CARST ON THE ROAD

Photography & Travel by Carsten Rau

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    • Travel & Photography
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    • Facebook Page
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  • Carst in the AirLogo Carst in the Air
    • Aviation Experiences & Trip Reports
    • Facebook Page
    • Instagram – Aviation
    • YouTube Channel
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    • Private Photo Gallery

Instagram

carst_in_the_air

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Apr 5

Open
Just some nice photos from my final @latamairlines flight on the past trip. This one was taking me, after two nights in #Cartagena #CTG back to #Bogota #BOG. I was again in #PremiumEconomy, so free middle seat, but no service, as this is a domestic service. Uneventful flight, more or less on time and with quite beautiful weather and scenery. 
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #alwayschoosethewindowseat #latam

Just some nice photos from my final @latamairlines flight on the past trip. This one was taking me, after two nights in #Cartagena #CTG back to #Bogota #BOG. I was again in #PremiumEconomy, so free middle seat, but no service, as this is a domestic service. Uneventful flight, more or less on time and with quite beautiful weather and scenery.
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #alwayschoosethewindowseat #latam
...

16 3

carst_in_the_air

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Apr 4

Open
After 60 minutes in the immigration queue at Bogotá airport I had to leave the airside area again and pass security at the domestic terminal area of @latamairlines. It’s basically all the same building for international flights and domestic flights, but they have kinda separated the domestic wings of LATAM and Avianca behind extra security checks. There is no lounge for domestic flights with #LATAM and so I waited at the gate until boarding began. 
.
This flight again was operated by an @airbus #A320 and I was in #PremiumEconomy once again. We were more or less on time and the flight was rather uneventful as there is no service on these domestic runs. After landing in Cartagena we had to walk to the terminal where arriving pax and departing pax (who already had their boarding passes scanned for boarding) mix in some narrow hallway. Super strange Airport. And while waiting for our @uber outside the airport, we got hassled by like 627 taxi drivers wanting our business (or wanting to mug and rob us, who knows).
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #alwayschoosethewindowseat

After 60 minutes in the immigration queue at Bogotá airport I had to leave the airside area again and pass security at the domestic terminal area of @latamairlines. It’s basically all the same building for international flights and domestic flights, but they have kinda separated the domestic wings of LATAM and Avianca behind extra security checks. There is no lounge for domestic flights with #LATAM and so I waited at the gate until boarding began.
.
This flight again was operated by an @airbus #A320 and I was in #PremiumEconomy once again. We were more or less on time and the flight was rather uneventful as there is no service on these domestic runs. After landing in Cartagena we had to walk to the terminal where arriving pax and departing pax (who already had their boarding passes scanned for boarding) mix in some narrow hallway. Super strange Airport. And while waiting for our @uber outside the airport, we got hassled by like 627 taxi drivers wanting our business (or wanting to mug and rob us, who knows).
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #alwayschoosethewindowseat
...

15 0

carst_in_the_air

View

Apr 4

Open
The next flight was taking me from #Lima #LIM to #Bogota #BOG. It was another flight with @latamairlines in #PremiumEconomy, which basically is their #BusinessClass on routes operated by narrowbody aircraft like the @airbus #A320 on this flight. Comparable to the airlines in Europe you get a free middle seat and on international routes like this one also a hot meal. They also provided quite a nice #AmenityKit and a blanket and a pillow. Inflight entertainment was provided as a streaming service and each seat had USB-A and power outlets. 
.
The meal provided was quite a tasty ravioli and cheese dish and service was quite good as well. I managed to watch a movie (Free Guy) and a documentary on this flight and also slept a bit. Lots of legroom, so overall a good experience. 
.
The only downside to this leg was, that I did spend like one hour in the immigration queue at Bogotá, but that’s obviously not the fault of #LATAM, but a problem at BOG airport. 
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #alwayschoosethewindowseat

The next flight was taking me from #Lima #LIM to #Bogota #BOG. It was another flight with @latamairlines in #PremiumEconomy, which basically is their #BusinessClass on routes operated by narrowbody aircraft like the @airbus #A320 on this flight. Comparable to the airlines in Europe you get a free middle seat and on international routes like this one also a hot meal. They also provided quite a nice #AmenityKit and a blanket and a pillow. Inflight entertainment was provided as a streaming service and each seat had USB-A and power outlets.
.
The meal provided was quite a tasty ravioli and cheese dish and service was quite good as well. I managed to watch a movie (Free Guy) and a documentary on this flight and also slept a bit. Lots of legroom, so overall a good experience.
.
The only downside to this leg was, that I did spend like one hour in the immigration queue at Bogotá, but that’s obviously not the fault of #LATAM, but a problem at BOG airport.
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #alwayschoosethewindowseat
...

14 1

carst_in_the_air

View

Mar 12

Open
After arriving on the domestic flight from Cusco I thought I could just pass passport-control and head to the lounge before my next flight to Cartagena. But the transfer-point to international flights was closed and they asked all arriving passengers on domestic flights to leave the terminal, enter it again (of course with an unnecessary boarding pass control at the entrance) and pass security a second time that day, before I could get to passport-control and then the international gates.
.
So thanks to all that unnecessary hassle, it took me 40 minutes from leaving the aircraft to reaching the #Sumaq Lounge, which @latamairlines uses at #Lima #LIM for their Business Class passengers, as well for booking in Premium Economy on routes where no Business Class is available (so basically all A320 series aircraft).
.
A very large lounge, with all the amenities of a proper international lounge. Comfy seating, a dining area, work areas, a buffet, the awesome orange-juice machine pressing out oranges and a well-stocked bar. The only downside was the rather mediocre food selection. I had four micro-plates of scrambled eggs with bacon and some fresh OJs.
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travel #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #businessclass #firstclass #lounge #airportlounge #loungelife

After arriving on the domestic flight from Cusco I thought I could just pass passport-control and head to the lounge before my next flight to Cartagena. But the transfer-point to international flights was closed and they asked all arriving passengers on domestic flights to leave the terminal, enter it again (of course with an unnecessary boarding pass control at the entrance) and pass security a second time that day, before I could get to passport-control and then the international gates.
.
So thanks to all that unnecessary hassle, it took me 40 minutes from leaving the aircraft to reaching the #Sumaq Lounge, which @latamairlines uses at #Lima #LIM for their Business Class passengers, as well for booking in Premium Economy on routes where no Business Class is available (so basically all A320 series aircraft).
.
A very large lounge, with all the amenities of a proper international lounge. Comfy seating, a dining area, work areas, a buffet, the awesome orange-juice machine pressing out oranges and a well-stocked bar. The only downside was the rather mediocre food selection. I had four micro-plates of scrambled eggs with bacon and some fresh OJs.
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travel #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #businessclass #firstclass #lounge #airportlounge #loungelife
...

18 2

carst_in_the_air

View

Mar 12

Open
The next stop after Cusco, Peru was Cartagena, Colombia. But as there are no nonstop flights between these cities, I had to fly via Lima and Bogotá. This is the first of the three flights with @latamairlines. This segment from #Cusco #CUS to #Lima #LIM was operated by one of their brand-new @airbus #A320neo aircraft, yet the windows in my row were scratched and dirty like on a 30 year old plane. I was seated in 1A which is sold as #PremiumEconomy. #LATAM does not operate a Business Class on most routes within South America, but instead has a Premium Economy in the first rows auth. more legroom and a free center seat. So basically what the slapdash European airlines sell us as business class. On these domestic runs they don’t offer any form of service though, not even drinks.
.
We departed Cusco more or less on-time and had a nice climb-out over Cusco and the mountains. I slept most of the flight and woke up again about 10 minutes before landing when we were already over central Lima with the now well-known localities of San Isidro and Miraflores visible outside my dirty window. We got a gate with a jetbridge and once the door opened off I went to the lounge to finally get breakfast…
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #alwayschoosethewindowseat

The next stop after Cusco, Peru was Cartagena, Colombia. But as there are no nonstop flights between these cities, I had to fly via Lima and Bogotá. This is the first of the three flights with @latamairlines. This segment from #Cusco #CUS to #Lima #LIM was operated by one of their brand-new @airbus #A320neo aircraft, yet the windows in my row were scratched and dirty like on a 30 year old plane. I was seated in 1A which is sold as #PremiumEconomy. #LATAM does not operate a Business Class on most routes within South America, but instead has a Premium Economy in the first rows auth. more legroom and a free center seat. So basically what the slapdash European airlines sell us as business class. On these domestic runs they don’t offer any form of service though, not even drinks.
.
We departed Cusco more or less on-time and had a nice climb-out over Cusco and the mountains. I slept most of the flight and woke up again about 10 minutes before landing when we were already over central Lima with the now well-known localities of San Isidro and Miraflores visible outside my dirty window. We got a gate with a jetbridge and once the door opened off I went to the lounge to finally get breakfast…
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #alwayschoosethewindowseat
...

13 0

carst_in_the_air

View

Feb 16

Open
Yesterday I flew from #Lima #LIM to #Cusco #CUS with @latamairlines onboard one of their @airbus #A320 aircraft. I was seated in 1A which is sold as #PremiumEconomy. #LATAM does not operate a Business Class on most routes within South America, but instead has a Premium Economy in the first rows auth. more legroom and a free center seat. So basically what the slapdash European airlines sell us as business class, just without service (at least on domestic flights).
.
Despite boarding being a little bit chaotic and some American travel group being allowed to board before group 1, I was onboard rather quickly and got settled in, relaxing while boarding kept going on.
.
We departed on time, overflying Lima and the coast, before turning to the Southeast for a route into the Peruvian Highland towards Cusco. LATAM provides onboard entertainment via wifi which you can use on your own devices. There is an inflight map and a good choice of movies and series. On this domestic run there was no service, but that was okay with an one hour time from takeoff to landing.
.
We had quite a scenic flight over the mountains and into Cusco, with a lot of low hanging clouds and sunlight. The usual afternoon rain approached Cusco right after hour landing.
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #alwayschoosethewindowseat

Yesterday I flew from #Lima #LIM to #Cusco #CUS with @latamairlines onboard one of their @airbus #A320 aircraft. I was seated in 1A which is sold as #PremiumEconomy. #LATAM does not operate a Business Class on most routes within South America, but instead has a Premium Economy in the first rows auth. more legroom and a free center seat. So basically what the slapdash European airlines sell us as business class, just without service (at least on domestic flights).
.
Despite boarding being a little bit chaotic and some American travel group being allowed to board before group 1, I was onboard rather quickly and got settled in, relaxing while boarding kept going on.
.
We departed on time, overflying Lima and the coast, before turning to the Southeast for a route into the Peruvian Highland towards Cusco. LATAM provides onboard entertainment via wifi which you can use on your own devices. There is an inflight map and a good choice of movies and series. On this domestic run there was no service, but that was okay with an one hour time from takeoff to landing.
.
We had quite a scenic flight over the mountains and into Cusco, with a lot of low hanging clouds and sunlight. The usual afternoon rain approached Cusco right after hour landing.
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #alwayschoosethewindowseat
...

19 2

carst_in_the_air

View

Feb 16

Open
After three nights in Lima, it was time to move on already. So yesterday morning after breakfast I took a taxi via @cabify to #Lima Airport and checked in with @latamairlines. Funnily each self-checkin-machine is manned by a friendly airline or airport representative doing all the work for you. Security control was a breeze so soon I was in the Airport-Lounge for domestic flights, “El Salon by @newrest_group”.
.
There were a few snacks like little cakes and a manned and quite well stocked bar. For a domestic lounge a nice place which is just missing windows. I had a @cokezero and spent about 25-30 minutes in there until my flight to Cusco was ready to start boarding.
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travel #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #businessclass #firstclass #lounge #airportlounge #loungelife

After three nights in Lima, it was time to move on already. So yesterday morning after breakfast I took a taxi via @cabify to #Lima Airport and checked in with @latamairlines. Funnily each self-checkin-machine is manned by a friendly airline or airport representative doing all the work for you. Security control was a breeze so soon I was in the Airport-Lounge for domestic flights, “El Salon by @newrest_group”.
.
There were a few snacks like little cakes and a manned and quite well stocked bar. For a domestic lounge a nice place which is just missing windows. I had a @cokezero and spent about 25-30 minutes in there until my flight to Cusco was ready to start boarding.
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travel #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #businessclass #firstclass #lounge #airportlounge #loungelife
...

13 0

carst_in_the_air

View

Feb 16

Open
My next flight (three days ago) was a #sightseeing-#flight over the Nazca-Lines in the Nazca-#Desert a few hours south of #Lima, #Peru. The flight took of and also returned to #Pisco Airport (about 3.5 hours away from Lima by car). The flight operated by @aerodiana_peru was two hours long and was operated by a @cessna #GrandCaravan. I had the best seat in the house, last row, left window. 
.
I will post more about this soon my sightseeing-themed channel @carst_on_the_road. This post here is just to not miss out on this flight. One fun fact: Pisco Airport is a completely new building, which opened like one or two years ago and so far no airline has shown interest to operate flights there (except the sightseeing flights). Money laundering or just a bad investment by a local government? Who knows. 🤷🏼‍♂️
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #alwayschoosethewindowseat

My next flight (three days ago) was a #sightseeing-#flight over the Nazca-Lines in the Nazca-#Desert a few hours south of #Lima, #Peru. The flight took of and also returned to #Pisco Airport (about 3.5 hours away from Lima by car). The flight operated by @aerodiana_peru was two hours long and was operated by a @cessna #GrandCaravan. I had the best seat in the house, last row, left window.
.
I will post more about this soon my sightseeing-themed channel @carst_on_the_road. This post here is just to not miss out on this flight. One fun fact: Pisco Airport is a completely new building, which opened like one or two years ago and so far no airline has shown interest to operate flights there (except the sightseeing flights). Money laundering or just a bad investment by a local government? Who knows. 🤷🏼‍♂️
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #alwayschoosethewindowseat
...

23 4

carst_in_the_air

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Feb 14

Open
Final flight of my inbound journey to #Lima, #Peru! After spending around six hours in the #AmericanAirlines Flagship Lounge at Miami Airport, I walked to gate D40 just in time, as boarding had already started. The line for the first groups was empty already and I used this and was quickly onboard. This flight from @iflymia #MIA to Lima #LIM was in #BusinessClass „only“ as their obviously is no First Class cabin onboard this brand new @airbus #A321. A long flight in this quite hard 2-2 seating configuration (around 5.5 hours), but better than sitting in the back.
.
The seats are actually quite spacious, but have no PTVs. You can access the onboard entertainment via your own devices thanks to the WiFi onboard though. That being said, it was extremely slow and I often had to reload the two movies I watched (Cry Macho & Dune, both not that great). I also bought the 7$ WiFi package and WiFi was not available for like 80% of the flight.
.
Right after takeoff the crew served a very tasty dinner and then disappeared in the galley chatting to each other for the remainder of the 5.5 hour flight. Also the lavatory was completely dirty about half way into the journey. No idea if @americanair thinks this is proper service in J class? What about further drink runs throughout the flight? I think this was the worst premium class flight I ever had. There’s just no excuse for this. 
.
Only highlight was the beautiful sunset when we approached the Ecuadorian coast.
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #alwayschoosethewindowseat

Final flight of my inbound journey to #Lima, #Peru! After spending around six hours in the #AmericanAirlines Flagship Lounge at Miami Airport, I walked to gate D40 just in time, as boarding had already started. The line for the first groups was empty already and I used this and was quickly onboard. This flight from @iflymia #MIA to Lima #LIM was in #BusinessClass „only“ as their obviously is no First Class cabin onboard this brand new @airbus #A321. A long flight in this quite hard 2-2 seating configuration (around 5.5 hours), but better than sitting in the back.
.
The seats are actually quite spacious, but have no PTVs. You can access the onboard entertainment via your own devices thanks to the WiFi onboard though. That being said, it was extremely slow and I often had to reload the two movies I watched (Cry Macho & Dune, both not that great). I also bought the 7$ WiFi package and WiFi was not available for like 80% of the flight.
.
Right after takeoff the crew served a very tasty dinner and then disappeared in the galley chatting to each other for the remainder of the 5.5 hour flight. Also the lavatory was completely dirty about half way into the journey. No idea if @americanair thinks this is proper service in J class? What about further drink runs throughout the flight? I think this was the worst premium class flight I ever had. There’s just no excuse for this.
.
Only highlight was the beautiful sunset when we approached the Ecuadorian coast.
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #alwayschoosethewindowseat
...

20 13

carst_in_the_air

View

Feb 14

Open
So after arriving in Miami, somewhere around D8 I decided to take the long walk to D30, where the @americanair #FlagshipLounge is located. There would have also been an #AdmiralsClub at D15, but who wants to stay there for like six hours? And that walk really felt good after like 24 hours on planes and in lounges. 
.
So arriving at the Flagship Lounge, I looked for a nice and comfy seat where I could hang out for the next hours until my final flight to Lima would depart. Found one and got myself some breakfast from the buffet. To my appreciation they also have a live-cooking station where you can have your eggs made how you like them. Convenient! 😉
.
When lunch-time approached I asked when #FlagshipFirstDining would open and that wasn’t until 1pm. With a 1:30 boarding time in quite a large airport I asked if it could be made possible to have lunch right at 1pm. And #AA really impressed me here. The agent at the desk connected me to lovely Viviana, who’s brought me the menu at 12:30, took my order 10 minutes later and another 10 minutes later (before opening time) sneaked me into the dining area and served my chosen meal, Korean BBQ Steak with some @champagnelaurentperrier #GrandSiecle. I finished that off with a tasty rice pudding coconut dessert, before heading to gate D40 for my next flight. That was a real good experience!
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travel #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #businessclass #firstclass #lounge #airportlounge #loungelife #MIA @iflymia #AmericanAirlines

So after arriving in Miami, somewhere around D8 I decided to take the long walk to D30, where the @americanair #FlagshipLounge is located. There would have also been an #AdmiralsClub at D15, but who wants to stay there for like six hours? And that walk really felt good after like 24 hours on planes and in lounges.
.
So arriving at the Flagship Lounge, I looked for a nice and comfy seat where I could hang out for the next hours until my final flight to Lima would depart. Found one and got myself some breakfast from the buffet. To my appreciation they also have a live-cooking station where you can have your eggs made how you like them. Convenient! 😉
.
When lunch-time approached I asked when #FlagshipFirstDining would open and that wasn’t until 1pm. With a 1:30 boarding time in quite a large airport I asked if it could be made possible to have lunch right at 1pm. And #AA really impressed me here. The agent at the desk connected me to lovely Viviana, who’s brought me the menu at 12:30, took my order 10 minutes later and another 10 minutes later (before opening time) sneaked me into the dining area and served my chosen meal, Korean BBQ Steak with some @champagnelaurentperrier #GrandSiecle. I finished that off with a tasty rice pudding coconut dessert, before heading to gate D40 for my next flight. That was a real good experience!
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travel #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #businessclass #firstclass #lounge #airportlounge #loungelife #MIA @iflymia #AmericanAirlines
...

22 4

carst_in_the_air

View

Feb 11

Open
After about 3.5 hours in the @americanair #FlagshipLounge I walked over from Terminal 4 to the Tom Bradley International Terminal a.k.a. #TBIT (that takes like 6-10min) from where my next flight would depart.
.
This #AmericanAirlines flight from @flylaxairport #LAX to @iflymia #MIA was operated by one of their @boeing #777-300ER aircraft. And thus I was in their domestic #FlagshipFirst class due to this flight being on the same ticket as my incoming international #FirstClass flight from London.
.
Boarding was delayed and quite unorganised. That’s something #AA is just not good in. Always feels like a zoo. Especially now that they are using badly working automatic gates and people start to use them despite their boarding group not having been called, what needs constant interventions from the gate agents. Manual scanning of the boarding passes would be way quicker.
.
The seat is the same as on their international first class as these aircraft fly mainly on international longhaul routes. It’s a bit of a mixed bag. I find the seat too hard and armrests are weird, so that sleeping in this seat can be a bit tricky until you find a good position. You still get a lot of seat and a very versatile product. The first photo of the seat shows the takeoff and landing configuration. Inflight you would usually turn the seat 10-15 degrees to the left, so it forms a lounge chair / bed together with the footrest in direction of the PTV screen. The real highlight is that the seat can also be rotated 90 degrees to the left and then forms a real #OfficeInTheSky ™️ coupled with the pull-out/fold-out desk. So if you have to work while flying, that’s your seat of choice.
.
They also provide Bang and Olufsen noise-cancelling headsets and a small amenity kit. Plus a bottle of water, the dinner menu, a (too small) pillow and a (too thin) blanket. What is missing is a seat-cover/mattress to make sleeping on the hard seat easier and more comfy.
.
Because the flight would only take about 4.5 hours I decided to have no dinner on that flight, I had eaten in the lounge anyway. I just had the classic AA warm nuts after takeoff and then went to sleep.
.
On approach to MIA we had a nice #sunrise.

After about 3.5 hours in the @americanair #FlagshipLounge I walked over from Terminal 4 to the Tom Bradley International Terminal a.k.a. #TBIT (that takes like 6-10min) from where my next flight would depart.
.
This #AmericanAirlines flight from @flylaxairport #LAX to @iflymia #MIA was operated by one of their @boeing #777-300ER aircraft. And thus I was in their domestic #FlagshipFirst class due to this flight being on the same ticket as my incoming international #FirstClass flight from London.
.
Boarding was delayed and quite unorganised. That’s something #AA is just not good in. Always feels like a zoo. Especially now that they are using badly working automatic gates and people start to use them despite their boarding group not having been called, what needs constant interventions from the gate agents. Manual scanning of the boarding passes would be way quicker.
.
The seat is the same as on their international first class as these aircraft fly mainly on international longhaul routes. It’s a bit of a mixed bag. I find the seat too hard and armrests are weird, so that sleeping in this seat can be a bit tricky until you find a good position. You still get a lot of seat and a very versatile product. The first photo of the seat shows the takeoff and landing configuration. Inflight you would usually turn the seat 10-15 degrees to the left, so it forms a lounge chair / bed together with the footrest in direction of the PTV screen. The real highlight is that the seat can also be rotated 90 degrees to the left and then forms a real #OfficeInTheSky ™️ coupled with the pull-out/fold-out desk. So if you have to work while flying, that’s your seat of choice.
.
They also provide Bang and Olufsen noise-cancelling headsets and a small amenity kit. Plus a bottle of water, the dinner menu, a (too small) pillow and a (too thin) blanket. What is missing is a seat-cover/mattress to make sleeping on the hard seat easier and more comfy.
.
Because the flight would only take about 4.5 hours I decided to have no dinner on that flight, I had eaten in the lounge anyway. I just had the classic AA warm nuts after takeoff and then went to sleep.
.
On approach to MIA we had a nice #sunrise.
...

27 2

carst_in_the_air

View

Feb 11

Open
After having had arrived at Tom Bradley International Termin a.k.a. #TBIT at @flylaxairport the apparently unknowing TSA agent after immigration forced me to leave the terminal and walk over to Terminal 4 next door and pass security there. I told her, that I could also take the shortcut of passing security at TBIT, because my next flight from leave from there anyway and there is an airside connector to T4 anyway to walk over there, but she insisted I’d use the T4 security, because my next flight would be with @americanair and T4 is their terminal. 🤯 Well, you don’t argue with TSA and I had a lot of time anyway, so I walked to T4, passed security there, which was your classic chaotic TSA mess as usual and then went to the #AmericanAirlines Lounge. The @qantas First Class Lounge at #LAX is still closed due to the ongoing pandemic. 
.
At the reception of the #AA lounge they give you an invitation card for their #FlagshipLounge if you are flying #FirstClass or if you have @oneworld #Saphire or #Emerald status. This way you get into the better area of the lounge with hot food, a large selection of (free) drinks and some more benefits.
.
This lounge got renovated in 2018 i think and looks how I remember it from 2019. A nice place to hang out for a few hours and the buffet had some real tasty food choices. I went with Sofrito Short Ribs (some spicy form of pulled beef).
.
Because my flight was delayed for like 45min I was called to the front desk and explicitly asked to stay longer as boarding would now not start until 22:30 instead of 21:45. Very considerate, real service by AA!
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travel #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #businessclass #firstclass #lounge #airportlounge #loungelife

After having had arrived at Tom Bradley International Termin a.k.a. #TBIT at @flylaxairport the apparently unknowing TSA agent after immigration forced me to leave the terminal and walk over to Terminal 4 next door and pass security there. I told her, that I could also take the shortcut of passing security at TBIT, because my next flight from leave from there anyway and there is an airside connector to T4 anyway to walk over there, but she insisted I’d use the T4 security, because my next flight would be with @americanair and T4 is their terminal. 🤯 Well, you don’t argue with TSA and I had a lot of time anyway, so I walked to T4, passed security there, which was your classic chaotic TSA mess as usual and then went to the #AmericanAirlines Lounge. The @qantas First Class Lounge at #LAX is still closed due to the ongoing pandemic.
.
At the reception of the #AA lounge they give you an invitation card for their #FlagshipLounge if you are flying #FirstClass or if you have @oneworld #Saphire or #Emerald status. This way you get into the better area of the lounge with hot food, a large selection of (free) drinks and some more benefits.
.
This lounge got renovated in 2018 i think and looks how I remember it from 2019. A nice place to hang out for a few hours and the buffet had some real tasty food choices. I went with Sofrito Short Ribs (some spicy form of pulled beef).
.
Because my flight was delayed for like 45min I was called to the front desk and explicitly asked to stay longer as boarding would now not start until 22:30 instead of 21:45. Very considerate, real service by AA!
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travel #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #businessclass #firstclass #lounge #airportlounge #loungelife
...

10 0

carst_in_the_air

View

Feb 11

Open
The next flight on this trip was a @british_airways flight from @heathrow_airport #LHR to @losangelesairport #LAX in #FirstClass onboard one of their @boeing #777-300ER aircraft.
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Boarding was a little bit delayed and there was no separate group 1 line like they did it pre-pandemic for their longhaul flights. Instead there was a Group 1-3 line. That’s life, in the end I was still onboard quite early so that I ended up drinking three glasses of #champagne before departure. 😬
.
The seat itself feels a little bit dated these days, but it gives you a lot of space and it’s long, so you can sleep quite well in it. Because of the age of the seat, it looked quite used, the cover of the life-jacket was coming off and there were a few damages here and there, but nothing too bad. Of course there was the obligatory #AmenityKit, a #BA pyjama, a noise-cancelling headset, a pillow and a cover. You are really getting everything you need upfront. 
.
Despite the little boarding delay we departed on-time and the crew sprung to life right after takeoff and started to bring me more champagne and Orange juice and took my lunch-order. I had a carpaccio starter, then beef filet for my main course. By that point I was so tired that I nearly fell asleep while eating. (The 12-13 glasses of champagne in the lounge and onboard might have played a role here.) So I got up mid-dinner to visit the lavatory and the lovely flight attendant serving my aisle noticed that and asked if I’m finished with dinner and wanted my bed to be set up. I replied yes and so the first time in my life I didn’t eat all beef fillet served to me. 🤯 But I really needed sleep, so when I returned to my seat the bed was set up and I went to sleep for 5-6 hours straight.
.
When I woke up again we still had 3.5 hours to go. I rested for another 90 minutes, drifting in and out of sleep, before finally getting up and starting a movie, which I ended when we were taxiing in to our gate. I also had a lot of Coke Zero, to get hydrated again and then ordered the light snack option as a first dinner before landing.
.
#flying #instaviation #instatravel #avgeek #travel #aviation #flight #flightblogger #frequentflyer #upintheair

The next flight on this trip was a @british_airways flight from @heathrow_airport #LHR to @losangelesairport #LAX in #FirstClass onboard one of their @boeing #777-300ER aircraft.
.
Boarding was a little bit delayed and there was no separate group 1 line like they did it pre-pandemic for their longhaul flights. Instead there was a Group 1-3 line. That’s life, in the end I was still onboard quite early so that I ended up drinking three glasses of #champagne before departure. 😬
.
The seat itself feels a little bit dated these days, but it gives you a lot of space and it’s long, so you can sleep quite well in it. Because of the age of the seat, it looked quite used, the cover of the life-jacket was coming off and there were a few damages here and there, but nothing too bad. Of course there was the obligatory #AmenityKit, a #BA pyjama, a noise-cancelling headset, a pillow and a cover. You are really getting everything you need upfront.
.
Despite the little boarding delay we departed on-time and the crew sprung to life right after takeoff and started to bring me more champagne and Orange juice and took my lunch-order. I had a carpaccio starter, then beef filet for my main course. By that point I was so tired that I nearly fell asleep while eating. (The 12-13 glasses of champagne in the lounge and onboard might have played a role here.) So I got up mid-dinner to visit the lavatory and the lovely flight attendant serving my aisle noticed that and asked if I’m finished with dinner and wanted my bed to be set up. I replied yes and so the first time in my life I didn’t eat all beef fillet served to me. 🤯 But I really needed sleep, so when I returned to my seat the bed was set up and I went to sleep for 5-6 hours straight.
.
When I woke up again we still had 3.5 hours to go. I rested for another 90 minutes, drifting in and out of sleep, before finally getting up and starting a movie, which I ended when we were taxiing in to our gate. I also had a lot of Coke Zero, to get hydrated again and then ordered the light snack option as a first dinner before landing.
.
#flying #instaviation #instatravel #avgeek #travel #aviation #flight #flightblogger #frequentflyer #upintheair
...

31 10

carst_in_the_air

View

Feb 11

Open
Next #AirportLounge was the @british_airways #ConcordeRoom at #London @heathrow_airport. Perhaps one of the best lounges we have in Europe. You can only enter this lounge if you are flying First Class or have #BA’s highest frequent flyer status #GoldGuestList which is one rank above Gold, which again equals @oneworld’s highest status Emerald.
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Beside serving very nice food they also have a huge bar selection (as you can see on one of the pictures) and serve the excellent @champagnelaurentperrier #GrandSiecle. Very convenient.
.
As I did spend about five hours there, I also had lunch (the classic BA Burger, served plain for me) and way too many glasses of #champagne. I think I had like 7-8 glasses there despite waiting until 12 noon to start with the alcohol. Naughty, I know. 
.
Funny foot-note: also here the toilets have that 1990s train station look. It’s clean, but still, toilets and shower facilities are not BA’s thing. This should be improved to rival other top lounges.
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#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travel #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #businessclass #firstclass #lounge #airportlounge #loungelife

Next #AirportLounge was the @british_airways #ConcordeRoom at #London @heathrow_airport. Perhaps one of the best lounges we have in Europe. You can only enter this lounge if you are flying First Class or have #BA’s highest frequent flyer status #GoldGuestList which is one rank above Gold, which again equals @oneworld’s highest status Emerald.
.
Beside serving very nice food they also have a huge bar selection (as you can see on one of the pictures) and serve the excellent @champagnelaurentperrier #GrandSiecle. Very convenient.
.
As I did spend about five hours there, I also had lunch (the classic BA Burger, served plain for me) and way too many glasses of #champagne. I think I had like 7-8 glasses there despite waiting until 12 noon to start with the alcohol. Naughty, I know.
.
Funny foot-note: also here the toilets have that 1990s train station look. It’s clean, but still, toilets and shower facilities are not BA’s thing. This should be improved to rival other top lounges.
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travel #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #businessclass #firstclass #lounge #airportlounge #loungelife
...

19 0

carst_in_the_air

View

Feb 10

Open
The next flight on this trip was another @british_airways flight back from @budapestairport #BUD to @heathrow_airport #LHR in #BusinessClass a.k.a. #ClubEurope onboard the same 19 year old @airbus #A319 which brought me to Budapest yesterday evening.
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The crew was friendly, but not super active considering there were only like four people in the club cabin. Food options were the full English breakfast and a frittata. I went with the frittata and it turned out to be a good choice. That was very tasty.
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I did spend most of the flights editing videos from my trip to Iceland last summer and also had a little Power Nap ™️ towards the end of the flight. Overall another good #BA flight.
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #alwayschoosethewindowseat

The next flight on this trip was another @british_airways flight back from @budapestairport #BUD to @heathrow_airport #LHR in #BusinessClass a.k.a. #ClubEurope onboard the same 19 year old @airbus #A319 which brought me to Budapest yesterday evening.
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The crew was friendly, but not super active considering there were only like four people in the club cabin. Food options were the full English breakfast and a frittata. I went with the frittata and it turned out to be a good choice. That was very tasty.
.
I did spend most of the flights editing videos from my trip to Iceland last summer and also had a little Power Nap ™️ towards the end of the flight. Overall another good #BA flight.
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #alwayschoosethewindowseat
...

22 0

carst_in_the_air

View

Feb 10

Open
#PlatinumLounge at @budapestairport #BUD in the non-Schengen-area pier 2B after passport control, used my a multitude of airlines, as well as @prioritypass. I personally used it this morning because I’m booked on @british_airways via London, Los Angeles and Miami to Lima.
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There isn’t much to say about this place as it’s your bog-standard, rather small 3rd party lounge, probably operated by the airport or some smaller operator. Seats are comfortable, the breakfast buffet was not fully setup at 7am, so perhaps they don’t do large buffets currently. But there were yogurts, bread rolls, a pancake machine (haven’t seen one in ages), snacks, cornflakes and drinks including a full selection of alcoholic drinks. Not that I needed that after yesterday and that early in the day.
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Not very fitting in an ongoing pandemic was that you had to pour yourself the drinks (even softdrinks) from large bottles everyone touches. But then Hungary seems to be a little bit detached from reality anyway.
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travel #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #businessclass #firstclass #lounge #airportlounge #loungelife

#PlatinumLounge at @budapestairport #BUD in the non-Schengen-area pier 2B after passport control, used my a multitude of airlines, as well as @prioritypass. I personally used it this morning because I’m booked on @british_airways via London, Los Angeles and Miami to Lima.
.
There isn’t much to say about this place as it’s your bog-standard, rather small 3rd party lounge, probably operated by the airport or some smaller operator. Seats are comfortable, the breakfast buffet was not fully setup at 7am, so perhaps they don’t do large buffets currently. But there were yogurts, bread rolls, a pancake machine (haven’t seen one in ages), snacks, cornflakes and drinks including a full selection of alcoholic drinks. Not that I needed that after yesterday and that early in the day.
.
Not very fitting in an ongoing pandemic was that you had to pour yourself the drinks (even softdrinks) from large bottles everyone touches. But then Hungary seems to be a little bit detached from reality anyway.
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travel #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #businessclass #firstclass #lounge #airportlounge #loungelife
...

10 4

carst_in_the_air

View

Feb 9

Open
Second flight of the day with @british_airways from @heathrow_airport #LHR to @budapestairport #BUD in #BusinessClass a.k.a. #ClubEurope onboard one of their @airbus #A320 aircraft. 
.
Legroom in row 2 was okay, but not great for a business class seat, more like Ryanair. Crew was absolutely lovely, again, kept my #champagne and #orangejuice topped up and delivered me a tasty dinner of sausages with mashed potatoes and gravy. 
.
The lavatory was a bit messy, with two bottles rolling around on the floor. Also on my middle seat (below the little table) was a half-open water-bottle slowly making the seat wet. I only realised that at the end of the flight, when I picked up my mask from the wet seat. 😩
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #alwayschoosethewindowseat

Second flight of the day with @british_airways from @heathrow_airport #LHR to @budapestairport #BUD in #BusinessClass a.k.a. #ClubEurope onboard one of their @airbus #A320 aircraft.
.
Legroom in row 2 was okay, but not great for a business class seat, more like Ryanair. Crew was absolutely lovely, again, kept my #champagne and #orangejuice topped up and delivered me a tasty dinner of sausages with mashed potatoes and gravy.
.
The lavatory was a bit messy, with two bottles rolling around on the floor. Also on my middle seat (below the little table) was a half-open water-bottle slowly making the seat wet. I only realised that at the end of the flight, when I picked up my mask from the wet seat. 😩
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #alwayschoosethewindowseat
...

14 1

carst_in_the_air

View

Feb 9

Open
The CX F Lounge at @heathrow_airport Terminal 3 closed at 17:30 due to the ongoing pandemic, so I had to move over to the @british_airways #FirstClass Lounge. The lounge doesn’t have the same style or exclusivity as the CX Lounge, but it’s still a nice place. At this point I just needed somewhere nice to sit and a few more glasses of #champagne. They now serve @canardduchene here. As you can see on my pictures, the First dining area was open, but I didn’t use it as I would soon get dinner on the plane. I like that you could order food and drinks now by scanning the QR codes on the tables and have it all served to you. Way better than having to pick things up yourself from the bar.
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By the way, for all @oneworld frequent flyers, #LHR T3 is really paradise. You can do the mega “lounge-hop” here between AA, QF, CX and BA. And if you have the @amex_de platinum card you can additionally use the Amex Centurion Lounge, the No.1 Lounge and the Club Aspire. Head 🤯
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#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travel #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #businessclass #firstclass #lounge #airportlounge #loungelife

The CX F Lounge at @heathrow_airport Terminal 3 closed at 17:30 due to the ongoing pandemic, so I had to move over to the @british_airways #FirstClass Lounge. The lounge doesn’t have the same style or exclusivity as the CX Lounge, but it’s still a nice place. At this point I just needed somewhere nice to sit and a few more glasses of #champagne. They now serve @canardduchene here. As you can see on my pictures, the First dining area was open, but I didn’t use it as I would soon get dinner on the plane. I like that you could order food and drinks now by scanning the QR codes on the tables and have it all served to you. Way better than having to pick things up yourself from the bar.
.
By the way, for all @oneworld frequent flyers, #LHR T3 is really paradise. You can do the mega “lounge-hop” here between AA, QF, CX and BA. And if you have the @amex_de platinum card you can additionally use the Amex Centurion Lounge, the No.1 Lounge and the Club Aspire. Head 🤯
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travel #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #businessclass #firstclass #lounge #airportlounge #loungelife
...

18 3

carst_in_the_air

View

Feb 9

Open
After having made the airside-bus-transfer from @heathrow_airport terminal 5A to terminal 3, I passed the empty security checkpoint and then went straight past the shops and restaurants to the @cathaypacific #FirstClass #Lounge. Despite my next flight being on @british_airways I could of course choose the lounge of any @oneworld alliance airline in this terminal. And the CX F Lounge is the unrivalled champion of all lounges at #LHR T3.
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It’s such a classy and serene place. And to my great joy, #ThroneSeat ™️ number 1 in the corner of the lounge was still empty! A lot of FREE (!!!!!) @champagnelaurentperrier was ordered there until I moved to the dining area for about 25-30 minutes.
.
I had the Yakitori chicken skewers as starter and the Thai Green Chicken Curry as main course. The curry could have been more intensive and spicy. But it was all very yummy. After that, back in throne no. 1, I had more #champagne. Lovely!
.
BTW, everything was brought to me by the lounge attendants and I didn’t have to go to the buffets and bar myself. Despite the politically difficult situation for Hongkong and and financially difficult situation for Cathay (not completely unrelated to the China-HK situation), I really hope CX survives. This airline is such a big asset for #OneWorld.
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travel #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #businessclass #firstclass #lounge #airportlounge #loungelife

After having made the airside-bus-transfer from @heathrow_airport terminal 5A to terminal 3, I passed the empty security checkpoint and then went straight past the shops and restaurants to the @cathaypacific #FirstClass #Lounge. Despite my next flight being on @british_airways I could of course choose the lounge of any @oneworld alliance airline in this terminal. And the CX F Lounge is the unrivalled champion of all lounges at #LHR T3.
.
It’s such a classy and serene place. And to my great joy, #ThroneSeat ™️ number 1 in the corner of the lounge was still empty! A lot of FREE (!!!!!) @champagnelaurentperrier was ordered there until I moved to the dining area for about 25-30 minutes.
.
I had the Yakitori chicken skewers as starter and the Thai Green Chicken Curry as main course. The curry could have been more intensive and spicy. But it was all very yummy. After that, back in throne no. 1, I had more #champagne. Lovely!
.
BTW, everything was brought to me by the lounge attendants and I didn’t have to go to the buffets and bar myself. Despite the politically difficult situation for Hongkong and and financially difficult situation for Cathay (not completely unrelated to the China-HK situation), I really hope CX survives. This airline is such a big asset for #OneWorld.
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travel #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #businessclass #firstclass #lounge #airportlounge #loungelife
...

24 1

carst_in_the_air

View

Feb 9

Open
@british_airways flight from @berlin_airport #BER to @heathrow_airport #LHR onboard one of their @airbus #A319 aircraft in #BusinessClass a.k.a. #ClubEurope.
.
Boarding was a bit of a mess, with the gate agents halfheartedly enforcing priority boarding. Also we had to wait a few minutes in the cold jetbridge until the crew was ready, because the aircraft had come in a little bit late. 
.
Legroom was bad, on oldschool LCC level and that in row 5 in Club. Alex Cruz’s BA, isn’t it? 🤷🏼‍♂️
.
Beside these negative points, it was quite a pleasant flight with a great and very active crew. Due to the large Club cabin today, three flight attendants were doing the service upfront, with two rather senior FAs and one young man. For the meal I could choose between a risotto-cheese dish and an antipasti-plate. I did choose the antipasti because I wanted to have the bacon to make myself a sandwich. The dessert was a chocolate-raspberry-pudding, very yummy. I also had my usual Coke Zero and Orange Juice combination of drinks and a tea with sugar after the meal. As usual on BA.
.
The weather in London was much better than in Berlin and over central London the cloud layer opened up to show me the famous inner city with some sunshine. 
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #alwayschoosethewindowseat

@british_airways flight from @berlin_airport #BER to @heathrow_airport #LHR onboard one of their @airbus #A319 aircraft in #BusinessClass a.k.a. #ClubEurope.
.
Boarding was a bit of a mess, with the gate agents halfheartedly enforcing priority boarding. Also we had to wait a few minutes in the cold jetbridge until the crew was ready, because the aircraft had come in a little bit late.
.
Legroom was bad, on oldschool LCC level and that in row 5 in Club. Alex Cruz’s BA, isn’t it? 🤷🏼‍♂️
.
Beside these negative points, it was quite a pleasant flight with a great and very active crew. Due to the large Club cabin today, three flight attendants were doing the service upfront, with two rather senior FAs and one young man. For the meal I could choose between a risotto-cheese dish and an antipasti-plate. I did choose the antipasti because I wanted to have the bacon to make myself a sandwich. The dessert was a chocolate-raspberry-pudding, very yummy. I also had my usual Coke Zero and Orange Juice combination of drinks and a tea with sugar after the meal. As usual on BA.
.
The weather in London was much better than in Berlin and over central London the cloud layer opened up to show me the famous inner city with some sunshine.
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #alwayschoosethewindowseat
...

29 6

carst_in_the_air

View

Feb 9

Open
Back at Lounge #Tempelhof at @berlin_airport #BER before today‘s flight with @british_airways to London. While I’m still not happy, that this airport doesn’t have a lounge behind passport control, this lounge at least has an “back door exit” leading more or less directly to the passport control for the non-Schengen gates C & D. Yet it remains an inconvenience not knowing when you have to leave the lounge to make it to the gate in time. But it fits in with the slapdash experience this airport continuously offers. While I like that they have displays showing how busy each security checkpoint is, the one I went to, didn’t have the #FastTrack lane open, despite dealing with longer queues. Welcome to ghetto Berlin.
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The lounge itself is quite beautiful, with wonderful floor to ceiling windows all around offering great views. The seating is ample and comfortable. The buffet is now finally fully open, including the self-service bar. It’s a good place to spend some time before your flight. Just be prepared to queue at the entrance for the very thorough control of the vaccine certificate. Things are still very much different to pre pandemic times.
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travel #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #businessclass #firstclass #lounge #airportlounge #loungelife

Back at Lounge #Tempelhof at @berlin_airport #BER before today‘s flight with @british_airways to London. While I’m still not happy, that this airport doesn’t have a lounge behind passport control, this lounge at least has an “back door exit” leading more or less directly to the passport control for the non-Schengen gates C & D. Yet it remains an inconvenience not knowing when you have to leave the lounge to make it to the gate in time. But it fits in with the slapdash experience this airport continuously offers. While I like that they have displays showing how busy each security checkpoint is, the one I went to, didn’t have the #FastTrack lane open, despite dealing with longer queues. Welcome to ghetto Berlin.
.
The lounge itself is quite beautiful, with wonderful floor to ceiling windows all around offering great views. The seating is ample and comfortable. The buffet is now finally fully open, including the self-service bar. It’s a good place to spend some time before your flight. Just be prepared to queue at the entrance for the very thorough control of the vaccine certificate. Things are still very much different to pre pandemic times.
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travel #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #businessclass #firstclass #lounge #airportlounge #loungelife
...

18 3

carst_in_the_air

View

Oct 27

Open
After going by train to #Stuttgart yesterday, I took the #airplane back home tonight. Flew @eurowings from @stuttgartairport #STR to @berlin_airport #BER in #EconomyClass on one of their @airbus #A319 #aircraft. 
.
We were the third last flight out of STR tonight with a 21:10 departure time and it was quite empty at the airport. Most airside bars and shops were still open, but you could not get any proper food, so I had a sandwich and some cookies for dinner from one of the shops. 
.
To my astonishment our flight was on time, despite it being so late in the day. There was the usual buy-on-board service, which I didn’t use. The airplane was also equipped with wifi, but one has to pay for the internet services and streaming movies and TV even requires one to buy the most expensive package. 7,50€ for this short domestic flight. 🤷🏼‍♂️
.
At BER we landed on time, but had to taxi around the whole airport to the T2 LCC Terminal, which officially isn’t in use. That means walking all the way to the T1 arrivals to get landside and reach the Airport Express to Berlin Main Station, where my car is parked. BER was, is and remains a shitshow. Very fitting for the city.
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #alwayschoosethewindowseat #Eurowings

After going by train to #Stuttgart yesterday, I took the #airplane back home tonight. Flew @eurowings from @stuttgartairport #STR to @berlin_airport #BER in #EconomyClass on one of their @airbus #A319 #aircraft.
.
We were the third last flight out of STR tonight with a 21:10 departure time and it was quite empty at the airport. Most airside bars and shops were still open, but you could not get any proper food, so I had a sandwich and some cookies for dinner from one of the shops.
.
To my astonishment our flight was on time, despite it being so late in the day. There was the usual buy-on-board service, which I didn’t use. The airplane was also equipped with wifi, but one has to pay for the internet services and streaming movies and TV even requires one to buy the most expensive package. 7,50€ for this short domestic flight. 🤷🏼‍♂️
.
At BER we landed on time, but had to taxi around the whole airport to the T2 LCC Terminal, which officially isn’t in use. That means walking all the way to the T1 arrivals to get landside and reach the Airport Express to Berlin Main Station, where my car is parked. BER was, is and remains a shitshow. Very fitting for the city.
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #alwayschoosethewindowseat #Eurowings
...

25 1

carst_in_the_air

View

Oct 19

Open
So continuing from my last post, I rushed down to the terminals’ ground level, for the check of the health documents, where luckily there only were short queues. Then I followed the signs for flight connections which bring you up via an escalator to the security checkpoint. With fast track I was through security and back in the gate area within five minutes. My gate was already empty except one gate agent and the sign said “final call”. Lucky me! I made it on my aircraft to Berlin as the last passenger…
.
So this is my third and last @aegeanairlines flight today, this time from @athairport #ATH to @berlin_airport #BER onboard one of their older @airbus #A321 aircraft. This one has the older seats without headrests and also no USB-ports. It definitely feels a generation back compared to the NEOs. 
.
I was in seat 3A in #BusinessClass and despite me boarding late, we had a more or less on-time-departure. The crew this time was the most active crew on all four flights on A3 today and yesterday. Right after take-off they came around with a glass of water as “welcome drink” and then took orders right away for a proper round of welcome drinks. 
.
Only after that was done, they started serving lunch. I had the chicken in hummus and barbecue sauce, which was quite tasty, but could have used some more chicken pieces. For dessert there was chocolate cake, very convenient! Also the crew kept taking drink orders runs throughout he flight, very good. So after an uneventful, enjoyable flight we arrived in Berlin on time. The police did just random checks in the jetbridge for the health documents, but they weren’t interested in me and so I made the airport express train departing just 15 minutes after our arrival.
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #alwayschoosethewindowseat

So continuing from my last post, I rushed down to the terminals’ ground level, for the check of the health documents, where luckily there only were short queues. Then I followed the signs for flight connections which bring you up via an escalator to the security checkpoint. With fast track I was through security and back in the gate area within five minutes. My gate was already empty except one gate agent and the sign said “final call”. Lucky me! I made it on my aircraft to Berlin as the last passenger…
.
So this is my third and last @aegeanairlines flight today, this time from @athairport #ATH to @berlin_airport #BER onboard one of their older @airbus #A321 aircraft. This one has the older seats without headrests and also no USB-ports. It definitely feels a generation back compared to the NEOs.
.
I was in seat 3A in #BusinessClass and despite me boarding late, we had a more or less on-time-departure. The crew this time was the most active crew on all four flights on A3 today and yesterday. Right after take-off they came around with a glass of water as “welcome drink” and then took orders right away for a proper round of welcome drinks.
.
Only after that was done, they started serving lunch. I had the chicken in hummus and barbecue sauce, which was quite tasty, but could have used some more chicken pieces. For dessert there was chocolate cake, very convenient! Also the crew kept taking drink orders runs throughout he flight, very good. So after an uneventful, enjoyable flight we arrived in Berlin on time. The police did just random checks in the jetbridge for the health documents, but they weren’t interested in me and so I made the airport express train departing just 15 minutes after our arrival.
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #alwayschoosethewindowseat
...

25 5

carst_in_the_air

View

Oct 19

Open
Second flight of the day, same-plane-turnaround at #Rome #Airport #FCO, so back to @athairport with @aegeanairlines on the same @airbus #A320 NEO I had just arrived in, but now up front in #BusinessClass.
.
The same plane turnaround was very easy at Rome, because there is no border control (Schengen area) and also Rome doesn’t do any health screenings, there were just a few officers in the jetbridge checking the vaccine passports and passenger locator form of like every fifth passenger. So I came out the jetway and could just turn left and get in the boarding queue for the flight back. One agent walked around and checked our health documents and issued paper boarding passes to everyone who had gotten a digital BP like me. 
.
Once onboard I could enjoy feeling my knees again while sitting, what a difference to flying in the back of the plane. I only had an aisle seat on this flight, so couldn’t take any photos out the window. 
.
The #AegeanAirlines #aircraft are equipped with an onboard wifi-network which lets you watch the map, read magazines and books in different languages and play some games. But you can’t surf the web or use social media. For an intra-European flight that is okay for me. 
.
Due to it still being quite early when this flight took off, I got the third breakfast this morning. An omelette stuffed with cheese, ham and veggies, a fresh fruit platter and bread rolls with strawberry marmalade and/or butter.
.
Before landing we got a little chocolate bar, which was a nice touch, but it couldn’t really enjoy it, because we had racked up a 25 minute delay and I only had 55 minutes in ATH to connect to my next flight. At least we arrived at a jetbridge, but there was still the health checkpoint coming up! Will I make my next flight? Check out the next post…
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #alwayschoosethewindowseat

Second flight of the day, same-plane-turnaround at #Rome #Airport #FCO, so back to @athairport with @aegeanairlines on the same @airbus #A320 NEO I had just arrived in, but now up front in #BusinessClass.
.
The same plane turnaround was very easy at Rome, because there is no border control (Schengen area) and also Rome doesn’t do any health screenings, there were just a few officers in the jetbridge checking the vaccine passports and passenger locator form of like every fifth passenger. So I came out the jetway and could just turn left and get in the boarding queue for the flight back. One agent walked around and checked our health documents and issued paper boarding passes to everyone who had gotten a digital BP like me.
.
Once onboard I could enjoy feeling my knees again while sitting, what a difference to flying in the back of the plane. I only had an aisle seat on this flight, so couldn’t take any photos out the window.
.
The #AegeanAirlines #aircraft are equipped with an onboard wifi-network which lets you watch the map, read magazines and books in different languages and play some games. But you can’t surf the web or use social media. For an intra-European flight that is okay for me.
.
Due to it still being quite early when this flight took off, I got the third breakfast this morning. An omelette stuffed with cheese, ham and veggies, a fresh fruit platter and bread rolls with strawberry marmalade and/or butter.
.
Before landing we got a little chocolate bar, which was a nice touch, but it couldn’t really enjoy it, because we had racked up a 25 minute delay and I only had 55 minutes in ATH to connect to my next flight. At least we arrived at a jetbridge, but there was still the health checkpoint coming up! Will I make my next flight? Check out the next post…
.
#flying #instaviation #flyingislife #amazing #instatravel #avgeek #travel #travelgram #aviation #flight #flightblogger #travelblogger #frequentflyer #flyer #upintheair #ontheroad #wanderlust #alwayschoosethewindowseat
...

27 16
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Photo Lessons

Photography Lessons:

Tipps and tricks about photography; learn about photo-taking and master your camera:

  • Photo Editing: Sky Replacements6. May 2020
  • Lesson 1: HOW TO USE YOUR (DIGITAL) CAMERA…3. October 2017

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