TRIP REPORT: The Way Old Friends Do – New Aircraft, Old Friends

The Way Old Friends Do
New Aircraft, Old Friends

Times of Joy and Times of Sorrow – We will always see them through. 

In this Trip Report:

• Well, this year has been a pile of toilet so far
• Take the National Express, when your life is a mess, it will make you smile
• Heathrow Terminal 3 Lounges, featuring The Cathay Pacific and American Airlines Business Class Lounges
• AA087 London Heathrow to Chicago O’Hare – Main Cabin Extra
• Into the USA… and dealing with a Credit Card Fraud Call
• HOTEL: Holiday Inn/Staybridge Suites, Rosemont 
• Airplane Art Extra from the Holiday Inn/Staybridge Suites, Rosemont
• HOTEL: Hyatt Regency O’Hare
• Airplane Art Extra from the Hyatt Regency O’Hare
• Playing with the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Camera around Chicago
• More Random Low-Effort Food Around Chicago
• Back to O’Hare Terminal 3
• American Airlines Flagship Lounge, H-K Lounge, Terminal 3
• BA296 Chicago O’Hare to London Heathrow, World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy) 
• Buses and More Buses
• The Way Old Friends Do

I’ll open with the ABBA Classic to end this – The Way Old Friends Do.

Times of joy and times of sorrow
We will always see it through
Oh, I don’t care what comes tomorrow
We can face it together
The way old friends do

I’ve been shuttling back and forth to Chicago for many years now (well, since late 2005) after making new friends and supporting their communities. And aren’t communities great – we can have differences, but the friendship and understanding are still there.

Even after 20 years back and forth, I’m making new friends, sharing chocolate, taking photos, laughing and engaging with people. Doing something that I never imagined I’d be doing in 2005 and 2006.

Those communities are being tested at the moment (especially those that don’t conform to certain norms), so it’s important for me as an outsider to ensure people are ok, that they’re sane (as they can be in the world today) and provide the comfort that old friends can do.

Onto the wrap-up.

National Express

It took me where the air was free. It was on time. That’s all I can ask for.

Cathay Pacific Lounge

My Heathrow home. I might get a few more goes at it before my status expires. We’ll see.

American Airlines Lounge (Heathrow)

Passable for a bit, as always. I’d wish they’d play with the light a little, though.

American Airlines Boeing 787-9P

The exit seat was tolerable on the flight, certainly fine for an eight-hour hop. Collins Aerospace did well with the seat on this variant. The same with the service… tolerable is the best term.

Holiday Inn/Staybridge Suites, Rosemont

Still a solid property if you want comforts.

Hyatt Regency O’Hare

Apart from the early check-in issue, it’s still a property that’s slowly improving each time. Something good to see.

American Airlines H-K Lounge

It’s amazing what a bit of light can do. Much more cosy in some sections, with an excellent food selection.

British Airways BA296 Chicago to Heathrow (World Traveller Plus)

Good seat, good food, but the crew… sigh. And yes, the aircraft parking on the remote stands at Heathrow was a final insult.

And that’s your lot for New Aircraft, Old Friends. A pretty ordinary trip to the USA and Chicago, even in these unusual times.

Coming up

If you’ve noticed, my posting pattern this week has been all over the shop. To misquote Dorthy, I’m not in Birmingham any more, as I celebrate a big round number in age.

And even this place is in the past.

Lots of snapshots and a very long trip report are in the works.  Including a lot of airlines you haven’t seen reviewed on Economy Class and Beyond.

Until soon, tootles!

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