Thanks for everyone's recent and not so recent comments! I'm catching up
Originally Posted by
scanman24
Another great instalment matthandy! Is it just me or in the photo entitled 'more clouds' is there an aircraft flying where the upper band of cloud meets the blue sky? (about 3/4 up)
You are right! It's difficult to see what it is though, even at 100% magnification. I'd guess that it's a Delta aircraft.
Originally Posted by
Genius1
Nice update! The LGW lounges are a strange combination of Terraces and Galleries, or 'Telleries' as my friend calls them
They were refurbished a year or so ago, and lots of the Terraces elements removed.
The J lounge did seem a bit dated, decor wise, but it was still very comfortable. It felt a lot 'warmer' than the Galleries concept lounges at LHR.
Originally Posted by
Genius1
Virgin Trains First Class is far better than that offered by my regular route operator First Great Western - indeed, Virgin at least offer full hot meals at breakfast and dinner. FGW only offer snacks - not even sandwiches! The Manchester lounge looks quite poky, but better than nothing. I wish FGW had included a first class lounge at Reading during the recent reconfiguration of the station, but no such luck.
The First class service on Virgin was a little underwhelming but I appreciated the space more than anything. If the price differential wasn't huge I'd definitely pay for First again.
Originally Posted by
CMK10
I flew a BA 737-400 from MAN-LGW in 2007. Looks like the services, the aircraft AND Gatwick haven't changed a bit since then
Well you got a crew as good as I had then you wouldn't want it to change!
Originally Posted by
jackrussellterrier
Its great to see the glamour part in your report but probably even more interesting the Isle of Wight trip, trip to London and staying in a travelodge and of course your domestic run both in the air and on the tracks. Brilliant stuff and thanks for writing it all up!
Glad to hear that you've enjoyed it! Looking back on it I really did have a good time!
Originally Posted by
BA5E
Well, what can i say, have just read the report from when you got to london for your short stay there, and then right up to now, a fantastic TR and was very interested in the trip to EDI and you meeting up with more FTers, you certainly had a great day with good weather, as always your photos are amazing there is never a bad one.
Thank you for your kind words
BA5E.
Originally Posted by
worldtraveller73
It's a shame when you get bad or indifferent crews. It's liveable when you're on a reward ticket, but it's pretty disappointing if you're paying $5,000 + dollars for a ticket. No one pays to be treated in that manner, or with that indifference. To me it's a sign that the carrier is slipping and cutting costs on training.
Well, I agree, but I don't necessarily think that blame could be put on the carrier as symptoms of a bigger problem. Some crews simply have a stinking attitude. You get bad eggs in every job, public facing or not. I work with lots of people everyday that have bad attitudes and I work with lots of people who I consider to be my friends. I don't see it as a failing of my organisation.
Originally Posted by
origin
Thanks for the update. I do enjoy your reports. Great pics.
Thank you
origin.
Originally Posted by
mmack
It sounds as if from your report the 380 has a great business product? How is the drinks service? Negative reports on the Qantas Forum.
I think that Qantas provide a top class international product, the staff are great, the seats are excellent, the food and drink are amazing and the lounges are class leading too. People get wound up about the smallest details in my opinion.
Originally Posted by
Mwenenzi
Many on the QF forum rubbish Qantas, yet on other forums - TR QF get praised: tall poppy syndrome
Many people love to hate Qantas, in the same way that many people love to hate British Airways. The lure of something new and 'foreign' will provide huge allowances in people's minds for the failings of other carriers. For example, many times I've flown Business with Emirates on the A380 the dinner service has been painfully slow and the crew down right rude and yet people love to praise Emirates. I've had nothing but good experiences flying Qantas.
Originally Posted by
PETER01
Nice update there matthandy with great photos as always. I like all the little touches like your detail of the departure times/seatmap/seat etc etc ^
Thanks
PETER01!
Great pics. Enjoyed your report.
Originally Posted by
origin
Great update thanks.
Originally Posted by
Wickersley
Just amazing
Thank you all!
Originally Posted by
Moomba
Thanks for finding the time to post this update
matthandy. Do we have to wait for another rainy weekend in Sydney before we get the final installment?
I am glad you had a good flight in club on the 777-300 ER. I will be doing SYD-SIN-LHR in 3 weeks on that model in Club. I hope it turns out to be equally enjoyable.
No problem
Moomba. No, hopefully not although the weather has been very bad recently. Club??? No F?? I'd suggest booking a seat closest to the front of the aircraft as possible.
Originally Posted by
Genius1
Nice update,
matthandy - thanks for posting after all this time!
The CW catering presentation seems to have improved recently which is good to note.
How long to wait before the final sector?
Thanks
Genius1. Not long hopefully.....
Originally Posted by
UA_Flyer
Happy to read the conclusion of this excellent trip report!
Originally Posted by
CMK10
Indeed a tremendous finish to a tremendous report...thank you for delivering us the thrilling conclusion ^
Thank you both, but we are not quite done yet, I'm still only in Hong Kong....