Sky Team Madness - 14 weeks, 200k miles, 5 continents, CI brand new business
Jan 1, 2015, 3:22 pm
#121
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Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,422
Los Angeles to Paris CDG on Air France A380-800 in business (LAX-CDG C)
At the time I'd booked this trip I'd flown the A380 aircraft on every airline but one that operates it (i.e. SQ, EK, QF, LH, KE, CZ, MH, TG, BA and OZ), mostly in both first and business class. Air France was the exception, and I jumped at the chance to fly it on this trip. Of course there are now two more airlines operating A380, Qatar and Etihad, so I will need to find ways to fly them in 2015 (hopefully).
This flight would also see me fly around the world in under a week on 3 different Sky Team airlines, which is quick but nowhere near the fastest I have done so - that was under 60 hours on Air NZ, back when they flew between Auckland and London via Hong Kong and also via Los Angeles.
When I arrived at check in there was no queue in the premium lanes. However my check in did not go smoothly. The agent disappeared a few times to get a supervisor to override something. Since my transfer in Paris wasn't too short I offered to check in for the onward flights there, but was rebuffed. Eventually, after about 40 minutes I received a single boarding pass for the next four flights (i.e. one card not one per flight), covering 3 days of travel. As this included a return to USA and I was not asked for a US address, I assume the override was for the missing API data.
Premium security was slow as usual despite a short queue. The TSA agent didn't like the boarding pass with all the onward flights printed on it, but here colleague assured her it was okay so I was let through. The right lane is always faster than the left, because the left lane is used by staff and also used by queue-jumping first class & VIP passengers being escorted by airline staff.
After a quick shower in the lounge to freshen up I left. I don't find the Korean Air lounge at LAX TBIT to be that nice, especially when it is busy. And with lots of flying over the next several days I wanted to make the most of my time on the ground to walk around. Boarding was chaotic. There were queues for different zones spread out from the gate area across half the hallway as far as the escalators.
Business is on the upper deck in 2-2-2 layout. The seat is not lie flat, is not private, but otherwise reasonably comfortable if a little squished. Also the "lounge" area at front right is useless - no seating, no food or drink, just an empty space. This A380 has a foot rest within the foot well, whereas on other Air France A380 there is no foot rest within the foot well. There are other minor seat differences such as the jacket hook. Waiting on the seat is a coathanger with seat number tag, slippers and shoe bag.
Pre-departure beverage is a choice of water, orange juice or bubbles. Amenity kits and menus are handed out.
IFE is good, but not as extensive as the likes of EK or SQ. For movies there is a bias towards older movies than newish releases.
I slept a few hours, which was a bit less than I hoped for. Oh well there are more flights to catch up as long as I don't sleep through boarding and miss the next flight.
The captain was retiring after this flight and was in an obviously great mood. As he stood by the door and said farewell to those using the forward lower airbridge to disembark I couldn't help notice his shirt was filled with messages from the flight and cabin crew.
We pulled up to the L concourse of terminal 2E. The upper airbridge wasn't working so after a long wait we disembarked down the forward stairs and out through door 1L. Then back upstairs for arrivals. My onward flight was also from L concourse so I only had transit security and no terminal/concourse transfer.
At the time I'd booked this trip I'd flown the A380 aircraft on every airline but one that operates it (i.e. SQ, EK, QF, LH, KE, CZ, MH, TG, BA and OZ), mostly in both first and business class. Air France was the exception, and I jumped at the chance to fly it on this trip. Of course there are now two more airlines operating A380, Qatar and Etihad, so I will need to find ways to fly them in 2015 (hopefully).
This flight would also see me fly around the world in under a week on 3 different Sky Team airlines, which is quick but nowhere near the fastest I have done so - that was under 60 hours on Air NZ, back when they flew between Auckland and London via Hong Kong and also via Los Angeles.
When I arrived at check in there was no queue in the premium lanes. However my check in did not go smoothly. The agent disappeared a few times to get a supervisor to override something. Since my transfer in Paris wasn't too short I offered to check in for the onward flights there, but was rebuffed. Eventually, after about 40 minutes I received a single boarding pass for the next four flights (i.e. one card not one per flight), covering 3 days of travel. As this included a return to USA and I was not asked for a US address, I assume the override was for the missing API data.
Premium security was slow as usual despite a short queue. The TSA agent didn't like the boarding pass with all the onward flights printed on it, but here colleague assured her it was okay so I was let through. The right lane is always faster than the left, because the left lane is used by staff and also used by queue-jumping first class & VIP passengers being escorted by airline staff.
After a quick shower in the lounge to freshen up I left. I don't find the Korean Air lounge at LAX TBIT to be that nice, especially when it is busy. And with lots of flying over the next several days I wanted to make the most of my time on the ground to walk around. Boarding was chaotic. There were queues for different zones spread out from the gate area across half the hallway as far as the escalators.
Business is on the upper deck in 2-2-2 layout. The seat is not lie flat, is not private, but otherwise reasonably comfortable if a little squished. Also the "lounge" area at front right is useless - no seating, no food or drink, just an empty space. This A380 has a foot rest within the foot well, whereas on other Air France A380 there is no foot rest within the foot well. There are other minor seat differences such as the jacket hook. Waiting on the seat is a coathanger with seat number tag, slippers and shoe bag.
Pre-departure beverage is a choice of water, orange juice or bubbles. Amenity kits and menus are handed out.
IFE is good, but not as extensive as the likes of EK or SQ. For movies there is a bias towards older movies than newish releases.
I slept a few hours, which was a bit less than I hoped for. Oh well there are more flights to catch up as long as I don't sleep through boarding and miss the next flight.
The captain was retiring after this flight and was in an obviously great mood. As he stood by the door and said farewell to those using the forward lower airbridge to disembark I couldn't help notice his shirt was filled with messages from the flight and cabin crew.
We pulled up to the L concourse of terminal 2E. The upper airbridge wasn't working so after a long wait we disembarked down the forward stairs and out through door 1L. Then back upstairs for arrivals. My onward flight was also from L concourse so I only had transit security and no terminal/concourse transfer.
Last edited by Kiwi Flyer; Jan 2, 2015 at 7:49 pm
Jan 1, 2015, 4:07 pm
#122
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,422
Air France
Business Class menu
Los Angeles to Paris CDG
December 2012
Beverage List
Champagne and wines
Choose from our wine list
Aperitifs
The Glenlivet - aged 12 years
Jack Daniel's Whiskey
Aniseed aperitif
Gin
Vodka
Bitter
Vermouth Rosso
Port
Red Graham's Tawny Port aged 10 years
Beer
Heineken
Soft drinks
Fruité fruit juices : orange, tomato, apple
Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, Nestea White Peach, Tonic water, Citrus, Ginger Ale
Mineral water
Evian
Badoit
Perrier
Coffee, tea and hot chocolate
Nescafe coffee and cappuccino offered with a chocolate
Espresso illy and decaffeinated espresso illy
Herbal tea and tea selection : La Collection des Thés Fauchon
Digestifs
Cognac Tesseron lot no 90 "XO Selection"
Calvados hors d'age
Bas-Armagnac Château du Tariquet Folle Blanche - aged 12 years
Pear eau de vie
Green Chartreuse liqueur
Dinner
L'amuse-bouche
Balik salmon and Granny Smith apple
Gourmet appetizer and seasonal salad
Duck terrine with pistachios, poached shrimp with mayonnaise cream sauce, coconut-fig chutney on cranberry-raisin bread
Choice of main course
Pan-seared tournedos of beef with Burgundy-style butter, buttered flat beans, mushroom risotto
Shrimp with Cajun sauce, saffron rice
Cèpe mushroom ravioli
Please refer to the suggestion card for today's special dish, created by Joël Robuchon, President of the Servair Culinary Studio.
Our special selection of cheese
Desserts
Our dessert trio :
chocolate mousse with raspberry ganache, mango-coconut-raspberry delight, macaroon
Sorbet and fresh fruit salad
Today's suggestion
Chicken, potato and carrot tajine with cumin butter
Morsels of chicken thigh, potatoes and carrrots are braised tajine-style in an aromatic broth with cumin butter. Slowly simmered in a covered pot and enhanced by aromatic cumin for a meltingly fragrant dish that is meant to be savored.
Options to suit your needs
Liberty
When you are ready for a break, we offer a wide selection of refreshments, available at the Business Class cabin bar or served at your seat - indulge in a snack cooked-to-order, a sweet or savory treat, a piece of fresh fruit ...
Comfort
Enjoy every relaxing moment of your flight by requesting the "café-croissant" breakfast option. Available until 30 minutes before landing, you will be served a hot beverage and a pastry.
Flexibility
Free up more time to devote to your tasks or your entertainments by requesting an express meal, which will be presented during the main meal service. Savor a gourmet appetizer, a selection of cheese and a dessert.
L'instant fraîcheur
A gourmet snack will be offered during the flight.
Breakfast
Orange juice, coffee, tea, hot chocolate
Fresh fruit, yogurt
Fresh bakery selection, breakfast pastries, butter and preserves
Choice of entree
Crêpes with scrambled eggs and cheese
Parma ham, smoked turkey, cheddar cheese, provolone cheese
Fruit salad with mascarpone cheese
Wine list
Champagne
Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve
The house of Billecart-Salmon, founded in 1818, achieved fame and honors in the nineties thanks to a relentless quest for airy, refined champagnes. Since then, no Billecart-Salmon champagne has escaped that commitment to excellence. This Brut Reserve is a prime example, with suppleness and depth, balance and precise fruit - it has it all.
Bourgogne Blanc
Vire-Clesse 2011 Maison Chanson
This small vineyard within the ramparts of Beaune is a property of Bollinger Champagne, which explains the uncompromising rigor that defines the Chanson team. This Vire-Classe, with its freshness and precise fruit, is the expression of the house fundamentals. Here, the Chardonnay combines roundness and vivacity to create balance and fruitiness.
Languedoc Rouge
IGP Hauterive L'Indomptable de Cigalus 2012 Gérard Bertrand
Gérard Bertrand, a former rugby champion, is driven by his passion for wine and for his birthplace, the South of France. Like all great enthusiasts, he explorés new assemblages in order to continually improve the expression of his terroirs. This Indomptable, with fireworks of flavor that emerge so beautifully, leads the way among the great Mediterranean wines of depth and sophistication.
Bordeaux Rouge
Médoc Château Rollan de By 2009 Jean Guyon
This wine is the champion of blind tasting, where it often makes better-known wines tremble. Without fail, it is ranges among the ten or fifteen best, improving every year under the demandons tutelige of Jean Guyon. Masterfully blended to balance power and suppleness, this 2009 is a true Bordeaux of a great vintage.
Business Class menu
Los Angeles to Paris CDG
December 2012
Beverage List
Champagne and wines
Choose from our wine list
Aperitifs
The Glenlivet - aged 12 years
Jack Daniel's Whiskey
Aniseed aperitif
Gin
Vodka
Bitter
Vermouth Rosso
Port
Red Graham's Tawny Port aged 10 years
Beer
Heineken
Soft drinks
Fruité fruit juices : orange, tomato, apple
Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, Nestea White Peach, Tonic water, Citrus, Ginger Ale
Mineral water
Evian
Badoit
Perrier
Coffee, tea and hot chocolate
Nescafe coffee and cappuccino offered with a chocolate
Espresso illy and decaffeinated espresso illy
Herbal tea and tea selection : La Collection des Thés Fauchon
Digestifs
Cognac Tesseron lot no 90 "XO Selection"
Calvados hors d'age
Bas-Armagnac Château du Tariquet Folle Blanche - aged 12 years
Pear eau de vie
Green Chartreuse liqueur
Dinner
L'amuse-bouche
Balik salmon and Granny Smith apple
Gourmet appetizer and seasonal salad
Duck terrine with pistachios, poached shrimp with mayonnaise cream sauce, coconut-fig chutney on cranberry-raisin bread
Choice of main course
Pan-seared tournedos of beef with Burgundy-style butter, buttered flat beans, mushroom risotto
Shrimp with Cajun sauce, saffron rice
Cèpe mushroom ravioli
Please refer to the suggestion card for today's special dish, created by Joël Robuchon, President of the Servair Culinary Studio.
Our special selection of cheese
Desserts
Our dessert trio :
chocolate mousse with raspberry ganache, mango-coconut-raspberry delight, macaroon
Sorbet and fresh fruit salad
Today's suggestion
Chicken, potato and carrot tajine with cumin butter
Morsels of chicken thigh, potatoes and carrrots are braised tajine-style in an aromatic broth with cumin butter. Slowly simmered in a covered pot and enhanced by aromatic cumin for a meltingly fragrant dish that is meant to be savored.
Options to suit your needs
Liberty
When you are ready for a break, we offer a wide selection of refreshments, available at the Business Class cabin bar or served at your seat - indulge in a snack cooked-to-order, a sweet or savory treat, a piece of fresh fruit ...
Comfort
Enjoy every relaxing moment of your flight by requesting the "café-croissant" breakfast option. Available until 30 minutes before landing, you will be served a hot beverage and a pastry.
Flexibility
Free up more time to devote to your tasks or your entertainments by requesting an express meal, which will be presented during the main meal service. Savor a gourmet appetizer, a selection of cheese and a dessert.
L'instant fraîcheur
A gourmet snack will be offered during the flight.
Breakfast
Orange juice, coffee, tea, hot chocolate
Fresh fruit, yogurt
Fresh bakery selection, breakfast pastries, butter and preserves
Choice of entree
Crêpes with scrambled eggs and cheese
Parma ham, smoked turkey, cheddar cheese, provolone cheese
Fruit salad with mascarpone cheese
Wine list
Champagne
Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve
The house of Billecart-Salmon, founded in 1818, achieved fame and honors in the nineties thanks to a relentless quest for airy, refined champagnes. Since then, no Billecart-Salmon champagne has escaped that commitment to excellence. This Brut Reserve is a prime example, with suppleness and depth, balance and precise fruit - it has it all.
Bourgogne Blanc
Vire-Clesse 2011 Maison Chanson
This small vineyard within the ramparts of Beaune is a property of Bollinger Champagne, which explains the uncompromising rigor that defines the Chanson team. This Vire-Classe, with its freshness and precise fruit, is the expression of the house fundamentals. Here, the Chardonnay combines roundness and vivacity to create balance and fruitiness.
Languedoc Rouge
IGP Hauterive L'Indomptable de Cigalus 2012 Gérard Bertrand
Gérard Bertrand, a former rugby champion, is driven by his passion for wine and for his birthplace, the South of France. Like all great enthusiasts, he explorés new assemblages in order to continually improve the expression of his terroirs. This Indomptable, with fireworks of flavor that emerge so beautifully, leads the way among the great Mediterranean wines of depth and sophistication.
Bordeaux Rouge
Médoc Château Rollan de By 2009 Jean Guyon
This wine is the champion of blind tasting, where it often makes better-known wines tremble. Without fail, it is ranges among the ten or fifteen best, improving every year under the demandons tutelige of Jean Guyon. Masterfully blended to balance power and suppleness, this 2009 is a true Bordeaux of a great vintage.
065, 069, 077A, 083. 221CO15-1
Jan 1, 2015, 4:17 pm
#123
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,422
Paris CDG to Johannesburg on Air France A380-800 in business (CDG-JNB C)
Most people travelling between New Zealand and South Africa take the sensible routing via Sydney on Qantas or via Perth on Air New Zealand and South African Airways. I'm not like most people. My route is three times as long, and included all the continents except for Antarctica and South America.
Most people travelling between New Zealand and South Africa take the sensible routing via Sydney on Qantas or via Perth on Air New Zealand and South African Airways. I'm not like most people. My route is three times as long, and included all the continents except for Antarctica and South America.
Jan 1, 2015, 7:53 pm
#124
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K/MM, AA GLD
Posts: 1,708
Paris CDG to Johannesburg on Air France A380-800 in business (CDG-JNB C)
Most people travelling between New Zealand and South Africa take the sensible routing via Sydney on Qantas or via Perth on Air New Zealand and South African Airways. I'm not like most people. My route is three times as long, and included all the continents except for Antarctica and South America.
Most people travelling between New Zealand and South Africa take the sensible routing via Sydney on Qantas or via Perth on Air New Zealand and South African Airways. I'm not like most people. My route is three times as long, and included all the continents except for Antarctica and South America.
Jan 1, 2015, 11:05 pm
#125
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,422
Jan 2, 2015, 12:42 am
#126
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,422
... Paris to Johannesburg continued
Our departure was one of the last of the day, so it was disappointing to have a delay in boarding. Fortunately it was relatively brief. Once up on the upper level it was clear there was a problem as there was a queue of passengers stretching down the airbridge to the top of the escalator. The upper airbridge was not connected to the aircraft. Another attempt was made to move it but this failed and so we were directed downstairs to board through the rear lower airbridge, then traipse through the first class cabin and ascend the forward stairs. It would have been better to let us take the forward lower airbridge so as to not disturb the first class passengers. Around the time the boarding of all business class had completed the upper airbridge was finally joined to the aircraft.
Unlike the flight from Los Angeles, this one had plenty of empty seats including one next to me, so I had lots of space and could use the adjacent monitor to watch flightpath while watching movies on my screen. As noted earlier, there were some differences in the seat, but everything else was similar. I noticed that the wine list was identical. Many airlines vary their premium cabin wines by region to suit the differing tastes and preferences, but it seems not Air France.
The captains announcement early on warned of lots of turbulence, but there didn't seem to be anything significant while I was awake, and none bad enough to wake me during the 5 or so hours of sleep.
Breakfast was served about 75 minutes before arrival. It was nice that crew started the meal service later than usual given the lighter passenger load means less time is needed, because this also means a bit more sleep.
For the third Air France flight in a row there was yet another problem with airbridges. There was a delay until the entire lower deck had disembarked before the upper airbridge was connected. Fortunately there didn't seem to be any other arrivals at this time so the queues (for immigration or transfer passport check) were not long.
Our departure was one of the last of the day, so it was disappointing to have a delay in boarding. Fortunately it was relatively brief. Once up on the upper level it was clear there was a problem as there was a queue of passengers stretching down the airbridge to the top of the escalator. The upper airbridge was not connected to the aircraft. Another attempt was made to move it but this failed and so we were directed downstairs to board through the rear lower airbridge, then traipse through the first class cabin and ascend the forward stairs. It would have been better to let us take the forward lower airbridge so as to not disturb the first class passengers. Around the time the boarding of all business class had completed the upper airbridge was finally joined to the aircraft.
Unlike the flight from Los Angeles, this one had plenty of empty seats including one next to me, so I had lots of space and could use the adjacent monitor to watch flightpath while watching movies on my screen. As noted earlier, there were some differences in the seat, but everything else was similar. I noticed that the wine list was identical. Many airlines vary their premium cabin wines by region to suit the differing tastes and preferences, but it seems not Air France.
The captains announcement early on warned of lots of turbulence, but there didn't seem to be anything significant while I was awake, and none bad enough to wake me during the 5 or so hours of sleep.
Breakfast was served about 75 minutes before arrival. It was nice that crew started the meal service later than usual given the lighter passenger load means less time is needed, because this also means a bit more sleep.
For the third Air France flight in a row there was yet another problem with airbridges. There was a delay until the entire lower deck had disembarked before the upper airbridge was connected. Fortunately there didn't seem to be any other arrivals at this time so the queues (for immigration or transfer passport check) were not long.
Last edited by Kiwi Flyer; Jan 2, 2015 at 12:23 pm
Jan 2, 2015, 12:25 pm
#127
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,422
Air France
Business Class menu
Paris CDG to Johannesburg
December 2012
Beverage List
Champagne and wines
Choose from our wine list
Aperitifs
The Glenlivet - aged 12 years
Jack Daniel's Whiskey
Aniseed aperitif
Gin
Vodka
Bitter
Vermouth Rosso
Port
Red Graham's Tawny Port aged 10 years
Beer
Heineken
Soft drinks
Fruité fruit juices : orange, tomato, apple
Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, Nestea White Peach, Tonic water, Citrus, Ginger Ale
Mineral water
Evian
Badoit
Perrier
Coffee, tea and hot chocolate
Nescafe coffee and cappuccino offered with a chocolate
Espresso illy and decaffeinated espresso illy
Herbal tea and tea selection : La Collection des Thés Fauchon
Digestifs
Cognac Tesseron lot no 90 "XO Selection"
Calvados hors d'age
Bas-Armagnac Château du Tariquet Folle Blanche - aged 12 years
Pear eau de vie
Green Chartreuse liqueur
Dinner
Gourmet appetizer and seasonal salad
Foie gras terrine with speculoos spices, cucumber, marlin, smoked swordfish, baby spinach, lemon
Choice of main course
Please select from today's suggestions
Our special selection of cheese
Camembert, Petit Chèvre, dried apricot
Dessert
Chocolate cake
Today's suggestion
Beef stew
carrots, leeks, celery, turnips
Braised lamb shoulder with figs
Figs and polenta, olives and sugar snap peas ... these highlight the flavorful, tender lamb shoulder slowly cooked in mustard sauce.
Risotto with cèpe mushrooms
sauteed cèpe mushrooms, cèpe mushroom coulis, sun-dried tomato, grated Italian cheese
Options to suit your needs
Liberty
When you are ready for a break, we offer a wide selection of refreshments, available at the Business Class cabin bar or served at your seat - indulge in a snack cooked-to-order, a sweet or savory treat, a piece of fresh fruit ...
Comfort
Enjoy every relaxing moment of your flight by requesting the "café-croissant" breakfast option. Available until 30 minutes before landing, you will be served a hot beverage and a pastry.
Flexibility
Free up more time to devote to your tasks or your entertainments by requesting an express meal, which will be presented during the main meal service. Savor a gourmet appetizer, a selection of cheese and a dessert.
Breakfast
Fruit juice, coffee, tea, hot chocolate
Kiwi, orange, pomelo
Cereal yogurt
Croissant, butter and preserves
Choice of entree
Scrambled eggs with ratatouille
Beresaola, ham, Gouda cheese with cumin, romaine salad, dried pear
Liège waffle with coffee sauce, apple-rhubarb compote
Wine list
Champagne
Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve
The house of Billecart-Salmon, founded in 1818, achieved fame and honors in the nineties thanks to a relentless quest for airy, refined champagnes. Since then, no Billecart-Salmon champagne has escaped that commitment to excellence. This Brut Reserve is a prime example, with suppleness and depth, balance and precise fruit - it has it all.
Bourgogne Blanc
Vire-Clesse 2011 Maison Chanson
This small vineyard within the ramparts of Beaune is a property of Bollinger Champagne, which explains the uncompromising rigor that defines the Chanson team. This Vire-Classe, with its freshness and precise fruit, is the expression of the house fundamentals. Here, the Chardonnay combines roundness and vivacity to create balance and fruitiness.
Languedoc Rouge
IGP Hauterive L'Indomptable de Cigalus 2012 Gérard Bertrand
Gérard Bertrand, a former rugby champion, is driven by his passion for wine and for his birthplace, the South of France. Like all great enthusiasts, he explorés new assemblages in order to continually improve the expression of his terroirs. This Indomptable, with fireworks of flavor that emerge so beautifully, leads the way among the great Mediterranean wines of depth and sophistication.
Bordeaux Rouge
Médoc Château Rollan de By 2009 Jean Guyon
This wine is the champion of blind tasting, where it often makes better-known wines tremble. Without fail, it is ranges among the ten or fifteen best, improving every year under the demandons tutelige of Jean Guyon. Masterfully blended to balance power and suppleness, this 2009 is a true Bordeaux of a great vintage.
Business Class menu
Paris CDG to Johannesburg
December 2012
Beverage List
Champagne and wines
Choose from our wine list
Aperitifs
The Glenlivet - aged 12 years
Jack Daniel's Whiskey
Aniseed aperitif
Gin
Vodka
Bitter
Vermouth Rosso
Port
Red Graham's Tawny Port aged 10 years
Beer
Heineken
Soft drinks
Fruité fruit juices : orange, tomato, apple
Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, Nestea White Peach, Tonic water, Citrus, Ginger Ale
Mineral water
Evian
Badoit
Perrier
Coffee, tea and hot chocolate
Nescafe coffee and cappuccino offered with a chocolate
Espresso illy and decaffeinated espresso illy
Herbal tea and tea selection : La Collection des Thés Fauchon
Digestifs
Cognac Tesseron lot no 90 "XO Selection"
Calvados hors d'age
Bas-Armagnac Château du Tariquet Folle Blanche - aged 12 years
Pear eau de vie
Green Chartreuse liqueur
Dinner
Gourmet appetizer and seasonal salad
Foie gras terrine with speculoos spices, cucumber, marlin, smoked swordfish, baby spinach, lemon
Choice of main course
Please select from today's suggestions
Our special selection of cheese
Camembert, Petit Chèvre, dried apricot
Dessert
Chocolate cake
Today's suggestion
Beef stew
carrots, leeks, celery, turnips
Braised lamb shoulder with figs
Figs and polenta, olives and sugar snap peas ... these highlight the flavorful, tender lamb shoulder slowly cooked in mustard sauce.
Risotto with cèpe mushrooms
sauteed cèpe mushrooms, cèpe mushroom coulis, sun-dried tomato, grated Italian cheese
Options to suit your needs
Liberty
When you are ready for a break, we offer a wide selection of refreshments, available at the Business Class cabin bar or served at your seat - indulge in a snack cooked-to-order, a sweet or savory treat, a piece of fresh fruit ...
Comfort
Enjoy every relaxing moment of your flight by requesting the "café-croissant" breakfast option. Available until 30 minutes before landing, you will be served a hot beverage and a pastry.
Flexibility
Free up more time to devote to your tasks or your entertainments by requesting an express meal, which will be presented during the main meal service. Savor a gourmet appetizer, a selection of cheese and a dessert.
Breakfast
Fruit juice, coffee, tea, hot chocolate
Kiwi, orange, pomelo
Cereal yogurt
Croissant, butter and preserves
Choice of entree
Scrambled eggs with ratatouille
Beresaola, ham, Gouda cheese with cumin, romaine salad, dried pear
Liège waffle with coffee sauce, apple-rhubarb compote
Wine list
Champagne
Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve
The house of Billecart-Salmon, founded in 1818, achieved fame and honors in the nineties thanks to a relentless quest for airy, refined champagnes. Since then, no Billecart-Salmon champagne has escaped that commitment to excellence. This Brut Reserve is a prime example, with suppleness and depth, balance and precise fruit - it has it all.
Bourgogne Blanc
Vire-Clesse 2011 Maison Chanson
This small vineyard within the ramparts of Beaune is a property of Bollinger Champagne, which explains the uncompromising rigor that defines the Chanson team. This Vire-Classe, with its freshness and precise fruit, is the expression of the house fundamentals. Here, the Chardonnay combines roundness and vivacity to create balance and fruitiness.
Languedoc Rouge
IGP Hauterive L'Indomptable de Cigalus 2012 Gérard Bertrand
Gérard Bertrand, a former rugby champion, is driven by his passion for wine and for his birthplace, the South of France. Like all great enthusiasts, he explorés new assemblages in order to continually improve the expression of his terroirs. This Indomptable, with fireworks of flavor that emerge so beautifully, leads the way among the great Mediterranean wines of depth and sophistication.
Bordeaux Rouge
Médoc Château Rollan de By 2009 Jean Guyon
This wine is the champion of blind tasting, where it often makes better-known wines tremble. Without fail, it is ranges among the ten or fifteen best, improving every year under the demandons tutelige of Jean Guyon. Masterfully blended to balance power and suppleness, this 2009 is a true Bordeaux of a great vintage.
552, 990 280C040-2
Jan 2, 2015, 2:20 pm
#128
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,422
Johannesburg to Paris CDG on Air France A380-800 in business (JNB-CDG C)
That evening I had the third overnight longhaul flight in a row. Boarding was quick - again load was not as high as I expected and again I had an adjacent seat empty. This time no issue with the airbridge. We pushed back a few minutes early.
I was fairly tired but there was a moderate chop for much of the flight so I only managed a couple of hours sleep. The pilots were kept busying zig-zagging around storms so despite the schedule padding we only arrived a few minutes early, again at terminal 2E concourse L.
My onward flight departed from concourse M so I had a short train ride as well as transfer security en route to the lounge.
That evening I had the third overnight longhaul flight in a row. Boarding was quick - again load was not as high as I expected and again I had an adjacent seat empty. This time no issue with the airbridge. We pushed back a few minutes early.
I was fairly tired but there was a moderate chop for much of the flight so I only managed a couple of hours sleep. The pilots were kept busying zig-zagging around storms so despite the schedule padding we only arrived a few minutes early, again at terminal 2E concourse L.
My onward flight departed from concourse M so I had a short train ride as well as transfer security en route to the lounge.
Jan 2, 2015, 2:21 pm
#129
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,422
Air France
Business Class menu
Johannesburg to Paris CDG
December 2012
Beverage List
Champagne and wines
Choose from our wine list
Aperitifs
The Glenlivet - aged 12 years
Jack Daniel's Whiskey
Aniseed aperitif
Gin
Vodka
Bitter
Vermouth Rosso
Port
Red Graham's Tawny Port aged 10 years
Beer
Heineken
Soft drinks
Fruité fruit juices : orange, tomato, apple
Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, Nestea White Peach, Tonic water, Citrus, Ginger Ale
Mineral water
Evian
Badoit
Perrier
Coffee, tea and hot chocolate
Nescafe coffee and cappuccino offered with a chocolate
Espresso illy and decaffeinated espresso illy
Herbal tea and tea selection : La Collection des Thés Fauchon
Digestifs
Cognac Tesseron lot no 90 "XO Selection"
Calvados hors d'age
Bas-Armagnac Château du Tariquet Folle Blanche - aged 12 years
Pear eau de vie
Green Chartreuse liqueur
Dinner
L'amuse-bouche
Vegetable brunoise with coriander
Gourmet appetizer and seasonal salad
Cured ham, shrimp on a bed of marinated mango and sun-dried tomato, fresh cheese with pink peppercorn
Choice of main course
Tournedos of beef with maître d'hotel butter, château potatoes, turned zucchini, baby carrots
Filet of hake fish, saffron sauce, steamed potatoes, grilled carrots and zucchini
Vegetable galette with rice, cream sauce with fine herbes, baked tomatoes, asparagus with fried basil
Please refer to the suggestion card for today's special dish
Our special selection of cheese
Desserts
Our dessert trio :
cherry tartlet, pecan tartlet, mandarin orange tartlet
Sorbet and fresh fruit salad
Today's suggestion
Tandoori-style chicken à l'orange
yogurt tandoori sauce, duchess potatoes and sauteed vegetables
Options to suit your needs
Liberty
When you are ready for a break, we offer a wide selection of refreshments, available at the Business Class cabin bar or served at your seat - indulge in a snack cooked-to-order, a sweet or savory treat, a piece of fresh fruit ...
Comfort
Enjoy every relaxing moment of your flight by requesting the "café-croissant" breakfast option. Available until 30 minutes before landing, you will be served a hot beverage and a pastry.
Flexibility
Free up more time to devote to your tasks or your entertainments by requesting an express meal, which will be presented during the main meal service. Savor a gourmet appetizer, a selection of cheese and a dessert.
L'instant fraîcheur
A gourmet snack will be offered during the flight.
Breakfast
Fresh fruit juice, coffee, tea, hot chocolate
Fresh fruit salad, yogurt
Fresh bakery selection, breakfast pastries, butter and preserves
Choice of entree
Scrambled eggs with tomato sauce, chicken sausage, sauteed spinach
Cherry crêpes with strawberry coulis
Assortment of cold cuts and cheese
Wine list
Champagne
Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve
The house of Billecart-Salmon, founded in 1818, achieved fame and honors in the nineties thanks to a relentless quest for airy, refined champagnes. Since then, no Billecart-Salmon champagne has escaped that commitment to excellence. This Brut Reserve is a prime example, with suppleness and depth, balance and precise fruit - it has it all.
Bourgogne Blanc
Vire-Clesse 2011 Maison Chanson
This small vineyard within the ramparts of Beaune is a property of Bollinger Champagne, which explains the uncompromising rigor that defines the Chanson team. This Vire-Classe, with its freshness and precise fruit, is the expression of the house fundamentals. Here, the Chardonnay combines roundness and vivacity to create balance and fruitiness.
Languedoc Rouge
IGP Hauterive L'Indomptable de Cigalus 2012 Gérard Bertrand
Gérard Bertrand, a former rugby champion, is driven by his passion for wine and for his birthplace, the South of France. Like all great enthusiasts, he explorés new assemblages in order to continually improve the expression of his terroirs. This Indomptable, with fireworks of flavor that emerge so beautifully, leads the way among the great Mediterranean wines of depth and sophistication.
Bordeaux Rouge
Médoc Château Rollan de By 2009 Jean Guyon
This wine is the champion of blind tasting, where it often makes better-known wines tremble. Without fail, it is ranges among the ten or fifteen best, improving every year under the demandons tutelige of Jean Guyon. Masterfully blended to balance power and suppleness, this 2009 is a true Bordeaux of a great vintage.
Business Class menu
Johannesburg to Paris CDG
December 2012
Beverage List
Champagne and wines
Choose from our wine list
Aperitifs
The Glenlivet - aged 12 years
Jack Daniel's Whiskey
Aniseed aperitif
Gin
Vodka
Bitter
Vermouth Rosso
Port
Red Graham's Tawny Port aged 10 years
Beer
Heineken
Soft drinks
Fruité fruit juices : orange, tomato, apple
Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, Nestea White Peach, Tonic water, Citrus, Ginger Ale
Mineral water
Evian
Badoit
Perrier
Coffee, tea and hot chocolate
Nescafe coffee and cappuccino offered with a chocolate
Espresso illy and decaffeinated espresso illy
Herbal tea and tea selection : La Collection des Thés Fauchon
Digestifs
Cognac Tesseron lot no 90 "XO Selection"
Calvados hors d'age
Bas-Armagnac Château du Tariquet Folle Blanche - aged 12 years
Pear eau de vie
Green Chartreuse liqueur
Dinner
L'amuse-bouche
Vegetable brunoise with coriander
Gourmet appetizer and seasonal salad
Cured ham, shrimp on a bed of marinated mango and sun-dried tomato, fresh cheese with pink peppercorn
Choice of main course
Tournedos of beef with maître d'hotel butter, château potatoes, turned zucchini, baby carrots
Filet of hake fish, saffron sauce, steamed potatoes, grilled carrots and zucchini
Vegetable galette with rice, cream sauce with fine herbes, baked tomatoes, asparagus with fried basil
Please refer to the suggestion card for today's special dish
Our special selection of cheese
Desserts
Our dessert trio :
cherry tartlet, pecan tartlet, mandarin orange tartlet
Sorbet and fresh fruit salad
Today's suggestion
Tandoori-style chicken à l'orange
yogurt tandoori sauce, duchess potatoes and sauteed vegetables
Options to suit your needs
Liberty
When you are ready for a break, we offer a wide selection of refreshments, available at the Business Class cabin bar or served at your seat - indulge in a snack cooked-to-order, a sweet or savory treat, a piece of fresh fruit ...
Comfort
Enjoy every relaxing moment of your flight by requesting the "café-croissant" breakfast option. Available until 30 minutes before landing, you will be served a hot beverage and a pastry.
Flexibility
Free up more time to devote to your tasks or your entertainments by requesting an express meal, which will be presented during the main meal service. Savor a gourmet appetizer, a selection of cheese and a dessert.
L'instant fraîcheur
A gourmet snack will be offered during the flight.
Breakfast
Fresh fruit juice, coffee, tea, hot chocolate
Fresh fruit salad, yogurt
Fresh bakery selection, breakfast pastries, butter and preserves
Choice of entree
Scrambled eggs with tomato sauce, chicken sausage, sauteed spinach
Cherry crêpes with strawberry coulis
Assortment of cold cuts and cheese
Wine list
Champagne
Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve
The house of Billecart-Salmon, founded in 1818, achieved fame and honors in the nineties thanks to a relentless quest for airy, refined champagnes. Since then, no Billecart-Salmon champagne has escaped that commitment to excellence. This Brut Reserve is a prime example, with suppleness and depth, balance and precise fruit - it has it all.
Bourgogne Blanc
Vire-Clesse 2011 Maison Chanson
This small vineyard within the ramparts of Beaune is a property of Bollinger Champagne, which explains the uncompromising rigor that defines the Chanson team. This Vire-Classe, with its freshness and precise fruit, is the expression of the house fundamentals. Here, the Chardonnay combines roundness and vivacity to create balance and fruitiness.
Languedoc Rouge
IGP Hauterive L'Indomptable de Cigalus 2012 Gérard Bertrand
Gérard Bertrand, a former rugby champion, is driven by his passion for wine and for his birthplace, the South of France. Like all great enthusiasts, he explorés new assemblages in order to continually improve the expression of his terroirs. This Indomptable, with fireworks of flavor that emerge so beautifully, leads the way among the great Mediterranean wines of depth and sophistication.
Bordeaux Rouge
Médoc Château Rollan de By 2009 Jean Guyon
This wine is the champion of blind tasting, where it often makes better-known wines tremble. Without fail, it is ranges among the ten or fifteen best, improving every year under the demandons tutelige of Jean Guyon. Masterfully blended to balance power and suppleness, this 2009 is a true Bordeaux of a great vintage.
995A, 995B. 281C065-1
Jan 2, 2015, 2:56 pm
#130
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,422
Paris CDG to Los Angeles on Air France A380-800 in business (CDG-LAX C)
After a refreshing shower in the lounge, followed by several laps of the concourse, it was time to board. This was a full flight and a few passengers seated near me had apparently been op-upped, including a couple who weren't able to sit together. We sat at the gate for a while after boarding had completed for the usual wait to get USA clearance. It was then that I realised I'd not been asked for my US address. Hopefully that doesn't cause too many issues at immigration. Even though I have plenty of time before my onward connection I still don't want an unpleasant arrival experience. The taxi out to the runway was also quite slow as it was a busy time of day for arrivals and departures, and we didn't reach the runway until about an hour after scheduled departure.
I stayed awake for lunch, but I regretted doing so when I found out mid meal that my two preferred mains were both not available. I skipped the rest of the meal and went to sleep. I managed 5 or 6 hours sleep before being woken by the sounds of the next meal service. I tried but failed to get to sleep. The flight attendant who served me at lunch came by at the start of the second meal to get my main order to ensure I wouldn't miss out twice. That is good service, although as it happens the second meal mains were both fairly unappealing.
Despite the slow departure we arrived on time.
After a refreshing shower in the lounge, followed by several laps of the concourse, it was time to board. This was a full flight and a few passengers seated near me had apparently been op-upped, including a couple who weren't able to sit together. We sat at the gate for a while after boarding had completed for the usual wait to get USA clearance. It was then that I realised I'd not been asked for my US address. Hopefully that doesn't cause too many issues at immigration. Even though I have plenty of time before my onward connection I still don't want an unpleasant arrival experience. The taxi out to the runway was also quite slow as it was a busy time of day for arrivals and departures, and we didn't reach the runway until about an hour after scheduled departure.
I stayed awake for lunch, but I regretted doing so when I found out mid meal that my two preferred mains were both not available. I skipped the rest of the meal and went to sleep. I managed 5 or 6 hours sleep before being woken by the sounds of the next meal service. I tried but failed to get to sleep. The flight attendant who served me at lunch came by at the start of the second meal to get my main order to ensure I wouldn't miss out twice. That is good service, although as it happens the second meal mains were both fairly unappealing.
Despite the slow departure we arrived on time.
Jan 2, 2015, 2:57 pm
#131
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,422
Air France
Business Class menu
Paris CDG to Los Angeles
December 2012
Beverage List
Champagne and wines
Choose from our wine list
Aperitifs
The Glenlivet - aged 12 years
Jack Daniel's Whiskey
Aniseed aperitif
Gin
Vodka
Bitter
Vermouth Rosso
Port
Red Graham's Tawny Port aged 10 years
Beer
Heineken
Soft drinks
Fruité fruit juices : orange, tomato, apple
Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, Nestea White Peach, Tonic water, Citrus, Ginger Ale
Mineral water
Evian
Badoit
Perrier
Coffee, tea and hot chocolate
Nescafe coffee and cappuccino offered with a chocolate
Espresso illy and decaffeinated espresso illy
Herbal tea and tea selection : La Collection des Thés Fauchon
Digestifs
Cognac Tesseron lot no 90 "XO Selection"
Calvados hors d'age
Bas-Armagnac Château du Tariquet Folle Blanche - aged 12 years
Pear eau de vie
Green Chartreuse liqueur
Lunch
L'amuse-bouche
Piquillo chilli pepper cream
Gourmet appetizer and seasonal salad
Foie gras terrine with speculoos spices, cucumber, marlin, smoked swordfish, baby spinach, lemon
Choice of main course
Please select from today's suggestions
Our special selection of cheese
Camembert, Petit Chèvre
Desserts
Our dessert trio :
cappuccino parfait, macaroon, chocolate tartlet with dried fruit and nuts
Sorbet and ice cream, fresh fruit salad
Today's suggestion
Beef stew
carrots, leeks, celery, turnips
Sauteed shrimp with endive julienne
endive sauce with honey and cream, farfalline pasta with turmeric, sugar snap peas sauteed in olive oil
Braised lamb shoulder with figs
Figs and polenta, olives and sugar snap peas ... these highlight the flavorful, tender lamb shoulder slowly cooked in mustard sauce.
Risotto with cèpe mushrooms
sauteed cèpe mushrooms, cèpe mushroom coulis, sun-dried tomato, grated Italian cheese
Or the dish you pre-ordered for this flight
Options to suit your needs
Liberty
When you are ready for a break, we offer a wide selection of refreshments, available at the Business Class cabin bar or served at your seat - indulge in a snack cooked-to-order, a sweet or savory treat, a piece of fresh fruit ...
Comfort
Enjoy every relaxing moment of your flight by requesting the "café-croissant" breakfast option. Available until 30 minutes before landing, you will be served a hot beverage and a pastry.
Flexibility
Free up more time to devote to your tasks or your entertainments by requesting an express meal, which will be presented during the main meal service. Savor a gourmet appetizer, a selection of cheese and a dessert.
L'instant fraicheur
A gourmet snack will be offered during the flight.
Meal Service
Appetizer
Foie gras royale with mango and ginger, crisp vegetable medley
Choice of main course
Crab and onion flan with Mediterranean-style sauce, fava beans with olive oil
Risotto with sweet potato, zucchini brunoise, cream
Dessert
Kiwi, orange, pomelo
Wine list
Champagne
Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve
The house of Billecart-Salmon, founded in 1818, achieved fame and honors in the nineties thanks to a relentless quest for airy, refined champagnes. Since then, no Billecart-Salmon champagne has escaped that commitment to excellence. This Brut Reserve is a prime example, with suppleness and depth, balance and precise fruit - it has it all.
Bourgogne Blanc
Vire-Clesse 2011 Maison Chanson
This small vineyard within the ramparts of Beaune is a property of Bollinger Champagne, which explains the uncompromising rigor that defines the Chanson team. This Vire-Classe, with its freshness and precise fruit, is the expression of the house fundamentals. Here, the Chardonnay combines roundness and vivacity to create balance and fruitiness.
Languedoc Rouge
IGP Hauterive L'Indomptable de Cigalus 2012 Gérard Bertrand
Gérard Bertrand, a former rugby champion, is driven by his passion for wine and for his birthplace, the South of France. Like all great enthusiasts, he explorés new assemblages in order to continually improve the expression of his terroirs. This Indomptable, with fireworks of flavor that emerge so beautifully, leads the way among the great Mediterranean wines of depth and sophistication.
Bordeaux Rouge
Médoc Château Rollan de By 2009 Jean Guyon
This wine is the champion of blind tasting, where it often makes better-known wines tremble. Without fail, it is ranges among the ten or fifteen best, improving every year under the demandons tutelige of Jean Guyon. Masterfully blended to balance power and suppleness, this 2009 is a true Bordeaux of a great vintage.
Business Class menu
Paris CDG to Los Angeles
December 2012
Beverage List
Champagne and wines
Choose from our wine list
Aperitifs
The Glenlivet - aged 12 years
Jack Daniel's Whiskey
Aniseed aperitif
Gin
Vodka
Bitter
Vermouth Rosso
Port
Red Graham's Tawny Port aged 10 years
Beer
Heineken
Soft drinks
Fruité fruit juices : orange, tomato, apple
Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, Nestea White Peach, Tonic water, Citrus, Ginger Ale
Mineral water
Evian
Badoit
Perrier
Coffee, tea and hot chocolate
Nescafe coffee and cappuccino offered with a chocolate
Espresso illy and decaffeinated espresso illy
Herbal tea and tea selection : La Collection des Thés Fauchon
Digestifs
Cognac Tesseron lot no 90 "XO Selection"
Calvados hors d'age
Bas-Armagnac Château du Tariquet Folle Blanche - aged 12 years
Pear eau de vie
Green Chartreuse liqueur
Lunch
L'amuse-bouche
Piquillo chilli pepper cream
Gourmet appetizer and seasonal salad
Foie gras terrine with speculoos spices, cucumber, marlin, smoked swordfish, baby spinach, lemon
Choice of main course
Please select from today's suggestions
Our special selection of cheese
Camembert, Petit Chèvre
Desserts
Our dessert trio :
cappuccino parfait, macaroon, chocolate tartlet with dried fruit and nuts
Sorbet and ice cream, fresh fruit salad
Today's suggestion
Beef stew
carrots, leeks, celery, turnips
Sauteed shrimp with endive julienne
endive sauce with honey and cream, farfalline pasta with turmeric, sugar snap peas sauteed in olive oil
Braised lamb shoulder with figs
Figs and polenta, olives and sugar snap peas ... these highlight the flavorful, tender lamb shoulder slowly cooked in mustard sauce.
Risotto with cèpe mushrooms
sauteed cèpe mushrooms, cèpe mushroom coulis, sun-dried tomato, grated Italian cheese
Or the dish you pre-ordered for this flight
Options to suit your needs
Liberty
When you are ready for a break, we offer a wide selection of refreshments, available at the Business Class cabin bar or served at your seat - indulge in a snack cooked-to-order, a sweet or savory treat, a piece of fresh fruit ...
Comfort
Enjoy every relaxing moment of your flight by requesting the "café-croissant" breakfast option. Available until 30 minutes before landing, you will be served a hot beverage and a pastry.
Flexibility
Free up more time to devote to your tasks or your entertainments by requesting an express meal, which will be presented during the main meal service. Savor a gourmet appetizer, a selection of cheese and a dessert.
L'instant fraicheur
A gourmet snack will be offered during the flight.
Meal Service
Appetizer
Foie gras royale with mango and ginger, crisp vegetable medley
Choice of main course
Crab and onion flan with Mediterranean-style sauce, fava beans with olive oil
Risotto with sweet potato, zucchini brunoise, cream
Dessert
Kiwi, orange, pomelo
Wine list
Champagne
Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve
The house of Billecart-Salmon, founded in 1818, achieved fame and honors in the nineties thanks to a relentless quest for airy, refined champagnes. Since then, no Billecart-Salmon champagne has escaped that commitment to excellence. This Brut Reserve is a prime example, with suppleness and depth, balance and precise fruit - it has it all.
Bourgogne Blanc
Vire-Clesse 2011 Maison Chanson
This small vineyard within the ramparts of Beaune is a property of Bollinger Champagne, which explains the uncompromising rigor that defines the Chanson team. This Vire-Classe, with its freshness and precise fruit, is the expression of the house fundamentals. Here, the Chardonnay combines roundness and vivacity to create balance and fruitiness.
Languedoc Rouge
IGP Hauterive L'Indomptable de Cigalus 2012 Gérard Bertrand
Gérard Bertrand, a former rugby champion, is driven by his passion for wine and for his birthplace, the South of France. Like all great enthusiasts, he explorés new assemblages in order to continually improve the expression of his terroirs. This Indomptable, with fireworks of flavor that emerge so beautifully, leads the way among the great Mediterranean wines of depth and sophistication.
Bordeaux Rouge
Médoc Château Rollan de By 2009 Jean Guyon
This wine is the champion of blind tasting, where it often makes better-known wines tremble. Without fail, it is ranges among the ten or fifteen best, improving every year under the demandons tutelige of Jean Guyon. Masterfully blended to balance power and suppleness, this 2009 is a true Bordeaux of a great vintage.
066 220C014-2
Jan 2, 2015, 3:02 pm
#132
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,422
Los Angeles transit
This time the immigration hall at TBIT was full so I opted to use the APC kiosks (eligible through ESTA-holder with previous visit to USA under the current ESTA authorisation). This was a good call - the main visitor queues looked like they would take at least an hour or two. Instead I was through in under 10 minutes. There was no issue with the lack of US addresss. Customs was also instant - no wait other than a brief pause to let a pilot stroll through ahead of me.
I headed upstairs to departure to see if the airline operating the next flight uses the kiosks, as some airlines do. No such luck and it would be several hours before check in opened. So I left for a walk to the beach and back, to fill the time.
This time the immigration hall at TBIT was full so I opted to use the APC kiosks (eligible through ESTA-holder with previous visit to USA under the current ESTA authorisation). This was a good call - the main visitor queues looked like they would take at least an hour or two. Instead I was through in under 10 minutes. There was no issue with the lack of US addresss. Customs was also instant - no wait other than a brief pause to let a pilot stroll through ahead of me.
I headed upstairs to departure to see if the airline operating the next flight uses the kiosks, as some airlines do. No such luck and it would be several hours before check in opened. So I left for a walk to the beach and back, to fill the time.
Jan 3, 2015, 10:10 pm
#133
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,422
Los Angeles to Guangzhou on China Southern A380-800 in business (LAX-CAN C)
When I reached check in there was a long queue in economy but no one waiting in any of the premium lines. At LAX China Southern has a staff member manning the premium check in lines with a list of eligible passengers to keep non-eligible passengers out of the premium queues. I was called across to the first class check in since the agent wasn't dealing with anyone and there were no first class passengers queuing. I received two boarding passes and a lounge invite card fairly quickly and was on my way.
At the entrance to security I was directed to take an escalator upstairs rather than going straight ahead. In previous trips straight ahead was for premium passengers so I was curious as to why I was being sent upstairs. At the top of the escalator the answer was clearer. The new security area had just opened that day and they were directing only premium passengers through to test out the systems with a manageable passenger load. I guess the lower screening point will soon be closed.
When I went through there were several lanes of walk through metal detectors and no nudeoscopes. While it might be possible to add these later, the layout didn't seem to have sufficient space for nudeoscope machines (i.e. to add them would probably require taking out a lane and reducing capacity).
However, being new, most of the security staff were standing around talking or fiddling with equipment and only one lane was open. So despite the low numbers of people in the queue when I went through, it possibly took longer than the other screening area. The exit from security is in the middle of the terminal on the departures level, so only a short distance to the elevator to go up one level to the Korean Air lounge (which is adjacent to the elevator) or the new Qantas first class lounge.
Once in the lounge I took advantage of the lounge being fairly empty to take a shower straight away. Later the lounge would fill up and I'd likely have to wait because there are only 3 showers. Once refreshed I left to wander the terminal for some laps and people and plane watch, because I was bored.
The flight was uneventful. When I boarded someone was already in my seat, but it turned out the inner seats are offset by one row from the outer seats in the second cabin so easily sorted. We departed a little late but arrived on time. I managed about 5 hours sleep. Our arrival gate was at the end of the international pier, so no bus ride needed. Just a short walk to transfers.
When I reached check in there was a long queue in economy but no one waiting in any of the premium lines. At LAX China Southern has a staff member manning the premium check in lines with a list of eligible passengers to keep non-eligible passengers out of the premium queues. I was called across to the first class check in since the agent wasn't dealing with anyone and there were no first class passengers queuing. I received two boarding passes and a lounge invite card fairly quickly and was on my way.
At the entrance to security I was directed to take an escalator upstairs rather than going straight ahead. In previous trips straight ahead was for premium passengers so I was curious as to why I was being sent upstairs. At the top of the escalator the answer was clearer. The new security area had just opened that day and they were directing only premium passengers through to test out the systems with a manageable passenger load. I guess the lower screening point will soon be closed.
When I went through there were several lanes of walk through metal detectors and no nudeoscopes. While it might be possible to add these later, the layout didn't seem to have sufficient space for nudeoscope machines (i.e. to add them would probably require taking out a lane and reducing capacity).
However, being new, most of the security staff were standing around talking or fiddling with equipment and only one lane was open. So despite the low numbers of people in the queue when I went through, it possibly took longer than the other screening area. The exit from security is in the middle of the terminal on the departures level, so only a short distance to the elevator to go up one level to the Korean Air lounge (which is adjacent to the elevator) or the new Qantas first class lounge.
Once in the lounge I took advantage of the lounge being fairly empty to take a shower straight away. Later the lounge would fill up and I'd likely have to wait because there are only 3 showers. Once refreshed I left to wander the terminal for some laps and people and plane watch, because I was bored.
The flight was uneventful. When I boarded someone was already in my seat, but it turned out the inner seats are offset by one row from the outer seats in the second cabin so easily sorted. We departed a little late but arrived on time. I managed about 5 hours sleep. Our arrival gate was at the end of the international pier, so no bus ride needed. Just a short walk to transfers.
Last edited by Kiwi Flyer; Jan 3, 2015 at 10:17 pm
Jan 3, 2015, 10:19 pm
#134
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,422
China Southern
Business Class menu
Los Angeles to Guangzhou
December 2014
Main Meal
Hors d'oeuvre
Sesame Seared Tuna, Lobster Medallion with Caviar Black Tobiko and Smoked Salmon
Soup
Roasted Fennel and Pear Soup
Pork Soup with Peanut, Lotus Root
Entree
Please choose one of the following
Beef Short Rib, with Braising Sauce, Fingerling Potatoes, Baby Zucchini and Baby Carrots
Pan Fried Cod Fillet with Soya Sauce, Beech Mushroom, Baby Bok Choy, Carrot Flower and Steamed Rice
Barbecues Cornish Hen with Chinese Gravy, Kailan, Red Pepper, Cauliflower and Steamed Rice
Cheese
Chartelain Camembert Cheese, Fourme D'Ambert Cheese, Purple Moon Cheddar Cheese
Dessert
Pineapple Tart with Mango Puree
Snow Fungus and Lotus Seeds with Apple Sweet Soup
Ice Cream
Fresh Fruit in Season
Bread
Choice of Fresh Baked Bread with Butter
Breakfast
Prelude
Fresh Fruits in Season, Choice of Cereals or Yoghurt
Entree
Bacon and Mushroom Quiche, Roasted Potatoes, Grilled Tomato and Canadian Bacon
Cantonese Style Dim Sum, Congee
Beef Noodle Soup
Bread
Assorted Breakfast Rolls with Butter and Fruit Preserve
Snacks
Assorted Sandwich
Vegetable Torta
Bar
Chocolate Selection
Seasonal Fruit Basket
Cheese Platter
Business Class menu
Los Angeles to Guangzhou
December 2014
Main Meal
Hors d'oeuvre
Sesame Seared Tuna, Lobster Medallion with Caviar Black Tobiko and Smoked Salmon
Soup
Roasted Fennel and Pear Soup
Pork Soup with Peanut, Lotus Root
Entree
Please choose one of the following
Beef Short Rib, with Braising Sauce, Fingerling Potatoes, Baby Zucchini and Baby Carrots
Pan Fried Cod Fillet with Soya Sauce, Beech Mushroom, Baby Bok Choy, Carrot Flower and Steamed Rice
Barbecues Cornish Hen with Chinese Gravy, Kailan, Red Pepper, Cauliflower and Steamed Rice
Cheese
Chartelain Camembert Cheese, Fourme D'Ambert Cheese, Purple Moon Cheddar Cheese
Dessert
Pineapple Tart with Mango Puree
Snow Fungus and Lotus Seeds with Apple Sweet Soup
Ice Cream
Fresh Fruit in Season
Bread
Choice of Fresh Baked Bread with Butter
Breakfast
Prelude
Fresh Fruits in Season, Choice of Cereals or Yoghurt
Entree
Bacon and Mushroom Quiche, Roasted Potatoes, Grilled Tomato and Canadian Bacon
Cantonese Style Dim Sum, Congee
Beef Noodle Soup
Bread
Assorted Breakfast Rolls with Butter and Fruit Preserve
Snacks
Assorted Sandwich
Vegetable Torta
Bar
Chocolate Selection
Seasonal Fruit Basket
Cheese Platter
Jan 3, 2015, 10:41 pm
#135
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Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
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Posts: 71,422
Guangzhou to Auckland on China Southern B787-800 in business (CAN-AKL C)
I was hurried out of the lounge by staff when boarding was called because we had a remote stand and they wanted to have just one minivan trip out to the aircraft for the premium passengers - all three of us. This is the first time flying through Guangzhou that I've had a remote stand, either arriving or departing. The aircraft was parked fairly close to the international pier so the van ride was short.
With the low premium load it wasn't a surprise that I had a whole cabin to myself. Great I can use the adjacent monitor for flight path once again.
We pushed back a little late and had a slow taxi to the runway. CAN is a very busy airport - View from the Wing may be shocked that CAN is one of the busiest airports in the world but I'm not.
After crossing the coast we had a detour due eastwards for 15 minutes or so. Since there was no significant weather in the vicinity I assume there was a Chinese military exercise that we had to fly around.
I didn't get as much sleep as I'd hoped, just 4 hours or so. It was another bumpy flight.
Due to our slow departure we only arrived a little early, not an hour early as is normally the case for CZ into AKL.
I was hurried out of the lounge by staff when boarding was called because we had a remote stand and they wanted to have just one minivan trip out to the aircraft for the premium passengers - all three of us. This is the first time flying through Guangzhou that I've had a remote stand, either arriving or departing. The aircraft was parked fairly close to the international pier so the van ride was short.
With the low premium load it wasn't a surprise that I had a whole cabin to myself. Great I can use the adjacent monitor for flight path once again.
We pushed back a little late and had a slow taxi to the runway. CAN is a very busy airport - View from the Wing may be shocked that CAN is one of the busiest airports in the world but I'm not.
After crossing the coast we had a detour due eastwards for 15 minutes or so. Since there was no significant weather in the vicinity I assume there was a Chinese military exercise that we had to fly around.
I didn't get as much sleep as I'd hoped, just 4 hours or so. It was another bumpy flight.
Due to our slow departure we only arrived a little early, not an hour early as is normally the case for CZ into AKL.