Could my hatred of flight be borne of America West and Northwest? Nothing but delight on the flight from Minneapolis to Chicago – And when I got to Chicago directly across from the gate where I arrived, was the gate from which I was scheduled to depart to Heathrow airport.
In Minneapolis, the nice young man at the gate told me that if I wanted to upgrade to business class, that they may offer that possibility, but that I would have to ask them in Chicago and it was probably going to be a $300.00 upgrade. For a seat that actually reclines, I thought that might just be a bargain.
In Chicago, the nice young man at the gate told me that if I wanted to upgrade to business class, to show him my boarding pass. I did and he upgraded me. POOF! Holy MOTHER OF GOD could this possibly be air travel?
I’m business class, baby.
I did lose $60.00 at the airport playing Omaha – But the way I figure it, I’m still $240.00 and a fat-man sized reclining seat ahead of the game.
Ipod still working, and I’ll have a plug for my laptop so I shouldn’t run out of power to watch some netflix movies that I brought with me.
BUSINESS CLASS! I still have no idea what that grants me over the ‘coach’ passengers, but I don’t really care about them anymore anyway. I’m business class. Bring me another vodka tonic, luv, and make it snappy.
AND THEN I ACTUALLY BOARD THE PLANE
Oh My God. OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! (OMS)
The seats were wide enough for any of the passengers that I have flown coach with in the past and roomy and spacey and in the seat when I got there was this little bag:
A toiletry kit containing socks, an eyeball cover thing for those sensitive to the light, facial tissue, a toothbrush and case, hand lotion, earplugs, toothpaste, and breath mints. And a pillow (A REAL pillow) and a blankie. The seats had 1000 controls for audio and video (your own personal video screen that comes out of the armrest), lights, music, head-rest, lumbar, everything. So I finally settle in...
"Would you like a menu, Mr. Hochman"
And they hand me a menu with about 20 wines and champagnes, my choice of Filet Mignon, Chicken Parmesan with smoked mozzarella, or Proscuitto and Basil Wrapped Shrimp (I had the chicken), started with seasonal greens with an Asian sesame dressing and smoked salmon/Parma ham with capers.
Desert was a selection of artisan cheeses with grapes served, of course, with a vintage sandemann port.
And a continental breakfast an hour prior to landing.
I could fly like that. Friendly Skies, indeed. THUMBS UP, United, you did me up righteous.
Meester Business Class Hochman, I'm afraid. I'm very afraid. Betsy and I fly Northwest later this month - SeaTac to Detroit to Paris - the entire trip in coach. I'm picturing smelly peasants with chickens and goats. I'm picturing straw on the floor and an open window or two. Will we make it?? What the heck it was cheap! Of course the whole way I'll imagine my partnee up in Business Class - waited on hand and hoof. Have a lovely time in London!
SB
OMS! :)
Posted by: jennifer at April 5, 2005 12:53 PMLuck bucket!! AND I had Tstand today.
Posted by: shelby at April 5, 2005 03:58 PMOk,
I'm feeling a little bit out of the loop. Why are you flying to London? Are you alone? Why was I not notified? Heads will roll. Oh, by the way, you and Liz are invited to Nate's next show happening here in fabulous Las Vegas on June 5. Finally, we moved. I'll give you details soon.
EEE DDD
Posted by: Ed at April 6, 2005 01:18 PMIn the absence of Mr. Hochman I'll re-cap for you ED.
He's in London doing some contract work for a certain online gaming company. They paid his airfare, hotel, expenses AND they are paying him a daily 'stipend'. All to just teach a couple of people how to play Hold 'em better.
Yes he's traveling alone (tics were WAYYY to expensive for me to join, plus I was already there in Oct.).
You probably weren't "notified" because it all happened rather quickly - within two weeks of finding out about it he was on a plane.
Pretty cool eh?
Thanks for the invite... another "fabulous las vegas show"... how could we turn THAT down!
If you have enough time to post comments on Hell Lady's blog,
then you have time to post London pics on your own damn blog!
Get to it.
I... ummm...errrr.... didn't bring a camera.
Posted by: Michael at April 8, 2005 01:58 AMOh my soul!
Posted by: Estormino at April 8, 2005 07:22 AMI know what you should do... take the pics from when I went to London... a little photoshop... TADAHHH you're in London pictures!
The kitten and I are awaiting your safe return.
Posted by: liz at April 8, 2005 09:12 AMOk, I did know about London and yes, I am jealous. While I am here in the mountains of montana being a full time grandma and running a poker game that is hmmm , how shall I describe it- interesting fits -i have desperate housewives daydreams about being in business class on my way to London chatting with someone over 7 and under 90. Hope you have a great trip Michael!!! Gotta go-there is a naked 2 yr old saying something about poop.
Posted by: Janma at April 29, 2005 08:59 AM