Friday, June 29, 2012

Making it to Rome…


Here's the seat (but I was in a single seat)

Well, I made it to Rome.  I’m in my hotel at the airport (the Hilton), which is connected by a system of walkways to the airport.  I’ve confirmed my shuttle ride to the port city for Rome (Civitavecchia) tomorrow at noon, and I’m about to take a nap.

The trip over was interesting.  Continental and United merged, and they have some “new” charges I don’t remember in the past.  For instance, you can pay for extra legroom during the flight.  I paid the extra amount for both flights overseas to have the extra room.  I did this shortly after booking the flight.

I checked my reservation online while waiting at the Greenville airport, and my seat for the flight  from Newark to Rome no longer was a bulkhead seat with extra room.  I called reservations, and they were nice but were only willing to give a refund.

With my computer online, I saw there were several seats in first class.  So, through a little persistence and trying to be nice to the supervisor, I was moved to first class.  Oh, it was a wonderful experience.  The dining (warmed cashews as an appetizer), constantly refilling the wine glasses, and a choice of multicourse meals that looked like fine restaurant fair was a new experience for me on an airplane. The reclining seats were great ... I was in a single row and didn't have anyone beside me (see the seat above).

Well, I better take a nap so that I can do something later this afternoon.