TRIP REPORT: One Step Forward
There and Back Again
Time for insightful commentary and conclusions, as I wrap up this Trip Report.
In this adventure
- Let’s have a Melancholy Introduction
- To the 2:40 Coach and Heathrow Terminal 3
- Lounging in Terminal 3 with Cathay Pacific and American Airlines
- AA99 London Heathrow to Chicago O’Hare (Main Cabin)
- Into the USA and The Holiday Inn/Staybridge Suites, Rosemont
- Airplane Art Extra from the Holiday Inn/Staybridge Suites, Rosemont
- Hyatt Regency O’Hare
- Airplane Art Extra from the Hyatt Regency O’Hare
- An Unveiled Bean – Seeing Cloud Gate after works at the Plaza
- Did I mention I hate suitcases? The Hunt for a Replacement
- Exploring The Loop from Above with the Chicago L
- Random Food Adventures in Chicago
- Off to O’Hare Terminal 3. Wait. T3? With the American Airlines Flagship Lounge
- BA296 Chicago O’Hare to London Heathrow (World Traveller)
- Coffee and the Coach
- One step forward
I think in some ways, the Singapore trip did a little more damage than I care to admit – having a stolen (if recovered) phone is something I never wish on anyone, with the cloud from that barely lifting.
It’s not just the device – devices can be replaced. It’s the memories and everything you rely on to use a phone. For me, yes, that includes my photo archive which like all good people – I have backed up.
Why did my nose grow an inch there?
In all honesty, I do have a backup for the iPhone – just on my computer at my base, rather than using iCloud (As I’d need stupid amounts of storage… sadly).
So when walking around, I was a little more careful than before. But I regained a little travel confidence on the way. For my mental health, that’s a good thing – especially when there are some mad trips I need to do sooner rather than later.
Although I wasn’t in the mood to travel at the start of the trip – and to be honest, dreading getting back to the office (and trust me, that truck hit harder than I care to admit), the trip did me good.
And seeing my friends in Chicago is always a damn good idea.
Right – onto the wrap-up.
Heathrow Airport
Things are improving, step by step. Fast Track remains fast, and even luggage delivery is improving. It’s good to see, especially as we head into the festive season where traffic is only going be one thing – mad.
Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge
It’s good to see the menu evolving. But its quietness and gentle lighting is a welcome thing after a coach journey from the Midlands. And yes – it remains my favourite lounge in the Heathrow complex – bar none.
American Airlines Heathrow Lounge
The main American Airlines Club is functional, rather than stylish. Although the addition of more charging options will please travellers. It’s still a good pitstop before heading on a flight.
American Airlines Main Cabin
It’s passable for a transatlantic flight. I always feel that airlines have missed out by identifying their 787 cabins (and I include BA in this). At least the basic 31″ seat pitch is passable with the older Safran Economy class seat.
At least they hawen’t cut the inflight ice cream.
American Airlines Flagship Lounge, Chicago
It’s a good lounge. The passenger loads in it, especially in the evening peak could cause concern in the future – something that American Airlines will have to manage. The food options though are good – perfect for those who wish to pre-dine before departure.
British Airways World Traveller
The same points above. At least the British Airways crew were a lot warmer than the American Airlines crew. In terms of hardware, there are additional saving graces, with the Recaro CL3710 seat being a good base seat, along with some free connectivity for text messaging.
Oh, there was also Star Trek on the IFE system. That’s an easy win.
Holiday Inn/Staybridge Suites, Rosemont
An interesting property to say the least – combining two hotel properties into one was not on my scorecard sheet. However, for the views, it can be worth it.
Hyatt Regency O’Hare, Rosemont
After some years of changes, things have settled down, and improvements are starting to arrive. A step-by-step bit of progress for this property.
And Chicago…
It’s still one of my favourite cities in the USA to explore, travel, and eat in. It has some friendly people, and it’s a home away from home.
And also, it’s a great place to catch up with good friends.
Next
I’m starting to line up a lot of next year’s travel – but there is an urgent trip I need to take, thanks to BA giving me the lowest possible amount of Avios, as well as some long haul tier points never posting (thanks, Finnair).
Please join me in Miles to Bucharest – The chase for the last 160 Tier Points.
Momma needs to requalify for Silver Status, to keep the noodle supply and lower-cost luggage fees in check.
Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond. Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, in-depth coverage, unique research, as well as the humour and madness I only know how to deliver.
Our Social Media pool has expanded. You can find us across most networks as @economybeyond on BlueSky, Threads Mastodon and Instagram!
Also, remember that we are part of the BoardingArea community, bringing you the latest frequent flyer news from around the world.