angeles International, Los Angeles CA (LAX)
We touched down smoothly as I continued to sleep. In a few minutes, we made it to gate 62 after stopping short so we can be towed in.
As I waited to deplane, I checked and noticed that it would be the same plane that was going to Houston as the 6:30a flight. It was now 5:06a. I wonder if it would be the same crew?
I deplaned and headed for the Presidents Club. I was waiting behind someone who did not have Club credentials, so I made him my guest.
I then brushed my teeth, had breakfast (bagel), powered up since I did not plug in on the plane although I could have and checked e-mail.
At about 6:05a, I made my way to the gate and was given a First class seat at 6:15a. I was psyched as I was not really expecting that since the flight was full. I then thanked the agent and boarded.
We touched down smoothly as I continued to sleep. In a few minutes, we made it to gate 62 after stopping short so we can be towed in.
As I waited to deplane, I checked and noticed that it would be the same plane that was going to Houston as the 6:30a flight. It was now 5:06a. I wonder if it would be the same crew?
I deplaned and headed for the Presidents Club. I was waiting behind someone who did not have Club credentials, so I made him my guest.
I then brushed my teeth, had breakfast (bagel), powered up since I did not plug in on the plane although I could have and checked e-mail.
At about 6:05a, I made my way to the gate and was given a First class seat at 6:15a. I was psyched as I was not really expecting that since the flight was full. I then thanked the agent and boarded.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Mokulele Airlines: Honolulu International, Honolulu HI (HNL) to Los Angeles International, Los Angeles CA (LAX)
CO12 22NOV08 Honolulu International, Honolulu HI (HNL) to Los Angeles International, Los Angeles CA (LAX) 9:40p 5:00a +1 Day 752 N57111
Flight Time: 4:43
Seat Map
I made my way down the jetway, but had to wait as it was backed up mostly because people were putting their stuff in the overheads. As I neared the door, the agent started tagging bags as there was no more room.
Eventually, I got to my seat and settled in. This aircraft has a 3-3 configuration in Economy class and 2-2 in BusinessFirst class. Every seat has an individual monitor and is equiped with audio/video on demand. In addition, there are two plugs in each set of three seats in Economy and every seat in BusinessFirst. Too bad I am too tired tonight to make use of it all.
The door soon closed, the safety video started and we pushed back. I actually fell asleep way before we even started to move under our own power. When I awoke, a flight attendant was by my row offering me a meal of crackers, cheese, Nachos Doritos and M&Ms.
I awoke, ate and went back to sleep. I was awoken with about 30 minutes of flying time to go as the cabin had to be prepared for arrival. I pulled my seat forward and went back to sleep.
Before I know it, we had touched down.
Flight Time: 4:43
Seat Map
I made my way down the jetway, but had to wait as it was backed up mostly because people were putting their stuff in the overheads. As I neared the door, the agent started tagging bags as there was no more room.
Eventually, I got to my seat and settled in. This aircraft has a 3-3 configuration in Economy class and 2-2 in BusinessFirst class. Every seat has an individual monitor and is equiped with audio/video on demand. In addition, there are two plugs in each set of three seats in Economy and every seat in BusinessFirst. Too bad I am too tired tonight to make use of it all.
The door soon closed, the safety video started and we pushed back. I actually fell asleep way before we even started to move under our own power. When I awoke, a flight attendant was by my row offering me a meal of crackers, cheese, Nachos Doritos and M&Ms.
I awoke, ate and went back to sleep. I was awoken with about 30 minutes of flying time to go as the cabin had to be prepared for arrival. I pulled my seat forward and went back to sleep.
Before I know it, we had touched down.
Mokulele Airlines: Arriving in Honolulu International, Honolulu HI (HNL) from Kona International (KOA)
22NOV08 Honolulu International, Honolulu HI (HNL)
We touched down and made our way to the gate. It was kind of weird as the pilot made a hard stop as he was turning right and then made a sharp turn to the left. Who knows what happened.
On our way to the gate, I could see two planes from Aloha Cargo in the hangar. One of them had a new color scheme.
I deplaned, said my goodbyes to the crew and headed for my gate. As I left the plane, I saw the other Embraer 170 at the gate. This was the one that I missed earlier.
Here is a picture of the one I arrived in.
I passed through agricultural screening, then had to wait for the Wiki Wiki, but by 8:40a, I was in the Presidents Club once more.
I had a snack and waited for the flight. I made my way to the gate at about 9:05p. On my way there, I saw my plane waiting. It was in the same position as it was when I arrived. But it may have moved in between then and now.
As I walked to the gate, I heard my name being called. I quickened my steps. Once there, I was handed a boarding pass for an aisle seat.
We touched down and made our way to the gate. It was kind of weird as the pilot made a hard stop as he was turning right and then made a sharp turn to the left. Who knows what happened.
On our way to the gate, I could see two planes from Aloha Cargo in the hangar. One of them had a new color scheme.
I deplaned, said my goodbyes to the crew and headed for my gate. As I left the plane, I saw the other Embraer 170 at the gate. This was the one that I missed earlier.
Here is a picture of the one I arrived in.
I passed through agricultural screening, then had to wait for the Wiki Wiki, but by 8:40a, I was in the Presidents Club once more.
I had a snack and waited for the flight. I made my way to the gate at about 9:05p. On my way there, I saw my plane waiting. It was in the same position as it was when I arrived. But it may have moved in between then and now.
As I walked to the gate, I heard my name being called. I quickened my steps. Once there, I was handed a boarding pass for an aisle seat.
Mokulele Airlines: Kona International, Kona Big island HI (KOA) to Honolulu International, Honolulu Oahu HI (HNL)
MW158 22NOV08 Kona International, Kona Big island HI (KOA) to Honolulu International, Honolulu Oahu HI (HNL) 7:35p 8:15p E70 N868RW operated by Shuttle America, a Republic Airways Company
Flying Time: 0:15 [we took longer]
Seat map
The agent took our boarding passes, then we walked on the tarmac to the plane as there are no jetways at Kona. The ground staff was cool saying goodbye as we left. It was neat as they all knew our names. There was a total of seven passengers all in the Economy class cabin.
I stopped to take some pictures as did another passenger:
We walked up the stairs and were greeted by the flight attendant at the door who actually used to fly for another airline in the U.S. that operated these aircraft. The first class cabin has two rows in a 1-2 configuration and the Economy class has a 2-2 configuration. Both cabin has leather seats. This is typically how United Express and Air Canada have theirs configured.
Two of the guys who walked in stayed in First class, but when the flight attendant checked the manifest they were not on it, so she told them to move to their Economy class seats.
Here are some pictures as I looked around:
Soon, the door closed and we started our push back as well as the beginning of the safety demo. The demo is an automated voice with the two flight attendants doing the demonstration.
I looked out the window and saw a United Boeing 757-200 at another gate. I could not see it before due to the location of where I was sitting. The US Airways 757-200 was on my left as well.
When the cabin lights were turned off for takeoff, you could see the emergency floor lighting as below.
We headed out for the runway and in no time, increased power to the two engines and were airborne. You could see the lights of the city and the airport below us as we gained altitude.
A complimentary offer of water or juice (pass-o-guava punch) followed soon after takeoff.
At 7:50p, we started our descent, boy that really was quick.
At 52 miles southwest of Honolulu, the Captain made an announcement that it was 70F with cloudy skies and calm winds. He announced that we should see Oahu on the right as we come into the airport and then on our left after that. He concluded by saying that it was a pleasure having us onboard and hope to see us in the future.
At 7:57p, the Captain instructed the flight attendants to prepare for landing, so they did. Adding Mahalo and welcome to Honolulu.
Flying Time: 0:15 [we took longer]
Seat map
The agent took our boarding passes, then we walked on the tarmac to the plane as there are no jetways at Kona. The ground staff was cool saying goodbye as we left. It was neat as they all knew our names. There was a total of seven passengers all in the Economy class cabin.
I stopped to take some pictures as did another passenger:
We walked up the stairs and were greeted by the flight attendant at the door who actually used to fly for another airline in the U.S. that operated these aircraft. The first class cabin has two rows in a 1-2 configuration and the Economy class has a 2-2 configuration. Both cabin has leather seats. This is typically how United Express and Air Canada have theirs configured.
Two of the guys who walked in stayed in First class, but when the flight attendant checked the manifest they were not on it, so she told them to move to their Economy class seats.
Here are some pictures as I looked around:
Soon, the door closed and we started our push back as well as the beginning of the safety demo. The demo is an automated voice with the two flight attendants doing the demonstration.
I looked out the window and saw a United Boeing 757-200 at another gate. I could not see it before due to the location of where I was sitting. The US Airways 757-200 was on my left as well.
When the cabin lights were turned off for takeoff, you could see the emergency floor lighting as below.
We headed out for the runway and in no time, increased power to the two engines and were airborne. You could see the lights of the city and the airport below us as we gained altitude.
A complimentary offer of water or juice (pass-o-guava punch) followed soon after takeoff.
At 7:50p, we started our descent, boy that really was quick.
At 52 miles southwest of Honolulu, the Captain made an announcement that it was 70F with cloudy skies and calm winds. He announced that we should see Oahu on the right as we come into the airport and then on our left after that. He concluded by saying that it was a pleasure having us onboard and hope to see us in the future.
At 7:57p, the Captain instructed the flight attendants to prepare for landing, so they did. Adding Mahalo and welcome to Honolulu.
Mokulele Airlines: Arriving in Kona International, Kona Big Island HI (KOA) from Honolulu International, Honolulu Oahu HI (HNL)
22NOV08 Kona International, Kona Big Island HI (KOA)
We touched down smoothly and as I looked out, I could see an Embraer 170 in Mokulele livery...Crap, I missed it.
If you look closely in this picture (under the nose), you will see their other aircraft type, the Cessna Caravan. It was parked up at Kona as well.
We taxied up to the gate, where I disembarked. I could see a Delta Air Lines (DL) Boeing 757-200 sitting across the way and a US Airways Bowing 757-200 to my left.
I looked for a sign for Mokulele, but nothing showed up. I then followed the signs to Baggage Claim, hoping to see a sign for their ticket counter, I did not.
I walked the length of the airport looking for the sign, but nothing. I saw signs for all the other airlines though. I then came back to the Information counter and the guy there said to follow the sidewalk. I did and it was next to the American Airlines ticket counter.
The staff helping me out.
The signs speak for themselves.
I told the agents my delayed flight story and asked them of they could tell who I was. They looked it up and voila they got the name correct. They were still in training mode, so they all came over and looked at the transaction so they could learn how to deal with it in the future. They were all so nice and took care of it without a charge for the change ($25).
Once I had my boarding pass, I walked around some more, checking the fare by taxi to the city 7 miles away which is $30. That made the decision for me whether or not to go into the city. Back at the Information counter, I asked if there was a local bus and was was told no.
I then went through security. As I was selected for extra screening, it took a little while longer to get through. Luckily I was the only person coming through security at the time. So, let me tell you, the TSA folks in Kona are the friendliest TSA agents I've ever encountered. A class act.
I then found a seat next to an outlet where I charged the G1 as it was complaining that it only had 15 minutes of power left.
As I waited, a United Airlines (UA) Boeing 777-200 was boarding for Chicago O'Hare (ORD); wow a 777 into Kona, good deal.
The Delta Air Lines (DL) Boeing 757-200 with winglets as well as a US Airways Boeing 757-200 also with winglets were still there. In a few moments a Hawaiian Airlines (HA) Boeing 717-200 landed and taxied in to the gate.
Here in Kona, gates 1-5 are separated from 6-10.
The United 777 pushed back and left under the cover of darkness.
At about 7:05p, the aircraft showed up. I took the opportunity to get some pictures as it taxied in.
Soon, 18 passengers deplaned; almost immediately, it was time to board. An announcement was made for First Class passengers first and then one for the rest of us. There were no first class passengers.
We touched down smoothly and as I looked out, I could see an Embraer 170 in Mokulele livery...Crap, I missed it.
If you look closely in this picture (under the nose), you will see their other aircraft type, the Cessna Caravan. It was parked up at Kona as well.
We taxied up to the gate, where I disembarked. I could see a Delta Air Lines (DL) Boeing 757-200 sitting across the way and a US Airways Bowing 757-200 to my left.
I looked for a sign for Mokulele, but nothing showed up. I then followed the signs to Baggage Claim, hoping to see a sign for their ticket counter, I did not.
I walked the length of the airport looking for the sign, but nothing. I saw signs for all the other airlines though. I then came back to the Information counter and the guy there said to follow the sidewalk. I did and it was next to the American Airlines ticket counter.
The staff helping me out.
The signs speak for themselves.
I told the agents my delayed flight story and asked them of they could tell who I was. They looked it up and voila they got the name correct. They were still in training mode, so they all came over and looked at the transaction so they could learn how to deal with it in the future. They were all so nice and took care of it without a charge for the change ($25).
Once I had my boarding pass, I walked around some more, checking the fare by taxi to the city 7 miles away which is $30. That made the decision for me whether or not to go into the city. Back at the Information counter, I asked if there was a local bus and was was told no.
I then went through security. As I was selected for extra screening, it took a little while longer to get through. Luckily I was the only person coming through security at the time. So, let me tell you, the TSA folks in Kona are the friendliest TSA agents I've ever encountered. A class act.
I then found a seat next to an outlet where I charged the G1 as it was complaining that it only had 15 minutes of power left.
As I waited, a United Airlines (UA) Boeing 777-200 was boarding for Chicago O'Hare (ORD); wow a 777 into Kona, good deal.
The Delta Air Lines (DL) Boeing 757-200 with winglets as well as a US Airways Boeing 757-200 also with winglets were still there. In a few moments a Hawaiian Airlines (HA) Boeing 717-200 landed and taxied in to the gate.
Here in Kona, gates 1-5 are separated from 6-10.
The United 777 pushed back and left under the cover of darkness.
At about 7:05p, the aircraft showed up. I took the opportunity to get some pictures as it taxied in.
Soon, 18 passengers deplaned; almost immediately, it was time to board. An announcement was made for First Class passengers first and then one for the rest of us. There were no first class passengers.
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