Remember when Christmas week was quiet time in Las Vegas? No more, at least not on the Strip. Never saw so many babies, toddlers, strollers, screamers. But that's what we get for starting out Dec. 23rd at Bellagio. The Conservatory is the enemy if kids whining and shreeking drive you crazy. Yes, it is a wow-er, and I guess that's what brings in the hoards of families from the far East. I hit them hard (Bellagio, not the families) on my survey, especially that they allow the curtain climbers to run amok in the VIP lounge, formerly a place to relax with a cocktail. Hey, if I'm stupid enough to spend my money on their machines and tables...Steve Wynn would not have allowed it to be turned into a Chuck E Cheese. Grrr.
Second observation (actually the first) and a piece of advice: Get to the airport early.
Before boarding (Southwest) we hear the usual announcement "This flight is completely full." Departure time, everyone seated. Time to push off. Not happening. Then the first on-plane announcement, "Ladies and gentlemen we apologize for the delay. The crew (?) is having to complete some paperwork..." Something about fuel?
A few minutes later a semi-stern (not rude, just stern) overhead announcement: "Your attention please. The following passengers grab your boarding pass and your belongings and proceed to exit the plane right now." Hmm. Called out about 7-8 names. Those folks do what they are told, up out of seat and quickly up the aisle. One was seated in front of us, most coming from the rear. I'm thinking that had my name been called I'd be looking stunned, maybe asking WTH? The deplaning ones don't look exactly happy, but not upset either. In a while an announcement was made thanking us for our patience, that this was related to distribution of weight as related to fuel, that "We have alternate capability for those passengers (something about Phoenix, so I suppose they would be put on another flight). Anyway, we are finally pushing back, actually only 35 minutes past departure time. I knew my husband would ask about it, which he did when we arrived in Vegas. Was told "they are standby passengers, made the plane overweight compared to the amount of fuel." Uh, this couldn't be figured out before those guys were allowed to be seated?
After getting home I spent time looking up SWA's "Standby" policy, well hidden in the "Contract of Carriage." Best I could deduce was that it is possible for a flight to be over-filled (they maintain they do not "overbook"). When that occurs and it is a safety issue (like not enough fuel...yikes!) they can (and will, obviously) "deny boarding" (though these folks were already seated!) starting with the last person to check in.
So, here I finally get to the advice part, CHECK IN EARLY. I still don't know how the "stand by" figured in.
By now you can tell that I have nothing much to report from this trip (or can't remember it). Husband and I started this trip in good health. Friend Connie who travels with us had twisted her foot, probably broken but she refused to get it checked before the trip. So she limped on her swollen, red, sore foot, not interested in walking a lot, including to eateries. On the 24th we crossed the bridge to Ballys to use her $100 celebration dinner at Burger Brasserie. We each had the three mixed burgers (slider size) and fries, excellent. Best part--we taught the bartender how to make a Golden Cadillac. Galliano, Creme de' Cocoa and vanilla ice cream, fabulous. You really can't get a GC with ice cream at many places, since few places have ice cream. Husband had a cheese cake dessert that he liked a lot. If you go to Burger Brasserie, ask for a Golden Cadillac, if you like that sort of drink. DEElicious. And filling.
We had decided to use my $100 for Christmas dinner on the 25th at Paris' Cafe il de' St. Louis. But on the 25th Connie's foot was hurting, husband was settled in and hooked on his computer (doesn't gamble) and I was tired, so we just did room service...good stuff actually. That's sad, especially since I was RFB at Bellagio and we could have eaten almost anywhere. But if you aren't hungry...
I did pretty well gambling at Bellagio, slots and VP, just one session at Blackjack. Didn't see any of "my" old dealers and pit bosses. Maybe they were off for the holidays. Connie and I found some new slots with Asian titles that I can't remember, but we had fun and won some.
On to Wynn on the 26th. Same story, kids everywhere though not so many in their VIP lounge where they love my husband and put generous amounts of Baileys in his coffee and Jack in his Coke. We ate one breakfast at Tableau, where I learned to ask for what isn't on the menu and they will fix it. Lovely service, good food. I had a cardiology special of hash browns, gravy, sausage, 2 eggs, etc. That actually WAS on the menu. An impulse order but it was yummy. They had some weird samplings sent "from the chef", just OK. Otherwise we mostly sated ourselves with the hors d' oeuvres in VIP, which are pretty good.
My gambling went downhill at Wynn except for the last day when I had a good 4 hour run at their one and only Blackjack Switch table. Fun co-players, lucky cards, nice dealer.
Overall came home with half the money. I've done worse. Of course, that's why they give me the "free stuff."
Next trip, March 2020. Thanks to anyone who tried to read this non-TR TR.
Good luck, and Happy New Year.
