I am finally back from a long bachelor party weekend in Breckenridge, CO. The weekend was fantastic, also one of the most interesting for traveling. When I booked the trip a few weeks ago I purposely built in a stop in Dallas both ways. It seems I may have been better off just booking nonstop flights in both directions.
Chicago to Dallas
My first flight of the day was scheduled to leave from Chicago around 10:30am to DFW on an American Airlines 757. I had never flown on American’s 757 before and was excited to try it out. I often see transatlantic flights on American 757s, but can’t imagine it being very enjoyable. Luckily, this would give me two hours to poke around and see what a transatlantic flight would be like. Sadly, when I arrived at the gate we were all informed the flight would be delayed due to “wobbly seats.” Since the flight was delayed I decided to explore O’hare airport.
Chicago O’hare Admirals Club(s)
The club is currently undergoing a full renovation. Several large signs were posted near the entrance informing guests of the renovations and alternative options. Currently, the renovations have closed off either end of the club. All of the seating has been moved into the center of the club and the space is tight, but I found a seat by the window. Upon sitting down I found an Admirals Club Drink Chit which I could have used to pay for a premium drink or a bottle of water. Since I had plans to head to the gate shortly I left the chit behind for the next guest.
As I left the Admirals Club I was notified of the first of many delays. I decided to visit the new Admirals Club located in the L Concourse during my delay. The L Concourse Admirals Club is located just past security on the way to the L gates. The new club is very quiet, bright, and quite open. I found it to be much more relaxing than the H/K Admirals Club. After speaking with the AAngles, it seems the L Concourse Admirals Club will remain a permanent fixture going forward.
Further Delays / Flight Change
While sitting in the L Concourse lounge I was informed of further delays. I had originally planned a 2 hour layover in Dallas, but that layover would now be just 30 minutes. 30 minutes in DFW is hardly enough time to deplane, transfer terminals, and make a connecting flight. Because of the delay I tried my luck at changing my flight.
These situations are exactly why Admirals Club access eventually pays for itself. I spoke to an Admirals Club AAngel who quickly changed my flight to a nonstop flight from Chicago to Denver. I was sad to miss the opportunity to fly the 757, but excited that I’d be arriving earlier than originally planned. The nonstop flight ended up being delayed as well, but when it was all said and done I arrived in Denver 15 minutes prior to my originally scheduled arrival time.
Denver To Chicago (via Dallas)
I originally booked a 6PM departure from Denver to Dallas. When we planned the trip we were not sure how late we would get to Denver from Breckenridge. I decided to use the 6:30PM departure as an insurance policy and fly standby earlier in the day. I arrived at Denver International Airport at 12PM and had 3 options to get to Dallas early. All of the flights were oversold and I ended up getting on the 5:30PM departure to Dallas. The best part, I was able to get a confirmed exit row window seat. This meant I could board early and not have to check my carry on bag. Sometimes when you standby you don’t receive a seat assignment until all passengers have boarded. This means you have to check your carry on which is never fun.
DFW American Express Centurion Lounge
Since I carry the American Express Platinum card I have access to American Express Centurion Lounges. Centurion lounges offer superior food and beverage options when compared to traditional airline lounges. The DFW Centurion Lounge is open until 10PM, but the lounge stops serving hot food at 9PM.
Dallas To Chicago
The flight to Chicago was delayed, but I was lucky enough to get upgraded. Prior to the general boarding announcements several off-duty crew members boarded the aircraft. I noticed these crew members were seated in the first class cabin which is unusual, but there must have been ample availability. I also finally witnessed a Concierge Key member board when called. It was a little awkward since they called him by name and then waited a minute before calling the rest of the boarding groups. The flight was smooth and we arrived at the gate at the exact time the pilot predicted as we left Dallas.
Final Thoughts
I generally get very lucky when it comes to air travel, but this weekend was an exception. Almost every flight I tried to get on was delayed and my standby attempts were quite unsuccessful. Personally, the delays and connections made the weekend pretty exciting. When flights are delayed and canceled, it can be fun to come up with new options and work with gate agents to get on earlier or different flights. I also enjoyed visiting several Admirals Club locations and the DFW Centurion Lounge. On the way home, I found a second drink chit in the DFW D Admirals Club which I used to buy a stiff drink before my late night flight.
