Click here to view the embedded video.

Please “Like” the page and leave a comment below if you’ve visited any of these Houston, TX sights.

There was someone sitting in my seat when I got there, so I offered a trade.  It was funny as the ladies were really very friendly and I told her that I would not get up all night so she said I could sit in the window.  I would not have minded sitting in the aisle, but they insisted as she said she may get up during the night.  They were perhaps the best seatmates I’ve had in ages.

We soon pushed back and headed out in the cool night skies.  My best thing about Las Vegas is taking off at night and seeing all the lights below.  There is really nothing like it.  We took off with the Strip on the right and then making a right turn so we could see the Strip from the other end as we gained altitude on this wingleted Boeing 757-300.  I had noticed the winglets until we pushed back.  This is the first Boeing 757-300 in revenue service with winglets.

I was way tired so sleep came really quickly as I covered up with the plastic wrapped provided blanket.  A pretzel and beverage service passed through, but I was full from the barbecue at the Hilton so I declined anything.  Landing seemed to come quickly on this 4:15 flight touching down at 5:22a.  I don’t think I will make the connection flight I thought.

As I was in the back of the plane and we got to the gate at 5:30a, I missed the 5:45a which was in the other finger of Terminal C at rainy Newark airport.  The agents moved me over to the next flight, a Boeing 777-200ER at 7:45a.  I then went to find a place to take a photo of the wingleted bird which was now heading for Orlando, FL (MCO) at 7:00a.  I could not find a place though due to its gate assignment at 102.

I did however find a spot in the Presidents Club that would give me great pictures.  And so at 7:00a when it pushed back, I got a few pictures in the rainy dawn.  I also had some breakfast of cereal and mini muffins.  I left almost right after the pushback as I did not want to lose my place on this flight.

At the gate I collected my middle seat boarding pass and headed onboard.  It was freezing in the jetway, I thought these things had heat.  As I waited onboard, a guy came for the aisle seat, but no one showed for the window.  Once the doors were closed, the guy asked if he could take the window as I was about to move over.  He said he wanted to sleep; I guess I did not look sleepy.  I obliged him anyway and he was thankful.  I was psyched about having that empty seat as I believe it was the only one on the plane.

We pushed back a few minutes late and made the long trek to the runway and took off  into the rainy morning skies.  I reclined my seat and the guy behind me protested that he was tall, annoyed I un-reclined and tried to fall asleep.  Maybe I should have complained about the noise his little girl was making…The flight attendants did come by with a breakfast offering of cereal and bananas; At this point, I kind of wished the offering was a bit different, oh well.

This airplane has power at the seats which I utilized and audio/video on demand which I did not use as I could hardly keep my eyes open.  I did hear the Captain come on and say that due to the winds we would have to fly past the airport and then come back which would cause us to arrive at the gate a few minutes late.

As we descended, the guy’s daughter kept kicking my seat back and tapping it with her hands.  Her father never once told her to stop it or apologize for her behavior and I never said anything to him.  Some people can be really selfish it seems.

We landed without incident and headed to the gate arriving about five minutes behind schedule.  I then called Metro and was advised the next bus was at 10:51a, good deal I had enough time.  This was a pretty good trip.

How are you spending your weekend?

These world’s longest commercial flights have been made possible with advancement in aviation and primarily two airplanes: The Boeing 777-200LR (LR is for Longer Range) and the Airbus A340-500.  The Airbus Web site states that there are 29 of these airplanes in operation and a total of 35 have been ordered.  It has a range of 9,000 nautical miles.  On the other hand, the Boeing Company says that the 777-200LR has a range of 9,395 nautical miles with a full passenger load of 301.  They’ve delivered 36 of the 56 airplanes that’s been ordered.  Don’t let these numbers fool you as the airlines can configure the airplanes differently so they can increase the range and they have.

Oh, I would be remiss if I did not mention the Boeing 777-300ER which is used by one of the airlines on the list.  Boeing has delivered 206 of the 408 on order.  The Boeing 777-200ER, the workhorse 777 is also on the list and allows these routes to be possible.  But enough of the numbers and planes, let’s get to the list.

I’ve compiled what is today’s top 10 longest commercial flights by distance flown along with the airlines flying them plus some more details.  Some routes which have been flown in the past are currently not being flown, such as Bangkok, Thailand (BKK) to New York’s JFK which was flown by Thai Airways (TG) on an Airbus A340-500 so it was not included.

Enjoy and please add your comment below.  I’d love to hear if you’ve flown any of these routes, airlines and/or airplanes. I’ve flown #1.  #8 continues to elude me in either direction.  I’ve flown the #3 route, but made a stop in Sal Island using a South African Airways (SA) Boeing 747-400.  Flown #2, but made a stop in Tokyo-Narita using a Singapore Airlines (SQ) Boeing 747-400.

Top 10 World’s Longest Commercial Flights by Distance flown

I then got ready and jumped in the weekend rental car that I have and headed for the airport at about 9:07a.  As its a Saturday, traffic was light and I was at the airport at 9:35a parking at FastPark.  It was about 9:55 when we pulled into Terminal B.

The TSA security line was minimal so it did not take long.  There was a guy who had a flight in 17 minutes, so we all allowed him to go ahead of us.  Some of the folks in the line commented that, only in Texas would he be allowed to jump the queue, adding that people in the Northeast would have scoffed at him.  Ah, northeasterners have such a bad rep.

There was also a young guy in his navy garb.  He had just spent nine months in Florida and was heading back home to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT) for some well deserved rest and relaxation before returning to find out where he would be deployed.

I cleared security after having to remove my belt as the kid in front of me beeped.  What does that have to do with my belt?  Geez…It is a new belt and I wanted to test if it would beep anyways.  To avoid any issues, I took it off and cleared without beeping.  No new see thru machines in Terminal B.

I then headed to the Presidents Club where I had a bagel with light cream cheese (is there really such a thing though?), some muffins and water.  I was looking for a banana, but they only had apples.  All four available newspapers (Wall Street Journal, Houston Chronicle, Financial Times and the USA Today (yesterday’s edition))  had the President Obama Nobel Peace Prize headline.  Congrats Mr. President.

It was time to get to the gate, so I did.  I settled in after getting my boarding pass and used the power plugs that are set up to charge your phone before the flight.  Soon an announcement was made for y flight to Charleston, WV.  It was at that moment that I noticed that the flight to Charleston, SC was leaving from the doorway right next to my flight.  People were confused and also laughing, but checking their boarding passes to ensure that they board the correct plane.

An older lady next to me was a little confused, but I assured here that her flight to South Carolina was not yet boarding.  Some people including me took pictures of the two displays next to each other.  I looked around and everyone was checking their boarding passes to ensure they did not miss their flight or board the wrong airplane.

When it was time, I boarded through the door for West Virginia and headed down the jetway, noticing that were signs above both jetway entrances with the city names.  At the airplane door, a couple was talking with the flight attendant as there was another couple sitting in their seat.  Oops, I thought, I believe that they boarded the wrong flight.

Sure enough that was the case.  The gate agent came on board and made an announcement that we are going to Charleston, WV, not South Carolina.  The flight attendant also reiterated this fact.  The couple headed off adding they do not want to go to West Virginia as their car is in South Carolina.

The door on this not so heavily booked Embraer ERJ-145 closed at 10:50a and then the flight attendant started her demo.  Seven minutes later, we pushed back and headed for the runway.  On our way there, the pilot made a hard step on the brakes and we changed our direction.  This was followed by another direction change.  I assumed that we changed runway and we did, we were now heading for runway 27-9 which takes you over Lee Road on takeoff.

I did notice a Boeing 777-200ER that had just landed and wondered where it was coming from that early in the morning.  It ended up at E4.  I’m puzzled.

We were number six for takeoff behind a few Continental jets as well as a Continental Connection Saab 340 and a Continental Express ERJ-145.  As it was almost our turn, here came a Delta Connection CRJ-900 who took to the runway ahead of us.

At 11:15a, we took to the cloudy skies breaking into beautiful sunshine as we cleared them.  Soon after the lone flight attendant came on the PA and announced the service expectations for our flight which included a snack.

Soon after that announcement, I smelled nail polish.  Why would anyone think that it is O.K. to polish your nails in an airplane?  People do this from time to time, please don’t do it.  I now have a headache and watery eyes.

The flight attendant came by at 11:33a and offered a choice of a turkey or ham sandwich.  I chose Turkey which was served with mayonnaise, a pack of Fritos corn chips and a mini Hershey milk chocolate bar.  Drinks followed at 11:43a.  Trash pickup was at 11:58a.

I fell asleep after the battery on my MacBook died.  I awoke as we started our descent into West Virginia.  It was really beautiful as the leaves were just changing.  Also, it is a very mountainous area, so you can see homes nestled into the side of the mountains and ridges.

We were really close to the ground though, wow.  We made it into the runway which sits at the top of one of the mountains at 981′ above sea level.  It was 2:11p when we touched down and we made it to the gate within a minute.  The pilots really hot the brakes and when we turned I realized why, the runway ended pretty short after where we turned off.

Charleston, WV 10 Oct. 2009

At the gate, I deplaned and headed for the exit as I wanted to see what the ticket counter area was like.  It looked like all the passengers were already at the gate as the flight departs at 2:55p.  I made it outside to the ticket counter, checked in, got my boarding pass then headed outside to take some pictures.  At the counter, there was a lady waiting as she had some liquids to put back in her suitcase.  I don’t think that was going to happen as there was no one at the counter.  In small stations, there is usually a small staff and they do everything.  Since the flight was in they were at the gate.  Also, her bags were more than likely already in the plane.  I told her I’d tell the gate she was there, but if they did not show by 2:30p, she was to make her way back to the gate.

After taking pictures, I walked through the baggage claim area and headed back through security.  I was the only one going through as everyone else was at the gate.  I heard an announcement that the pilot wanted to leave early so everyone should make it to the gate.

At the gate, I collected my boarding pass from the agent.  I told her about the lady at the counter.  Eventually I saw the lady coming up to the gate, not sure if she got her bag back.  I doubt it though.

I boarded when it was time and as it turns out sat across from that lady.  I heard her say that she had to throw her stuff away as she could not get her bag back.  She had like peanut butter I think she said as well as a large tube of toothpaste.  She was none too happy, but her friend she was traveling with told her she would give her some toothpaste.  It was really funny listening to them talk about.

The door closed at 2:54p, so much for leaving early.  Not sure what was the hold up.  I kept thinking that I was going to get booted as the airport is 981′ above sea level and the flight was weight restricted as a result.

It was 3:00p when we pulled forward after the jetway had been pulled out of the way.  We taxied down to the lone runway and was airborne by 3:07p.  It was beautiful as we cleared the trees and saw the foliage below.  We also flew over the city and you could see the river that runs through it as well as the city’s capitol building.  I wonder how many U.S. cities have one of those capitol buildings?

Soon, we had some pretzels and drinks.  I was a bit tired so I fell asleep and awoke when we landed in Houston at 4:40p on 8L-26R.  It took another ten minutes to make it to the gate at B81A.  As it turns out, the airplane will now go to Charleston, SC (CHS).

I did achieve my goal of the nine new airports, you can take a look at them below.

I had a friend of mine interview me about the trip so you can listen to it below:

[podcast]http://www.cruisinaltitude.com/audio/aycjinterview.mp3[/podcast]
Right click here to download this audio file

Trip Statistics

Please feel free to comment.

You can always follow me on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/mskonfa1990 as I continue to fly the world one weekend at a time.  Also, you read what others are saying about All you can jet on twitter at http://twitter.com/#search?q=aycj.

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I got a ride from a colleague who is heading to Seattle, WA (SEA). Once at the airport, I made it through security (seemed like forever).  They did not even have the bins available.  It was really annoying to watch one of the TSA agents gab with his colleague while we waited for the bins.

Once that was over, I headed to the Presidents Club that is close to my gate.  While I waited, I booked my hotel for the night in Orlando, FL.  I was happy, but surprised at how reasonable the hotels were.  I guess it must be the off season.  After some wine complemented with some cheese and crackers, it was time to head to the gate.

There, I got my window seat on this Boeing 757-300.  When it was time to board this full flight, I did.  Soon, everyone was onboard and it was time to go.  I did think that the Lead Flight Attendant looked familiar, but thought nothing of it.

The door closed at 7:00p and we pushed back at 7:06p as the emergency demo played on the overhead monitors.  The Lead Flight Attendant did add that all window shades should be open; fantastic I thought, never heard that before on a Continental flight.

We headed out to runway 33R-15L and took to the dusk skies at 7:06p.  Soon after takeoff, we were served pretzels and drinks the flight is not a mealtime flight as defined by Continental.

On the overhead screens “30 Rock,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” “Samantha Who” and “Parks and Recreation” were shown.  Headsets were 1 USD, alcoholic drinks are 5 USD and you can pay with cash or credit/debit cards.

Flying time was short at 1:46 as the co-pilot said we had a 100mph tailwind.  We soon started our descent into the Orlando area.  It was really nice to see the towns below; lights everywhere.

It was 10:02p when we touched and 10:10p when we made it to the gate.  The flight attendant ended his speech with “All Rise” and it was then that I realized that he was the same one I had on my Houston to Austin flight last weekend.

I deplaned and headed for the trains which showed up right away and whizzed me to the airport center.  I then walked down to the hotel shuttle stop, called the hotel and waited.  The signs in Orlando are horrible, so it took me a while to find the stop. Only doing so after calling the hotel and they told me where to stand.  Come on Orlando!

As I walked around, I did see the following buses that serve the airport: 11, 41, 42 and 111.  They go to various areas around the airport including the Florida Mall which is nearby.  I thought it was interesting that they were running so late at night.

Soon, my shuttle bus showed up and I headed for the airport having a great conversation with the driver who is originally from Venezuela, lived in Miami, FL for a bit and wants to be a pilot.

Checking in was smooth after which I went to the nearby TGI Friday’s for dinner.  Not such a good experience as the bartender did not ask me to join some Club of theirs and by the writing on my receipt I was due an appetizer up to 8.00 USD.

What are your plans for the weekend?

 I found the gate and found a good spot to charge the computers and also watch the planes go back.  Fantastic; Egypt Air’s B777, Aero Svit’s Boeing 767-400 it loked like, a white Boeing 747-300 as well as Air Berlin’s A330. to name a few  I guess that one is a charter flight.

The airplane finally showed up at 7:45p or so and then boarding started at 8:00p.  Just before boarding the flight attendant came out and waved to me.  I think it was the same guy on the JFK to Richmond flight the day before.  I introduced myself again and chatted.  He said it was good to see me and thanked me for the business asking if I was having a good time.

I went to see if I could get the registration information and luckily the catering truck was pulling up and lighted the area which revealed “Bluesmobile” and N267JB on the Embraer ERJ-190.  I boarded soon after, said hello to the flight attendants and the same guy then offered me two jetBlue wings, a nice touch.  Thanks Marvin.

I took my window seat and settled in next to a guy who was will be in Houston for 24 hours.  No he is not an All You Can Jetter, just making a quick trip.

We pushed back ontime and headed out to the runway.  Soon after takeoff, I was offered a complimentary movie so I watched the Soloist while having the drinsk and snacks.  The movie was not as good as I thought.  My seatmate watched the MTV Music Awards as did others around me on LiveTV.

I was uber tired so I fell asleep awaking when the cabin was being prepared for landing.  We touched down at 10:50p and was at the gate two minutes later, 0:43 early.

The terminal was deserted!  We were not the last ones in as I believe Southwest has a later flight as I hear it every night passing over my house.  The Departure FIDS were blank too and TSA had gone home.

I headed out side and caught the bus to my National Rent a car.  As it turns out I got a car with 3.5 miles on it.  I had booked it on Hotwire for $31.95 as opposed to the egregious cost of the others on their Web sites.  This is really silly, the cars were $18.95 a day as long I as I booked for a pickup before noon on Sunday.  After that is is $102!

This was a fantastic weekend and all went well.  Can’t wait for next weekend.  How was your weekend?

Follow me me on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/mskonfa1990 for constant updates.  Also, you read what others are saying about All you can jet on twitter at http://twitter.com/#search?q=aycj.

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