18 April
Albuquerque airport. Nearly everyone wears a mask. A few scofflaws and bearders.
AA flight to DFW Turbulence as we scale the Sandias, but otherwise smooth. We love first class. Not our usual, but we can get used to it.
DFW
Surprised that almost everyone was masked: thank heavens, as it was crowded. After confirming matters at the BA counter, we headed to the AA Flagship lounge, a welcomed amenity, which let us escape the crowds and the Very Loud announcer at the Qatar gate. Quiet, comfortable space with decent small plates/snacks and more alcohol on offer than you might think wise.
19 April: Is Business Class worth it?
The principal advantages to business class on BA are legroom and the fact that the seat can be transformed into a kind of bed. We each got more sleep than we would have otherwise, which had been the chief motivation for paying for this upgrade. The food was more luxurious as well. But there is no place to put “personal items,” so our small bags had to be stowed for takeoff and landing.
Was the extra $ worth it? Barely, but yes–at least for the outbound flight. The amenities and chance to sleep certainly reduce the pain of flying there. Otherwise, we’ll stick with premium economy.
Heard as we left the airplane that masks will no longer be required on US flights. Sigh.
London
Heathrow was less unpleasant than in previous visits, since these days they scan one’s passport, which greatly reduces time queuing. We hesitated to take the crowded terminal train and walked instead to baggage claim, a good half mile or more, with almost no one around. Glad we did, as even with our trek, there was still a half-hour wait for luggage to arrive.
Heavily laden, we made our way to Heathrow express platform for the short ride to Paddington, then took a taxi to our hotel, where despite having requested early check-in, we had to wait until our room was “ready.”
Fortunately, the Betjeman Arms, at stately St Pancras Station, is only ten minutes away, even for tired walkers. We raised a glass to Sir John, grateful yet again that he helped save St P from the wrecker’s ball.
We returned to find further annoyances with our room, but a kindly receptionist corrected it all and even found the £176 owed us from a previous, Covid-cancelled booking.
Showers, naps, walks, and early dinner preceded tumbling into bed for a very sound sleep.