A Run Around (part of) The Axis of Evil: A Perfect *A RTW in C?
Apr 23, 2008, 9:03 am
#91
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Sorry for the interruption. You just never know where you'll run into another FTer (or 2 in this case).
I grabbed a shower - there was no wait at this time of day. Then managed to get on the computer for a while to catch up on messages.
We had a bus gate. There were 3 flights leaving from adjacent bus gates at around the same time, thus security took quite a while. Our flight was late, not just because of delayed passengers getting through security, but also because the aircraft was late arriving. Looking at the schedule, this flight is an obvious candidate to delay given a choice, with a few hours on the ground in Tunis before returning.
As we bussed out to the aircraft we had a little race with the Singapore Airlines 77W which was taxiing alongside. The aircraft won of course. There was a small wait before being let out of the bus, to allow some policemen to escort a detainee to a seat at the rear of economy.
The flight was moderately full. A couple of passengers seated near the back tried it on by blazenly sitting in business class when they boarded. Of course they were booted out when discovered by the passengers who had those seats.
This is a short late night hop - about 2 hours. The return flight is a cruel super early morning flight that is also far too short to get much sleep.
Meal service was the unhurried mediumhaul version, thus took much of the flight.
I grabbed a shower - there was no wait at this time of day. Then managed to get on the computer for a while to catch up on messages.
We had a bus gate. There were 3 flights leaving from adjacent bus gates at around the same time, thus security took quite a while. Our flight was late, not just because of delayed passengers getting through security, but also because the aircraft was late arriving. Looking at the schedule, this flight is an obvious candidate to delay given a choice, with a few hours on the ground in Tunis before returning.
As we bussed out to the aircraft we had a little race with the Singapore Airlines 77W which was taxiing alongside. The aircraft won of course. There was a small wait before being let out of the bus, to allow some policemen to escort a detainee to a seat at the rear of economy.
The flight was moderately full. A couple of passengers seated near the back tried it on by blazenly sitting in business class when they boarded. Of course they were booted out when discovered by the passengers who had those seats.
This is a short late night hop - about 2 hours. The return flight is a cruel super early morning flight that is also far too short to get much sleep.
Meal service was the unhurried mediumhaul version, thus took much of the flight.
Apr 23, 2008, 9:14 am
#92
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In transit in Tunis
On arrival I head to the transit counter. It is deserted but an officer in the nearby office soon notices me hanging around. After first professing disbelief that I am indeed turning around ("am I in trouble with the German authorities?") he asks for the arrival form, which he stamps. My passport is not stamped. Then I am escorted through immigration to be screened (there is a screening station on arrival here) and then back out to the transit counter. It seems he didn't want to go to the bother of getting someone else to man the screening station at transit. So through that setting off the alarm, and then upstairs to a deserted terminal. The next departure is not for a few hours so everything appears shut up and there is no other passenger. After a while stretching my legs I wait for the contract lounge to open. Some minutes later some more passengers rock up to the lounge and bang on the door for about 10 minutes until the door is opened. I follow them in.
The lounge is okay. A selection of food and drink. A couple of computers, although the internet connection is very slow and the odd keyboard layout takes a bit of getting used to. The time until departure passes in almost no time at all.
On arrival I head to the transit counter. It is deserted but an officer in the nearby office soon notices me hanging around. After first professing disbelief that I am indeed turning around ("am I in trouble with the German authorities?") he asks for the arrival form, which he stamps. My passport is not stamped. Then I am escorted through immigration to be screened (there is a screening station on arrival here) and then back out to the transit counter. It seems he didn't want to go to the bother of getting someone else to man the screening station at transit. So through that setting off the alarm, and then upstairs to a deserted terminal. The next departure is not for a few hours so everything appears shut up and there is no other passenger. After a while stretching my legs I wait for the contract lounge to open. Some minutes later some more passengers rock up to the lounge and bang on the door for about 10 minutes until the door is opened. I follow them in.
The lounge is okay. A selection of food and drink. A couple of computers, although the internet connection is very slow and the odd keyboard layout takes a bit of getting used to. The time until departure passes in almost no time at all.
Apr 23, 2008, 4:35 pm
#93
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Tunis to Frankfurt (TUN-FRA) on Lufthansa A319-100 in business class
This flight was full, other than the blocked middle seats in business class of course. We had the same great crew - a tiring night for them too.
I tried sleeping but wasn't quite tired enough to do more than a light doze.
A light supper was served of canapes, filled pita, filled roll, fruit, yoghurt drink, chocolate. There was a doggy bag on the tray and most items were such that you could put what you wanted to eat later in the doggy bag and get the tray cleared away to sleep - eating closer to arrival. No alcoholic drinks available.
On arrival we had a bus gate. Police were waiting for one passenger.
This flight was full, other than the blocked middle seats in business class of course. We had the same great crew - a tiring night for them too.
I tried sleeping but wasn't quite tired enough to do more than a light doze.
A light supper was served of canapes, filled pita, filled roll, fruit, yoghurt drink, chocolate. There was a doggy bag on the tray and most items were such that you could put what you wanted to eat later in the doggy bag and get the tray cleared away to sleep - eating closer to arrival. No alcoholic drinks available.
On arrival we had a bus gate. Police were waiting for one passenger.
Apr 23, 2008, 4:49 pm
#94
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Frankfurt to Linz (FRA-LNZ) on Lufthansa operated by CityLine CRJ700 in business class
I went to transfer desk on arrival and received 4 more boarding passes. I visited the main B pier senator lounge, to have a shower. The wait was about 80 minutes, which is fairly normal even with a 6am arrival time.
I then cleared immigration and headed to the gate. I was a bit early, so I went through the tunnel to A pier and the A26 senator lounge. While there I had just logged onto Flyer Talk when I heard a comment about Flyer Talk (from xxx) and then the guy next to me pipes up that he is a lurker on FT also. A small world indeed. After talking for a while it is time for me to return to the low numbered B bus gates. If you are wondering why I bothered going such a distance to another pier to visit a lounge when there are others closer, the reason is the closer ones in B pier all required me to go through immigration at least twice (by the time I get back to my gate). I didn't want the extra stamps.
With the small overhead bins available, I deposited my wheelie on the cart at the aircraft, for pickup at aircraft on arrival. Even on these smaller aircraft Lufthansa has adjacent seat blocking in business class.
Food was the usual fare of cold cuts, bread roll, cottage cheese, fruit, chocolates.
Not much view as there was lots of cloud. Indeed Linz was rather wet and a chilly 7C when we arrived. We got a bus to carry us 20m to the terminal.
I went to transfer desk on arrival and received 4 more boarding passes. I visited the main B pier senator lounge, to have a shower. The wait was about 80 minutes, which is fairly normal even with a 6am arrival time.
I then cleared immigration and headed to the gate. I was a bit early, so I went through the tunnel to A pier and the A26 senator lounge. While there I had just logged onto Flyer Talk when I heard a comment about Flyer Talk (from xxx) and then the guy next to me pipes up that he is a lurker on FT also. A small world indeed. After talking for a while it is time for me to return to the low numbered B bus gates. If you are wondering why I bothered going such a distance to another pier to visit a lounge when there are others closer, the reason is the closer ones in B pier all required me to go through immigration at least twice (by the time I get back to my gate). I didn't want the extra stamps.
With the small overhead bins available, I deposited my wheelie on the cart at the aircraft, for pickup at aircraft on arrival. Even on these smaller aircraft Lufthansa has adjacent seat blocking in business class.
Food was the usual fare of cold cuts, bread roll, cottage cheese, fruit, chocolates.
Not much view as there was lots of cloud. Indeed Linz was rather wet and a chilly 7C when we arrived. We got a bus to carry us 20m to the terminal.
Apr 23, 2008, 11:07 pm
#95
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Linz to Munich (LNZ-MUC) on Lufthansa operated by Augsburg Airways Dash 8-300 in business class
As a small airport, transits are rare and we are deposited at baggage claim - ie landside. I made my way past all the travel agents and through screening. All thoughts of exploring were dampened by the horrible weather. Airside I discovered to use the lift to the lounge (the only access), you need a passcode. Security wouldn't let me leave my carry-ons airside for the minute it would take me to get the code and return (all within their sight I might add). However, the lady was kind enough to observe me going back with my carryons and then permit me to just walk through the WTMD, ignoring the alarms for the second time in 12 hours.
The lounge is fairly basic, like the whole airport really. There is a small selection of drinks, some fruit and pretzels, bathroom, 1 tv, but no computers, no view.
I was fairly tired. I sat down and next thing I notice 2 hours have passed with me asleep, and it is just a minute or so until boarding.
I head downstairs. The few schengen gates are in a common area with just a few rows of seats. It is still raining so we get a bus to take us just a few metres. This is a waste of time and money - we are ordered off the bus and have to wait in the rain to get up the steps. I probably got wetter from the waiting around than I would have by just walking over from the terminal. Once again a luggage cart is used.
The flight is just over 30 minutes but even so there is still a snack with the usual fare.
On arrival at Munich we get a bus (of course) and arrive just a few minutes early. Perhaps there is less padding in the schedule with the smaller aircraft.
As a small airport, transits are rare and we are deposited at baggage claim - ie landside. I made my way past all the travel agents and through screening. All thoughts of exploring were dampened by the horrible weather. Airside I discovered to use the lift to the lounge (the only access), you need a passcode. Security wouldn't let me leave my carry-ons airside for the minute it would take me to get the code and return (all within their sight I might add). However, the lady was kind enough to observe me going back with my carryons and then permit me to just walk through the WTMD, ignoring the alarms for the second time in 12 hours.
The lounge is fairly basic, like the whole airport really. There is a small selection of drinks, some fruit and pretzels, bathroom, 1 tv, but no computers, no view.
I was fairly tired. I sat down and next thing I notice 2 hours have passed with me asleep, and it is just a minute or so until boarding.
I head downstairs. The few schengen gates are in a common area with just a few rows of seats. It is still raining so we get a bus to take us just a few metres. This is a waste of time and money - we are ordered off the bus and have to wait in the rain to get up the steps. I probably got wetter from the waiting around than I would have by just walking over from the terminal. Once again a luggage cart is used.
The flight is just over 30 minutes but even so there is still a snack with the usual fare.
On arrival at Munich we get a bus (of course) and arrive just a few minutes early. Perhaps there is less padding in the schedule with the smaller aircraft.
Apr 23, 2008, 11:16 pm
#96
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Munich to Frankfurt (MUC-FRA) on Lufthansa A320-200 in business class
Sorry - I lost the post through timeout while I was busy checking whether an upcoming flight (but not my immediate next flight) that has suddenly been zeroed in availability was full or cancelled. It was a bit more difficult than I expected to get an answer that I think is reliable enough. Seems to be full so I don't need to reroute, but I have also researched the options just in case.
Anyway, back the the report. I had a few minutes before my next flight boarded so headed to the lounge. I don't know why I bothered. I got irritated by the need to show my SEN card even though it was printed on the boarding pass and I had baggage tag showing on my carry on. Then the computer's internet connection was down. By then it was already time to board. In hindsight I would have felt happier just waiting by the gate.
When I booked this flight it was an A300-600 but some weeks ago it got downgraded to the A320. The flight was full as a result (except the middle seat blocking in business class).
Food on offer was a fruit tart. We arrived a few minutes early and got the close in gate A11. Very convenient for those whose destination is Frankfurt. Fairly convenient for me too, as the tunnel to pier B was just 4 gates away.
Sorry - I lost the post through timeout while I was busy checking whether an upcoming flight (but not my immediate next flight) that has suddenly been zeroed in availability was full or cancelled. It was a bit more difficult than I expected to get an answer that I think is reliable enough. Seems to be full so I don't need to reroute, but I have also researched the options just in case.
Anyway, back the the report. I had a few minutes before my next flight boarded so headed to the lounge. I don't know why I bothered. I got irritated by the need to show my SEN card even though it was printed on the boarding pass and I had baggage tag showing on my carry on. Then the computer's internet connection was down. By then it was already time to board. In hindsight I would have felt happier just waiting by the gate.
When I booked this flight it was an A300-600 but some weeks ago it got downgraded to the A320. The flight was full as a result (except the middle seat blocking in business class).
Food on offer was a fruit tart. We arrived a few minutes early and got the close in gate A11. Very convenient for those whose destination is Frankfurt. Fairly convenient for me too, as the tunnel to pier B was just 4 gates away.
Last edited by Kiwi Flyer; Apr 24, 2008 at 12:20 am
Apr 24, 2008, 1:02 am
#97
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Frankfurt to Tehran (FRA-IKA) on Lufthansa A340-300 in business class
My connection was around 2 hours. Long enough to not be too rushed, but short enough that I was still in a hurry to change parts of the terminal, clear immigration, try at transfer desk to get boarding passes for my onward flights (rejected
), go to lounge, wait 30 minutes for shower, etc.
Funnily enough, by now the shower attendant recognised my name and so instead of making a PA to call me when the shower became available she hunted me down in the lounge ^ This now makes at least 5 different countries where lounge/ground staff recognise me
Shower done, I still had a few minutes before I needed to head to the gate. I managed to get onto a computer after 10 minutes wait. Giving me just enough time to check messages before I had to go.
The flight load had been showing very full for weeks. So I was keen to get to the gate a little early, not only to try to beat the LH boarding stampede, but also in case I scored an op-up. No such luck. But I got the next best thing. The only empty seat on the whole aircraft was beside me. This was just as well, for I was in the mini cabin of 12 business class seats between first class and the galley by doors 2R and 2L. Overhead bin space is very restricted in this cabin, with no bins in the middle (gives a nice spacious feel but not very practical), and half the overhead bins on the sides taken up with safety equipment, magazines, newspapers, etc. So, when I boarded 2 people were already seated in the cabin and had taken ALL of the overhead bin space. Leaving none for the rest of us. I put my carryons in the legrest space in front of me, which I was not happy about as it meant I could not recline, until boarding completed with the empty seat confirmed. I quickly moved my gear across to give myself space to stretch out.
My connection was around 2 hours. Long enough to not be too rushed, but short enough that I was still in a hurry to change parts of the terminal, clear immigration, try at transfer desk to get boarding passes for my onward flights (rejected
), go to lounge, wait 30 minutes for shower, etc.Funnily enough, by now the shower attendant recognised my name and so instead of making a PA to call me when the shower became available she hunted me down in the lounge ^ This now makes at least 5 different countries where lounge/ground staff recognise me
Shower done, I still had a few minutes before I needed to head to the gate. I managed to get onto a computer after 10 minutes wait. Giving me just enough time to check messages before I had to go.
The flight load had been showing very full for weeks. So I was keen to get to the gate a little early, not only to try to beat the LH boarding stampede, but also in case I scored an op-up. No such luck. But I got the next best thing. The only empty seat on the whole aircraft was beside me. This was just as well, for I was in the mini cabin of 12 business class seats between first class and the galley by doors 2R and 2L. Overhead bin space is very restricted in this cabin, with no bins in the middle (gives a nice spacious feel but not very practical), and half the overhead bins on the sides taken up with safety equipment, magazines, newspapers, etc. So, when I boarded 2 people were already seated in the cabin and had taken ALL of the overhead bin space. Leaving none for the rest of us. I put my carryons in the legrest space in front of me, which I was not happy about as it meant I could not recline, until boarding completed with the empty seat confirmed. I quickly moved my gear across to give myself space to stretch out.
Apr 24, 2008, 1:25 am
#98
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Frankfurt to Tehran business class menu
DINNER menu
Hors d'oeuvres
Vitello tomato
thin slices of veal with tuna sauce and capers
Smoked brook trout with fennel orange salad and meaux mustard sauce
Salad
Roman salad with diced cucumber and bell pepper presented with balsamico dressing
Entrees
Olive crusted saddle of lamb with ratatouille and potato gratin
Tilapia with leek and tomato confit accompanied by mashed potatoes with olives
Penne with vegetable ragout and provolone
Cheese and dessert
Grana padano, cambozola and provolone
Caramel tiramisu with kiwi, strawberry and mango coulis
Fresh exotic fruit salad
BEVERAGES menu
Champagne
Champagne Jacquart Brut Mosaique
White Wine
2006 Rheingau Riesling Qualitatswein trocken, Schloss Reinhartshausen
2007 Chardonnay Vineyard Selection, Kleine Zalze
Red Wine
2003 Chateau Castera, Cru Bourgeois Superieur, Medoc
2005 Vegalfaro Tinto Crianza, Utiel-Requena
Beer
Warsteiner
Clausthaler, non-alcoholic
Spirits
Bacardi, campari, Lufthansa cocktail
Bombay sapphire gin, wodka gorbatschow
Jack Daniel's, johnnie walker black label
Cognac Lheraud VSOP
Schladerer kirschwasser
Fernet branca
Liqueur
Baileys irish cream
Graham's portwein
Soft Drinks
Fruit juices
Natural mineral water and sparkling natural mineral water
Élisabethen quelle
Apollinaris
Coca cola
Coca cola light
Sprite
Kinley tonic water
Kinley bitter lemon
Kinley ginger ale
Hot Beverages
Jacobs mild arabica coffee from the highlands
Black tea
DINNER menu
Hors d'oeuvres
Vitello tomato
thin slices of veal with tuna sauce and capers
Smoked brook trout with fennel orange salad and meaux mustard sauce
Salad
Roman salad with diced cucumber and bell pepper presented with balsamico dressing
Entrees
Olive crusted saddle of lamb with ratatouille and potato gratin
Tilapia with leek and tomato confit accompanied by mashed potatoes with olives
Penne with vegetable ragout and provolone
Cheese and dessert
Grana padano, cambozola and provolone
Caramel tiramisu with kiwi, strawberry and mango coulis
Fresh exotic fruit salad
BEVERAGES menu
Champagne
Champagne Jacquart Brut Mosaique
White Wine
2006 Rheingau Riesling Qualitatswein trocken, Schloss Reinhartshausen
2007 Chardonnay Vineyard Selection, Kleine Zalze
Red Wine
2003 Chateau Castera, Cru Bourgeois Superieur, Medoc
2005 Vegalfaro Tinto Crianza, Utiel-Requena
Beer
Warsteiner
Clausthaler, non-alcoholic
Spirits
Bacardi, campari, Lufthansa cocktail
Bombay sapphire gin, wodka gorbatschow
Jack Daniel's, johnnie walker black label
Cognac Lheraud VSOP
Schladerer kirschwasser
Fernet branca
Liqueur
Baileys irish cream
Graham's portwein
Soft Drinks
Fruit juices
Natural mineral water and sparkling natural mineral water
Élisabethen quelle
Apollinaris
Coca cola
Coca cola light
Sprite
Kinley tonic water
Kinley bitter lemon
Kinley ginger ale
Hot Beverages
Jacobs mild arabica coffee from the highlands
Black tea
Apr 24, 2008, 2:18 am
#99
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The amenity kit has improved since the last time I flew Lufthansa longhaul in business class (as opposed to first class). Not that this is a longhaul flight, but the amenities were provided ^
The meal service was rather slow so I ended up watching an entire movie despite wanting to get some sleep. I fell asleep straight after dinner and awoke on final descent when they were clearing the cabin - some 2 hours later.
This is a fairly new and modern looking airport. Lots of glass and exposed beams.
The meal service was rather slow so I ended up watching an entire movie despite wanting to get some sleep. I fell asleep straight after dinner and awoke on final descent when they were clearing the cabin - some 2 hours later.
This is a fairly new and modern looking airport. Lots of glass and exposed beams.
Apr 24, 2008, 2:28 am
#100
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In transit in Tehran
Just before immigration there was a desk for transit passengers, but this was unmanned. After waiting there a while with no sign of anyone coming to man it I realised I had to take matters into my own hands. So I followed the sign for boarding gates and went up to the departure level. At the top of the stairs was a policeman. His english was good but not that strong, but he soon understood that I wasn't checked in yet and needed a boarding pass. He asked me to wait at some nearby chairs while he disappeared with my ticket and passport.
I stuggled to stay awake. While I waited I mused that some of my non-FT friends (who don't travel much) would be horrified by this situation. What if the guy does a runner, then you'd be stranded without a ticket or passport.
I dozed off a few times and eventually (perhaps 60 minutes later?) the policeman returns with the station manager for Austrian, who escorts me to the CIP lounge. That's not too bad - only half my transit is taken up waiting, although factoring in the boarding time means only about 30 minutes in the lounge.
Just before immigration there was a desk for transit passengers, but this was unmanned. After waiting there a while with no sign of anyone coming to man it I realised I had to take matters into my own hands. So I followed the sign for boarding gates and went up to the departure level. At the top of the stairs was a policeman. His english was good but not that strong, but he soon understood that I wasn't checked in yet and needed a boarding pass. He asked me to wait at some nearby chairs while he disappeared with my ticket and passport.
I stuggled to stay awake. While I waited I mused that some of my non-FT friends (who don't travel much) would be horrified by this situation. What if the guy does a runner, then you'd be stranded without a ticket or passport.
I dozed off a few times and eventually (perhaps 60 minutes later?) the policeman returns with the station manager for Austrian, who escorts me to the CIP lounge. That's not too bad - only half my transit is taken up waiting, although factoring in the boarding time means only about 30 minutes in the lounge.
Apr 24, 2008, 2:38 am
#101
Join Date: Jul 2005
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Kiwi Flyer, this is a tremendous trip report! It's the first time I've ever found myself checking to see if a TR has been updated. And good for you in checking out some of the darker corners of the world.
I've heard that a spiral approach is something to remember from colleagues who've flown into Baghdad. I haven't experienced one, but I have been on what's best described as a slalom approach to another airfield in Iraq. We were chucked around so much, I didn't realise we'd landed until the two aircrew watching for incoming fire put down the buttons that fire the chaff and walked away from the windows.
On the journey out of Iraq, there was a memorable addition to the usual pre-flight safety briefing: "If we need to evacuate, there's a door at the front on the left and if we press the button, there'll be a chuffing great hole at the back [on a C-130]. If we come under enemy fire, it'll be from the right, so use the door on the left and run back to the terminal. Keep close to the ground".
I've heard that a spiral approach is something to remember from colleagues who've flown into Baghdad. I haven't experienced one, but I have been on what's best described as a slalom approach to another airfield in Iraq. We were chucked around so much, I didn't realise we'd landed until the two aircrew watching for incoming fire put down the buttons that fire the chaff and walked away from the windows.
On the journey out of Iraq, there was a memorable addition to the usual pre-flight safety briefing: "If we need to evacuate, there's a door at the front on the left and if we press the button, there'll be a chuffing great hole at the back [on a C-130]. If we come under enemy fire, it'll be from the right, so use the door on the left and run back to the terminal. Keep close to the ground".
Apr 24, 2008, 2:44 am
#102
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Tehran to Vienna (IKA-VIE) on Austrian Airlines A321 in business class
The flight was full, again with middle seat blocked in business class (10 rows used tonight).
I was very sleepy. These short(ish) overnight flights are not so good - especially when you do them on consecutive nights.
The meal was odd - an early breakfast (served at the start of the flight so about 2am Vienna time) - some kind of omelette, tomato, cheese, roll, + drinks including the full range of alcoholic drinks.
The service was not very good. Menus were not handed out despite being on board. I got missed when they handed out the mini amenity kit, and again when they did drink services (twice). Yet they passed around the bread basket about 1 minute after offering it to me for the first time.
My headphones were broken in pieces, but as I went straight to sleep after the short meal service which was before the IFE was turned on it did not matter. I awoke 3 hours later when orange juice and water was being handed out on descent into Vienna.
Despite pulling up at a gate, we disembarked by stairs and took a bus into the terminal.
The flight was full, again with middle seat blocked in business class (10 rows used tonight).
I was very sleepy. These short(ish) overnight flights are not so good - especially when you do them on consecutive nights.
The meal was odd - an early breakfast (served at the start of the flight so about 2am Vienna time) - some kind of omelette, tomato, cheese, roll, + drinks including the full range of alcoholic drinks.
The service was not very good. Menus were not handed out despite being on board. I got missed when they handed out the mini amenity kit, and again when they did drink services (twice). Yet they passed around the bread basket about 1 minute after offering it to me for the first time.
My headphones were broken in pieces, but as I went straight to sleep after the short meal service which was before the IFE was turned on it did not matter. I awoke 3 hours later when orange juice and water was being handed out on descent into Vienna.
Despite pulling up at a gate, we disembarked by stairs and took a bus into the terminal.
Apr 24, 2008, 2:49 am
#103
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Transit in Vienna
As you may have guessed, this report is now up to date. I went to the service desk to try to check in for the rest of my flights today but was refused again. Annoying.
I went to the business lounge to grab a shower. On entry I thought it was great - plenty of shelf space which so many lounge showers seem to forget to provide. But it immediately lost marks for the absence of hot water and the pathetic water pressure. Not a pleasant shower experience.
While I have access to the senator lounge, I chose to remain in the business lounge as the computers were unused and enabled me to catch up on this report in peace.
While the axis of evil bit is now over, I still have quite a few more flights in the next few days ... including a potentially challenging entry to USA. "So Kiwi Flyer, you have been to Libya, Iraq and Iran in this trip before reaching USA?"
As you may have guessed, this report is now up to date. I went to the service desk to try to check in for the rest of my flights today but was refused again. Annoying.
I went to the business lounge to grab a shower. On entry I thought it was great - plenty of shelf space which so many lounge showers seem to forget to provide. But it immediately lost marks for the absence of hot water and the pathetic water pressure. Not a pleasant shower experience.
While I have access to the senator lounge, I chose to remain in the business lounge as the computers were unused and enabled me to catch up on this report in peace.
While the axis of evil bit is now over, I still have quite a few more flights in the next few days ... including a potentially challenging entry to USA. "So Kiwi Flyer, you have been to Libya, Iraq and Iran in this trip before reaching USA?"
Apr 24, 2008, 3:00 am
#104
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Kiwi Flyer, this is a tremendous trip report! It's the first time I've ever found myself checking to see if a TR has been updated. And good for you in checking out some of the darker corners of the world.
I've heard that a spiral approach is something to remember from colleagues who've flown into Baghdad. I haven't experienced one, but I have been on what's best described as a slalom approach to another airfield in Iraq. We were chucked around so much, I didn't realise we'd landed until the two aircrew watching for incoming fire put down the buttons that fire the chaff and walked away from the windows.
On the journey out of Iraq, there was a memorable addition to the usual pre-flight safety briefing: "If we need to evacuate, there's a door at the front on the left and if we press the button, there'll be a chuffing great hole at the back [on a C-130]. If we come under enemy fire, it'll be from the right, so use the door on the left and run back to the terminal. Keep close to the ground".
I've heard that a spiral approach is something to remember from colleagues who've flown into Baghdad. I haven't experienced one, but I have been on what's best described as a slalom approach to another airfield in Iraq. We were chucked around so much, I didn't realise we'd landed until the two aircrew watching for incoming fire put down the buttons that fire the chaff and walked away from the windows.
On the journey out of Iraq, there was a memorable addition to the usual pre-flight safety briefing: "If we need to evacuate, there's a door at the front on the left and if we press the button, there'll be a chuffing great hole at the back [on a C-130]. If we come under enemy fire, it'll be from the right, so use the door on the left and run back to the terminal. Keep close to the ground".
Thanks for the updates.