Kindly note: Although I tried to get as much pictures as possible, someone might think it's not enough for a report.
Solution: See it as an addition to the first flight linked below.
Background:
I flew to New York just for a night-stop to make some preparations focused on another, much longer stay there a few weeks later.
Austrian Airlines flies to New York JFK and Newark.
Flight-Report:
The Newark terminal architecture is nothing exciting.
This is the drop-off zone where I entered the building.
Handling is performed by Lufthansa. There are lines for First, Business und Economy Class.
This is what the counters look like. There is almost nothing going on there. Probably because I arrived only at 16:10 at the airport (New York traffic :/ ).
My boardingpass is LH branded. Please explain to me what the green dot sticker and the handwriting mean.
Double-checking the gate number: B60. It is the same gate I arrived at the day before.
No daylight in this passage after the security check. BTW: Here you are not asked for feedback (see first flight). :P
A Bestbuy Express is available if you need to buy some junk just before leaving the United States.
The final picture before boarding. Guess the plane!
The aircraft was a Boeing 767-3Z9(ER)(WL) with the registration OE-LAE. In 2000 it entered service for Lauda Air and since 2005 it is part of the Austrian Airlines fleet. It is configured with 36 C-seats (1-2-1) and 178 Y-seats (2-3-2).
Boarding in progress. The pilots gave me a wave.
Just as I stored my bag and got seated the flying chef welcomed me and gave me the menus. I was told that there are no alcoholic pre-departure drinks in the US. I took a glass of apple juice.
For the breakfast service I was asked to make my selections.
Waiting for this United 757-300 to take off.
View of the airport just after take-off. There is Air Canada, British Airways, Delta Airlines, El Al, Jet Airways, JetBlue Airways, Lufthansa, Qantas Airways, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, UPS Airlines and US Airways.
Leaving our origin behind…
Downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn
As it was a red-eye flight and I wasn't hungry I skipped the main service and went for sleep.
Just as the sun came up breakfast was served. I had ordered a hot chocolate and eggs sunny side up with crispy bacon, which was just being prepared at this moment.
Try to make an egg just with a convection oven!
We landed about 25 minutes early.
Green dot in the boarding pass tells the TSA line guard to allow you into the fast-track lane.
EWR is the airport closest to the business center of Manhattan. Cross the bridge and you are in Times Square immediately. There should not be any traffic issues.
Going to sleep right after take off is the biggest compliment to the on-board chef. :)
That's interesting! Thank you.
You're right: There SHOULD not be any traffic issues. But the shuttle bus went through the Lincoln Tunnel where a traffic jam was.
I totally agree with you. But I think he was happy to prepare one meal less.
Great FR. Awesome aerial pictures. Thanks for sharing :)
Thanks for sharing this flight report with nice pictures!
The business class seats look functional and comfortable. And it seems not many people in the business cabin (at least for your row :D)
Yeah that's right.
There were 36 seats available but only about half of them were occupied resulting in a more quiet atmosphere.
Thank you for your report. Austrian looks very nice, but I'm surprised that no alcoholic beverages are served before takeoff on US flights ... Is this a new thing?
I have to fly Austrian Airlines again. I remember flying them from JFK-VIE in 1999 when they had their Grand Class on their A340's. It was an amazing flight with them!
Best,
Matthew
Hi Matthew,
I think the reason is that they have to pay extra duties if they open the sealed containers in the galley.
That's already some time ago. Their A340s were handed over to the French Airforce and Swiss.
Thanks for sharing the return flight report!
Please explain to me what the green dot sticker and the handwriting mean.
- These stickers are usually TSA security protocol indicating that you have been screened and your Identification verified. Every airport has different protocol. Some use stickers, some don't, and usually the color changes or shape of the sticker changes every day. The scribble of handwriting is from the TSA agent who checked your ID/passport, usually.
Awesome photo of Lower Manhattan on takeoff! What a great view. I like the look of the cabin overall. It is very chic and modern.
Thanks for sharing!