Regional C *A RTW & (hopefully) finishing flying every route (100+) for an airline
Oct 27, 2008, 10:59 pm
#106
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In transit in Algiers
I looked for signs for transit in vain so rocked up to immigration before the queue grew too big. It took a bit of explaining before the officer realised that yes I was doing a turnaround and no I had not gotten muddled with arrival and departure information.
I was asked to wait in no mans land behind the immigration desks but in front of security/baggage claim. Another officer took my passport and onward boarding pass and spent some time talking with me, with the Lufthansa station manager, and with anyone else he could find. It was quickly obvious that I was not seen as any kind of threat but instead I was the first attempted turnaround any of the staff on duty had come across and so a matter for them of how best to work the system to cope. I bet he will be dining out for a while on the story of the crazy person who did a turnaround - I could certainly hear chuckles and see pointing in my direction.
So while it wasn't ideal to be sitting in no man's land I was not worried.
After some 30 minutes the last of the passengers on the flight had been processed (except for me) and the immigration and customs area was deserted. Another half an hour passed in solitude. I started wondering what I should do if the officer fails to reappear by close to boarding time? Do I stroll through deserted customs to get landside and try to hunt him down? Or yell out and hope to attract attention? Or walk back to the airbridge and wait there?
Fortunately I did not have to put it to the test as another 30 minutes later the officer returned and escorted me through a door to departures. I had another short wait while he went landside to stamp my boarding pass (I was not reissued but just had a stamp put on it). Then I was free to roam for the few minutes until boarding.
So a turnaround is possible, if not necessarily comfortable. I'm not sure I'd want to attempt a short turnaround in Algiers during the day when there are more flights - the officer had plenty of time to do whatever he needed to do in my middle of the night transit as there were no other flights for hours before or after mine.
I looked for signs for transit in vain so rocked up to immigration before the queue grew too big. It took a bit of explaining before the officer realised that yes I was doing a turnaround and no I had not gotten muddled with arrival and departure information.
I was asked to wait in no mans land behind the immigration desks but in front of security/baggage claim. Another officer took my passport and onward boarding pass and spent some time talking with me, with the Lufthansa station manager, and with anyone else he could find. It was quickly obvious that I was not seen as any kind of threat but instead I was the first attempted turnaround any of the staff on duty had come across and so a matter for them of how best to work the system to cope. I bet he will be dining out for a while on the story of the crazy person who did a turnaround - I could certainly hear chuckles and see pointing in my direction.
So while it wasn't ideal to be sitting in no man's land I was not worried.
After some 30 minutes the last of the passengers on the flight had been processed (except for me) and the immigration and customs area was deserted. Another half an hour passed in solitude. I started wondering what I should do if the officer fails to reappear by close to boarding time? Do I stroll through deserted customs to get landside and try to hunt him down? Or yell out and hope to attract attention? Or walk back to the airbridge and wait there?
Fortunately I did not have to put it to the test as another 30 minutes later the officer returned and escorted me through a door to departures. I had another short wait while he went landside to stamp my boarding pass (I was not reissued but just had a stamp put on it). Then I was free to roam for the few minutes until boarding.
So a turnaround is possible, if not necessarily comfortable. I'm not sure I'd want to attempt a short turnaround in Algiers during the day when there are more flights - the officer had plenty of time to do whatever he needed to do in my middle of the night transit as there were no other flights for hours before or after mine.
Oct 27, 2008, 10:59 pm
#107
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Oct 28, 2008, 11:34 pm
#108
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ALGIERS to FRANKFURT (ALG-FRA) on Lufthansa 737-500 in business class
The chairs in the general terminal were very comfortable, soft bench style. Although I hadn't been given a lounge invite card I spied a sign for an Air Algerie salon (lounge) and wandered over on the off chance I would have access to it, or another lounge. This is located down a dingy corridor connecting separate parts of the terminal (like the bar on a dumbell). On the way I passed a room for BA, which looks very similar to the Air Algerie lounge.
It turns out the Air Algerie lounge is available for business class and elite pax flying Lufthansa, so I have somewhere to rest in the few minutes before boarding. It has a bathroom, but no shower. Some soft drinks, juice and water. A couple of sweet desserts. No hot drinks or booze.
Boarding was called soon after. Just as I was leaving I spied a computer hidden away in the far corner. It was switched off and none of the half dozen lounge guests had been using it. At the gate there were 2 boarding pass scanners. However it was pointless having 2 lines because only 1 passport checker behind the BP scan thus holding up the queues.
I said goodbye to the immigration officer, and headed down the airbridge. There was a very cursory check of carry-ons and a pat down that was more like waving hands in my general direction than a proper search. Then I reboarded and chatted with the crew who were also doing a turnaround as boarding slowly took place.
The load was light and so we left early. No printed menu this time. A supper was served, of mini kebabs, fruit, yoghurt drink, vegetable wrap (it was labelled chili but the bell peppers were not at all hot), and an apple flavoured chocolate bar. Plus the usual drinks. There was also a paper bag on the tray so you could pack whatever food you wanted into it, sleep in the flight and eat the meal for breakfast or later.
I managed to doze in the short flight, without really sleeping.
We arrived very early. So early that I did not realise that Frankfurt curfew broke so early (or perhaps there are limited numbers of exemptions allowed?). We landed on the cross runway, a long, long way from the terminal and then taxiied at speed. Whether it was because of the origin country, or trying to use up time before a bus was needed to take us to the terminal, I do not know. However, we drove from one end of the airport to the other - several miles distance - to park at the furthest possible stand. Then we had a wait for stairs to arrive, before a long bus ride to the B bus arrival gate.
Back inside the terminal I headed to transfer desk once more. Along the way I stopped to change the last of my Egyptian pounds. The buy-sell spread has widened considerably to about 20% or more for many currencies - a sign of the times
The chairs in the general terminal were very comfortable, soft bench style. Although I hadn't been given a lounge invite card I spied a sign for an Air Algerie salon (lounge) and wandered over on the off chance I would have access to it, or another lounge. This is located down a dingy corridor connecting separate parts of the terminal (like the bar on a dumbell). On the way I passed a room for BA, which looks very similar to the Air Algerie lounge.
It turns out the Air Algerie lounge is available for business class and elite pax flying Lufthansa, so I have somewhere to rest in the few minutes before boarding. It has a bathroom, but no shower. Some soft drinks, juice and water. A couple of sweet desserts. No hot drinks or booze.
Boarding was called soon after. Just as I was leaving I spied a computer hidden away in the far corner. It was switched off and none of the half dozen lounge guests had been using it. At the gate there were 2 boarding pass scanners. However it was pointless having 2 lines because only 1 passport checker behind the BP scan thus holding up the queues.
I said goodbye to the immigration officer, and headed down the airbridge. There was a very cursory check of carry-ons and a pat down that was more like waving hands in my general direction than a proper search. Then I reboarded and chatted with the crew who were also doing a turnaround as boarding slowly took place.
The load was light and so we left early. No printed menu this time. A supper was served, of mini kebabs, fruit, yoghurt drink, vegetable wrap (it was labelled chili but the bell peppers were not at all hot), and an apple flavoured chocolate bar. Plus the usual drinks. There was also a paper bag on the tray so you could pack whatever food you wanted into it, sleep in the flight and eat the meal for breakfast or later.
I managed to doze in the short flight, without really sleeping.
We arrived very early. So early that I did not realise that Frankfurt curfew broke so early (or perhaps there are limited numbers of exemptions allowed?). We landed on the cross runway, a long, long way from the terminal and then taxiied at speed. Whether it was because of the origin country, or trying to use up time before a bus was needed to take us to the terminal, I do not know. However, we drove from one end of the airport to the other - several miles distance - to park at the furthest possible stand. Then we had a wait for stairs to arrive, before a long bus ride to the B bus arrival gate.
Back inside the terminal I headed to transfer desk once more. Along the way I stopped to change the last of my Egyptian pounds. The buy-sell spread has widened considerably to about 20% or more for many currencies - a sign of the times
Oct 29, 2008, 11:16 am
#110
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FRANKFURT to LJUBLJANA (FRA-LJU) on Adria A320 in business class
Due to the airline schedules for some other bits I had a day free to travel somewhere close(ish), to a maximum of 4 segments and limited by the number of miles available within the fare rules. Originally I booked a trip to Malta, but this changed to Tirana and then changed again to my "destination" for the day.
After much checking out of timetables I found a suitable schedule that meet my requirements. Somewhere different I hadn't been. Preferably 4 flights to maximise mileage earning (due to minimum miles). Preferably 4 international flights (again to maximise mileage earning). No risky connections. Have a back-up way to get to the origin of the next medium-haul flight (due the following morning) in the event of misconnection/break-down - this was important because the onward medium-haul flight operates less than daily and with extremely limited alternatives, and so would cause a major problem for me to miss it.
With our early arrival (even with the scenic tour by a/c and by bus of Frankfurt airport) there was no queue at the transfer desk when I arrived. Unfortunately they were only able to check me in for a couple of flights and not all four. As long as my flights are reasonably on time I should be fine checking in for the last 2 flights later.
I headed into the nearby lounge and booked a shower. I did some blurry-eyed reading while I waited. And waited some more. Finally after 2 hours 20 minutes of waiting (lucky I had a long connection to start the day) it was my turn for a refreshing shower. By now it was close to boarding time so I headed through immigration and across to part A of the terminal through the tunnel. By power-walking I passed a lot of others and had a few minutes which I could spend in the A26 lounge.
Inside, a 75 minute delay was showing on the screens. I worked out the maths. My easy connection was now a quick connection, but Ljubljana is a small airport, and Adria is a small airline. There will be other connecting passengers and I should still be okay. I may not have time for a lounge visit any more.
The 2 computers were not working properly, but after repeated reboots suddenly started working and so I used my waiting time to map out a plan and look up alternatives just in case they should be needed. I left the lounge at a suitable time, checking the monitor as I went by that the delay had not changed, and went to the gate near the end of the pier.
Due to the airline schedules for some other bits I had a day free to travel somewhere close(ish), to a maximum of 4 segments and limited by the number of miles available within the fare rules. Originally I booked a trip to Malta, but this changed to Tirana and then changed again to my "destination" for the day.
After much checking out of timetables I found a suitable schedule that meet my requirements. Somewhere different I hadn't been. Preferably 4 flights to maximise mileage earning (due to minimum miles). Preferably 4 international flights (again to maximise mileage earning). No risky connections. Have a back-up way to get to the origin of the next medium-haul flight (due the following morning) in the event of misconnection/break-down - this was important because the onward medium-haul flight operates less than daily and with extremely limited alternatives, and so would cause a major problem for me to miss it.
With our early arrival (even with the scenic tour by a/c and by bus of Frankfurt airport) there was no queue at the transfer desk when I arrived. Unfortunately they were only able to check me in for a couple of flights and not all four. As long as my flights are reasonably on time I should be fine checking in for the last 2 flights later.
I headed into the nearby lounge and booked a shower. I did some blurry-eyed reading while I waited. And waited some more. Finally after 2 hours 20 minutes of waiting (lucky I had a long connection to start the day) it was my turn for a refreshing shower. By now it was close to boarding time so I headed through immigration and across to part A of the terminal through the tunnel. By power-walking I passed a lot of others and had a few minutes which I could spend in the A26 lounge.
Inside, a 75 minute delay was showing on the screens. I worked out the maths. My easy connection was now a quick connection, but Ljubljana is a small airport, and Adria is a small airline. There will be other connecting passengers and I should still be okay. I may not have time for a lounge visit any more.
The 2 computers were not working properly, but after repeated reboots suddenly started working and so I used my waiting time to map out a plan and look up alternatives just in case they should be needed. I left the lounge at a suitable time, checking the monitor as I went by that the delay had not changed, and went to the gate near the end of the pier.
Oct 29, 2008, 11:51 am
#111
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Boarding was delayed a little from what I expected, but not unduly given what seemed to be a lightish load (perhaps 3/4 full).
As I settled into my seat and waited in vain for the doors to close I began to feel uneasy. After a while an announcement was made apologising for the delay. Apparently Adria had one a/c go mech and so they were combining two flights - ours going a little later than scheduled and the other flight a little earlier. I think, oh oh, this is not good. We wait some more. Gradually we have more passengers arrive in ones and twos, panting from running across the terminal. Still we wait.
By now I am getting annoyed. If I'd known the delay was going to be considerably more than 75 minutes, I could have asked to be rerouted and still make my "destination" for the day via one of 3 alternate routes. However all those options have vanished and so I am now dependent on the onward flight from Ljubljana being held for us. While that is likely to be the case, none of the cabin crew can provide an assurance. Furthermore, if the delays get much longer I will have to reroute my return flights from the destination due to missing the onward connection, and at the same time be checking in later than cut-off for check-in. As an elite pax in business class on intra-european flights that most likely are not 100% full, this should be okay, but no guarantees.
We wait some more. A ground agent comes on and indicates they are still waiting for 4 more people. Two passengers turn up. Finally, after sitting in the aircraft over an hour (and 2 hours after scheduled departure), they give up on the last 2 passengers and the doors are closed.
Those in business class are handed a water bottle and plastic cup for a pre-departure drink. We have a slow taxi out to the cross-runway. Nice views of the Julian Alps and Slovenian valleys. Not much view on the northern side of the mountains though as a blanket of cloud obscures all.
Lunch is the typical intra-europe tray. Some cold meat, a salad, rolls, some soft cheese, a mousse cake thing for dessert, chocolate. Hot and cold drinks, a choice of a couple of wines or beer if you want booze.
The short flight passes quickly. We spent almost as long onboard on the ground in Frankfurt as in the air. I love the approach into LJU as you descend through some valleys. Not as exciting as Queenstown, but picturesque all the same. We land after the scheduled departure time of my onward flight. We get a bus gate. The set-up has changed since I was last here, due to Slovenia joining Schengen. There are two bus arrival gates, and a new transfer desk area. From there I'm directed upstairs as my onward flight uses an airbridge, and to the right for non-Schengen passing passport control on the way with a cursory check and no stamp (yay). I, and a couple of other passengers, race onboard.
As I settled into my seat and waited in vain for the doors to close I began to feel uneasy. After a while an announcement was made apologising for the delay. Apparently Adria had one a/c go mech and so they were combining two flights - ours going a little later than scheduled and the other flight a little earlier. I think, oh oh, this is not good. We wait some more. Gradually we have more passengers arrive in ones and twos, panting from running across the terminal. Still we wait.
By now I am getting annoyed. If I'd known the delay was going to be considerably more than 75 minutes, I could have asked to be rerouted and still make my "destination" for the day via one of 3 alternate routes. However all those options have vanished and so I am now dependent on the onward flight from Ljubljana being held for us. While that is likely to be the case, none of the cabin crew can provide an assurance. Furthermore, if the delays get much longer I will have to reroute my return flights from the destination due to missing the onward connection, and at the same time be checking in later than cut-off for check-in. As an elite pax in business class on intra-european flights that most likely are not 100% full, this should be okay, but no guarantees.
We wait some more. A ground agent comes on and indicates they are still waiting for 4 more people. Two passengers turn up. Finally, after sitting in the aircraft over an hour (and 2 hours after scheduled departure), they give up on the last 2 passengers and the doors are closed.
Those in business class are handed a water bottle and plastic cup for a pre-departure drink. We have a slow taxi out to the cross-runway. Nice views of the Julian Alps and Slovenian valleys. Not much view on the northern side of the mountains though as a blanket of cloud obscures all.
Lunch is the typical intra-europe tray. Some cold meat, a salad, rolls, some soft cheese, a mousse cake thing for dessert, chocolate. Hot and cold drinks, a choice of a couple of wines or beer if you want booze.
The short flight passes quickly. We spent almost as long onboard on the ground in Frankfurt as in the air. I love the approach into LJU as you descend through some valleys. Not as exciting as Queenstown, but picturesque all the same. We land after the scheduled departure time of my onward flight. We get a bus gate. The set-up has changed since I was last here, due to Slovenia joining Schengen. There are two bus arrival gates, and a new transfer desk area. From there I'm directed upstairs as my onward flight uses an airbridge, and to the right for non-Schengen passing passport control on the way with a cursory check and no stamp (yay). I, and a couple of other passengers, race onboard.
Oct 29, 2008, 1:04 pm
#112
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LJUBLJANA to PRISTINA (LJU-PRN) on Adria A320 in business class
The door was shut right behind us. An announcement was made about a delay to transfer some bags, however we then pushed back immediately. If either of the other transferring Frankfurt passengers had checked luggage then it did not make the flight.
Another pre-departure water bottle. Then lunch of salmon, salad, rolls, soft cheese, coffee cake, chocolate plus the usual drink selection.
There was a run through the cabin with the duty free cart, but prices did not seem appealing (and the liquid rules constrain what I can get anyway).
Some very nice views of the Adriatic coastline and islands, for the first half of the flight. Then cloudy the rest of the way with no view of the land below until moments before touchdown.
With a longer flight (almost 2 hours) I managed to get a much needed nap. We pulled into the apron which already had a Croatia Airlines a/c parked up as well as a private jet and some local carrier I'd never heard of before. Shortly afterwards British Airways and Austrian Airways landed. A busy time of day for this small airport. We disembark by stairs and have a short walk across to the terminal.
While it is gloomy due to the low cloud it is warm enough and is not threatening with rain. I hustle inside though, as my connection is tight due to the late flight and I am still not yet checked in.
Immigration is quick and simple, but they stamp on one of the few remaining blank pages grrrr. There is no airside transfers - indeed departures are in a separate terminal! Perhaps it is a UN thing to do this as Erbil in northern Iraq (which I flew into earlier in the year) also has this set up?
The door was shut right behind us. An announcement was made about a delay to transfer some bags, however we then pushed back immediately. If either of the other transferring Frankfurt passengers had checked luggage then it did not make the flight.
Another pre-departure water bottle. Then lunch of salmon, salad, rolls, soft cheese, coffee cake, chocolate plus the usual drink selection.
There was a run through the cabin with the duty free cart, but prices did not seem appealing (and the liquid rules constrain what I can get anyway).
Some very nice views of the Adriatic coastline and islands, for the first half of the flight. Then cloudy the rest of the way with no view of the land below until moments before touchdown.
With a longer flight (almost 2 hours) I managed to get a much needed nap. We pulled into the apron which already had a Croatia Airlines a/c parked up as well as a private jet and some local carrier I'd never heard of before. Shortly afterwards British Airways and Austrian Airways landed. A busy time of day for this small airport. We disembark by stairs and have a short walk across to the terminal.
While it is gloomy due to the low cloud it is warm enough and is not threatening with rain. I hustle inside though, as my connection is tight due to the late flight and I am still not yet checked in.
Immigration is quick and simple, but they stamp on one of the few remaining blank pages grrrr. There is no airside transfers - indeed departures are in a separate terminal! Perhaps it is a UN thing to do this as Erbil in northern Iraq (which I flew into earlier in the year) also has this set up?
Oct 29, 2008, 3:40 pm
#113
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Programs: QC, QF, Avis Preferred, BW Crown Club, Priority Club
Posts: 1,451
For those of you following along at home
I'm the type of person who likes to print Trip Reports and read them all in one hit. I've been copy/pasting all of KiwiFlyer's posts from the introduction all the way through, and so far am up to page 54.
On conclusion, if anyone wants, I'm happy to PDF the trip report in its entirity for ease of reading
On conclusion, if anyone wants, I'm happy to PDF the trip report in its entirity for ease of reading
Oct 29, 2008, 10:56 pm
#114
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PRISTINA to VIENNA (PRN-VIE) on Austrian Airlines A320-200 in business class (without sleeper seats)
In a hurry, I walked right past check-in area before realising. The terminal is so small that I didn't waste much time though. I checked in and received 4 more boarding passes. I was directed to the ticket desk to get a lounge invitation, but once there I was told I didn't need one - my boarding pass is accepted as the invite. I guess invite cards may be needed for *G passengers in economy (as no large "C" on the boarding pass).
At immigration the officer was confused by my same day entry stamp. Security was simple - no need to remove liquid baggy, and shoes and belt remain on.
There is a single airport operated lounge shared by all the major airlines - British Airways, Austrian Airlines, Adria, Croatia Airlines and Turkish Airlines all fly to Pristina judging by the signs on the door. The lounge has a brand new feel to it. The bathroom is incomplete - no light in the toilet, and no toilet paper either (take some paper hand towels from beside the washbasin)! The lounge also had some drink and evidence that there had been food put out although none remained when I was there. There are 3 computers, which were all in use when I arrived. When one guest hopped off a computer I jumped on to check my messages and do my post to the game thread for canarsie (I've done this especially from Maldives and Kosovo so far this trip). I had barely posted when boarding was called for this flight, and also for the British Airways flight.
This time we were put into a bus to take us out to the aircraft even though it was within easy walking distance and we wouldn't be getting in the way of any vehicles on the ground. There was a delay for a few last stragglers who were brought out to the aircraft one at a time. So, in keeping with the rest of the day's flights, we left late and my onward connection was again dicey.
As we ascended I realised for the first time there is a hill right beside the airport. It is a sign of how gloomy it was that I missed seeing it when we landed. We flew southwest of Pristina, in the wrong direction for Vienna, in order to avoid completely Serbian airspace. I guess they are still sensitive about Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence earlier in the year.
An airbud was handed out for the IFE, which was showing Just For Laughs. The purser insisted I sample both white wines onboard before choosing which one to have, and then insisted on keeping the glass topped up. It wasn't until afterwards that I remembered I'd had both these wines earlier in the year, and indeed sampled them both on a flight with the very same purser! I preferred the Veltliner.
We didn't make up any time en route. On descent a list of gates were read out for onward connections (same as with American Airlines, and on rare occasions Air New Zealand at Auckland). On landing I was asked to head straight to the gate for the next flight.
In a hurry, I walked right past check-in area before realising. The terminal is so small that I didn't waste much time though. I checked in and received 4 more boarding passes. I was directed to the ticket desk to get a lounge invitation, but once there I was told I didn't need one - my boarding pass is accepted as the invite. I guess invite cards may be needed for *G passengers in economy (as no large "C" on the boarding pass).
At immigration the officer was confused by my same day entry stamp. Security was simple - no need to remove liquid baggy, and shoes and belt remain on.
There is a single airport operated lounge shared by all the major airlines - British Airways, Austrian Airlines, Adria, Croatia Airlines and Turkish Airlines all fly to Pristina judging by the signs on the door. The lounge has a brand new feel to it. The bathroom is incomplete - no light in the toilet, and no toilet paper either (take some paper hand towels from beside the washbasin)! The lounge also had some drink and evidence that there had been food put out although none remained when I was there. There are 3 computers, which were all in use when I arrived. When one guest hopped off a computer I jumped on to check my messages and do my post to the game thread for canarsie (I've done this especially from Maldives and Kosovo so far this trip). I had barely posted when boarding was called for this flight, and also for the British Airways flight.
This time we were put into a bus to take us out to the aircraft even though it was within easy walking distance and we wouldn't be getting in the way of any vehicles on the ground. There was a delay for a few last stragglers who were brought out to the aircraft one at a time. So, in keeping with the rest of the day's flights, we left late and my onward connection was again dicey.
As we ascended I realised for the first time there is a hill right beside the airport. It is a sign of how gloomy it was that I missed seeing it when we landed. We flew southwest of Pristina, in the wrong direction for Vienna, in order to avoid completely Serbian airspace. I guess they are still sensitive about Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence earlier in the year.
An airbud was handed out for the IFE, which was showing Just For Laughs. The purser insisted I sample both white wines onboard before choosing which one to have, and then insisted on keeping the glass topped up. It wasn't until afterwards that I remembered I'd had both these wines earlier in the year, and indeed sampled them both on a flight with the very same purser! I preferred the Veltliner.
We didn't make up any time en route. On descent a list of gates were read out for onward connections (same as with American Airlines, and on rare occasions Air New Zealand at Auckland). On landing I was asked to head straight to the gate for the next flight.
Oct 29, 2008, 10:59 pm
#115
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Austrian Airlines
Business Class menu
Pristina to Vienna
October 2008
prawns on ceasar's [sic] salad
grilled chickenbreast
homemade truffled ravioli / zucchini with fresh thyme
Viennese sweet curd souffle
ovenfresh bread selection
freshly brewed coffee or tea
Business Class menu
Pristina to Vienna
October 2008
prawns on ceasar's [sic] salad
grilled chickenbreast
homemade truffled ravioli / zucchini with fresh thyme
Viennese sweet curd souffle
ovenfresh bread selection
freshly brewed coffee or tea
3D3 / 4D3
Oct 29, 2008, 11:18 pm
#116
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VIENNA to FRANKFURT (VIE-FRA) on Lufthansa A320-200 in business class
A quick rubber stamp through immigration and a few metres walk to the nearby gate. Boarding was already underway. Here belt had to be removed and liquid baggy taken out of my carry-on.
I had a choice of airlines I could have booked with on this route - Lufthansa, Austrian and Adria all fly in the evening. Amazingly I had yet to fly Lufthansa on this route, and it had the shortest connection (with later flights available on Austrian and Adria) thus the earliest finish to a long couple of days non-stop travelling. So an easy choice for me to make.
I think this flight will mean I've flown Lufthansa to all the Star Alliance European hubs, with the exception of Istanbul (home to Turkish Airlines) which has the international airport on the European side of the Bosphorus. I've flown Lufthansa to and/or from London (bmi), Copenhagen and Stockholm (SAS), Helsinki (blue1), Munich and Frankfurt (Lufthansa), Ljulbljana (Adria), Zagreb (Croatia), Warsaw (Lot), Zurich (Swiss) ... and now Vienna (Austrian).
I was in a fuzzy state of mind - not enough sleep and too much drink. So my mind wandered as I sat watching people board. It is interesting to see the variation - some people have no carry-ons at all, others just a purse or tiny bag, while others have huge wheelies plus a laptop bag plus a purse. Some people have everything jammed into their bag for easy carrying, while others have many loose items they struggle to maintain a hold over. Some people collect all seven (just a guess) newspapers at the entrance to the aircraft, which is amazing for such a short flight. Some people look like seasoned travellers, while others seem to find everything new and unexpected.
I'm snapped out of my thoughts by the safety briefing, struggle to keep awake for the fast taxi and take-off, am barely conscious of our late departure and sink blissfully into oblivion of a deep sleep. Unfortunately, this is a short flight and 30 minutes later I am awoken for descent into Frankfurt. Of course we get a remote stand, near to the cargo area which means a long bus ride to the terminal B bus Schengen arrival gate.
The day's flying is over, without too many problems. But not as restful (for body or mind) as I'd envisaged. Still, it could have been worse - I could have been stuck somewhere overnight other than where intended and facing a difficult task to return in time for my next flight in the morning.
A quick rubber stamp through immigration and a few metres walk to the nearby gate. Boarding was already underway. Here belt had to be removed and liquid baggy taken out of my carry-on.
I had a choice of airlines I could have booked with on this route - Lufthansa, Austrian and Adria all fly in the evening. Amazingly I had yet to fly Lufthansa on this route, and it had the shortest connection (with later flights available on Austrian and Adria) thus the earliest finish to a long couple of days non-stop travelling. So an easy choice for me to make.
I think this flight will mean I've flown Lufthansa to all the Star Alliance European hubs, with the exception of Istanbul (home to Turkish Airlines) which has the international airport on the European side of the Bosphorus. I've flown Lufthansa to and/or from London (bmi), Copenhagen and Stockholm (SAS), Helsinki (blue1), Munich and Frankfurt (Lufthansa), Ljulbljana (Adria), Zagreb (Croatia), Warsaw (Lot), Zurich (Swiss) ... and now Vienna (Austrian).
I was in a fuzzy state of mind - not enough sleep and too much drink. So my mind wandered as I sat watching people board. It is interesting to see the variation - some people have no carry-ons at all, others just a purse or tiny bag, while others have huge wheelies plus a laptop bag plus a purse. Some people have everything jammed into their bag for easy carrying, while others have many loose items they struggle to maintain a hold over. Some people collect all seven (just a guess) newspapers at the entrance to the aircraft, which is amazing for such a short flight. Some people look like seasoned travellers, while others seem to find everything new and unexpected.
I'm snapped out of my thoughts by the safety briefing, struggle to keep awake for the fast taxi and take-off, am barely conscious of our late departure and sink blissfully into oblivion of a deep sleep. Unfortunately, this is a short flight and 30 minutes later I am awoken for descent into Frankfurt. Of course we get a remote stand, near to the cargo area which means a long bus ride to the terminal B bus Schengen arrival gate.
The day's flying is over, without too many problems. But not as restful (for body or mind) as I'd envisaged. Still, it could have been worse - I could have been stuck somewhere overnight other than where intended and facing a difficult task to return in time for my next flight in the morning.
Oct 29, 2008, 11:27 pm
#117
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,422
Lufthansa
Business Class menu
Vienna to Frankfurt
October 2008
Discover Flavour
Welcome to the weekend.
Welcome to the Blue Hour.
Kick off the weekend with us - and enjoy the Blue Hour aboard our Business Class* every Friday afternoon from 4:30. With one of two variations of international specialities from the Mediterranean region or the Orient, as well as drinks to match.
Every week, we offer you an alternating selection of delicious Tapas, accompanied by a beer with chilli-lemon flavour, or oriental delicacies served with a fresh fruit juice mix.
Ring in the weekend relaxed, starting right on your flight.
Cheers!
* For a limited time on selected flights within Europe.
Business Class menu
Vienna to Frankfurt
October 2008
Discover Flavour
Welcome to the weekend.
Welcome to the Blue Hour.
Kick off the weekend with us - and enjoy the Blue Hour aboard our Business Class* every Friday afternoon from 4:30. With one of two variations of international specialities from the Mediterranean region or the Orient, as well as drinks to match.
Every week, we offer you an alternating selection of delicious Tapas, accompanied by a beer with chilli-lemon flavour, or oriental delicacies served with a fresh fruit juice mix.
Ring in the weekend relaxed, starting right on your flight.
Cheers!
* For a limited time on selected flights within Europe.
Oct 30, 2008, 11:17 am
#119
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,422
I think this flight will mean I've flown Lufthansa to all the Star Alliance European hubs, with the exception of Istanbul (home to Turkish Airlines) which has the international airport on the European side of the Bosphorus. I've flown Lufthansa to and/or from London (bmi), Copenhagen and Stockholm (SAS), Helsinki (blue1), Munich and Frankfurt (Lufthansa), Ljulbljana (Adria), Zagreb (Croatia), Warsaw (Lot), Zurich (Swiss) ... and now Vienna (Austrian).
I forgot about Spanair and TAP. I've flown Lufthansa to Barcelona, but not Madrid or Lisbon. Thanks Blackcloud.
Oct 30, 2008, 11:21 am
#120
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,422
Air China
ANA
Asiana
Egyptair
Shanghai Airlines
South African Airlines
Spanair
TAP
Turkish Airlines
blue1
(Air India
TAM)