72 hour RTW First Class Mileage Run on American, Qatar and Cathay Pacific
Aug 9, 2014, 11:14 am
#61
Join Date: Feb 2012
Programs: TK M&S, BAEC, EK
Posts: 257
Many thanks for sharing.
Like many others, I always enjoy reading your TRs and I admired the way you seem to have got out of a rather desperate situation in a very stylish way ( i.e. SQ F); even if you did have to use up valuable miles to achieve this.
Like many others, I always enjoy reading your TRs and I admired the way you seem to have got out of a rather desperate situation in a very stylish way ( i.e. SQ F); even if you did have to use up valuable miles to achieve this.
Aug 9, 2014, 12:43 pm
#62
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 579
Regarding the see through curtains on AA, all US registered passenger airliners are required to have see through/mesh curtains if curtains are installed to separate the various cabins. This has been in effect post 9/11. Right after 9/11, US airlines were required to leave the curtains open. This was a solution that got approved.
Last edited by ILUV767; Aug 9, 2014 at 12:54 pm
Aug 9, 2014, 12:54 pm
#63
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: YVR - Vancouver, with most winter weekends in Whistler.
Programs: Aeroplan 35K, Alaska MVP, Marriott Titanium / Lifetime Platinum, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 4,609
Ken Chase has been inflicting similar misery on us up here with Air Canada.
I am sticking to the belief that his choices are mandated by strong budget constraints.
Aug 9, 2014, 2:58 pm
#64
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
Really enjoying the updates, thank you.
I have to ask though, did you arrange the bread basket in such a phallic way or was that their doing?
I have to ask though, did you arrange the bread basket in such a phallic way or was that their doing?
Aug 9, 2014, 6:33 pm
#65
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: WAS/TYO
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP (3MM), DL PM, BONVOY TITANIUM, HYATT GLOBALIST, HILTON DIAMOND, IHG DIAMOND AMB, et al
Posts: 5,913
Seriously! I had no idea QR featured d'Yquem. That has to be one of the best (if not the best) wine featured on any commercial carrier (in terms of both of quality and cost - usually around $300+ per 375ml bottle!)
SFO777 thanks again for another fantastic trip report!
-FlyerBeek
SFO777 thanks again for another fantastic trip report!
-FlyerBeek
Aug 9, 2014, 6:54 pm
#66
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Left
Programs: FT
Posts: 7,285
Seriously! I had no idea QR featured d'Yquem. That has to be one of the best (if not the best) wine featured on any commercial carrier (in terms of both of quality and cost - usually around $300+ per 375ml bottle!)
SFO777 thanks again for another fantastic trip report!
-FlyerBeek
SFO777 thanks again for another fantastic trip report!
-FlyerBeek
Aug 9, 2014, 6:59 pm
#67
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: SYD
Programs: Too many golds, no plat: OZ*G, AC*G, NZ*G, VA Gold, QF Gold, HH Gold, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 5,350
Ken Chase - enough already!
Maybe it's a form of class warfare? "I, Ken Chase, the revolutionary oenophile, shall ensure that the bourgeoisie drink nothing but swill at 35,000 feet..."
SFO777, great report. As always, I'm eagerly anticipating the next instalment.
Aug 9, 2014, 9:41 pm
#68
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,601
Talk about a wow! What a spectacular new facility that catapults DOH to the top of the big three Gulf airports. Big, spacious and open with all the bells and whistles that make this one of the easiest international connection airports.
A look back at our A340-600.
High marks for excellent signage throughout the terminal.
With premium class transfer screening lanes that had no lines.
With a main central area with fingers that go to the various concourses, after a few drinks vaguely reminiscent of Pittsburgh, but obviously on a far grander and spectacular scale.
The million dollar teddy bear.
That's what I'm looking for.
To a grand escalator to the skies with agents manning the base. This must be the place. I inquired about the First Class Lounge and and told that unfortunately, it is not yet completed. But I am most welcome in the Business Class Lounge. Little did I know that Qatar's DOH Business Class lounge is better than most other airlines' First Class lounges.
For more pics, please visit SFO777.com.
A look back at our A340-600.
High marks for excellent signage throughout the terminal.
With premium class transfer screening lanes that had no lines.
With a main central area with fingers that go to the various concourses, after a few drinks vaguely reminiscent of Pittsburgh, but obviously on a far grander and spectacular scale.
The million dollar teddy bear.
That's what I'm looking for.
To a grand escalator to the skies with agents manning the base. This must be the place. I inquired about the First Class Lounge and and told that unfortunately, it is not yet completed. But I am most welcome in the Business Class Lounge. Little did I know that Qatar's DOH Business Class lounge is better than most other airlines' First Class lounges.
For more pics, please visit SFO777.com.
Aug 9, 2014, 9:42 pm
#69
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,601
Qatar Business Class Lounge at DOH
Up the escalator on the entire upper level is the most incredible Lounge one can imagine. It spans acres. Bear in mind that this is only the Business Class lounge. The size, scale and opulence is jaw-dropping.
Hundreds of comfortable seating areas, most seats coming with ipad, water and snack.
A cool Game Room.
The lounge features two full service restaurants, one at each end of the complex. The more formal restaurant at one end...
And the more casual restaurant at the other end...
A functional Business Centre...
But Wifi is a frustrating work in progress. Medium speed but the worst part was getting kicked off every 10 minutes with the need to re-log in. Seriously?? I can't tell you how many posts I lost because of the 10 minutes and you're out stupidity. Yo QR, spend some money on your own Lounge Wifi system instead of piggy-backing on the free airport system.
Baggage Room with lockers!!
For more pics, please visit SFO777.com.
Up next: Back to Colombo in a great regional Business Class product.
Up the escalator on the entire upper level is the most incredible Lounge one can imagine. It spans acres. Bear in mind that this is only the Business Class lounge. The size, scale and opulence is jaw-dropping.
Hundreds of comfortable seating areas, most seats coming with ipad, water and snack.
A cool Game Room.
The lounge features two full service restaurants, one at each end of the complex. The more formal restaurant at one end...
And the more casual restaurant at the other end...
A functional Business Centre...
But Wifi is a frustrating work in progress. Medium speed but the worst part was getting kicked off every 10 minutes with the need to re-log in. Seriously?? I can't tell you how many posts I lost because of the 10 minutes and you're out stupidity. Yo QR, spend some money on your own Lounge Wifi system instead of piggy-backing on the free airport system.
Baggage Room with lockers!!
For more pics, please visit SFO777.com.
Up next: Back to Colombo in a great regional Business Class product.
Aug 9, 2014, 10:34 pm
#70
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,601
Yet another fine TR, SFO777.
I hear what you're saying about the AA 77W, including the odd configuration for the last seats in F and the ever-inconsistent and sometimes loud F FAs. The galley light aside, IF you're sitting farther forward in F and IF you get a could, considerate, quiet crew, the experience is not top notch but isn't at all bad. But that's a lot of IFs.
As someone who flies the AA 77Ws a fair amount in J, I've come to like the plane for that section. It's one of the best TATL Js one can find.
FWIW, flew QR J for the first time recently. Very pleasant, not least because there is so much legroom that you don't have to climb over your seatmate to reach the aisle.
Looking forward to the rest of your report.
I hear what you're saying about the AA 77W, including the odd configuration for the last seats in F and the ever-inconsistent and sometimes loud F FAs. The galley light aside, IF you're sitting farther forward in F and IF you get a could, considerate, quiet crew, the experience is not top notch but isn't at all bad. But that's a lot of IFs.
As someone who flies the AA 77Ws a fair amount in J, I've come to like the plane for that section. It's one of the best TATL Js one can find.
FWIW, flew QR J for the first time recently. Very pleasant, not least because there is so much legroom that you don't have to climb over your seatmate to reach the aisle.
Looking forward to the rest of your report.
I keep on repeating myself, but it's not a bad thing… Excellent TR! I started reading it on your website, but have gravitated back over here.
Did AA manage to serve you chilled champagne?
Yeah, I'm still holding a grudge that they served me warm champagne in Business. I think a plastic cup for pre-departure drinks in F is pretty dodgy.
The wine list on QR looks pretty dang good. That Tommasi Amarone is one of my favorites. A nice Gewurtztraminer as well. The Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc is a bit different. I'll have to get back to Central Otago one of these days to see all the vines, the last time I was there there wasn't much planted yet.
Did AA manage to serve you chilled champagne?
Yeah, I'm still holding a grudge that they served me warm champagne in Business. I think a plastic cup for pre-departure drinks in F is pretty dodgy.The wine list on QR looks pretty dang good. That Tommasi Amarone is one of my favorites. A nice Gewurtztraminer as well. The Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc is a bit different. I'll have to get back to Central Otago one of these days to see all the vines, the last time I was there there wasn't much planted yet.
Thanks for a great trip report, SFO777. I confess I am disappointed... I was sure that Qatar hadn't launched their A380 yet but I was hoping you had perhaps been on some flight I was unaware of. I can't wait for someone to experience that QR F in the A380. The A340 was good too, so thanks for that.
Wow how lucky to be the only one in f never happens to me, bet u enjoyed being pampered, and great idea having the next seat to u being made up as a bed, had this once 1a was free was in 2a so great to eat in one seat and sleep in another. Feet with shoes on the ottoman one bad mark:
Maybe some old vintages are that expensive, but the ones QR is offering are only
in the $125 range.Regarding the see through curtains on AA, all US registered passenger airliners are required to have see through/mesh curtains if curtains are installed to separate the various cabins. This has been in effect post 9/11. Right after 9/11, US airlines were required to leave the curtains open. This was a solution that got approved.
Seriously! I had no idea QR featured d'Yquem. That has to be one of the best (if not the best) wine featured on any commercial carrier (in terms of both of quality and cost - usually around $300+ per 375ml bottle!)
SFO777 thanks again for another fantastic trip report!
-FlyerBeek
SFO777 thanks again for another fantastic trip report!
-FlyerBeek
Ain't that the truth - in many, many flights in AC J I can pretty much count on one hand the times I found a genuinely decent wine other than the Drappier champagne.
You're probably right, but it's much more fun to believe that he's just a deranged sadist, who likes inflicting bargain-bin bottles onto premium cabin travellers, while writing high-falutin' descriptions about how great they supposedly are.
Maybe it's a form of class warfare? "I, Ken Chase, the revolutionary oenophile, shall ensure that the bourgeoisie drink nothing but swill at 35,000 feet..."
SFO777, great report. As always, I'm eagerly anticipating the next instalment.
You're probably right, but it's much more fun to believe that he's just a deranged sadist, who likes inflicting bargain-bin bottles onto premium cabin travellers, while writing high-falutin' descriptions about how great they supposedly are.
Maybe it's a form of class warfare? "I, Ken Chase, the revolutionary oenophile, shall ensure that the bourgeoisie drink nothing but swill at 35,000 feet..."
SFO777, great report. As always, I'm eagerly anticipating the next instalment.
Aug 10, 2014, 2:06 am
#74
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: CDG
Programs: A bit of this and a bit of that
Posts: 777
Amazing trip report so far, SFO777! Can't wait to read more! I've been following it up on your site 
.
Tomorrow I'll upload to the AA forums some pictures of the same beef you had on the 77w, but the raw version. First time it ever happened to me.
EDIT: The Beef
.Tomorrow I'll upload to the AA forums some pictures of the same beef you had on the 77w, but the raw version. First time it ever happened to me.
EDIT: The Beef
Last edited by tuchop; Aug 10, 2014 at 11:19 am
Aug 10, 2014, 4:15 am
#75
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: SYD
Programs: Too many golds, no plat: OZ*G, AC*G, NZ*G, VA Gold, QF Gold, HH Gold, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 5,350
The one thing more amazing than that impressive lounge is how incredibly empty it is. How's that possible? Was it just a particularly dead time in DOH, or is there just so much space that it's never crowded?