Flying the Kangaroo to Oz (6 sectors, 5 aircraft types)
Dec 10, 2011, 11:11 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,681
Flying the Kangaroo to Oz (6 sectors, 5 aircraft types)
Couple of weeks back, I need to travel to Canberra for 11 days on a working trip. As my company has the policy of "flying with the cheapest full-service carrier" available, I was booked on Qantas for the trip. Over the weekend, I had also booked myself a short trip to Sydney. Overall, I would be flying Qantas on 6 sectors! How exciting can that be... On the bright side, I had booked on 5 different aircraft types, from the prop to the whale (Dash 8-Q400, B734, B738, B744 and A380) and as I had not flown QF internationally before, it would definitely be an experience. This report would be picture extensive, as per my previous reports.
27 November 2011
Qantas
QF 6
Singapore (SIN) - Sydney (SYD)
B747-400
VH-OJA (QF's First B744)
Economy Class
I had done online check-in 24hrs before and had grabbed myself a window seat in the mid-section of the plane. The plane was almost all sold out and on check-in, the middle seat was still vacent. Crossing my fingers it would be remain vacant! True enough (unfortunately), it was 100% full in economy when I enquired with the check-in agent at the baggage drop at Terminal 1. OMG, I am gonna get stuck at the window seat for the 7hrs flight...
Got a proper boarding pass at the bag drop counter. Was also issued with the boarding pass to Canberra. However bags needed to be retrieved at Sydney for customs clearance and re-checked in to Canberra.
Proceeded through immigration to the departure hall. The plane had already arrived from Frankfurt. It would be operated by Qantas's first B747-400! That is a 22 year old plane!
More plane-spotting. It was kinda boring with Jetstars and more Jetstars.
Seeing "stars" by now.
Departing from Gate C15. Boarding has already commenced but there was still a long queue clearing security. Boarding the legendary B747 again!
Welcomed by the crew and directed to the correct aisle. Almost all the crew today were "experienced" guys (only saw 2 ladies). However most were friendly and professional with the exception of 1 or 2 crew who did not really smile much.
Boarding in progress and passengers settling in. It was a horribly full flight! Guess it doesn't help much with the A380 operating the morning departure to Sydney instead. The seats are not re-upholstered in red covers yet. Unlike my previous flight a few yrs back where the seats were in red.
Seat width and pitch are really tight! It was going to be real torture...Thank goodness I can stretch my legs under the seat in front.
At the gate. Slightly delayed due to a no-show pax whose baggage needed to be off-loaded. Flight time was announced to be 7hrs.
On each seat was placed a blanket, large pillow, amenity kit and headset.
Unlike SQ, QF offers toothbrush set and an eyeshade in its amenity kit.
Stuff in seat-pocket. My seat was missing the inflight magazine.
As we were still waiting, the crew distributed menu cards. However no hot towels offered, haha. Interestingly, most of the crew on this flight were bilingual (seen from the national flags on their name-tags), probably due to the many code-shares. The 2 crew members serving my aisle can speak Spanish and French too! All announcements were also made in English and German.
Nice menu card. At least QF has not got rid of this.
27 November 2011
Qantas
QF 6
Singapore (SIN) - Sydney (SYD)
B747-400
VH-OJA (QF's First B744)
Economy Class
I had done online check-in 24hrs before and had grabbed myself a window seat in the mid-section of the plane. The plane was almost all sold out and on check-in, the middle seat was still vacent. Crossing my fingers it would be remain vacant! True enough (unfortunately), it was 100% full in economy when I enquired with the check-in agent at the baggage drop at Terminal 1. OMG, I am gonna get stuck at the window seat for the 7hrs flight...
Got a proper boarding pass at the bag drop counter. Was also issued with the boarding pass to Canberra. However bags needed to be retrieved at Sydney for customs clearance and re-checked in to Canberra.
Proceeded through immigration to the departure hall. The plane had already arrived from Frankfurt. It would be operated by Qantas's first B747-400! That is a 22 year old plane!
More plane-spotting. It was kinda boring with Jetstars and more Jetstars.
Seeing "stars" by now.
Departing from Gate C15. Boarding has already commenced but there was still a long queue clearing security. Boarding the legendary B747 again!
Welcomed by the crew and directed to the correct aisle. Almost all the crew today were "experienced" guys (only saw 2 ladies). However most were friendly and professional with the exception of 1 or 2 crew who did not really smile much.
Boarding in progress and passengers settling in. It was a horribly full flight! Guess it doesn't help much with the A380 operating the morning departure to Sydney instead. The seats are not re-upholstered in red covers yet. Unlike my previous flight a few yrs back where the seats were in red.
Seat width and pitch are really tight! It was going to be real torture...Thank goodness I can stretch my legs under the seat in front.
At the gate. Slightly delayed due to a no-show pax whose baggage needed to be off-loaded. Flight time was announced to be 7hrs.
On each seat was placed a blanket, large pillow, amenity kit and headset.
Unlike SQ, QF offers toothbrush set and an eyeshade in its amenity kit.
Stuff in seat-pocket. My seat was missing the inflight magazine.
As we were still waiting, the crew distributed menu cards. However no hot towels offered, haha. Interestingly, most of the crew on this flight were bilingual (seen from the national flags on their name-tags), probably due to the many code-shares. The 2 crew members serving my aisle can speak Spanish and French too! All announcements were also made in English and German.
Nice menu card. At least QF has not got rid of this.
Dec 10, 2011, 11:13 pm
#2
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,681
Lets look at the menu. There is also an interesting time-line of the services provided during the journey of the flight.
SINGAPORE TO SYDNEY
MENU
Mediterranean Summer Salad
Choice of
Braised Chicken in Tomato and Olive Sauce with
Polenta and Beans
or
Kung Po Style Pork Stir Fried with Fragrant Rice
and Greens
Soya Bean Pudding with Lychee
Chocolate
Grinders Coffee Dilmah Tea
Cadbury Hot Chocolate
Peppermint-Tea
Fresh fruit will be served throughout your flight
CAFE BREAKFAST
Orange Juice
Strawberry Yoghurt
Pain au Raisin
Grinders Coffee Dilmah Tea
The beverage menu is eye-boggling!!
Finally we are good to go. Safety demo was done both through video and manual demonstration by the crew. Lights were slightly dimmed (QF does not fully dim cabin lights for takeoff/landing). Had a rather long taxi to Rwy02C for takeoff.
Passing a Cathay B773 at Terminal 1.
And Lufthansa's A380 at Terminal 2!
Took off! Surprisingly no queues for takeoff. No video though as it was very dark. We made a right turn over Tekong and was on our way to Sydney.
After seatbelt signs were turned off, the crew sprang into action. First up, distribution of bottled water to all passengers.
No nuts/bar service though. Dinner was served less than an hour after takeoff. Some crew wore aprons while others changed into the service uniform (mandarin collar black shirt). I chose the pork with rice. Also had a Bundaberg Ginger Beer and a Jacobc Creek Sparkling Wine.
Salad and main course. Boring salad. Pork consisted of only very few minute pieces. Vegetables were overcooked. It was just very average.
Pudding and chocolate. The pudding tasted kinda disgusting! A very under-whelming meal overall...
While the meal trays were cleared. crew offered either peppermint tea or hot chocolate. I had the Cadbury hot chocolate. It was served with a marshmallow! Perfect bedtime drink!
Everything was cleared less than 2hrs after takeoff and lights were dimmed.
Visited the lavatory but no amenities in there other than the necessities, so no photos taken. I watched a movie and tried to get some sleep. But it was quite impossible in the cramped seats and I ended up half-awake most of the time.
Slightly less than 2hrs to landing, lights were turned back on the a light breakfast was served. The raisin pastry was served warm and quite nice. A nice change from SQ's muffin and roll.
SINGAPORE TO SYDNEY
MENU
Mediterranean Summer Salad
Choice of
Braised Chicken in Tomato and Olive Sauce with
Polenta and Beans
or
Kung Po Style Pork Stir Fried with Fragrant Rice
and Greens
Soya Bean Pudding with Lychee
Chocolate
Grinders Coffee Dilmah Tea
Cadbury Hot Chocolate
Peppermint-Tea
Fresh fruit will be served throughout your flight
CAFE BREAKFAST
Orange Juice
Strawberry Yoghurt
Pain au Raisin
Grinders Coffee Dilmah Tea
The beverage menu is eye-boggling!!
Finally we are good to go. Safety demo was done both through video and manual demonstration by the crew. Lights were slightly dimmed (QF does not fully dim cabin lights for takeoff/landing). Had a rather long taxi to Rwy02C for takeoff.
Passing a Cathay B773 at Terminal 1.
And Lufthansa's A380 at Terminal 2!
Took off! Surprisingly no queues for takeoff. No video though as it was very dark. We made a right turn over Tekong and was on our way to Sydney.
After seatbelt signs were turned off, the crew sprang into action. First up, distribution of bottled water to all passengers.
No nuts/bar service though. Dinner was served less than an hour after takeoff. Some crew wore aprons while others changed into the service uniform (mandarin collar black shirt). I chose the pork with rice. Also had a Bundaberg Ginger Beer and a Jacobc Creek Sparkling Wine.
Salad and main course. Boring salad. Pork consisted of only very few minute pieces. Vegetables were overcooked. It was just very average.
Pudding and chocolate. The pudding tasted kinda disgusting! A very under-whelming meal overall...
While the meal trays were cleared. crew offered either peppermint tea or hot chocolate. I had the Cadbury hot chocolate. It was served with a marshmallow! Perfect bedtime drink!
Everything was cleared less than 2hrs after takeoff and lights were dimmed.
Visited the lavatory but no amenities in there other than the necessities, so no photos taken. I watched a movie and tried to get some sleep. But it was quite impossible in the cramped seats and I ended up half-awake most of the time.
Slightly less than 2hrs to landing, lights were turned back on the a light breakfast was served. The raisin pastry was served warm and quite nice. A nice change from SQ's muffin and roll.
Dec 10, 2011, 11:14 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,681
The entire flight was relatively smooth. Even when there were slight turbulences (which felt strong enough for SQ pilots to turn on the seatbelt signs), the seatbelt signs were never once turned on. Apparently Qantas pilots are much less "trigger-happy" with the signs.
Dawn
Cabin after breakfast.
Starting our descent into Sydney. Headsets were never collected and we were free to use them from boarding till landing! Entertainment system were also switched on shortly after boarding with announcements that we can start using the IFE till we were parked at the gate on arrival! So what is the "safety issue" here, SQ?
Speedbrakes up. Leaving the coast before making a turn to line up with the runway.
Flaps down.
Rising sun over the sea. Pardon for the badly-scratched window.
Landing soon on Rwy34L.
Smooth landing into Sydney. No thrust reversers used.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tujhw...A&feature=plcp
Taxi to gate.
Parked at the gate.
Disembarking.
My first international flight on Qantas and would I do it again? Probably not long-haul on the B744 as it is really too cramped for me! Coupled with the big recline angle, it was really claustrophobic when the person in front fully reclines. The meals on this sector were probably average (dinner was bad, breakfast was ok) but hot chocolate was great! No complaints regarding the service either. We will see how the return flight on the A380 compares.
Cleared immigration, retrieved my check-in bags and cleared customs and proceeded to the Domestic Transfer counters to drop my bags for the next flight. Took the complimentary Qantas transfer bus to the domestic terminal. The bus went across the tarmac straight to the T3, Qantas's main domestic terminal.
Air Austral B773ER
Qantas B744
Dawn
Cabin after breakfast.
Starting our descent into Sydney. Headsets were never collected and we were free to use them from boarding till landing! Entertainment system were also switched on shortly after boarding with announcements that we can start using the IFE till we were parked at the gate on arrival! So what is the "safety issue" here, SQ?
Speedbrakes up. Leaving the coast before making a turn to line up with the runway.
Flaps down.
Rising sun over the sea. Pardon for the badly-scratched window.
Landing soon on Rwy34L.
Smooth landing into Sydney. No thrust reversers used.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tujhw...A&feature=plcp
Taxi to gate.
Parked at the gate.
Disembarking.
My first international flight on Qantas and would I do it again? Probably not long-haul on the B744 as it is really too cramped for me! Coupled with the big recline angle, it was really claustrophobic when the person in front fully reclines. The meals on this sector were probably average (dinner was bad, breakfast was ok) but hot chocolate was great! No complaints regarding the service either. We will see how the return flight on the A380 compares.
Cleared immigration, retrieved my check-in bags and cleared customs and proceeded to the Domestic Transfer counters to drop my bags for the next flight. Took the complimentary Qantas transfer bus to the domestic terminal. The bus went across the tarmac straight to the T3, Qantas's main domestic terminal.
Air Austral B773ER
Qantas B744
Dec 11, 2011, 12:11 am
#4
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: SYD
Programs: UA Premier Gold (*G), IHG Platinum & Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 1,456
Thanks for your report ycp81!
Just flew on QF88 (HKG-SYD) yesterday and had a very similar experience, right down to the old seat covers.
I really like the Bundaberg Ginger Beer and hot chocolate service which is something you don't get on SQ (though I remember you could always request Milo and biscuits).
Just flew on QF88 (HKG-SYD) yesterday and had a very similar experience, right down to the old seat covers.
I really like the Bundaberg Ginger Beer and hot chocolate service which is something you don't get on SQ (though I remember you could always request Milo and biscuits).
Dec 11, 2011, 12:59 am
#5
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Programs: VA Gold; IHG Diamond Elite; Hertz Presidents Club
Posts: 69
Nice report and interesting reading. A shame you didn't fly SQ or EY/DJ though.
I have only flown QF international once from SIN-BNE and I agree that I wouldn't go further than that on them, infact I wouldn't even do longer than perhaps an NZ or PER flight with them.
I remember that hot chcocolate/peppermint tea wasn't offered on my flight, I think this is only a SYD thing?
Just wondering why you collected your bags? I flew BNE-SYD-BKK-LHR on QF/BA, checked my bag in at BNE and the next time I saw it was on the carousel in Terminal 4 at LHR.
I have only flown QF international once from SIN-BNE and I agree that I wouldn't go further than that on them, infact I wouldn't even do longer than perhaps an NZ or PER flight with them.
I remember that hot chcocolate/peppermint tea wasn't offered on my flight, I think this is only a SYD thing?
Just wondering why you collected your bags? I flew BNE-SYD-BKK-LHR on QF/BA, checked my bag in at BNE and the next time I saw it was on the carousel in Terminal 4 at LHR.
Dec 11, 2011, 1:30 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,029
When going SIN-SYD-CBR need to clear immigration & customs at the first port. Not needed on the reverse
Last edited by Mwenenzi; Dec 11, 2011 at 3:41 pm Reason: spelling
Dec 11, 2011, 3:35 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,681
Visit to Qantas Heritage Museum
Passing the Qantas Hangars while on the transfer bus.
QF B744ER with F1 Livery
Another QF B744ER, in Wunala Dreaming Livery
Reaching Qantas Land, aka Terminal 3.
QF B738
FIDS
Saw a Qantas Heritage Museum on the upper level of the Terminal. Being the aviation enthusiast, of course I paid a visit since I still have some time till my next flight. Entry is free but it is opened only during weekdays working hours.
Lots of Qantas models on display.
Old vs New
The various Qantas uniforms through the years.
Interesting exhibits!
I want that bag!
The heritage museum also had a great view of the tarmac and runways! A QF B763 preparing for the next domestic flight.
More QFs and Jetstars.
QF B744ER with F1 Livery
Another QF B744ER, in Wunala Dreaming Livery
Reaching Qantas Land, aka Terminal 3.
QF B738
FIDS
Saw a Qantas Heritage Museum on the upper level of the Terminal. Being the aviation enthusiast, of course I paid a visit since I still have some time till my next flight. Entry is free but it is opened only during weekdays working hours.
Lots of Qantas models on display.
Old vs New
The various Qantas uniforms through the years.
Interesting exhibits!
I want that bag!
The heritage museum also had a great view of the tarmac and runways! A QF B763 preparing for the next domestic flight.
More QFs and Jetstars.
Dec 11, 2011, 4:22 am
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,681
Air Austral B773ER taking off.
Boarding gates.
The transit in Sydney was 2hrs. Plenty of time to do the transfer between the 2 flights. My flight to Canberra would be departing from Gate 9. At every gate, there were newspaper racks offering the day's publication for free to all Qantas passengers. A very nice gesture!
28 November 2011
Qantas
QF 787
Sydney (SYD) - Canberra (CBR)
B737-400
VH-TJZ
Economy Class
Operating today's short hop to the capital is VH-TJZ, a 15 years old B734. Certainly younger than the B744 I flew in on.
Boarding was announced 15min prior to STD and passengers trooped onboard. Headsets were also available at the gate. Wow, even inflight entertainment is offered for such a short flight! Was welcomed at the door by name and directed down the aisle to my window seat near the aft of the baby boeing. 4 cabin crew would be looking after us on this flight.
At the gate. The B744 beside would be operating to Perth.
Boarding. Most pax were business travellers who frequent this route i guess, making the boarding very swift and fuss-free.
Seat pitch is acceptable for such a short flight.
The middle seat remained empty. Yeah, more room to stretch out!
Inflight magazine and safety card in the seat pocket.
Long time not seen dial-type IFE controls! Radio channels were already playing during boarding.
Doors were closed on time and we pushed back. However there was a slight delay due to morning congestion and a further delay due to a long taxi to the runway. No wonder QF padded their Canberra Cityflyer flights at 55min when the actual flight time is at most 30min. Again safety demo was shown both on video and manually.
The F1 plane out of the hangar.
SQ A380 being towed to the remote stand.
Boarding gates.
The transit in Sydney was 2hrs. Plenty of time to do the transfer between the 2 flights. My flight to Canberra would be departing from Gate 9. At every gate, there were newspaper racks offering the day's publication for free to all Qantas passengers. A very nice gesture!
28 November 2011
Qantas
QF 787
Sydney (SYD) - Canberra (CBR)
B737-400
VH-TJZ
Economy Class
Operating today's short hop to the capital is VH-TJZ, a 15 years old B734. Certainly younger than the B744 I flew in on.
Boarding was announced 15min prior to STD and passengers trooped onboard. Headsets were also available at the gate. Wow, even inflight entertainment is offered for such a short flight! Was welcomed at the door by name and directed down the aisle to my window seat near the aft of the baby boeing. 4 cabin crew would be looking after us on this flight.
At the gate. The B744 beside would be operating to Perth.
Boarding. Most pax were business travellers who frequent this route i guess, making the boarding very swift and fuss-free.
Seat pitch is acceptable for such a short flight.
The middle seat remained empty. Yeah, more room to stretch out!
Inflight magazine and safety card in the seat pocket.
Long time not seen dial-type IFE controls! Radio channels were already playing during boarding.
Doors were closed on time and we pushed back. However there was a slight delay due to morning congestion and a further delay due to a long taxi to the runway. No wonder QF padded their Canberra Cityflyer flights at 55min when the actual flight time is at most 30min. Again safety demo was shown both on video and manually.
The F1 plane out of the hangar.
SQ A380 being towed to the remote stand.
Dec 11, 2011, 5:41 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,681
Looong taxi to Rwy34R. For those who knows the layout of SYD, it meant taxiing for almost 5km! Passing a newly painted Virgin Australia B738. LAN A340 just landed in the background.
Rex Beech 340
Jetstar A320. I think I saw more Jetstars in SIN than in SYD!
The taxi was so long that the pilot used the taxi time to gave his announcement.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EJ_-cGAny0
Delta B772LR landing on Rwy34L.
Finally we took off from Rwy34R!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16IsoWTi0Cc
Blue skies and sea.
Making a right turn back inland.
At this time, seatbelt signs were switched off. Crew immediately started the morning refreshment service. 2 male crew were in charge of economy while the female CSM and another guy were in Business. Morning news was also shown on the overhead CRT monitors. Service was from the front to the rear and was very fast but polite.
Spot SYD!
Sydney city in the distance.
We flew along the coast to Wollongong.
Rex Beech 340
Jetstar A320. I think I saw more Jetstars in SIN than in SYD!
The taxi was so long that the pilot used the taxi time to gave his announcement.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EJ_-cGAny0
Delta B772LR landing on Rwy34L.
Finally we took off from Rwy34R!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16IsoWTi0Cc
Blue skies and sea.
Making a right turn back inland.
At this time, seatbelt signs were switched off. Crew immediately started the morning refreshment service. 2 male crew were in charge of economy while the female CSM and another guy were in Business. Morning news was also shown on the overhead CRT monitors. Service was from the front to the rear and was very fast but polite.
Spot SYD!
Sydney city in the distance.
We flew along the coast to Wollongong.
Dec 11, 2011, 5:42 am
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,681
Overflying Wollongong.
For morning snack, we were offered a breakfast bar and a choice of juice or water. I had the juice, which came in a 250ml bottle. More than sufficient for this very short flight! SQ/MI could learn from this on their SIN-KUL flights. There was also a waste bag and a napkin.
Great weather and nice scenery!
Very soon, we were starting our descent into Canberra, barely 15mins after takeoff!
Making some turns.
Flaps down.
Another turn to short finals. See the runway in the distance?
Rough landing into Rwy35, probably due to strong crosswinds. The engines were spooling up and down throughout the approach.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfnOFqFbMSE
DJ's new ATR72. Expansion works were going on at the terminal.
At the Qantas side of the terminal.
Parked at the gate, beside a B738.
Disembarking.
It was a very pleasant and short flight on Qantas, just barely enough time to serve a snack and drink but the crew made it happen so effortlessly. Guess they are all well-trained on this very short (even shorter than SIN-KUL) sector. Was also impressed at the availability of free newspapers prior to boarding and inflight entertainment! Qantas really do perform well on the short domestic hops!
For morning snack, we were offered a breakfast bar and a choice of juice or water. I had the juice, which came in a 250ml bottle. More than sufficient for this very short flight! SQ/MI could learn from this on their SIN-KUL flights. There was also a waste bag and a napkin.
Great weather and nice scenery!
Very soon, we were starting our descent into Canberra, barely 15mins after takeoff!
Making some turns.
Flaps down.
Another turn to short finals. See the runway in the distance?
Rough landing into Rwy35, probably due to strong crosswinds. The engines were spooling up and down throughout the approach.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfnOFqFbMSE
DJ's new ATR72. Expansion works were going on at the terminal.
At the Qantas side of the terminal.
Parked at the gate, beside a B738.
Disembarking.
It was a very pleasant and short flight on Qantas, just barely enough time to serve a snack and drink but the crew made it happen so effortlessly. Guess they are all well-trained on this very short (even shorter than SIN-KUL) sector. Was also impressed at the availability of free newspapers prior to boarding and inflight entertainment! Qantas really do perform well on the short domestic hops!
Dec 11, 2011, 11:45 pm
#12
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Fairfield County, CT USA
Programs: AA PLT+2MM / DL DM+1MM / A3 *G / Fairmont LT Plat / Ritz Gold / SPG Gold
Posts: 4,077
A very detailed report. Thanks for sharing.
Your qf frequent flyer number is visible in the first post. You might want to cover that up!
Your qf frequent flyer number is visible in the first post. You might want to cover that up!
Dec 12, 2011, 2:02 am
#13
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: QF, Skywards, SQ, Centurion
Posts: 391
Thanks for the TR!
God... this gives me awful flashbacks from that one time I tried QF in Y from HKG-SYD... it was the most awful flight i've ever had. The IFE that was the size of iPhone... the arm rest that was missing... the revolting food! Seeing this pic brings it all back for me *cries*
God... this gives me awful flashbacks from that one time I tried QF in Y from HKG-SYD... it was the most awful flight i've ever had. The IFE that was the size of iPhone... the arm rest that was missing... the revolting food! Seeing this pic brings it all back for me *cries*
Dec 12, 2011, 6:35 am
#14
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,188
