Moon across the pond, Lisbon to Ft Lauderdale

[Catlover54]

1 hour ago, les37b said:

 

My last 2 flights from FLL were awful. Getting through security was most definitely the worst and most unpleasant I've experienced. Horrendous queues, but the worst part was my carry on had been picked on because the x-ray picked up lots of wires inside and get me to decant into several trays. (The bag contained several thousand £ worth of camera gear), which I then had to wait in line and wasn't reconnected with until 10 mins later, so gear which was left unattended and out of sight whilst I had to queue to pass through the machine, searched and eventually frantically reunited, but unaware if all my belongings would all still be there. I would have been fine for them to empty the contents and check themselves at a bench. "Sir, I don't care if your bag contains lots of valuables, just empty your bags for the x-ray machine". I thought it best not to remonstrate for fear of rubber gloves and a search I really wouldn't like!

 

10 hours later we left the airport because our flight was cancelled and the BA airport staff handling the stranded passengers were clueless and just wanted people off their hands and into coaches outside.

 

We then had to endure a near identical scenario 2 days later with my rescheduled return flight. I did question myself at the time if this unpleasant experience was worth it.

 

My next flight in one month is to MIA. Luckily it's inbound only.

 

Security is important, got no issue with being kept safe, but that disregard to personal property which was out of site for a long period of time, was not what I wanted or expected.

 

My request for my 2 legged return flight, was to ensure it was not routed via the US knowing the 2 time security clearance for a transit flight would be unwelcome. I couldn't odds this in May next year with return flights from Anchorage and plane change in Chicago. I have my fingers crossed.

 

I love visiting the US, but my personal airport experiences leave me cold.

 

 

 

 

I am so sorry about your experiences, and I agree that our airports, with a couple exceptions, are objectively awful.  

I personally hate LHR and BA for various reasons (BA mostly due to things breaking and major  flight delays or cancellations, poor customer service).  My last trip pre-Covid, on an outbound flight from LHR , to my surprise, security took my stuffed handbag/purse (which contained my passport, wallet, all documents etc and had no metal) after it went through xray away from me physically and did not return for several minutes.  The purse has multiple security zippers which I always keep closed. When they came back,  they casually carried the purse with  3 of the zippers open, while chatting to each other, and one compartment had paperwork dangling out of it ready to drop to the floor. 

 

[Silver Spectre]

2 hours ago, Fortunate2 said:

For future reference, AA has several options of their "5 Star" Services programs at MIA that provide fee-based escort services from arrival, departure, lounge and other assistance as needed.   We have a close friend who travels through MIA on a semi-regular basis and has found their Departure services almost a must.  No more lines.  Here's a link:

 

https://www.aa.com/i18n/plan-travel/extras/five-star-service.jsp

That’s really useful to know. It’s a shame that SS and their ‘seamless Luxury Travel concept’ are unable to use it.

[Silver Spectre]

Sorry about your FLL experience and I hope your future US exits are much better. IMHO you were very wise to avoid the possibility of a rubber glove encounter.

[les37b]

5 hours ago, Silver Spectre said:

Sorry about your FLL experience and I hope your future US exits are much better. IMHO you were very wise to avoid the possibility of a rubber glove encounter.

 

Yes, I know there are times when you just bite your lip.

 

Another transit visit in Atlanta in 2006 had me missing my connecting flight. It was at the time the liquid thing started.

 

It took over two hours to get through passport control. I remember the day well... It was my wife's birthday and the kids excited to be going to Disney their second visit in 12 months.

 

I eventually got to the kiosk and the guys single and only question to me was "do you have a blood sausage". I expect you can conjure my thoughts and replies that could have got me into trouble, but I simply replied "no" and was waived through. I think he was referring to black pudding and to this day I still cannot fathom of all things I could expect to be asked, never in a million years did I see that coming.

 

Having to then go though the second lot of security for the forward flight to Tampa, we reached the gate too late. Our bags were already on the plane. We were simply told the next flight was full, come back tomorrow. Knowing raising my voice would not be wise, I appeal to the desk and eventually asked to see a manager who said "raise you complaint to Homeland Security". By this time my wife and kids were all in tears. I said this was meant to be a happy birthday but now in tatters. Unmoved, I then remembered a masterstroke. My bags were probably in Tamper by now and told them we needed them back and reminded them of medical issues and my son's medication that was in the suitcase. I always thought bags had to be removed in the event of a no show?.

 

Anyway, it did the trip and we got put on the last flight and our 25 hour journey from London to Orlando was nearing a close.

 

Those fly on the wall TV shows at airports were invaluable! Stay cool, appeal for help etc and put the onus back on the airline which luckily worked. I was certainly surprised at the flippant way they wanted to treat this and overnight hotel at my expense. 4h15 connection just wasn't enough!

[Silver Spectre]

On 11/29/2021 at 8:30 PM, Silver Spectre said:

I submitted a question. And what happened to the bonus mentioned in the invite?

Well the mail arrived this morning, offering $250 pp off any brand new booking made by Dec 6. That’s pretty cute considering SS is closed over the weekend, I.e. on the 4th and 5th. So it’s Monday or bust. Or maybe not.

[boccenana]

16 minutes ago, Silver Spectre said:

Well the mail arrived this morning, offering $250 pp off any brand new booking made by Dec 6. That’s pretty cute considering SS is closed over the weekend, I.e. on the 4th and 5th. So it’s Monday or bust. Or maybe not.

Big deal...we already are booked for November. Book and pay  early get something off. Wish all the fares were the same and back to the primo service from start to finish. More and more like the airlines.

 

 

 

[Stumblefoot]

5 hours ago, Silver Spectre said:

Well the mail arrived this morning, offering $250 pp off any brand new booking made by Dec 6. That’s pretty cute considering SS is closed over the weekend, I.e. on the 4th and 5th. So it’s Monday or bust.

You’ve got to be kidding.  They literally gave people one day to make a decision?  Unreal.

[Daveywavey70]

1 hour ago, Stumblefoot said:

You’ve got to be kidding.  They literally gave people one day to make a decision?  Unreal.

Yet to receive mine, might give me less than a day (if it arrives at all).

[Stumblefoot]

4 minutes ago, Daveywavey70 said:

Yet to receive mine, might give me less than a day (if it arrives at all).

That just stinks.

[Daveywavey70]

6 minutes ago, Stumblefoot said:

That just stinks.

TBH I wasn’t really expecting anything other than seeing if they would keep their word.

[skleeb]

I had the most beautiful time aboard the moon it was my first Silversea cruise. It exceeded my expectations in the very best way. My only complaint and I stress my only complaint was that coffee at breakfast was never really that hot. Any suggestions on getting good, hot coffee?

[Stumblefoot]

46 minutes ago, skleeb said:

Any suggestions on getting good, hot coffee?

Get it from Arts.  It’s made right in front of you.

 

Another option is to just tell you server in other venues you want your coffee extra hot.  It’s the same thing some people order at Starbucks everyday.

Edited December 8, 2021 by Stumblefoot