The Next Leg of the African Journey - The Houston Express

So, I arrived at the gate about 8 a.m.  No huge lines.  No harried passengers or customer service people.  Just did I want an aisle or a window seat?  I replied, “This is my first time on the Houston Express.” 

The 747 Houston Express

The British Airways Biz Class Lounge

“Well”, she said, “let’s make you comfortable.”

She gave me a seat on the aisle and a “pass” to the lounge.

After going through security where there were only three people in line and NO one was in a hurry, I made my way to the “lounge”.  I was greeted with a hearty “hello” and told to help myself to ANYTHING.  Anything included, comfortable seats, a full bar, snacks, food coffee, newspapers, magazines, etc. So, now I understand the secret being kept from us middle class travelers all these years.  There is luxury even in the airport “lounge”.  I don’t want to leave.

9:45. I have to leave.  The Atlas Air run flight for Son Air known as the Houston Express is boarding.  I make my way to the gate.  Funny, again there is no line.  I make my way on board…what kind of plane is this?  Well, it’s a 747.  I rode one of these once.  It was a cattle car.  500 or so people packed in.  But this was different.  No cattle in sight.  Just these pod like chairs and very few of them at that.  The flight attendant, Amber, greeted me and asked if I’d like Perrier or a strawberry champagne.  I took the Perrier.  Too early to drink.

As I settled into my seat that looked better than anything I had back at home and resembled a futuristic Barcalounger, I began to understand.  I AM in Business Class.  This is cool.  So here’s the rundown:

·    My seat can recline by the touch of a button.  Not a mechanical one on those lower class aircraft but with a touchpad that has no less than 13 buttons to adjust my seat from an airline seat to a recliner to a bed.

·    Nobody is here.  The plane is less than half full.  I’m sharing a row of 7 seats with two other people.  Room to spread out and relax.

·    They just came by with a REAL pillow and a blanket.  Oh, and here’s your complimentary travel kit complete with socks, eyeshades, toiletries, etc.

·    They just went through the safety briefing.  We have three pilots and 13 flight attendants.  Can anyone say overkill?  No, I say, “well cared for”.

·    There is a touch screen in front of me and a remote by my side.  I can watch movies, TV, listen to music, call the flight attendant, etc.

·    Oh, the just delivered a menu.  For lunch, the appetizer is a grilled shrimp skewer with pineapple and lemon grass.  This is followed by a spring mix salad and a choice of one of three entrees.  I think I’ll have the Beef Tenderloin with Thyme roasted potatoes and mushroom and bean ragout.  Yummy.

·    For dessert, an ice cream sundae made to order at your seat.  (Thanks, Amber!)

I have learned three things halfway through my first international trip via the “Houston Express”:

• I am a poor traveler.  I travel in economy which qualifies me as poor.  I must win the Lotto so I can continue to travel in this fashion.
• Business class travel (Thanks, Chevron!) ROCKS.
• I do not want to get off the plane…but I must as the next chapter in my African Adventure beckons in several hours as we approach Luanda.

I have to go, they just came by to offer our ”midnight snack”.  Can’t miss that.

-Mark, Halfway to Luanda at 35000 feet and 561 mph over the Atlantic (4,030 from Houston and 3,677 miles to destination) 6/24 6:00 p.m. CDT