Around the world in 72 hours
Around the world in 72 hours
via American, Qatar and Singapore First Class
August 2014
All passengers are required to deplane at HKG with all their belongings and reclear security. Other than a minor annoyance, it's a pretty painless process and HKG security is pretty efficient. We followed two airport staffers who gave us "transit stickers" and showed us exactly where to go.
Just follow the signs to the lounges.
With the SQ lounge being renovated, for the second time on less than 4 years, I decided to pop into the Royal Orchid Lounge.
Meh, the best part is the entrance.
Then around the corner to the Plaza Premium Lounge which SQ is currently until the SKL renovations are completed.
With the SQ agent on the left side.
Across the mezzanine, a much better lounge.
At T-40, I headed downstairs to Gate 34.
After a brief delay at Gate 34.
Hong Kong-San Francisco
Singapore SQ 2
777-300ER
11:30PM-9:30P
August 7, 2014
First Class
Seat 1A
We boarded the continuation of SQ2, now 13 hours to San Francisco. By this time, all I want is to go to sleep.
Once in the air, I asked my FA to make my bed and asked her not to wake me until I woke on my own.
Seven hours later, I woke feeling pretty good and hungry. I changed back into my day clothes and had some of the light bites.
Both the noodles and veggie wrap were really good.
At about T-90, breakfast...
I didn't have time in MLE to think about how to get home from SFO, and actually forgot about it until I got to SIN. I initially figured that I'd just overnight in SFO and probably then take the first SFO-DEN flight in the morning since I doubted a red-eye could get me back home faster and cheaper. But amazingly, ITA showed a great last minute DL fare of only $206 via MSP getting me home an hour before the earliest SFO-DEN nonstop arrives... and no hotel expense. I booked the flights at T-24 hours after seeing that Economy Comfort seats were still available. As a lowly Delta Silver Medallion, I couldn't select free EC seats until T-24 hours. We arrived at a deserted SFO international G pier and, with Global Entry, I was out less than 5 minutes after deplaning. And using the SFO AirTrain, was at Terminal 1 a few minutes later.
No one at Pre-Check and I was in the Gate 40-49 a couple minutes by 10PM. I found an open work station and caught up on works or edited pics for the next couple hours.
San Francisco-Minneapolis/St. Paul
Delta 806
767-300
12:35A-6:06A
August 8, 2014
Economy Comfort
Seat 10A
It may be a little thin, but at least it's a blanket.
Beautiful sunrise on approach to MSP.
Minneapolis/St. Paul
Delta 1608
MD-88
7:30A-8:31A
August 8, 2014
Economy Comfort
Seat 14F
As a lowly Silver, #17 on the upgrade list is not going to make it today. LOL.
OMG. Almost home.
With cool shadows of our plane as we land.
4 days and 4 red-eyes later, I'm less than 2 miles from home. What could do wrong... how about a road closing accident at the Hampden exit off of I-25, sending me back south on I-25.
Almost home...
Finally home... only 97 hours after I left. Thanks to all for coming along on this trip.
