Tel Aviv to Chicago on Royal Jordanian Crown Class lounges and security advice.

After a lovely stay at the Intercontinental, LTD had an early morning flight to the USA from Tel Aviv to Chicago, via Amman.

RX Tip for Check in at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion:  

Know your terminal! There is a set fee to airport from hotel via taxi.  Even though I requested a credit card taxi, he was unable to take a credit card.

Our driver did not speak English, and we are used to using the American Airlines App for our OneWorld Travel -- but guess what?  We didn't have Verizon service in Israel!  Fortunately we were at terminal 3 which after much difficulty communicating with the driver, was a relief that he suggested it.  It is miles between terminals at Ben Gurion.  We expected there was one terminal for Royal Jordanian, but that was not the case.  It was not easy to find Royal Jordanian even though we knew we were at the right terminal.  There is security prior to check in and the security agent did not know where Royal Jordanian counter was located.  Finally we found it around the corner. 

See what I packed for Jordan and Israel!  LTD recommends being respectful and protected from the sun at all times!  

This was a very stressful event.  As I always say try to travel business class overseas because the experience is generally better.  But from the airport to security all of this was disorienting and anxiety-provoking at Ben Gurion.

My suggestion for Ben Gurion: VIP SERVICE.  Bronze is probably sufficient, unless you are not flying business class then you may wish a higher level of service.  

http://www.vipbengurion.com/?categoryId=82099

Security was easy.  Look for the business class line.  I did not need to remove my three in one bag, my iPad or Apple Watch.  Computers did need to be removed.

Next passport control was fast.

On to the gate.

We had entry to the Dan business class lounge.  The one by our gate closed at 7am so we had to go to the next concourse.  It was very crowded with scant food offerings.  The bathroom was unisex with only 4 stalls and no hand cream.  

Boarding Royal Jordanian was easy and on time.  The a319 had more legroom than domestic us flights.  There was a footrest.  2x2 configurations are the norm on Royal Jordanian.  Arab Coffee offered upon seating.

Security in Amman is difficult.  There is a mandatory document check at which there is no expedited or preferred line.  Large families will slow you down but a close connection here can be done because the airport is small.  

The business class lounge in Amman is decent but beware of the smoking area near the bathrooms!  It is like walking through a fog to go to the bathroom! 

At the boarding area there is another document and security check.  The security check is THOROUGH.  Every item in your carry on will be examined.  Allow 15 minutes before boarding time for this.  

Return on the A380 was similar to Chicago to Amman.  We chose  window seats for this, and if you are solo, we do not recommend this location on the Royal Jordanian Dreamliner.  It is very hard to get to the aisle to go to the bathroom unless you are ready to climb over someone or have them sit up completely.  Again, the movie collection was abysmal compared to American flights.  See our recent post for a thorough review of the Royal Jordanian Dreamliner.  

Luxury Travel Docs Royal Jordanian Dreamliner Review

Arrival in Chicago was as expected.  There is no additional security for the Jordanian arrival. Please visit the American Airlines Flagship Lounge in Chicago if you can!   See our review of this.

Luxury Travel Docs Review of American Airlines Flagship Lounge ORD Chicago

Make Meaningful and Healthy Travel Happen!

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Review of Royal Jordanian Airlines Crown Class 787 Chicago ORD to Amman AMM

Royal Jordanian crown class 787 Chicago to Amman and Return

The first offering is not Champagne, but Turkish coffee, water and juice - The couple across from us complained and questioning if there would be alcohol!  Yes, be patient.

Seats narrow and a hair on the opening next to me

Viewing screens very large but limited options for movies were available.  For example in late October of 2017, the only movie that interested me was King Arthur: Legend of the Sword and on the return 2 weeks later was War for the Planet of the Apes was added. I do not know if this was due to lack of access, lack of paying for better programming on the part of the airlines, or religious concerns.  Fortunately I had 5 seasons of Downton Abbey downloaded on my iPad.  

Arrangement is 2-2-2.  This is awkward for the window seats since you would have to crawl over a stranger potentially to get to the bathroom and with lie-flat seats, this is difficult.  Fortunately we had center seats. Suggest reserving these early.

See what I packed for Jordan and Israel.  LTD suggests being respectful and protecting yourself from the sun! 

Good selection of wines and meals options.

Barista espresso selections is a nice touch

Flight attendants very helpful and courteous and even allowed me extra pillows and blankets.  Try asking for that on an American flight!!!

Poor overhead storage.  I had to store my bag two rows ahead as did many business class passengers on the flight to Amman.  I made sure I was on the flight quickly for the return to secure overhead space.

They use mirrors everywhere to make spaces appear larger.  Never seen a full size mirror in a bathroom but the bathrooms are small for a 787.  For example the rear business class bathroom is very large on the American Airlines Dreamliner.  I don't like the smell of the products in the bathroom, but this brand appears to be a common middle east brand.  

Slow service

No hook for jacket/sweater in cubicle.  The amenities case was adequate.

Dinner service is a la carte. They ran out of most food by our row 3.  Only pasta or chicken with vegetable and rice left out of four choices.

Pasta and vegetables were good.  Desert was fair.  

A small bottle of water was provided at each seat prior to departure.  This could not be replenished but could be refilled from a larger bottle.  This does not seem very sanitary!!!   I did not feel that snacks or drinks were readily available for this 13 hour flight.

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British Airways First Class Lounge Chicago O'hare ORD Terminal 5

I am an American Airlines Executive Platinum Flyer, which means I have access to all One World Lounges regardless of what One World airline or what class I am flying.  I have Priority Pass access as well, but that was not tested at this lounge.

From the One World Website:

"When your top tier status is equivalent to oneworld Emerald, you are entitled to the following oneworld benefits, no matter which oneworld airline or cabin class you are flying:
Access to First Class or Business Class priority check-in
Priority boarding
Access to preferred or pre-reserved seating when offered by the airline operating the flight
Priority standby and waitlisting (where offered)
Access to more than 600 airport lounges (with one guest) when traveling internationally, including premium First Class, Business Class and frequent flyer lounges, regardless of the class of service flown that day."

We were flying Royal Jordanian Crown Class to Amman and had about 45 minutes until boarding.  The closest and best lounge was British Airways First Class Lounge in Terminal 5 at ORD.

After a long day of traveling, when I approached the hostess to check in, I was told that the Royal Jordanian (Air France) lounge was farther down the terminal.  I said that I had One World Emerald status and I would prefer this lounge.  She continued to argue with me that we did not have access.

Disappointing!
Again I was told I couldn’t enter despite emerald one world status.  She argued with me and kept directing me to Air France lounge.  Then she said that she was not going to argue with me anymore, and she was going to grant us entry...

“You’re lucky it’s a late night for us...”

Liquor excellent like I would expect from the Brits.

Bathrooms small and single.
No shower.

Elemis products.

Food looked old.

Snacks average.  Oreos? Really?

WiFi fast
Chairs uncomfortable.

Power outlets plentiful enough with usb and plugins

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Thoughts on Abercrombie & Kent A&K

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Thoughts on Abercrombie & Kent

Let me first start by saying that I have taken many tours over the years, from cruises with multiple land tours, to land tours and river cruises with companies such as Uniworld, to cycling tours.  I expected that I would see a difference with A&K since it was twice the price I was used to paying.  

Overall I though it was not worth the money. I felt like every other tourist in Israel. The private Jordan tour was special but Small Group Journeys was not. 

Dinners were better than with other groups and generally more wine was available than described in the itinerary (except in Jordan which is a Muslim country and not alcohol is not prevalent there).

Jordan
1) our tour guide and driver were outstanding.  They clearly were experienced and dedicated to an exceptional experience
2) The Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea hotel was outstanding.
3) The Movenpick Petra was not to my liking - in fact it was the worst hotel of our entire trip.  There was mold growing in the tub and the decor seemed about 30 years old.  The Tauck group stayed there as well.
4) Crossing into Israel over the Allenby bridge was good and I felt safe and catered to, until I got to Israel.  I was not told a time of meeting although our guide kept saying that we had to be there (where?) by 330PM.  Once we got to the Israel side we did not know what to do and we waited not knowing what to expect.  This caused much nervousness on my part, not speaking the language, nor knowing the area.  I tried calling the numbers of the travel agency on my paperwork and there was not answer.  This was unacceptable.  After about 45 minutes a man sitting next to us asked us if we were expecting a ride and it was our driver al l along.  He did not have a sign with our names which is what I look for when meeting a chauffeur service.

The Israel tour portion was unorganized. I would have expected preferential entry or planning optimal visiting times for the price.

Israel
1) I would prefer a more experienced tour guide.  It was his first tour with A&K.  He was knowledgeable but did not know the logistics or locations as I would have expected.  

2) The King David Hotel was outstanding but others only nice.  I would have expected a nicer hotel in Tel Aviv where there are many better options then the Dan.

3) We had four persons with mobility issues out of 16.** One or two required walkers.  Persons who have mobility issues should not be allowed in group tours or the activity level should be more clearly explained. Those with known mobility issues could have special arrangements made. I saw this in Egypt where local men were present to assist with moving wheelchairs walkers etc through archaeological sites. 

4) Restaurant and free time suggestions typed ahead

5) I interviewed a couple on our tour. They have traveled with Tauck in Eastern Europe and considered this experience slightly more luxurious. They felt the meals better and hotel accommodations better than Tauck. I spoke with another who said this experience was not up to par with other A&K trips. Most on our trip were new to A&K.
6) At the King David I met a group who were participating in an around the world tour with National Geographic and Wall Street Journal.  This consisted of 21 days, private jet (for 74 participants plus guides!) and no more than 2-3 days in each location.  Guess what they paid? At least $82,000 per person.  Well my price at 1/10th that didn't seem so bad.
7)  When I saw that our room at the King David costs $1200 per night, the price didn't seem so bad either.  A similar itinerary for Tauck was about 80% of our price and the group was 21 persons.

8)  The size of the crowds in Israel are ridiculous.  I would suggest that A&K develop an enhanced access to sites or alternative times to visit sites.  I did not feel "VIP" at any site.

**One couple I interviewed who had mobility problems did not have these mobility issues when they booked the trip. They stated that about 6 weeks ago they tried to cancel but were told they could not. I asked of they had travel insurance and they did not. While I understand the implications of this, it was unfortunate for the individuals that do not have mobility issues. Many of us would like to walk more and we had a very active group. It was also unfortunate and unsafe to encourage the individuals participate in a tour for which they were not capable. 

My recommendation for this trip:

Make the reservations yourself and hire a private guide and driver.  For nearly $17000 for 10 days, you could do pretty well and it is safe, so don't worry.  I probably will not use A&K again.

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American Airlines Flagship Lounge ORD Chicago O'Hare

This opened September 13, 2017.  I believe this lounge rivals the American Express Centurion Lounge.  There are upgraded good options compared to the regular American Lounge.  For example, I had wild rice salad and soba noodles.  Glenn had sushi.  There were many cold and hot options.  With my food I enjoyed a glass of Bollinger champagne.

 There were many comfortable seating options, including a few stools to elevate tired and swollen feet and many charging stations.

I did not view the shower options which are available, but the ladies' room was elegant with the typical Bigelow products.

There were plenty of attendants available to help with flight issues and they seemed to need some extra work.

For takeaway, there were some simple but welcome candy and nut options with wax paper bags if you want a treat for your flight -- skittles, m&m's, candy covered raisins and pralines.

The only thing that is missing compared to the Centurion lounge, is the special amenity at most Centurion Lounges -- for example, manicures or massage at Dallas.

As a reminder, the following passengers have access to Flagship Lounges:

• Passengers traveling in oneworld longhaul international first and business class same day
• Passengers traveling in first class and business class on American’s premium transcontinental routes, including from New York to Los Angeles, New York to San Francisco, and Miami to Los Angeles
• American Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum members traveling on a longhaul international itinerary, regardless of the class of service
• All non-American AAdvantage oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members traveling on any oneworld flight, even if it’s domestic

As of this date, only JFK and ORD have flagship lounges, but several more are planned.

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What I packed for Jordan and Israel in November

There is very little on packing for a desert climate like in Jordan and Israel, so we decided to give some options.  

Major goals:  Keep Covered from the Strong Sun and be respectful of Religious Sites.  

I am not a "dress" person and really like to stay covered in the sun.  It is hot one way or the other in whatever you wear, but to not be reapplying sunscreen every hour is important to me.  I wear it and apply first thing in the morning, but with covering well with clothing and wide hat, I find I am good for the day.

1.  Long sleeve sun shirts

I packed multiple because I planned to sweat daily and our tour was two weeks with laundry provided halfway through trip.  One with a high neck from Patagonia. One from Royal Robbins. One from REI. One from Columbia. And one long sleeve race T-shirt. One long sleeve Talbots shirt for evenings.One white Royal Robbins shirt, tunic.  Variable coverage is recommended to cover décolletage or neck.

Example basic sun shirt

Example tunic for more versatility and sun protection

2. Two pairs of Lucy get going pants

I love these paints due to the drawstring internal belt, pockets and cinch tie at bottom to convert to capris.  One pair capris. Two pairs of shorts (not used because I decided on better sun coveragem). One pair of skinny jeans. One pair of REI hiking pants. Two pairs of casual black pants for evening. Two blouses, polyester, for evening to reduce the risk of wrinkling. One cardigan sweater from Zara. One windbreaker. I WISH I PACKED A HEAVIER JACKET OR FLEECE FOR JERUSALEM WHICH WAS COLD.

Click here to see Columbia Outdoor Travel Pants!

3. Hats

One packable fedora. One baseball cap with adjustable strap. One floppy packable hat.

Packable wide brim hat

4. Scarves

Two scarves to utilized to block sun on my neck, cover my head, or dress up an outfit. I bought one additional traditional Jordanian scarf at Petra.

5. Shoes

 One pair of lightweight hiking sneakers which I did not worry about getting dirty or dusty. One pair of running shoes. One pair of dressy flats. One pair of low heels. One pair of rubber flip-flops.

Lightweight trail running shoes

6. Shirts for evening

Everywhere is casual and with a scarf you can dress up simple things.  Two short sleeve light colored T-shirts. 1/2 zip shirt. One zip up hoodie.

Make Meaningful and Healthy Travel Happen! 

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American Express Platinum Insurance Coverage

American Express platinum has Accidental death or dismemberment coverage for travel that is paid for with the card.

1.  Travel Accident Insurance is a benefit of the Amex Platinum card.  This only covers accidental loss of life or dismemberment up to $500,000.  Key exceptions to note include lack of coverage for suicide, illness, stroke, heart attack or if you are traveling in a personal or rental vehicle.  Who is covered?  Covered Person means the Basic Card Member, each Additional Card Member, and each of these Card Member’s spouses or Domestic Partners and dependent children under 23 years of age.

Benefits changed 9/1/17.  Here are the updated policies for all Amex cards.

https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/features-benefits/policies/travel-accident-insurance-terms.html

2.  Baggage insurance plan is a benefit of the Amex Platinum card.  For you, spouse, children lost checked or carryon luggage is insured for up to $3000.  High cost items, such as jewelry, are insured for a maximum of $1000 per item up to the limit.  This is for lost, damaged or stolen luggage.  I recommend always photographing your luggage before departure.  This is easy to do with a cell phone and photos can be deleted upon return.  

Benefits changed 9/1/17.  Here are the updated policies for all Amex cards.

https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/features-benefits/policies/baggage-insurance-plan-terms.html

All American Express cards have some form of insurance available to you and in my experience travel insurance does not cover this much.  The difference between the Amex coverage and travel insurance is that Amex does not cover delayed luggage, which is far more common than lost or stolen luggage.  

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Medical Crisis in Mexico

Recently a we were contacted to solve a problem for a friend of a friend.  It seems he was cruising at Cozumel and suffered chest pain.   The cruise line sent the man to a local Cozumel hospital where the condition was medically evaluated.  Ultimately he would need bypass surgery but elected to go to the USA for that surgery.  The hospital refused to evacuate him to the USA until he paid $60,000 cash.  Essentially they held a sick person hostage until they paid.

We called our friends in the US government who told the family to contact the local US Mexico embassy for assistance.  Within a day or two he was airlifted to the US appropriately.

This is an excellent topic to understand.  As we age, we need to be prepared when traveling abroad so that we can get treated appropriately, and not put ourselves at further risk.  Let's review some basics about this topic.

1.  Travel insurance -- know what your policy covers.  The US Department of State has an excellent website outlining travel insurance options and has a list of vetted providers.

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/health/insurance-providers.html

2. Travel insurance will not always cover the cost of medical care overseas.  You may need to purchase medical travel insurance and medical evacuation insurance when you travel.  Medicare does not consistently cover foreign travel.  Go to this site to see what is covered:

https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/travel-need-health-care-outside-us.html

The medicare site is listed above is very confusing and only covers in very specific situations.  Do not rely upon Medicare coverage when you travel abroad.  If you feel that you are high risk for injury when traveling abroad, plan ahead with appropriate travel insurance.  Your travel agent should be able to help, but there are specific travel insurance agents who may have more options available than your travel agents.

Here is a good travel insurance agency to consider for information:

https://www.insuremytrip.com

There is much to consider when buying travel insurance from simple to complicated issues:

baggage delay or loss
weather or natural disasters
trip cancellation due to illness
trip interruption due to accident or illness
terrorism
evacuation to home
maximum benefits
exclusions.

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How to phone the US for FREE international, overseas or on a cruise!

It is easy to make free international phone calls when traveling abroad.

Plan ahead to keep in touch with your family or business for FREE while away.

Have you ever heard of WiFi only calling?  LTD is sure you THINK you have.  We have all used our special apps like Skype, Viber, Whatsapp to make phone calls when each end of the call has the app and has WiFi coverage.  You must have family members who are computer illiterate!!!  How do you call a landline without paying those huge fees to someone like Skype or GoogleVoice OR if the person you are calling has no idea how to use Skype?

A little known secret is WiFi only calling.  Most cellular networks had this in place as of 2015.  On a cruise a couple of weeks ago, LTD had a 2 hour conference call to make from the middle of the Norwegian Sea.  The internet cafe attendant on the Crown Princess showed us how to set this up. LTD has Verizon using an I phone 6.  It was easy to do, just check your carrier on the way to set this up on your phone.  The key step needed for your carrier to allow WiFi calling is for you to enter your home address for emergency services.  Apparently this is a legal issue, and LTD knows you are thinking: "What will they need from me on a cruise ship?" Just put your home address and LTD recommends setting this up before you leave, so that you can put your phone on airplane mode once you leave the US if you don't plan on using an international roaming plan.  Your phone will make and receive calls when you are connected to WiFi.  You must have phones that are capable of WiFi calling.  Most phones on Verizon are capable of WiFi calling, but you will need to check with your cellular provider for specifics.

Here are the links for setting up WiFi calling for the major networks:

• Verizon
• T-Mobile
• AT&T

LTD is proud to say our conference call went off without a hitch and we were only disconnected once, despite being on a cruise ship in the Middle of the Norwegian Sea.  Other times we called the US while on a bus in Norway and Israel.

To stay connected on WiFi, even out on the road, use a mobile hotspot.  Over these networks you can make your WiFi phone call.

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