Springtime Transatlantic Adventures
Back to O’Hare and the American Airlines Flagship Lounge
It’s time to start my adventure heading homeward. But I need to get to the airport first and enjoy the wonder of Chicago O’Hare Terminal 3.
In this Adventure
- So, 80 more Tier Points. Always demanding more, British Airways…
- To the joy of Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 with FlixBus
- British Airways Galleries South Lounge and T5B Lounge
- British Airways BA295 London Heathrow to Chicago O’Hare in World Traveller Plus
- Into the USA and the avid Hotel, Des Plaines
- The Hyatt Regency O’Hare
- Airplane Art Extra from the Hyatt Regency O’Hare
- A Simple Burger Night at Chilli’s
- Deep Dish Pizza Special at Pequods
- A Monday Morning Adventure around Chicago
- Back to O’Hare, The American Airlines Flagship Lounge
- AA90 Chicago O’Hare to London Heathrow in Main Cabin Extra
- Luggage Trolley Drifting – Rushing to the bus
- Was it worth it?
With my time in the USA coming to a close, it was time to put all my trash together and head back to O’Hare International Airport. After arriving at the Hyatt after my Monday adventure, it was time to complete a final re-pack of my baggage, ensuring liquids were put away and stowed safely, breakables were padded, and that my main rucksack wasn’t too full.
Let’s get this all back to Birmingham.
With that loaded, I headed for the shuttle bus at the exit of the hotel, which was about to leave.
At this time of day, traffic tends to be collecting passengers from the airport, rather than dropping them off. There were some United Airlines crew onboard, but that was it.
I might see you again, Hyatt.
As such, the driver made quick progress driving to the airport. Although it still feels odd to me not to go to Terminal 5 to catch a flight home and instead, ending up at Terminal 3.
Nearing O’Hare
The Secure Area, fenced off.
I was dropped off at Terminal 3. With a tip given and my bags ready, it was time to find my way around the terminal and find the check-in area for priority passengers.
Thank you, shuttle bus.
Heck, I’ve got elite status for another year – I might as well flaunt it.
Does anything fit these days? There’s no sizer for the emotional baggage some of us carry.
Firstly, I had to fight the check-in machine. And to say I lost the battle would be an understatement.
I really don’t like these check-in things, especially when they’re tailored for just one airline, without the data fields for others.
In the end, an agent noticed and beckoned me over.
The agent thankfully processed me quickly, with both bags checked through to Heathrow Airport. With the boarding pass issued (after a fight with the system to accept a second bag free of charge, something at seems to happen with BA issued tickets), I was on my way through priority security… which was empty.
I can deal with this.
My baggage didn’t interest the TSA, so I was able to get everything back together and head off through Terminal 3. That is something to be grateful for.
Although for some international travellers, this might be needed.
More of these mother and baby pods, please. Though you might want to find a better brand name….
FIDS (construction going on behind them).
A great wall of advertising
Well, there was one stop to pick up some popcorn. Can’t leave Chicago without popcorn.
Not this one….
This is a lot better.
At least, going through the Hall of Flags, things looked a little normal.
Progressing through, duty free contained nothing of interest (although the store is a lot smaller than the one in Terminal 5 – one thing to be thankful for, and thus, it’s skippable). I turned right to the HK connector and proceeded to the American Airlines lounge complex.
American Airlines Flagship Lounge
Heading to a reception agent, I was greeted by them. They scanned my boarding pass and gave me a pile of stuff to go upstairs with – most importantly, the invite for the Flagship lounge.
A city view.
When in the lift, there were more than a few jealous eyes who pondered the difference between the Adminals Club and Flagship Lounge.
Entering the lounge, my invitation was taken, and I was free to explore the place. I headed to a window to sit down and watch the world… as that seemed a good idea.
There we are… a parking spot
Other parking spots (taken when the lounge was a lot quieter – it was quite busy with the evening departure bank on a Monday) .
As did food. Food is always a good idea before flying.
It’s good to see lounges have menus. Makes life a lot easier.
Thankfully, the American Airlines Flagship lounge is reasonably well stocked, with a full hot and cold buffet on display for consumption.
Hot items
Braised Beef
Salmon
Cruets and salad.
Pitas
Sushi, Cheese and charcuterie board.
Coffee, Mixing and other drinks bar
Mix your own poison.
Caffine
Sweet items.
Alcohol
The food and beverages are of high quality in this lounge, as it’s a major gateway to both Europe and Asia, so there’s very little chance of slipping up.
The drinks selection was reasonably strong too, with bubbly, spirits and alcohol, as well as canned water. I’m ok with canned (as well as free-flow) water. This trip, I had forgotten to pick up a bottle of water on the outbound leg, so I grabbed a couple of cans for in the lounge… and if a couple slipped in my bag… oops.
I got out the laptop – but honestly, my heart was no longer interested in writing… anything. I checked for a few messages, whilst someone on the other side was feverishly coding, and a person was being extremely disappointed with their child, noting they watched through the Ring camera whilst abroad.
Ah. The dramas of travel and people being loud in lounges.
The window view wasn’t great – whilst it gave a good view of the apron, it wasn’t great to take pictures with.
Eventually, flight AA90 was called from the lounge, inviting passengers to head to the gate. I took the chance to gather my items together and headed down to the gate, with a bit of a walk to work off the food.
To the exit.
Off we go again
Hmmm. Those seem to be good business
Ahh. I think I know which gate my flight is going from
Arriving at the gate, boarding was in full swing. I queued up in the priority lane and was blipped through.
With no duty free to collect, it was time for me to take my leave of the USA. My boarding pass was scanned, and I was accepted for travel. With no magic upgrade sound, it was time to get ready for 7 hours over the pond in a tight seat…
Next:
AA90 to London Heathrow in Main Cabin Extra.
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