2nd July 2019
QF829 DRW-SYD
0145-0630
Qantas 737
Seat 1A
Territory day over (just!) and sleeping in a bed remaining overrated, it was time for another red eye, this time to Sydney
I remembered to change out of my “CU in the NT” shirt before entering the Qantas Club (technically the dress code doesn’t apply in Darwin but one doesn’t want to upset the apple cart after all)
The crew on this flight was not as good as that to Melbourne a few days prior. They were perfectly skilled but seemed more standoffish and less friendly
I was also unsuccessful in gaining an empty seat next to me this time. However I still had a reasonable sleep
The meal was essentially exactly the same as the previous red eye, but not quite as tasty- there was a polenta-y or possibly halloumi type thing in lieu of the sausages and some mushrooms had been added:
Overall I'd rate this sector as pretty forgettable
For reasons I can't for the life of me recall, and falling under the heading "things that seemed like a good idea at the time", I had asked for my bag to be short checked to Sydney only. This of course meant I wasn't able to take the airside transfer bus and was stuck with the landslide T bus. This runs at "regular intervals", I think about 15-20 minutes. However having spent most of my recent life in warmer climes, standing outside at 6.30am in New South Wales in July, I was bloody freezing. This would be one of the many things on this trip ultimately filed under "what on earth was I thinking?!'
Once arriving at the international terminal, finding the check in desks was the most painful part (can't remember the last time I originated at Sydney international). However once there, bag was checked in and on my way
7 weeks of baggage
The outbound express path remained stubbornly closed for refurbishment. My sleep deprivation did not enhance my enjoyment of the regular queues with lots of infrequent travellers. But actually the waiting time was not too bad and I was rapidly through and en route to the lounge
At this stage I was only a OWS so my lounge choice were "Qantas business lounge or qantas business lounge". Those of you have been there will recall it is not that great. However, what I cannot fault (ever) is the view, and today I was treated to some 747 towing action and a beautifully clear day showing off the Sydney skyline
