It's a Fine Line Between Pleasure & Pain: 4 wacky weeks 2 RTW C, inaugural longhaul Y
#31
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Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,419
Auckland to Melbourne business class menu
From the Bar
Marinated olives
Roasted nuts
Main Courses
Chicken tikka masala with mustard seed basmati rice
served with smoked salmon and cucumber salad
Spinach and pumpkin cannelloni with tomato basil sauce and vegetables
served with smoked salmon and cucumber salad
Prosciutto with artichoke and risoni herb salad
served with fresh fruit selection
Crusty walnut roll
Sourdough bread
Selection of seasonal cheese and dried fruit
Ice cream and biscotti
Chocolates
Beverages
Champagne
Aperitifs
Campari
Spirits
Bacardi white rum
Chivas Regal scotch whisky
Inner Circle (green dot) dark rum 57.2%
Tanqueray London dry gin
The Glenlivet malt whisky
Wild Turkey 86.8 bourbon
Wyborowa classic vodka
Beers
For your enjoyment we have a selection of premium international and Australian beers onboard today.
Non Alcoholic
Apple juice
Orange juice
Spicy tomato juice
Mineral water
Soda water
Tonic water
Bundaberg ginger beer
Cola
Diet cola
Ginger ale
Lemonade
Solo - lemon squash
Hot Beverages
Grinders coffee
Bodum
Decaffeinated
Dilmah tea
Chamomile
English breakfast
Jasmine green
Peppermint
Hot chocolate
Liqueurs
Bailey's Irish cream
Cointreau
Fortified
Penfolds bluestone 10yo tawny
Rutherglen liqueur muscat
Cognac
Martell VSOP
From the Bar
Marinated olives
Roasted nuts
Main Courses
Chicken tikka masala with mustard seed basmati rice
served with smoked salmon and cucumber salad
Spinach and pumpkin cannelloni with tomato basil sauce and vegetables
served with smoked salmon and cucumber salad
Prosciutto with artichoke and risoni herb salad
served with fresh fruit selection
Crusty walnut roll
Sourdough bread
Selection of seasonal cheese and dried fruit
Ice cream and biscotti
Chocolates
Beverages
Champagne
Aperitifs
Campari
Spirits
Bacardi white rum
Chivas Regal scotch whisky
Inner Circle (green dot) dark rum 57.2%
Tanqueray London dry gin
The Glenlivet malt whisky
Wild Turkey 86.8 bourbon
Wyborowa classic vodka
Beers
For your enjoyment we have a selection of premium international and Australian beers onboard today.
Non Alcoholic
Apple juice
Orange juice
Spicy tomato juice
Mineral water
Soda water
Tonic water
Bundaberg ginger beer
Cola
Diet cola
Ginger ale
Lemonade
Solo - lemon squash
Hot Beverages
Grinders coffee
Bodum
Decaffeinated
Dilmah tea
Chamomile
English breakfast
Jasmine green
Peppermint
Hot chocolate
Liqueurs
Bailey's Irish cream
Cointreau
Fortified
Penfolds bluestone 10yo tawny
Rutherglen liqueur muscat
Cognac
Martell VSOP
#32
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,419
In transit in Melbourne
I had just enough time for a quick shower before my meeting. I'd prebooked one of the suites for the meeting and this was the first time I'd used them. They provide reasonable amenities although in the few free moments I had I couldn't see where to control temperature and so bore with a overly warm room. There are phones, computer, printer, paper and pens, a nice big desk, desk chairs plus some comfy chairs, even a tv and toy box!
By the time I finished up I had run out of time to have a sit down meal in the lounge. So no menu, but I'll try to pick one up on a later transit. Although the food in the lounge is undoubtedly better than in the air, I didn't mind too much. It isn't as if I'm not getting plenty of opportunities to eat. And with several long onward flights to come it isn't as if I need to get to sleep quickly on the flight from Melbourne.
Nonetheless I have a couple of drinks. The champagne on offer is only Veuve and Chandon
And then it is time to board the first of many longhaul flights.
I had just enough time for a quick shower before my meeting. I'd prebooked one of the suites for the meeting and this was the first time I'd used them. They provide reasonable amenities although in the few free moments I had I couldn't see where to control temperature and so bore with a overly warm room. There are phones, computer, printer, paper and pens, a nice big desk, desk chairs plus some comfy chairs, even a tv and toy box!
By the time I finished up I had run out of time to have a sit down meal in the lounge. So no menu, but I'll try to pick one up on a later transit. Although the food in the lounge is undoubtedly better than in the air, I didn't mind too much. It isn't as if I'm not getting plenty of opportunities to eat. And with several long onward flights to come it isn't as if I need to get to sleep quickly on the flight from Melbourne.
Nonetheless I have a couple of drinks. The champagne on offer is only Veuve and Chandon
And then it is time to board the first of many longhaul flights.
#33
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,419
Back row centre just above the ice
Melbourne to Hong Kong (MEL-HKG) on Qantas 747-400 business class
It's a full flight but we board quickly, with priority lane for first, business and elite pax. Unlike the title I am not back row centre although I did select a bulkhead centre aisle seat to maximise my chances of an empty seat alongside.
After take off we get an amenity kit, but no pajamas. For some reason this long overnight flight doesn't qualify despite the onward daylight flight from Hong Kong getting pajamas in business (as well as first class). The amenity kit is significantly worse than the last one I got from Qantas. A horrible bag, socks and small eyeshade. Ear plugs, toothbrush and toothpaste. A 3 pack of gooey stuff.
No magazines or newspapers handed out. My seatmate asked about magazines and was told brusquely to help himself at the back of the cabin. When I later walked past I noticed the selection was terrible - just a couple of titles.
We take off into the night. It takes a long time before the IFE is enabled, and it is switched off nearly an hour before arrival the next morning. If other airlines can leave the system on from take off to landing, why can't Qantas?
Dinner shortly after take off, and breakfast before arrival. There is a card you can pre-order meals in order to maximise sleep, or in my case note that I do not want to be woken to eat. By the bottom of the stairs there is also a fridge with wine, beer, juice and water; plus red wines cheese & crackers, biscuits, chocolate and fruit on the table - all self serve.
For only the second time I can remember the Qantas AVOD works reasonably well, apart that is from annoying recurring glitches on the screen (bits of the picture scrambled for a few seconds, every so often).
Passengers continuing on to London Heathrow can keep carry-ons onboard in the overhead bins, including any duty free liquids purchased in Melbourne.
Melbourne to Hong Kong (MEL-HKG) on Qantas 747-400 business class
It's a full flight but we board quickly, with priority lane for first, business and elite pax. Unlike the title I am not back row centre although I did select a bulkhead centre aisle seat to maximise my chances of an empty seat alongside.
After take off we get an amenity kit, but no pajamas. For some reason this long overnight flight doesn't qualify despite the onward daylight flight from Hong Kong getting pajamas in business (as well as first class). The amenity kit is significantly worse than the last one I got from Qantas. A horrible bag, socks and small eyeshade. Ear plugs, toothbrush and toothpaste. A 3 pack of gooey stuff.
No magazines or newspapers handed out. My seatmate asked about magazines and was told brusquely to help himself at the back of the cabin. When I later walked past I noticed the selection was terrible - just a couple of titles.
We take off into the night. It takes a long time before the IFE is enabled, and it is switched off nearly an hour before arrival the next morning. If other airlines can leave the system on from take off to landing, why can't Qantas?
Dinner shortly after take off, and breakfast before arrival. There is a card you can pre-order meals in order to maximise sleep, or in my case note that I do not want to be woken to eat. By the bottom of the stairs there is also a fridge with wine, beer, juice and water; plus red wines cheese & crackers, biscuits, chocolate and fruit on the table - all self serve.
For only the second time I can remember the Qantas AVOD works reasonably well, apart that is from annoying recurring glitches on the screen (bits of the picture scrambled for a few seconds, every so often).
Passengers continuing on to London Heathrow can keep carry-ons onboard in the overhead bins, including any duty free liquids purchased in Melbourne.
Last edited by Kiwi Flyer; Oct 10, 2007 at 9:27 am
#34
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,419
Melbourne to Hong Kong business class menu pre-orders
DINE-LATER
To assist in providing you with a flexible dining experience, a pre-ordered menu is available if you wish to dine later. Simply complete this card and hand to your Flight Attendant.
I would like to nominate a time to dine, approximately _____ hours after take-off
I will advise later when I am ready to dine
If I am sleeping, please do not wake me to dine
Name ________
Seat no. _____
Side Salad
Green leaf salad with artichoke and parmesan
Main Courses
Seared blue eye with beetroot relish, sauteed potatoes and silverbeet*
Steamed chicken with szechuan pepper, chilli eggplant and noodles
Veal shank and mushroom pot pie with tomato relish
Dessert
Seasonal cheese hand-selected by Calendar Cheese Company served with accompaniments
Nice Cream prune, almond and vanilla ice cream with brandied fruit compote
Sliced fresh fruit
Chocolates
Valrhona chocolates
Paton's macadamia chocolates
* healthier option
BREAKFAST
Simply complete this card and hand to your Flight Attendant to pre-order breakfast
Orange juice
Apple juice
Berry energiser drink
Toast
Croissant
Apple muffin
Steamed chinese bun
Strawberry jam
Honey
Orange marmalade
Vegemite
Citrus fruit salad
with yoghurt
Toasted muesli
with full cream milk
with low fat milk
Hot Beverages
Grinders coffee
Bodum
Decaffeinated
Dilmah tea
English breakfast
Jasmine green
Chamomile
Peppermint
Milk
Full cream milk
Low fat milk
Sugar
Low calorie sweetener
Hot chocolate
Hot and cold beverages are available at any time during your flight
Express Breakfast
A warmed apple muffin served with your choice of a hot beverage
DINE-LATER
To assist in providing you with a flexible dining experience, a pre-ordered menu is available if you wish to dine later. Simply complete this card and hand to your Flight Attendant.
I would like to nominate a time to dine, approximately _____ hours after take-off
I will advise later when I am ready to dine
If I am sleeping, please do not wake me to dine
Name ________
Seat no. _____
Side Salad
Green leaf salad with artichoke and parmesan
Main Courses
Seared blue eye with beetroot relish, sauteed potatoes and silverbeet*
Steamed chicken with szechuan pepper, chilli eggplant and noodles
Veal shank and mushroom pot pie with tomato relish
Dessert
Seasonal cheese hand-selected by Calendar Cheese Company served with accompaniments
Nice Cream prune, almond and vanilla ice cream with brandied fruit compote
Sliced fresh fruit
Chocolates
Valrhona chocolates
Paton's macadamia chocolates
* healthier option
BREAKFAST
Simply complete this card and hand to your Flight Attendant to pre-order breakfast
Orange juice
Apple juice
Berry energiser drink
Toast
Croissant
Apple muffin
Steamed chinese bun
Strawberry jam
Honey
Orange marmalade
Vegemite
Citrus fruit salad
with yoghurt
Toasted muesli
with full cream milk
with low fat milk
Hot Beverages
Grinders coffee
Bodum
Decaffeinated
Dilmah tea
English breakfast
Jasmine green
Chamomile
Peppermint
Milk
Full cream milk
Low fat milk
Sugar
Low calorie sweetener
Hot chocolate
Hot and cold beverages are available at any time during your flight
Express Breakfast
A warmed apple muffin served with your choice of a hot beverage
#35
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,419
Melbourne to Hong Kong business class menu
SUPPER
Main Courses
Seared blue eye with beetroot relish, sauteed potatoes and silverbeet*
Steamed chicken with szechuan pepper, chilli eggplant and noodles
Veal shank and mushroom pot pie with tomato relish
Green leaf salad with artichoke and parmesan
Dessert
Seasonal cheese hand-selected by Calendar Cheese Company served with accompaniments
Nice Cream prune, almond and vanilla ice cream with brandied fruit compote
Sliced fresh fruit
Chocolates
Valrhona chocolates
Paton's macadamia chocolates
REFRESHMENT
Enjoy a range of snacks and drinks at any time throughout your flight. Your Flight Attendant will be pleased to prepare your selection or simply snack from our inflight bar.
Fresh whole fruit
Mother meg's hazelnut cookie
Chocolate bars
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
To assist in maximising your rest, a pre-ordered breakfast is available. Simply complete the breakfast order card for collection by your Flight Attendant.
BEVERAGES
Champagne
Aperitifs
Campari
Spirits
Bacardi white rum
Chivas Regal scotch whisky
Inner Circle (green dot) dark rum 57.2%
Tanqueray London dry gin
The Glenlivet malt whisky
Wild Turkey 86.8 bourbon
Wyborowa classic vodka
Beers
Hahn premium light (low alcohol)
Tooheys new
Victoria bitter
Non Alcoholic
Apple juice
Orange juice
Spicy tomato juice
Tomato juice
Mineral water
Soda water
Tonic water
Bundaberg ginger beer
Cola
Diet cola
Ginger ale
Lemonade
Solo - lemon squash
Hot Beverages
Grinders coffee
Bodum
Decaffeinated
Dilmah tea
Chamomile
English breakfast
Jasmine green
Peppermint
Hot chocolate
Liqueurs
Bailey's Irish cream
Cointreau
Fortified
Penfolds bluestone 10yo tawny
Rutherglen liqueur muscat
Cognac
Martell VSOP
SUPPER
Main Courses
Seared blue eye with beetroot relish, sauteed potatoes and silverbeet*
Steamed chicken with szechuan pepper, chilli eggplant and noodles
Veal shank and mushroom pot pie with tomato relish
Green leaf salad with artichoke and parmesan
Dessert
Seasonal cheese hand-selected by Calendar Cheese Company served with accompaniments
Nice Cream prune, almond and vanilla ice cream with brandied fruit compote
Sliced fresh fruit
Chocolates
Valrhona chocolates
Paton's macadamia chocolates
REFRESHMENT
Enjoy a range of snacks and drinks at any time throughout your flight. Your Flight Attendant will be pleased to prepare your selection or simply snack from our inflight bar.
Fresh whole fruit
Mother meg's hazelnut cookie
Chocolate bars
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
To assist in maximising your rest, a pre-ordered breakfast is available. Simply complete the breakfast order card for collection by your Flight Attendant.
BEVERAGES
Champagne
Aperitifs
Campari
Spirits
Bacardi white rum
Chivas Regal scotch whisky
Inner Circle (green dot) dark rum 57.2%
Tanqueray London dry gin
The Glenlivet malt whisky
Wild Turkey 86.8 bourbon
Wyborowa classic vodka
Beers
Hahn premium light (low alcohol)
Tooheys new
Victoria bitter
Non Alcoholic
Apple juice
Orange juice
Spicy tomato juice
Tomato juice
Mineral water
Soda water
Tonic water
Bundaberg ginger beer
Cola
Diet cola
Ginger ale
Lemonade
Solo - lemon squash
Hot Beverages
Grinders coffee
Bodum
Decaffeinated
Dilmah tea
Chamomile
English breakfast
Jasmine green
Peppermint
Hot chocolate
Liqueurs
Bailey's Irish cream
Cointreau
Fortified
Penfolds bluestone 10yo tawny
Rutherglen liqueur muscat
Cognac
Martell VSOP
#36
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,419
In transit in Hong Kong
Walking up the airbridge I got the transit card, remembering that on my round the world in under 60 hours earlier this year tht was denied access through transit security without the card - for the single flight number flights between London Heathrow and Australia/NZ pass through Hong Kong the day after departure and thus the boarding pass has the wrong date on it.
As I'm a fast walker and know where I'm going I get through first. But on the departures level I decide not to turn right to head upstairs for the Qantas lounge and instead head across to The Wing (one of Cathay Pacific's nice lounges, the other being The Pier). While it is about 5 minutes walk away, I figured this way I could be confident of getting a shower. At the entrance there was a gaggle of passengers with some kind of issue that the one and only agent on the desk was trying to sort out. Not wanting to lose the opportunity to shower I tried to head past but the agent moved quickly to stop me and scan my boarding pass. Post shower I notice the time and head back to the Qantas lounge so I don't have to rush to board. I take the short cut by the offices between the 2 wings.
The flight isn't yet ready to board so I headed up to the Qantas lounge. Both first class and business class sections were full, with first class section being smaller and more crowded. I have enough time to arrange another meeting before boarding is called.
Walking up the airbridge I got the transit card, remembering that on my round the world in under 60 hours earlier this year tht was denied access through transit security without the card - for the single flight number flights between London Heathrow and Australia/NZ pass through Hong Kong the day after departure and thus the boarding pass has the wrong date on it.
As I'm a fast walker and know where I'm going I get through first. But on the departures level I decide not to turn right to head upstairs for the Qantas lounge and instead head across to The Wing (one of Cathay Pacific's nice lounges, the other being The Pier). While it is about 5 minutes walk away, I figured this way I could be confident of getting a shower. At the entrance there was a gaggle of passengers with some kind of issue that the one and only agent on the desk was trying to sort out. Not wanting to lose the opportunity to shower I tried to head past but the agent moved quickly to stop me and scan my boarding pass. Post shower I notice the time and head back to the Qantas lounge so I don't have to rush to board. I take the short cut by the offices between the 2 wings.
The flight isn't yet ready to board so I headed up to the Qantas lounge. Both first class and business class sections were full, with first class section being smaller and more crowded. I have enough time to arrange another meeting before boarding is called.
Last edited by Kiwi Flyer; Oct 10, 2007 at 10:07 am
#37
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,419
Hong Kong to London Heathrow business class menu
BREAKFAST
Orange juice
Apple juice
Banana energiser drink
Fruit salad with yoghurt
Toast
Croissant
Almond danish
Steamed chinese bun
Toasted muesli
Potato cakes with grilled bacon and braised beans
Baked egg with roast tomato and basil, smoked salmon and english spinach
REFRESHMENT
Enjoy a range of snacks and drinks at any time throughout your flight. Your Flight Attendant will be pleased to prepare your selection or simply snack from our inflight bar.
Toasted chicken, swiss cheese, baby rocket and aioli baguette
Toasted roast beef, cheddar, caramelised onion and seeded mustard focaccia
or
Create your own toasted sandwich from the following selection
Focaccia or baguette with:
Roast beef
Caramelised onions
Poached chicken
Baby rocket leaves
Mature cheddar
Seeded mustard
Swiss cheese
Aioli
Fresh whole fruit
Luken and may cafe fresh biscuits
Cheese and biscuits
Chocolate bars
LUNCH
Entree
Hong Kong yellow chicken salad with sesame dressing
Main Courses
Herb crusted snapper with roast potatoes and sugar snaps*
Slow cooked chicken and water chestnuts with bok choy and steamed rice
Beef fillet with mint gremolata, fennel caponata and parsnips
Green leaf salad with herb vinaigrette
Dessert
Selection of seasonal cheese and dried fruit
Baked apple and caramel custard tart with mascarpone cream
Sliced fresh fruit
Chocolates
Valrhona chocolates
Express Lunch
To assist in providing you with a flexible dining experience, choose the following menu as an express meal after take-off or nominate your preferred time to dine later in the flight.
Mushroom soup with chive creme fraiche
Hong Kong yellow chicken salad with sesame dressing
Green leaf salad with herb vinaigrette
* healthier option
BEVERAGES
Champagne
Aperitifs
Campari
Spirits
Bacardi white rum
Chivas Regal scotch whisky
Inner Circle (green dot) dark rum 57.2%
Tanqueray London dry gin
The Glenlivet malt whisky
Wild Turkey 86.8 bourbon
Wyborowa classic vodka
Beers
Hahn premium light (low alcohol)
Tooheys new
Victoria bitter
Non Alcoholic
Apple juice
Orange juice
Spicy tomato juice
Tomato juice
Mineral water
Soda water
Tonic water
Bundaberg ginger beer
Cola
Diet cola
Ginger ale
Lemonade
Solo - lemon squash
Hot Beverages
Grinders coffee
Bodum
Decaffeinated
Dilmah tea
Chamomile
English breakfast
Jasmine green
Peppermint
Hot chocolate
Liqueurs
Bailey's Irish cream
Cointreau
Fortified
Penfolds bluestone 10yo tawny
Rutherglen liqueur muscat
Cognac
Martell VSOP
BREAKFAST
Orange juice
Apple juice
Banana energiser drink
Fruit salad with yoghurt
Toast
Croissant
Almond danish
Steamed chinese bun
Toasted muesli
Potato cakes with grilled bacon and braised beans
Baked egg with roast tomato and basil, smoked salmon and english spinach
REFRESHMENT
Enjoy a range of snacks and drinks at any time throughout your flight. Your Flight Attendant will be pleased to prepare your selection or simply snack from our inflight bar.
Toasted chicken, swiss cheese, baby rocket and aioli baguette
Toasted roast beef, cheddar, caramelised onion and seeded mustard focaccia
or
Create your own toasted sandwich from the following selection
Focaccia or baguette with:
Roast beef
Caramelised onions
Poached chicken
Baby rocket leaves
Mature cheddar
Seeded mustard
Swiss cheese
Aioli
Fresh whole fruit
Luken and may cafe fresh biscuits
Cheese and biscuits
Chocolate bars
LUNCH
Entree
Hong Kong yellow chicken salad with sesame dressing
Main Courses
Herb crusted snapper with roast potatoes and sugar snaps*
Slow cooked chicken and water chestnuts with bok choy and steamed rice
Beef fillet with mint gremolata, fennel caponata and parsnips
Green leaf salad with herb vinaigrette
Dessert
Selection of seasonal cheese and dried fruit
Baked apple and caramel custard tart with mascarpone cream
Sliced fresh fruit
Chocolates
Valrhona chocolates
Express Lunch
To assist in providing you with a flexible dining experience, choose the following menu as an express meal after take-off or nominate your preferred time to dine later in the flight.
Mushroom soup with chive creme fraiche
Hong Kong yellow chicken salad with sesame dressing
Green leaf salad with herb vinaigrette
* healthier option
BEVERAGES
Champagne
Aperitifs
Campari
Spirits
Bacardi white rum
Chivas Regal scotch whisky
Inner Circle (green dot) dark rum 57.2%
Tanqueray London dry gin
The Glenlivet malt whisky
Wild Turkey 86.8 bourbon
Wyborowa classic vodka
Beers
Hahn premium light (low alcohol)
Tooheys new
Victoria bitter
Non Alcoholic
Apple juice
Orange juice
Spicy tomato juice
Tomato juice
Mineral water
Soda water
Tonic water
Bundaberg ginger beer
Cola
Diet cola
Ginger ale
Lemonade
Solo - lemon squash
Hot Beverages
Grinders coffee
Bodum
Decaffeinated
Dilmah tea
Chamomile
English breakfast
Jasmine green
Peppermint
Hot chocolate
Liqueurs
Bailey's Irish cream
Cointreau
Fortified
Penfolds bluestone 10yo tawny
Rutherglen liqueur muscat
Cognac
Martell VSOP
#38
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,419
Hong Kong to London Heathrow (HKG-LHR) on Qantas 747-400 business class
This flight is less full and most business class passengers on the lower deck have a spare seat alongside, so I suggested my seatmate moves across to the other aisle which he readily does.
Meals are breakfast and lunch - see menu above. While the menu card refers to pre-order breakfast there was no separate card for this, at least not at my seat.
Once again the IFE isn't switched on until well into the flight, and is switched off an hour before arrival.
Unfortunately cloudy most of the way and thus no view of the Himalayas. On the flight path map we seem to have lots of twists and turns along the way.
I catch up on some sleep, watch a couple of movies and some reading.
We got lucky by not being put into holding pattern on arrival, only to spend the best part of an hour taxiing to our remote stand. Door 2L was used and the FAs were letting economy pax out before business and first (in fact blocking business and first) , at least they were until the CSD noticed and put an end to it. I managed to get on the first bus (just).
This flight is less full and most business class passengers on the lower deck have a spare seat alongside, so I suggested my seatmate moves across to the other aisle which he readily does.
Meals are breakfast and lunch - see menu above. While the menu card refers to pre-order breakfast there was no separate card for this, at least not at my seat.
Once again the IFE isn't switched on until well into the flight, and is switched off an hour before arrival.
Unfortunately cloudy most of the way and thus no view of the Himalayas. On the flight path map we seem to have lots of twists and turns along the way.
I catch up on some sleep, watch a couple of movies and some reading.
We got lucky by not being put into holding pattern on arrival, only to spend the best part of an hour taxiing to our remote stand. Door 2L was used and the FAs were letting economy pax out before business and first (in fact blocking business and first) , at least they were until the CSD noticed and put an end to it. I managed to get on the first bus (just).
Last edited by Kiwi Flyer; Oct 10, 2007 at 12:12 pm
#39
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,419
Please don't ask me how I've been getting off
In transit in London Heathrow
I'm quickly through T4->T4 security. No one checked I was entitled to use the first/business line though! Then up to the lounge, first for a shower. The spa and showers have just in the past couple of days been rebanded to Elemis (and with Elemis products) but the actual showers themselves are unchanged. I even am reminded the shower head fell down last time I showered here also, but unfortunately not before it hit me on the head. There was no wait for a shower.
Then to the computer room (on departure level opposite concorde room) to sort out an upcoming meeting and then do one online. But first a minor hassle to get the entry code without a boarding pass.
That meeting done I head downstairs to the first class lounge for a bite to eat. But first they need to reissue the boarding pass so that it will work through the gate reader. I notice my status has been lost from British Airway's system and so ask to get that added to. After about an hour of typing, and calling someone to fix stuff, the agent finally manages to reissue the boarding pass.
Somehow my name had gone funny in BA's system, but not in QF's, and the lack of match to my name on frequent flyer card and passport was causing a problem. That explains my difficulty in selecting seats online several days earlier, but does not explain why my name should go funny in the first place. In many hundreds of bookings this is the first one where my name has been corrupted in the system.
That done I can enter the lounge proper. However I do want to check in for the next 2 flights also, due to shortish connection times, and potential risk of being stuck if, as suggested by the agent, I end up needing to check in at the gate. The agent tries and fails and suggests I use online check in (OLCI). This too fails on several attempts.
The agent did make a comment about how she'd never seen such a convoluted itinerary and speculated that the number of connecting flights without stopover might be preventing me from checking in.
So the next couple of transits may not be the stress-free inconsequential times I had hoped for.
Oh yeah - there was a DYKWIA complaining about his missing (or late) bags. Perhaps he'd read this thread? I don't know what he thought he'd achieve by berating lounge agents about it, for more than 30 minutes. If they have to put up with this sort of rubbish all the time they have my fullest sympathies.
In transit in London Heathrow
I'm quickly through T4->T4 security. No one checked I was entitled to use the first/business line though! Then up to the lounge, first for a shower. The spa and showers have just in the past couple of days been rebanded to Elemis (and with Elemis products) but the actual showers themselves are unchanged. I even am reminded the shower head fell down last time I showered here also, but unfortunately not before it hit me on the head. There was no wait for a shower.
Then to the computer room (on departure level opposite concorde room) to sort out an upcoming meeting and then do one online. But first a minor hassle to get the entry code without a boarding pass.
That meeting done I head downstairs to the first class lounge for a bite to eat. But first they need to reissue the boarding pass so that it will work through the gate reader. I notice my status has been lost from British Airway's system and so ask to get that added to. After about an hour of typing, and calling someone to fix stuff, the agent finally manages to reissue the boarding pass.
Somehow my name had gone funny in BA's system, but not in QF's, and the lack of match to my name on frequent flyer card and passport was causing a problem. That explains my difficulty in selecting seats online several days earlier, but does not explain why my name should go funny in the first place. In many hundreds of bookings this is the first one where my name has been corrupted in the system.
That done I can enter the lounge proper. However I do want to check in for the next 2 flights also, due to shortish connection times, and potential risk of being stuck if, as suggested by the agent, I end up needing to check in at the gate. The agent tries and fails and suggests I use online check in (OLCI). This too fails on several attempts.
The agent did make a comment about how she'd never seen such a convoluted itinerary and speculated that the number of connecting flights without stopover might be preventing me from checking in.
So the next couple of transits may not be the stress-free inconsequential times I had hoped for.
Oh yeah - there was a DYKWIA complaining about his missing (or late) bags. Perhaps he'd read this thread? I don't know what he thought he'd achieve by berating lounge agents about it, for more than 30 minutes. If they have to put up with this sort of rubbish all the time they have my fullest sympathies.
Last edited by Kiwi Flyer; Oct 10, 2007 at 2:07 pm
#40
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,419
British Airways First Class Lounge LHR menu
BREAKFAST
Starters
A selection of plain or fruit yoghurt (V)
Selection of cereals (V) (H)
Bakery
Hot toast (V)
Selection of pastries (V) (H)
Grilled bacon baguette
Sauteed mushroom and tomato baguette (V)
Scrambled eggs
Accompaniments
Orange marmalade, honey and preserves (V)
(V) denotes that this dish is suitable for vegetarians
(H) denotes a healthy option
REST OF THE DAY
Savouries
Fresh soup of the day served with a variety of continental bread (V)
Selection of freshly prepared sandwiches
Selection of two freshly prepared seasonal salads
Selection of two freshly prepared pasta dishes
Selection of three freshly prepared risotto dishes
Selection of savoury pastries (V)
Fresh vegetable crudites accompanied by a selection of dips
Cheese and fruit
Selection of seasonal fruit (V) (H)
Fresh fruit salad (V) (H)
Selection of cheese with biscuits, celery and grapes (V)
Afternoon tea
Your choice from a range of tea sandwiches and traditional English cakes served with a pot of freshly brewed tea
(V) denotes that this dish is suitable for vegetarians
(H) denotes a healthy option
--
Champagne on offer is Piper Hiedsieck
BREAKFAST
Starters
A selection of plain or fruit yoghurt (V)
Selection of cereals (V) (H)
Bakery
Hot toast (V)
Selection of pastries (V) (H)
Grilled bacon baguette
Sauteed mushroom and tomato baguette (V)
Scrambled eggs
Accompaniments
Orange marmalade, honey and preserves (V)
(V) denotes that this dish is suitable for vegetarians
(H) denotes a healthy option
REST OF THE DAY
Savouries
Fresh soup of the day served with a variety of continental bread (V)
Selection of freshly prepared sandwiches
Selection of two freshly prepared seasonal salads
Selection of two freshly prepared pasta dishes
Selection of three freshly prepared risotto dishes
Selection of savoury pastries (V)
Fresh vegetable crudites accompanied by a selection of dips
Cheese and fruit
Selection of seasonal fruit (V) (H)
Fresh fruit salad (V) (H)
Selection of cheese with biscuits, celery and grapes (V)
Afternoon tea
Your choice from a range of tea sandwiches and traditional English cakes served with a pot of freshly brewed tea
(V) denotes that this dish is suitable for vegetarians
(H) denotes a healthy option
--
Champagne on offer is Piper Hiedsieck
Last edited by Kiwi Flyer; Oct 10, 2007 at 2:24 pm
#43
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,419
London Heathrow to Kuwait City (LHR-KWI) on British Airways 777 business class
I'm not sure how much of this entry I will have time to post as I'm waiting for a delayed flight to start boarding. As I write the delay has been pushed back a further 30 minutes so here goes.
The flight to Kuwait was also delayed as were many departures that evening. At least I had a lounge to enjoy while I waited, and so I spent time catching up on this report and on FT. It is annoying that the T4 lounge computers are in a separate area with limited poor quality drinks (nothing hot for example) and no food. Not everyone who needs to keep in touch has a laptop and so this is a significantly poor environment compared to many other lounges.
I headed out to the gate slightly early so that I could get a decent walk before boarding. At least with the late departure time we got a airbridge and not a remote stand.
The flight was very empty with plenty of seats to spread out over. Boarding was thus quick, but perhaps this was why our flight was chosen to be delayed. We get handed an amenity kit, the new Elemis one, and a menu. This amenity kit has received negative comments on the BA forum but to be honest I don't notice much difference to the old one.
A quick pre-departure drink (choice of orange juice, water and champagne) and a cold wet towel and we are heading out. It amazes me how some airlines manage to do the towel thing well and others badly. I've had towels so dry they are useful for anything, others so sopping wet you get a little stream of water down your front when you bring it up to your face. Some boiling hot needing to wait a moment or two before using, others lukewarm or even cold like this one. For the record I prefer warm to hot and wet without being sopping.
There is no in flight magazine, nor duty free magazine, at my seat or any of the several seats near me. Oh well. With only 19 channels the non-avod system is fairly easy to work out and anyway most of them I have already seen (many times).
A nice supper. They hadn't loaded my preferred or even 2nd choice wines so the FA got one from first class for me ^
Then I fell asleep, waking on descent as they hand out the towels. We fly over a suburb and some sand before touching down at a well spread out but fairly small airport. We haven't made up any time en route, which means my transfer will be interesting.
I'm not sure how much of this entry I will have time to post as I'm waiting for a delayed flight to start boarding. As I write the delay has been pushed back a further 30 minutes so here goes.
The flight to Kuwait was also delayed as were many departures that evening. At least I had a lounge to enjoy while I waited, and so I spent time catching up on this report and on FT. It is annoying that the T4 lounge computers are in a separate area with limited poor quality drinks (nothing hot for example) and no food. Not everyone who needs to keep in touch has a laptop and so this is a significantly poor environment compared to many other lounges.
I headed out to the gate slightly early so that I could get a decent walk before boarding. At least with the late departure time we got a airbridge and not a remote stand.
The flight was very empty with plenty of seats to spread out over. Boarding was thus quick, but perhaps this was why our flight was chosen to be delayed. We get handed an amenity kit, the new Elemis one, and a menu. This amenity kit has received negative comments on the BA forum but to be honest I don't notice much difference to the old one.
A quick pre-departure drink (choice of orange juice, water and champagne) and a cold wet towel and we are heading out. It amazes me how some airlines manage to do the towel thing well and others badly. I've had towels so dry they are useful for anything, others so sopping wet you get a little stream of water down your front when you bring it up to your face. Some boiling hot needing to wait a moment or two before using, others lukewarm or even cold like this one. For the record I prefer warm to hot and wet without being sopping.
There is no in flight magazine, nor duty free magazine, at my seat or any of the several seats near me. Oh well. With only 19 channels the non-avod system is fairly easy to work out and anyway most of them I have already seen (many times).
A nice supper. They hadn't loaded my preferred or even 2nd choice wines so the FA got one from first class for me ^
Then I fell asleep, waking on descent as they hand out the towels. We fly over a suburb and some sand before touching down at a well spread out but fairly small airport. We haven't made up any time en route, which means my transfer will be interesting.
#44
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,419
London Heathrow to Kuwait City business menu
DINNER
Starters
Mark Edwards' asian crab salad
or
Mixed mediterranean meze plate
Fresh seasonal salad
served with vinaigrette
Main
Vineet Bhatia's prawn bhuna masala with coconut and curry leaf rice
Prawn in Indian spices with coconut and curry leaf rice
Shaun Hill's lancashire hotpot
Mushroom cappalletti pasta with herb cream sauce
* Main course pesto chicken salad served with vinaigrette
Dessert
Raspberry and chocolate mousse
Coastal cheddar and bleu d'auvergne cheese with garnishes
A selection of fruit
Chocolates
DRINKS
Complimentary bar serving alcoholic beverages and soft drinks is available throughout the flight. See inserted wine list for today's selection.
Ground coffee, decaffeinated coffee or tea
Selection of herbal teas - peppermint, blackcurrant, apple or camomile and honey
CLUB KITCHEN
Between meals, please help yourself to a drink or a tasty snack. Please visit the Club Kitchen and help yourself to the selection on display.
Snack salads, sandwiches, filled rolls and wraps
Fresh fruit salads and fruit smoothies or juice
Choice of luxury cakes
Crisps and chocolate (including organic chocolate)
If seated in the upper deck, you can visit the Club Kitchen downstairs.
BREAKFAST
Starters
Chilled fruit juice
An energising fruit smoothie of mango and passion fruit
Fresh fruit appetiser
or
Greek yoghurt and granola
Bakery
Selection of warm breads and breakfast pastries
Drinks
Ground coffee, decaffeinated coffee or tea
Selection of herbal teas - peppermint, blackcurrant, apple or camomile and honey
WINES
Champagne
Champagne cocktails
Kir Royale
Buck's Fizz
Heidsieck Monopole Blue Top Brut Reserve Champagne
Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne
White
Innocent Bystander Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2005
Chablis Champs Royaux 2006 William Fevre
Red
Yalumba Barossa Shiraz Viognier 2004
Chateau Arnauld 2004 Cru Bourgeois Haut-Medoc
DINNER
Starters
Mark Edwards' asian crab salad
or
Mixed mediterranean meze plate
Fresh seasonal salad
served with vinaigrette
Main
Vineet Bhatia's prawn bhuna masala with coconut and curry leaf rice
Prawn in Indian spices with coconut and curry leaf rice
Shaun Hill's lancashire hotpot
Mushroom cappalletti pasta with herb cream sauce
* Main course pesto chicken salad served with vinaigrette
Dessert
Raspberry and chocolate mousse
Coastal cheddar and bleu d'auvergne cheese with garnishes
A selection of fruit
Chocolates
DRINKS
Complimentary bar serving alcoholic beverages and soft drinks is available throughout the flight. See inserted wine list for today's selection.
Ground coffee, decaffeinated coffee or tea
Selection of herbal teas - peppermint, blackcurrant, apple or camomile and honey
CLUB KITCHEN
Between meals, please help yourself to a drink or a tasty snack. Please visit the Club Kitchen and help yourself to the selection on display.
Snack salads, sandwiches, filled rolls and wraps
Fresh fruit salads and fruit smoothies or juice
Choice of luxury cakes
Crisps and chocolate (including organic chocolate)
If seated in the upper deck, you can visit the Club Kitchen downstairs.
BREAKFAST
Starters
Chilled fruit juice
An energising fruit smoothie of mango and passion fruit
Fresh fruit appetiser
or
Greek yoghurt and granola
Bakery
Selection of warm breads and breakfast pastries
Drinks
Ground coffee, decaffeinated coffee or tea
Selection of herbal teas - peppermint, blackcurrant, apple or camomile and honey
WINES
Champagne
Champagne cocktails
Kir Royale
Buck's Fizz
Heidsieck Monopole Blue Top Brut Reserve Champagne
Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne
White
Innocent Bystander Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2005
Chablis Champs Royaux 2006 William Fevre
Red
Yalumba Barossa Shiraz Viognier 2004
Chateau Arnauld 2004 Cru Bourgeois Haut-Medoc