We then had time to explore the airport on our own, change money, buy SIM cards, and generally unwind after a hectic 24 hours. Then it was time to meet the SSTH van for pick-up outside the airport so we organized our luggage carts and headed to the waiting area. In a very short time Mary Ann the School representative greeted us and led us to the car park. Along the way we met the CEO of the Swiss School of Tourism and Hospitality Mr. Beat Wicki. We loaded the luggage and ourselves into the van and headed to the School. The ride was awesome – between the mountains, and the cows, and the green trees – I did not know what to look at first. I took some pictures on the way to Passugg so that I can recapture these moments forever.

We were warmly welcomed in the School given a key to our room. I like my room – especially the mountain view which is so amazingly beautiful. I was tired and hungry. I dragged myself to have lunch at the Paulaner Restaurant which is attached to the School. The cold platter lunch was good and not too heavy. I enjoyed the fresh bread and the Swiss cheese – mmm…!!.

We went upstairs to unpack and take a shower, for at 6 pm we had Welcome Party. So, in order to be fresh I had to get some sleep. I have never been this tired (or excited). The welcome party was also fun because I got to make some more friends who was studying in SSTH. Jessie, Alice, Max, Jordan- they came from China to study tourism and hospitality. We exchanged our emails and telephone numbers. Dinner was finally served and I realized that I was eating my first “real” meal in Switzerland.

I was having so much fun – I didn’t feel tired anymore….may be because I was making friends and I was in Switzerland. I know my body wanted some rest but my mind did not want to stop. I guess the Switzerland adrenaline! But I really needed some sleep so I forced myself to go upstairs and get some rest. (Good night).

The first thing I did was went to check-in. Although I was supposed to use the First Class check-in, I did manage to check-in using the electronic process. I then went to First Class seating area where Dr. Garelyand the TTA 100 team were sitting. This private area is quite wonderful (modern and quiet and separated from the other areas of the Terminal). I do wish I had checked- in there- maybe next time ( I realized that t I had  missed that moment). There was no line and the luggage is not weighed and passengers do not have to carry their luggage to the security machines. (My colleagues didn’t have any problem with luggage and weight). At 1:12pm Mr. Bill Clark greeted our group and presented an over view of the Terminal 8 of JFK.

 The next stop was the AA conference room where we heard Jeff Clemens, Passenger Service Manager, Chris Painter, Operations Manager and Joe Daly,  Facilities Maintenance Manager explain the operations side of AA. They talked about their personal experiences with the company and encouraged us to consider a career with AA. In addition to learning many things about AA – we were presented with lovely gifts that included an AA t shirt, travel bag and lanyard.

Our next stop was the Admirals Club and Flagship Club – the private waiting areas for Business and First Class flyers and people with zillions of frequent flyer points. I had no idea that VIPs had such lovely places to wait for their planes. There is even meeting space so that executives can hold conferences between flights. Someday I plan to be sitting in these lounges as I wait for my plane to arrive.  

The capstone to the tour was a private visit to the Tower. I was amazed that I was permitted in this part of the terminal since it has such high security. Wow. From the Tower we were able to see the plane we would be flying on to Zurich. It was very exciting to watch the AA staff prepare the plane for departure. The coolest technology was the the 360 degrees camera.

According to Mr. Clark, technology has played a vital role toward protecting passengers and it is AAs technology that makes them one of the best.

The tour made be feel secure – that while I am in the air, some very smart people are concerned with my welfare.

The tour was so exciting and interesting that we almost missed our flight. Thanks to Mr. Clark the flight was held for us and we ran up the corridor to catch it. We were greeted by the airline member and directed to my seat. I had a aisle  seat was very comfortable. The flight attendents were kind and professional. The food was okay because I try not to eat a lot onboard.  I prefer to be hydrated so they were serving us water and juice very frequently and I drank these beverages at every opportunity. I made my mind up that whenever I have to travel I will choose AA as my carrier.