New York - slightly delayed!
Autumn 2009
You’re not safely on your way until the wheels have left the ground.
And so it was that yesterday morning, as BA 177 to New York taxied towards the runaway, all on board settled down to the 7 hour flight ahead – well all apart from one male passenger in economy who, according to the captain, “felt claustrophobic and decided that he didn’t want to fly”.
As we braced ourselves for a long delay, three of the cabin crew escorted a gibbering wreck to the front of the plane and showed him the door. Such was his demented demeanour that the captain suggested to passengers it was better to deal with the situation now instead of at 38,000ft and no one was arguing. The drinks trolley appeared (always a bad sign on the ground) and 45 minutes later the bagmen arrived. Finally, under the guidance of the curiously titled ‘Turnaround Manager’ who patrolled up and down the plane, we were off.
In contrast, exiting JFK was incredibly smooth as we swiftly moved from plane to car and were driving out of the airport within 10 minutes of landing. Such is the benefit of hand baggage only.
It’s 17 miles from JFK airport to Manhattan. Travel by coach, train or cab for a fixed fare. Alternatively book a private limo. ‘Ready to Roll’ are used by the ‘cool’ hotels but expect to pay over $100 depending upon where in town you are going to.
Our destination was the Meatpacking District on the west side. This part of Manhattan now has the most expensive real estate in the city. Buying an apartment here 15 years ago would have been a very clever investment. The area buzzes with top restaurants and bars, Soho House is here and all the top designers have moved in including Stella McCartney who has a large store.
Andre Balazs’ latest hotel opened last December. The Standard is an imposing, narrow building which towers 18 floors and overlooks the Hudson River. Our suite has incredible views – three sides floor to ceiling glass with views across the Hudson River, down to the Statue of Liberty and uptown. The bath and shower are part of the room so it’s not one for the prudish. Dinner last night was at Barbuto, which was disappointing, and a nightcap at Soho House, which was packed.
And so it was that yesterday morning, as BA 177 to New York taxied towards the runaway, all on board settled down to the 7 hour flight ahead – well all apart from one male passenger in economy who, according to the captain, “felt claustrophobic and decided that he didn’t want to fly”.
As we braced ourselves for a long delay, three of the cabin crew escorted a gibbering wreck to the front of the plane and showed him the door. Such was his demented demeanour that the captain suggested to passengers it was better to deal with the situation now instead of at 38,000ft and no one was arguing. The drinks trolley appeared (always a bad sign on the ground) and 45 minutes later the bagmen arrived. Finally, under the guidance of the curiously titled ‘Turnaround Manager’ who patrolled up and down the plane, we were off.
In contrast, exiting JFK was incredibly smooth as we swiftly moved from plane to car and were driving out of the airport within 10 minutes of landing. Such is the benefit of hand baggage only.
It’s 17 miles from JFK airport to Manhattan. Travel by coach, train or cab for a fixed fare. Alternatively book a private limo. ‘Ready to Roll’ are used by the ‘cool’ hotels but expect to pay over $100 depending upon where in town you are going to.
Our destination was the Meatpacking District on the west side. This part of Manhattan now has the most expensive real estate in the city. Buying an apartment here 15 years ago would have been a very clever investment. The area buzzes with top restaurants and bars, Soho House is here and all the top designers have moved in including Stella McCartney who has a large store.
Andre Balazs’ latest hotel opened last December. The Standard is an imposing, narrow building which towers 18 floors and overlooks the Hudson River. Our suite has incredible views – three sides floor to ceiling glass with views across the Hudson River, down to the Statue of Liberty and uptown. The bath and shower are part of the room so it’s not one for the prudish. Dinner last night was at Barbuto, which was disappointing, and a nightcap at Soho House, which was packed.
Be Frank: agree or disagree? What do you think?
