NZ route oddities & One World turns by night (redeye special)
Dec 12, 2009, 8:43 pm
#16
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Enough theories, and back to the day.
In gaps in the weather a DC-3 was taking people for joyrides. When the weather closed in, flights were delayed. There was a long period when visibility was too poor for any aircraft to land or take off. Ultimately it cleared long enough for the other flight from Auckland to land, so I would have made it on the other flight albeit with some tense moments.
In gaps in the weather a DC-3 was taking people for joyrides. When the weather closed in, flights were delayed. There was a long period when visibility was too poor for any aircraft to land or take off. Ultimately it cleared long enough for the other flight from Auckland to land, so I would have made it on the other flight albeit with some tense moments.
Dec 12, 2009, 11:47 pm
#17
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I see you must have had some fun on your flight!
Someone have a bit too many pre-flight function drinks?
Someone have a bit too many pre-flight function drinks?
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3155...-Tasman-flight
Rotorua's first trans-Tasman flight to Sydney yesterday was hampered when a passenger had to be escorted off the plane by police.
Rotorua's first trans-Tasman flight to Sydney yesterday was hampered when a passenger had to be escorted off the plane by police.
Dec 13, 2009, 3:36 pm
#20
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I was told that JQ could not fly out of ROT due to MTWO limitations, seems this could be right as NZ has to cut seats for flights, although their A320 are carrying a significant load of fuel for TT flights. QF 737 flights were supposed to be the max the runway could take.
I agree that NZ is trying to kill the DJ flights out of HLZ as the NZ flights are timed a lot better than the DJ flights to capture this market.
I agree that NZ is trying to kill the DJ flights out of HLZ as the NZ flights are timed a lot better than the DJ flights to capture this market.
Dec 13, 2009, 9:22 pm
#21
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Dec 13, 2009, 11:14 pm
#22
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Never a dull moment
Rotorua to Sydney (ROT-SYD) on Air New Zealand A320 in economy class
I checked in at a time of my convenience. The agent said they were unsure if the flight will be happening because the aircraft will not be able to land unless the weather clears up (at the time visibility was near zero). She decided to check me in anyway, with a caution to hang around in case the flight was cancelled. That would put a dampener on the party which is shortly about to start!
I asked to be checked in for my onward flight from Sydney. The agent didn't want to check me in for that, in case the flight to Sydney is cancelled. I said if the flight ends up cancelling then they'll need to deal with a rebooking situation anyway and I'd much prefer to be checked in for the onward flight since my connection is tight at just 65 minutes on scheduled Sydney arrival and departure times. Being checked in will help me if the flight to Sydney arrives late, compared with not being checked in and having to visit transfer desk. At the time I didn't realise just realise just how important this would become.
Since the agent had little experience of international flights (previously only dealing with domestic or domestic to international connections) she needed to consult a supervisor, who it seemed was also unsure what to do. In the end I persuaded them I knew what I was doing and it was a reasonable thing to do, so I got checked in for both flights.
While all this was happening I was filmed by one of the many media crew at the airport. I wonder what they thought of this prolonged discussion?
Safely checked in I resumed my people watching. I didn't want to head to the gate area too soon. This is because the gate area is, I thought, rather small. I've used the newly minted international gates previously at Rotorua on jet services by Air NZ and Qantas and recalled the other side of security is a small area with little room. With new immigration on the departures side plus a new arrivals side for immigration and customs I figured space would be in short supply. Plus, I didn't want to miss out on action landside.
Rotorua to Sydney (ROT-SYD) on Air New Zealand A320 in economy class
I checked in at a time of my convenience. The agent said they were unsure if the flight will be happening because the aircraft will not be able to land unless the weather clears up (at the time visibility was near zero). She decided to check me in anyway, with a caution to hang around in case the flight was cancelled. That would put a dampener on the party which is shortly about to start!
I asked to be checked in for my onward flight from Sydney. The agent didn't want to check me in for that, in case the flight to Sydney is cancelled. I said if the flight ends up cancelling then they'll need to deal with a rebooking situation anyway and I'd much prefer to be checked in for the onward flight since my connection is tight at just 65 minutes on scheduled Sydney arrival and departure times. Being checked in will help me if the flight to Sydney arrives late, compared with not being checked in and having to visit transfer desk. At the time I didn't realise just realise just how important this would become.
Since the agent had little experience of international flights (previously only dealing with domestic or domestic to international connections) she needed to consult a supervisor, who it seemed was also unsure what to do. In the end I persuaded them I knew what I was doing and it was a reasonable thing to do, so I got checked in for both flights.
While all this was happening I was filmed by one of the many media crew at the airport. I wonder what they thought of this prolonged discussion?
Safely checked in I resumed my people watching. I didn't want to head to the gate area too soon. This is because the gate area is, I thought, rather small. I've used the newly minted international gates previously at Rotorua on jet services by Air NZ and Qantas and recalled the other side of security is a small area with little room. With new immigration on the departures side plus a new arrivals side for immigration and customs I figured space would be in short supply. Plus, I didn't want to miss out on action landside.
Dec 14, 2009, 1:06 am
#24
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There was supposed to be an air show but that was cancelled due to the inclement weather.
I paid the NZ$25 departure fee at the counter next to check in. If the flight had been cancelled I reckon there would have been a long queue at that counter of passengers trying to claim refunds.
As the terminal got fuller eventually a call was made for all passengers to proceed through immigration. I waited a bit before making my way there. More filming at immigration, with a short queue. Then security. Only one xray and WTMD so slow going processing passengers. No wonder we'd been called to the gate so early. I was unable to avoid a random explosives check.
Airside there was plenty of bubbly and some nice nibbles. A hubbub of excited voices. The regular pop of another bottle of sparkling wine being opened.
The area filled up quickly.
I took a seat and pondered about the surreality of it all. The gate area has windows along one wall, but instead of a view of the tarmac there is a view of the carpark. Thousands of locals congregated outside to watch the A320 and official welcoming, and also to gawk at the outgoing passengers. It was the proverbial goldfish bowl.
The conversation paused when the roar of a braking A320 was heard. Lots of people got up to try to stand near the gate door so they could see the A320 pull in, and the performers welcoming the flight and arriving passengers.
Airside amenities are limited. A coffee cart and toilets, which were expected, a tiny duty free shop (Duty Free New Zealand) that looked to have been converted from a cupboard, which was not.
Boarding was delayed briefly. Apparently some of the gifts for passengers were misplaced.
There was another small delay when police talked to one of the passengers. I didn't pay much attention and they soon went.
Finally boarding was called just before our scheduled departure. There was an announcement to limit cabin baggage to one piece weighing no more than 7kgs, then business class was asked to board. No call for elite passengers. Economy class was called by row, starting from the back.
A short walk across the tarmac and up the stairs. The load was rather light, no more than 2 passengers each side of the aisle per row (with some only 1 passenger or none). This despite the number of invited guests onboard. Even though it is a sample of one, this is not a good sign for the route. I have never been on an inaugural flight this empty.
As I settled into the movie I'd chosen, the gold elite passengers were offered noise cancelling headphones from business class. I didn't need them as I'd brought my own.
Then something happened which I last experienced over a year ago in Russia.
...
I paid the NZ$25 departure fee at the counter next to check in. If the flight had been cancelled I reckon there would have been a long queue at that counter of passengers trying to claim refunds.
As the terminal got fuller eventually a call was made for all passengers to proceed through immigration. I waited a bit before making my way there. More filming at immigration, with a short queue. Then security. Only one xray and WTMD so slow going processing passengers. No wonder we'd been called to the gate so early. I was unable to avoid a random explosives check.
Airside there was plenty of bubbly and some nice nibbles. A hubbub of excited voices. The regular pop of another bottle of sparkling wine being opened.
The area filled up quickly.
I took a seat and pondered about the surreality of it all. The gate area has windows along one wall, but instead of a view of the tarmac there is a view of the carpark. Thousands of locals congregated outside to watch the A320 and official welcoming, and also to gawk at the outgoing passengers. It was the proverbial goldfish bowl.
The conversation paused when the roar of a braking A320 was heard. Lots of people got up to try to stand near the gate door so they could see the A320 pull in, and the performers welcoming the flight and arriving passengers.
Airside amenities are limited. A coffee cart and toilets, which were expected, a tiny duty free shop (Duty Free New Zealand) that looked to have been converted from a cupboard, which was not.
Boarding was delayed briefly. Apparently some of the gifts for passengers were misplaced.
There was another small delay when police talked to one of the passengers. I didn't pay much attention and they soon went.
Finally boarding was called just before our scheduled departure. There was an announcement to limit cabin baggage to one piece weighing no more than 7kgs, then business class was asked to board. No call for elite passengers. Economy class was called by row, starting from the back.
A short walk across the tarmac and up the stairs. The load was rather light, no more than 2 passengers each side of the aisle per row (with some only 1 passenger or none). This despite the number of invited guests onboard. Even though it is a sample of one, this is not a good sign for the route. I have never been on an inaugural flight this empty.
As I settled into the movie I'd chosen, the gold elite passengers were offered noise cancelling headphones from business class. I didn't need them as I'd brought my own.
Then something happened which I last experienced over a year ago in Russia.
...
Dec 15, 2009, 1:52 am
#27
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...
As mentioned in the links above there was an incident. Police escorted a passenger off the aircraft. I won't be going into any more detail than that.
By the time we got going it was closing in on an hour late. I wasn't too worried about the onward connection figuring the flight may be held for me since I wouldn't miss it by much. I had one nagging doubt from recalling the booking process - what if the agent annotated my PNR with a comment along the lines of "PAX ADVSD OF SHORT CONNECT AT OWN RISK"? There was nothing I could do about it so I resolved not to worry and enjoy the flight.
We were all given a small toki inscribed with details of the inaugural flight, and a certificate commemorating the first flight.
There was a round of bubbly before lunch was served, with another drink or three at lunch. Lunch today was a choice of chicken kiev or beef pie, with bean salad (hmmm not the best choice for inflight catering) and a slice of banana cake.
Perhaps as a consequence of too much drink being consumed earlier (on the ground and in the first part of the flight), the bar was closed 80 minutes before arrival and the rubbish was also collected at this time.
We started our descent after our scheduled arrival and then were advised of delays due to air traffic control. I enquired about the onward flight only to be told the cabin crew will not be making their onward flight (a different one to mine) and instead be overnighting in Sydney. Oh dear, that is not a good sign - if they won't hold a flight for a team of cabin crew then what chances they will hold for just one passenger (I was pretty confident I was the only nut with my itinerary)?
Nothing more I can do about it other than check the ground staff are aware of my seemingly difficult connection and steel myself for a quick getaway. To this end I ensured all my bits and pieces were stowed back in my carry on before we touched down, and the bag was easily accessible. I was already seated at the front of the cabin and in the aisle seat.
After a few circuits of the vicinity of Sydney and watching the scheduled arrival time on airshow getting pushed back minute by minute, at last we were on final approach. I got my first break as we had the main runway not the 3rd runway (which has much longer taxi times to reach the terminal), and another break with a close gate.
We pulled in very late (for some odd reason flight stats has the wrong arrival time) and came to a halt. Seatbelt light off and I was quickly in prime position for a sprint to my next flight, for I saw the other possible aircraft at a neighbouring gate - not yet departed. The airbridge operator was slow. Why is it that when you are in a hurry they seem to take their time getting onto the airbridge and then operate the joystick like an arthritic sufferer lurching from side to side and struggling to get the bridge lined up? Whereas when you have a nice long connection or have no hurry on arrival the airbridge is very promptly connected with no fuss.
The door opened. I was several steps out of it when one of the flight attendants stopped me to point me out to the ground staff - "this is the person with short connection I told you about".
As mentioned in the links above there was an incident. Police escorted a passenger off the aircraft. I won't be going into any more detail than that.
By the time we got going it was closing in on an hour late. I wasn't too worried about the onward connection figuring the flight may be held for me since I wouldn't miss it by much. I had one nagging doubt from recalling the booking process - what if the agent annotated my PNR with a comment along the lines of "PAX ADVSD OF SHORT CONNECT AT OWN RISK"? There was nothing I could do about it so I resolved not to worry and enjoy the flight.
We were all given a small toki inscribed with details of the inaugural flight, and a certificate commemorating the first flight.
Small toki
Historically, the Toki Poutangata is a ceremonial adze worked from Pounamu (Greenstone) and usually lashed to a finely carved handle. It was invariably carried by a Rangatira (Chief) or person of mana and high rank with great leadership qualities.
Here we have taken this ancient object, and transformed it into a piece of adornment with a contemporary twist! Our Small Toki is a powerful and striking piece. We have used the head of the adze as a pendant to symbolise leadership, and of course pride in your identity and who you are!
Historically, the Toki Poutangata is a ceremonial adze worked from Pounamu (Greenstone) and usually lashed to a finely carved handle. It was invariably carried by a Rangatira (Chief) or person of mana and high rank with great leadership qualities.
Here we have taken this ancient object, and transformed it into a piece of adornment with a contemporary twist! Our Small Toki is a powerful and striking piece. We have used the head of the adze as a pendant to symbolise leadership, and of course pride in your identity and who you are!
Perhaps as a consequence of too much drink being consumed earlier (on the ground and in the first part of the flight), the bar was closed 80 minutes before arrival and the rubbish was also collected at this time.
We started our descent after our scheduled arrival and then were advised of delays due to air traffic control. I enquired about the onward flight only to be told the cabin crew will not be making their onward flight (a different one to mine) and instead be overnighting in Sydney. Oh dear, that is not a good sign - if they won't hold a flight for a team of cabin crew then what chances they will hold for just one passenger (I was pretty confident I was the only nut with my itinerary)?
Nothing more I can do about it other than check the ground staff are aware of my seemingly difficult connection and steel myself for a quick getaway. To this end I ensured all my bits and pieces were stowed back in my carry on before we touched down, and the bag was easily accessible. I was already seated at the front of the cabin and in the aisle seat.
After a few circuits of the vicinity of Sydney and watching the scheduled arrival time on airshow getting pushed back minute by minute, at last we were on final approach. I got my first break as we had the main runway not the 3rd runway (which has much longer taxi times to reach the terminal), and another break with a close gate.
We pulled in very late (for some odd reason flight stats has the wrong arrival time) and came to a halt. Seatbelt light off and I was quickly in prime position for a sprint to my next flight, for I saw the other possible aircraft at a neighbouring gate - not yet departed. The airbridge operator was slow. Why is it that when you are in a hurry they seem to take their time getting onto the airbridge and then operate the joystick like an arthritic sufferer lurching from side to side and struggling to get the bridge lined up? Whereas when you have a nice long connection or have no hurry on arrival the airbridge is very promptly connected with no fuss.
The door opened. I was several steps out of it when one of the flight attendants stopped me to point me out to the ground staff - "this is the person with short connection I told you about".
Dec 15, 2009, 11:10 am
#28
Join Date: Feb 2007
Programs: NZ Koru
Posts: 6,414
I always find waiting for an airbridge to be connected painful. They are so painfully slow at CHC.
Dec 15, 2009, 11:55 am
#29
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Transit in Sydney
Since the ground crew wasn't there to tell me bad news (I've missed my flight) I soon excused myself and dashed off. On the way to transit I noticed the departure monitors had my flight on final call.
Of course transit security is deserted at this hour. Readers of some of my other trip reports know what this means. Yup, the so called random explosives check and pat down. A quota to fill takes precedence over true randomness and so the first person arriving at an empty security screening area is always picked at Sydney.
I mentioned this and got the usual line about it being random and it is the rules. No answer to "how can it be random if I'm always picked?" With the check done I bolted up the stairs expecting a page any moment. I raced to the gate. From transfer security the gate for my onward flight was one of a couple that are not well signposted, tucked around the corner. Fortunately I know the terminal very well having spent so much time there and easily and quickly made my way to the gate.
Surprisingly boarding had not started, so I raced back to duty free to pick up the items I'd planned on getting but had consigned myself to missing out on in order to make the flight.
Since the ground crew wasn't there to tell me bad news (I've missed my flight) I soon excused myself and dashed off. On the way to transit I noticed the departure monitors had my flight on final call.
Of course transit security is deserted at this hour. Readers of some of my other trip reports know what this means. Yup, the so called random explosives check and pat down. A quota to fill takes precedence over true randomness and so the first person arriving at an empty security screening area is always picked at Sydney.
I mentioned this and got the usual line about it being random and it is the rules. No answer to "how can it be random if I'm always picked?" With the check done I bolted up the stairs expecting a page any moment. I raced to the gate. From transfer security the gate for my onward flight was one of a couple that are not well signposted, tucked around the corner. Fortunately I know the terminal very well having spent so much time there and easily and quickly made my way to the gate.
Surprisingly boarding had not started, so I raced back to duty free to pick up the items I'd planned on getting but had consigned myself to missing out on in order to make the flight.
Dec 16, 2009, 11:34 pm
#30
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Apologies for the delay. I hope to have the next instalment posted tomorrow.
In the meantime, the number of announced strikes affecting my itinerary (if they go ahead or last) has climbed from 1 to 3 today killing some contingencies I'd made for the first strike announced (no prizes for guessing which one).
Not good for anyone. Not good for my complicated itineraries.
In the meantime, the number of announced strikes affecting my itinerary (if they go ahead or last) has climbed from 1 to 3 today killing some contingencies I'd made for the first strike announced (no prizes for guessing which one).
Not good for anyone. Not good for my complicated itineraries.