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Mr Kevincm goes back to Washington with American and British Airways

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Mr Kevincm Returns to Washington DC with American Airlines and British Airways
For the Pork… I mean BAcon.

Mr Kevincm goes to Washington - BACON3

In this… well.. mess:

Welcome back dear viewer so quickly! Yes, we’re back again as the trip reports keep on coming.

This time, I’m putting Iberia aside and talking about two of the big Transatlantic carriers in the oneworld alliance – American Airlines and British Airways, whilst catching up with a lot of bloggers on the way.

Yes, I flew this in November, but the passenger experience is still important – so we’re going to look how American Airlines and British Airways

But there are stories to tell, near disasters and the usual chaos that a trip involving yours truly.

As a reminder to certain readers whose heads explode when I make a grammatical error and who feel offended when I don’t approve their comments, my policy about grammar can be found here.

So let’s begin.

 

How far can you go for £1? (+tax)

I was taking my time booking my fare to BAcon in November. Mainly as I wasn’t sure if I was going in the first place, or if I could go.

Thankfully, time off work was negotiated so it was a matter of watching fares. At 14 days to go, I still didn’t have an airplane ticket – and was almost ready to reach into the frequent flyer balance to try to help me along.

Then with 14 days to go fares went mad. From £550 (which was my upper limit) in the morning, to £670 at lunchtime.

However, by the evening the prices sunk to £323. Or… £1 for the airfare and £322 in taxes.

£1 plus tax Mr Kevincm goes back to washington
Excuse me. £324

That had to be a joke or a mistake fare someone accidentally pressed at T-14 days. I went to price the thing up… and it led me straight to the American Airlines fare engine.

£1 plus tax Mr Kevincm goes back to washington

To break it down:

  • Taxes: £163.11
  • Fuel Surcharge: £159.50
  • Fare £1
  • Total £323.61

That’s an airfare I can’t resist.

The hammer went down on the fare and I had some nice segments booked featuring an A330 on the way out of the UK, a little Embraer hop over to DC. On the way back, a big plane aboard an A380 and finally an A321 for the hop from Heathrow to Manchester.

For 25p a segment – I can’t argue at that.

With me leaving things so late, it was a rush to get hotels. Thankfully, a group rate saved me for my stay in Washington at the BAcon venue at the Marriott Marquis. That would be useful for the main conference.

As for the very first night in DC, I was in the mood for something basic. 25k of IHG points later I booked the Holiday Inn near Washington Reagan Airport as cash prices for hotels were heading for an idiotic $180 a night. With the state the pound is in right now, using points can be beneficial sometimes.

This is one of those times.

Finally, I booked a cheapie National Express coach back and forth between Birmingham and Manchester Airport.

So that’s the plan. Let’s have a map to pull it all together.

Great Circle Map
Maps generated by the Great Circle Mapper – copyright © Karl L. Swartz.

But we all know plans and me don’t go together. Lets say a mixture of delays, ineptitude and chaos threw their hat in the ring for this trip to make it one I wouldn’t forget in a hurry.

So settle back. This is one the laugh at… mainly at my expense….

Next: CUBS WIN. I mean Off to Manchester Airport

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