Five Continents in 3 Days and Some Other Mad Trips in 2012
#46
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Auckland to Wellington (AKL-WLG) on Air New Zealand 737-300 in economy space plus
I rushed off to immigration to beat the hordes and to try and make my onward flight. I'd booked a 90 minute connection, which normally would be fine. It would be very tight to make the gate before it closes, if it is on time. But I was so annoyed from the previous flight I just wanted to get out and complete my journey.
I had about 20 minutes to hike to immigration, get through customs, get to the domestic terminal and through security to the gate. With no checked bags and an e-pass tag I could just turn up at the gate and board. That was the plan. I made it to the gate just as the last passenger was boarding - phew made it before it closed only to get a red light at the reader. Apparently Air NZ was confident none of the 20-odd (or about 19 plus one very odd) passengers from Japan that were connecting to this flight would make it and had rebooked us on later flights, not even the very next one in 30 minutes time. Since the flight was not full the gate agent switched me back, but I'd long lost the space plus seat and instead got 23E or something similarly ghastly. I knew E meant a middle seat but is there really that many rows in this aircraft? It had been a very long time (several years at least) since I've sat further back than about row 10 on a domestic Air New Zealand flight.
The flight itself was the usual 45 to 60 minute hop and uneventful/unmemorable.
Thus ends part one of this trip report.
I rushed off to immigration to beat the hordes and to try and make my onward flight. I'd booked a 90 minute connection, which normally would be fine. It would be very tight to make the gate before it closes, if it is on time. But I was so annoyed from the previous flight I just wanted to get out and complete my journey.
I had about 20 minutes to hike to immigration, get through customs, get to the domestic terminal and through security to the gate. With no checked bags and an e-pass tag I could just turn up at the gate and board. That was the plan. I made it to the gate just as the last passenger was boarding - phew made it before it closed only to get a red light at the reader. Apparently Air NZ was confident none of the 20-odd (or about 19 plus one very odd) passengers from Japan that were connecting to this flight would make it and had rebooked us on later flights, not even the very next one in 30 minutes time. Since the flight was not full the gate agent switched me back, but I'd long lost the space plus seat and instead got 23E or something similarly ghastly. I knew E meant a middle seat but is there really that many rows in this aircraft? It had been a very long time (several years at least) since I've sat further back than about row 10 on a domestic Air New Zealand flight.
The flight itself was the usual 45 to 60 minute hop and uneventful/unmemorable.
Thus ends part one of this trip report.
#48
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Sorry for the delay for part two.
Qantas domestic first and business (again and again)
I booked a few tickets on an opportune great fare that was a good status credit earner at just the time I needed them. While it was (just) possible to do a same day return, it would have been a long day (up by 3am for early departure and not back until around 1am next morning) and reliant on some short connections. So instead I chose to spend a weekend away each time, with the added bonus of being able to fly domestic legs of international flights. This means a longhaul seat instead of shorthaul, spend more time in first class lounge instead of domestic lounges, and no annoying international to domestic transfer at SYD (which takes anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes).
As the fare worked well for me, and I enjoy the particular destination, I booked a few of these.
Qantas domestic first and business (again and again)
I booked a few tickets on an opportune great fare that was a good status credit earner at just the time I needed them. While it was (just) possible to do a same day return, it would have been a long day (up by 3am for early departure and not back until around 1am next morning) and reliant on some short connections. So instead I chose to spend a weekend away each time, with the added bonus of being able to fly domestic legs of international flights. This means a longhaul seat instead of shorthaul, spend more time in first class lounge instead of domestic lounges, and no annoying international to domestic transfer at SYD (which takes anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes).
As the fare worked well for me, and I enjoy the particular destination, I booked a few of these.
#49
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Wellington to Sydney (WLG-SYD) on Qantas 737-800 in business
Many of the hundreds of flights I've flown from New Zealand to Australia depart at OMG o'clock but that doesn't make it any easier. For this flight there is no point checking in too early as immigration only opens at 0430. Given there are several departures around the same time, I've found it is best to either arrive at the airport early or late - in between the queues at check in, security and immigration are long.
Since I'm flying in business class (or alternatively because I have oneworld status) I avoid the long economy queue and have a shorter wait in the premium line. Qantas check in at WLG is at the far end of the check in area, which means you often have to struggle through the hordes queuing for Virgin Australia just to get to the Qantas queues, because the layout is not very efficient.
Once it is my turn I soon have 2 boarding passes and head for immigration. I got there just after immigration opened, as I had some work to do. Given a choice I'd rather do it in the lounge than at home where I might lose track of time or get caught up in traffic en route to the airport and needlessly risk missing the flights.
Since my previous international departure they'd moved the immigration and security desks so that security is before immigration. This makes sense - no point in clearing immigration only to find you have to return to check in a bag. However, as with all airports in this part of the world, there is still the compulsory walk through duty free hoping you don't knock anything over before you can reach the lounge or departure gates.
The Qantas lounge was just opening as I arrived. I was warmly welcomed back and I found a comfy corner to work in. There was breakfast food and beverages, which I skipped other than a tasty smoothie.
The time passed quickly and boarding was called. There is a side door in this lounge which goes straight to the passage leading to the jetbridge - no need to join the throngs waiting in the gate!
Many of the hundreds of flights I've flown from New Zealand to Australia depart at OMG o'clock but that doesn't make it any easier. For this flight there is no point checking in too early as immigration only opens at 0430. Given there are several departures around the same time, I've found it is best to either arrive at the airport early or late - in between the queues at check in, security and immigration are long.
Since I'm flying in business class (or alternatively because I have oneworld status) I avoid the long economy queue and have a shorter wait in the premium line. Qantas check in at WLG is at the far end of the check in area, which means you often have to struggle through the hordes queuing for Virgin Australia just to get to the Qantas queues, because the layout is not very efficient.
Once it is my turn I soon have 2 boarding passes and head for immigration. I got there just after immigration opened, as I had some work to do. Given a choice I'd rather do it in the lounge than at home where I might lose track of time or get caught up in traffic en route to the airport and needlessly risk missing the flights.
Since my previous international departure they'd moved the immigration and security desks so that security is before immigration. This makes sense - no point in clearing immigration only to find you have to return to check in a bag. However, as with all airports in this part of the world, there is still the compulsory walk through duty free hoping you don't knock anything over before you can reach the lounge or departure gates.
The Qantas lounge was just opening as I arrived. I was warmly welcomed back and I found a comfy corner to work in. There was breakfast food and beverages, which I skipped other than a tasty smoothie.
The time passed quickly and boarding was called. There is a side door in this lounge which goes straight to the passage leading to the jetbridge - no need to join the throngs waiting in the gate!
Last edited by Kiwi Flyer; Feb 14, 2014 at 9:05 pm
#50
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The business cabin was full apart from the seat beside me. Most of the time this is the case on these flights - Qantas has almost perpetual sales to keep the cabin as full as possible, and my high status generally means the seat adjacent to mine is the last to be made available for selection by passengers.
Once the stream of economy passengers boarding slows to a trickle, a pre-departure drink is offered - bubbly, juice or water. Menus had been placed on the seat before boarding.
We left on time and after the initial bumpy ascent I was able to get some more sleep. I could care less about breakfast as I have two more opportunities to eat courtesy of Qantas. I woke at top of descent, slightly annoyed that I didn't manage to sleep some more. Oh well.
We'd had a fast flight across the Tasman so as penalty we had to fly firstly well to the south of the airport around Wollongong and then fly past the airport and over the northern suburbs as well before landing to the south. As this was on the third runway, this meant a long taxi back to the terminal. Instead of arriving early we were 20 minutes late and some passengers were anxious about the connecting flights, some of which were already boarding. To rub salt into the wound we got the gate in the non-Oneworld pier that doesn't have an airbridge. This not only requires stairs and a short walk across the tarmac, but you arrive in the terminal right at immigration. Those who have transfers have to fight against the flow of people (which is huge in the early morning peak period at Sydney) to get to transfer security.
Once the stream of economy passengers boarding slows to a trickle, a pre-departure drink is offered - bubbly, juice or water. Menus had been placed on the seat before boarding.
We left on time and after the initial bumpy ascent I was able to get some more sleep. I could care less about breakfast as I have two more opportunities to eat courtesy of Qantas. I woke at top of descent, slightly annoyed that I didn't manage to sleep some more. Oh well.
We'd had a fast flight across the Tasman so as penalty we had to fly firstly well to the south of the airport around Wollongong and then fly past the airport and over the northern suburbs as well before landing to the south. As this was on the third runway, this meant a long taxi back to the terminal. Instead of arriving early we were 20 minutes late and some passengers were anxious about the connecting flights, some of which were already boarding. To rub salt into the wound we got the gate in the non-Oneworld pier that doesn't have an airbridge. This not only requires stairs and a short walk across the tarmac, but you arrive in the terminal right at immigration. Those who have transfers have to fight against the flow of people (which is huge in the early morning peak period at Sydney) to get to transfer security.
#51
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Qantas
Business Class menu
New Zealand to Australia
August 2012
Breakfast
Cloudy Apple Juice
Passionfruit Energiser Drink
Warm Bakery
Entree
Breakfast Yoghurt with Blueberry Compote and Roast Almonds
Your choice of :
Continental Breakfast
Cereal Selection
or
Brookfarm Natural Muesli
or
Hot Breakfast
Poached Eggs with Hollandaise Sauce, Breakfast Sausages and Sauteed Spinach with Leek
or
Savoury Parmesan Pancake with Grilled Bacon and Slow Roasted Roma Tomatoes
Beverages
Champagne
Your Flight Attendant will advise whether today's menu features Billecart-Salmon Brut or Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve.
Australian and New Zealand Wine
We have a selection of these premium whites onboard. Your Flight Attendant will be pleased to advise you of today's selection.
Aperitifs
Bloody Mary
Campari and Soda
Gin and Tonic
Vodka and Ginger Beer
Spirits
Bacardi White Rum
Bundaberg Dark Rum
Chivas Regal 12yo Scotch Whisky
Plymouth The Smooth English Gin
The Glenlivet 12yo Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Wild Turkey 86.8 Bourbon
Wyborowa Polish Vodka
Beers
James Squire Golden Ale
Heineken
Victoria Bitter
Hahn Premium Light
Dessert & Fortified Wine
Australian dessert and fortified wine is available for your enjoyment.
Liqueurs
Baileys Irish Cream
Cointreau
Cognac
Martell VSOP
Juice Bar
Apple Juice
Orange Juice
Spicy Tomato Juice
Tomato Juice
Non Alcoholic
Appletiser Sparkling Apple Juice
Bundaberg Ginger Beer
Coca-Cola
Coke Zero
Lemonade
Lemon Squash
Sparkling Mineral Water
Still Mineral Water
Soda Water
Tonic Water
Ginger Ale
Hot Beverages
Fix Coffee
High grade Rainforest Alliance,
100% Arabica Coffee
Dilmah Tea
English Breakfast
Earl Grey
Peppermint
Chamomile
Jasmine Green
Vittoria Chocochino
Hot Chocolate
Italian style drinking chocolate.
Business Class menu
New Zealand to Australia
August 2012
Breakfast
Cloudy Apple Juice
Passionfruit Energiser Drink
Warm Bakery
Entree
Breakfast Yoghurt with Blueberry Compote and Roast Almonds
Your choice of :
Continental Breakfast
Cereal Selection
or
Brookfarm Natural Muesli
or
Hot Breakfast
Poached Eggs with Hollandaise Sauce, Breakfast Sausages and Sauteed Spinach with Leek
or
Savoury Parmesan Pancake with Grilled Bacon and Slow Roasted Roma Tomatoes
Beverages
Champagne
Your Flight Attendant will advise whether today's menu features Billecart-Salmon Brut or Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve.
Australian and New Zealand Wine
We have a selection of these premium whites onboard. Your Flight Attendant will be pleased to advise you of today's selection.
Aperitifs
Bloody Mary
Campari and Soda
Gin and Tonic
Vodka and Ginger Beer
Spirits
Bacardi White Rum
Bundaberg Dark Rum
Chivas Regal 12yo Scotch Whisky
Plymouth The Smooth English Gin
The Glenlivet 12yo Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Wild Turkey 86.8 Bourbon
Wyborowa Polish Vodka
Beers
James Squire Golden Ale
Heineken
Victoria Bitter
Hahn Premium Light
Dessert & Fortified Wine
Australian dessert and fortified wine is available for your enjoyment.
Liqueurs
Baileys Irish Cream
Cointreau
Cognac
Martell VSOP
Juice Bar
Apple Juice
Orange Juice
Spicy Tomato Juice
Tomato Juice
Non Alcoholic
Appletiser Sparkling Apple Juice
Bundaberg Ginger Beer
Coca-Cola
Coke Zero
Lemonade
Lemon Squash
Sparkling Mineral Water
Still Mineral Water
Soda Water
Tonic Water
Ginger Ale
Hot Beverages
Fix Coffee
High grade Rainforest Alliance,
100% Arabica Coffee
Dilmah Tea
English Breakfast
Earl Grey
Peppermint
Chamomile
Jasmine Green
Vittoria Chocochino
Hot Chocolate
Italian style drinking chocolate.
J_TAS_BF_2_NZ-AUS_DOM2_MAY12
#52
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Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
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Sydney transit
Since we'd arrived in the non-Oneworld pier transfer security was not too busy, although a group of, I presume United flyers continuing on to Melbourne, were slowing things down by needlessly removing their belts and boots. We don't do that in this part of the world unless they contain excessive amounts of metal.
Anyway, it didn't take long to get through and walk across to the Oneworld part of the terminal and up to the Qantas lounge. I was welcomed back by the lounge bouncer and waved on up even before I could pull my boarding pass out for inspection. I guess I've been at this lounge a few dozen or more times - not as many visits as various lounges in my home country or the T2 and T3 Singapore Airlines first class lounges at Singapore.
Upstairs my boarding pass was scanned and I was again welcomed back. "We don't need to show you anything?" to which I agreed. Normally at this point I'd be connecting to or from a longhaul flight and would head for the showers. No need today so instead I grabbed a desk to finish up some work before going to the dining room for breakfast. I find the service in this lounge is dependent on your departure flight - slow if your flight is a long time before boarding and fast if it is near. This frustrates me if I want a quick bite before doing some work, so I arrive in the dining area with about 15 minutes before boarding to force the pace a bit.
Today's bubbles on offer are Bollinger, Delamotte, Taittinger and Veuve.
Since we'd arrived in the non-Oneworld pier transfer security was not too busy, although a group of, I presume United flyers continuing on to Melbourne, were slowing things down by needlessly removing their belts and boots. We don't do that in this part of the world unless they contain excessive amounts of metal.
Anyway, it didn't take long to get through and walk across to the Oneworld part of the terminal and up to the Qantas lounge. I was welcomed back by the lounge bouncer and waved on up even before I could pull my boarding pass out for inspection. I guess I've been at this lounge a few dozen or more times - not as many visits as various lounges in my home country or the T2 and T3 Singapore Airlines first class lounges at Singapore.
Upstairs my boarding pass was scanned and I was again welcomed back. "We don't need to show you anything?" to which I agreed. Normally at this point I'd be connecting to or from a longhaul flight and would head for the showers. No need today so instead I grabbed a desk to finish up some work before going to the dining room for breakfast. I find the service in this lounge is dependent on your departure flight - slow if your flight is a long time before boarding and fast if it is near. This frustrates me if I want a quick bite before doing some work, so I arrive in the dining area with about 15 minutes before boarding to force the pace a bit.
Today's bubbles on offer are Bollinger, Delamotte, Taittinger and Veuve.
#53
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Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,419
Qantas
First Class menu
Sydney First Class Lounge
August 2012
Spring Breakfast Menu
Breakfast available until midday
Seasonal fruit salad
House toasted muesli
Bircher muesli
Shaw River buffalo milk yoghurt with vanilla berries
Blueberry pancakes with banana, whipped butter & maple syrup
Grilled ciabatta with ricotta, smoked salmon & chervil
Sweetcorn fritters with bacon, avocado, creme fraiche & tomato jam
Wholegrain toasted sandwich with bacon, lettuce, tomato & aioli
Bread
Your selection of toasted Brasserie Bread with condiments
Sourdough, Quinoa & soya, New York rye, Ciabatta or Fruit Bread
Triple berry, Pawpaw, lime & passionfruit, Strawberry, Blood plum, Raspberry or Apricot jam
Rich orange marmalade, Honey or Vegemite
Free Range Organic Eggs
Eggs Florentine
Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon or leg ham
Whole egg omelette with sauteed leek, leg ham & Gruyere
Egg white omelette with vine ripened tomato, ricotta & chives
Fried egg, bacon & tomato relish on brioche roll
Two eggs poached, scrambled or fried with your selection of sides
Roast tomato, Wilted spinach, Roasted field mushrooms, Hash brown, Smoked salmon, Bacon, Pork chipolatas
Available from 11am
Soup of the day
Shaw River buffalo mozzarella with spring greens & lemon oil
Salt & pepper squid with green chilli sauce
Club sandwich with chicken, slow roasted tomatoes, bacon & aioli
Grass fed Black Angus minute steak with beetroot relish & horseradish cream
Bowl of chips
Mixed leaves with palm sugar vinaigrette
Beverages
Coffee Cinque Stelle by Vittoria
Short black
Long black
Cappuccino
Flat white
Cafe latte
Vittoria hot chocolate
Tea by T2
English breakfast
Earl grey
Peppermint
Lemongrass and ginger
Chamomile
Sencha
Chai
Cold Drinks
Fruit energiser
Freshly squeezed juice
Cocktails
Pablos - Pineapple and pink grapefruit juice with soda and bitters
Bloody Maria - Tequilla, with spicy tomato juice
Champagne
Taittinger Brut Reserve
Veuve Cliquot Ponsardin
Bollinger Special Cuvee
Champagne Delamotte
Beer
Crown lager
Cascade
Cascade light
Heineken
Peroni Leggera
James Squire amber ale
James Squire pilsner
White Wine and Rose
Carlei Green Vineyards Pinot Gris 2011, Cardinia Ranges, Victoria
Squealing Pig Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, New Zealand
Heemskerk Riesling 2011, Coal River, Tasmania
Rockford "Local Growers" Semillon 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia
Devil's Lair Chardonnay 2010, Margaret River, Western Australia
Rockford Alicante Bouchet 2011, Barossa Valley, South Australia
Red Wine
Coldstream Hills Pinot Noir 2010, Yarra Valley, Victoria
Torbreck Cuvee Juveniles GSM 2010, Barossa Valley, South Australia
Wynn's Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Coonawarra, South Australia
Devil's Lair Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Margaret River, Western Australia
Petaluma Merlot 2007, Coonawarra, South Australia
Dessert Wine
De Bortoli, Noble One 2008, Riverina, New South Wales
Stella Bella, Pink Muscat 2010, Margaret River, Western Australia
First Class menu
Sydney First Class Lounge
August 2012
Spring Breakfast Menu
Breakfast available until midday
Seasonal fruit salad
House toasted muesli
Bircher muesli
Shaw River buffalo milk yoghurt with vanilla berries
Blueberry pancakes with banana, whipped butter & maple syrup
Grilled ciabatta with ricotta, smoked salmon & chervil
Sweetcorn fritters with bacon, avocado, creme fraiche & tomato jam
Wholegrain toasted sandwich with bacon, lettuce, tomato & aioli
Bread
Your selection of toasted Brasserie Bread with condiments
Sourdough, Quinoa & soya, New York rye, Ciabatta or Fruit Bread
Triple berry, Pawpaw, lime & passionfruit, Strawberry, Blood plum, Raspberry or Apricot jam
Rich orange marmalade, Honey or Vegemite
Free Range Organic Eggs
Eggs Florentine
Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon or leg ham
Whole egg omelette with sauteed leek, leg ham & Gruyere
Egg white omelette with vine ripened tomato, ricotta & chives
Fried egg, bacon & tomato relish on brioche roll
Two eggs poached, scrambled or fried with your selection of sides
Roast tomato, Wilted spinach, Roasted field mushrooms, Hash brown, Smoked salmon, Bacon, Pork chipolatas
Available from 11am
Soup of the day
Shaw River buffalo mozzarella with spring greens & lemon oil
Salt & pepper squid with green chilli sauce
Club sandwich with chicken, slow roasted tomatoes, bacon & aioli
Grass fed Black Angus minute steak with beetroot relish & horseradish cream
Bowl of chips
Mixed leaves with palm sugar vinaigrette
Beverages
Coffee Cinque Stelle by Vittoria
Short black
Long black
Cappuccino
Flat white
Cafe latte
Vittoria hot chocolate
Tea by T2
English breakfast
Earl grey
Peppermint
Lemongrass and ginger
Chamomile
Sencha
Chai
Cold Drinks
Fruit energiser
Freshly squeezed juice
Cocktails
Pablos - Pineapple and pink grapefruit juice with soda and bitters
Bloody Maria - Tequilla, with spicy tomato juice
Champagne
Taittinger Brut Reserve
Veuve Cliquot Ponsardin
Bollinger Special Cuvee
Champagne Delamotte
Beer
Crown lager
Cascade
Cascade light
Heineken
Peroni Leggera
James Squire amber ale
James Squire pilsner
White Wine and Rose
Carlei Green Vineyards Pinot Gris 2011, Cardinia Ranges, Victoria
Squealing Pig Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, New Zealand
Heemskerk Riesling 2011, Coal River, Tasmania
Rockford "Local Growers" Semillon 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia
Devil's Lair Chardonnay 2010, Margaret River, Western Australia
Rockford Alicante Bouchet 2011, Barossa Valley, South Australia
Red Wine
Coldstream Hills Pinot Noir 2010, Yarra Valley, Victoria
Torbreck Cuvee Juveniles GSM 2010, Barossa Valley, South Australia
Wynn's Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Coonawarra, South Australia
Devil's Lair Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Margaret River, Western Australia
Petaluma Merlot 2007, Coonawarra, South Australia
Dessert Wine
De Bortoli, Noble One 2008, Riverina, New South Wales
Stella Bella, Pink Muscat 2010, Margaret River, Western Australia
#54
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Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
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Sydney to Adelaide (SYD-ADL) on Qantas A330-200 in business class
After a couple of hours or so in the lounge boarding was called, some 45 minutes before departure. By the time I got to the gate boarding was almost complete.
Business class was half full, and seemed to be almost exclusively through passengers to Singapore. This surprised me as there are plenty of quicker non-stop flights to Singapore and so I expected this first leg to be mainly Sydney to Adelaide passengers with some award passengers. Obviously in peak times when flights are full there would be more Sydney to Singapore passengers.
Anyway, as a domestic leg of an international flight there were some service differences, in addition to the major benefit of a skybed for the short flight instead of a recliner. No amenity kit or printed menu (these would be handed out to continuing passengers after reboarding in Adelaide). Pre-departure drink was limited to juice or water, but drinks orders were taken and given just after the chimes at the end of the initial climb. Longhaul IFE was available.
The meal was similar (perhaps identical?) to the current offering for a regular short domestic flight in business. A choice between a beef salad and a hot option (possibly chicken?), drinks, bread rolls, drinks, ice cream, drinks, tea and coffee to finish.
The flight was long enough to watch/listen a short movie while also reading some papers. We arrived early.
New smartgate machines which provide simple immigration (and most importantly no stamp in the passport) for Australians and New Zealanders (and later Americans) with machine readable passports and not aged under 18 were installed but not operational. Dang. Sometimes immigration at regional airports in Australia can be funny - I've had secondary many times at Perth and Cairns. However despite the low numbers of international flights, Adelaide immigration was painless. It was very speedy given most passengers were through passengers to Singapore (and thus bypass immigration) and almost all of the rest were Sydney originating passengers with "D" stickers indicating domestic only. For those, mostly they're on the lookout for people with sneaky duty free purchases.
With carryon bags only and no customs inspection for me, I was landside within 2 minutes of the aircraft doors being opened.
After a couple of hours or so in the lounge boarding was called, some 45 minutes before departure. By the time I got to the gate boarding was almost complete.
Business class was half full, and seemed to be almost exclusively through passengers to Singapore. This surprised me as there are plenty of quicker non-stop flights to Singapore and so I expected this first leg to be mainly Sydney to Adelaide passengers with some award passengers. Obviously in peak times when flights are full there would be more Sydney to Singapore passengers.
Anyway, as a domestic leg of an international flight there were some service differences, in addition to the major benefit of a skybed for the short flight instead of a recliner. No amenity kit or printed menu (these would be handed out to continuing passengers after reboarding in Adelaide). Pre-departure drink was limited to juice or water, but drinks orders were taken and given just after the chimes at the end of the initial climb. Longhaul IFE was available.
The meal was similar (perhaps identical?) to the current offering for a regular short domestic flight in business. A choice between a beef salad and a hot option (possibly chicken?), drinks, bread rolls, drinks, ice cream, drinks, tea and coffee to finish.
The flight was long enough to watch/listen a short movie while also reading some papers. We arrived early.
New smartgate machines which provide simple immigration (and most importantly no stamp in the passport) for Australians and New Zealanders (and later Americans) with machine readable passports and not aged under 18 were installed but not operational. Dang. Sometimes immigration at regional airports in Australia can be funny - I've had secondary many times at Perth and Cairns. However despite the low numbers of international flights, Adelaide immigration was painless. It was very speedy given most passengers were through passengers to Singapore (and thus bypass immigration) and almost all of the rest were Sydney originating passengers with "D" stickers indicating domestic only. For those, mostly they're on the lookout for people with sneaky duty free purchases.
With carryon bags only and no customs inspection for me, I was landside within 2 minutes of the aircraft doors being opened.
#55
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Adelaide to Sydney (ADL-SYD) on Qantas A330-200 in business class
The next day I was back at the airport, checking in for my two flights. This time I'd opted for "late" and so did not have much time in the nice lounge before trekking to the gate near the opposite end of the terminal, via immigration of course. Immigration is quick - again most passengers at this time of day have "D" stickers, although there are a few through passengers from Singapore because the lounge is in the domestic part of the terminal. Strictly the whole terminal is domestic with certain gates being blocked off for international flights when needed, however with more and more airlines (other than Qantas) offering international flights out of Adelaide this can be much of the day. Eligible through passengers have the choice of clearing security and remaining in the international blocked off part of the terminal or going through immigration twice and security in order to use the lounge. It was much easier on my previous international transit in Adelaide on Star Alliance, because the Singapore Airlines lounge is below the gates used for international flights and does not require clearing immigration for a transit passenger to use.
Anyway, the flight is only half full and things are much the same as the flight over, except the meal service is breakfast instead of lunch.
The next day I was back at the airport, checking in for my two flights. This time I'd opted for "late" and so did not have much time in the nice lounge before trekking to the gate near the opposite end of the terminal, via immigration of course. Immigration is quick - again most passengers at this time of day have "D" stickers, although there are a few through passengers from Singapore because the lounge is in the domestic part of the terminal. Strictly the whole terminal is domestic with certain gates being blocked off for international flights when needed, however with more and more airlines (other than Qantas) offering international flights out of Adelaide this can be much of the day. Eligible through passengers have the choice of clearing security and remaining in the international blocked off part of the terminal or going through immigration twice and security in order to use the lounge. It was much easier on my previous international transit in Adelaide on Star Alliance, because the Singapore Airlines lounge is below the gates used for international flights and does not require clearing immigration for a transit passenger to use.
Anyway, the flight is only half full and things are much the same as the flight over, except the meal service is breakfast instead of lunch.
#56
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,419
Qantas
First Class menu
Sydney First Class Lounge
August 2012
Spring Menu
All Day Dining available from midday
Sashimi of Bluefin tuna with horseradish & organic soy dressing
Shaw River buffalo mozzarella with spring greens & lemon oil
Warm salad of duck breast, roast fennel, orange, watercress & olives
Organic chicken liver parfait with house pickled baby vegetables
Salt & pepper squid with green chilli sauce
Long & short soup with chicken broth & Asian greens
Barramundi fillet with caper, lemon & anchovy butter, baby leeks & speck
Shanghai noodles with chilli & sesame pork, cucumber & Szechuan pepper
Lamb cutlets with parmesan & rosemary crumbs, classic coleslaw
Grass fed Black Angus minute steak with beetroot relish & horseradish cream
Our Signature Sandwiches
Club sandwich with chicken, slow roasted tomatoes, bacon & aioli
Beef burger with bacon, Gruyere, Zuni pickle & tomato chilli relish
Fish burger with Moroccan eggplant, mayonnaise & harissa
Side Dishes
Bowl of chips
Mixed leaves with palm sugar vinaigrette
Wild rocket & parmesan salad
Boiled greens with Colonna lemon oil
Dessert and Cheese
Seasonal fruit plate
Sheep's milk yoghurt panna cotta with passionfruit jelly
Angel food cake with vanilla berries & cream
Gelatomassi gelato & sorbet selection
Zabaglione, Espresso, Chocolate or Strawberry gelato
Lemon or Raspberry sorbet
Cheese hand selected by Will Studd
Marcel Petite Aged Comte, Papillon Black Label Roquefort & Le Dauphin
served with accompaniments
Daily Specials
Cream of mushroom soup
Salad of crispy pork & prawn with chilli & mango
Semolina pasta with Bolognese ragu & parmesan
Wild mushroom risotto with crispy sage & truffled peconrino
Raspberry pavolva with passionfruit, mascarpone & vanilla gelato
Beverages
Cocktails
Negroni - Gin, Campari, sweet vermouth & orange twist
Kir Royale - Creme de cassis & champagne
Champagne
Taittinger Brut Reserve
Veuve Cliquot Ponsardin
Bollinger Special Cuvee
Champagne Delamotte
White Wine and Rose
Carlei Green Vineyards Pinot Gris 2011, Cardinia Ranges, Victoria
Squealing Pig Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, New Zealand
Heemskerk Riesling 2011, Coal River, Tasmania
Rockford "Local Growers" Semillon 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia
Devil's Lair Chardonnay 2010, Margaret River, Western Australia
Rockford Alicante Bouchet 2011, Barossa Valley, South Australia
Red Wine
Coldstream Hills Pinot Noir 2010, Yarra Valley, Victoria
Torbreck Cuvee Juveniles GSM 2010, Barossa Valley, South Australia
Wynn's Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Coonawarra, South Australia
Devil's Lair Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Margaret River, Western Australia
Petaluma Merlot 2007, Coonawarra, South Australia
Dessert Wine
De Bortoli, Noble One 2008, Riverina, New South Wales
Stella Bella, Pink Muscat 2010, Margaret River, Western Australia
Beer
Crown lager
Cascade
Cascade light
Heineken
Peroni Leggera
James Squire amber ale
James Squire pilsner
Coffee Cinque Stelle by Vittoria
Short black
Long black
Cappuccino
Flat white
Cafe latte
Vittoria hot chocolate
Tea by T2
English breakfast
Earl grey
Peppermint
Lemongrass and ginger
Chamomile
Sencha
First Class menu
Sydney First Class Lounge
August 2012
Spring Menu
All Day Dining available from midday
Sashimi of Bluefin tuna with horseradish & organic soy dressing
Shaw River buffalo mozzarella with spring greens & lemon oil
Warm salad of duck breast, roast fennel, orange, watercress & olives
Organic chicken liver parfait with house pickled baby vegetables
Salt & pepper squid with green chilli sauce
Long & short soup with chicken broth & Asian greens
Barramundi fillet with caper, lemon & anchovy butter, baby leeks & speck
Shanghai noodles with chilli & sesame pork, cucumber & Szechuan pepper
Lamb cutlets with parmesan & rosemary crumbs, classic coleslaw
Grass fed Black Angus minute steak with beetroot relish & horseradish cream
Our Signature Sandwiches
Club sandwich with chicken, slow roasted tomatoes, bacon & aioli
Beef burger with bacon, Gruyere, Zuni pickle & tomato chilli relish
Fish burger with Moroccan eggplant, mayonnaise & harissa
Side Dishes
Bowl of chips
Mixed leaves with palm sugar vinaigrette
Wild rocket & parmesan salad
Boiled greens with Colonna lemon oil
Dessert and Cheese
Seasonal fruit plate
Sheep's milk yoghurt panna cotta with passionfruit jelly
Angel food cake with vanilla berries & cream
Gelatomassi gelato & sorbet selection
Zabaglione, Espresso, Chocolate or Strawberry gelato
Lemon or Raspberry sorbet
Cheese hand selected by Will Studd
Marcel Petite Aged Comte, Papillon Black Label Roquefort & Le Dauphin
served with accompaniments
Daily Specials
Cream of mushroom soup
Salad of crispy pork & prawn with chilli & mango
Semolina pasta with Bolognese ragu & parmesan
Wild mushroom risotto with crispy sage & truffled peconrino
Raspberry pavolva with passionfruit, mascarpone & vanilla gelato
Beverages
Cocktails
Negroni - Gin, Campari, sweet vermouth & orange twist
Kir Royale - Creme de cassis & champagne
Champagne
Taittinger Brut Reserve
Veuve Cliquot Ponsardin
Bollinger Special Cuvee
Champagne Delamotte
White Wine and Rose
Carlei Green Vineyards Pinot Gris 2011, Cardinia Ranges, Victoria
Squealing Pig Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, New Zealand
Heemskerk Riesling 2011, Coal River, Tasmania
Rockford "Local Growers" Semillon 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia
Devil's Lair Chardonnay 2010, Margaret River, Western Australia
Rockford Alicante Bouchet 2011, Barossa Valley, South Australia
Red Wine
Coldstream Hills Pinot Noir 2010, Yarra Valley, Victoria
Torbreck Cuvee Juveniles GSM 2010, Barossa Valley, South Australia
Wynn's Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Coonawarra, South Australia
Devil's Lair Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Margaret River, Western Australia
Petaluma Merlot 2007, Coonawarra, South Australia
Dessert Wine
De Bortoli, Noble One 2008, Riverina, New South Wales
Stella Bella, Pink Muscat 2010, Margaret River, Western Australia
Beer
Crown lager
Cascade
Cascade light
Heineken
Peroni Leggera
James Squire amber ale
James Squire pilsner
Coffee Cinque Stelle by Vittoria
Short black
Long black
Cappuccino
Flat white
Cafe latte
Vittoria hot chocolate
Tea by T2
English breakfast
Earl grey
Peppermint
Lemongrass and ginger
Chamomile
Sencha
#57
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,419
Unfortunately the schedules meant a long transit in Sydney first class lounge. Oh well, I had plenty to do and see to, including catching up with a friend who was travelling elsewhere, and there was plenty of good food and champagne to keep my spirits up.
#58
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,419
Sydney to Wellington (SYD-WLG) on Qantas 737-800 in business class
Eventually it was time to board. Our gate was in the non-oneworld pier (i.e. about as far as possible from the lounge), as often is the case for flights to New Zealand. The flight was jammed full - which is not unusual for a Sunday evening. Plenty of business people flying across for work/meetings on Monday morning. We had the third runway, again not unusual for flights to New Zealand.
The first part of the flight was very bumpy, which posed a question when the meal service started early in the flight. Soup or no soup? The soup is usually quite tasty but there is a risk of a mess if turbulence is too much. I chose no soup and kept my liquid intake up by other means
I was slow in eating, so by the time I finished dinner we were closing in on the west coast of New Zealand. The daytime flight on this route has fantastic views of the northern South Island and lower North Island, but the evening flight has no views until very close to landing, and then only if weather permits. Tonight the weather was poor and we only saw lights through the rain a couple of minutes before a bunny hop landing.
There was a short delay at the gate for someone to operate the airbridge. Immigration and baggage claim was busy with passengers from other flights. Smartgate worked fine for a change, and I walked straight past baggage claim with my carry on. I was almost knocked out at customs queue by some one who hadn't realised they were swinging their surfboard around at other people's heads. Customs directed me to bypass xray so I was soon landside and on my way.
Eventually it was time to board. Our gate was in the non-oneworld pier (i.e. about as far as possible from the lounge), as often is the case for flights to New Zealand. The flight was jammed full - which is not unusual for a Sunday evening. Plenty of business people flying across for work/meetings on Monday morning. We had the third runway, again not unusual for flights to New Zealand.
The first part of the flight was very bumpy, which posed a question when the meal service started early in the flight. Soup or no soup? The soup is usually quite tasty but there is a risk of a mess if turbulence is too much. I chose no soup and kept my liquid intake up by other means
I was slow in eating, so by the time I finished dinner we were closing in on the west coast of New Zealand. The daytime flight on this route has fantastic views of the northern South Island and lower North Island, but the evening flight has no views until very close to landing, and then only if weather permits. Tonight the weather was poor and we only saw lights through the rain a couple of minutes before a bunny hop landing.
There was a short delay at the gate for someone to operate the airbridge. Immigration and baggage claim was busy with passengers from other flights. Smartgate worked fine for a change, and I walked straight past baggage claim with my carry on. I was almost knocked out at customs queue by some one who hadn't realised they were swinging their surfboard around at other people's heads. Customs directed me to bypass xray so I was soon landside and on my way.
#59
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,419
Qantas
Business Class menu
Australia to New Zealand
August 2012
Menu
From the Bar
Roasted Nuts
Entree
Beef, Vegetable and Barley Soup
Main Courses
Fish and Fennel Pie with Carrots and Broccolini
Roast Pork with Sage Butte, Sauteed Apples and Braised Red Cabbage
Thai Style Chicken Salad with Glass Noodles
Warm Bakery
Selection of Cheeses
Ice Cream and Biscotti
Whittaker's Chocolates
Beverages
Champagne
Your Flight Attendant will advise whether today's menu features Billecart-Salmon Brut or Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve.
Australian and New Zealand Wine
We have a selection of these premium whites onboard. Your Flight Attendant will be pleased to advise you of today's selection.
Aperitifs
Bloody Mary
Campari and Soda
Gin and Tonic
Vodka and Ginger Beer
Spirits
Bacardi White Rum
Bundaberg Dark Rum
Chivas Regal 12yo Scotch Whisky
Plymouth The Smooth English Gin
The Glenlivet 12yo Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Wild Turkey 86.8 Bourbon
Wyborowa Polish Vodka
Beers
James Squire Golden Ale
Heineken
Victoria Bitter
Hahn Premium Light
Dessert & Fortified Wine
Australian dessert and fortified wine is available for your enjoyment.
Liqueurs
Baileys Irish Cream
Cointreau
Cognac
Martell VSOP
Juice Bar
Apple Juice
Orange Juice
Spicy Tomato Juice
Tomato Juice
Non Alcoholic
Appletiser Sparkling Apple Juice
Bundaberg Ginger Beer
Coca-Cola
Coke Zero
Lemonade
Lemon Squash
Sparkling Mineral Water
Still Mineral Water
Soda Water
Tonic Water
Ginger Ale
Hot Beverages
Fix Coffee
High grade Rainforest Alliance,
100% Arabica Coffee
Dilmah Tea
English Breakfast
Earl Grey
Peppermint
Chamomile
Jasmine Green
Vittoria Chocochino
Hot Chocolate
Italian style drinking chocolate.
Business Class menu
Australia to New Zealand
August 2012
Menu
From the Bar
Roasted Nuts
Entree
Beef, Vegetable and Barley Soup
Main Courses
Fish and Fennel Pie with Carrots and Broccolini
Roast Pork with Sage Butte, Sauteed Apples and Braised Red Cabbage
Thai Style Chicken Salad with Glass Noodles
Warm Bakery
Selection of Cheeses
Ice Cream and Biscotti
Whittaker's Chocolates
Beverages
Champagne
Your Flight Attendant will advise whether today's menu features Billecart-Salmon Brut or Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve.
Australian and New Zealand Wine
We have a selection of these premium whites onboard. Your Flight Attendant will be pleased to advise you of today's selection.
Aperitifs
Bloody Mary
Campari and Soda
Gin and Tonic
Vodka and Ginger Beer
Spirits
Bacardi White Rum
Bundaberg Dark Rum
Chivas Regal 12yo Scotch Whisky
Plymouth The Smooth English Gin
The Glenlivet 12yo Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Wild Turkey 86.8 Bourbon
Wyborowa Polish Vodka
Beers
James Squire Golden Ale
Heineken
Victoria Bitter
Hahn Premium Light
Dessert & Fortified Wine
Australian dessert and fortified wine is available for your enjoyment.
Liqueurs
Baileys Irish Cream
Cointreau
Cognac
Martell VSOP
Juice Bar
Apple Juice
Orange Juice
Spicy Tomato Juice
Tomato Juice
Non Alcoholic
Appletiser Sparkling Apple Juice
Bundaberg Ginger Beer
Coca-Cola
Coke Zero
Lemonade
Lemon Squash
Sparkling Mineral Water
Still Mineral Water
Soda Water
Tonic Water
Ginger Ale
Hot Beverages
Fix Coffee
High grade Rainforest Alliance,
100% Arabica Coffee
Dilmah Tea
English Breakfast
Earl Grey
Peppermint
Chamomile
Jasmine Green
Vittoria Chocochino
Hot Chocolate
Italian style drinking chocolate.
J_TAS_MM_4_NZ-AUS_DOM2_MAY12
#60
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 946
Sydney transit
Since we'd arrived in the non-Oneworld pier transfer security was not too busy, although a group of, I presume United flyers continuing on to Melbourne, were slowing things down by needlessly removing their belts and boots. We don't do that in this part of the world unless they contain excessive amounts of metal.
Since we'd arrived in the non-Oneworld pier transfer security was not too busy, although a group of, I presume United flyers continuing on to Melbourne, were slowing things down by needlessly removing their belts and boots. We don't do that in this part of the world unless they contain excessive amounts of metal.
Loving your report as always Kiwi Flyer, keep it up.