Friday 8 May 2009:
The countdown calendar on the fridge reached zero so I guess today is the day we head to the USA! Ahead of us today is a 12 hour 20 minute flight from Brisbane to Los Angeles, a 3 hour layover followed by a 5 hour flight across the continent to New York.
As unappealing as that sounds, we're a sh*tload excited!!!
Our first flight from Brisbane to Los Angeles is on V Australia, Virgin Blue's shiny new full service international airline. After an easy check-in we quickly cleared Australian customs and immigration (thanks to the Express Pass!) and hit the duty free stores. As tempting as it was we refrained from buying anything (don't worry, that will change!).
Our friends Phil and Louise were flying to Christchurch today and as their flight was delayed, we had the opportunity to wave them off on their own international adventure. Hope you had a great time in Kiwiland guys, we'll see you soon to swap travel stories.
As unappealing as that sounds, we're a sh*tload excited!!!
Our first flight from Brisbane to Los Angeles is on V Australia, Virgin Blue's shiny new full service international airline. After an easy check-in we quickly cleared Australian customs and immigration (thanks to the Express Pass!) and hit the duty free stores. As tempting as it was we refrained from buying anything (don't worry, that will change!).
Our friends Phil and Louise were flying to Christchurch today and as their flight was delayed, we had the opportunity to wave them off on their own international adventure. Hope you had a great time in Kiwiland guys, we'll see you soon to swap travel stories.
Soon it was our time to board V Australia's brand new B777 (is there such a thing as new plane smell?) and take our seats in premium economy. Ben and Brad scored the very roomy bulkhead seats in the first row with Mel right behind. The premium economy cabin was less than half full so there was plenty room for all.
After a very long taxi for take-off we were up and away to LA! We all agreed that despite the length of the flight, it was very comfortable flight thanks to wonderful V Australia. From the amazing cabin crew (thanks Trish and Catherine!!), to the comfy seats, nice meals, snacks, entertainment system, wallpaper in the toilet (really!), everything was fantastic and made the flight very enjoyable. We all managed to squeeze in three or four movies and even some sleep (some more than others huh Ben!).
The last few hours did drag a little but the sun finally rising ahead of us, the west coast of the United States came into view and before long we descended over a foggy Los Angeles and landed at around 7.ooam local time. Clearing US immigration required a scan of the four fingers and thumb of both hands (that's new!), a photograph and some bizarre questions (no we don't have illicit drugs in the Tim Tams!). Thanks to priority baggage, we quickly collected our bags and were officially in the USA (cue music and fireworks!).
[Blog Hint #22: Click on a picture to see it bigger]
No comments:
Post a Comment