Day 1 - September 5, 2011

A Blog Post by Chris X. Moloney
(Home Port: St. Louis, MO USA)

Mr. Eschen generously drove us to Lambert, St. Louis International Airport on Labor Day for our American Fight to LAX.  Everything started rather normal until we boarded the flight. Good karma with with us as we found ourselves in row 3 of first class on the small, but friendly MD-80--which was about the same age as Erin.  As our flight attendant came to take our order, she noticed quite a ruckus in coach.  Shortly thereafter a shouting match between a group of 4-5 people ensued with all of the requisite vulgarities and curse words to get everyone to turn their head.  A flight attendant had bumped a woman who was getting something from an overhead bag and apparently the woman was pregnant.  Her sister and two other men threatened "You bumped a pregnant woman, I will HURT you!" This full volume screaming match led to both pilots, two managers, a baggage manager and Bridgeton Police to intervene.  It took about 35 minutes to get all of the family members calmed down enough to get them off the plane.  They were red-neck crazy mad, but pretending to be classy folk.  It was quite a scene.  These types of incidents really make flying a royal pain, and this incident ranks in my top 5 worst plane incidents--and I've now flown about 2.5 million miles.  After the redneck rebel party was extricated from the plane, the pilot came out into the aisle and said with a big grin... "OK, are we ready to go to LA or does someone else want to get thrown off the plane today?"  Harsh, but true... and people let out a laugh with a sign of relief.  Much needed comic relief. 

We arrived in LA to stay overnight at the Amazing, bizarre and Über-hip SLS Beverly Hills Hotel for one night.  This place is like a Four Seasons Hotel meets a funky W Hotel meets a wild Alice in Wonderland Hotel. Truly stunning decor--even wacky for Beverly Hills.  We love the energy and vibe at the SLS, but it's not for everyone.  Everything in the room operates with strange mechanisms and often make no sense... sliding glass mirror walls, oddly located cabinets, a bed in the middle of the room, zany lights and art, and the bathroom alone feels like they did everything they could to confuse you.  That said, the pool food, drinks, and overall look-and-feel are amazing. Worth a visit. After checking-in, Kevin and Rhian (Ryan) picked us up for dinner at one of the best Italian restaurants in the world... Osteria Mozza by Mario Batali, also in LA. Fantastic flavors abound in this medium casual, but extremely pricey hot spot. Multiple courses of spicy Italian cheeses, pasta dishes, rarities and wine all add up to a fantastic experience and bring your Platinum Card.