If you like this report, you may be interested in some of my other trip reports.
AKL-YYZ with NZ/AC in F & C (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=182293) - my first trip report
Europe to Iceland & return on Icelandair (FI) (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=312261) - somewhere different
Some FTers DO the Inaugural Worlds Longest Flight SIN-EWR vv 28 June 2004 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=333373) - 2 long flights back to back
7 Crazy Days (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=388543) - includes an almost inaugural flight
Champagne and figure eights on ice (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=395111 ) - Antarctica flightseeing
a Lit.tle sPRinG.Ly JoUrney (BUDding KiwiS Can zig-ZAG around Europe) (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=413562) - mostly central and eastern Europe
Big DO DOs - or a Kiwi Flyer's Month of Madness (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=483205) - lots of flights
Another Manic Month for Kiwi (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=506310) - again lots of flights
Mini Tour of NZ (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=538043) - over 100 domestic flights in New Zealand covering all domestic routes (ongoing)
Across the Globe in 5 Continents (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=546261) - criss-crossing the globe
Auckland to National Park by Train (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=587740 ) - train in New Zealand's North Island
Across the Globe in 5 Continents Again (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=603485) - criss-crossing the globe, but this time mainly on One World
A Warm Embrace of the Tropics (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=628691) - short trips to the tropical South Pacific
Singapore (SQ) new first and business class, plus a medley of 12 F & C SQ flights (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=645907) - name says it all really
Across the Globe in 4 Continents (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=674391) - around the world on star alliance, including some unusual flights
Queensland And Northern Territory Aerial Sampler (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=687399) - a sampling of Qantas flights, domestic and international, in economy and business (ongoing)
Around the World in Under 60 Hours (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=692401) - around the world in a weekend
The Heat is On - another longhaul economy trip in under 60 hours (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=699422) - what a contrast, Asia and Qantas' new first class lounges
Fast on the ground and in the air - it must be Shanghai (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=703184) – a flying visit to Shanghai + Maglev
It's a Fine Line Between Pleasure & Pain: 4 wacky weeks 2 RTW C, inaugural longhaul Y (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=738003) – mostly One World
Back and forth across the Pacific on a variety of airlines in a selection of classes (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=763196) - 16 crossings of the Pacific plus some other related flights
It isn't every day that you witness a hijacking attempt + NZ's forgotten 4th island (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=788580) - a visit to Chatham Islands coincides with New Zealand's first hijacking attempt
There and back - first day Air NZ flies to Coolangatta (Gold Coast) (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=806680)
A Run Around (part of) The Axis of Evil: A Perfect *A RTW in C? (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=809334) - Axis of Evil 0 US Immigration 1 :(
Wellington to Auckland by train (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=845092) - self-explanatory title
A mad couple of days flying, including domestic international flights (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=847659) - a double longhaul inaugural, domestic international shuttle and domestic leg of an international flight
Regional C *A RTW & (hopefully) finishing flying every route (100+) for an airline (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=864638) - featuring new QF First on A380 special flight, "you have to get off now", and 105th different current route with NZ
One World Revolutions - Around Mostly the Southern Hemisphere (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=893299) - mostly Southern Hemisphere and mostly on One World on a mix of products
Cris-cros the Med & the Globe on Emirates, Qantas & Star Alliance in mix of F/C/Y+/Y (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=929302) – starting with EK First on A380 and ending with Qantas economy, with a lot of travel mostly on *A in between
An FTer flies to a Do (or Why take the nonstop when you can fly 10 flights instead?) (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=954595) - combining an FT Do with an aerial tour of northern Queensland
The Ultimate Qantas Flight (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=963562) - short report on the ultimate flight
Premium Flying Across the Ditch (Between New Zealand and Australia) (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=994896) - experiencing the forward cabins on Trans-Tasman flights (ongoing)
5 Boeings Straight to the Airbus Do - FTer feasts in first, business & economy (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=995703) - my journey to & from the *A / Airbus Mega Do (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=975877)
Should I stay or should I go now? (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7860792)
Bangkok to Dhaka (BKK-DAC) on TG A300-600 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7868641)
Dhaka to Bangkok (DAC-BKK) on TG A300-600 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7868751)
Kiwi Flyer
Jun 1, 07, 9:38 pm
INTRO
Some months ago British Airways had a good fare on sale in economy to Singapore and Bangkok. As the fare was the same and I fancied a cheap side trip, I chose Bangkok as it is further (more miles ^) and has more cheap options for the side trip.
A quick check of my multi-page itinerary for the next 12 months that I carry with me for easy reference (its hard keeping track of 100 odd booked unflown flights), showed a gap over a long weekend that worked in nicely with the sale dates and had availability. A few clicks and I was booked.
In the intervening period I had lots of travel and time to ponder which new place I would go to on the side trip. I'll explain more later.
Time for lunch. I'll post some more when next I can.
Kiwi Flyer
Jun 2, 07, 12:43 pm
Apologies the next instalment will have to wait a bit longer. Dang OLCI isn't working so I have to come up with a plan B for a tight connection tomorrow.
Kiwi Flyer
Jun 2, 07, 7:48 pm
Auckland to Sydney (AKL-SYD) on QF 767 (domestic config)
After meeting up with KenF for dinner and drinks, and going to a few more places after KenF retired to hotel, I awoke to the chirp of my alarm after barely 2 hours sleep. Ack I probably shouldn't have gone to those extra places. A quick shower, take something for my building hangover, chuck the last few items in my rollaboard that weren't already there from the previous trip a few days ago and staggered out the door.
I took the bus to the airport. For once the driver asked if any customers were going to domestic terminal, and on the deafening silence skipped the drive to those terminals and headed straight for international.
I roll into the deserted premium check in area, well deserted other than a couple of check in agents and several immigration officers chatting. Pick up the couple of boarding passes and pay departure tax (credit card only for Qantas - no use (for now) for that $25 I'd put in my pocket to pay it (oops - thinking of NZ etc which accept cash payments).
I was too tired to notice that my seat had moved up one row. Earlier, before seat auto-allocation by Qantas, I'd deliberately selected an aisle seat in the second row of economy for the extra legroom and still quick exit. Qantas have moved me forward to the bulkhead, but at least I was still in the middle block of 3 = some chance of an empty middle seat.
The immigration guy processes me quickly and put the pre-cleared sticker which enabled me to bypass the main immigration line upstairs. That saved a couple of minutes, but at peak times it can save 30 minutes.
Security is slow. Again I lost the line roulette and pick a slow one. This time I manage to avoid the "random" manual search which has recently started for international flights. Then past the duty free shops, with a quick glance to check this week's super specials, and up to the lounge. I'm welcomed back to the F side as usual.
trooper
Jun 2, 07, 8:13 pm
Man of Iron!
Starting that trip with a hangover.....:(
Kiwi Flyer
Jun 3, 07, 7:20 pm
I grabbed a fruit smoothie in shot glass and some water, checked emails and waited for the flight to be called. When I realised the time I headed out to the gate before a call was made. Boarding was underway by now with huge queue at the BP reader, but the gate agent made an announcement for Chairmans Lounge, Platinum, Gold, OW Emerald, OW Sapphire and Business class pax to approach her at the desk. So I took her up on the offer and waltzed past the big queue, into the airbridge and boarded. Despite the odd looks from some other pax I was glad I did for it ensured my rollaboard was in the overhead bin by my seat. Something that not everyone else was able to manage.
As it turned out one of the few empty seats was the middle seat next door. After boarding was completed the CSD offered me a pair of seats at the very rear of the cabin. I thanked him for the offer but declined. I don't see a big difference between empty seat alongside as a pair or as a row of three, and I'd rather be near the front for quick deplaning and maximum F lounge time. While the offered seats would have had a bit more legroom than my bulkhead seat, I didn't mind for this shorthaul sector.
Breakfast was a choice of a sugary cereal or a greasy egg tomato and sausage, neither particularly appealing.
The movie on the main screen was the movie listed for the second half of the month (instead of the first).
I tried but failed to sleep.
We had a fairly straight in approach, which is unusual for me at Sydney. Must have struck it lucky. The taxi to the gate was short and quickly off and to international transfers. A continuation flight to Melbourne must have just arrived before us as transfers was the busiest I have seen it. Fortunately all the screening stations were manned and processing efficiently so it did not take long to get through. I did my usual trick to avoid the explosives test, went up the escalator and headed for the new Qantas F lounge.
mad_atta
Jun 3, 07, 8:13 pm
I did my usual trick to avoid the explosives test
Oh really? Do tell! :D
(Not that I have anything to worry about re traces of explosives, I just seem to get picked for the test more often than not so I wonder what I am doing wrong :) )
Kiwi Flyer
Jun 4, 07, 1:30 pm
At most stations in Australia they do continuous screening. So make sure they are busy when you walk past them, by either being very quick gathering your stuff from xray (my well practiced swoop :) ), or fumble a bit putting things into pockets (amazing how the plastic baggy refuses to fit back into that side pocket ;) ).
If they aren't doing continuous screening (eg just come back from a break) try not to catch their eye.
The only time this doesn't work for me is when I am the only passenger doing an int->int transfer (eg at Adelaide in April).
Kiwi Flyer
Jun 4, 07, 1:37 pm
I forgot to mention that no one at transfers asked for onward boarding pass or ticket. Now I see how some FTers try to visit a lounge on arrivals in SYD (all lounges in the international terminal are airside).
Kiwi Flyer
Jun 4, 07, 10:26 pm
The new Sydney Qantas First Class Lounge
For the second time in less than a week I was lucky enough to visit a brand new (opened late May) first class lounge. Being their hub I was expecting good things despite the tired old lounge that was replaced.
Entrance is just before the business class lounge on the mezzanine level, ie where the old first class lounge used to be (ignoring the temporary location for the past 18 months or so). Outside the entrance a bouncer or three checks boarding passes for eligibility. Hopefully eligible passengers without a boarding pass are still okay to enter and get boarding pass issued inside.
Inside is a lobby area with several comfy chairs and a green wall. Not sure why anyone would want to sit in this area to be honest, as no amenities here and lots of foot traffic (so hardly an area of tranquility). Then up the escalator or lift (one escalator was out of service already!) to the main lounge level.
At the top of the escalator another check of boarding pass, which they swipe to enter in the computer. Then I'm free to explore. I notice the QF first class passengers who checked in at SYD are escorted into the lounge and given a brief guided tour. I presume they are asked if they've been here before first.
The lounge is, as expected, similar to the new first class lounge in MEL. It is much larger however, although not as big as I anticipated given Qantas' SYD-centric route structure.
There are nice showers by the left hand side bathrooms, no slow door entrance per MEL. Watch out the shower room has been serviced - the first 3 I went into had not :td: The bathroom is minimilast and was lacking hand towels when I used it (with no air dryer either this is bad form). A second set of bathrooms are behind the lift.
There are a few computers in a work area between dining area and bathrooms. These were not as obvious as the main business center (eg not signposted) and seemed less well used. The main business center is to the right on entry, with about 8 computer stations. The only phones available for use in the lounge that I could see were in the designated meeting rooms and on the desks beside computers. In peak times I think there will not be anywhere near enough computers or phones.
There is a largeish library just past the business centre. It had a reasonable selection of books, and limited selection of newspapers and magazines. The only copy of the Australian Way (Qantas in-flight magazine) was the previous month's edition!
The dining area is nice. The tables closest to the windows are in high demand. Service however left a bit to be desired. They were noticeably favouring certain customers to the near exclusion of anyone else, but even for those lucky ones not up to the standard I'd expect for service marketed as top notch. How you might ask? Slow service - most passengers waiting for a flight will be in a hurry. Waiting 40 minutes for first food is not good. Not asked for drinks. Had to ask for water. Not willing to recommend anything(!) A list of items on the menu that were not available. Not at all proactive or attentive - many of us had to get up from our table and go to them to ask for a drink refill. And so on. Rather disappointing, and hopefully just initial glitches rather than here for good.
The breakfast menu is on until midday, then all day dining menu. Personally I'd prefer all day menu to start earlier. Some customers will have body clock on different time to local and appreciate different food than breakfast at 1130 for example.
Some snacks were available from by the coffee machine and drinks (non-alcoholic + beer) fridge. Wine put out only when all day dining starts (ie midday), but available on request at the bar.
I had a reasonable transit time, partly to try it out and partly to reduce annoyance of rushing through a tight connection. I had time to sample some of the amenities, get annoyed by the frequent requests for my boarding pass, book some future trips and catch up on FT. Overall it was a more pleasant transit than I'd have gotten in the old lounge.
Shano
Jun 4, 07, 11:40 pm
I forgot to mention that no one at transfers asked for onward boarding pass or ticket. Now I see how some FTers try to visit a lounge on arrivals in SYD (all lounges in the international terminal are airside).If successful in doing this, how would you then get back landside?
Kiwi Flyer
Jun 4, 07, 11:47 pm
With difficulty. I'd guess you go down the stairs through transfer (no doubt get questioned along the way).
Kiwi Flyer
Jun 5, 07, 12:08 am
Sydney Qantas First Class Lounge Breakfast Menu (dining area)
BREAKFAST
AVAILABLE UNTIL MIDDAY
Seasonal Fruit Salad
Sheep’s Milk Yoghurt and Organic Honey
Brookfarm Toasted Macadamia and Cranberry Muesli
Bircher Muesli
Warm Semolina Porridge with Poached Quince and Brown Sugar
Orange and Cinnamon Pancakes with Banana and Maple Syrup Butter
Manna From Heaven Mushroom and Parmesan Tart
Sourdough, Whole Grain or Fruit Toast, served with your choice of condiments
* Whole Grain Toast with Avocado, Snow pea Sprouts, Lime and Cracked Pepper
From the Bakery
Daily Selection of croissants, Danish pastries and freshly baked muffins, served with your choice of condiments
ORGANIC EGGS
FOR A HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS START TO THE DAY
Eggs Benedict or Florentine
Organic Egg, Smokehouse Bacon and Tomato Relish Sourdough Roll
Omelettes
Organic Egg Omelette with Leg Ham, Leek and Gruyere
Organic Egg Omelette with Tomato, Ricotta and Chives*
Manna From Heaven Mushroom and Parmesan Tart
Spanish Tortilla with Chorizo, Potato and Caramelised Onion
Two Organic Eggs
Poached, Boiled or Fried, served with Sourdough Toast
Choice of Sides
Smokehouse Bacon, Organic Breakfast Sausages, Smoked Salmon, Roast Vine Ripened Tomato, Sauteed Field Mushrooms, Hash Potatoes
BREAKFAST BEVERAGES
FOR A LARGER SELECTION SEE THE BEVERAGE LIST
nudie Passionfruit and Orange Energiser Drink, designed by Neil Perry
Freshly Squeezed Juice
Grinders Espresso Coffee
T2 Black and Herbal Tea
Hot Chocolate
* Healthier option
Kiwi Flyer
Jun 5, 07, 12:16 am
Sydney Qantas First Class Lounge All Day Menu (dining area)
ALL DAY DINING
AVAILABLE FROM MIDDAY
Seasoned Soup – ask your waiter for today’s selection
Vine Ripened Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Salad
Crumbed Goat’s Cheese with Roast Baby Beetroot, Walnut and Endive
Salad of Poached Chicken and Leeks Vinaigrette*
Our Signature Club Sandwich with Chicken, Bacon and Aioli
Our Signature Burger with Bacon, Gruyere, Dill Pickle and Tomato Chilli Relish
Poached Organic Eggs with Frisee, Croutons and Lardons
Organic Egg Omelette with Leg Ham, Leek and Gruyere
Fusilli Pasta with Roasted Butternut Pumpkin, Pine Nuts, Spinach and Feta
Grilled Fish with Celeriac Remoulade and Kipfler Potatoes
Fragrant Green Curry of Pork and Thai Eggplant
Crumbed Veal Schnitzel with Lemon and Parsley, Shaved Fennel, Cabbage and Parmesan Salad
Peppered Beef Stir Fry with Thai Basil and Jasmine Rice
Minute Steak with Café de Paris Butter and Fries
SIDE DISHES
TO COMPLEMENT YOUR MEAL
Green Leaf Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette
Steamed Broccoli with Lemon Oil
Sauteed Green Beans with Tarragon and Almonds
Fries
Roast Potatoes with Rosemary
CHEESE AND DESSERT
PLEASE ASK YOUR HOST FOR TODAY’S CHOICES
Seasonal Fruit Plate
Nice Cream Ice Creams and Sorbets – ask your waiter for today’s selection
Manna From Heaven Raspberry and Passionfruit Cake
Manna From Heaven Orange and Pineapple Cake
Cheese, hand selected by Calendar Cheese Company Farm House Cheddar, Rouzaire Brillat Savarin
PLATE OF THE DAY
PLEASE ASK YOUR HOST FOR THE DAILY ADDITION TO THE [last word chopped off!!!]
* Healthier option
Kiwi Flyer
Jun 5, 07, 12:33 am
Sydney Qantas First Class Lounge Beverages Menu (dining area)
WINE LIST
White Wine
Knappstein Three 2006, Clare Valley, South Australia
Cape Mentelle Semillion Sauvignon Blanc 2005, Margaret River, Western Australia
Meerea Park Epoch Semillion 2005, Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Giant Steps Chardonnay 2004, Yarra Valley, Victoria
Dominique Portet Fontaine Rose 2006, Yarra Valley, Victoria
Champagne
Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial
Veuve Cliquot Ponsardin
Moet & Chandon Rose
Red Wine
Yering Station Pinot Noir 2005, Yarra Valley, Victoria
Meerea Park Shiraz Viognier 2005, Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Torbreck Cuvee Juveniles 2005, Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre, Barossa Valley, South Australia
Parker Estate Terra Rossa Cabernet 2004, Coonawarra, South Australia
Dessert Wine
De Bortoli Noble One 2004, Riverina, New South Wales
BEVERAGE LIST
Aperitifs
Campari, Cinzano Blanco, Noilly Prat
Spirits
Glenlivet 18yo Malt Whiskey
Chivas Regal 12yo Scotch Whiskey
Johnnie Walker Black Label
Bombay Sapphire Dry London Gin
Tanqueray Gin
Wyborowa Single Estate Vodka
Bellvedere Vodka
Bacardi White Rum
Inner Circle Dark Rum
Bundaberg Dark Rum
Wild Turkey Bourbon
Jack Daniels Bourbon
Cuervo Tequila
Beers
Cascade Light, Cascade, Heineken, Crown Lager, James Squire
Digestives, Liqueurs and Ports
Bailey’s Irish Cream
Cointreau
Drambuie
Tia Maria
St Agnes 5yo Brandy
Martell Biscuit VSOP
Grant Burge 20yo Tawny
Morris Liqueur Tawny
Morris Liqueur Muscat
Morris Liqueur Tokay
Harvey’s Bristol Cream Sherry
NON ALCOHOLIC
Range of freshly squeezed juices
Orange Juice, Apple Juice, Tomato Juice
nudie Passionfruit and Orange Energiser Drink, designed by Neil Perry
nudie Mango and Passionfruit Juice
nudie Strawberry and Banana Juice
San Pellegrino Acqua Panna Natural Mineral Water
San Pellegrino Sparkling Mineral Water
San Pellegrino Chinotto, San Pellegrino Limonata, San Pellegrino Aranciata Rossa
Ginger Ale, Lemonade, Cola, Diet Cola
HOT BEVERAGES
COFFEE
ESPRESSO COFFEES USE THE PREMIUM GIANCARLO BLEND FROM GRINDERS COFFEE
TEA
A SELECTION OF TEAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY T2 FROM SOME OF THE FINEST TEA PLANTATIONS IN THE WORLD
Peppermint
Lemongrass and Ginger
English Breakfast
Earl Grey
China Jasmine
Chamomile
Chai
Sencha
Kiwi Flyer
Jun 5, 07, 12:42 am
Sydney Qantas First Class Lounge Menu (outside dining area)
BREAKFAST
AVAILABLE UNTIL MIDDAY
Organic Egg, Smokehouse Bacon and Tomato Relish Sourdough Roll
Organic Egg Omelette with Leg Ham, Leek and Gruyere
Organic Egg Omelette with Tomato, Ricotta and Chives*
Whole Grain Toast with Avocado, Snow pea Sprouts, Lime and Cracked Pepper *
FIRST CHOICE
IF YOU PREFER TO HELP YOURSELF A RANGE OF ITEMS HAVE BEEN FRESHLY PREPARED FOR YOU TO SELECT FROM AT YOUR LEISURE
Fruit Salad, Bircher Muesli, Sheep’s Milk Yoghurt, Organic Honey
From the Bakery
Daily Selection of croissants, Danish pastries and freshly baked muffins, served with your choice of condiments
* Healthier option
ALL DAY DINING
AVAILABLE FROM MIDDAY
A Selection of Tapas
Freshly Sliced Prosciutto
Salt Cod Fritters
Fried Stuffed Olives
Meatballs in Spicy Tomato Sauce
Mains
Seasonal Soup – ask your waiter for today’s selection
Organic Egg Omelette with Leg Ham, Leek and Gruyere
Salad of Poached Chicken and Leeks Vinaigrette*
Manna From Heaven Mushroom and Parmesan Tart
CHEESE
PLEASE ASK YOUR HOST FOR TODAY’S CHOICES
Cheese, served with Accompaniments Farm House Cheddar, Rouzaire Brillat Savarin – Calendar Cheese Company
WINE LIST
White Wine
Knappstein Three 2006, Clare Valley, South Australia
Cape Mentelle Semillion Sauvignon Blanc 2005, Margaret River, Western Australia
Meerea Park Epoch Semillion 2005, Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Giant Steps Chardonnay 2004, Yarra Valley, Victoria
Dominique Portet Fontaine Rose 2006, Yarra Valley, Victoria
Champagne
Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial
Veuve Cliquot Ponsardin
Moet & Chandon Rose
Red Wine
Yering Station Pinot Noir 2005, Yarra Valley, Victoria
Meerea Park Shiraz Viognier 2005, Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Torbreck Cuvee Juveniles 2005, Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre, Barossa Valley, South Australia
Parker Estate Terra Rossa Cabernet 2004, Coonawarra, South Australia
Dessert Wine
De Bortoli Noble One 2004, Riverina, New South Wales
BEVERAGE LIST
Aperitifs
Campari, Cinzano Blanco, Noilly Prat
Spirits
Glenlivet 18yo Malt Whiskey
Chivas Regal 12yo Scotch Whiskey
Johnnie Walker Black Label
Bombay Sapphire Dry London Gin
Tanqueray Gin
Wyborowa Single Estate Vodka
Bellvedere Vodka
Bacardi White Rum
Inner Circle Dark Rum
Bundaberg Dark Rum
Wild Turkey Bourbon
Jack Daniels Bourbon
Cuervo Tequila
Beers
Cascade Light, Cascade, Heineken, Crown Lager, James Squire
Digestives, Liqueurs and Ports
Bailey’s Irish Cream
Cointreau
Drambuie
Tia Maria
St Agnes 5yo Brandy
Martell Biscuit VSOP
Grant Burge 20yo Tawny
Morris Liqueur Tawny
Morris Liqueur Muscat
Morris Liqueur Tokay
Harvey’s Bristol Cream Sherry
NON ALCOHOLIC
Range of freshly squeezed juices
Orange Juice, Apple Juice, Tomato Juice
nudie Passionfruit and Orange Energiser Drink, designed by Neil Perry
nudie Mango and Passionfruit Juice
nudie Strawberry and Banana Juice
San Pellegrino Acqua Panna Natural Mineral Water
San Pellegrino Sparkling Mineral Water
San Pellegrino Chinotto, San Pellegrino Limonata, San Pellegrino Aranciata Rossa
Ginger Ale, Lemonade, Cola, Diet Cola
HOT BEVERAGES
COFFEE
ESPRESSO COFFEES USE THE PREMIUM GIANCARLO BLEND FROM GRINDERS COFFEE
TEA
A SELECTION OF TEAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY T2 FROM SOME OF THE FINEST TEA PLANTATIONS IN THE WORLD
Peppermint
Lemongrass and Ginger
English Breakfast
Earl Grey
China Jasmine
Chamomile
Chai
Sencha
serfty
Jun 5, 07, 2:10 am
If successful in doing this, how would you then get back landside?Use lift to go back down to the transfer area on the arrivals level. Play the novice and humbly tell them you were side-tracked and wish to exit thru immigration/customs. ... ;)
ntddevsys
Jun 5, 07, 6:44 am
Great Report Kiwi Flyer! ^ ^
From various reports (yours included naturally) the what I would term 'boarding pass ask' does appear a bit trying! We could make up a very satirical flow-chart on the subject.
Also just reading through has made me think - Flyertalk could probably teach the designers a thing or too with a list of common lounge design faults.
Kiwi Flyer
Jun 5, 07, 7:21 pm
Sydney to Bangkok (SYD-BKK) on BA 747-400 (low J config)
Refreshed although still rather tired I headed out to the gate a little early (well before any call in the lounge), or so I thought. I wasn't sure how full the flight would be as the seatmap, booking class availability tool and bookings available on BA's website were not consisted. On the day of departure BA was selling SYD-BKK return for around A$1000 incl tax, which indicated not so full, but yet seatmap and availability tool suggested rather full (but not oversold). So I decided to play it safe and head to the gate early so I could be sure of nearby overhead bin space.
When I got to the gate, boarding was already well underway with a long queue at the BP machine and few passengers sitting on the chairs. Again, I was able to saunter past the long line and use the empty premium and elite boarding line.
At the time of booking, and for some months after, the manage my booking seat map was strange with just one row in the forward economy mini-cabin. On the second day before departure it reverted to a more expected 2 1/3 rows (3 rows in the middle and 2 rows on either side), so I took the opportunity to switch to the rear of the mini cabin, selecting an aisle seat where the window was already selected but not the middle, in order to maximise my chances of empty middle seat. Once boarding was completed I was pleased to see it had worked. Indeed the mini-cabin had about 3 or 4 empty seats, vs none in the main cabin behind us.
We had a moderate delay on departure. Apparently there had been some threat made and a few armed police spent over 30 minutes wandering back and forth in the aisles. Not sure what they were looking for, as with all pax seated the views of carryons stowed at feet would be minimal. I guess the threat wasn't specific as we were not asked to deplane, identify bags or anything other than to stay in our seats. Eventually they left and we were allowed to depart somewhat late. I'm not sure the announcement made was that reassuring. Given the presence of the police was noticed by all passengers other than blind freddy, they had to say something. But what do you say?
The seats are cramped, noticeably moreso than on Qantas, and especially compared with Air NZ which I'd flown recently around the world. When the seat in front was reclined I felt forced to recline also. As for getting out easily when the seat in front is reclined - forget it. The fixed aisle armrest means a choice is made between practising for the next limbo contest and pulling on the seat in front to squeeze past. Mindful of how I don't like my seat being pulled on behind, I opted for the flexi approach. But if I'd been sitting in the window seat that may well have been different, especially after a few drinks (limbo is hard enough for me even without the effects on coordination of a few, okay a lot, of drinks).
IFE was loop system with about 18 so-so choices.
First meal was dinner. A choice of beef or chicken (what a surprise :rolleyes: ), but the trolley being used on my side of the aircraft seemed to only have beef - I didn't matter what you asked for, beef is what you get. The meal was not very edible, and the wine cheap and nasty, and so I was glad to have had lunch and some drinks in the lounge.
I wanted to sleep during the flight and managed a couple of hours light dozing. Not as much as I hoped.
The bottled water was nice for economy. Shame they only had enough for 1 per passenger.
About 2 hours before landing we get a "light meal" in a bag. A large roll that has next to no filling, just a couple of pieces of lettuce. A salad. A cookie. More drinks.
We landed in the dark (of course) in between thunderstorms sweeping past Suvarnabhumi airport. The taxi on arrival was rather long. There's nothing like a long taxi after a cramped longhaul flight to infuriate - the thought of soon being able to untangle limbs and stretch out is uppermost in the mind, and yet the minutes tick by as slowly make way first towards the terminal and then past other piers to our gate.
Kiwi Flyer
Jun 5, 07, 7:53 pm
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport transit
We exited through door 1L and I made my way rapidly to the new Qantas first class lounge. Fortunately I am a fast walker when I need to be, somewhat familiar with the layout of the airport and we had a gate far enough away from the lounge that I could pass most of the much slower first and business class passengers ahead of me.
Why was I rushing when I have a long transit? The reason is I desparately wanted a shower, and had heard (thanks to FT) the new lounge gets rather full due to the high number of first class and one world emerald passengers travelling through to London on British Airways and the similarly timed Qantas flight. The Qantas lounge closes once the onward flights are boarded so I didn't have a lot of time to wait for a shower to become free.
This was one factor in my decision to take the British Airways flight instead of the slightly later Qantas flight. Of course the police search on departure put paid to arriving first so I could have taken Qantas after all.
Amazingly I was one of the first couple of passengers to arrive from the BA flight and yes there was a shower free. Once refreshed I dropped my bags off in a corner of the lounge, which by now was standing room only (and indeed I saw several customers leave the lounge to wait in the public area of the terminal - it was that overcrowded). Next door I spied an empty and closed Cathay Pacific lounge (which I later found was also empty and closed for the transit in the other direction). Wouldn't it have made more sense to combine the lounges for something much bigger? Flights between the London Heathrow and Sydney hubs will always have a lot of premium and elite passengers on Qantas and British Airways, so the overcrowding can hardly be a surprise to the planners.
By good luck a computer terminal became free and I tried OLCI'ing again for tomorrow's return flight. Still no luck.
While the lounge was still open I cautiously approached the friendly lounge agents. Ideally I would not have taken up their time at what is undoubtedly their busiest time on shift (together with the transit of the 2 flights to Sydney). However, with the lounge closing and no opportunity to approach a BA check in or transfer desk agent (BA's transfer desk being open roughly the same hours as landside check in) I was in a pickle and so politely asked for a few minutes of their time. They attempted to check me in, but computer says no. :( I gather all the info I could think of to help me decide what to do, and retreat to think some more.
I am getting ahead of myself. What is this problem? The side trip I had selected (more on this later) was necessarily purchased as a separate ticket. Due to the schedule of the return flight and available options for the side trip I had a shortish (about 90 minutes) connection at Bangkok on the way back. When I purchased the side trip I decided I likely had enough time to manage the misconnection risk due to the availability of OLCI on British Airways on flights from Bangkok. Now the OLCI wasn't working, I would have to hope the side trip returns back on time, uses a gate not at the far end of the terminal (and I thought it was likely the arrival gate would be in C concourse, about as far as possible from the G concourse used by BA), make like a banshee across the terminal, pray for no queues at transfer desk or at the lounge entrance, and check in in time before it closes for the flight. To add to my stress levels, I had been observing the on-time performance of the side trip flights for the past week or so, and found about every second day they ran 2 hours late! Further, the BA flight back to Sydney leaves after the QF one (so not possible to be protected on a later flight) and a misconnect would cause some problems at work (ie by not getting back in time).
Right about now I was seriously thinking of chucking in the side trip, but I decided to mull it over some more and come to a decision in the morning. So I asked for an information note to be added to my record, to indicate my arriving flight. While it would not provide protection for a serious misconnection, it might buy me a few minutes if my flight to Bangkok is on time or only slightly late.
That done, I grabbed a couple of drinks for fortification of my nerves, checked emails and asked for opinions of some friends about what they would do in my shoes. Eventually the 2 flights boarded and the lounge emptied. I was then asked to leave so they could shut up for the night, and so I headed into the public areas of the terminal.
More to come ...
Kiwi Flyer
Jun 5, 07, 8:58 pm
While I thought about where I'd spend the night (hotel or airport), I decided to walk and explore, for I was still not unkinked properly from the flight over. Despite Suvarnabhumi airport having been open for less than a year, I have transitted many times. However, until now, each transit has been very short with insufficient time to explore much beyond transfer desk, lounge and gate.
Now was my chance to check out the terminal (or at least the airside bits) at a leisurely pace, and compare it with the old Don Muang terminal as well as other hub airports.
I spent the next couple of hours wandering the three levels around the 5 and a bit international concourses, to the accompaniment of an amazing light and sound show outside (ie almost continuous thunderstorms) and the drum of the rain.
Unlike Don Muang, all the shops, restaurants, etc remained open all night. The ratio of staff to passengers was more than one staff to one passenger, even not counting various cleaners and security types.
There is a surprising amount of art, but much of it is on the lowest levels with larger pieces on the middle and upper levels.
Once the "midnight" bank of flights has arrived and departed the terminal is fairly quiet.
There are not a lot of seats in public areas. Some by each transfer desk area, but these are noisy places thanks to the atrium connections to upper levels. A better place is the "Thai economy passenger lounge" on the upper level of concourse B. These have a lot of comfy chairs tucked around a corner to keep the noise level down (except the patter of rain overhead and booms of thunder). Naturally they are in demand, with almost all taken when I wandered here about 3 or 4am.
There are lots of lounges, several Thai, a couple of Cathay Pacific (I guess their many flights are spread out over more than one concourse which seems odd, or maybe they wanted to annoy QF/BA by taking the space next to the Qantas first class lounge?), a few Louis Tavern CIP lounges which seem to be the only ones open 24 hours, and many lounges for a myriad of airlines both well known and obscure.
The various Thai lounges have different opening (and closing) hours, so I made note of the first one to open. By now I realised there was no point in going to a hotel and so kept walking some more.
BTW the first transit desks open at 5am, by which time there is a long queue of waiting passengers. The first TG lounge also opens at 5am and is empty, thus I went there instead. Unfortunately they were unable to issue my boarding pass - need to check in with transfer desk :( They were, however, happy enough to let me in once they confirmed my onward flight. In fact, this is an ideal situation for me, in that I have some further time to decide whether or not to take the side trip.
Meanwhile, I grab a few coffees and check my email. It was unanimous - I was advised by all I'd asked to not try the side trip. Hmmmm.
On the plus side I noted from the departure screens the flight appeared to be on time (for now), and confirmed this with the lounge agent. On the minus side, the gate used was indeed in concourse C.
I noticed from the arrival and departure information on the Qantas website that last night's Qantas flight to London had returned to gate after pushback (or even possibly takeoff?) for a while before departing very late. Does anyone know the reason?
Kiwi Flyer
Jun 6, 07, 3:10 pm
Should I stay or should I go now?
(with apologies to The Clash (http://www.lyricsfreak.com/c/clash/should+i+stay+or+should+i+go_20031789.html))
About 80 minutes before schedule departure I left the lounge and wandered over to the gate, to check an aircraft was already there (check), was not having maintenance done (check) and seemed to be able to depart on time (check).
I mentally tossed a coin and decided to go for the side trip, so I headed to the transfer desk and checked in with minutes to spare before check in closed. There was some reluctance to check me in without an appropriate visa, but eventually I convinced the agent that I did not need one as I would only be in transit (I'd checked the rules off timatic and had a print out ready to pull out if needed). I asked to get the boarding pass for the return flight. Computer says no :(
Incidentally, if I had pulled out of the side trip I could have refunded most of the fare. Given the riskiness I had made sure to book a fare that was refundable even if I no showed, although I balked at the high cost of a fully refundable fare and compromised with a mostly refundable fare.
serfty
Jun 7, 07, 1:05 am
... Next door I spied an empty and closed Cathay Pacific lounge (which I later found was also empty and closed for the transit in the other direction). ...Hmmm, the CX lounge was open the afternoon of May 12 during the BA9/QF2 elite invasion of the QF/BA lounges.
Kiwi Flyer
Jun 7, 07, 1:34 pm
Maybe on the day I was flying back CX was only assigned gates closer to their other lounge?
Kiwi Flyer
Jun 7, 07, 8:04 pm
Bangkok to Dhaka (BKK-DAC) on TG A300-600
When I chose a destination for the side trip I looked at various places I haven't been to before. I needed somewhere that did not require a visa in advance (since insufficient time in between international trips to get it) and preferably not a visa on arrival (since I have such little space in my passport). I needed an e-ticket, for insufficent time for ticket to be mailed to me (and in any event some fares are only available from Thailand).
The schedule needed to fit between flights, preferably with at least a couple of hours to connect in each direction. I wasn't able to achieve this.
So I ended up choosing Dhaka, Bangladesh on Thai.
I headed for a lounge nearby the gate to await boarding time (and incidentally keep an eye out for any signs of delays). Then off to security, where there was a long line for 2 flights - seemed to be most of the passengers. Hmmm not a good sign for departing on time. They were checking every bag by hand, slowly, for liquids, before the xray and WTMD. Both screeners and passengers were slow both in the check and repacking afterwards. As it came to my turn I held up my liquid baggy and was invited to proceed without a hand check of my carry on.
By the time I reach the gate priority boarding has commenced, so I head straight onto the airbridge. Business class is fairly full today, but the cabin is reasonably roomy for a regional product. The seats remind me of Qantas old business class seats (just different fabric I think) in 2-2-2 format.
Before take off I am offered to sit at an empty row of 2 in the back of business class, but since that row has no window I decline. We then get the usual pre-take off drinks, a hot towel, newspapers and magazines. A printed menu is handed out. We take off late, but not so late that I worry about my return tight connection. Being in a middle seat I don't get a good view of the mountains, plains and sea below.
I notice on GCM (http://gc.kls2.com/cgi-bin/gc?PATH=akl-syd-bkk-dac&RANGE=&PATH-COLOR=red&PATH-UNITS=mi&SPEED-GROUND=&SPEED-UNITS=kts&RANGE-STYLE=best&RANGE-COLOR=navy&MAP-STYLE=) that we are on almost a straight line from the Sydney to Bangkok path.
There is a moderate turbulence for a while, but unlike the BA flight where the service was suspended and fasten seat belt sign on for about 3 hours without the slightest bump (:td: ), service continues throughout.
We descend over the sprawl of Dhaka to the airport. During the short taxi to the international terminal I am pleased to see airbridges (for the temperature is close to 40C and humid), and surprised to see several aircraft - it is busier than I expected.
On arrival I say goodbye (for now) to the crew and follow the sign left for transit.
Kiwi Flyer
Jun 7, 07, 8:25 pm
Dhaka to Bangkok (DAC-BKK) on TG A300-600
Transit is confusing. Other than the sign in the corridor connecting all the airbridges there is no signage. I made my way to a desk manned by a couple of official looking officers and state that I am in transit, where do I go and how do I get my onward boarding pass?
They ask to see my passport and flick through looking for a Bangladesh visa, which I do not have. My response that I thought I didn't need one is met with silence - which I wasn't totally confident was a good thing. He asked for my itinerary, and had some trouble believing it. He couldn't get into his head why anyone would arrive at Dhaka from Bangkok and want to immediately return to Bangkok. Eventually he wandered off somewhere, leaving me to wonder if (a) I'm in big trouble with immigration, (b) I'm not in trouble but may miss the return flight anyway - what would I do then?, or (c) he's off to check me in landside (there being no facilities for check in airside).
After an anxious 30 minutes I found the answer was indeed (c). Yay. I then went through the overcrowded waiting area and up the stairs (no lift or escalator here) to the Thai lounge upstairs. Yes, even though Thai has only 1 flight a day to Dhaka they have their own lounge. Although the lounge doesn't offer much (some nibbles and drink, 1 computer, and welcome aircon), it is a sanctuary from the heaving masses below.
I hop on the computer to check if my BA flight is running to time. The computer has a very slow connection so I have no time to do anything else before boarding is called. Downstairs to the security at the airbridge. Here again a manual inspection of the carry on, but I am unsure what they are looking for as the check is very cursory and in any case liquids are allowed in Bangladesh (one of the few remaining for international flights).
Back on board it is another fullish flight in business class. We have a delay on departure as it takes a looong time for the last passengers to board - something about congestion at immigration.
With lunch being not so long ago, and tired from lack of sleep I skip the service and doze on the way back, trying not to think about my tight connection which is now very tight. I estimated I would have about 10 minutes to make my way from arrival gate to the departure gate or lounge to beat check in closing (40 minutes before departure). I pysch myself up for a run.
Again a middle seat so not much view of the scenery en route :(
We lose more time on arrival by flying right past Suvarnabhumi and over the gulf, looping around to land. Now I think - do I have the phone number to call BA to plead to keep check in open a few more minutes for me? Maybe in my bag somewhere but I'll lose valuable minutes searching for it.
Then I get a lucky break. We taxi past concourses C and D, avoid getting a remote stand.
Kiwi Flyer
Jun 7, 07, 11:47 pm
continued ...
Yah, we got concourse E, saving quite a distance of walking. Even better it was at the end of the concourse. Why is this better? Because I can walk past any other pax and a clear run through to the lounge in concourse G, which I make after a few minutes of running.
Kiwi Flyer
Jun 8, 07, 5:53 pm
Bangkok to Dhaka menu
First Course
Smoked salmon and shrimp mascarpone, salmon egg and mesclun salad with vinaigrette dressing
Ginger : sweet spice taste, use for flatulence, phlegm, nourishing body, nausea
Kiwi Flyer
Jun 8, 07, 11:20 pm
Bangkok to Sydney (BKK-SYD) on BA 747-400 (mid J config with NNCW and avod)
I'm welcomed back to the lounge and quickly checked in. I have just enough time for a quick shower to freshen up. Unlike the way over the lounge is very empty, although the earlier departure of the Qantas flight has something to do with it (as well as the light load on the BA flight).
I grab a couple of drinks and then it is time for boarding. Boarding is completed quickly for the load is ridiculously low. This time we get the reconfigured layout with club world in between world traveller plus and world traveller. Some of the pax are grumbling to the cabin crew about it as I walk past to my seat. There is no economy mini-cabin, and the first economy cabin has about 25 passengers - yup enough room for a whole row of seats for every passenger! This, I think, is the reason OLCI wasn't working. They did not want people choosing their own seats. Although it would surely not have been too difficult to allow OLCI but disable seat selection?
The boarding process is quick but we sit at the gate with doors shut for a while, due to good tail winds we expect to arrive at Sydney too early for the curfew. Why couldn't they have delayed boarding? It would be more pleasant to spend an extra half hour in the lounge than sitting in a too hot a/c cabin.
Eventually we get underway. Dinner is choice of beef or chicken. I manage to get a couple of water bottles (begrudgingly given) for later. Once meal is finished I settle down with many pillows and blankets in my own bed across 4 seats. This isn't anywhere near as comfortable as a business class seat (one metal piece seems to find its way between the blankets), but nonetheless I get a few hours sleep before awaking to a far too hot cabin. I try but fail to get back to sleep and so check out the avod. It isn't too bad, apart from a much more limited selection than the likes of EK, NZ or SQ.
Before landing breakfast is served, which I pass on since I will be eating a decent meal in the first class lounge in no time.
Despite the long wait on departure and threatened arrival too early for the curfew, we end up arriving later than scheduled.
Kiwi Flyer
Jun 9, 07, 12:40 am
Sydney to Auckland (SYD-AKL) on QF 767 (domestic config)
Through security fairly quickly - not very busy this time, which surprised me given the large number of international arrivals just after curfew ends. I managed to again avoid the explosives check. Upstairs to the lounge. First a welcome shower, and then a nice breakfast. Even though (or perhaps because?) there are few people eating, the service is bad - surly, painfully slow, and making like every simple request is a chore and inconvenience :td:
On the plus side, this time I was only asked three times for my boarding pass - before the entrance, at the upstairs entrance desk, and once inside.
Then off to follow up on some tickets that had a deadline for ticketing of today. That sorted I have time to check email and FT for a short while before time for the flight. As the load likes full I head to the gate before it is called in the lounge. It turns out they are not ready for boarding for some time, and when it is called a scrum forms with more than half the pax either business, platinum/emerald, gold/sapphire or qantas club members. Dang I should have chosen a less conveniently timed flight.
The flight is indeed full in economy but several spare seats in business. Again a domestic config a/c is used.
Lunch is a choice of beef noodles or a pasta dish. I try unsuccessfully to doze. The flight time is short thanks to good tail wind, but for once we manage to fit in the entire movie. Something as simple as selecting shorter length movies and starting them quickly in the flight seems often beyond Qantas on these short eastbound trans-tasman flights, but this time I'm pleased to say they got it right.
We land on time despite the late start. Immigration is a bit of a zoo but I am processed in about 30 minutes. Again upstairs lanes for NZ & Australian passports are not being used. With 3 short international trips (2 of them longhaul) in just a few weeks, and an odd destination noted on my form I expected to get secondary so was pleasantly surprised to walk right through.
obscure2k
Jun 9, 07, 12:45 am
Wonderful report ^
Thoroughly enjoyed reading every word.
Thanks.
serfty
Jun 13, 07, 2:21 am
... but for once we manage to fit in the entire movie. Something as simple as selecting shorter length movies and starting them quickly in the flight seems often beyond Qantas on these short eastbound trans-tasman flights, but this time I'm pleased to say they got it right. ...
Actually, Qantas do generally select shorter movies for eastbound Tran-Tasman flights keeping the longer one's for Westbound.
It's still up to the CSM to fire it up though; more than once in my experience the Eastbound movie has failed to finish in time ... :(
serfty
Jun 13, 07, 2:28 am
... On the plus side, this time I was only asked three times for my boarding pass - before the entrance, at the upstairs entrance desk, and once inside. ...Almost mirrors my SYD Flounge experience last Friday evening; BP requested - before the entrance & at the upstairs entrance desk. Only other intrusion was having my name requested when ordering my meal, no BP.
Kiwi Flyer
Jun 13, 07, 1:35 pm
Actually, Qantas do generally select shorter movies for eastbound Tran-Tasman flights keeping the longer one's for Westbound.
It's still up to the CSM to fire it up though; more than once in my experience the Eastbound movie has failed to finish in time ... :(
Yup - very dependent on the crew. Considerate, starts the movie as quickly as possible = just enough time to see the end. Will get to it when have a chance = run out of time to see the end.
simongr
Jun 18, 07, 11:36 pm
Another hard core run there KF - I do wonder what drives you to do it sometimes. I understand you love to fly but even I struggle to work out where the pay off for you in this sort of trip is.
We might cross paths one day and you can explain it to me :)
Kiwi Flyer
Jun 19, 07, 8:40 pm
We might cross paths one day and you can explain it to me :)
I look forward to it.
SASfan
Jun 27, 07, 10:49 pm
Bangladesh. Impressive, Kiwi! Congrats.
Do you ever sit at work on a Monday morning and wonder where you are? ^
Kiwi Flyer
Jun 28, 07, 1:32 pm
Nope. But I do sometimes have a moment of doubt arriving at the check in or transfer desk. Where am I going this time?