NZ route oddities & One World turns by night (redeye special)
Dec 29, 2009, 11:48 pm
#91
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MADRID to LONDON HEATHROW (MAD-LHR) on British Airways A319 in club europe (business) class
The Velazquez lounge is rather nice. I had a shower (get key from reception), some breakfast and a few drinks while awaiting my flight. The gate was not far from the lounge and boarding was on time despite the inbound flight being slightly late in arriving.
We had a delay in pushing back though due to "traffic", and then another wait at the end of the taxiway before we are cleared.
Each time I fly BA's club europe the product seems to be getting worse. Okay this is a fairly short flight, but seats are no better than space+ economy seats on Air NZ for example, food & drink was very mediocre, IFE consists of flight show, and service was minimal. No wonder then that half the passengers in the 3 business rows were BA crew.
Lunch was a choice of chicken or beef & pasta, roll, cheese, hot & cold drinks.
We had the obligatory circuit over southern England before landing and also obligatory stand off bay. This one was very close to the terminal, but we had a long wait with door 1L open before a bus turned up. At least I got on the first bus, those further back had to wait for the same bus to return to the aircraft after dropping us off. A modest walk to immigration, then a looong wait. I had the misfortune of arriving after a Pakistan International Airlines flight, and also the day after the Delta bomb incident with fresh news of the alleged terrorist's UK student status. Thus many people were being questioned at length and the lines for non-EU were glacial. At one point I spent 30 minutes without moving, 10 minutes of which there was no one manning a desk! Finally after 90 minutes of waiting I reached an immigration desk. Less than 1 minute later I was on my way to central bus station (a nice long walk to stretch the legs) to catch a free bus to Bath Road. I checked in at the Holiday Inn (got an upgrade to an executive room, not that it means much here), dumped my bags and then went back to the airport to grab a train into the city.
The Velazquez lounge is rather nice. I had a shower (get key from reception), some breakfast and a few drinks while awaiting my flight. The gate was not far from the lounge and boarding was on time despite the inbound flight being slightly late in arriving.
We had a delay in pushing back though due to "traffic", and then another wait at the end of the taxiway before we are cleared.
Each time I fly BA's club europe the product seems to be getting worse. Okay this is a fairly short flight, but seats are no better than space+ economy seats on Air NZ for example, food & drink was very mediocre, IFE consists of flight show, and service was minimal. No wonder then that half the passengers in the 3 business rows were BA crew.
Lunch was a choice of chicken or beef & pasta, roll, cheese, hot & cold drinks.
We had the obligatory circuit over southern England before landing and also obligatory stand off bay. This one was very close to the terminal, but we had a long wait with door 1L open before a bus turned up. At least I got on the first bus, those further back had to wait for the same bus to return to the aircraft after dropping us off. A modest walk to immigration, then a looong wait. I had the misfortune of arriving after a Pakistan International Airlines flight, and also the day after the Delta bomb incident with fresh news of the alleged terrorist's UK student status. Thus many people were being questioned at length and the lines for non-EU were glacial. At one point I spent 30 minutes without moving, 10 minutes of which there was no one manning a desk! Finally after 90 minutes of waiting I reached an immigration desk. Less than 1 minute later I was on my way to central bus station (a nice long walk to stretch the legs) to catch a free bus to Bath Road. I checked in at the Holiday Inn (got an upgrade to an executive room, not that it means much here), dumped my bags and then went back to the airport to grab a train into the city.
Dec 30, 2009, 6:13 am
#92
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LONDON HEATHROW to LARNACA (LHR-LCA) on British Airways 767 in club europe (business) class
My transit was under 24 hours to save the hefty UK air passenger duty. Early next morning I headed back to the airport. It was rather cold so rather than walk to the bus stop for the free local bus I used the Hoppa (GBP4). The bus was empty when I hopped on, almost filled at the next stop at Renaissance and could take less than half those waiting at Park Inn.
I checked in at zone J and got my boarding pass in no time. Fast track security was busier and slower than regular track. Then the obligatory walk through shops to get to the lounge the long way. Once inside I had enough time for some 2000 Bolly (it is never too early), to check my messages and also Flyer Talk. Eventually it was time to head for our bus gate. When I got there just at the gate closing time, there was a long queue of passengers and no buses. We needed 3 buses and had quite a long wait. The gate agent was a bit frazzled - calling a dispatcher to complain that she'd been promised buses would be arriving in 2 minutes 15 minutes ago.
Eventually some buses arrived and we piled in. Our stand was really remote being near T3. There was no pre-departure drink. The flight was fairly full but I had an empty seat beside me (although I had also taken the precaution of selecting a centre section seat for an aisle seat that also does not have anyone else climbing past to get in/out of their seat). After we were ready to depart there was an announcement that we weren't really ready - an indicator light had come on and something needed seeing to. We all hoped it was nothing serious, and indeed it was quickly sorted out. Nevertheless we left almost 30 minutes late - pretty good in the circumstances.
There was no IFE for the 4:20 flight because whenever it was switched on the call buttons for every seat started chiming. It reminded me of the mega do charter flight. No IFE also meant no reading lights and no ability to ask the crew for anything unless they passed by or you went up to the gallery. The crew spent most of the flight in the gallery so there was a steady stream of passengers going up and down to get another drink.
The kids behind me didn't take the lack of IFE well and were up and down to complain to their parents (seated in another row), with the one seated directly behind me pulling on my seat every time. Grrr.
After take off we got a hot towel before breakfast was served. I was the last club europe passenger to be served and consequently there was no choice in mains - just the horrid English breakfast. The flight attendant sympathised and went above and beyond their duty by scrounging up a crew meal for me ^ It was very tasty, and no doubt better than any of the options on the passenger menu. Based on our discussion I was advised to order a special meal for my return flight, and to do it on arrival since they recommend 48 hours notification in order to be assured of catering.
The downside of being in a centre seat was no view until making turns over Cyprus and in the final stages of descent. We flew past Larnaca and turned around to fly along the coast and land from the east. A fairly new terminal is now being used - very shiny with lots of exposed steel beams and concrete. Immigration was quick, and I soon found the contract agent for BA to order a special meal.
My transit was under 24 hours to save the hefty UK air passenger duty. Early next morning I headed back to the airport. It was rather cold so rather than walk to the bus stop for the free local bus I used the Hoppa (GBP4). The bus was empty when I hopped on, almost filled at the next stop at Renaissance and could take less than half those waiting at Park Inn.
I checked in at zone J and got my boarding pass in no time. Fast track security was busier and slower than regular track. Then the obligatory walk through shops to get to the lounge the long way. Once inside I had enough time for some 2000 Bolly (it is never too early), to check my messages and also Flyer Talk. Eventually it was time to head for our bus gate. When I got there just at the gate closing time, there was a long queue of passengers and no buses. We needed 3 buses and had quite a long wait. The gate agent was a bit frazzled - calling a dispatcher to complain that she'd been promised buses would be arriving in 2 minutes 15 minutes ago.
Eventually some buses arrived and we piled in. Our stand was really remote being near T3. There was no pre-departure drink. The flight was fairly full but I had an empty seat beside me (although I had also taken the precaution of selecting a centre section seat for an aisle seat that also does not have anyone else climbing past to get in/out of their seat). After we were ready to depart there was an announcement that we weren't really ready - an indicator light had come on and something needed seeing to. We all hoped it was nothing serious, and indeed it was quickly sorted out. Nevertheless we left almost 30 minutes late - pretty good in the circumstances.
There was no IFE for the 4:20 flight because whenever it was switched on the call buttons for every seat started chiming. It reminded me of the mega do charter flight. No IFE also meant no reading lights and no ability to ask the crew for anything unless they passed by or you went up to the gallery. The crew spent most of the flight in the gallery so there was a steady stream of passengers going up and down to get another drink.
The kids behind me didn't take the lack of IFE well and were up and down to complain to their parents (seated in another row), with the one seated directly behind me pulling on my seat every time. Grrr.
After take off we got a hot towel before breakfast was served. I was the last club europe passenger to be served and consequently there was no choice in mains - just the horrid English breakfast. The flight attendant sympathised and went above and beyond their duty by scrounging up a crew meal for me ^ It was very tasty, and no doubt better than any of the options on the passenger menu. Based on our discussion I was advised to order a special meal for my return flight, and to do it on arrival since they recommend 48 hours notification in order to be assured of catering.
The downside of being in a centre seat was no view until making turns over Cyprus and in the final stages of descent. We flew past Larnaca and turned around to fly along the coast and land from the east. A fairly new terminal is now being used - very shiny with lots of exposed steel beams and concrete. Immigration was quick, and I soon found the contract agent for BA to order a special meal.
Dec 30, 2009, 6:17 am
#93
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British Airways
Business Class menu
London Heathrow to Larnaca
December 2009
Menu
Orange juice
Fresh fruit appetiser
Mango yoghurt
Main
Traditional English breakfast
or
Selection of cold cuts and cheese
or
Vegetarian sausage with scrambled egg and rosti potatoes
Selection of breakfast pastries and warm bread rolls
Your choice of coffee or tea
Herbal teas and hot chocolate are available upon request
Business Class menu
London Heathrow to Larnaca
December 2009
Menu
Orange juice
Fresh fruit appetiser
Mango yoghurt
Main
Traditional English breakfast
or
Selection of cold cuts and cheese
or
Vegetarian sausage with scrambled egg and rosti potatoes
Selection of breakfast pastries and warm bread rolls
Your choice of coffee or tea
Herbal teas and hot chocolate are available upon request
640,662 CE ROT-A HB1C.755
Last edited by Kiwi Flyer; Dec 30, 2009 at 6:44 pm
Dec 30, 2009, 7:45 am
#94
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Cyprus
I'd arrived just in time to catch the shuttle bus to Lefkosia aka Nicosia (7 euros on Kapnos airport shuttle, which operates every 1-2 hours). It was a 45 minute drive along the motorway to the suburbs of Lefkosia, albeit with nice scenery along the way. Rolling hills, stony ground, olive groves, pine trees, open spaces and little towns off to the side, soft light. Fantastic.
The bus station in Lefkosia is just outside the central city. The weather was good and I looked forward to some exercise so I walked. It is about 10 minutes to the Hilton (getting to the main road is tricky, but once on the main road into the city centre just keep going) and about 30 minutes to the Holiday Inn just inside the old city walls, where I was staying.
... to be continued after my next flight which is now boarding (apologies for the interruption).
I'd arrived just in time to catch the shuttle bus to Lefkosia aka Nicosia (7 euros on Kapnos airport shuttle, which operates every 1-2 hours). It was a 45 minute drive along the motorway to the suburbs of Lefkosia, albeit with nice scenery along the way. Rolling hills, stony ground, olive groves, pine trees, open spaces and little towns off to the side, soft light. Fantastic.
The bus station in Lefkosia is just outside the central city. The weather was good and I looked forward to some exercise so I walked. It is about 10 minutes to the Hilton (getting to the main road is tricky, but once on the main road into the city centre just keep going) and about 30 minutes to the Holiday Inn just inside the old city walls, where I was staying.
... to be continued after my next flight which is now boarding (apologies for the interruption).
Dec 30, 2009, 5:49 pm
#96
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The Holiday Inn is a quaint hotel. I was staying on a points break (originally booked a refundable rate but switched when points break availability was released), yet still got an exec room (oddly these are on the lower floor) and included breakfast buffet. There was also complimentary bottled water and juice waiting for me in my room.
It was very well located for walking around the old parts of town and also for crossing over the Green Line into Northern Cyprus. I spent hours just wandering around the streets and lanes. The main roads were obviously more prosporous than the back lanes and alleys. Some buildings right beside the Green Line still had bullet holes visible.
Crossing over into Northern Cyprus was trivially simple. Just walk through the Ledra gate. There is a UN checkpoint but at the moment they were not doing any checking that I could tell. The situation may change, and clearly differences are not yet resolved. There is still plenty of barricades and wire along the Green Line that has not yet been taken down, but for now at least it is easy for tourists and locals to walk between the 2 halves of this divided city.
It was very well located for walking around the old parts of town and also for crossing over the Green Line into Northern Cyprus. I spent hours just wandering around the streets and lanes. The main roads were obviously more prosporous than the back lanes and alleys. Some buildings right beside the Green Line still had bullet holes visible.
Crossing over into Northern Cyprus was trivially simple. Just walk through the Ledra gate. There is a UN checkpoint but at the moment they were not doing any checking that I could tell. The situation may change, and clearly differences are not yet resolved. There is still plenty of barricades and wire along the Green Line that has not yet been taken down, but for now at least it is easy for tourists and locals to walk between the 2 halves of this divided city.
Dec 30, 2009, 6:37 pm
#97
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LARNACA to LONDON HEATHROW (LCA-LHR) on British Airways 767 in club europe (business) class
When I arrived back at the airport the departure monitors indicated check in was open, but there were 5 lines of passengers queueing while contract check in agents talked amongst themselves. I waited 20 minutes and suddenly check in was really open. As one of just a handful of business or elite passengers onboard today I had the premium line to myself. When the second board pass was issued (for the next flight) I had to concentrate on not giving a big cheshire cat grin (no prizes for guessing why). I was also given a lounge invite card for the Swissport lounge.
Only one immigration agent on duty at this time so I ignored the sign above his desk which said EU passports only. Security was quick and I made my way around to the left to the lounge.
The lounge was okay without being stunning. A few computers, okay drinks selection (with no standout great drinks) and some nibbles. It was in a design I've come to loathe in airline lounges - with multiple levels one step apart with various steps, ramps and angles in between them. You have to watch where you are going closely to avoid tripping and looking a fool (or a drunk I suppose). A mixture of comfy couches and modern bar stools.
Boarding was quick - our load today wasn't high (3 or 4 rows in business and economy wasn't particularly full either). Once again, no pre-departure drinks. It looked like we would be leaving early until a delay was announced due to a discrepancy in the flight plans. That was sorted out reasonably quickly and we instead left on time.
There were stronger than normal headwinds so our flight time today was 5:20. IFE was generally working, except for a couple of the bulkhead screens. This meant yours truly had a choice between getting a bad krink in my neck from an awkward angle to view the overhead monitor which is almost behind me or once again missing out on IFE. I chose to save my neck.
No hot towels this time but there was a drinks run through with the trolley before the meal. With darkness outside and no IFE to keep me amused I drift off to sleep for a few hours, awakening as we are put into a holding pattern over southern England. Combined with the headwinds this meant we landed late, reducing my transfer time from comfortable to a bit rushed. Fortunately we got an airbridge gate, and it was close to flight connections centre, so that saved some time.
According to flight memory I have now flown the equivalent distance to the moon over 10 times.
When I arrived back at the airport the departure monitors indicated check in was open, but there were 5 lines of passengers queueing while contract check in agents talked amongst themselves. I waited 20 minutes and suddenly check in was really open. As one of just a handful of business or elite passengers onboard today I had the premium line to myself. When the second board pass was issued (for the next flight) I had to concentrate on not giving a big cheshire cat grin (no prizes for guessing why). I was also given a lounge invite card for the Swissport lounge.
Only one immigration agent on duty at this time so I ignored the sign above his desk which said EU passports only. Security was quick and I made my way around to the left to the lounge.
The lounge was okay without being stunning. A few computers, okay drinks selection (with no standout great drinks) and some nibbles. It was in a design I've come to loathe in airline lounges - with multiple levels one step apart with various steps, ramps and angles in between them. You have to watch where you are going closely to avoid tripping and looking a fool (or a drunk I suppose). A mixture of comfy couches and modern bar stools.
Boarding was quick - our load today wasn't high (3 or 4 rows in business and economy wasn't particularly full either). Once again, no pre-departure drinks. It looked like we would be leaving early until a delay was announced due to a discrepancy in the flight plans. That was sorted out reasonably quickly and we instead left on time.
There were stronger than normal headwinds so our flight time today was 5:20. IFE was generally working, except for a couple of the bulkhead screens. This meant yours truly had a choice between getting a bad krink in my neck from an awkward angle to view the overhead monitor which is almost behind me or once again missing out on IFE. I chose to save my neck.
No hot towels this time but there was a drinks run through with the trolley before the meal. With darkness outside and no IFE to keep me amused I drift off to sleep for a few hours, awakening as we are put into a holding pattern over southern England. Combined with the headwinds this meant we landed late, reducing my transfer time from comfortable to a bit rushed. Fortunately we got an airbridge gate, and it was close to flight connections centre, so that saved some time.
According to flight memory I have now flown the equivalent distance to the moon over 10 times.
Dec 30, 2009, 6:43 pm
#98
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British Airways
Business Class menu
Larnaca to London Heathrow
December 2009
Menu
Appetiser
Selection of savoury appetisers
Main
Penne pasta with marinated chicken and porcini mushrooms in tomato sauce
or
Braised beef with rosemary jus, cocotte potatoes, carrots and green beans
Selection of warm bread rolls
Dessert
Creme caramel
Selection of cheese with crackers
Your choice of coffee or tea
Herbal teas and hot chocolate are available upon request
Business Class menu
Larnaca to London Heathrow
December 2009
Menu
Appetiser
Selection of savoury appetisers
Main
Penne pasta with marinated chicken and porcini mushrooms in tomato sauce
or
Braised beef with rosemary jus, cocotte potatoes, carrots and green beans
Selection of warm bread rolls
Dessert
Creme caramel
Selection of cheese with crackers
Your choice of coffee or tea
Herbal teas and hot chocolate are available upon request
663 CE ROT2 HM4C.728
Dec 30, 2009, 10:05 pm
#99
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LONDON HEATHROW to SINGAPORE (LHR-SIN) on Qantas 747-400 in business first class
There was a 15 minute wait at FCC (flight connection centre) for a bus from T5 to T3. At T3 security was moving very slowly. Every now and then one of the officers would yell at us to remove our jackets, liquids and laptops to make the lines move faster. From what I could see the passengers were being reasonably well prepared and the main cause of delay was a lack of security staff (only 2 of the 5 lanes were manned and there were not enough people on each lane so whenever someone's bag had to be checked everything ground to a halt).
Part way through the 45 minute wait some VIP (I assume) who was escorted to the front of the line had his ginormous rollaboard (it came up to my waist) wheeled around the WTMD. Yes, not only would it not fit in the xray but it also would not fit in the WTMD! Amazingly the bag didn't even get a manual inspection. How is that nonsense supposed to engender confidence in security processes amongst the travellers who bore witness to it?
Finally I was through and hurried off to the new BA lounge in a happy mood. As alluded to previously, I had scored an op-up, my first ever with Qantas in hundreds of flights. I'd been watching loads for weeks and thought there would be be some op-ups but after all these years of dashed hopes I had not dared to think I might get one. Anyway, tonight's flight was totally full and somehow my number came up.
On arrival at the lounge my first action was to grab a shower. My body refreshed I then proceeded to refresh my head with some bubbles. Unfortunately only Lanson on offer here. The departure monitors showed boarding was underway so just time for one glass before dashing out to the gate - way down the end of the nearest pier.
Boarding was almost completed when I arrived. I went through door A and strode all the way to my seat, while the masses queued up in door B.
Pre-departure drink was Comtes de Taittinger 1999, accompanied by some canapes. PJs, slippers and amenity kit were handed out. No offer of a newspaper or magazine, although I spied some in the forward closet. Unfortunately all the good ones had been taken by the time I boarded. A hot towel to refresh while we waited for boarding formalities to be completed.
There was a 15 minute wait at FCC (flight connection centre) for a bus from T5 to T3. At T3 security was moving very slowly. Every now and then one of the officers would yell at us to remove our jackets, liquids and laptops to make the lines move faster. From what I could see the passengers were being reasonably well prepared and the main cause of delay was a lack of security staff (only 2 of the 5 lanes were manned and there were not enough people on each lane so whenever someone's bag had to be checked everything ground to a halt).
Part way through the 45 minute wait some VIP (I assume) who was escorted to the front of the line had his ginormous rollaboard (it came up to my waist) wheeled around the WTMD. Yes, not only would it not fit in the xray but it also would not fit in the WTMD! Amazingly the bag didn't even get a manual inspection. How is that nonsense supposed to engender confidence in security processes amongst the travellers who bore witness to it?
Finally I was through and hurried off to the new BA lounge in a happy mood. As alluded to previously, I had scored an op-up, my first ever with Qantas in hundreds of flights. I'd been watching loads for weeks and thought there would be be some op-ups but after all these years of dashed hopes I had not dared to think I might get one. Anyway, tonight's flight was totally full and somehow my number came up.
On arrival at the lounge my first action was to grab a shower. My body refreshed I then proceeded to refresh my head with some bubbles. Unfortunately only Lanson on offer here. The departure monitors showed boarding was underway so just time for one glass before dashing out to the gate - way down the end of the nearest pier.
Boarding was almost completed when I arrived. I went through door A and strode all the way to my seat, while the masses queued up in door B.
Pre-departure drink was Comtes de Taittinger 1999, accompanied by some canapes. PJs, slippers and amenity kit were handed out. No offer of a newspaper or magazine, although I spied some in the forward closet. Unfortunately all the good ones had been taken by the time I boarded. A hot towel to refresh while we waited for boarding formalities to be completed.
Dec 30, 2009, 10:23 pm
#100
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Once we were all ready there was a 30 minute delay for deicing, which was done at the gate. Yes it was a bit cold outside and I was glad I'd gotten through the European portion of my trip okay with just summery clothes (a gamble on my part to save room & weight in my carry on).
After departure I settled into the movies with a few drinks and finish off some papers (one of my annoying habits while flying is to do 3 things at once). The January selection was a bit uninspiring, and also awkward because the Q-guide was the December edition.
The meal order was taken and then some 15 minutes later I was advised they didn't have enough of my first choice of mains
I understand why I'd miss out since I was op-upped but it is still disappointing not to get the same choices that other passengers in the cabin get.
I ate, drank, watched movies, drank some more. Slept for a couple of hours in the middle of the flight. More of a power nap really. I don't understand why so many people sleep most of these overnight flights from Europe to Asia, particularly if the destination is in Asia. The arrival time is late afternoon and if you've just had say 8 hours sleep then the body clock probably isn't going to be well adjusted for Asia.
Breakfast was served a couple of hours before landing - earlier for those already awake and nearer one hour before landing for those maximising their sleep. That marked the end of adult beverages. At least being one of the first passengers to have breakfast there was no danger of missing out there.
We landed on time at a gate close to C immigration. However I chose to walk airside to T3 and exited at B immigration instead, since I was staying at the Crowne Plaza and had no checked bags to collect. C immigration was completely deserted so not only was it more convenient (no waiting around for landside T1 to T3 train) but also quicker. Straight through customs and checked into my room within 15 minutes of landing. I had a quick shower and changed before heading out into the city.
After departure I settled into the movies with a few drinks and finish off some papers (one of my annoying habits while flying is to do 3 things at once). The January selection was a bit uninspiring, and also awkward because the Q-guide was the December edition.
The meal order was taken and then some 15 minutes later I was advised they didn't have enough of my first choice of mains
I understand why I'd miss out since I was op-upped but it is still disappointing not to get the same choices that other passengers in the cabin get.I ate, drank, watched movies, drank some more. Slept for a couple of hours in the middle of the flight. More of a power nap really. I don't understand why so many people sleep most of these overnight flights from Europe to Asia, particularly if the destination is in Asia. The arrival time is late afternoon and if you've just had say 8 hours sleep then the body clock probably isn't going to be well adjusted for Asia.
Breakfast was served a couple of hours before landing - earlier for those already awake and nearer one hour before landing for those maximising their sleep. That marked the end of adult beverages. At least being one of the first passengers to have breakfast there was no danger of missing out there.
We landed on time at a gate close to C immigration. However I chose to walk airside to T3 and exited at B immigration instead, since I was staying at the Crowne Plaza and had no checked bags to collect. C immigration was completely deserted so not only was it more convenient (no waiting around for landside T1 to T3 train) but also quicker. Straight through customs and checked into my room within 15 minutes of landing. I had a quick shower and changed before heading out into the city.
Dec 30, 2009, 10:25 pm
#101
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Qantas
First Class menu
London Heathrow to Singapore
December 2009
Supper
Canapes
Lavosh with Tzatziki and Cumin Spiced Green Olives
Entrees
Potato and Leek Soup with Herb Creme Fraiche
Poached Lobster Salad with Tabbouleh Salsa
Light Meals
Big bowl of Tuscan Soup with Cavolo Nero and Borlotti Beans
Duck Shepherd's Pie with Parsnip Crust
Our signature Steak Sandwich with Tomato and Chilli Relish
Main Courses
Roast Corn Fed Chicken in Rosemary Broth with Celeraic Gratin and Green Beans
Holdshott Farm Organic Pork Sausages with Balsamic Onion Sauce, Potato Puree and Braised Peas
Side Salad
Salad of Rocket, Red Chard, Mizuna and Baby Spinach with your choice of dressing
Aged Balsamic and Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Fresh Lemon Juice and Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Palm Sugar Vinaigrette
Cheese
Hand selected blue, soft and hard cheese served with accompaniments
Dessert
Rhubarb and Frangipane Tart with Clotted Cream
Apple and Blackberry Pie with Creme Anglaise
Whole or Sliced Fresh Seasonal Fruit
Roskilly Organic Ice Cream Tubs
Petits Fours
A selection of Amedei dark chocolates
Scottish Shortbread
Passionfruit Squares
Breakfast
Create your favourite Breakfast from our extensive Rockpool designed menu. Your Flight Attendant will be pleased to assist you with your selection.
Orange Juice
Apple Juice
Tomato Juice
Sunraysia Pear Liquid Fruit
Sunraysia Mango Liquid Fruit
Vanilla and Honey Energiser Drink
Fresh Fruit Salad
Bircher Muesli
Cereal Selection
Yoghurt and Honey
Toast
Croissant
Cinnamon Brioche
Strawberry Jam, Orange Marmalade, Honey, Vegemite
Free Range Scrambled Eggs
Holdshott Farm Organic Sausages
Organic Dry Cured Bacon
Loch Fyne Smoked Salmon
Sweet Onion Relish
Sauteed Mushrooms
Potato Cakes
Braised Beans
Warm Banana Bread with Ricotta and Poached Fruits
Beverages
Hot Beverages
Giancarlo Coffee
Cafe Latte
Cappuccino
Grinders Decaffeinated
Espresso
Flat White
Long Black
Mocha
Liqueur Coffee
T2 Tea
English Breakfast - A blend of the finest Sri Lankan full-bodied teas producing a rich and well-rounded flavour.
Peppermint - A well-rouned peppermint flavour captures the sweet essence of all things 'minty' with a sweet, cool, lingering aroma.
Chamomile - Relax and unwind with this fragrant infusion of sweet, golden chamomile flowers.
Sencha - A classic green tea grown in Japan. These beautiful, emerald green leaves produce a sweet, smooth, grassy flavour.
Lemongrass and Ginger - Zesty and bright lemongrass contrasts the spicy flavour of ginger to create a refreshing and wild taste sensation.
Other teas are available upon request.
Hot Chocolate
Aperitifs
Bloody Mary
Campari
Noilly Prat French Dry Vermouth
Spirits
Bacardi White Rum
Bundaberg Dark Rum
Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin
Chivas Regal 18yo Scotch Whisky
The Glenlivet 18yo Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Wild Turkey Rare Breed 108 Bourbon
Wyborowa Single Estate Polish Vodka
Beers
Hahn Premium Light
Crown Lager
Heineken
James Squire Golden Ale
Little Creatures Pale Ale
Liqueurs
Baileys Irish Cream
Cointreau
Fortifieds
Grant Burge 20yo Tawny
Morris of Rutherglen Old Premium Liqueur Tokay
Morris of Rutherglen Old Premium Liqueur Muscat
Cognac
Martell Cordon Bleau
Non Alcoholic
Apple Juice
Orange Juice
Five Star Sunraysia Mango Juice
Five Star Sunraysia Pear Juice
Spicy Tomato Juice
Tomato Juice
Sparkling Mineral Water
Still Mineral Water
Soda Water
Tonic Water
Bundaber Ginger Beer
Cola
Diet Cola
Ginger Ale
Lemonade
Solo - Lemon Squash
Wine List
[Note the typos are in the original.]
White Wine
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2005
Margaret River, Western Australia
Leeuwin Estate is a botique, family owned and operated winery located in the picturesque Margaret River district 360km south of Perth, Western Australia. "The fruit literally ngs, appropriate given Leeuwin's annual concerts; white peach, nectarine and grapefruit are the sopranos, barrel ferment and mlf the orchestra behind, the result seamless but synergistic." (James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2008 edition.)
Mount Horrocks Watervale Riesling 2008
Clare Valley, South Australia
Stephanie Toole crafts high quality wines which she describes as "essentially hand made food wines with emphasis on structure as well as generous fruit flavours". The Watervale is her top riesling and the 2008 is one of the great recent vintages for Mount Horrocks, showing fine mineral and savoury citrus aromas, some lighter musky esters, although very settled early on. Lively acid crunch and lime sherbet flavour, fresh and even, neatly defined and crystal clear.
Groset Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Clare Valley and Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Jeff Grosset is one of the luminaries of the Australian wine industry, his fame the result of consitent quality over the past 25 years. This is a deliciously crisp and crunchy, savoury dry white. Semillon provides the backbone, with exotic fruit flavours of guava, nectarine and lychee coming from the Sauvignon. It has a slaty, mineral edge to the finish.
Red Wine
Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2004
McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley, South Australia
The St Henri label first appeared in the late 1800's but faded away until John Davoren revived it in 1953. Today it is considered one of Australia's mot important wines, a unique expression of Shiraz matured in large oak vats more than 50 years on. Truly distinctive.
Curly Flat Pinot Noir 2005
Macedon Ranges, Victoria
Establised in 1192 by Jeni and Phillip Moraghan Curly Flat is a meticulously run vineyard. All the wines - outside of vintage variation of course - have been getting steadily better and this 2005 is another very good release. Malty, sweet-scented oak, bright cherries, sweet acids and long, fine tannin. Delicacy and power; light feet but a lasting impression.
Cullen Diana Madeline Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2005
Margaret River, Western Australia
Cullen's top Cabernet named in honour of family matriarch Diana Cullen. The vines planted in 1971 are 30 years old, giving great concentration to the wine. This wine is typically a blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The result is a deeply coloured wine with great depth of flavour, fine grain tannns and outstanding cellaring potential.
Dessert Wine
Mount Horrocks Cordon Cut Riesling 2008
Clare Valley, South Australia
An outstanding dessert wine. 2008 was a fantastic vintage for Clare Riesling and it follows that Mount Horrocks' legendary Cordon Cut is exceptional. It's incredibly sweet, lively and full of flavour.
First Class menu
London Heathrow to Singapore
December 2009
Supper
Canapes
Lavosh with Tzatziki and Cumin Spiced Green Olives
Entrees
Potato and Leek Soup with Herb Creme Fraiche
Poached Lobster Salad with Tabbouleh Salsa
Light Meals
Big bowl of Tuscan Soup with Cavolo Nero and Borlotti Beans
Duck Shepherd's Pie with Parsnip Crust
Our signature Steak Sandwich with Tomato and Chilli Relish
Main Courses
Roast Corn Fed Chicken in Rosemary Broth with Celeraic Gratin and Green Beans
Holdshott Farm Organic Pork Sausages with Balsamic Onion Sauce, Potato Puree and Braised Peas
Side Salad
Salad of Rocket, Red Chard, Mizuna and Baby Spinach with your choice of dressing
Aged Balsamic and Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Fresh Lemon Juice and Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Palm Sugar Vinaigrette
Cheese
Hand selected blue, soft and hard cheese served with accompaniments
Dessert
Rhubarb and Frangipane Tart with Clotted Cream
Apple and Blackberry Pie with Creme Anglaise
Whole or Sliced Fresh Seasonal Fruit
Roskilly Organic Ice Cream Tubs
Petits Fours
A selection of Amedei dark chocolates
Scottish Shortbread
Passionfruit Squares
Breakfast
Create your favourite Breakfast from our extensive Rockpool designed menu. Your Flight Attendant will be pleased to assist you with your selection.
Orange Juice
Apple Juice
Tomato Juice
Sunraysia Pear Liquid Fruit
Sunraysia Mango Liquid Fruit
Vanilla and Honey Energiser Drink
Fresh Fruit Salad
Bircher Muesli
Cereal Selection
Yoghurt and Honey
Toast
Croissant
Cinnamon Brioche
Strawberry Jam, Orange Marmalade, Honey, Vegemite
Free Range Scrambled Eggs
Holdshott Farm Organic Sausages
Organic Dry Cured Bacon
Loch Fyne Smoked Salmon
Sweet Onion Relish
Sauteed Mushrooms
Potato Cakes
Braised Beans
Warm Banana Bread with Ricotta and Poached Fruits
Beverages
Hot Beverages
Giancarlo Coffee
Cafe Latte
Cappuccino
Grinders Decaffeinated
Espresso
Flat White
Long Black
Mocha
Liqueur Coffee
T2 Tea
English Breakfast - A blend of the finest Sri Lankan full-bodied teas producing a rich and well-rounded flavour.
Peppermint - A well-rouned peppermint flavour captures the sweet essence of all things 'minty' with a sweet, cool, lingering aroma.
Chamomile - Relax and unwind with this fragrant infusion of sweet, golden chamomile flowers.
Sencha - A classic green tea grown in Japan. These beautiful, emerald green leaves produce a sweet, smooth, grassy flavour.
Lemongrass and Ginger - Zesty and bright lemongrass contrasts the spicy flavour of ginger to create a refreshing and wild taste sensation.
Other teas are available upon request.
Hot Chocolate
Aperitifs
Bloody Mary
Campari
Noilly Prat French Dry Vermouth
Spirits
Bacardi White Rum
Bundaberg Dark Rum
Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin
Chivas Regal 18yo Scotch Whisky
The Glenlivet 18yo Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Wild Turkey Rare Breed 108 Bourbon
Wyborowa Single Estate Polish Vodka
Beers
Hahn Premium Light
Crown Lager
Heineken
James Squire Golden Ale
Little Creatures Pale Ale
Liqueurs
Baileys Irish Cream
Cointreau
Fortifieds
Grant Burge 20yo Tawny
Morris of Rutherglen Old Premium Liqueur Tokay
Morris of Rutherglen Old Premium Liqueur Muscat
Cognac
Martell Cordon Bleau
Non Alcoholic
Apple Juice
Orange Juice
Five Star Sunraysia Mango Juice
Five Star Sunraysia Pear Juice
Spicy Tomato Juice
Tomato Juice
Sparkling Mineral Water
Still Mineral Water
Soda Water
Tonic Water
Bundaber Ginger Beer
Cola
Diet Cola
Ginger Ale
Lemonade
Solo - Lemon Squash
P10_LHR-SIN-MEL_DEC09
Wine List
[Note the typos are in the original.]
White Wine
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2005
Margaret River, Western Australia
Leeuwin Estate is a botique, family owned and operated winery located in the picturesque Margaret River district 360km south of Perth, Western Australia. "The fruit literally ngs, appropriate given Leeuwin's annual concerts; white peach, nectarine and grapefruit are the sopranos, barrel ferment and mlf the orchestra behind, the result seamless but synergistic." (James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2008 edition.)
Mount Horrocks Watervale Riesling 2008
Clare Valley, South Australia
Stephanie Toole crafts high quality wines which she describes as "essentially hand made food wines with emphasis on structure as well as generous fruit flavours". The Watervale is her top riesling and the 2008 is one of the great recent vintages for Mount Horrocks, showing fine mineral and savoury citrus aromas, some lighter musky esters, although very settled early on. Lively acid crunch and lime sherbet flavour, fresh and even, neatly defined and crystal clear.
Groset Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Clare Valley and Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Jeff Grosset is one of the luminaries of the Australian wine industry, his fame the result of consitent quality over the past 25 years. This is a deliciously crisp and crunchy, savoury dry white. Semillon provides the backbone, with exotic fruit flavours of guava, nectarine and lychee coming from the Sauvignon. It has a slaty, mineral edge to the finish.
Red Wine
Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2004
McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley, South Australia
The St Henri label first appeared in the late 1800's but faded away until John Davoren revived it in 1953. Today it is considered one of Australia's mot important wines, a unique expression of Shiraz matured in large oak vats more than 50 years on. Truly distinctive.
Curly Flat Pinot Noir 2005
Macedon Ranges, Victoria
Establised in 1192 by Jeni and Phillip Moraghan Curly Flat is a meticulously run vineyard. All the wines - outside of vintage variation of course - have been getting steadily better and this 2005 is another very good release. Malty, sweet-scented oak, bright cherries, sweet acids and long, fine tannin. Delicacy and power; light feet but a lasting impression.
Cullen Diana Madeline Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2005
Margaret River, Western Australia
Cullen's top Cabernet named in honour of family matriarch Diana Cullen. The vines planted in 1971 are 30 years old, giving great concentration to the wine. This wine is typically a blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The result is a deeply coloured wine with great depth of flavour, fine grain tannns and outstanding cellaring potential.
Dessert Wine
Mount Horrocks Cordon Cut Riesling 2008
Clare Valley, South Australia
An outstanding dessert wine. 2008 was a fantastic vintage for Clare Riesling and it follows that Mount Horrocks' legendary Cordon Cut is exceptional. It's incredibly sweet, lively and full of flavour.
Dec 31, 2009, 4:05 pm
#103
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,419
Ah crud that was a night I don't want to repeat in a hurry. Despite the date this wasn't alcohol-related.
On arrival of red eye flight I found the millenium bug was 10 years late, immigration computers down and I was one of 1500+ people stuck in a very hot, very long, very slow moving queue. Not the place to be when you have an onward flight to catch.
More on that later, back to my day of madness.
On arrival of red eye flight I found the millenium bug was 10 years late, immigration computers down and I was one of 1500+ people stuck in a very hot, very long, very slow moving queue. Not the place to be when you have an onward flight to catch.
More on that later, back to my day of madness.
Last edited by Kiwi Flyer; Dec 31, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Dec 31, 2009, 5:57 pm
#104
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,419
SINGAPORE to YANGON (SIN-RGN) on Silk Air A319 in business class
I'd barely gotten to bed and it was time to get up. Check out was speedy, then a short train ride to T2 to check in. Check in was quick. A small wait at immigration. I had just enough time for a brief lounge visit before boarding to check my messages. We had a far gate - of course, and boarding was underway when I reached the gate 12 minutes before departure (just before the cut-off).
Economy was full but business had plenty of spare seats. I was dead tired so slept most of the flight and missed breakfast. The seat is much the same as Air NZ's A320 business seat (ie fairly limited recline and pitch is not great), but when I'm tired enough I'll sleep on anything.
On arrival I enlisted the assistance of ground staff to make my onward flight which departed just 50 minutes later. Fortunately, Yangon is a small airport.
I'd barely gotten to bed and it was time to get up. Check out was speedy, then a short train ride to T2 to check in. Check in was quick. A small wait at immigration. I had just enough time for a brief lounge visit before boarding to check my messages. We had a far gate - of course, and boarding was underway when I reached the gate 12 minutes before departure (just before the cut-off).
Economy was full but business had plenty of spare seats. I was dead tired so slept most of the flight and missed breakfast. The seat is much the same as Air NZ's A320 business seat (ie fairly limited recline and pitch is not great), but when I'm tired enough I'll sleep on anything.
On arrival I enlisted the assistance of ground staff to make my onward flight which departed just 50 minutes later. Fortunately, Yangon is a small airport.
Jan 1, 2010, 1:22 am
#105
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,419
YANGON to SINGAPORE (RGN-SIN) on Silk Air A319 in business class
By the time I got to the gate boarding was well underway. The load was modest with plenty of room to spread out in the business class cabin.
Another pre-departure drink. Again I fell asleep awakening late in the flight. The crew had saved some lunch for me. Unfortunately I appear to have left the menu for this flight behind but one of the options was a curry.
We arrived on time and I rushed off to the SKL lounge check in desk to check in for my next couple of flights.
By the time I got to the gate boarding was well underway. The load was modest with plenty of room to spread out in the business class cabin.
Another pre-departure drink. Again I fell asleep awakening late in the flight. The crew had saved some lunch for me. Unfortunately I appear to have left the menu for this flight behind but one of the options was a curry.
We arrived on time and I rushed off to the SKL lounge check in desk to check in for my next couple of flights.
