JFK and Zurich Airport-Day 1 and 2
My study abroad course in Switzerland started in May (23rd and 28th – predeparture classes) but I really felt it was coming together on May 31 when I arrived at JFK’s Terminal 8. I was so excited that I could not stay at home..so I set out for the airport very early..before the rest of the team and even before some of the AA employees.
Once at the airport, I was on the lookout for anyone that was apart of the trip. I saw Prof. Garely at 12:10 and was slightly relieved that someone showed up – I thought I perhaps had the wrong date. As we were to check in at the first class desk, we both were greeted by an irate counter agent. She made it quite clear with her attitude that she did want us at First class check-in. However Prof. Garely explained the arrangements that had been made by Bill Clark, and she realized that she needed to look into our special status and not draw conclusions based on our ticket. Within a few minutes a ticket agent supervisor appeared and she welcomed us to the first class check in area and the process was implemented. We presented our passports, placed our baggage on the scale, received the luggage receipts and waited for the rest of the TTA team to arrive. After everyone else checked (some students did not follow directions and checked in coach) we were able to start the tour of JFK. Our leader was Bill Clark and he has an enormous amount of AA information -that he was anxious to share.
He explained the screening process as well as the instruments used such as the puffer, a device that screens your body for traces of illegal substances such as gunpowder, and drugs.
We headed to the conference room to American Airlines executives. Our first speaker was Jeff Clemens who was manager of Passenger Service , shared with us a current view of the Airline industry at American. Despite the economic decline in the US, American Airlines is still making strides to make it easier for passengers to fly. A second speaker, Chris Painter, gave us a look into his career in the airline business. Even though he is young, he had extensive experience which has led him to be the Manager of Terminal 8 at JFK. Afterward, Joe Daly, manager of Ramp Agents showed us the system that directs the baggage to the correct flight and is screened by TSA. We then had a brief tour of the Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge for first and business class passengers only. We went back to the conference room and received American Airline bags, t-shirtsand pens as well as lanyards from the Partnership for Safety. Bill told us to grab our bags because we were to be boarding soon.
We then wentto the Control Tower where we were able to see how the AA agents communicate with all the planes about to arrive and/or depart. We were so interested in the Tower that Mr. Clark had to remind us that we were running out of time. Our flight was already boarding. Thanks to Mr. Clark AA held the plane for us.
Once on the plane we got settled in our seats and buckled in for a 7 1/2 hours flight.
On the flight we received fairly good service from the flight attendants. After take off, within 2 hours we got beverages and dinner. I had beef with mashed potatoes and gravy which was decent but salty. I tried to sleep but could barely find a comfortable position. I slept for a couple of hours then woke up. We were served breakfast (a croissant and barely a pack of jelly and butter). My nose doesn’t lie because I smelled sausage and eggs with cheese and I asked for some. Of course we in coach – so there was no way I was going to be served a hot breakfast. When I am hungry I am grumpy so between the lack of sleep and not enough food, it was way passed my time to land in Zurich.
Finally off the plane, we were greeted by Doris Brüderün, a member of VIP service team of Zurich Airprt. She gave us a tour of Flughafen-Zurich(airport) which thoroughly impressed me. I was surprised at how quiet the airport was but she explained that the last flight left before 12 midnight. The airport isn’t 24 hours . As we walked through the airport, we took a train which led us from one terminal to the next. She then gave us a brief tour of the airport which included a visit to the nursery. I was impressed that they had a nursery for people flying with children and catered to their special needs. It is available for free. She escorted us to baggage claim where we found our bags waiting for us on a trolley. I was very surprised and impressed at the speed and efficiency and the kindness we received. As we walked along towards Customs, all she did was wave her card to the officers and we kept moving through. We then proceeded to the information desk where we were able to pick up brochures and pamphlets about Switzerland. She mentioned that at the Info desk, people can leave keys, documents, or anything personal from the passengers to other people who may need to pick them up. She gave us a 10 Swiss Franc voucher for anything in the food court and sent us on our merry way. I really appreciated that voucher as I was able to purchase breakfast quickly.
After that we we walked around the airport, visited a currency exchange, and bought a Sims card for my phones. The clerk at Swisscom was exceptionally nice. After everyone had breakfast we proceeded to the exit where we waited for Beat Wicki, the CEO of Swiss School of Tourism and Hospitality, for our ride to Chur. As we waited in the arrivals area, a representative from Swiss School, Mary Ann found us and directed us back through the airport to the parking lot. There we met Mr. Wicki. He helped us load our luggage and our selves into the school van and off we went to Chur. The drive on the way to the Swiss School was beautiful. I never saw hill tops and mountains so lush and green, except in Jamaica. However, these were bigger mountains and a more hilly terrain. I saw 2 waterfalls flowing through the rocks in the mountains, it was awesome. I took a short nap and when I woke up we were almost at Chur.
Once we reached the Swiss school, Mr. Wicki gave us a brief tour of the school and a bit of history about the building. I was very tired and worn out by this time, but still had enough energy to be excited about finally reaching Chur. We had a small lunch, then he showed us our rooms and told us dinner would be served in a couple of hours. Once I reached my room I fell on the bed and didn’t wake up until it was time for us to go to dinner.
At dinner, we were introduced to Sophie a former student at the school and now a Junior Consultant. She opened bottles of wine and toasted our arrival and wished us a safe journey through Switzerland.
We mingled with some students from China who were studying at the Swiss School and were preparing to take final exams. We then proceeded to dinner and had a discussion about our trip experience so far. Sophie gave us our passes and both professors were very upset since the passes were booked as a group pass and not individual passes, which we needed in order to move effectively throughout Switzerland. Prof. Garely said she would correct the problem and we all then proceeded back to our rooms. Once back in the room I unpacked my bags then showered. I was so ready for sleep I could hardly wait for my head to hit the pillow. I was delighted that we reached Switzerland safely but needed to sleep so I could be energized for tomorrow’s next adventure.
