One World RTW in First
Sep 25, 2006, 11:04 pm
#46
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Portland OR Double Emerald (QF and AA), DL PM/MM, Starwood Plat
Posts: 19,589
Excellent report. To flesh out a few minor points, AA serves Tanqueray gin (regular, not Ten) which is normally decent ... sounds like you got some bad tonic. The Tignanello served by CX in F is quite good (as is their tawny port); unfortunately the Lynch Bages is now up to 2001, which is simply too young to drink unless you aerate it extensively. The kaiseki catering is quite expensive and a bit more than HKD 150 (which is only USD 20!) ... HKD 1500 would be closer to the cost ... it does cost a lot more than the western F catering on the same flight. Finally good sake is never served warm -- that is done with cheap sake, to improve the taste. Fine sake is served at room temperature (ideally scottish room temperature, or somewhat chilled but not iced). But CX doesn't have any great sake on board, so this really isn't a consideration.
Sep 26, 2006, 12:55 pm
#47
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Scotland
Programs: BA, BD, AF, LH, AA, EK, Hilton, ICHG, SPG
Posts: 1,500
Originally Posted by Moomba
which is the same baby that the esteemed Steady-EDI flew in from YVR-JFK a few weeks ago, in the same seat!
This is a great report - it makes me think I'm still doing my own xONEx. Hang on, I suppose I still am (tho' not resuming until next Feb)!
Loved the sunrise-on-the-window-frame shot and can scarcely believe that some selfish bar steward relieved you of your pillow while you were in the washroom
As I've said at least once in my own recent series of flight reports, there's no reckoning for who you end up with, even in First Class 
Hope it didn't spoil the experience 
You were missed at the VNO Away-Do, but I guess this is a pretty good excuse
Sep 26, 2006, 6:08 pm
#50
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: London, UK
Programs: AA 2MM - PLT, BA GGL, SPG Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 6,221
Originally Posted by number_6
The kaiseki catering is quite expensive and a bit more than HKD 150 (which is only USD 20!) ... HKD 1500 would be closer to the cost ... it does cost a lot more than the western F catering on the same flight.
Well actually I thought I had misheard because that is the figure I thought he said. Perhaps my ears did not fail me after all.
I suppose I couldn't quite believe the meal would cost in excess of 100 GBP.
Sep 26, 2006, 10:13 pm
#51
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Portland OR Double Emerald (QF and AA), DL PM/MM, Starwood Plat
Posts: 19,589
Originally Posted by Moomba
Well actually I thought I had misheard because that is the figure I thought he said. Perhaps my ears did not fail me after all.
I suppose I couldn't quite believe the meal would cost in excess of 100 GBP.
I suppose I couldn't quite believe the meal would cost in excess of 100 GBP.
CX F catering does cost a pretty penny. Remember that most wines served retail for about USD 100 per bottle (and the Krug is USD 150 per bottle now). So it is quite easy to consume USD 500 worth of wine on a single flight (if you try a glass of 3 different wines, plus a glass of champagne, and they have to dump the partial bottles).
Sep 27, 2006, 12:37 am
#52
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Dubai, UAE
Programs: EK Gold, BA Silver, IHC Plat, HERTZ gold, GF Gold, SAS Silver
Posts: 749
After the dinner was cleared away the pre-made ice cream sundaes were offered. I accepted one which was delicious.
As a suggestion on AA F class, domestic or internationally, I always opt for Ice Cream and Armeretto poured all over it!
Once did it having drank my way from ZHR - JFK then JFK-SFO I had my Armeretto and Ice cream and got my 80 year old seat mate rather merry on it!
As a suggestion on AA F class, domestic or internationally, I always opt for Ice Cream and Armeretto poured all over it!
Once did it having drank my way from ZHR - JFK then JFK-SFO I had my Armeretto and Ice cream and got my 80 year old seat mate rather merry on it!
Sep 27, 2006, 2:01 am
#53
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: London, UK
Programs: AA 2MM - PLT, BA GGL, SPG Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 6,221
Originally Posted by Steady-EDI
Loved the sunrise-on-the-window-frame shot and can scarcely believe that some selfish bar steward relieved you of your pillow while you were in the washroom
I can't say I was all that inspriational with that shot. I have seen photos like that in books.
The bar steward actually took the pillow on the JFK-YVR leg before I even got on board.
Stay tune for more soon as I have just arrived in SIN after doing a NRT-TPE-HKG and HKG-BKK-SIN run last night and today.
Sep 27, 2006, 8:23 am
#54
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: London, UK
Programs: AA 2MM - PLT, BA GGL, SPG Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 6,221
Part 9 NRT-TPE-HKG
I had booked myself on the 12:30 bus from the hotel back to Narita airport so had a leisurely breakfast and wandered around Ebisu for a while before hopping on the bus.
We stopped at a couple of more hotels before proceeding to the expressway that was to take us to the airport. The whole trip was a tortuous 2 hours long and two girls from the US sitting behind me talked non-stop for the whole time.
Of course it wasn’t so much that they were talking it was the way they were talking. I am sure each of them used the word ‘like’ at least 120 times in the two hours. Actually come to think of it, it was probably more. This is the start of one of the sentences I heard; “He said, he’s like, he’s like…”. Unbelievable! Get a vocabulary girls. Geez if we keep progressing the English language any further we will soon be speaking with just, “I Mean”, “Uh Huh”, “Like” and other words of one syllable or less.
If this trend progresses further perhaps we will go back to grunts like the cliché prehistoric movies portray.
Finally we arrived at Narita. (If I had have been in a coach for that long in parts of Europe I would have been in a different country!)
Just before we leave Japan I have a couple of observations to make. The Japanese are refreshingly polite people. They love elevator music, cartoons and Ferris Wheels.
My bag was security screened before heading to the check-in desk where I was issued with a lounge pass, directions and my BP for the flight back to HKG via TPE.
Emigration was after security and the lines were not as long as on entering the country and moved quite a good deal quicker.
I made my way to the CX lounge which was a real let down. There was a separate seating area for F that wasn’t any different to the J. Food was minimal and drinks were limited. I stashed my bag for a moment and went to visit the AA lounge next door. Well I have to tell you there was more on offer here and it was a much nicer lounge. I know where to go next time I am in NRT. I supposed the AA lounge is a little more extensive as it has to cater for more than one flight at a time. I saw at least 3 AA aircraft on the ground amongst the myriad of NW planes and 9 UA on the ground.
There were no toilets in the CX lounge.
Before long I headed down to the gate to my aircraft. As usual with CX there was a separate line for premium passengers and I was on board in no time.
Flight CX451 NRT – TPE - HKG Seat 1K
Departure time: 16:00
Date: September 26, 2006
Aircraft: 747-400
My jacket was swiftly dealt with and glass of champagne delivered along with, and wait for it, amuse bouche. Surprisingly, given recent threads on the CX board the delightful pepper stuffed with salsa sitting on a bed of humus was placed before me. I made mention of this to the F purser and she said she was surprised to see they had loaded them. She said that they were discontinued after passenger feedback. I said I liked them and was sad to see them go. She said “good” and she would feed that news back to the head office.
I took advantage of getting on early to take another shot of the interior of the F cabin.
I spied another new CX uniform this flight and I believe there is only the Nina Ricci ones I have yet to see on board so far.
There were only three pax in F headed up by a very nice purser named Jem. I mentioned to her that there was 1 FA for each of us. She said ‘No three for you Mr Moomba’.
On leaving NRT the weather was absolutely miserable. It was bucketing down with rain and very poor visibility. So much for my thoughts of perhaps getting a shot of Fuji-san when I flew out.
I was again amazed at the number of NW aircraft on the ground at NRT. Made me wonder how many slots NW have at NRT. Is it their second home?
We pulled back at 16:05.
On take off I got to hear the sound of the rain hitting the front of the plane again which is still a novelty for me.
Menus were handed out and orders taken for the dinner service on this leg from NRT-TPE.
DINNER
APPETIZER
Smoked Tuna, Fish Cake with Mushroom and Seafood Skewer
SOUP
Roasted Red Pepper Soup
MAIN COURSES
Broiled Salmon with Japanese Maksutake Mushroom
Steamed Boneless Chicken with Yunnan Ham and Black Mushrooms
Pan-fried Beef with Herb Crust and Breadcrumbs
ACCOMPANIMENTS
Kipfler Potato with Parsley or Japanese Rice with Sesame
Selection of Western or Oriental Vegetables
CHEESE
And
FRESH SEASONAL FRUIT
DESSERT
Chocolate and Pear Tart
Served with Fresh Cream
TEA AND COFFEE
PRALINES
WINE LIST
CHAMPAGNE
Champagne Amour De Deutz, Blanc de blanc 1999
WHITE WINES
Domaine Jacques Prieur Beaune Premier Cru, Champs Pimont 2002
Mount Pleasant Maurice O’Shea Chardonnay 2004
RED WINES
Château Branaire-Ducru 1998, 4ème Cru Classé
Corton Grand Cru Louis Max 1996
Tignanello 2001
PORT
Ramos Pinto Quinta da Ervamoira 10 Year Old Tawny Port
After take off the bubbles and warm cashew nuts were delivered to my seat.
Not long after the dinner service commenced. My glass was never empty of Champagne throughout the flight.
The appetizer was, as usual, beautifully presented on the plate and it was a shame to hoe into it before photographing it.
The soup was delicious and was served quite hot.
The main course was lovely as have all my meals so far on these CX flights.
I decided to opt out of the cheese course in favour of the delicious sounding and tasting Pear Tart.
To finish off the meal I decided to have a double espresso which came with some lovely almond bread and pralines.
The crew were amazingly attentive and at one point all three were either taking plates away, filling water or filling champagne and the head purser said ‘see all three just for you.’
I dropped the arm of the seat down and curled my legs up and relaxed for a while. I like the fact that you can do this on these seats. It is just like sitting in your arm chair at home. Particularly nice when you can watch a lovely sunset outside your window.
Mr 1A went off to the lav at one point and the FA came down and cleaned up his seat of crumbs and straightened things up a bit. It is not only the things you see that make the CX experience wonderful, but the things you don’t see as well.
I took some time out to stretch my legs and have the following observations of CX F seats. If you want to be together then the two sets of middle seats are your best bet. If you want heaps of space to put stuff then go for the windows in Row 4. Row 1 has space beside them as well but row 2 and 3 don’t have any space to put stuff beside you. Here is another shot of the cabin looking forward.
We landed in TPE a little early and both Mr 1A and I opted to stay on board for the layover. The other F pax left us at this point. I asked for a glass of sparkling water to dilute some of the alcohol I was consuming on this flight. I chatted to the crew for a while who thought I was nuts taking this indirect routing instead of the direct flight later in the night.
I asked Mr 1A why he did this nutty routing and he said it was the only flight he could get using his miles. So you can score F seats on CX using miles!
It was interesting sitting on board during the layover listening and watching what one normally does not see. The senior purser made announcements about the number of pax in each cabin for the next leg, what time they would board and then a warning when the pax were due to come on. Also it was interesting to see the cleaners come on board and clean the seats even where no one sat.
The time passed quickly and after 2 more pax boarded in F we were on our way again at 19:35 and in the air by 19:47.
I was able to see Taipei 101 in the distance – damn that thing is tall.
Drinks were offered again after take off and menus handed out again.
DINNER
APPETIZER
Pan-fried Scallop and Vegetable Terrine wrapped with Pastrami
Smoked Salmon and Crayfish
MAIN COURSES
Simmered Chicken with Wild Pepper
Grilled Lamb Chops with Natural Gravy and Roasted Garlic Cloves
ACCOMPANIMENTS
Roasted New Potato Wedges or Fried Rice Chiu Chow Style
Selection of Western or Oriental Vegetables
DESSERT
Hot Steamed Blueberry Pudding
Served with Blueberry Sauce
TEA AND COFFEE
PRALINES
WINE LIST as for earlier flight
Being the piggy wiggy I am I decided to have a 2nd dinner on this flight. Yes Falco I now weigh at least 200lbs more than I did when we were in SIN earlier this year!
It must be scallop season as many of the starters seem to feature this little morsel.
By the time I was about to start my main I looked at the time remaining in flight and thought. If this was an AA flight we would be locked down by now. I still had main and dessert to go!
The main course was very tasty and I am rather partial to lamb.
I was absolutely full up to pussy’s bow and could not face the dessert so no pictures of that one for you. Besides I remembered what happened to Violet Beauregarde in Willy Wonka when she got to the blueberry dessert. I did however find some space for coffee and chocolates!
Hot towels were handed out before take off and before landing.
We landed a little early into a balmy Hong Kong night and pulled into Gate 2 which is the gate I left from two days earlier.
The queue for immigrations was longer at this time of night and it looked like a couple of flights had all descended at once. I was through in about 10 minutes and went to the baggage claim to see my bag doing the rounds waiting patiently for me.
I cleared customs and was sitting down pulling a change of clothes from my suitcase when the senior purser came up and wished me a safe trip and goodbye again.
I then went upstairs and checked in for the flight to SIN for the next day. With just my rucksack in tow I headed off to the airport express to Kowloon to my hotel for the night.
Next up HKG-BKK-SIN (why go direct when you can take two flights?). This was actually flown today but I am too shagged to write the report up for it!
We stopped at a couple of more hotels before proceeding to the expressway that was to take us to the airport. The whole trip was a tortuous 2 hours long and two girls from the US sitting behind me talked non-stop for the whole time.
Of course it wasn’t so much that they were talking it was the way they were talking. I am sure each of them used the word ‘like’ at least 120 times in the two hours. Actually come to think of it, it was probably more. This is the start of one of the sentences I heard; “He said, he’s like, he’s like…”. Unbelievable! Get a vocabulary girls. Geez if we keep progressing the English language any further we will soon be speaking with just, “I Mean”, “Uh Huh”, “Like” and other words of one syllable or less.
If this trend progresses further perhaps we will go back to grunts like the cliché prehistoric movies portray.
Finally we arrived at Narita. (If I had have been in a coach for that long in parts of Europe I would have been in a different country!)
Just before we leave Japan I have a couple of observations to make. The Japanese are refreshingly polite people. They love elevator music, cartoons and Ferris Wheels.
My bag was security screened before heading to the check-in desk where I was issued with a lounge pass, directions and my BP for the flight back to HKG via TPE.
Emigration was after security and the lines were not as long as on entering the country and moved quite a good deal quicker.
I made my way to the CX lounge which was a real let down. There was a separate seating area for F that wasn’t any different to the J. Food was minimal and drinks were limited. I stashed my bag for a moment and went to visit the AA lounge next door. Well I have to tell you there was more on offer here and it was a much nicer lounge. I know where to go next time I am in NRT. I supposed the AA lounge is a little more extensive as it has to cater for more than one flight at a time. I saw at least 3 AA aircraft on the ground amongst the myriad of NW planes and 9 UA on the ground.
There were no toilets in the CX lounge.
Before long I headed down to the gate to my aircraft. As usual with CX there was a separate line for premium passengers and I was on board in no time.
Flight CX451 NRT – TPE - HKG Seat 1K
Departure time: 16:00
Date: September 26, 2006
Aircraft: 747-400
My jacket was swiftly dealt with and glass of champagne delivered along with, and wait for it, amuse bouche. Surprisingly, given recent threads on the CX board the delightful pepper stuffed with salsa sitting on a bed of humus was placed before me. I made mention of this to the F purser and she said she was surprised to see they had loaded them. She said that they were discontinued after passenger feedback. I said I liked them and was sad to see them go. She said “good” and she would feed that news back to the head office.
I took advantage of getting on early to take another shot of the interior of the F cabin.
I spied another new CX uniform this flight and I believe there is only the Nina Ricci ones I have yet to see on board so far.
There were only three pax in F headed up by a very nice purser named Jem. I mentioned to her that there was 1 FA for each of us. She said ‘No three for you Mr Moomba’.
On leaving NRT the weather was absolutely miserable. It was bucketing down with rain and very poor visibility. So much for my thoughts of perhaps getting a shot of Fuji-san when I flew out.
I was again amazed at the number of NW aircraft on the ground at NRT. Made me wonder how many slots NW have at NRT. Is it their second home?
We pulled back at 16:05.
On take off I got to hear the sound of the rain hitting the front of the plane again which is still a novelty for me.
Menus were handed out and orders taken for the dinner service on this leg from NRT-TPE.
DINNER
APPETIZER
Smoked Tuna, Fish Cake with Mushroom and Seafood Skewer
SOUP
Roasted Red Pepper Soup
MAIN COURSES
Broiled Salmon with Japanese Maksutake Mushroom
Steamed Boneless Chicken with Yunnan Ham and Black Mushrooms
Pan-fried Beef with Herb Crust and Breadcrumbs
ACCOMPANIMENTS
Kipfler Potato with Parsley or Japanese Rice with Sesame
Selection of Western or Oriental Vegetables
CHEESE
And
FRESH SEASONAL FRUIT
DESSERT
Chocolate and Pear Tart
Served with Fresh Cream
TEA AND COFFEE
PRALINES
WINE LIST
CHAMPAGNE
Champagne Amour De Deutz, Blanc de blanc 1999
WHITE WINES
Domaine Jacques Prieur Beaune Premier Cru, Champs Pimont 2002
Mount Pleasant Maurice O’Shea Chardonnay 2004
RED WINES
Château Branaire-Ducru 1998, 4ème Cru Classé
Corton Grand Cru Louis Max 1996
Tignanello 2001
PORT
Ramos Pinto Quinta da Ervamoira 10 Year Old Tawny Port
After take off the bubbles and warm cashew nuts were delivered to my seat.
Not long after the dinner service commenced. My glass was never empty of Champagne throughout the flight.
The appetizer was, as usual, beautifully presented on the plate and it was a shame to hoe into it before photographing it.
The soup was delicious and was served quite hot.
The main course was lovely as have all my meals so far on these CX flights.
I decided to opt out of the cheese course in favour of the delicious sounding and tasting Pear Tart.
To finish off the meal I decided to have a double espresso which came with some lovely almond bread and pralines.
The crew were amazingly attentive and at one point all three were either taking plates away, filling water or filling champagne and the head purser said ‘see all three just for you.’
I dropped the arm of the seat down and curled my legs up and relaxed for a while. I like the fact that you can do this on these seats. It is just like sitting in your arm chair at home. Particularly nice when you can watch a lovely sunset outside your window.
Mr 1A went off to the lav at one point and the FA came down and cleaned up his seat of crumbs and straightened things up a bit. It is not only the things you see that make the CX experience wonderful, but the things you don’t see as well.
I took some time out to stretch my legs and have the following observations of CX F seats. If you want to be together then the two sets of middle seats are your best bet. If you want heaps of space to put stuff then go for the windows in Row 4. Row 1 has space beside them as well but row 2 and 3 don’t have any space to put stuff beside you. Here is another shot of the cabin looking forward.
We landed in TPE a little early and both Mr 1A and I opted to stay on board for the layover. The other F pax left us at this point. I asked for a glass of sparkling water to dilute some of the alcohol I was consuming on this flight. I chatted to the crew for a while who thought I was nuts taking this indirect routing instead of the direct flight later in the night.
I asked Mr 1A why he did this nutty routing and he said it was the only flight he could get using his miles. So you can score F seats on CX using miles!
It was interesting sitting on board during the layover listening and watching what one normally does not see. The senior purser made announcements about the number of pax in each cabin for the next leg, what time they would board and then a warning when the pax were due to come on. Also it was interesting to see the cleaners come on board and clean the seats even where no one sat.
The time passed quickly and after 2 more pax boarded in F we were on our way again at 19:35 and in the air by 19:47.
I was able to see Taipei 101 in the distance – damn that thing is tall.
Drinks were offered again after take off and menus handed out again.
DINNER
APPETIZER
Pan-fried Scallop and Vegetable Terrine wrapped with Pastrami
Smoked Salmon and Crayfish
MAIN COURSES
Simmered Chicken with Wild Pepper
Grilled Lamb Chops with Natural Gravy and Roasted Garlic Cloves
ACCOMPANIMENTS
Roasted New Potato Wedges or Fried Rice Chiu Chow Style
Selection of Western or Oriental Vegetables
DESSERT
Hot Steamed Blueberry Pudding
Served with Blueberry Sauce
TEA AND COFFEE
PRALINES
WINE LIST as for earlier flight
Being the piggy wiggy I am I decided to have a 2nd dinner on this flight. Yes Falco I now weigh at least 200lbs more than I did when we were in SIN earlier this year!
It must be scallop season as many of the starters seem to feature this little morsel.
By the time I was about to start my main I looked at the time remaining in flight and thought. If this was an AA flight we would be locked down by now. I still had main and dessert to go!
The main course was very tasty and I am rather partial to lamb.
I was absolutely full up to pussy’s bow and could not face the dessert so no pictures of that one for you. Besides I remembered what happened to Violet Beauregarde in Willy Wonka when she got to the blueberry dessert. I did however find some space for coffee and chocolates!
Hot towels were handed out before take off and before landing.
We landed a little early into a balmy Hong Kong night and pulled into Gate 2 which is the gate I left from two days earlier.
The queue for immigrations was longer at this time of night and it looked like a couple of flights had all descended at once. I was through in about 10 minutes and went to the baggage claim to see my bag doing the rounds waiting patiently for me.
I cleared customs and was sitting down pulling a change of clothes from my suitcase when the senior purser came up and wished me a safe trip and goodbye again.
I then went upstairs and checked in for the flight to SIN for the next day. With just my rucksack in tow I headed off to the airport express to Kowloon to my hotel for the night.
Next up HKG-BKK-SIN (why go direct when you can take two flights?). This was actually flown today but I am too shagged to write the report up for it!
Last edited by Moomba; Oct 28, 2006 at 5:28 am
Sep 27, 2006, 11:20 am
#55
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Portland OR Double Emerald (QF and AA), DL PM/MM, Starwood Plat
Posts: 19,589
Another reason to route NRT-TPE-HKG is to shop at the chinese museum store at the TPE airport. It is world class (the mainland is still quite mad at all the art that was removed to Taiwan) and sells reproductions that range from nice to superb. Priced accordingly. Well worth a special shopping trip, even if you only have 10 minutes (it is airside, so you stay in transit within security). Also the CX lounge at TPE is interesting to see (hint: 10x nicer than at NRT). It is like a mini-Wing. I guess CX does have a lot of flights TPE-HKG.
Sep 27, 2006, 6:41 pm
#56
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: London, UK
Programs: AA 2MM - PLT, BA GGL, SPG Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 6,221
Part 10 HKG-BKK-SIN
Up early again for my flight to Singapore which was via Bangkok. Can someone remind me again why I am doing this? The only routing CX take that offers F service to SIN is this indirect flight through BKK.
I caught the airport express shuttle to Kowloon and onto the train bound for the airport.
Once inside I proceeded directly to the departures area and cleared emigrations and security within 10 minutes.
It was not 07:20 and my flight was scheduled for 08:55.
I turned left on entering the sterile area and headed straight for the CX F lounge. As I did not have any toiletries with me at the hotel I had already decided to have a shower and change in the lounge at the airport.
I asked for a shower and they were all full so I was sent to one of the cabana rooms. This was my first time in a cabana and I thought I would take a few pictures to show you all.
Cabana Seating 1
Cabana Seating 2
Cabana Vanity
Cabana Bath
Cabana Shower
After my ablutions I went out to check my emails and have a cup of tea whilst waiting for the flight.
My gate was 32 which was quite a hike from the lounge so I started to wander down stopping to browse at some of the duty free shops along the way. By the time I made the gate it was around 08:30 and boarding had already commenced.
As usual there was a priority line and I walked straight up and on the flight.
Flight CX713 HKG – BKK - SIN Seat 1K
Departure time: 08:55
Date: September 27, 2006
Aircraft: 747-400
I was escorted to my seat by Diamond who introduced herself as the head purser in F. My jacket was taken and I was asked if I would like a drink before take off.
I declined as I knew I needed to pace myself on these flights or I might not be able walk of the plane unaided. I was offered newspaper and magazines by the crew before take off.
Not long before our scheduled take off time the senior purser came over the horn and asked if Mr X, Mr Y, Mr Z etc could identify themselves. There must have been at least 8 or 9 names called out!
We pushed back a little late at 09:05 and taxied down to the end of 07R again for take off which was at 09:23. We flew out over Hong Kong again and I was able to just grab this shot before it disappeared from view.
After take off Diamond came along with the menus and took my drink order. She asked me if the direct flight to SIN was cancelled this morning. I said no I had booked myself onto this flight. I am sure all these crew think I am mad.
My champagne and warm nuts were delivered and my breakfast order was taken.
BREAKFAST
JUICE SELECTION
APPETIZER
Fresh Seasonal Fruit
YOGHURT SELECTION
Natural or Low Fat Fruit flavoured
CEREALS
Muesli, Corn Flakes or Rice Crispies
MAIN COURSES
Plain Omelette with Sautéed Mixed Mushrooms,
Red Onion and Semi Sun-dried Tomato
Dim Sum Selection
ACCOMPANIMENTS
Grilled Breakfast Steak, Back Bacon, Pork Sausage,
Lyonnaise Potatoes, Vine Ripened Tomato and Sautéed Fresh Mushrooms
BREAD BASKET
Assorted Warm Bread and Breakfast Pastries
Served with Preserves, Honey and Butter
TEA AND COFFEE
There was no Wine List handed out on this flight.
There were 3 other passengers on this flight to Bangkok, 1 of whom slept the whole way.
My breakfast started to roll out starting with the fruit juice and birthday buns (that the FA recommended) along with a Bon Appetit card signed by the three crew members.
The fruit appeared soon after.
Just as I started to eat my breakfast the Senior Purser came around to introduce herself to me and gave me a survey to fill out. She also informed me that I would need to stay on board at Bangkok.
The cereal and yoghurt came next which I devoured with relish.
This was followed up with the main course which included the best tasting steak I have eaten on a plane. It did not taste stewed but tasted like grilled steak should.
My champagne glass was always being re-filled and I needed to make sure I paced myself. The main course was delicious as you can see by the evidence here.
After this was cleared away my Coffee was delivered. I had remarked to the FA how nice the buns were and she said that I only had until September 30 to have them. They were a special treat for passengers during CX birthday month. The next thing I know another bun appeared. They were filled with some sort of peanut paste (well I think it was peanut).
To pass the time I did my usual staring out the window and took some aerial views of the scenes below.
We landed into Bangkok and headed to the old terminal building where CX were still operating out of. The first flight for due to arrive at the new terminal building was the evening flight that day.
My fellow passengers left the aircraft along with one of the F FAs who came to say her goodbyes to me before she left.
I spent the hour on the ground chatting to the crew about the new seats, why I was doing all this mad flying and about the new BKK terminal. One FA told me that they hadn’t even tested the baggage carousel to see if it operated yet!
Time flew by and we were ready to take off for SIN. This time it was a ratio of three FAs to one pax - ME.
The captain came on and announced a flying time of 1 hour and 55 minutes to Singapore.
Diamond came along and introduced me to the new F crew member to replace the departing FA.
We took off and headed out over Bangkok city before making our way down to Singapore.
The menus were handed out and my champagne and warm cashew nuts were delivered not long after take off.
LUNCH
APPETIZER
Scallops with Vegetable and Mascarpone
MAIN COURSES
Deep-fried Prawns in Chilli Sauce
Black Cod with Herb Crust and Tomato Oregano Sauce
ACCOMPANIMENTS
Baked Potatoes stuffed with Mixed Peppers or Steamed Rice
Selection of Western or Oriental Vegetables
FRESH SEASONAL FRUIT
DESSERT
Carrot Cake with Chestnut Mousse
TEA AND COFFEE
PRALINES
WINE LIST
CHAMPAGNE
Champagne Amour De Deutz, Blanc de blanc 1999
WHITE WINES
Domaine Jacques Prieur Beaune Premier Cru, Champs Pimont 2002
Mount Pleasant Maurice O’Shea Chardonnay 2004
RED WINES
Château Branaire-Ducru 1998, 4ème Cru Classé
Corton Grand Cru Louis Max 1996
Tignanello 2001
PORT
Ramos Pinto Quinta da Ervamoira 10 Year Old Tawny Port
The new FA asked me if I liked the Deutz champagne and I said it was very drinkable. She said that this particular type was being used a part of their anniversary celebrations.
My lunch order was taken and it made me start to think “what is the longest time anyone has gone without having to buy a meal”? What with staying at hotels that include breakfast and flying breakfast, lunch and dinner flights one could sated for quite a while.
I had not eaten since my previous afternoon flights, which as you may remember included two dinners.
Both of these flights were a little bumpy (we were flying the tropics) and the FAs earned their pay with their expert abilities at pouring champagne without spilling any.
My appetizer came, which included the very popular scallop ingredient again.
The main course was served with some chilli sauce in a small bowl. This sauce packed quite a punch and should be used in moderation for you anglo folks out there.
I spent the time again, chatting and looking out the window as the Malay coast went by. Every now and again the land would be split by a brown seam of water.
I was offered fruit from a huge platter which I declined in favour of the more fattening dessert.
There was a good break before my dessert arrived at around the time I finished off the bottle of champagne.
I was very full by the time the flight was due to land. A hot towel was delivered before landing early at 14:40.
I said my goodbye to each of the crew members and headed into the airport.
I was through Singapore immigrations quickly and proceeded to the baggage claim area. I looked up on the monitor to which belt my bag was due to arrive on and it was the one right next to where I was standing. I moved to the front of the belt and 2 minutes later my bag was the first to appear.
I was then off into SIN to spend the remainder of the day and over night.
See you all next time when I will be taking a couple of non OW flights.
I caught the airport express shuttle to Kowloon and onto the train bound for the airport.
Once inside I proceeded directly to the departures area and cleared emigrations and security within 10 minutes.
It was not 07:20 and my flight was scheduled for 08:55.
I turned left on entering the sterile area and headed straight for the CX F lounge. As I did not have any toiletries with me at the hotel I had already decided to have a shower and change in the lounge at the airport.
I asked for a shower and they were all full so I was sent to one of the cabana rooms. This was my first time in a cabana and I thought I would take a few pictures to show you all.
Cabana Seating 1
Cabana Seating 2
Cabana Vanity
Cabana Bath
Cabana Shower
After my ablutions I went out to check my emails and have a cup of tea whilst waiting for the flight.
My gate was 32 which was quite a hike from the lounge so I started to wander down stopping to browse at some of the duty free shops along the way. By the time I made the gate it was around 08:30 and boarding had already commenced.
As usual there was a priority line and I walked straight up and on the flight.
Flight CX713 HKG – BKK - SIN Seat 1K
Departure time: 08:55
Date: September 27, 2006
Aircraft: 747-400
I was escorted to my seat by Diamond who introduced herself as the head purser in F. My jacket was taken and I was asked if I would like a drink before take off.
I declined as I knew I needed to pace myself on these flights or I might not be able walk of the plane unaided. I was offered newspaper and magazines by the crew before take off.
Not long before our scheduled take off time the senior purser came over the horn and asked if Mr X, Mr Y, Mr Z etc could identify themselves. There must have been at least 8 or 9 names called out!
We pushed back a little late at 09:05 and taxied down to the end of 07R again for take off which was at 09:23. We flew out over Hong Kong again and I was able to just grab this shot before it disappeared from view.
After take off Diamond came along with the menus and took my drink order. She asked me if the direct flight to SIN was cancelled this morning. I said no I had booked myself onto this flight. I am sure all these crew think I am mad.
My champagne and warm nuts were delivered and my breakfast order was taken.
BREAKFAST
JUICE SELECTION
APPETIZER
Fresh Seasonal Fruit
YOGHURT SELECTION
Natural or Low Fat Fruit flavoured
CEREALS
Muesli, Corn Flakes or Rice Crispies
MAIN COURSES
Plain Omelette with Sautéed Mixed Mushrooms,
Red Onion and Semi Sun-dried Tomato
Dim Sum Selection
ACCOMPANIMENTS
Grilled Breakfast Steak, Back Bacon, Pork Sausage,
Lyonnaise Potatoes, Vine Ripened Tomato and Sautéed Fresh Mushrooms
BREAD BASKET
Assorted Warm Bread and Breakfast Pastries
Served with Preserves, Honey and Butter
TEA AND COFFEE
There was no Wine List handed out on this flight.
There were 3 other passengers on this flight to Bangkok, 1 of whom slept the whole way.
My breakfast started to roll out starting with the fruit juice and birthday buns (that the FA recommended) along with a Bon Appetit card signed by the three crew members.
The fruit appeared soon after.
Just as I started to eat my breakfast the Senior Purser came around to introduce herself to me and gave me a survey to fill out. She also informed me that I would need to stay on board at Bangkok.
The cereal and yoghurt came next which I devoured with relish.
This was followed up with the main course which included the best tasting steak I have eaten on a plane. It did not taste stewed but tasted like grilled steak should.
My champagne glass was always being re-filled and I needed to make sure I paced myself. The main course was delicious as you can see by the evidence here.
After this was cleared away my Coffee was delivered. I had remarked to the FA how nice the buns were and she said that I only had until September 30 to have them. They were a special treat for passengers during CX birthday month. The next thing I know another bun appeared. They were filled with some sort of peanut paste (well I think it was peanut).
To pass the time I did my usual staring out the window and took some aerial views of the scenes below.
We landed into Bangkok and headed to the old terminal building where CX were still operating out of. The first flight for due to arrive at the new terminal building was the evening flight that day.
My fellow passengers left the aircraft along with one of the F FAs who came to say her goodbyes to me before she left.
I spent the hour on the ground chatting to the crew about the new seats, why I was doing all this mad flying and about the new BKK terminal. One FA told me that they hadn’t even tested the baggage carousel to see if it operated yet!
Time flew by and we were ready to take off for SIN. This time it was a ratio of three FAs to one pax - ME.
The captain came on and announced a flying time of 1 hour and 55 minutes to Singapore.
Diamond came along and introduced me to the new F crew member to replace the departing FA.
We took off and headed out over Bangkok city before making our way down to Singapore.
The menus were handed out and my champagne and warm cashew nuts were delivered not long after take off.
LUNCH
APPETIZER
Scallops with Vegetable and Mascarpone
MAIN COURSES
Deep-fried Prawns in Chilli Sauce
Black Cod with Herb Crust and Tomato Oregano Sauce
ACCOMPANIMENTS
Baked Potatoes stuffed with Mixed Peppers or Steamed Rice
Selection of Western or Oriental Vegetables
FRESH SEASONAL FRUIT
DESSERT
Carrot Cake with Chestnut Mousse
TEA AND COFFEE
PRALINES
WINE LIST
CHAMPAGNE
Champagne Amour De Deutz, Blanc de blanc 1999
WHITE WINES
Domaine Jacques Prieur Beaune Premier Cru, Champs Pimont 2002
Mount Pleasant Maurice O’Shea Chardonnay 2004
RED WINES
Château Branaire-Ducru 1998, 4ème Cru Classé
Corton Grand Cru Louis Max 1996
Tignanello 2001
PORT
Ramos Pinto Quinta da Ervamoira 10 Year Old Tawny Port
The new FA asked me if I liked the Deutz champagne and I said it was very drinkable. She said that this particular type was being used a part of their anniversary celebrations.
My lunch order was taken and it made me start to think “what is the longest time anyone has gone without having to buy a meal”? What with staying at hotels that include breakfast and flying breakfast, lunch and dinner flights one could sated for quite a while.
I had not eaten since my previous afternoon flights, which as you may remember included two dinners.
Both of these flights were a little bumpy (we were flying the tropics) and the FAs earned their pay with their expert abilities at pouring champagne without spilling any.
My appetizer came, which included the very popular scallop ingredient again.
The main course was served with some chilli sauce in a small bowl. This sauce packed quite a punch and should be used in moderation for you anglo folks out there.
I spent the time again, chatting and looking out the window as the Malay coast went by. Every now and again the land would be split by a brown seam of water.
I was offered fruit from a huge platter which I declined in favour of the more fattening dessert.
There was a good break before my dessert arrived at around the time I finished off the bottle of champagne.
I was very full by the time the flight was due to land. A hot towel was delivered before landing early at 14:40.
I said my goodbye to each of the crew members and headed into the airport.
I was through Singapore immigrations quickly and proceeded to the baggage claim area. I looked up on the monitor to which belt my bag was due to arrive on and it was the one right next to where I was standing. I moved to the front of the belt and 2 minutes later my bag was the first to appear.
I was then off into SIN to spend the remainder of the day and over night.
See you all next time when I will be taking a couple of non OW flights.
Last edited by Moomba; Sep 28, 2006 at 3:26 am
Sep 29, 2006, 2:30 pm
#57
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges and Environmentally Friendly Travel
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: London, UK
Posts: 22,213
Jolly Gosh! I've just found your report Moomba and I've been riveted to the screen for the past half hour. Fantastic reading and I love your style...
Here's the menu and this is what I ordered... oops too late... its been devoured already
Its now time to create some dirty dishes of my own 
Here's the menu and this is what I ordered... oops too late... its been devoured already
Its now time to create some dirty dishes of my own
Oct 1, 2006, 5:36 pm
#58
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: A Southern locale that ain't the South.
Programs: Bah, HUMBUG!
Posts: 8,014
Just reading... and thinking about doing some BKK runs later in the year... and looking at ex-BKK A fares.... and looking at alll the PICTURES... and... yeah methink I need some CX time, SOON! I gotta be nuts when I get almost as worked up about flyin' as I do the destination.
Oh, and the Deutz is VERY drinkable. Was the only person in F HKG-NRT a while back and went through a WHOLE BOTTLE OF IT. The lovely FA asked if I wanted more and I said ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! I'm absolutely unsure how I wasn't dead drunk and don't REMEMBER 6 glasses but had at least four. True to your theory... NO HANGOVER!! I must've been somewhat looped though... just missed the hotel bus by minutes, started walking towards the JR and said "Stuff it" and took a cab. First and last time.
Oh, and the Deutz is VERY drinkable. Was the only person in F HKG-NRT a while back and went through a WHOLE BOTTLE OF IT. The lovely FA asked if I wanted more and I said ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! I'm absolutely unsure how I wasn't dead drunk and don't REMEMBER 6 glasses but had at least four. True to your theory... NO HANGOVER!! I must've been somewhat looped though... just missed the hotel bus by minutes, started walking towards the JR and said "Stuff it" and took a cab. First and last time.
Oct 3, 2006, 7:45 pm
#59
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: London, UK
Programs: AA 2MM - PLT, BA GGL, SPG Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 6,221
Part 11 SIN-KUL-SIN (SQ)
Not so early start today so I was able to have some breakfast at the hotel in Singapore before catching a cab to the airport at 10:15.
It was a quick trip to Changi and I was checking in at the SQ dedicated F check-in area by 10:45 for my 12:35 flight to KUL.
I quickly cleared emigrations and was walking into the F section of the Silver Kris club soon after. The lounge was quite empty with only a handful of people soaking up the surroundings.
On offer in the lounge were drinks of various kinds (champagne had to be requested from a staff member). In the food department was Eggs, two soups, congee, a noodles dish, dim sum, breads, fruit, cheese and yoghurt and a laksa that the chef would make up for you.
I had some noodles, a glass of orange juice and a glass of champagne and did some reading to while away the time. I also filled out the Malaysian immigrations form in the lounge.
Soon I was heading down to the gate for my flight.
Flight SQ110 SIN-KUL Seat 12A
Departure time: 12:35
Date: September 28, 2006
Aircraft: 777-200
I was onboard by 12:10, my jacket was taken and orange juice offered soon after. The flight boarded quickly and we were pushing back by 12:35 with a flying time of 55 minutes. We were in the air at 12:49 on our way to Kuala Lumpur for my first trip to Malaysia.
We took off over the water and did a 180 turn and flew back over the airport.
Food was delivered swiftly after take off by a lot of crew to a full first section of the aircraft. There was a choice of chicken in pita bread or salmon terrine.
I opted for the chicken pita which was offered with water and followed up with tea or coffee.
At 13:05 we started our descent when the pilot came on with arrival details and temperature in KUL. Expected on the ground time of 13:25. Around 10 minutes out the captain came on again and said we had been asked to go into holding pattern for 10 minutes.
We eventually landed at 13:38 and were quickly off the plane and onto the train to take us to the main terminal building.
I proceeded through immigrations quickly even though I didn’t notice the fast track channel. The wait for the bags was around 15 minutes as the indicator in the claim hall stated. This indicator kept counting down until our bags started to emerge. My bag was out quickly and I went though customs to catch the train into KL.
After two days in KL doing some sightseeing and shopping I was back on the train headed for KUL. At check-in I was told the flight was delayed by 30 minutes due to late arriving aircraft from SIN. The original departure time was due to be 14:20. I went though emigration, this time making sure I found the fast track line, which had one person in front of me.
I caught the train back to the satellite terminal, had a look around the shops and headed for the Silver Kris lounge.
This lounge is definitely the poor cousin to the SIN lounges and was looking, old, small and tired. There was a limited supply of alcohol, although what was there was premium brands.
Not long after I arrived at the lounge an announcement was made that the flight was further delayed to 15:15.
Flight SQ111 KUL-SIN Seat 11A
Departure time: 14:20
Date: September 30, 2006
Aircraft: 777-200
Finally over an hour later we took off and again. On board my jacket was taken and pre-flight drinks were offered. The magnificent crew managed a quick two hot towels and food and drink service during the 55 minute flight. The flight was quite bumpy and the final person was being served their snack as the captain came on the blower asking the crew to prepare for landing.
There wasn't much to look at either for us window gazers!
I arrived at SIN 1 hour and 55 minutes prior to the next flight on my RTW ticket. I and quickly cleared immigrations again, as I had not asked to have my bags checked through to ADL. My bag was out quickly and I went upstairs to catch the skytrain to T1.
It was a quick trip to Changi and I was checking in at the SQ dedicated F check-in area by 10:45 for my 12:35 flight to KUL.
I quickly cleared emigrations and was walking into the F section of the Silver Kris club soon after. The lounge was quite empty with only a handful of people soaking up the surroundings.
On offer in the lounge were drinks of various kinds (champagne had to be requested from a staff member). In the food department was Eggs, two soups, congee, a noodles dish, dim sum, breads, fruit, cheese and yoghurt and a laksa that the chef would make up for you.
I had some noodles, a glass of orange juice and a glass of champagne and did some reading to while away the time. I also filled out the Malaysian immigrations form in the lounge.
Soon I was heading down to the gate for my flight.
Flight SQ110 SIN-KUL Seat 12A
Departure time: 12:35
Date: September 28, 2006
Aircraft: 777-200
I was onboard by 12:10, my jacket was taken and orange juice offered soon after. The flight boarded quickly and we were pushing back by 12:35 with a flying time of 55 minutes. We were in the air at 12:49 on our way to Kuala Lumpur for my first trip to Malaysia.
We took off over the water and did a 180 turn and flew back over the airport.
Food was delivered swiftly after take off by a lot of crew to a full first section of the aircraft. There was a choice of chicken in pita bread or salmon terrine.
I opted for the chicken pita which was offered with water and followed up with tea or coffee.
At 13:05 we started our descent when the pilot came on with arrival details and temperature in KUL. Expected on the ground time of 13:25. Around 10 minutes out the captain came on again and said we had been asked to go into holding pattern for 10 minutes.
We eventually landed at 13:38 and were quickly off the plane and onto the train to take us to the main terminal building.
I proceeded through immigrations quickly even though I didn’t notice the fast track channel. The wait for the bags was around 15 minutes as the indicator in the claim hall stated. This indicator kept counting down until our bags started to emerge. My bag was out quickly and I went though customs to catch the train into KL.
After two days in KL doing some sightseeing and shopping I was back on the train headed for KUL. At check-in I was told the flight was delayed by 30 minutes due to late arriving aircraft from SIN. The original departure time was due to be 14:20. I went though emigration, this time making sure I found the fast track line, which had one person in front of me.
I caught the train back to the satellite terminal, had a look around the shops and headed for the Silver Kris lounge.
This lounge is definitely the poor cousin to the SIN lounges and was looking, old, small and tired. There was a limited supply of alcohol, although what was there was premium brands.
Not long after I arrived at the lounge an announcement was made that the flight was further delayed to 15:15.
Flight SQ111 KUL-SIN Seat 11A
Departure time: 14:20
Date: September 30, 2006
Aircraft: 777-200
Finally over an hour later we took off and again. On board my jacket was taken and pre-flight drinks were offered. The magnificent crew managed a quick two hot towels and food and drink service during the 55 minute flight. The flight was quite bumpy and the final person was being served their snack as the captain came on the blower asking the crew to prepare for landing.
There wasn't much to look at either for us window gazers!
I arrived at SIN 1 hour and 55 minutes prior to the next flight on my RTW ticket. I and quickly cleared immigrations again, as I had not asked to have my bags checked through to ADL. My bag was out quickly and I went upstairs to catch the skytrain to T1.
Oct 3, 2006, 8:13 pm
#60
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: London, UK
Programs: AA 2MM - PLT, BA GGL, SPG Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 6,221
Part 12 SIN-HKG-ADL
I made my way to the check-in desks at T1 and was told I couldn’t check-in for my HKG-ADL flight as the seats were being held by HKG for some reason.
The agent checked my bags through to ADL and asked me to get a boarding pass for the HKG-ADL sector in Hong Kong.
I then cleared emigrations again and headed for the BA/QF lounge were I had arranged to meet KenJohn who was also on this flight along with his parents.
I was cleared for entry into the lounge and had a bit of a wander around looking for KenJohn. I could not find him so decided to wait a bit to see if he would show.
I had a glass of bubbles and some French onion soup, which was on offer along with various other nibbles and an extensive selection of drinks.
After half an hour or so I decided to see if my travelling companion was in the lounge used by CX. I headed down to the other end of the terminal building and went up stairs to the lounge. Sure enough KenJohn was there as he had been refused permission to use the BA/QF lounge.
Soon after this my name was called and I went to the front desk where a CX staffer handed me the BP for seat 1A on my HKG-ADL flight. She informed me the reason why they were having problems was that seat 1A was inoperable but they had reserved 1K for me but HKG hadn’t released the seat to them in order to issue it to me.
We headed for the gate a few minutes later and cleared the security checks. I handed my BP to the agent who then handed me a BP for seat 1K on my HKG-ADL flight.
I proceeded on board and was escorted to my seat 2A
Flight CX716 SIN-HKG Seat 2A
Departure time: 18:40
Date: September 30, 2006
Aircraft: 747-400
Once settled in and my jacket taken care of I was offered bubbles and cashew nuts before take off. What no pictures of my nuts???
After the flight had finished boarding they closed up and we were on our way. We were the only four pax in F for this flight. The menus were given out and our orders taken.
DINNER
SATAY
Malaysian Style Chicken and Beef Satay
SOUP
Chicken Cream Soup with Basil
SALAD
Seasonal Salad
Served with Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
MAIN COURSES
Steamed Sea Bass with Wood Fungus and Preserved Vegetables
Stuffed Chicken with Mushroom in Red Pimento Sauce
Deep-fried Prawns in Chilli Sauce
ACCOMPANIMENTS
New Potatoes or Steamed Rice
Selection of Western or Oriental Vegetables
CHEESE
And
FRESH SEASONAL FRUIT
DESSERT
Mississippi Mud Cake
TEA AND COFFEE
PRALINES
WINE LIST
CHAMPAGNE
Champagne Amour De Deutz, Blanc de blanc 1999
WHITE WINES
Domaine Jacques Prieur Beaune Premier Cru, Champs Pimont 2002
Mount Pleasant Maurice O’Shea Chardonnay 2004
RED WINES
Château Branaire-Ducru 1998, 4ème Cru Classé
Corton Grand Cru Louis Max 1996
Tignanello 2001
PORT
Ramos Pinto Quinta da Ervamoira 10 Year Old Tawny Port
After take off more drinks were offered.
I was able to get a couple of shots of the setting sun from my seat.
The satay was delivered from the trolley and you able to choose from Beef or Chicken or both. I of course had both with a top up of my champagne to go along with them.
Whilst attempting to dislodge a piece of meat from the skewer it went flying across my lovely white table cloth leaving red skid marks on it’s way.
After this service the soup was next up. The FA noticed my soiled table cloth and whipped it off and replaced it with the comment, ‘that is what Cathay laundry if for’.
She set my table for the main dinner service with the usual array of cutlery and crockery.
The bread basket was handed round and I as usual could not resist the garlic bread.
My soup was out next followed by my sea bass which of course were both delicious. I opted not to go for the salad and cheese course on this flight although I was tempted by the lovely dessert.
I spent the remainder of the flight doing my usual window gazing or chatting to my fellow FT’er on this flight.
Mini tubs of Hagen Daaz ice cream were offered later in the flight but I was saving myself for the caviar and smoked salmon I was to be devouring on my next flight.
I think this flight will now be known as the fuzzy food flight. Gotta do something about my camera skills before attempting another one of these trips.
We arrived into HKG early at around 22:02, ahead of schedule.
I transited through security and went to the Pier F lounge as my next flight was due to leave from gate 86 at HKG.
After a shower and change of clothes I had a cup of peppermint tea before making my way down to the gate.
As usual I was on board in a jiffy thanks to CX dedicated lines for premium passengers.
Flight CX105 HKG-ADL Seat 1A / K
Departure time: 23:45
Date: September 30, 2006
Aircraft: 330-300
I was offered a pre-flight drink and settled in to my seat.
I did notice that someone was in 1A and the whole cabin was full for this flight.
I mentioned to the FA that I was given the impression that 1A was broken and she said she thinks they might have made a last minute aircraft substitution. (Or perhaps he just had more clout than me?)
We pushed back late as there were technicians running about the plane for quite a while before they were eventually ushered off the plane. I am not sure what the problem was but we did eventually push back at 23:56.
On the ground menus and PJ’s were given out and landing cards for immigrations Australia.
After take off the caviar service was offered which I had been eagerly awaiting.
I noted the plastic knives amongst the lovely silverware and the FA said it was still a restriction on UK and Oz routes but bizarrely enough not the US routes.
The dinner orders were taken after this. On the menu were the following:
CAVIAR, BALIK & CHAMPAGNE
Caviar
And
Balik Salmon “Tsar Nicolaj” with Amour de Deutz 1999
SUPPER
LIGHT OPTIONS
Roasted Butternut Squash Bisque with Crawfish
Traditional Baby Caesar Salad
MAIN COURSES
Roast Blue Cod Fish
With Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Vegetables
Sweet Potato and Leek Ravioli with Olive and Tomato Concasse
HONG KONG FAVOURITES
Sautéed Minced Duck Meat served with Bean Sprout and Crispy Lettuce Leaves
Served with Steamed Rice
Shrimp Wontons in Noodle Soup
Braised Bean Curd Skin Layer Cake with Assorted Mushrooms
Shanghainese Noodle and Pak Choy
SNACK
Wild Mushrooms Ragout with Asparagus on Toasted Tomato Pesto Ciabatta
CHEESE & DESSERT
Selection of International Cheese
Fresh Seasonal Fruit
Sweet Red Beans with Ice Cream
Hagen-Daaz Ice Cream
TEA AND COFFEE
PRALINES AND COOKIES
WINE LIST
CHAMPAGNE
Champagne Amour De Deutz, Blanc de blanc 1999
WHITE WINES
Domaine Jacques Prieur Beaune Premier Cru, Champs Pimont 2002
Mount Pleasant Maurice O’Shea Chardonnay 2004
RED WINES
Château Branaire-Ducru 1998, 4ème Cru Classé
Taylors St. Andrew Cabernet Sauvignon 1998
Tignanello 2001
PORT
Ramos Pinto Quinta da Ervamoira 10 Year Old Tawny Port
I only had the soup after the caviar service and then curled up to sleep for the night.
I woke around an hour out of ADL and the FA asked if I would like some breakfast.
BREAKFAST
JUICE SELECTION
APPETIZER
Fresh Seasonal Fruit
YOGHURT SELECTION
Natural or Low Fat Fruit flavoured
CEREALS
Museli, Corn Flakes or Rice Crispies
MAIN COURSES
Scrambled Eggs or Plain Omelette
Dim Sum Selection
Congee with Assorted Seafood and Pork Shin
Baked Barbecued Pork Pie
ACCOMPANIMENTS
Grilled Ham Slices and Pan-fried Nürnberger Sausages,
Home Fried Potatoes, Vine Ripened Tomato and Sautéed Fresh Mushrooms
BREAD BASKET
Assorted Warm Bread, Fresh Toast and Breakfast Pastries
Served with Preserves, Honey and Butter
TEA AND COFFEE
I decided to go with the fruit option, followed by some milk with cereal and the Dim Sum selection which I always enjoy on CX.
We arrived into ADL a little late where I proceeded to go through immigrations quickly and waited for my bag. It was one of the first out although one wheel was hanging off and actually fell to the belt just as it turned the corner. I grabbed my suitcase, wheel and axel and put them together again before heading out into the terminal building.
The next two days were to be spent catching up with my friend in Adelaide.
The agent checked my bags through to ADL and asked me to get a boarding pass for the HKG-ADL sector in Hong Kong.
I then cleared emigrations again and headed for the BA/QF lounge were I had arranged to meet KenJohn who was also on this flight along with his parents.
I was cleared for entry into the lounge and had a bit of a wander around looking for KenJohn. I could not find him so decided to wait a bit to see if he would show.
I had a glass of bubbles and some French onion soup, which was on offer along with various other nibbles and an extensive selection of drinks.
After half an hour or so I decided to see if my travelling companion was in the lounge used by CX. I headed down to the other end of the terminal building and went up stairs to the lounge. Sure enough KenJohn was there as he had been refused permission to use the BA/QF lounge.
Soon after this my name was called and I went to the front desk where a CX staffer handed me the BP for seat 1A on my HKG-ADL flight. She informed me the reason why they were having problems was that seat 1A was inoperable but they had reserved 1K for me but HKG hadn’t released the seat to them in order to issue it to me.
We headed for the gate a few minutes later and cleared the security checks. I handed my BP to the agent who then handed me a BP for seat 1K on my HKG-ADL flight.
I proceeded on board and was escorted to my seat 2A
Flight CX716 SIN-HKG Seat 2A
Departure time: 18:40
Date: September 30, 2006
Aircraft: 747-400
Once settled in and my jacket taken care of I was offered bubbles and cashew nuts before take off. What no pictures of my nuts???
After the flight had finished boarding they closed up and we were on our way. We were the only four pax in F for this flight. The menus were given out and our orders taken.
DINNER
SATAY
Malaysian Style Chicken and Beef Satay
SOUP
Chicken Cream Soup with Basil
SALAD
Seasonal Salad
Served with Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
MAIN COURSES
Steamed Sea Bass with Wood Fungus and Preserved Vegetables
Stuffed Chicken with Mushroom in Red Pimento Sauce
Deep-fried Prawns in Chilli Sauce
ACCOMPANIMENTS
New Potatoes or Steamed Rice
Selection of Western or Oriental Vegetables
CHEESE
And
FRESH SEASONAL FRUIT
DESSERT
Mississippi Mud Cake
TEA AND COFFEE
PRALINES
WINE LIST
CHAMPAGNE
Champagne Amour De Deutz, Blanc de blanc 1999
WHITE WINES
Domaine Jacques Prieur Beaune Premier Cru, Champs Pimont 2002
Mount Pleasant Maurice O’Shea Chardonnay 2004
RED WINES
Château Branaire-Ducru 1998, 4ème Cru Classé
Corton Grand Cru Louis Max 1996
Tignanello 2001
PORT
Ramos Pinto Quinta da Ervamoira 10 Year Old Tawny Port
After take off more drinks were offered.
I was able to get a couple of shots of the setting sun from my seat.
The satay was delivered from the trolley and you able to choose from Beef or Chicken or both. I of course had both with a top up of my champagne to go along with them.
Whilst attempting to dislodge a piece of meat from the skewer it went flying across my lovely white table cloth leaving red skid marks on it’s way.
After this service the soup was next up. The FA noticed my soiled table cloth and whipped it off and replaced it with the comment, ‘that is what Cathay laundry if for’.
She set my table for the main dinner service with the usual array of cutlery and crockery.
The bread basket was handed round and I as usual could not resist the garlic bread.
My soup was out next followed by my sea bass which of course were both delicious. I opted not to go for the salad and cheese course on this flight although I was tempted by the lovely dessert.
I spent the remainder of the flight doing my usual window gazing or chatting to my fellow FT’er on this flight.
Mini tubs of Hagen Daaz ice cream were offered later in the flight but I was saving myself for the caviar and smoked salmon I was to be devouring on my next flight.
I think this flight will now be known as the fuzzy food flight. Gotta do something about my camera skills before attempting another one of these trips.
We arrived into HKG early at around 22:02, ahead of schedule.
I transited through security and went to the Pier F lounge as my next flight was due to leave from gate 86 at HKG.
After a shower and change of clothes I had a cup of peppermint tea before making my way down to the gate.
As usual I was on board in a jiffy thanks to CX dedicated lines for premium passengers.
Flight CX105 HKG-ADL Seat 1A / K
Departure time: 23:45
Date: September 30, 2006
Aircraft: 330-300
I was offered a pre-flight drink and settled in to my seat.
I did notice that someone was in 1A and the whole cabin was full for this flight.
I mentioned to the FA that I was given the impression that 1A was broken and she said she thinks they might have made a last minute aircraft substitution. (Or perhaps he just had more clout than me?)
We pushed back late as there were technicians running about the plane for quite a while before they were eventually ushered off the plane. I am not sure what the problem was but we did eventually push back at 23:56.
On the ground menus and PJ’s were given out and landing cards for immigrations Australia.
After take off the caviar service was offered which I had been eagerly awaiting.
I noted the plastic knives amongst the lovely silverware and the FA said it was still a restriction on UK and Oz routes but bizarrely enough not the US routes.
The dinner orders were taken after this. On the menu were the following:
CAVIAR, BALIK & CHAMPAGNE
Caviar
And
Balik Salmon “Tsar Nicolaj” with Amour de Deutz 1999
SUPPER
LIGHT OPTIONS
Roasted Butternut Squash Bisque with Crawfish
Traditional Baby Caesar Salad
MAIN COURSES
Roast Blue Cod Fish
With Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Vegetables
Sweet Potato and Leek Ravioli with Olive and Tomato Concasse
HONG KONG FAVOURITES
Sautéed Minced Duck Meat served with Bean Sprout and Crispy Lettuce Leaves
Served with Steamed Rice
Shrimp Wontons in Noodle Soup
Braised Bean Curd Skin Layer Cake with Assorted Mushrooms
Shanghainese Noodle and Pak Choy
SNACK
Wild Mushrooms Ragout with Asparagus on Toasted Tomato Pesto Ciabatta
CHEESE & DESSERT
Selection of International Cheese
Fresh Seasonal Fruit
Sweet Red Beans with Ice Cream
Hagen-Daaz Ice Cream
TEA AND COFFEE
PRALINES AND COOKIES
WINE LIST
CHAMPAGNE
Champagne Amour De Deutz, Blanc de blanc 1999
WHITE WINES
Domaine Jacques Prieur Beaune Premier Cru, Champs Pimont 2002
Mount Pleasant Maurice O’Shea Chardonnay 2004
RED WINES
Château Branaire-Ducru 1998, 4ème Cru Classé
Taylors St. Andrew Cabernet Sauvignon 1998
Tignanello 2001
PORT
Ramos Pinto Quinta da Ervamoira 10 Year Old Tawny Port
I only had the soup after the caviar service and then curled up to sleep for the night.
I woke around an hour out of ADL and the FA asked if I would like some breakfast.
BREAKFAST
JUICE SELECTION
APPETIZER
Fresh Seasonal Fruit
YOGHURT SELECTION
Natural or Low Fat Fruit flavoured
CEREALS
Museli, Corn Flakes or Rice Crispies
MAIN COURSES
Scrambled Eggs or Plain Omelette
Dim Sum Selection
Congee with Assorted Seafood and Pork Shin
Baked Barbecued Pork Pie
ACCOMPANIMENTS
Grilled Ham Slices and Pan-fried Nürnberger Sausages,
Home Fried Potatoes, Vine Ripened Tomato and Sautéed Fresh Mushrooms
BREAD BASKET
Assorted Warm Bread, Fresh Toast and Breakfast Pastries
Served with Preserves, Honey and Butter
TEA AND COFFEE
I decided to go with the fruit option, followed by some milk with cereal and the Dim Sum selection which I always enjoy on CX.
We arrived into ADL a little late where I proceeded to go through immigrations quickly and waited for my bag. It was one of the first out although one wheel was hanging off and actually fell to the belt just as it turned the corner. I grabbed my suitcase, wheel and axel and put them together again before heading out into the terminal building.
The next two days were to be spent catching up with my friend in Adelaide.
Last edited by Moomba; Oct 24, 2013 at 5:21 am