Перелет в Нью-Йорк через Абу-Даби на A350 Etihad. Границу США прошел в Эмиратах. Долгий путь.

Перелет в Нью-Йорк через Абу-Даби на A350 Etihad. Границу США прошел в Эмиратах. Долгий путь.

Hello, my dear viewers and subscribers. In this video, I’ll be flying to New York on Etihad via Abu Dhabi. I’ll hit the US border before I reach the Atlantic. Currently, there are no direct flights between Russia and the US. Because of this, crossing the ocean requires at least one transfer and additional hours of travel. At the end of a workday on the weekday, I take the metro; it’s the fastest way to Sheremetyevo and avoids seven-point traffic jams and the double taxi price. First, take the red line, then transfer to the green line at Okhotny Ryad, right in the center. I catch a new train; usually, this line is always old and noisy, impossible to ride without noise-canceling headphones. At the next stop, this character boards the train. I liked the interior lighting, which matches the vibe of Crocodile Gena. I didn’t notice that I wouldn’t make it to the final stop, Khovrino; everyone gets off at Sokol. Goodbye, green fellow traveler, I need to wait for the next train. By the way, this station is not called “Aeroport” by mistake; in 1938, when the metro opened, this was Moscow’s central international airport, Khodynka. Now it’s all built up, but the name remains. The next train pulls into the station, which is one of the noisier ones. I reach the final stop, Khovrino. If I follow the signs, there’s a stop for express buses to the airport near the exit. They are divided into those going to the southern and northern terminal complexes. Every time I use them, I notice the fare increases. If there are two or three people, it’s easier to take a taxi. Tickets can be bought right at the entrance to the bus. Departures are frequent, every 10-15 minutes, and the journey along the toll road takes about 20 minutes. At Sheremetyevo, the stop near Terminal C is not located right next to the entrance; you have to walk another 150 meters past the passenger exit gates, which causes a crush. I wish they moved the stop further away. I enter, go up to the second floor check-in area, see the Etihad logo on the counters, and immediately find myself at the back of a huge line. How did this happen? Two hours before departure. I need to go and check: is everyone really flying to Abu Dhabi? Indeed, there are two huge lines: one for baggage drop-off for those already checked in, and one for all the other passengers. I should have arrived a little earlier. The business class counters are empty and are welcoming people from the regular line. The Etihad crew appeared at check-in. Including the pilots, I counted 14 people. The uniforms are stylish, luxurious, and immediately convey the airline’s national and premium character . The crew was given baggage tags, each carefully attached them to their suitcases , and sent their luggage on its way along the carousel. For them, the flight to Moscow is a relay: the plane is being handed over to a fresh crew, who arrived here yesterday and have already had time to walk around and get some sleep. There are three pilots on the flight. The Captain has four stripes on his sleeve, and behind him stands a cadet with one stripe. The co- pilot, sporting three stripes, stood on the other side. Let’s wish the cadet a speedy rise to captain. A uniformed supervisor was stationed at a separate counter. I approached her with a quick question; she was friendly but unenthusiastic, sticking to the standard language and lacking enthusiasm. Oman Air was checking in at the adjacent counters, and they were somewhat sparsely populated. The business-class counters, inviting economy-class passengers to check in, were moving quickly, and after about 40 minutes, it was my turn. Because of the next flight to the US, the agent needed more time—checking my visa, address, and verifying my details. And then, just as he was tagging my baggage, I noticed: four S’s! A real jackpot. Such tags aren’t a coincidence. They represent potential adventures. And not the most pleasant ones. I passed through customs, border control, and security quickly. Immediately, I saw a plane out the window that would fly to Abu Dhabi. The airline has a long turnaround at Sheremetyevo. There are almost five hours between the arrival of a flight from the United Arab Emirates and the departure back . Typically, flights take two to three hours to turn around. I’m walking past the duty-free shop, my mind on the simple idea of ​​grabbing a bite to eat and finding some water. At this time, Sheremetyevo Airport is full of departures, the terminal is filled with people and resembles a living organism: buzzing, moving, breathing. A teddy bear sits in one of the cafes, seemingly as a decorative element and an attraction. It’s funny, but next to it, a sign with the stern words: “Do not touch!” is a bit… It’s not a threat, but in English it sounds downright aggressive. At least they let me look – and that’s a plus. I go in to get a bottle of still water. The price is 465 rubles for half a liter. Seriously? This is the business aviation terminal? Café Lalibela, you’re clearly in the wrong place. Words fail me. A couple of steps further, there’s a vending machine with exactly the same water, but for half the price. Although, to be honest, this price is twice as high as reasonable. There are no free water fountains in sight. Apparently, they’re either hidden or embarrassed. Let’s take a look at the plane that will be on the flight today. It’s a Boeing Dreamliner 787-9, manufactured in June 2019. It was sent straight from the factory to Etihad. It flies across the airline’s entire route network; before the flight to Moscow, it arrived from Frankfurt am Main, and then flew on to Jakarta. It’s clear that the crew has already taken their places in the cockpit and is getting ready for takeoff. I was at gate 125 exactly an hour before departure. The next flight was also to Abu Dhabi at noon , and then to Sukhumi. A few minutes later, the gate agents arrived, opened the doors , and began preparing. I was the first passenger to arrive at the counter. I stood there, a monument to impatience, and was starting to get on my nerves, as well as the agents. What if the plane took off without me? I tried to get others involved, but to no avail— I stood there for ten minutes in splendid isolation. On the plus side, I was allowed on the plane first. They scanned my boarding pass, checked my passport, and invited me to the boarding bridge. It felt odd to be alone, and just before boarding, a ground service agent appeared and told me the border check was still ongoing and I needed to wait. Everything was polite. While waiting, I noticed Etihad’s interesting interior: parquet floors and a dark wood galley. The sounds of familiar speech drift overhead; at least two of the crew members speak Russian. At the entrance, there’s the model and manufacturer logo. They check your boarding pass and direct you to the aisle nearest or farther. I’m seated on the right , so I’m in the far one. The cabin is dimly lit. The lighting seems deliberately dimmed , creating a cozy, upscale restaurant feel. And then suddenly—an aroma. Not the usual familiar scent, but something resembling salon perfume. It’s as if I’ve stepped into the lobby of an upscale resort hotel, not a plane. This is my first flight with this airline, and frankly, the first impression is strong. The seats are stylish, well-designed, and contoured. It’s clear they pay attention not only to technology, but also to the ambiance and experience. I immediately notice the passenger amenity kit, a substantial suitcase of comfort, thoughtfully packed by the airline for the trip. The blanket is neatly and lovingly folded. The pillow is large and soft, with a delicate satin pillowcase. It feels almost like home. The only thing missing is the cat. The headrests are interesting: one side is fixed, the other can move. I’ve never seen this layout before. The seat opposite has a large entertainment system screen and a small screen on the control panel. The panel has a headphone jack, a regular USB port, and a charger for various formats. A great set for a flight. There are also some goodies in a cute bag, designed in the green eco-livery of another 787. Inside are the usual: earplugs, a mask, socks, and some other things for a long-haul flight. My seat is in row 33, overlooking the Dreamliner’s crowning glory—its enormous composite wing. The wing is no simple one; during flight, it can bend upward by almost four meters. This isn’t a defect, but an engineering marvel. They continued loading containers into the baggage compartment, one after another. I counted twelve. A little more—and they began towing the airliner to the launch site. The captain came on the radio, greeted us in two languages, and announced the flight time to Abu Dhabi: five hours and fifteen minutes. Meanwhile , the apron was bustling with activity—three Southwind “Sevens” were being prepared for takeoff to Antalya, and a China Southern flight taxied past us on the runway—it was departing for Shenzhen. The airport wasn’t particularly busy at that hour: just a few takeoffs and landings. This allowed us to taxi to the runway quickly, without stopping, and begin takeoff immediately. The flight was only 15 minutes behind schedule. The takeoff roll was smooth, and so was the takeoff. I sat by the window overlooking the north: on one side, the sky was still in the white nights, and on the other, darkness seemed to be approaching. A strong contrast: the light didn’t give up, but the night was closing in. The climb was somewhat active, We made a deep right turn and headed back toward Moscow. The city at night was ablaze with lights, and even from above, dark spots were clearly visible—Losiny Island in the north and the Botanical Garden slightly to the right. The plane headed for Nizhny Novgorod, and near the city of Dzerzhinsk, it turned toward Samara. Service began almost immediately. They brought me the special fruit meal I’d pre-selected online. I chose it purely out of curiosity, since hunger doesn’t really bother me at 1 a.m. Everything was served in thick, branded plastic containers, and the fruit… well, fruit is just fruit. Even in economy, Etihad serves metal utensils. Ours, from what I’ve heard, have become more careful with that. The downside of pre-ordering is that once you’ve eaten everything, the real service begins. The crew offered everything at once: water, juice, soda, and a large selection of adult beverages, followed by the meal. I decided to try my luck and pretend I hadn’t eaten anything. You wouldn’t tell anyone, would you? I’m pretending to be a regular hungry passenger. Let’s see how well the economy class acting school works. The entertainment system offered several live TV channels. At that moment, a Formula 1 round was being broadcast, I think. Although, I admit, I’m not entirely sure about the live broadcast, but that’s what it said, the word “Live.” Meanwhile, my row had finally reached its turn. There were three options: chicken with mashed potatoes, rice with beef, and veggie pasta. The flight attendant, with obvious enthusiasm and attention, told each passenger what was being served that day. I chose the pasta. I didn’t finish it all, but the mango cheesecake was beyond praise. The portion size may not have been record-breaking, but the taste was quite high. I won’t mention handing over two trays; it turned out to be a separate operation. On overnight flights, this is almost a tradition: there will be a passenger who urgently needs the window open – wide open, in the middle of the darkness. The rest get a free sunrise – a couple of hours before wake-up time. The flight route was further east, over the Caspian Sea and Iran, near Tehran. Wi-Fi was available, and those registered in the airline’s loyalty program offer free messaging for the entire flight. Pictures don’t load, and text messages are easily sent on popular messaging apps. The captain wished everyone a good morning and announced excellent weather in Abu Dhabi for 6 a.m. – 30 degrees Celsius. We’ll begin our descent in 10 minutes and land in 35 minutes. The crew seemed rather lazy as they checked everyone’s seatbelts, the windows opened automatically, and the plane began maneuvering. A Google alert about our 37-minute delay appeared on my watch via the free Wi-Fi . Dubai Airport is visible below, and an Emirates A380, flying from Amsterdam, is flying overhead for landing. Beyond that, the city center with its skyscrapers. And the Parus Hotel, seen in the morning. It looks beautiful. A moment later, a palm tree appears. Looking down from above, you can’t imagine how it could all have been so precisely designed and built. The pilots begin a more aggressive descent and simultaneously deploy the airbrakes. The plane begins to shake. The screens ask me to rate the flight—a five, of course. I loved it! We make a few more right turns, extend the wing’s high-lift devices, and begin landing. I notice how actively one part of the wing works. Someone in the back loudly asks: why is there sand everywhere here? Closer to the airport, houses and green trees appear. What a complex wing, all the mechanisms working harmoniously for a safe landing. This view always fascinates me. As we taxi, the airport terminal building and an A321 from Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, parked on a remote stand, appear. Unfortunately, the airline has decided to close its base here in September 2025. Officially, it’s due to the hot climate; unofficially, it’s due to the lack of access to routes to India. An Etihad A321, which had arrived literally 10 minutes before us from Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, was taxiing. What a beautiful control tower! At first glance, it resembled an open sail. Graceful, smooth, as if the wind had already filled its shape. The internet says it’s 110 meters high. Impressive. Then came a long taxi along the apron. Several turns, slow traffic, the entire ground tour took about 15 minutes. Suddenly, my gaze caught a Boeing 737-800 in an unfamiliar livery. Badr Airlines. Wow. A Sudanese carrier! I’d never heard of them. As it turns out, they’re leaving for Port Sudan in an hour and a half. Finally, we reach the parking lot, the sun is already blinding, and it’s noticeably hot outside. Notice the concrete and the tire marks. Was someone drifting near the planes? As soon as we stopped, everyone immediately stood up and started getting ready to leave. About five minutes later, they invited us in and wished us a wonderful day. The plane’s cabin, in my opinion, remained quite clean after a five-hour flight. I liked Etihad’s economy class on a Boeing 787-9. Outside, under the jet bridge, a whole team of employees was already getting ready—they were supposed to tidy up the cabin. While it was hot inside the jet bridge, it was cool inside the terminal, and passengers were sleepily moving along the endless walkway toward the transfer area or the exit into the city. A quick glance at the 787-9 I arrived on in the daylight. It was parked near some distant exit. Having reached the center, where the fork in the road leads straight to the transfer station, down to the city, and out, I turned left and took the escalator toward the border. Although almost everyone on my flight was heading straight ahead. My next flight is in 18 hours, and I deliberately chose this connection because I wanted to arrive in the US on Saturday morning. I descended to the lower floors and saw the amazing airy architecture of the terminal. There was literally no one at the border except me; they didn’t ask me anything, they scanned my passport with my face and let me into the city without even showing my boarding pass. What a cool uniform, like a chandelier in a big museum. The baggage claim area is huge and deserted; anyone who claims it on the first belt will be out of luck; you can make up your daily allowance by stepping through. I exit into the city through the green corridor. My baggage is checked directly to New York—I won’t encounter it during my transfer. I have everything I need with me in my backpack. I don’t have any special plans ; I just need to get to the center, and then we’ll see. The fastest way, of course, is by taxi. But there’s also a regular bus. It’s early in the morning, and I’m in no hurry, so I head for public transport. I buy a 30-day Hafilat transport card at the counter. It costs 10 dirhams , and that’s the deposit from which trips are deducted. The employees on the street immediately ask where I’m going. I tell them I’m going to downtown Abu Dhabi. They point me to the A1 bus line. Everything is well-organized, but it’s hot standing. The people around me are mostly airport employees or migrant workers. I wasn’t the first one on the bus, but for some reason the driver reserved the front row for me. It was unexpected. The airport is far from the center, so it’s a 20-minute drive along the highway, with frequent stops. In total, the bus takes about an hour; by taxi it would have been 18 minutes. Everyone swipes their cards at the validator when entering and exiting. I swiped my own and still don’t understand how much was deducted. I suspect 3.72 dirhams. The final destination was the bus station in the city center. I get off and it’s unusually quiet. The atmosphere immediately feels different, not like in Dubai: everything here is calmer, more reserved, a more traditional Arab way of life. I open the map and type in the first thing that comes to mind – Starbucks. It turns out to be literally right next door. Let’s go there to escape the heat. I read somewhere about the lack of pedestrian infrastructure in Abu Dhabi, but no, this area has everything in order, with spacious sidewalks and pedestrian crossings. I won’t break the rules; there are no cars, but let’s wait for the traffic light to turn green for me. Starbucks is inside the Abu Dhabi Mall, which hasn’t opened yet, but the coffee shop should be open; it’s on the second floor off to the side. It’s definitely open, and there are even customers. I got a large black hot tea. I’ll spend some time in the coffee shop and charge my devices; I forgot them on the plane. I try to get the plug to work, but it doesn’t work. I forgot my British standard sockets in the Emirates . Colonial legacy… And I left the adapter at home. When I was planning such a long layover, I was planning to walk around all day, but the temperature and a sudden urge to sleep made adjustments. I found an inexpensive hotel nearby on trip.com for rubles and went there, hoping they’d check me in four hours earlier than the standard check-in time. The Kingsgate Hotel is located inside a residential block, next to a mosque and a large supermarket. I read the reviews—conflicting, but I really just need to take a shower and get a few hours of sleep. I checked in and went to my room. I managed to stop by the supermarket next to the hotel for some food. Let’s see the room. It’s cold, for such a price. The price was right – a luxurious room. And a full bath, too. I should have gone straight to the hotel. It had a view of the road, but it didn’t matter; the main thing was the blackout curtains. The windows didn’t open, so street noise was practically inaudible. I slept for a few hours, then did some errands, took a stroll around the neighborhood, and then it was 8 PM, time to leave for the airport. The bus stop was about a 10-minute walk away. It was so hot it felt like I was in a scorching oven, and a hot hairdryer was blowing in my face. By the time I reached the bus stop, I’d be completely wet, so I decided to take a taxi to the airport. And then something bad happened. About 20 minutes ago, I suddenly realized I’d forgotten my driver’s license in Moscow, both my Russian and international ones. Of course, I had plans for a rental car in the US, but that’s not going to happen due to the impossibility of fast mail service and other reasons making it impossible to transfer the license quickly. So my plans will change dramatically. The lesson here is to not rush packing and remember the checklist, which, by the way, I had. Well, it didn’t work. I opened the Careem app and called a taxi. The estimated price was 97 dirhams. Instead of a driver, the interface listed “Your Captain Binod” in a gray Chinese SUV. My captain was literally around the corner, and twenty minutes later we were approaching the airport. I mistakenly selected the old terminal in the app, but Binod clarified my destination and took me to the new, main one. From the outside, the terminal resembles sand dunes—as if blended into the desert landscape of the Emirates. No barriers, tickets, or countdowns like we have here. He drove up and dropped me off under awnings to protect me from the sun. Calmly, with confidence. I walked into the terminal, into the check-in area. Wow. Spacious and beautiful. I read online that the building has received two prestigious architectural awards: the title of the most beautiful airport in the world and recognition as the best example of international public architecture. In my opinion, this truly is a new level of transport hub design. When spaceships appear, almost nothing will need to be redesigned for interplanetary flights. I look at the boarding board, needing to figure out where check-in is. I already have my boarding pass in hand; they gave it to me in Moscow. I want to know how full the plane is and whether I can occupy three seats. Flight 001, departure at 2:35 AM, check-in is in Zone C. I go to the counters, but they seem empty. Either there will be free seats, or everyone is flying with a transfer. I inquire and receive some unpleasant news: the plane is completely full, and they can’t offer me a better seat than mine. They require a mandatory tag on my backpack. Border formalities in Abu Dhabi are simple and quick: I scan my passport, smile for the camera, and proceed to the security screening area. No need to take off my shoes or take my laptop out of my backpack; they have modern scanners that scan everything anyway. And then there’s a huge duty-free department store, difficult to navigate, and I noticed the prices—everything has gotten more expensive. The space resembles a luxury shopping mall, a food court, small shops in the middle, and expensive brands, far more luxurious than, say, Hong Kong. The terminal spreads out like a giant X, with four corridors with boarding gates radiating outward. The space is vast, and if you’re in a hurry, the journey will turn into a real marathon. Each gate has soft, comfortable chairs, a far cry from the plastic or metal rows you see at most airports. I walk to the far end of Concourse C and notice signs that say “US Preclearance.” This is a rare and almost unique feature of Abu Dhabi: the US border is crossed right before boarding, and a flight to New York technically becomes domestic. This is a first for me—we’ll see how it all works. Nearby, there’s an information board with a map of all the airports where this procedure is available. Most are in Canada, the Caribbean, and just two spots in Ireland. Two and a half hours before departure, the passage to this area was opened. Business class walked along a straight path, while economy class was sent on a zigzag walk—so everyone could enjoy the moment. We entered the room, and the writing on the walls clearly hinted: you’re almost “in America” ​​now. At the beginning of the video, my boarding pass and baggage tag had a mark with four S’s. This signified random selection for secondary screening. I was taken to a separate area, asked to wait, and asked where I was flying from. I asked about the countries I’d visited in the last month, and then spent about ten minutes thoroughly inspecting every thread of my clothing and every compartment of my backpack. The remaining passengers underwent a standard security check. Next, everyone was invited into a waiting area and led in small groups into the main area, where US Border Patrol officers were already working. The atmosphere was as if we were already in New York. The border agent noticed my four S’s, scanned my passport and visa, asked for my fingerprints, and led me to a separate windowless room with fully air-conditioned equipment. At the border, the officer asked several questions: where would I be staying? How long would I be staying? What was my occupation? He asked directly what the name of the hotel was, and then when and what flight I was flying back. And then the next question was: “When was the last time I was in the US?” And the final question was: what do I do in my everyday life? And after that he asked: “Are you carrying fruits and vegetables?” The answer was: “No.” And he sent me for another check in order to fill out a declaration, as I understand it, at customs. There I spent another 5 minutes and everything was already in this zone, as you can imagine: on US territory in the United Arab Emirates. I left there right behind the duty-free, a little nervous after many questions and this whole procedure. In the departure area of ​​flights to the USA, there are only a few boarding gates, and they are located in such a way that the plane on the apron is almost invisible from the huge windows . There is an hour and a half before departure – they are preparing the beautiful A350-1000, which has to cover about eleven thousand kilometers. In the waiting area there is a small store and a compact cafe. The crew leaves border control, they go through it equally with passengers. An impressive team works on the flight: I counted 14 flight attendants and three pilots, and maybe even more. An hour before departure, passengers with restrictions were invited to board, Business class and parents with children. Next up were passengers in the last rows, and everyone else was loudly and sternly told to wait for a further invitation. There was a slight delay at the entrance; I noticed many passengers were carrying bags that were clearly oversized. By the door were stickers with the airline’s international awards. Judging by my feelings after the flight from Moscow, these awards were well deserved. The cabin greeted me with a soft twilight light, as if the sun had just disappeared overboard. It felt like evening. Are they orienting themselves by the time at their arrival point? The seats are austere, the backrests seem higher than on a Boeing 787, and the entertainment system screens are gigantic. The cabin is so long, you can’t see where the end is… I looked online; the length of the A350-1000 modification is only 1.6 meters shorter than the longest passenger Airbus A340-600, and that, as I recall, was one continuous flying “sausage.” At check-in, I chose row 47 for a good view of the wing. Ideally, I would be alone in a block of three seats, But we already know about the full plane . Too bad. The headrests, like on the previous flight, are fixed on one side – an interesting solution after all. But the seat pitch, in my opinion, isn’t the greatest – it was a little more on the Dreamliner. But the screen in front of your eyes gives you the feeling – like in a small movie theater. Two USB ports, a headphone jack, but I couldn’t find a regular outlet, even after checking under the seat. I noticed – the plane is still being refueled. As far as I remember, in Russia, when passengers are on board, there are strict restrictions and additional requirements, such as a fire engine and an additional ramp. Here, the process is proceeding calmly. The division into zones works perfectly: the entire flow of passengers is sent straight to the back, and only then the front rows gradually fill. Hardly had everyone boarded, the first traces of passenger “souvenirs” already appeared in the aisles. And the pleasant aroma of the cabin began to mingle with the light aroma of some spices – no doubt a peculiarity of transfer passengers. The screens showed: it is now six o’clock in New York. In terms of the atmosphere in the plane’s cabin – It was already evening. After a delay of about fifteen minutes, the jet bridges were pulled back and towing began. The captain came on the radio, greeted us briefly, and announced that the flight would be about 13.5 hours, and would provide more information before landing at John F. Kennedy Airport . The safety instructions were shown on the screens in the cabin—one after another. Several languages. They started up and began a slow taxi. The plane’s heaviness was especially noticeable before such a long flight: the maximum takeoff weight of this type is 316 tons. This is less than that of the Boeing 777-300ER, but still impressive. I like the small seat belt indicator screens on the A350 – they look modern and stylish. On the apron, we passed an An-124 cargo plane belonging to Maximus Air Cargo from the UAE. This aircraft frequently flies between Abu Dhabi, Africa , and Asia. We stood in line for takeoff for another twenty minutes. At this time, the airport was unexpectedly busy – traffic flowed one after another, as if it were rush hour. Even at night, the heat outside and the heavy takeoff weight affected the takeoff run – the takeoff roll was long and the climb was smooth. About twenty minutes after takeoff, the main lights were turned on and a reminder was given that the Wi-Fi was working. Full access with unlimited data for the entire flight cost $25, and loyalty program members were offered a free messaging package. I popped into the restroom. The decor was clearly designer : tiles like an oriental spa. But there were no extra amenities or gifts for passengers – only hand soap. A video appeared on the screens: “You will now be given trays with food. Eat and put them back.” The tone and approach were like those of a kindergarten group. Perhaps this is a way to be as understandable as possible for all audiences? Next, they handed out trays with food : a sandwich, dessert, and water, and offered drinks: juices, sodas, and spirits. I drank the water and fell asleep. Everyone was given the same amenity kit with a mask and earplugs as on the previous flight. My goal is to get as much sleep as possible. I opened my eyes as we were flying over Tunisia; the flight is still over eight hours. Let’s open the window and look at the sky and the earth. It was deserted and unseen. Many people in the cabin were already awake and pacing back and forth. Pure luck—the person in front of me didn’t touch the backrest, so I had a little more space the entire flight. My seatmates were asleep, so I didn’t disturb them for a stroll. An hour later, service began again. It was an expanded format: a girl poured a wide selection of drinks from one cart, including tea and coffee, while a guy in front of her served hot meals. Everything happened quickly, and each passenger received their food and drinks almost simultaneously. Judging by the time, it was breakfast. The choice was chicken sausages or a vegetarian dish. The latter had a mystery in its ingredients, but had a distinct Indian accent. It felt unusual to me, but my neighbor from Hyderabad liked it. Tea is served in sturdy cardboard cups and always with a wooden stick—most likely for stirring the sugar. The strength of the tea also seemed a local specialty. The serving size was a bit small. The crew is back with drinks—another chance to choose tea, coffee, or something stronger. With seven more hours to go, I can finally finish watching that TV series I’ve always been running behind schedule. Ibiza, a place said to be home to endless parties, is leaving the plane behind. I didn’t manage to check my seat pocket during the night, but I later rectified the omission: inside was a thick, well-made safety manual, good-quality headphones, and an amenity kit, already gutted before bed. The next four hours passed in a half-sleep. On the way to the restroom, I popped into the back galley—they’re preparing another meal, even having separate superhero boxes for the kids. The entertainment system has both movies and cartoons in Russian. I didn’t have much choice on the third meal: just lamb with rice, dessert, a small salad similar to Olivier, a bun, butter, and water. There’s plenty of food for a long flight, but the dry air can dampen your appetite. Most of the passengers are from India and Pakistan. The woman sitting next to me told me that Etihad has the lowest prices on flights to the US, while Air India’s direct flights are twice as expensive, and American airlines don’t fly to them because of the closure of Russian airspace. We began our descent. Long Island and the JFK airport were visible. The pilot said good morning and announced that we would arrive at JFK 15 minutes earlier than planned, and the gate was ready and waiting. The crew, without much enthusiasm , checked our seatbelts and asked us to open the window shades. We briefly descended over the ocean, made a right turn, deployed the high-lift flaps, and began our approach to JFK’s right runway, 31. Under the wing The boardwalk, Long Island Station, and then the green web of canals, islands, and marshes of the preserve. Above the American suburbs, the gaze involuntarily glides over hundreds of blue rectangles of swimming pools and the perfectly formed diamonds of baseball fields—their shapes instantly recognizable. The landing gear touched down gently, followed by a sharp braking and an equally sharp maneuver to leave the runway. JFK is a perpetual dance of airplanes, where every move must be quick but impeccably precise. A Delta CRJ-900, the “long baby” of regional jets, arrives from Cleveland, Ohio, and passes us . Behind it, a JetBlue plane , arriving from sunny Tampa, Florida. I’ll have to fly that airline sometime . And two more JetBlue planes in the frame: one A320, approaching for landing, arrived from Santiago de los Caballeros, the Dominican Republic; I’ve never heard of it. The second A320 is getting ready to depart for Orlando, Florida. An El Al 787-9 is meeting it at the terminal. It arrived from Tel Aviv yesterday and won’t fly back until tomorrow—they have Saturdays off, according to the canons of Shabbat. Respect for tradition is right there in the schedule. Next up is an Emirates Airbus A380. A week ago, it suffered an engine failure while flying over the Atlantic, but the flight ended safely. There’s a lot of news about it, and there’s even a recording of the crew’s conversations. After that, the plane was sent to Dubai for servicing, but was parked at Kennedy for a week. Behind it is a plane from Kenya. Nearby are the regional flight gates: looking down, it’s like looking down from the second floor. It’s always amazing how many regional flights there are in the US. Next up is a LATAM Boeing 787-9 from São Paulo, a nine-hour flight. A phone was once stolen right in the center of this city. We taxi to the terminal: next to us is an Air India Boeing 777, which arrived from Mumbai an hour ago. I like the airline’s livery for its mystery; they used to have decorative “houses” above the windows. An apron attendant is animatedly waving his stick, as if conducting his own taxiing rhythm. I hope not. As soon as we stopped, passengers immediately got up from their seats and started trying to walk even a meter faster than their neighbors. I noticed that while our cones are orange, here they are bright green. I wonder why? Hello, New York. The flight was sleepy. And perhaps it’s even better that we landed early in the morning. Well, more accurately, not early; we landed at 9:00 am. About 25 minutes early. The whole day lies ahead. There’s no customs or border control at the exit, so you don’t have to rush. And good thing, you have time to appreciate the “landscape” behind you: trash, candy wrappers, and even life jackets strewn under your seats. The crew smiles as you leave, but their eyes say, “We know, this happens a lot here.” It’s one thing to accidentally drop something. But when a personal trash heap grows under your feet for the entire flight, it’s, to put it mildly, exotic. I’d like to say a few harsh words, but they remain unsaid. I’ll chalk it all up to the tiring flight and, perhaps, the fact that for some, this was their first flight, and it’s certainly not for me to judge their knowledge of basic etiquette. Cleaning won’t be a cakewalk for the cleaning staff. At the exit, you can admire the A350-1000 in daylight. This is the second A350-1000 aircraft delivered to Etihad’s fleet in 2019. He mostly flies long-haul flights to the US or Asia, and occasionally makes short flights to India. A long, handsome man. In the background is the AirTrain, which is exactly what I need after checking my luggage. “Welcome to America” ​​was 15 hours ago, and now I’m entering the departures area as a domestic passenger . If I had a connecting flight, I could go straight to my gate and board the plane without any security . This format is extremely convenient for passengers. My first arrival in America is stress-free. I follow the signs for “city exit” and ” baggage claim belts.” Here at carousel 10, baggage claim has already begun, and it’s jam-packed. There’s a sign about new rates; if you order a taxi or a transport company to the airport, an extra $1.25 or $2 will be added to your fare. The wait for baggage was about 10 minutes; it was released in one of the last batches, when the area was empty. Everything looks fine; most likely, it was opened because of the SSSS. No technical problems. Onward to the AirTrain interterminal train. Another view from the window A350-1000. I read online that more than half of the fuselage and major structural elements are made of composite materials, and about 14% are titanium. This was once a TWA terminal, and now it’s a hotel with a pool overlooking the entire apron. It’s a dream for aviation enthusiasts, and a must-do item someday. I’m in New York for a couple of days, staying at a hotel in the center, just steps from Times Square. I still have a few hours until check-in. Google Maps promises an hour’s journey—a train to the subway, then the blue line straight to the center. Qatar and Cathay Pacific planes are parked next to the American Airlines terminal—the OneWorld alliance in person. Beyond the hangars, El Al’s second Dreamliner, which arrived from Tel Aviv on Friday and is preparing for a midnight departure on Sunday, sits. The Sabbath rule is strictly observed. The AirTrain, connecting the terminals, parking lots, and car rental area, is free. But the ride to the metro station is already paid. Leaving the airport resembles a regular elevated subway: a five-minute walk among residential buildings and roads, and I’m already at the major transportation hub of Jamaica Station. Here you can transfer to the subway or commuter trains that connect New York with the nearby major suburbs. An exit into the city costs $4.25, which is cheaper than the Aeroexpress bus from the Khovrino metro station to Sheremetyevo. My first expense on this trip. Finally, I can pay by phone with a linked foreign bank card. This was previously impossible. I head for the E line – it’s marked in blue. I need to walk along the street. As I exit, a mixture of smells immediately hits my face: hot dogs, roasted nuts, dust, metal, the aroma of brake pads and tires. All this mixed with the sounds of ambulance sirens – classic Brooklyn. And it’s wonderful. Wow – now you can use the subway and pay by card or phone! And yet, just recently, everyone lived with a classic yellow MetroCard, which either wouldn’t read or would demagnetize, as if on purpose. Hurray, progress! The station is mostly occupied by tourists. The announcement comes over the loudspeaker : trains are not running toward Manhattan due to some kind of construction. Google Maps immediately suggests: if you have a paid subway ride, you can transfer to a commuter train. The station is nearby, there is no choice, so I head there. On the second track, in three minutes, there is a train to Penn Station. Downtown Manhattan, I think. There is no time to check the time, so I get on. The air conditioning is chilling, just like in the Arctic in winter, there are plenty of empty seats, but I need somewhere to put my suitcase. Only one question hangs in the air: what should I do with the ticket now, if I entered the subway by phone? Then a ticket inspector appears. Here he is behind me. The inspector knew about the situation on the subway and asked me to show my e-wallet that the ride was paid. After that, he wished me a safe journey. Fifteen minutes later, the train stops at the final stop. Penn Station is short for Pennsylvania Station. You’re frozen in the train car during the ride, and on the platform, the heat from the heated trains hits you immediately. Here you can transfer to trains to New Jersey or long-distance Amtrak trains. There are no turnstiles at the exit—tickets are checked right in the car by conductors. All the tracks and platforms are underground , and above them is the famous Madison Square Garden arena. It sounds convenient, but finding the exit to the street is a whole other quest. Here it is: the rush of air, the street smells of New York—everything the same as Brooklyn, only with the added sticky heat and loud conversations of passersby. Everyone is rushing, discussing something loudly. Two minutes to reconnoiter. The map shows: up 8th Avenue, about eight blocks. Here you can already feel the pulse of the city: yellow taxis flicker among the perpetual street repairs, architecture in its various manifestations is everywhere, from street art to advertising structures that have become part of the urban scene. All this is a complex mixture of modernity and turn-of-the-century buildings, where concrete, steel, and the obligatory fire escapes form a special visual symphony. I come across the New York Times building, a beautiful façade, and a noisy but small demonstration is taking place in front of the entrance. It’s best to skip the main crux of the complaints. From Eighth Avenue, I cross to Ninth Avenue – and there’s a tall hotel building. In the summer, finding a reasonable price in New York is almost impossible. On average, prices start at $200-250 per night for a small room with less than stellar reviews; hostels aren’t much cheaper. The best deal for my dates was on Trip.com. I chose based on location in Manhattan, price, and relatively positive reviews. I booked the Pod Times Square hotel. It was about $150 per night, including taxes and fees. I paid with a MIR card in rubles. First, you have to enter the elevator from the street, go up, and only then do you find yourself at the hotel reception. Pod is a small hotel chain where everything is minimalist and no-frills—something between a hotel and a hostel, but they still have a private room. At reception, they asked for a foreign bank card and froze a $50 deposit. They’ll return it eventually. Check-in is at 2:00. I asked if I could leave my luggage. The answer was yes, but the employee seriously asked for a tip… for opening the door to the storage room next to the reception area, and I put my suitcase down myself. Tips are a sensitive topic, and should be discussed separately. I didn’t have any small bills with me, but I promised to bring some when I returned. With about two hours left before check-in, I decided to take a stroll. A few blocks from the hotel is a green promenade on the site of old railroad tracks. I head there. At its end is the architectural heart of the neighborhood and a point of attraction: a 16-story structure called Vessel. The name can be translated as “vessel,” “bowl,” or even “ship.” According to the creators, it is an empty form filled with people, their movement, their emotions. Without them, it is just steel and geometry; with them, it is a living organism. It looks impressive. Everyone takes photos. There is an entrance fee, about $10. And if you want to see the sunrise or sunset, you need to book in advance. I turn around and head back. This park is called the High Line. Freight trains once rumbled here , and today it is one of the most atmospheric gardens in New York. The tracks stretched directly above the streets, as if on a viaduct, and served the warehouses and factories of Chelsea: dairies, meatpacking plants, printing houses. The cars drove right into the buildings. In the 1990s, they wanted to demolish the line, calling it an industrial relic that was deforming the city. But local activists managed to preserve it, turning it into a symbol of the “rebirth” of industrial New York. Some views make you stop in your tracks. The Empire State Building towers over the city, embodying its energy and spirit. Somewhere up there is an observation deck. Chelsea is a special treat. You walk through the park, admiring the art objects, and along the way, you accidentally glance into the windows of galleries and apartments. What can you do, it’s tempting. Warehouses have long since been transformed into designer lofts and coffee shops with a view, and houses of old brick now boast panoramic windows of expensive interiors. A place where completely different lives easily intersect. At the very end is a market, but I don’t need to go there. I walk back down the street toward the hotel. I see a pizzeria with a huge line. I move closer – of course, it’s Joe’s Pizza. The same one where Peter Parker worked in between saving the world. Now I understand. I’ll have to watch it again. I move on and catch myself thinking – when was the last time I raised my hand to hail a cab? Everything has been done through apps for a long time. And here it’s like in the movies: one wave, and a yellow car pulls up to the curb. New York is still in shape – like an athlete’s heart, strong, pulsating, alive. At exactly two o’clock I receive my room card. Eleventh floor – let’s see what kind of luxury I get for this money in the height of tourist season. The main thing is that you have your own toilet and shower, no need to go anywhere. Towels, a mini-set of shampoo – everything is in place. Oh, unexpectedly: a bunk bed, like in a reserved seat carriage. An interesting approach. There’s a TV on each tier, and the mattresses look voluminous. Sleeping should be quite comfortable. I need to choose between the cheaper one on the second floor or the more expensive one below, or is the reserved seat carriage the same price? The window doesn’t open, so the street sounds don’t penetrate . The room is cool. After all, I just need a place to sleep. Everything is fine. I got some sleep and at sunset went to the store, which is located in Grand Central Station. I pass the PanAm Building – the former headquarters of the legendary Pan American airline; it used to have a different logo. Now it houses an insurance company office. At the entrance to the station, there are again many yellow taxis. Passengers get off the trains, some immediately jump into a car. It’s easy to recognize one: a license plate glows on the roof – this means the car is available. What can I say – Grand Central is impressive. Even the street names sound pompous: Vanderbilt Avenue! And that’s before you even notice the giant eagle with outspread wings on the station’s façade. From the outside, it looks like a palace. Inside, it’s like being somewhere in Rome, only with air conditioning and iPhones. All this splendor hasn’t just been preserved—it’s alive. The ticket booths look like art objects: brass bars, glass, plaques with inscriptions. But everything is real—tickets are sold, just like a hundred years ago. In the city, history isn’t put on display; it continues to function. You should have stopped by the Apple store—it’s integrated into the station so seamlessly, as if it’s always been there. The integration of architecture and modernity is incredible. The next morning. Breakfast is not provided at the hotel —good thing. Not far away, I saw a branch of a cult cafe that has been making arguably the best bagels for over a century, according to tourists, of course. The original is in the East Village; I’ve been there a long time ago—it’s cramped, there’s always a line. Apparently, they decided to expand a bit. Russ & Daughters is all about bagels and fish. It’s simple and complex at the same time. First, you have to choose the bread – I go for the classic “Everything Bagel,” which in Russian is probably a “bagel with everything”: poppy seeds, sesame seeds, onions, garlic, salt. Next, I choose the fish. Selected salmon from around the world in various formats. I choose Nova Scotia Lox, the classic, and Canadian lightly salted. Then there’s always cream cheese, but there’s a whole page to choose from. Everything is hand-picked, and you can ask for other ingredients. The price of one bagel is the same as for lunch. But this is New York 2025. The city has never been cheap. I open the package – it’s perfect, a work of art. The crunch of the crust, the springy, not rubbery bread. A thin layer of perfect cream cheese. And the tender, almost weightless salmon. You want to freeze and remember this moment. Moments like these are what make waking up in this city worthwhile. My schedule these days has been packed: almost 35,000 steps daily. Incidentally, the subway seemed cleaner than before. Trains run frequently, without delays, and I haven’t encountered any of the safety issues people usually write about on social media. Perhaps this is all outside the city center, or maybe it’s just the internet hyping it up. The only thing is, going underground in the heat is difficult. The platforms are stuffy, almost like a sauna, and the air conditioning in the cars is on full blast. The temperature difference is drastic, and you might even catch a cold at first.
I looked at the city from the Brooklyn side—it’s especially photogenic from this angle. I also noticed: steam, like in the movies, is there and actually coming out of manholes on the streets. Somewhere on a quiet street, somewhere in the middle of Fifth Avenue, not far from Central Park and the Plaza Hotel. These aren’t special effects, but rather faults in the city’s steam heating system. In the evening, Times Square is, as always, crowded. It’s hard to squeeze through; tourists are everywhere, with flashing advertisements and animations everywhere. Your eyes can’t keep up with the flow, and at some point you can’t even tell where to look or what’s going on. But the atmosphere is surprisingly warm. Everything around you is energizing. You want to look up, stand, observe, and smile. Groups of young people dance, make TikToks. It’s not always clear who they are, but that’s the essence of this world-famous place—a constant performance. In some areas, there are outdoor tables for everyone. If you’re lucky enough to find one, you can settle in, watch the action, and feel like a spectator in the middle of a big performance. The next morning was perfect: cool, gray, and slightly rainy. The time difference made itself felt—I woke up early, had a simple sandwich from the store, and headed to Central Park. Until noon, everyone here is running, stretching, and breathing. This kind of New York morning discipline is inspiring! Since then, whenever I return to Moscow, I try to repeat this habit at least a little. Near the park is one of the largest and most famous art museums in the world. I’ve been wanting to visit it for a long time, especially after reading “The Goldfinch.” Why not now? The building is huge, it’s impossible to see everything in a few hours. I chose several rooms. I lingered for a long time near Rembrandt’s works, especially the self-portrait. And also several paintings by Pablo Picasso. You can get almost right up close to the paintings. Some spaces make you want to explore for hours. If it weren’t for the high cost of living in New York, I ‘d gladly stay an extra day just to spend it here. There’s also a large Egyptian hall, but personally For me, Egypt is something you really have to see in Egypt itself. Prices in New York aren’t the most affordable—pizzerias typically charge upwards of $10 for a slice. So it was surprising to see a sign saying $1.50 right outside the hotel. And judging by the number of customers, it’s a popular place. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles immediately come to mind—their love of pizza was truly touching. Of course, they preferred unusual flavors, but I chose a classic—a margherita. Exactly what you’d expect: a thin, crispy base, gooey cheese, and you can taste every ingredient. A pleasure with a hint of nostalgia. And around the corner at the intersection, there’s a small ice cream truck. It makes a distinctive, slightly squeaky sound, attracting children. I couldn’t resist: a classic cone dipped in cherry topping. Yes, it’s greasy. But so delicious. I still remember it. My final evening in the city. I decided to spend it on Broadway – to see a musical. There’s a special service that offers tickets at a reduced price on the day of the performance – those that haven’t sold out in advance. Sometimes you can get into a top show at a big discount. At the box office, I asked for advice: “Which show should I choose?” The cashier recommended the musical “& Juliet” and said with a smile, “I’m lucky – I got a great seat in the stalls.” An hour later, I walked into the theater – it’s not far from Times Square. The audience was mostly American tourists. I quickly read the description: the plot is built on the question – what if Juliet decided not to follow Romeo? The actors’ performances were amazing, the singing was good, and I was especially impressed by Gianna Harris as Juliet. Her voice, her delivery, everything was top-notch. But the plot itself turned out to be full of unexpected interpretations and scenes. The audience was alternately laughing and tense. Some of the audience members closed their eyes, others shook their heads and repeated, “No, no way…” Interpretations vary. This evening will definitely be remembered. The musical is over, it’s late, I want to sleep, but New York doesn’t sleep. That’s how I saw the city this summer. A few observations. Tipping has penetrated new spheres. Where once it was a gesture of gratitude, now it seems almost obligatory. And the amount expected of you has grown noticeably. But ideally, it should be based on merit, and not the default. And secondly, food. Prices have almost doubled. Even in regular supermarkets. This is where the part of the flight to the USA ends, thank you very much for watching! But I don’t want to make a separate video – I’ll add a few shots of the return flight to Moscow. The story begins a few weeks later – already in Chicago. Before the flight, I stay at the Hyatt Regency Chicago O’Hare. A huge concrete massif – classic brutalist modernism of the late 60s. Back then, it seemed like this was exactly what the bright future would look like. I prefer the definition of ” traveler’s fortress.” Someone online wittily called this place “a concrete cathedral for air travelers” who just need a place to spend the night. It’s mostly frequented by those with connecting flights or attending events at the nearby convention center. Some of the rooms have decorations and props hanging on their doors—it looks like they’re home to participants in some competition or festival. The size of the hotel is indicated by the luggage parking lot for those whose rooms aren’t ready yet. It’s located in Rosemont, a ten-minute walk from the metro station, from where you can reach downtown Chicago in about 40 minutes. There are plenty of other hotels nearby, including a large outlet mall with shops. O’Hare Airport has eight runways; imagine, it can handle 2,800 flights a day. My flight leaves at 1:00 PM. At 11 AM, I board the free shuttle near the hotel entrance. They run literally every 10 minutes because of the constant flow of guests from this huge hotel. Terminal 5, where my flight departs first, is number 5. I tipped the driver two dollars for helping me get my suitcase, and another passenger left me ten. I followed the signs; the check-in area was just like on my flight here, with lots of passengers from India and Pakistan. The line moved quickly; in just 15 minutes, they checked my passport, issued a boarding pass, and attached a baggage tag to my suitcase. Etihad allows two checked bags per passenger, weighing 23 kg each, for flights to the US. The next step is the careful and mandatory TSA screening. I passed through it quickly, and then I was in the check-in area. Departure. My closest gate is for a flight to Abu Dhabi. Through the window, I can see an A350-1000, already being prepared for takeoff. There are 40 minutes until boarding, so I can walk around and look around. The plane is the same type that flew to New York at the very beginning of this video. Incidentally, this is the very first A350-1000, delivered to Etihad in 2019. It is now being prepared for the long flight back to Abu Dhabi. On the apron, I noticed the markings – there is an impressive list for different aircraft types. But at first, I mistook a jacket thrown on a signal cone for an apron employee, sadly alone. Three pilots are walking through the terminal building, a suitcase is carrying a LOT Polish airline’s repair bag, and on one of the stands is their Boeing 787-8, getting ready to depart on a flight to Warsaw, an eight-and-a-half-hour flight. An A321Neo belonging to the Mexican airline Viva, which arrived from Mexico City, was taxiing. I noticed the right engine was shut down during taxi. There were a lot of public service announcements in the terminal; I support such formats. Meanwhile, boarding had already begun in groups. Economy passengers were called first, those with seats further than row 45, which included me. On the return flight, I was sitting on the right, in row 48. The plane is identical, and the legroom hasn’t changed. A United Boeing 767-300ER, which arrived early this morning from London, is being towed on the apron. They are most likely towing it to Terminal 1, where United flights depart, from where, incidentally, it departed for London again that evening. The plane is 32 years old and looks great. An Austrian Airlines Boeing 787-8 is taxiing from Vienna. Somehow I missed the moment when Austrian Airlines started using Dreamliners. The flight took nine hours. A Lufthansa A350 arrived from Munich. I’m still getting used to the airline’s new colors, without the familiar yellow circle on the tail. And now an American Airlines Boeing 787-8, which arrived from Naples, Italy. I remembered reading a news story recently about how American Airlines switched the aircraft to a 9-series version of the 8-series at the last minute for a flight to Naples, and that became a problem. It turned out that Naples Airport is only certified for the 8-series version, and the extended 9-series is no longer suitable for the fire and rescue category or the runway length. The crew learned of this literally just before landing and was forced to divert to Rome. Passengers who had been flying overseas for more than eight hours were eventually transferred to buses. On my flight, boarding had already been completed, all the announcements had been made, and the towing operation had begun while I was watching the planes . The captain contacted me and said there were two captains on the flight today: Oscar and Louis, and first officer Matthew. It’s a long flight – 14 hours and 15 minutes. We took off and began taxiing, and an A330 from Rome, ITA, was parked near the terminal. I like the all-blue livery, but not the name; the previous one, Alitalia, sounded right at home. Behind it was an AeroMexico 737-800, which had arrived from Mexico’s second-largest city, Guadalajara. As far as I know, it’s the country’s cultural capital, like St. Petersburg for us; I’d love to visit. A Southwest 737-800 arrived from Denver. For some reason, their livery evokes warmth and love in my mind. How cute, an airline I’ve never flown on before. An A320Neo Frontier in a livery featuring a possum named Joey. Each of their planes has its own unique animal and name, neatly painted on the nose. This one flew in from Houston, and in a few hours Joey will be heading to San Diego. We taxi past the regional gates. As in New York, the jet bridges here are unusually low. I wonder how exactly they connect to the plane—after all, they’re both a door and a jet bridge—they’re essentially the same thing? An American Airlines bus; I couldn’t make out the tail number. I saw on blogger Noel Phillips that the airline offers travel by bus instead of plane on some regional flights. I’ll leave a link to this video. You buy a plane ticket to visit relatives, and part of the journey is spent without leaving the ground. In the background, I notice a hotel, which probably offers a stunning view of both the apron and several runways. A small Embraer, arriving from Little Rock, Arkansas. Formally, the flight is an American Airlines flight, but it’s operated under the American brand. A Boeing 757-200, arriving from Edinburgh. Despite The airline uses its narrow-body design extensively on transatlantic routes. A CRJ-200 from Kirksville, Missouri, was landing on the adjacent runway. Without stopping, they began a long takeoff roll, followed by a smooth takeoff. Long after takeoff, numerous Chicago suburbs were visible beneath the wing. I was hoping to see Lake Michigan, but clouds prevented that. It took about 30 minutes to climb, and as soon as the seatbelt sign went out, service began. I noticed that the drink selection was more varied than on the New York flight, or perhaps I just didn’t notice. Most of the bottles were hidden behind a black cover, but the selection was extensive. For the main course, they offered chicken with something and a vegetarian option, which I chose. The food was geared toward passengers flying to India and Pakistan: rice with paneer cheese in curry sauce. Salad and dessert. An hour later, everyone was asked to close the window shades and the lights were turned off. The galley at the tail of the plane offered passengers a small snack bar offering Oreos, juices, water, and hot drinks. One side of the space was used for prayer and was cordoned off separately. The flight attendants offered to take out the trash themselves, which I don’t recall seeing on other flights. The level of service was excellent; the crew was constantly offering every possible improvement; it was enough to make eye contact. Mid-flight, they offered dessert and a sandwich. I slept for about five hours, and then breakfast began before landing. I had a choice between a chicken omelet and palak paneer with rice, which I chose. If you’re not a fan of Indian cuisine, it’s best to order a meal in advance, as most passengers flying to the US originate from that region. Near Abu Dhabi, we had a beautiful approach; we flew over the bay and a huge water park, where we could see vacationers, and the vacationers, accordingly, could see the planes perfectly. Excellent spotting from the pool. And over the roof of the Ferrari World complex. I’m planning to go there; everyone’s saying they like it. Right behind it is the runway where the plane, significantly lighter after a 14-hour flight, landed smoothly. As they say, “Show me the heat outside without saying it out loud.” The employee’s clothes look like they’re from the world of Dune. They started unloading containers. They said the outside temperature was 42 degrees, and I didn’t want to get out. I was eager to see how the plane’s cabin would be different after the return flight from the US, and, to my disappointment, it was just as dirty as on the outbound flight. It’s sad. Passengers throw everything at their feet. The return flight was somehow difficult; it was the dead of night Chicago time, and I wanted to hurry back to the hotel to sleep. The flight to Moscow wasn’t right away; I had some business in the Emirates. The departure was overnight flight EY841, and, looking out the window, I saw an interesting aircraft near the gate: this 787-10, decorated with a unique green “Greenliner” livery. This eco-conscious design emphasizes the eco-friendliness of modern aircraft like the Dreamliner. I saw this plane once, I think, in Phuket, and it would have been great to fly on it to Moscow. The cabin was fully booked, we departed on time, and in-flight meals began serving two hours before landing at Sheremetyevo, with a choice between an omelet and a sweet brioche. Dessert, fruit salad, jam, and a croissant were also included. The captain announced over the loudspeaker: 180 miles to Moscow Sheremetyevo, and we begin our descent. We’ll arrive 40 minutes early and expect a 10-minute taxi. The weather in Moscow was bad, with low clouds, and it was practically impossible to see anything out the windows until just before landing. Goodbye, cloudy Sheremetyevo, I’ve missed you so much. I loved flying Etihad; everything was well thought out and comfortable. However, some things could be improved – at the airport, no one wanted to help me with the ticket rebooking issue, telling me to call or go to someone else. Also, Indian cuisine is prevalent on flights to the US; if I’d known, I would have ordered a separate meal for all flights . Thank you so much for watching this long video! I hope you enjoyed it.

Перелёт в США с пересадкой, в видео мой подробный маршрут в Нью-Йорк через Абу-Даби на рейсе авиакомпании Etihad и прохождение границы США в Эмиратах. Удивительный и неожиданный опыт, превращающий прилёт в JFK почти во «внутренний». Отель в Нью-Йорке Pod Times Square и дорога из аэропорта Кеннеди в центр. Нью-Йорк, США, маршрут Москва—Абу-Даби—JFK на самолете Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner и Airbus A350-1000, длинная стыковка около 18 часов, US Preclearance, обзор эконом-класса, питание, Wi-Fi, цены, Шереметьево и из JFK в центр, High Line, Vessel, Russ & Daughters, Grand Central, Central Park, а также обратный сегмент из Чикаго O’Hare. Если описать видео кратко то я бы сказал “как долететь в США в сложное время из Москвы” с точной хронологией и ощущениями в пути.

Сначала в видео Москва: как добрался до аэропорта Шереметьево, большая очередь на регистрацию Etihad и что значит отметка SSSS в посадочном талоне перед рейсом в США которую я выйграл в лотерею. Показываю салон Boeing 787-9: эргономика кресла, места у иллюминатора, работа IFE, Wi-Fi, набор для пассажира. Коротко в видео про выбор мест и питание, спецменю фруктовое на рейсе Ethad, стоит ли брать наушники с проводом, и как работает бесплатный мессенджинг-тариф.

Далее в видео длинная дневная стыковка в Абу-Даби, аэропорт AUH: еду в город на автобусе, покупаю транспортную карту, что успел за несколько часов и почему возвращаться в новый Terminal A приятно (навигация, гейты, зоны отдыха). Во время пересадки в Абу-Даби провел несколько часов в отеле Kingsgate Hotel где за небольшие деньги снял номер чтобы поспать. Мне понравилось. Заказал такси через Careem. Ключевое конечно же это система US Preclearance в Абу-Даби: прохождение собеседования и контроля США прямо в ОАЭ. Логика очереди, нюансы дополнительной проверки, время на весь процесс и главный бонус: прилетая в Нью-Йорк, вы выходите как после внутреннего рейса без отдельной очереди на паспортный контроль и таможни. Как попасть в США без проверки.

Из-за того что у меня были SSSS в посадочном, мне сделали дополнительную проверку во время прохождения границы и таможни. рассказал в видео какие вопросы меня спрашивали.

Посадка на Airbus A350-1000 Etihad и сравнение с 787-9: шаг сидений, экраны, питание на трансатлантике, циклы обслуживания, вода и перекусы между ними, Wi-Fi над океаном, какие фильмы доступны на русском. Отдельно у меня в видео как пережил 13+ часов полёта.

Прилёт в JFK: заход, руление, выдача багажа и маршрут AirTrain до Jamaica. Еду в Манхэттен на метро, которое сломалось и потом на поезде LIRR, сколько стоит и как оплатить поездку. Заселение в отель Pod Times Square: депозит, особенности «капсульного» маленького двухярусного номера, кому подойдёт и на какие компромиссы готовиться ради цены и локации. Дальше у меня прогулка по парку High Line, остановка у Vessel, вечерняя Times Square, завтрак бейглом со слабосоленым лососем в Russ & Daughters, величие Grand Central и утренний забег через Central Park к Музею Метрополитен. В конце части наблюдения о ценах и чаевых.

еще был на Бродвее, на мюзикле “& Juliet” (“& Джульета”). Билеты купил в сервисе TKTS, там продают билеты на сегодняшний или завтрашний день со скидкой. Мне понравилась Джинна Харрис, которая играла Джульетту.

В завершении видео обратный отрезок маршрута из Чикаго O’Hare, аэропорт ORD: быстрый взгляд на Hyatt Regency O’Hare, который находится в городке Rosemont прямо около станции метро и большого аутлета около аэропорта О`Хара. Немного споттинга у терминала и во время руления, видел интересный борт American Airlines, а также борт Frontier и несколько самолетов авиакомпании Southwest Airlines. И снова коротко показал дальний перелёт на Etihad A350-1000 и дальше на Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner в уникальной ливрее Greenliner.

Видео снято мною лично на GoPro и Iphone и смонтировано в FinalCut.
Все куплено за собственные средства без использования и влияния третьих лиц.

00:00 — Перелёт в США с пересадкой через Абу-Даби (Etihad). US Preclearance
01:50 — Шереметьево (SVO): дорога, регистрация Etihad, SSSS и багаж в США
05:55 — Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner: рейс Москва→Абу-Даби (AUH), салон, IFE, питание
16:00 — Стыковка в Abu Dhabi: город, Kingsgate Hotel, новый Terminal A
22:30 — US Preclearance в Абу-Даби: как пройти границу США, вопросы при SSSS
25:39 — Airbus A350-1000 Etihad: трансатлантика 13+ часов, Wi-Fi, меню, посадка
32:12 — Прилёт в Нью-Йорк — JFK (John F. Kennedy): руление, багаж, выход
37:13 — JFK → Манхэттен: AirTrain, метро vs LIRR, отель Pod Times Square
43:10 — Нью-Йорк: High Line, Vessel, Times Square, Russ & Daughters, Grand Central, Central Park, MET
51:25 — Бродвей: мюзикл “& Juliet” (“& Джульета”)
53:13 — Чикаго O’Hare (ORD): обратный сегмент на Etihad, финальные выводы