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A Feast of First Class Flying on British Airways, Qantas and Emirates

A Feast of First Class Flying on British Airways, Qantas and Emirates

Old Jan 8, 2011, 9:30 pm
  #61  
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AUCKLAND

We pulled into gate 1 which surprised me as pier B was free. But on reflection perhaps this is because Emirates will need the pier for two of their three widebodies before the Qantas aircraft turns. I sped to immigration. It was deserted. Not only were there no passengers in sight, there were also no officers, at least initially. No problem for me as I use smartgate anyway (it is quicker and avoids prospect of difficult questions over my odd travel patterns).

I sped to customs where again there were no officers initially but one soon turned up. I was waved to bypass the xray machine, which was a lucky break when I checked my bag a few hours later and discovered some apples had been in there the whole trip. That would have been $400 instant fine if I'd gone through xray. I was momentarily detained at the exit to landside as the door was locked.

When I'd booked this sub-trip I originally could only get the late evening flight to Auckland. So I planned to stay in Auckland overnight. Not that that is much hardship when we have new years eve celebrations to enjoy.
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Old Jan 8, 2011, 10:40 pm
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Originally Posted by Kiwi Flyer
SYDNEY
The other thing I noticed was less pleasant. The lounge was dirty with a disregard for keeping it clean. It was bad enough that I laid a complaint with Qantas. Dishes should not be sitting around waiting to be cleared away for several hours, and nor should toilets remain blocked for several hours.
I've noticed the FCL at SYD really is hit and miss. The service in the dining area can be fantastic or dreadful, and everywhere in between. Eggs Benedict I won't order there anymore as the last 3 times (yes, I gave them three chances) the eggs have been so close to raw (covering them up with hollandaise sauce might visually make the dish look good, until you cut through ) I have had to order something else.

Great TR as always KiwiFlyer.
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Old Jan 9, 2011, 11:21 am
  #63  
 
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Thanks, Kiwi... great TR. We love the man-toe character accompanying you from LHR to SYD. And thanks for the warning about the eggs bennie at the FCl in SYD. Nothing less appetizing than raw eggs "hidden" under a sauce......

Love your posts!

p
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Old Jan 9, 2011, 1:17 pm
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Originally Posted by Kiwi Flyer
BANGKOK to SYDNEY (BKK-SYD) on Qantas 747-400 in first class

There was low cloud in Sydney and surrounding area, so with the early morning low angle of the sun, we had a neat shadow that changed shape as we passed "peaks and troughs" in the top of the cloud layer. There was also a nice complete circle rainbow surrounding the aircraft shadow. I was mesmerised, and by quirk of fate, the top of the cloud layer matched our descent for quite some time.
You had the pleasure of observing a Glory, possibly enhanced by a Heiligenschein. I always sit on the side opposite to the sun in the hope of seeing one. Certain routes are very good for them - I love flying MEL-HBA for this reason!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glory_(optical_phenomenon)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heiligenschein

Audrey
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Old Jan 9, 2011, 8:38 pm
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Thanks falconea. Glory it is.

On to the next sub-trip. For those waiting on reports of my Emirates first class flights, the wait is almost over. I'm nearly up to the first of 12 EK F flights in this trip.

Last edited by Kiwi Flyer; Jan 10, 2011 at 2:04 am
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Old Jan 10, 2011, 12:15 am
  #66  
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AUCKLAND to WELLINGTON (AKL-WLG) on Air New Zealand 737-300 in economy class space+ seats

Next morning (new years day) I showered and checked out of the hotel after just an hour's sleep. There were still plenty of revellers out and about and surprisingly high numbers of travellers on the airport bus. I went to the lounge where I had some juice and caught up on messages in the brief time before boarding.

I fell asleep almost straight away and awoke when the aircraft touched down in Wellington an hour later.
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Old Jan 10, 2011, 12:20 am
  #67  
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WELLINGTON

I just missed an airport bus since it seemed to have departed early. Fortunately the service is frequent and only 15 minutes to wait for the next one. I had a couple of errands to run in the few hours I had in between flights. Then back to the airport for the next trip.

Until a few months ago, they had day passes for the bus at reasonable rates but these were recently removed.
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Old Jan 11, 2011, 4:43 am
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Wow reading this fantastic TR, i am almost exhausted, you must be too, so glad you managed to consume a vast amount of bubbles, good man, I realise there were no pics, but the reading made up for that, has taken me a couple of hours whilst at work, thank goodness not busy. I await with baited breath the next installment of your trip. Thanks again. ^
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Old Jan 11, 2011, 7:53 pm
  #69  
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As always great report with great details Kiwi! ^
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Old Jan 12, 2011, 12:16 am
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WELLINGTON to AUCKLAND (WLG-AKL) on Jetstar A320 in economy class

Normally I try to avoid flying Jetstar, but at time of booking the fare difference was far too big to ignore. After rushing around town I arrived at the airport about 40 minutes before departure, just in the nick of time before check in closes. I almost forgot to check in at the kiosks - being so used to flying Air NZ where I just turn up at the gate with phone & RFID tag to board.

There wasn't enough time to make good use of the pay per use Corporate Box lounge (formerly called Wild At Heart lounge), even with my airport card discount ($15 fee instead of the usual $25). I milled around and then headed for security at an appropriate time.

The flight was moderately full but I lucked out and got an empty middle seat to make the lack of space+ seating a bit more bearable. We pushed back slightly early and I fell asleep shortly after takeoff. I woke up 30-odd minutes later somewhere over Waikato, feeling slightly refreshed. Not much later I was back in a steamy Auckland, half a day after I'd left and excited about the next sub-trip.
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Old Jan 12, 2011, 12:19 am
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AUCKLAND

As we'd landed early, and I didn't think the check in counters for my next flight would quite be open yet, I took my time wandering across to the international terminal. Watching the activities on the apron and runway (at least the portions that are visible from the walkway). Unfortunately this is a fairly quiet time of day for Auckland, with the middle of the day longhaul flights all having come and gone, and too early for the late afternoon longhaul arrivals. Thus, most of the activity are domestic flights, and this isn't a peak time for those either. Nonetheless it was a peaceful short walk, and I was in a good mood.
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Old Jan 13, 2011, 1:59 am
  #72  
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AUCKLAND to MELBOURNE (AKL-MEL) on Emirates 777-300ER in first class

When I arrived at check in I was pleased to see it was open and no queue in the first class line. With no bags to check, I was soon issued 2 boarding passes. Unfortunately I couldn't get boarding passes for the subsequent flights, beyond the turnaround point. I wish they would relax the "rules" and give them as it would save time and stress, while withholding them provides little or no benefit that I can see. Some airlines are more than happy to issue return boarding passes (eg Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Air NZ, American) while others don't (eg Lufthansa, Thai, British Airways).

Anyway, I wasn't too worried as my turnaround on this trip isn't too short - it is more a convenience thing this time than a genuine concern I'd miss the return. The agent advised premium immigration wouldn't be open yet but I confirmed I'd seen an immigration officer on my way past a few moments ago.

That too was dealt with quickly and soon I was upstairs making my way past the carry-on checkers to the pre-cleared line. One of these days I'll try out the smartgate exit immigration, which I've missed every time since it was introduced due to using pre-clearance or premium check in lobby immigration desks.

I got lucky with security - there was little queue and I was soon welcomed back to the Emirates lounge. I requested towels for the shower, since as with many airline lounges these days they don't keep towels in the shower rooms any more. After a day rushing around I was pleased to have a refreshing shower and partially reawaken. I was tempted by the Moet (it had been too many hours since the last bubbles!) but decided to save my palate for the better bubbles on board and instead had some nice Mt Difficulty Pinot Noir. For those who prefer white wine there was Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc. I ignored the nice hot and cold snacks since the food in Emirates first class is truly wonderful in quality and range - it is a shame to eat before the flight, unless needing to get to sleep immediately.

I caught up on some messages while the lounge quickly filled to bursting point. It seems that all 3 Emirates flights today (which depart in the space of about 30 minutes) are fairly full in first and business class. The way things are going, Emirates will soon have the most premium seats across the Tasman despite only having 4 routes - far less than Air New Zealand, Qantas and Pacific Blue. Indeed, with some Qantas flights replaced with Jetstar and Air NZ recently removing business class from A320 flights, it may already be at, or close to, supremacy in premium seat counts. Extraordinary.

The flights were called in quick succession, but with the A380 bound for Sydney departing from pier B - a long walk from the lounge, and the Brisbane 77W leaving first, we had a brief spell in the lounge with just one flight load of premium and elite passengers. So merely busy for a few minutes instead of heaving.

Then it was our turn to go and I made my way to the gate, which was nice and close. A premium boarding lane was being nicely enforced and I was soon at the aircraft door then being escorted the few steps to my seat. Before I'd even had a chance to stow my carry on in the space at the front of the suite I was asked if I'd like some champagne. No question as to my answer. I grabbed the noise cancelling headphones and set up the ICE to begin watching a movie while supping away, with frequent questions. Would you like some nuts? A refill? A newspaper? A magazine? A menu? Some slippers? A refill? A date? What? I hardly know you? Oh the other date. Some Arabic coffee?

The IFE was interrupted for announcements, the safety video (twice - once in Arabic and again in English) and then a brief welcome aboard video (again twice). I like how there is always a statement of which languages the crew speak. One of these days I'll draw up Emirates language bingo cards to amuse myself.

By the time we'd pushed back, on time, I was feeling fabulous albeit a bit tired, and had watched a third of the movie. We had some good views after takeoff before turning for Melbourne. A post-departure drink and meal selection, and within 30 minutes the canapes were served. The flight went by in a blur. Partly this was down to tiredness and partly because I had plans to sleep the next, much longer flight, and so didn't care if I got a bit sloppy in the meantime as long as I didn't waken up too much. With the severe sleep deficit I'd had the past couple of weeks I didn't think there was much danger of that happening.

I watched another movie and before I realised we were on final descent flying past the outlying towns around Melbourne in the late evening.
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Old Jan 13, 2011, 2:05 am
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Emirates
First Class menu
Auckland to Melbourne
January 2011


Bar Service

Aperitifs

Campari - Campari Bitter, Vermouth Sweet/Dry - Martini, Sweet Sherry - Harvey's Bristol Cream, Dry Sherry - Tio Pepe

Beers

A selection of international beers including Heineken, Budweiser and Amstel Light

Cocktails

Black Russian, Bloody Mary, Bucks Fizz, Champagne Cocktail, Cosmopolitan (US routes), Fantasy Island, Kir Royal, Manhattan, Martini Cocktail Classic, Screwdriver, Vodka Martini

Mocktails

Jumeirah Delight

Spirits

Premium Scotch Whisky - Chivas Regal Royal Salute, Single Malt Whisky - Glenfiddich 21 Years Old, Bourbon - Woodford Reserve

Cognac - Hennessy Paradis

Vodka - Grey Goose

Gin - Bombay Sapphire

Rum - Bacardi Superior, Bacardi 8 Anos

Champagne, Port and Wines

A selection of fine wines from internationally renowned vineyards of the old and new world

Liqueuers

Baileys Irish Cream, Tiam Maria, Drambuie, Cointreau


Dinner

Appetiser

Smoked salmon
with grilled scallops on a bed of fresh green bean and walnut salad, with a mustard and dill dressing

Soy barbeque chicken
marinated, grilled and served cold with Asian style salad and citrus dressing

Soup

Creamy mushroom soup
garnished with creme fraiche and chopped chives

Main Course

Pan-fried lamb loin
with creamy mashed potato, Puy lentil ragout, sauteed zucchini and red capsicum batons

Roast chicken breast
with jus, potato galette sprinkled with kawakawa seasoning, fresh asparagus spears and oven-roasted pumpkin and onion

Prawns in coconut sauce
prawns with a coconut and lemon grass sauce, with two coloured rice, green beans and stir-fried carrot flowers

Spinach and feta ravioli
tossed in a rich tomato and basil sauce, with grilled aubergine, sauteed cherry tomatoes, broad beans and green zucchini

A la carte vegetables
as an alternative accompaniment to your main course, an additional variety of vegetables is available which includes steamed rice, Lyonnaise potatoes topped with fried onions and parsley, roasted pumpkin and green asparagus spears

Dessert

Mini desserts
gourmet selection of fine miniature desserts

Bread

Bread basket
a variety of freshly baked rolls and garlic bread

Cheese

International cheese selection
specially selected international cheeses, matured to perfection and served with a selection of crudites, crackers and dried fruits

Fruit

Fresh seasonal fruit

Hot Beverages

a selection of the finest quality teas and coffees are available freshly brewed for your enjoyment throughout the flight

Chocolates
to accompany a freshly brewed cup of tea or coffee


EK407-AKLMELDXB-F-10B


First Class Wine List

Champagne

Dom Perignon Vintage 2000
The very fresh and youthful millenium vintage of Dom Prignon is soft and approachable. Persistent tiny bubbles race up to the top of your glass, assisting in the release of the subtle aromas of hazelnut, lemon cream, pear and red apple. Ultra fine, with a very active bead that just floats across the palate. Elegant, unobtrusive and balanced. The finish is delightful with lingering stonefruit flavours.

White Wine

Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru, Les Folatieres, 2008, Henri de Villamont
What makes Puligny-Montrachet so special? Well many things, but primarily; balance, harmony and finesse. In addition, they are noted for having a steely, vibrant core in the very centre of their abundant flavours. 'Les Folatieres' is the best known Premier Cru terrior in Puligny-Montrachet, the vines are richer and fatter than elsewhere in the village of Puligny and hence can be broached quite young. The example here, from Henri de Villamont, shows this angular beauty thoroughly and has a really long and intense finish.

Isabel Estate, Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough
Crisp citrus fruit abounds here with the elegant Isabel Estate 2008 Sauvignon. This vintage is tighter and more mineral based than some of the recent ones that - in the quest for the Kiwi Sauvignon style - have allowed themselves to become a tad blowsy. This family owned winery makes splendid wines. A perfect aperitif and a joy with seafood and fresh water fish.

Red Wine

Chateau Rauzan Segla, 2001 Margaux
After a very shaky track record in the 70's and 80's, culminating in the property being owned by ex boxer and entrepreneur George Walker. Boxers and Bordeaux were odd bedfellows and it's now owned by the couture house of Chanel. In the 90's Rauzan Segla started making wines befitting its Grand Cru Classe status. Here, the 2001 is drinking beautifully, with hallmark cedar, cassis and roasted herbs. This is quintessential Margauz.

Felton Road, Pinot Noir 2008, Central Otago, New Zealand
After a four year courtship, Felton Road, arguably the finest grower of Pinot Noir outside Burgundy, agreed to let Emeriates take a parcel of their highly sought after wine. Deep into New Zealand's beautifully dramatic South Island lies the region of Central Otago and the ideal terrior for this capricious variety. The top Kiwi Pinot has grace, verve and an abundance of clean raspberry and bramble fruit flavours. The uniqueness is as much about the freshness and soft tannins, as it is about complex fruit definition. Fully organic and biodynamically produced, the Felton Road 2008 is a beauty - and splendid in the air.

St Hallet "Old Block" Shiraz 2005, Barossa Valley
A blockbuster Shiraz from the hot Barossa Valley near Adelaide. The 2005 St Hallet Shiraz displays the hallmark richness, ripe blackcurrant and spicy complexity of the regions best fruit. The sheer weight of the wine is managed splendidly by a clean freshness that gives both balance and a sense of elegance, not often associated with the Barossa. An acknowledged icon wine of Australia, the "Old Block" derives its fruit from vines of 60 to well over 100 years old. The tiny yields these knarred plants gives ensure that this wine is naturally rare. Try it while you can.

Dessert

Chateau Rieussec, 2003, Sauternes
Devotees will need no introduction to this great wine. For the novice, the chance to sip and savour the great 2003 Rieussec is a treat and superb induction to the genre. Honeyed power, great definition and excellent viscosity. Thick and juicy seem simple words for such a spectacular wine, but that is what its like. Perfect with foie gras or as a digestif after dinner, the extraordinary flavours just go on and on.

Warre's, 1980 Vintage Port
The oldest British-owned Port house was founded in 1670 by the Warre brothers. For a 28 year-old Port the 1980 is still a deeply coloured, very impressive looking wine. Very open and mature, creamy, fine, as impressive as its appearance. Broad and expressive of black and raisined fruit, with a massive structure beneath to keep it all together. A small glass is the ultimate digestif.
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Old Jan 13, 2011, 10:30 am
  #74  
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MELBOURNE

SInce the international pier extension opened up a year or so ago I haven't enjoyed MEL transits/turnarounds as much as previously. Transit security is at the old end of the pier, and most of the time is unmanned. There is a telephone to call someone from the main security station at the base of the pier, but usually it takes 10 minutes or so for anyone to arrive. Naturally this isn't good when you're about to misconnect. Today the transit was about 90 minutes arrival to push back (or about 30 minutes from reaching transit security until reboarding) so I wasn't worried about misconnecting, but a slow response from security could significantly eat into lounge enjoyment time. Fortunately the station was manned, and thanks to my usual speedy walk I was first there. Unlike all the other Australian airport security at international terminals, including transits at Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, I've never seen anyone get a random pat-down and explosives check here, so I've never bothered with my tricks to reduce the odds of getting it (ie by not being first one through).

The lounge is downstairs, but not right on the ground as the Air NZ lounge is. I had to remind myself where exactly it was as normally I use either Qantas first class lounge or NZ lounge (and rarely Singapore Airlines lounge or Qantas business class lounge).

The Australian & New Zealand Emirates lounges are much the same, at least for the 4 I've visited recently. Brisbane is a little different in that there is an exit from the lounge directly to the gate.

Bubbles on offer were Moet and Veuve Clicquot. The usual (for EK) wide array of hot & cold snacks. The lounge was fairly full. I had just enough time to catch up on some messages and it was time to board again.
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Old Jan 13, 2011, 12:32 pm
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Thanks for another great read KF ^

Originally Posted by Kiwi Flyer
MELBOURNETransit security is at the old end of the pier, and most of the time is unmanned. There is a telephone to call someone from the main security station at the base of the pier, but usually it takes 10 minutes or so for anyone to arrive. Naturally this isn't good when you're about to misconnect. Today the transit was about 90 minutes arrival to push back (or about 30 minutes from reaching transit security until reboarding) so I wasn't worried about misconnecting, but a slow response from security could significantly eat into lounge enjoyment time. Fortunately the station was manned, and thanks to my usual speedy walk I was first there.
Might be because EK407 is a through-flight with a number of pax transiting, whereas most international flights turnaround in MEL?
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