It is interesting how stress impacts the body. Judging by how I was limping to the AA lounge, you could tell that things weren’t going my way. That anxiety did not subside when I arrived at the lounge. The agent took my boarding pass and struggled to determine if I was to be sent to the Admirals, aka hummus/carrot lounge, or the Flagship.
I knew I was sent to the right place when I was greeted with a glass of champagne.
Food
While the bubbles were right, the food was not. It was an example of a lounge trying too hard. Both breakfast and lunch were fancier than fulfilling. Contrast this to when I had access to AA Flagship Dining (see AA Flagship Lounge JFK: Fine Dining at Its Finest).
Seating
The lounge is huge with plenty of places to sit.
Drinks
My stress was still high, but I found refuge in a spectacular open bar. There was Grey Goose, Patron, and an extensive selection of beer. Not one to settle, I prepared a bloody mary with a side of mimosa, reliving my days as a lounge bartender (see Delta Sky Club Chicago: Hot Dog! A Great Bloody Mary).
Entertainment
I went from almost missing the World Cup to being able to watch it with drinks and talk about football with pleasant company.
Overall
I was happy I had the chance to decompress with some drinks at the Flagship lounge.
To enter Doha for the World Cup, fans needed to download the Hayya app and upload proof of stay. The Hayya app also stores the tickets to the matches. Well in advance of my flight, I downloaded the app and uploaded the required photo of me taken on the toilet (Where else would I have the patience and focus to go through the process?) along with my passport photo. I also linked the tickets I had bought in May (see Is TPOL Going to The World Cup?). The app first said ‘in process’. A day later it showed ‘approval pending hotel accommodations’. I went to the FAQ section to see how I could upload proof of my stay. It said that the app would automatically update and no action was required of me.
Given my past experiences, I was uneasy but also thought that I would be prompted if the accommodation could not be located.
On the day of my flight, I was at the airport in Miami (see MDE-MIA: My First Business Class Flight on AA, Worth It*?) and the app still said ‘pending’. I called the Hayya help number in Doha and hoped that someone would answer. The call dropped as I ran out of Skype credits.
I thought, worst case, I would have to show my Hilton reservation to immigration when I arrived in Doha (Hilton World Cup Booked! Your Results Will Vary). It was only as I walked to the check-in counter that it occurred to me that they may not let me on the plane without my approved Hayya card.
My fear was instantly confirmed when the agent asked for it, and I was only able to show her the pending app. She informed me that I would not be able to fly to Qatar.
I hope no one filmed me throwing my carry-on to the ground while walking away with anger and anxiety. At that moment, I felt nauseous. I had spent thousands on match tickets, had hotel reservations that I could not cancel, and a RTW ticket that I would not be able to complete (see Finalizing the ANA RTW Trip, World Cup & Luck Included).
Desperate, I reloaded my Skype with $25 worth of credits and waited for my guardian angel to answer the helpline. Miraculously, someone actually picked up. Panicked and somewhat hysterical, I explained the situation to the agent. I told him I had four hours to make my flight and that the app showed pending hotel accommodation. He asked for my reservation number and told me that he would submit it to the back office. He assured me that everything would be fine I asked how long it would take. He said not to worry and bid me a pleasant journey.
My anxiety did not subside. Instead, I started searching for a flight to Kuwait or Dubai, thinking that I could still board the plane to Doha and then explain my situation in person. Worst worst case, I would fly in from a neighboring country once the app was approved. This wouldn’t be the first time I would have to find a last-second flight to comply with visa rules (see China 144-hour Visa-Free Transit: It Worked the 1st Time).
No sooner than I could sit down and prepare myself for the award search did I receive an email stating that my Hayya card had been approved.
I walked back to the counter and announced that everything was in order. The agent didn’t share my sense of relief that it had worked out, nor did she comment on my tantrum. She gave me my boarding pass and sent me on my way.
Writing this post gives me stress. What would I have done if the nice man did not answer the phone and show me grace? Perhaps I would have flown back to Puerto Rico and would have had to photoshop pics of me at the World Cup. Somehow, I was able to avoid this epic collapse.
Overall
I thought I did everything right this time. I uploaded the documents way in advance and trusted the directions I read. It didn’t make sense to me that the app could magically link the name on my Hayya app to my hotel reservation. However, I thought that given the tight security measures that it was possible that all reservations were cross-referenced.
TPOL’s Tip: I have no tips, inshallah, this does not happen again.
My Doha dreams were almost in the shitter where my Hayya visa picture was taken. I had to show this picture each time I went on the metro or into a stadium.
In 2012, I flew business for the first time. It was an angle flat seat on Lufthansa. I have classified and chronicled all airlines I have flown since then in varying detail.
After ten years of points travel, 2,737 blog posts, and over 1 million unsatisfied readers later, this is the first time I have written a review for American Airlines.
Of course, I have flown AA in the last ten years, most notably when they stuck me on a 737-MAX immediately following the tragic accident (see Flying 737 MAX 8), but this is the first time I have done so in business. This is worth a post for two reasons:
1. I have managed to use my Oneworld points strategically on partner airlines.
2. I have no status on any airline yet have flown premium on mid to long-haul flights in spite of it.
Instead of paying $1,305 to fly from Medellin to Miami, I spent $82.78 and 22,000 Avios. Typically, I would fly coach (see Points in the Front, Peasants in the Back) and only pay 10,000 Avios. However, because business was available and the points are so easy to accrue, I thought I would indulge. Here’s what I received:
My flight was a red eye, leaving at 2:10AM, arriving Miami at 5:45AM. To make it ‘worth it’ (see What Are Redeye Flights? Are They Worth Taking?), business was the way to go. With that said, I would still opt for economy on AA for domestic flights under 5 hours.
I am happy when I visit a lounge for the second time. That means I can put my phone away and not be the weird guy walking around taking pictures. I had been to the Priority Pass Lounge in Medellin but realized that it was the domestic one (see Back in a Lounge: Priority Pass Medellin Review (Domestic Side)). Interestingly, the international one is not as nice as the domestic one. Interestingly, AA business class passengers do not have access to the lounge.
Here are the photos of the average lounge.
A meeting room for international deals.
The food selection was the same small sandwiches as the domestic one.Same poison is available in both.The domestic one had chaise couches to relax.
Overall
I am sometimes underwhelmed by Priority Pass Lounges, but I am glad I have a Priority Pass membership. Without one, despite flying business on AA, I would have been stuck in the terminal.
Even though it was 10:30PM, I purposefully left early for the Medellin airport because the city is infamous for its traffic. When I hopped into the Uber, I was confused why the time to destination read 10 minutes. Instead of seeing something and shouting something, I ignored my instinct and did nothing.
The airport is up over the mountain so it made no sense that we were going downhill. Realizing that this was not a detour but the wrong way, I finally spoke up. “Este es el aeropuerto de Medellin?” “Si, pero a donde viaje?” “A las Estados Unidos.”
And that’s when I learned that MDE is not in Medellin, nor is it called Medellin International Airport. It’s called Jose Maria Cordova International Airport, and it’s located in Rionegro and is 30 minutes away.
When I was typing Medellin airport in Uber, it did occur to me to check to see if there were multiple airports listed. Seeing none, I didn’t say any, nor did I shout anything. Instead, I trusted Uber.
TPOL’s Trivia: The regional airport was formerly known as Medellin International Airport prior to the opening of José María Córdova International Airport in the year 1985. Perhaps Uber didn’t get that memo as ‘Medellin Airport’ in the app is not associated with the international terminal.
The driver told me he was unable to take me to the airport and that I would have to order another ride. I said fine but “Necesito ir a lugar seguro.” He said of course and then proceeded to drop me off in Parque Poblado, the sketch park that looked like where dear TPOL was drugged years earlier (see Mystery Solved: TPOL’s Disappearance in Medellin).
I quickly looked for a business landmark to put into the Uber app because setting “my location” and trusting Uber is rarely a good idea. I found a noteworthy landmark, La Tienda Erotica. I waited for the Uber driver there and received a notification that he arrived. Of course, he was nowhere to be found.
Window shopping while waiting for Uber.
I started to walk in the direction of the driver but given the pathetic TMobile international data service (shout out to my international 4G Blackberry), it did show if I was going in the right direction or if I was getting closer.
Annoyed, I went back towards the shady park and used “my location” because the map did show that the park was behind me. Two minutes later, the Uber driver I had cancelled on arrived. He told me the address for the erotic shop and where I was standing was not the same. We both said ducking Uber and were on our way.
TPOL’s Tip: Put the formal name of the airport in a rideshare app.
TPOL’s Tip: I still believe that using a landmark is better than using my location, though next time I won’t use a sex shop.
The better alternative is to fly Latin carriers like Avianca or Copa which arrive in less than half the time. The problem is that those flights tend to be expensive and points options, if available, are either steep or come with fuel surcharges, negating the value of the redemption.
I found a flight on Copa which left San Juan at 6AM, had a one hour stopover in Panama City, and landed in Medellin at 10:40AM. Although it was in coach, it was smooth and efficient. I am a little irritated that I burned 25k United points given better redemption options (see Revealed: An Insane Use of The United ‘Free’ One way (Part 1) & (Part 2)), but was happy not to pay the retail price of $500.
Many had hoped that I was gone for good. I am not. I was Out of the Office for the World Cup. Don’t worry trolls, I still have my yearly list of Festivus. Check below to see if you were included.
Carl WV: The real question is not that of accommodations, which is the only issue you address. The real question is why would anybody condone what made this World Cup in Qatar possible by attending. This is the last post of yours I will ever read,
Your daddy: I usually like your posts but you do realize almost 7k people died building the infrastructure for the world cup? Don’t get me started on the fact the jail and kill homosexuals and women basically are servants but glad to see you supporting their economy.
Babblespeak: I would not waste 15 minutes or more of my life calling for something that trivial. My time is worth more than that. Wow. I’m glad it only took me a couple of minutes to read the article and type this. Still too long though, so I guess I’m a hypocrite.
Nick: This review has to be noted as from someone who did not stay at the TWA hotel. If you were too cheap to spend $200 why did you even bother to go, just to try Wi-Fi and complain about it? Don’t you have data on your cell that you can use as a hotspot? You said where not to spend a layover. Did you “spend” anything?
Arthur Gimbal: wait, so did you like the flight or not. Your writing is as clear as congee
Darryl: The TWA Hotel is the most magical, iconic, elegant, timeless most beautiful airport hotel and Terminal ever. My overnight stay could not have been more delightful. You are transported back to the Golden Age of travel.
The attempted snarky, seeking their 15 minutes of fame , need to be relevant, get clicks so called reviewers are sad and disappointing. Opinions are a part of free speech but really?
This fantastic hotel is not, I repeat not meant to be a St. Regis nor a Four Seasons.
Every hotel or restaurant has good and bad days. Problems that occur should be brought to the attention of the GM and hopefully resolved to the satisfaction of the guest. I have over 40 years experience with Fine hotels and restaurants and have flown close to 2 million miles and I am more than qualified to comment. The hotel is not without its problems and issues but is well worth the price. Others not happy should check into a Motel 6.
I cannot wait to stay there again and enjoy this masterpiece and enjoy the roof top pool!
jsn55: I’m not famous and don’t write a blog, but I sure as hell know that you READ REVIEWS of any hotel you’re considering. You read many reviews. “A reader’s recommendation”? ONE reader? Seriously?
Bo: I enjoyed my stay there. You don’t have to be such an ass in your replies to everyone’s comments. First and last time I read an article on this blog.
Dantheman: I do not politely disagree. This article is pure horses*&t. The TWA Hotel is beautiful and a wonderful place to layover.
Willy: You might have started blogging 8 years ago, but you conveniently forget the 2 years of zero content (now obviously being made up for with these ridiculous 2 paragraph posts) while you hiding from covid like a ninny.
Eugene: I’m sorry, but how is that a new thing? Frontier has been around how long and you just decided to complain? Haven’t you read about why you were getting yourself into when buying your airplane ticket? I feel like this article was created for the lack of anything else to complain about lol
Drew: So you admit it’s a typo but continue to berate your readers lol. Maybe just keep your “blog” and typos and foul language to yourself from now on!
Gibson: I’ve been a reader for a while but do happen to agree with the comment above – you lose a bit of credibility amongst your peers (other bloggers) when you call it Alaskan. The unsavory comment above isn’t very respectful!
Gene: Public transit is made for morons. You can’t figure out how to use it?
NB: Is this a joke? You no more need a lesson to ride a tram as a bus, and arguably less need than a metro as it’s above ground unlike metros, so you can see what’s happening.
AngryFlier: I did not entitle an article with :terrible” featured for an experience which clearly wasn’t. My tone is not at issue here. Nor was I yelling, so don’t try to change the subject when it’s your post that wins the Drama Queen award of the day in Boarding Area. From what you write, this is hardly worthy of such a whiny post.
Brad Martinson: Also terrible: Your photography.
Mike: Where’s the “terrible” part of the story? Just because you ended up at a remote stand and took a bus? You made a one hour connection on an international transit with “plenty of time to spare”. That seems like a pretty great transit experience. If you hadn’t neglected a basic rule of travel and researched the transit requirements, it would have been even smoother. I don’t see any reason to be critical of LOT airlines in your story.
Patricia: This blog was randomly on boarding area. But the post is way too bitter without much in the way of an actual review, just mediocre quips. No info on the seat or menu pics. Meh.
Russ Sanders: So why is it iunsanitary? It’s like me writing an article asking why bubbles form with soap and water without the explanation. Stupid. Slow news day and the writer got called away to go golfing?
Jack: Author is an idiot. The testing is not a scam. Not at all.
thewhinesoflife: If you STAY in the US then you won’t need to test at all. Talk about illiterate…Illuminating that your only concern with testing positive is only with potential quarantine costs, not with the health risks to yourself AND OTHERS
Doug: You literally took bad pictures of a lounge everyone’s been to dozens of times and then wrote some sentence fragments. It’s not low-effort, it’s no-effort.
John: Like seriously, did you not have a draft beer because it was paid? I’ve ordered food at Admiral’s Club’s off the paid menu before multiple times. During COVID, I’m not going outside just to get food (and some outlets are still closed). Even before COVID, it’s nice to have food at the lounge when the lounge wasn’t packed.So many years of empty, slapped-together content
I’ll admit that I have not been posting as much as I normally would. That’s good news because I have been busy planning more trips (see Finalizing the ANA RTW Trip, World Cup & Luck Included), a marked improvement compared to sitting at home worrying about Covid (see What’s a Travel Blog Without Travel?). I am leaving again this week and will resume normal blogging operations upon my return. Until then, enjoy November:
My prediction came true: “Fortunately, I am arriving during the knockout stage so if there is a Fyre Fest run on toilet paper, it will happen in advance of my arrival.”
By the time I chatted with the supervisor, I had spent over an hour pleading my case. My urgency for booking my award ticket was hijacked by my quest for justice. Alas, there was no justice. Amex awarded me zero points and did not wish any mercy on my soul. The fight will continue!
In May, I booked a round the world ticket on ANA for 125,000 miles (see 25,000 Mile RTW Trip Including Iraq Booked!). One of the requirements for booking such a trip is crossing both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans (see Booked! ANA RTW: 22,000 Miles in Glorious Business). At that time, Asia was still on lockdown and there were no flights available across the Pacific. Since I planned on going to the World Cup, I included a stopover in Doha from May until December and a return via Tokyo on a random date in December that had two business class seats available.
As I began to finalize my plan, I found zero business class flights available from Tokyo from December all the way to May, the month that, per the ANA rules, I had to complete my round-the-world ticket. I had two options:
Book a separate award flight from Doha back to the US as I did in May (see QSuites: The Best Business Class Flight?), meaning I would have to go back to Doha again.
Neither was appealing. Stressed, I looked at my itinerary to see what date I was scheduled to come home. As luck would have it, it was a few days after the conclusion of the World Cup. I would be lying if I said that this was a result of impeccable planning. Indeed, my original plan was to stretch my round-the-world ticket for a few weeks. Regardless, I was happy to cut it short to avoid the two alternatives above.
TPOL’s TIP: When booking a RTW ticket, finish the itinerary in one go. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself shuttling back and forth to Doha or being stuck in a rental far from home.
Figuring out how to get back to PR from LAX is the only thing left to do.
