LOT JFK-WAW: It’s How You Finish

LOT JFK WAW Flight Review is part of the Iraq Homecoming Trip Report.

This was the first time I had flown LOT business. I had read mixed reviews and was eager to try it myself.

Early Arrival JFK 

I wanted to make sure that I would not miss the first flight of my RTW connection (see 25,000 Mile RTW Trip Including Iraq Booked!) which is why I arrived at JFK way too early (see JFK: Too Early to Check-In). After hours at the underwhelming British Airways Lounge in Terminal 7 (see Prego Pasta), I was ready to board the plane and enjoy life.

Pre-Boarding 

This flight did not start well. As a paranoid flyer, I left the lounge early (see Boarding Announcement Paranoia). I arrived to see a mass of people waiting to wait. The waiting went from a general mosh pit to everyone being separated by group. Thirty minutes later everyone was standing in the same place wondering what was going on. No explanation was given for the delay and we were randomly able to board.

When we walked onto the jet bridge, there was a long queue. I could not believe that those who needed extra assistance were stuck there the whole time during the delay.

Seating

I could not find any availability to Europe, so I was fine flying a dated 787 with a 2-2-2 configuration. Lying flat is lying flight when compared to the alternative of riding peasant class for 8 hours (see Points in the Front, Peasants in the Back).

Amenities and Such

Come on guys! I did not expect pajamas but at least give decent eye shades. I didn’t expect a Cathay comforter, but what is this homeless blanket?

Champagne

After enduring Covid, I was ready for my pre-flight champagne ritual (see Get Ready to Takeoff: The World’s Best Champagne). It did not come. I ended up with Tropicana OJ and water.

Soup

No soup for you! I wanted the creamy celery soup, but they don’t serve it on night flights.

Wine

The bad news is that they were out of Rioja. The good news is that there would not be a repetition of my Iberia experience (see Iberia Business ORD-MAD: Mask Jokes Literally Don’t Fly). They did have a California red that was not on the menu but worked out fine.

Appetizer

The tuna tartar appetizer was awful. It tasted like bad fish. And the seaweed below it may be the worst thing I have ever had in my life. I have to confess that I spat it out.

The salad, on the other hand, came with buttermilk ranch. That’s a first. Yum. Famished and in love with the dressing, I went with the old-school salt, pepper, finger-looking good combo. Someone, please get me a bottle of the dressing.

Dinner

I had the cliche steak. It was that versus cod or chicken. Unless I am in Portugal, I am passing on cod (see Restaurant Sunflower: Best Seafood Lisbon, Portugal). And chicken? I eat chicken and broccoli every day (see The Tahiti Diet: Making the Bungalow Selfie Count), so that was not a viable option.

While the steak was nothing special as airplane steak rarely is, the potatoes with the plum chutney sauce were very nice.

I followed up the California red with an Italian Primitivo, a marked improvement.

Dessert

I opted for the chocolate cake which was rich and delicious. I also had the cheese spread. Like beer tasting, I am not a pro at discerning which cheese is which. The pink one was smoked and gross. The triangle one was perfect.

Post Dinner Drink

A nice shot of Cointreau was perfect to end my complaining and put me to sleep. They did offer Jaeger, but I couldn’t go down that road without Sugar-Free Red Bull, a concoction that would not put me into the trance I so desired.

Service

Despite my gripes and particularities, I have to say that the service was excellent. The crew was patient and attentive.

Pre-Sleep Drink

Right on queue, the flight attendant came by and enabled my thirsties by encouraging me to have another drink. She recommended the Polish Sauvignon Blanc. I agreed.  Now, we’re talking.

Sleep

And then I passed out and slept so well.

Pre-Landing Snack

Fruits, yogurt, and a meat and cheese plate were light and satisfying. I was finally able to have my champagne.

Mimosa

Flight Attendant: Would you like one more?

Me: Sure, why not?

That is how I will remember this flight.

. . .

But wait…

Flight Attendant: We are sorry for the delay. Would you like some champagne?

Goodbye Dessert

I thought this post was over.

Overall

It wasn’t shower suites (see Sheikh Dubai’s Chariot: First Class on Emirates Airlines A380). It didn’t start off smoothly. But it ended perfectly.