Hi Mick,

You probably realised that I had forwarded you message on to a member of our customer care team who I believe has spoken to you directly.

For others who are interested my colleague provided me with the following:

"Our contract does not allow us to use the BA code share flights and the reason we have to wait for the AA38 flight MIA-LHR is that MIA is a very busy airport so need a min of 2hr30min connection so that all customers can make the flight comfortably. In addition to this, previous feedback from customers on other USA tours is that they would like to be able to get a proper evening meal before flying back to the UK."

I'd also like to advise travellers about the River Cruise. Sadly our incumbant supplier is unable to offer this on your departure. However, our team are trying to source an alternative cruise on this date.

Kindest regards,

Julia

Julia,

Thanks for passing this on.

Had a good chat with the man from customer services and he was very helpful.

Did suggest that I personally would prefer to travel to Chicago on a earlier flight to get more time there (is a AA flight at 9.55am) to make up for the time lost in New Orleans. Would be happy to find my own way to the hotel and I'm sure others (especially them staying over at Heathrow) would be happy doing the same as it beats hanging about at airports. Think he's going to look into the possibility.

Also gave him details of another company that do the Architectiure River Cruise (i've used them previously) and do run until end of November, he was going to pass the details to the planning team.

Mick

Without internet for several days so have just caught up 🙂 The swamp tour was not available when I was in New Orleans in 2008 due to the alligators being annoyed with Hurricane Gustav followed by Hurricane Ike, so I shall be going on this trip. Yes please for the other trip for the architectural tour. If we can leave early on the first day even better :P

Do you think we have enough time at Miami to get to the beach ?

Jan

I'm definitely doing the airboat swamp tour and really excited about all the trips. I do need to fit in some shopping time too - my brother is a softball addict & it's not that popular in the UK so he's been researching sports shops in Chicago and written me out a list!

Look forward to meeting you all on 2 November - only 14 weeks to go now

Just catching up too as I've been away with work. Yes I'm staying over at Heathrow the night before so would be great to meet you all for dinner if that's ok. I've been to lots of places around the world with work and travelled on my own plenty of times but I've never been solo on a holiday before so little bit nervous but sure I'll feel better once I've met you all!

I'm definitely doing the airboat swamp tour and really excited about all the trips. I do need to fit in some shopping time too - my brother is a softball addict & it's not that popular in the UK so he's been researching sports shops in Chicago and written me out a list!

Look forward to meeting you all on 2 November - only 14 weeks to go now

AMG,

Not sure if you've booked anywhere yet but there is at least 4 of us staying at the Park Inn on Bath road (you've probably read that on other posts) and we'll probably meet up and eat at the 3 Magpies which is over the road.

Will start a meet up post when it gets nearer, have done it a few times through this forum.

Will go to the terminal the following morning on the service bus they are actually free within a certain area of the Airport and are quicker and more regular than the hoppas that charge.

Think you've picked a cracking holiday for your first with JY but expect it to be hectic touring hols always are. As for shopping Chicago is a top place, our hotel is very close to Michegan Ave (magnificent mile) which is the equivellent to New Yorks 5th Ave.

Look forward to Meeting You

Mick

I collect pin badges and my daughter, shot glasses from Hard Rock Cafe. I have found it on the map in Chicago on West Ontario, not far it seems from House of Blues. Do we go anywhere near there or do I have to use the Red Metro?

14 weeks really !!!!!!!

Jan

Hello Mick and AMG,

I collect pin badges and my daughter, shot glasses from Hard Rock Cafe. I have found it on the map in Chicago on West Ontario, not far it seems from House of Blues. Do we go anywhere near there or do I have to use the Red Metro?

14 weeks really !!!!!!!

Jan

Jan,

Its a real easy walk from the hotel (and very safe area with lots of hotels & restaurants).

In fact what I'm planning first night (Irish Pub & Blues Club) is just around the corner on Clark.

I know the Itinerery suggests a Pizza restaurant first night but Pizza is more a lunch thing for me so I'm straight into the music and its good pub grub where i'm thinking.

I know you'll be interested so here are where i'm thinking :-

http://www.fadoirishpub.com/chicago/ 

http://www.bluechicago.com/ 

Been in both many times and you couldn't wish for more friendly places, easy walk from hotel is a bonus.

Jan