Friday, May 30, 2008
Switzerland Here We Come…..JFK Airport Tour
Written by: TTA 100 Students (see links)
After several months of planning, numerous administrative meetings, thousands of phone calls, millions of international emails, 35 days of tour management workshops, and 3 hours at a historical BMCC graduation, we finally made it to “one” long yet fabulous and life changing day, full of excitement, fear, anticipation and VIP treatments.
Graduation and getting to the airport…..
Written by: Katherine Munoz
Finally, today is my graduation day! I have been waiting for this day for two years. Today is also the day that I leave for Switzerland. Because of the BMCC graduation ceremonies I had to check in very early with American Airlines. I was rushing throughout the entire day and I didn’t have the opportunity to experience first-class check in like everyone else (I am not happy). On the other hand, graduation was very emotional, I did it. I finally graduated. I am proud of myself and I know that my parents are proud of me. As I walked on stage to receive my diploma from the President of BMCC, Antonio Perez, I saw my parents looking at me with pride. I am the first of my family to graduate from college and receive a college diploma.
As I walked on the stage I didn’t return to my seat because I had a flight to catch. I walked straight through the exit doors to meet my parents outside. I gave my diploma to my father because he was there with me and supported me during my journey through BMCC.
After that I started to take off my cap and gown and changed into my Gore-Tex shoes. If I had to run or walk fast I was going to be comfortable.
Unfortunately I was unable to participate in the tour of Terminal 8 American Airlines because of the graduation; however I did get to meet Mr. Bill Clark (AA Field Representative Corporate Communications) as well as my Professors and classmates at the end of the tour.
We all rushed to Gate 39 in order to catch our flight to Zurich. Most of my classmates were complaining because they were hungry, but it was either go buy food or miss the plane. My journey has finally begun. As soon as I walked though the American Airlines gate doors I knew that it was no way back. After having a difficult semester it was time to experience studying in another country. (read more @ kmunoz.edublogs.org)
First Class Treatment
Written by: Sasha Munoz
As I awoke Friday morning I was very excited to be on my way to a new country (Switzerland) where I would explore the culture, and the country. JFK was our departure airport. Since we were traveling American Airlines our meeting point was AA Terminal 8. As I arrived at the airport I looked around and realized that the terminal had gone through a renovation process since the last time I traveled. We were able to check-in first class – thanks to the efforts of our Professor, Dr. Elinor Garely. Since the renovation, American Airlines now provides its first and business class passengers with an exclusive area for check-in. VIP travelers have check-in space of 88,600 square feet, and 65 foot ceilings. As I reached the reservation counter I noted that Sharon was assigned to expedite the check in for TTA 100. She made my experience delightful…what a difference a friendly tone and a warm smile can make to this task. Because I was being treated as a first-class passenger, I did not have to worry about bringing my bags to security – AA does this task for all business and first class passengers…I loved it. My luggage was tagged and disappeared into the luggage operations system. I was ready to proceed to the next step of boarding.
While we sat at the exclusive area, Dr. Garely noticed that I was wearing very high heels and suggested it was a better idea if I wore more comfortable shoes. At first I thought there was no need for this but then I realized that she was correct. I put on my Gore-Tex shoes and I was so glad I did because it provided comfort and enabled me to participate in the entire tour – including the baggage system. This part of the AA journey included climbing through belts and going under the over-passes; no other shoe would have given me the stability that Gore-Tex did through this process. If I was wearing my heels I would not have been permitted to participate…and this would have been a serious disappointment. Thanks Dr. Garely for helping me acknowledge that my heels were not the correct footwear for the event. They were put away in my bag, and my Gore-Tex have become my new best friends. (read more @ smunoz.edublogs.org)
American Airlines: Tour of Terminal 8
Written by: Andy De LaRosa
Upon arrival at American Airlines, JFK Airport on May 30, 2008, I became excited when I was informed I would be checking my luggage through First Class. It took me only 2 minutes to get my bags weighed and passed through. I felt rich and famous – being treated like a celebrity for even a few minutes was wonderful. A few minutes later, Mr. Bill Clark, Field Representative Corporate Communications, introduced himself and we started a tour of the AA Terminal 8 at JFK airport. The tour included visits to TSA baggage security, the Control Tower, as well as visits to the Admiral and Flag Ship Clubs.
Mr. Bill Clark, Mr. John Sheremeta and Prof. Sandra Blake-Neis
Mr. Clark presented us with AA t-shirts, pens and a useful carry-on bag as complementary gifts. Chris Painter the Operations Manager for American Airlines gave us an overview on how the airplanes are scheduled and space allocated as well as the difference between domestic and international flights.
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American Airlines Video Link
We were so into the tour that we almost missed our flight and we had to run through the terminal to board. No time for food or water – we had a choice — food or flight. I opted for the flight. (read more @ adelarosa.edublogs.org)
AA the Tour continues….
Written by: Shevarma Pemberton
The tour of AA terminal that followed was quite an eye-opener. Mr. Bill Clark, AA Field Representative Corporate Communications, was extremely kind and he went out of whis way to ensure us the best experience possible. I learned many things behind the scenes that everyday passengers are not aware of. I did not realize that the entire group – uniformly attired in black – added the prestige of the occasion. It was really a site to see and the stares we received as we walked through the termial made me feel on top of the world. It was really thrilling to be in the moment.
The tour continued and we were escrted to one of the AA conference rooms where we greeted by AA executives. The first speaker was Jeff Clemens, Manager of Passenger Services, who provided a general overview of the airport and passengers that travel day-to-day with AA. The second speaker was Chris Painter, Manager of Operations, who gave us a heads-up on the technicialities of coordinating all sectors and decisions that have be made to ensure that efficacious functioning of the airport. Thirdly, Joe Daly, Facilities Maintenance Manager, informed us about ramp operations and took us on a tour of the TSA baggage clearance area (another highlight of the day).
From Left to Right: Mr. Joe Daly, Sasha, Andy, Adrienne and Mark in the TSA Baggage Clearance Area
It was extremely fascinating to witness the movement to witness the movement of luggage and I can now rest assured that while traveling with American Airlines baggage security is a certainty.
Thereafter, Janet Michie, Premium Services Coordinator, provided us with a brief tour of the luxury lounges; The Admirals Club and The Flagship Lounge. This gave me something to look forward to as an Advantage member and a traveler with American Airlines. Our next stop was the AA Flight Control Tower. I do not know many people who can boast that they had a personal guided tour of the AA Fight Control Tower.
View of our AA Flight #0064 @ Gate 39 from the Fight Control Tower
It was amazing to look at the planes on the runway and to see the controls in place for managing their operation. It was quite a pleasureable experience. (read more @ spemberton.edublogs.org)
American Airlines Flight #0064
Written by: Mark Villanueva
The American Airlines flight to Zurich, Switzerland was an 7.5 hour flight. For the most part, I felt the experience was pleasant. I like flying, so I have no issues being on a plane for several hours. I wish I could say that my flight was as great as my tour of AA Terminal 8 but it was not. The in-flight meal, (pasta with chicken and sauce) was awful. The tomato sauce tasted like Mexican salsa, the chicken was dry, and the pasta was overcooked. I barely ate anything – and I was hungry. The entertainment ( and I use the word carefully) on the plane included Night at the Museum (I slept and missed this one). I would have preferred a t.v. in the front of my seat rather than one large screen hanging above the seats.
The ventilation on the flight was okay but I got very restless and thirsty. It did not help that it was struggle to get anything to drink and I had to stand in the back of the plane to have my cup continously refilled with water. Beside that, everything else went okay. I’m glad my i-pod was charged. The flight was very smooth. (read more @ mvillanueva.edublogs.org)
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