Las Vegas guide and MSE thread 2014

nvh

ferf1223 wrote: »

we aren't wine drinkers but cocktails are also an option it seems.

Actually if this means exactly what it says

Order $149 worth of food and drinks -- in any combination...

Then could be quite good depending on what a couple might order so would be worth doing the maths.

Doesn't work for our dates but thanks for posting.

woops - yeah - was just an example cos the wine is quite pricey

Owenmc60

ferf1223 wrote: »

I'm not sure that power ports are standard in economy on most airlines - it's not just TC. The new Virgin planes have a USB port on the panel in each seat, I think, never tried charging from it but assume it's possible. Last time we flew AA they had them in some rows - we swapped with two people in the row in front as they really wanted the power ports and we weren't fussed as we have a Power Monkey and a Juice Cube which has always been enough for us.

To be honest, I haven't flown long-haul a lot, but everytime I have, they've had plugs. I too have a USB charger thing, so that'll do me for the flight.

nvh wrote: »

Re: The US "checking on arrival", that would defeat the purpose of the checks (as you've already been on the plane). However if you are connecting straight though to another flight, they will make you go through Security again though (as they did before this rule came in) and this will cause a re-check of all your items --> including hold luggage which you have to pick up and then drop off in a designated spot for a re-scan

I'm sure there'll be other experiences on these forums more relevant to the US, but having endured Manchester a week ago we found there to be no real consistency between what they were doing and how they did it. I'm sure the official line is concise but the interpretation varies.

In our hand luggage, we had a mixture of the following:
- Portable USB charger
- Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- Hair Straighteners (3-pin)
- Hair Dryer (3-pin)
- Laptop

We removed the USB charger and laptop, and I forgot about the speaker and from what the guy said who helps you put things into the boxes "pre-scan", only battery stuff was of interest so the other bits didn't matter.

Sure enough both bags got pulled. One had the straightener, and the other had the hair dryer. Neither battery operated. The bluetooth (battery powered) speaker was of no interest to them at all.

Member of staff who does the re-scan, said they had to pull any electrical devices that are over 25cm had to be pulled. Regardless of battery operated or not.

This did not tally with the reasons for pulling the bag that had the hair-dryer (as it is a small travel one so well under 25cm).

Incidently as a side note, on our return Cyprus airport didn't give a toss about any electrical items at all and were happy for them to be left in the bags!

Overall, we were very lucky as we were there days before this happened --> http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-2708223/Holidaymakers-face-nightmare-delays-Manchester-Airport-queues-snake-car-park-council-closes-road-TRIM-THE-GRASS.html

There were no queues at all for us, and all scanners were fully manned (a first from what I recall!!)

Sounds like it changes from airport to airport then. We'll just ensure everything in hand luggage is fully charged and stuff we dont need for the flight is stashed in the hold luggage.

I saw that article a couple of days ago, luckily my mum of all people gave me a headsup on the roadworks on the M56 at the junction for Manc Airport (how stupid at a busy weekend!!)

On another note, has anyone used Manc Aiports security fast-pass? As I hear tis petty hectic at 6am and it only costs £3.50/person!

Thanks for all that useful info you two! :beer:

alisonofagun

Owenmc60 wrote: »

On another note, has anyone used Manc Aiports security fast-pass? As I hear tis petty hectic at 6am and it only costs £3.50/person!

I travelled a few days after the extra security measures were introduced and the queue was out the door of T1 - luckily got a fast pass when I checked in (Emirates) as I reckon it would've taken at least 90 mins compared to my 5-10!

This was around midday though, it might not be as bad early on?

Owenmc60

alisonofagun wrote: »

I travelled a few days after the extra security measures were introduced and the queue was out the door of T1 - luckily got a fast pass when I checked in (Emirates) as I reckon it would've taken at least 90 mins compared to my 5-10!

This was around midday though, it might not be as bad early on?

Thats seals the deal haha, for the sake of £3.50 (less than a pint in the Airport) it's well worth saving any potential hassle so we can enjoy a sit down and some breakfast! :cool:

photome

Owenmc60 wrote: »

Thats seals the deal haha, for the sake of £3.50 (less than a pint in the Airport) it's well worth saving any potential hassle so we can enjoy a sit down and some breakfast! :cool:

I hope everyone doesnt buy fast passes (didnt know they existed) otherwise it will become the norm just like the dreaded resort fees in Vegas

i fly from norwich mostly, they already have a £10 per person charge just for the privelege of using the airport, having said that a fast pass would never be needed there

Owenmc60

photome wrote: »

I hope everyone doesnt buy fast passes (didnt know they existed) otherwise it will become the norm just like the dreaded resort fees in Vegas

i fly from norwich mostly, they already have a £10 per person charge just for the privelege of using the airport, having said that a fast pass would never be needed there

It was news to me too until a couple of days ago. And Manc Airport is one of the few that have them.

I fly mainly from Bristol and it takes around 5mins to go from check-in to air-side haha! So no need there, but with the extra drama of all the roadworks and delays around Manc Airport, it's safer just to go for the fast-pass.

nvh

It was also MAN T1 we used last week - probably got there around 11am

Last time I flew BA (MAN T3 in April), my airline status got us a free pass to the "express lane" for security. Unfortunately it would've been quicker to go in the normal queue! As with any security check, it just takes one person to hold everyone else up (yes, I'm talking about you "girl with a 500ml bottle of water who is determined to drink every last pennies worth of it before you proceed") - I nearly gave her the £1.20 it would cost to buy another one airside

gamboller

Dublin , Ireland
Dublin Airport (DUB) Terminal 2
Stop 1
14:05
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania , United States
Philadelphia Airport (PHL) Terminal A
Change planes. Layover: 2hr 0min
Flight 2323 Operated by US AIRWAYS

Is a 2hr layover enough?
I think i'd be stressed that there'd be a delay and I'd have no flight out of PHL for LAS that day.

Are my fears unfounded??? Has anyone flown through PHL?

pebblesmax

2 hours is fine for PHL. Done it a few times with no problems.

Disclaimer: this was before the new security checks. I have no idea how these changes will affect it.

vegasvisitor

tgh wrote: »

Flying Friday! Although 10 days in LA/San Diego first.

Quick question, flying Edinburgh to Phili (then to San Diego, and Vegas to Phili on the return) with US Airways and just had a look at seats, there's not 4 together available at the moment although check in doesn't open until tomorrow.

What are the chances of others moving etc.?

I'm not really sure if you are waiting till check in to select your seats...as you seem aware that there's not 4 together just now (so you must know others have selected seats).

Best thing you can do with US Airways is select your seats in advance, which 'blocks' them to other folk, even those checking in online before you. I'd advise you to try to check in online as soon as it opens if you are hoping for certain seats that aren't yet available - we always try to get on asap and see if we can select a pair. I think there might be 2 pairs together, so those might be of interest, but they're at a cost.

We tend to always get the seats we pick on US Airways. Same can't be said of Emirates though, where they seem to take them off you for anyone checking in before you. Earlier this year we did a stop at Dubai, and when we checked in they'd moved our seats to separate ones in 2 different sections. When we asked why they said we were one of the last to check in (3 hours before???), however obviously we had stood in a long queue by this point which was for all flights and they kept calling forward people for flights before us! Also, most people travelling on Emirates are only connecting in Dubai, so anyone connecting checks in much earlier than we could...meaning they got our seats. Rather annoying!