Wow, sounds FANTASTIC. I think you should continue to bid LBB. Sounds like easy flying, and really nice people. That report is NOT the one I heard directly from a Southwest FO a few months ago, who told me that he got really sick on a quesadilla from the hotel restaurant. He proceeded to tell me that the hotel staff was not very comforting, and that he barely made it back to Love Field where he called in sick. He said he had the "faucet" from both ends for the next couple days, and that he wouldn't bid it again, since just thinking about it made him "crown" from his back end.
But hey, if you like going to Lubbock, great. I tend to go for cities that really make me excited about the layover. Certain cities in Europe, like Lubbock probably, have great history, and cuisine that is a lot different than the average American fare. Sure, it can be a bit expensive with the exchange rate, but a lot of our hotels give great discounts too. My last trip involved a 6 day trip to London Heathrow. We left on schedule from ATL at about 1030pm, and arrived into Heathrow at around 1200noon local. I took a short nap and got up with enough time to see some sights. Kensington Palace was very close, along with all the sight within a short tube ride--very accessible from our hotel. Meeting the crew back at the hotel, we all (including younger stews) had a few pints, and even had a meal together (all for 14 pounds--thanks to the 30% discount from the hotel). Later the next day we left for JFK, which was a comfortable 8 hour flight, arriving at about 7pm. A breeze through customs and we all set out (the three of us pilots) to enjoy a 31 hour layover in Manhattan. We stay at a very nice hotel, and it is on Madison Avenue, with nice hotels and Times Square nearby. I had time to see a first run movie, and some shopping for the wife, along with a good meal with the Captain and other FO. The next morning we set out for JFK again, for a 7 hour flight to LHR, with a night arrival. During the flight I watched more movies and had a first class meal, and upon arriving at LHR (around 910pm), I was tired enough to fall right asleep when I got to the hotel. I woke up the next morning and got a nice pastry nearby, and got the pick up for a 130pm departure, arriving home at 630pm. For the six day trip we got 34 hours of pay, and I got to see London twice, which I enjoy, and Manhattan once, which I also love. You can't find enough good restaurants in NYC. The late departure from ATL and the early departure from JFK had NO delays, and customs was always a breeze.
In the Winter I do a lot of Rio and Buenos Aires flights because it is Summer down there. But this Summer up here, I try to see different places in Europe. I have another 6 day coming up, with Rome the destination, and I intend to see the Vatican, go to the Trevi Fountain, and eat a lot of pasta---on Delta's dime. Enjoy Lubbock. Try Midland next.
Bye Bye--General Lee
