British Airways and American don't play well together. I've been their little ping pong ball dragging my 50lb bag from one counter to the other.
American Airlines has what I refer to as a "kiosk chaos" check-in area. (only 50% of them are working). As I was attempting to check-in, which I had already done online (you may be wondering why I'm checking in at the kiosk when I've already checked-in online -- they want you to print out your baggage tag - so there really isn't any point in going prepared) -- the "machine" assigned me to a different seat than the one I paid extra for online. After waving my arms like a fool to get the attention of someone in "red jacket", I was advised to "just print it out and bring both". Oh, I miss have cute young Sarah along -- we never have problems getting someone to assist.
American Airlines is doing their best to remove the expense of employees from their balance sheets to the determent of many frazzled customers.
Funny story . . . as I was waiting in yet another line at American Airlines - I was complimented by someone from another country waiting in line next to me on my English :) -- ha!
TSA Pre select !!!!! LOVE IT -- It was exceptional when I had to go through security at JFK. There was a crowd and line well beyond the roped off areas. I excused myself and walked through Pre TSA without having to taking anything out of my bags or remove shoes! Dave than you! It was certainly worth the wait at the Peace Bridge. I'll be curious to see how the global part works coming home.
I did ask at Heathrow if my USA TSA Pre select worked for their line with a smile -- no way!
The plane was nice, clean and I was in an emergency exit row, which I think the flight person questioned my abilities after I couldn't close the overhead.
Easy flight UNTIL we arrived at Heathrow. I had to ask for a bag because my breakfast was ready to exit! Fortunately, I was able to keep it down. The first attempt to land was pretty scary, very turbulent and a quick acceleration toward the sky. We flew around for a bit, then the pilot tried again. I thought I was really going to lose it this time. One of the flight attendants came running through the aisle with two trash bags exclaiming about all the people getting sick in the plane.
After the poor pilot figured out what to do, we already knew where we were going because of the flight map. Off to Manchester because he was running out of fuel and couldn't circle until the wind died down.
We sat on the runway in the plane while it was refueled and who knows what else. Most people were just sleeping.
I'm now at Heathrow, missed my connection -- we actually landed in Manchester, when I should have landed in Prague.
I went to the BA counter as instructed by AA; they said I needed to go to AA!!!! I was almost in tears, I think she felt sorry for me and took care of rebooking me.
I've been in touch with Jarka -- I'll miss the concert she has planned :( --but there is plenty to do here at the airport.
Signing off for now . . .
Jarka met me at the hotel last night. I can't believe she waited for me. She had a very traditional, thoughtful gift and Easter candy. I was very happy to see her. She let me borrow her map as she circled and wrote down all the public transportation. She is so kind -- she figured it all out for me.