Trip to Australia
Jul 25, 2000 | 4:32 pm
#1
Original Poster
Company Representative - Air Canada
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Canada
Posts: 24,224
Trip to Australia
This trip was done for a mileage run. CP had an introductory fare of $999 CDN and double points for YYZ - SYD. I'll get around 19500 Q miles, 19500 bonus miles and another 10000 loyalty bonus and upgraded both ways at the time of booking as a CP Executive Platinum, so 50000 miles all for $1050 CDN!
July 18th
CP 1027 YYZ - HNL
Schedule Depart YYZ 1930
Schedule Arrive HNL 2320
I checked on the flight before I left for the airport and it has already been delayed for half an hour due to delayed of incoming aircraft. Got a ride to the airport and arrived at YYZ T1 at 1745. This is my first trip to YYZ T1 since AC/CP consolidated all their operations there. I start to look for the Executive Platinum/Super Elite check in area which AC claims to have. After 5 minutes of searching, finally located it, it turns out it is not an "exclusive" area for EP/SE but instead a general area for EP/SE and J class pax. There was a security guard checking people's boarding pass and ticket before allowing entry. I was let in as soon as he saw by EP luggage tags. A very friendly CP agent checked me in. I informed her about the 30 min delayed which she was not aware of and was glad that I notified her. Upgrade stickers were taken. I was assigned 5A all the way which is a single seat on 767 (CP's J class configuration is 1-2-2) and the only seat in J class which reclines almost all the way (The reason being that this seat is usually reserved for relief pilot on long flights discovered this from an experience later on
)
I then proceed to the AC MLL lounge, passenger are required to have their carry on X-Rayed before entering so you could head straight to the gate when leaving the lounge. A security guard was positioned at the X ray area to check boarding pass/membership card for eligibility for entry. Nothing fancy about the lounge, I was not particular impress about it since I couldn't find a seat. I finally gave up and settle on one of the four computers Saw the CP aircraft arrive at about 1900 and it was still in CP old colors!!! (One of the few aircraft still untouched by AC
) Tail number 631.
Headed for boarding at 1930 and the boarding area was absolutely horrible. 1 gate split into couple entrance, 1 entrance is a AC flight bound for Amsterdam and the other one is the CP flight that I'm on. Extremely crowded and something will have to be done about this before someone gets on the wrong planes one of these days.
Boarding took place at around 1930. For once people are not rushing to the gate. I boarded when they call for J class. I was the second on board in J class, the first being a kid traveling alone sitting in J class. Boarding was done at 2000. J class was almost empty until about 20 people being upgraded at the last minute. 24/25 in J class and Y was 80% full. The surprising I discovered on this flight is that no one in J class was revenue J. The kid traveling alone was on an award ticket, the rest are all upgrades!
Pushback at 2003 and we took off at 2015. The flight time to HNL is 9 hours and 32 minutes. Drinks order were taken and U.S. customs form were given out soon after take off. Over half the people in J class were continuing onto SYD but which I never saw again in J class which mean they only got upgrade for this segment. I feel bad for those people who are in J for the first 10 hrs and then back to Y for the next 10.
Dinner service started quickly and I could tell the FA serving my side of the aircraft was either rushing or in a bad mood 3 kinds of red and white wine offered. I choose the white wine and the way she asked me which kind I want was "US, Canada or New Zealand". Other FAs always introduced the name of the wine and where it is from anyways, dinner came around shortly
Dinner Menu:
TO BEGIN:
Flank stead garnished with arugula and cherry tomato
ENTRE SELECTIONS:
- seared sea bass a la nicoise accented by saffron sauce
- grilled tenderloin of beef enhanced by red wine sauce, mushrooms and chopped parsley
- grilled breast of chicken presented with tomato basil sauce and mixed bell peppers
ACCOMPAINMENT OPTIONS:
- penne with Alfredo sauce or chateau potatoes
- vegetables a la bouquetiere or stir fried broccoli florets
CHEESE AND DESSERT:
- Selection of fine cheeses
- mango mousse or fresh seasonal fruit
- freshly brewed coffee, decaffeinated coffee, selection of teas and liquers
After dinner, FAs came around to take orders for movie to watch on the Sony personal video system. The movies were quite new with 14 choices such as Green mile, American beauty, American psycho, talented Mr. Ripley The disappointing thing is that I've seem almost all of them I picked Hanging up (Meg Ryan) and it was not bad..
I try to hold off sleeping until the HNL - SYD in an attempt to adjust to AUS time knowing that I'll have no problem having seat 5A
Lights were then turned off and a whole bunch of fruits, snacks and drinks were put out in the galley area.
About 90 minutes prior to landing, a light meal was served which conisted of a fruit bowl and a chicken and melon salad served over kale. Rolls and buns left over from dinner was reheated and served again.
There was no announcement from the flight deck at all on this flight with the exception at the end which the pilot came on and said "We'll be landing at 23:50 and weather is 25 degrees in HNL, Thank you." None of the standard canned stuff thanking people for flying them
Arrived at the gate at 2355, 35 minutes behind schedule. Onto HNL - SYD.
CP 1027 HNL - SYD
Schedule Depart HNL 0030
Schedule Arrive SYD 0700
Same flight number but a change of aircraft here in HNL not so lucky this time, this aircraft is one with an AC tail and CP logo... Tail number 634.
Boarding has already began when I got to the gate area and when I showed the FA my seat 5A She quickly said "Oh did you came from YYZ? We'll have to change your seat, someone has taken that seat." Knowing that the J class on this flight was very empty as well and that I was an EP, I was not worry about losing my upgrade but rather worry about not getting a single seat! The FA explained to me that 5A was taken by a relief pilot which also explains why this seat reclines to almost a bed!
My fear came true when the FA came back and told me my new seat is 1C I am not happy about losing my single seat but nothing I could do about it I guess. My seat mate was a guy from YYZ - HNL who was sitting in 4A. Flight was delayed for 15 minutes because the Air New Zealand flight to SYD has gone mechanical and CP is taking as many passenger as they can for them and also the guy which was suppose to be in 1A has disappeared (I was eyeing that seat badly!!) and didn't show up until they were ready to unload his bags and close the door. A guy who got upgraded to J class was later downgraded because CP decided to take a Air NZ J class passenger. Poor guy The CSD was also not too pleased with some people in J class when they decided to play seat switching while she was trying to find out what seats are empty. Pushback finally took place at 0045. 25 (including the pilot) in J class and 188/210 in Y class. After a long taxi, we took off at 0105. Flight time is 10 hours and 25 minutes.
Drinks order were taken shortly after take off followed by a light meal service with Kauai shrimp and noodle soup, Hawaiian sesame chicken presented with pineapple, papaya slices and red potato salad.
Lights were then turned off with the FA placing a bunch of fruits and drinks out in the galley. They then disappear for the whole flight. I fell asleep for the next 7 hours until breakfast service started.
BREAKFAST
- fresh fruit plate
- breakfast pastries, preserve
ENTRE SELECTIONS
- Gouda cheese omelette
- crepe with scrambled eggs complemented by Alfredo sauce
- a chilled option featuring a turkey and cheese croissant
ACCOMPANIMENT OPTIONS
- grilled breakfast bacon
- oven-browned potatoes
First officer made an announcement when we just passed over Brisbane and about 300 miles off Sydney.
Plane landed at 0725 and we were at the gate at 0735. Took another 25 minutes to spray the plane before we were allowed to deplane. The FA made an announcement asking 6 people including me to see the concierge at the gate. The concierge wanted to know whether there is any thing he could do to help me. The other 5 people was informed by the concierge that they missed their connection to MEL and they are rebooked on a QF flight. A quick peek at the conceirge's sheet reveal that I am the only EP on board with 5 GLD on board.
Proceeded onto customs and it was absolute horrible with lines going on and on forever. Now I feel a bit upset that the concierge didn't offer to take me through the crew lane after seeing that one of the FA on the flight took a family with 2 kids through the crew lane. Took 45 minutes to clear customs. No questions at all from the customs no luggage so proceed onto my next flight SYD - PER
AN 111
Schedule Depart SYD 0950
Schedule Arrive PER 1250
Checked in was no problem. I didn't even bother to ask for an upgrade when the guy checking me in seems like he just got out of bed. Instead, I asked for an empty seat next to me.
Took the shuttle to the domestic terminal and proceeded on to the AN Golden Wing lounge. When I presented my CP EP card for entry, the guy seems puzzled until he remembered that they are now partner now with CP. He also points out that the guy didn't enter my CP FF number into my booking correctly because it is not showing on the boarding pass. He consulted some of his colleague and fixed the problem for me.
Lounge was nothing out of the ordinary. I was hoping that they had internet access so I could post part of my trip report but no luck!
Before proceeding to the gate, I asked the agent to check again whether I have an empty seat next to me and I was told yes but the flight is reasonably full so don't be surprise if someone shows up next to me. Took my seat 10G. This is a A320 aircraft. The seat was a exit row seat and indeed I had the whole row to myself and the seat pitch was as good as CP J class on A320 since this is an exit row. Now, I am glad that I got this row instead of an upgrade! The flight was almost full! The only disadvantage of an exit row was that the hand rest cannot be lifted.
We pushed back at 1005 and took off at 1015. The flight time was 5 hours and 10 minutes which is lot longer than usual due to extremely strong headwinds.
A snack service consisting of a chocolate bar and coffee was served. The movie was then played with lunch service in the middle of it. We didn't get a choice of lunch which was some sort of creamy pasta which I couldn't tell what was in it except for pasta! Forgetting that I am in a coach domestic flight, I asked for wine and then being asked for $$ which of course I denied too spoiled by CP!!Desert was then given out which was a Nestle ice cream cone.
We landed at 0115. The actual flight time was actually 5 hrs as we picked up some time along the way.
SHERATON PERTH HOTEL
Took the shuttle bus out to Sheraton hotel and arrived there around 1415. I was informed by the agent that I've been upgraded to the Executive Suite but my room will not be ready for another 45 minutes. I said "No problem I just go out and take a walk!" Back at 1500 and room was ready, the room was extremely nice, 21st floor overlooking the Swan River. Shortly after that, I received a letter from the hotel informing me that I could use the Executive lounge on the top floor! The usual cost of using the lounge is $37 AUD a day. This is one of the best Starwood have ever done for me! I am now 100% in getting a suite upgrade as a Starwood Plat when requesting a King bed. The only time I didn't get upgraded form Starwood is the time when I wanted 2 double beds in Westin Prince Hawaii.
So, 32 hours after leaving my house, 26 hours on a plane I am finally here in PER settling in my suite.
Back to SYD on the 22nd !
I'll keep on posting the rest of the report whenever I get a chance to connect to the internet! I didn't have time to edit the report so might have tons of errors in it!
AN 210
Schedule Depart PER 1455
Schedule Arrive SYD 2055
Checked out of the Sheraton at about 1240 waiting for the airport shuttle which I called the previous night which never showed up. A call by the concierge to the shuttle bus company reveal that they thought I reserved it for 1345. However, the concierge even remember me saying I needed one for 1245! The company promise me a refund at the airport.
Took the taxi to the PER airport which cost me $20 AUD and 20 minutes. I was never able to find the place where they told me I would get a refund! I am trying to find an address which I am going to write a letter to.
Check in lines was empty. My CP FF number was entered in with no problem this time and I again requested the exit row 10 and was given with no problem. The agent insisted that I have to check my bags in even though I never ever had to check it in on over 200+ flights. He for some reason insist that it was too heavy. Got into the AN Golden Wing lounge with my CP ExecPlat status. I was going to post this report when I found out that they had internet access but they for some stupid reason disabled "paste" option in Internet. The lounge is very small and has limited food selections.
Boarding took place at 1435 and pushback at 1445. Took off at 1450. Flight time was 3 hours 45 minutes and we are schedule to arrive in SYD 20 minutes ahead of schedule. J class full and Y class about 60%. For some reason on both my trips on AN, the emergency exit rows are the only ones which seems to be empty. I got the whole row to myself again.
Movie commenced soon. The movie was "The whole nine yards". Dinner service came around shortly. It is some sort of fried chicken breast with tons of onions. Ice cream cone for dessert.
Hilton SYD Airport
I am currently staying at the Hilton Arport SYD. I am staying on a point stretcher award. Checked in around 9pm and when I told them my last name and seeing that it seems like a room wasn't preassign to me, I know that my possible upgrade is down the drain I asked about upgrade to a room with airport view and high floor as a Hilton GOLD member, I was then told "yeah, you've been upgrade." This response was obvious lie to me.
I was at least expecting a corner room as an upgrade but when I arrive at the room, not a corner room, not an airport view as requested, TV very very fuzzy, 6th floor and I am very confident that this is previously a smoking room converted into a non smoking room by spraying stuff
A call down to front desk solved nothing and this is the first of my 3 nights here
While this is a free stay, I still expect a better treatment for a Honors GLD member. This is especially upsetting and why does it seems like that we have to "FIGHT" for that upgrade every time? Now that I am stuck in this room for the rest of my stay, I am extremely upset and I am really really really regretting that maybe I should have chosen a Starwood property instead when they have not disappointed me once so far as a Platinum member. I don't expect them to upgrade me to a suite like Starwood always does but I absolutely think they could have done better than this.
This smoking smell is really ticking me off despite their claim that this is a non smoking room.
Another call to the front desk insisting on a room change got the job done. A very unhappy front desk agent call back up and told me they are moving me to another room on the 8th floor (Hmm.. why didn't they give me this room when I request a high floor in the first place and an airport view?). This resulted in a very unhappy concierge/bell boy being sent up.
5 attempts to connect to the internet from the hotel room results in failure and a $4.50 charge.
Another disappointing experience from Hilton and I am definitely writing to Hilton about it.
The return trip will be posted tonight or tomorrow!
July 18th
CP 1027 YYZ - HNL
Schedule Depart YYZ 1930
Schedule Arrive HNL 2320
I checked on the flight before I left for the airport and it has already been delayed for half an hour due to delayed of incoming aircraft. Got a ride to the airport and arrived at YYZ T1 at 1745. This is my first trip to YYZ T1 since AC/CP consolidated all their operations there. I start to look for the Executive Platinum/Super Elite check in area which AC claims to have. After 5 minutes of searching, finally located it, it turns out it is not an "exclusive" area for EP/SE but instead a general area for EP/SE and J class pax. There was a security guard checking people's boarding pass and ticket before allowing entry. I was let in as soon as he saw by EP luggage tags. A very friendly CP agent checked me in. I informed her about the 30 min delayed which she was not aware of and was glad that I notified her. Upgrade stickers were taken. I was assigned 5A all the way which is a single seat on 767 (CP's J class configuration is 1-2-2) and the only seat in J class which reclines almost all the way (The reason being that this seat is usually reserved for relief pilot on long flights discovered this from an experience later on
) I then proceed to the AC MLL lounge, passenger are required to have their carry on X-Rayed before entering so you could head straight to the gate when leaving the lounge. A security guard was positioned at the X ray area to check boarding pass/membership card for eligibility for entry. Nothing fancy about the lounge, I was not particular impress about it since I couldn't find a seat. I finally gave up and settle on one of the four computers Saw the CP aircraft arrive at about 1900 and it was still in CP old colors!!! (One of the few aircraft still untouched by AC
) Tail number 631.Headed for boarding at 1930 and the boarding area was absolutely horrible. 1 gate split into couple entrance, 1 entrance is a AC flight bound for Amsterdam and the other one is the CP flight that I'm on. Extremely crowded and something will have to be done about this before someone gets on the wrong planes one of these days.
Boarding took place at around 1930. For once people are not rushing to the gate. I boarded when they call for J class. I was the second on board in J class, the first being a kid traveling alone sitting in J class. Boarding was done at 2000. J class was almost empty until about 20 people being upgraded at the last minute. 24/25 in J class and Y was 80% full. The surprising I discovered on this flight is that no one in J class was revenue J. The kid traveling alone was on an award ticket, the rest are all upgrades!
Pushback at 2003 and we took off at 2015. The flight time to HNL is 9 hours and 32 minutes. Drinks order were taken and U.S. customs form were given out soon after take off. Over half the people in J class were continuing onto SYD but which I never saw again in J class which mean they only got upgrade for this segment. I feel bad for those people who are in J for the first 10 hrs and then back to Y for the next 10.
Dinner service started quickly and I could tell the FA serving my side of the aircraft was either rushing or in a bad mood 3 kinds of red and white wine offered. I choose the white wine and the way she asked me which kind I want was "US, Canada or New Zealand". Other FAs always introduced the name of the wine and where it is from anyways, dinner came around shortly
Dinner Menu:
TO BEGIN:
Flank stead garnished with arugula and cherry tomato
ENTRE SELECTIONS:
- seared sea bass a la nicoise accented by saffron sauce
- grilled tenderloin of beef enhanced by red wine sauce, mushrooms and chopped parsley
- grilled breast of chicken presented with tomato basil sauce and mixed bell peppers
ACCOMPAINMENT OPTIONS:
- penne with Alfredo sauce or chateau potatoes
- vegetables a la bouquetiere or stir fried broccoli florets
CHEESE AND DESSERT:
- Selection of fine cheeses
- mango mousse or fresh seasonal fruit
- freshly brewed coffee, decaffeinated coffee, selection of teas and liquers
After dinner, FAs came around to take orders for movie to watch on the Sony personal video system. The movies were quite new with 14 choices such as Green mile, American beauty, American psycho, talented Mr. Ripley The disappointing thing is that I've seem almost all of them I picked Hanging up (Meg Ryan) and it was not bad..
I try to hold off sleeping until the HNL - SYD in an attempt to adjust to AUS time knowing that I'll have no problem having seat 5A
Lights were then turned off and a whole bunch of fruits, snacks and drinks were put out in the galley area.
About 90 minutes prior to landing, a light meal was served which conisted of a fruit bowl and a chicken and melon salad served over kale. Rolls and buns left over from dinner was reheated and served again.
There was no announcement from the flight deck at all on this flight with the exception at the end which the pilot came on and said "We'll be landing at 23:50 and weather is 25 degrees in HNL, Thank you." None of the standard canned stuff thanking people for flying them
Arrived at the gate at 2355, 35 minutes behind schedule. Onto HNL - SYD.
CP 1027 HNL - SYD
Schedule Depart HNL 0030
Schedule Arrive SYD 0700
Same flight number but a change of aircraft here in HNL not so lucky this time, this aircraft is one with an AC tail and CP logo... Tail number 634.
Boarding has already began when I got to the gate area and when I showed the FA my seat 5A She quickly said "Oh did you came from YYZ? We'll have to change your seat, someone has taken that seat." Knowing that the J class on this flight was very empty as well and that I was an EP, I was not worry about losing my upgrade but rather worry about not getting a single seat! The FA explained to me that 5A was taken by a relief pilot which also explains why this seat reclines to almost a bed!
My fear came true when the FA came back and told me my new seat is 1C I am not happy about losing my single seat but nothing I could do about it I guess. My seat mate was a guy from YYZ - HNL who was sitting in 4A. Flight was delayed for 15 minutes because the Air New Zealand flight to SYD has gone mechanical and CP is taking as many passenger as they can for them and also the guy which was suppose to be in 1A has disappeared (I was eyeing that seat badly!!) and didn't show up until they were ready to unload his bags and close the door. A guy who got upgraded to J class was later downgraded because CP decided to take a Air NZ J class passenger. Poor guy The CSD was also not too pleased with some people in J class when they decided to play seat switching while she was trying to find out what seats are empty. Pushback finally took place at 0045. 25 (including the pilot) in J class and 188/210 in Y class. After a long taxi, we took off at 0105. Flight time is 10 hours and 25 minutes.
Drinks order were taken shortly after take off followed by a light meal service with Kauai shrimp and noodle soup, Hawaiian sesame chicken presented with pineapple, papaya slices and red potato salad.
Lights were then turned off with the FA placing a bunch of fruits and drinks out in the galley. They then disappear for the whole flight. I fell asleep for the next 7 hours until breakfast service started.
BREAKFAST
- fresh fruit plate
- breakfast pastries, preserve
ENTRE SELECTIONS
- Gouda cheese omelette
- crepe with scrambled eggs complemented by Alfredo sauce
- a chilled option featuring a turkey and cheese croissant
ACCOMPANIMENT OPTIONS
- grilled breakfast bacon
- oven-browned potatoes
First officer made an announcement when we just passed over Brisbane and about 300 miles off Sydney.
Plane landed at 0725 and we were at the gate at 0735. Took another 25 minutes to spray the plane before we were allowed to deplane. The FA made an announcement asking 6 people including me to see the concierge at the gate. The concierge wanted to know whether there is any thing he could do to help me. The other 5 people was informed by the concierge that they missed their connection to MEL and they are rebooked on a QF flight. A quick peek at the conceirge's sheet reveal that I am the only EP on board with 5 GLD on board.
Proceeded onto customs and it was absolute horrible with lines going on and on forever. Now I feel a bit upset that the concierge didn't offer to take me through the crew lane after seeing that one of the FA on the flight took a family with 2 kids through the crew lane. Took 45 minutes to clear customs. No questions at all from the customs no luggage so proceed onto my next flight SYD - PER
AN 111
Schedule Depart SYD 0950
Schedule Arrive PER 1250
Checked in was no problem. I didn't even bother to ask for an upgrade when the guy checking me in seems like he just got out of bed. Instead, I asked for an empty seat next to me.
Took the shuttle to the domestic terminal and proceeded on to the AN Golden Wing lounge. When I presented my CP EP card for entry, the guy seems puzzled until he remembered that they are now partner now with CP. He also points out that the guy didn't enter my CP FF number into my booking correctly because it is not showing on the boarding pass. He consulted some of his colleague and fixed the problem for me.
Lounge was nothing out of the ordinary. I was hoping that they had internet access so I could post part of my trip report but no luck!
Before proceeding to the gate, I asked the agent to check again whether I have an empty seat next to me and I was told yes but the flight is reasonably full so don't be surprise if someone shows up next to me. Took my seat 10G. This is a A320 aircraft. The seat was a exit row seat and indeed I had the whole row to myself and the seat pitch was as good as CP J class on A320 since this is an exit row. Now, I am glad that I got this row instead of an upgrade! The flight was almost full! The only disadvantage of an exit row was that the hand rest cannot be lifted.
We pushed back at 1005 and took off at 1015. The flight time was 5 hours and 10 minutes which is lot longer than usual due to extremely strong headwinds.
A snack service consisting of a chocolate bar and coffee was served. The movie was then played with lunch service in the middle of it. We didn't get a choice of lunch which was some sort of creamy pasta which I couldn't tell what was in it except for pasta! Forgetting that I am in a coach domestic flight, I asked for wine and then being asked for $$ which of course I denied too spoiled by CP!!Desert was then given out which was a Nestle ice cream cone.
We landed at 0115. The actual flight time was actually 5 hrs as we picked up some time along the way.
SHERATON PERTH HOTEL
Took the shuttle bus out to Sheraton hotel and arrived there around 1415. I was informed by the agent that I've been upgraded to the Executive Suite but my room will not be ready for another 45 minutes. I said "No problem I just go out and take a walk!" Back at 1500 and room was ready, the room was extremely nice, 21st floor overlooking the Swan River. Shortly after that, I received a letter from the hotel informing me that I could use the Executive lounge on the top floor! The usual cost of using the lounge is $37 AUD a day. This is one of the best Starwood have ever done for me! I am now 100% in getting a suite upgrade as a Starwood Plat when requesting a King bed. The only time I didn't get upgraded form Starwood is the time when I wanted 2 double beds in Westin Prince Hawaii.
So, 32 hours after leaving my house, 26 hours on a plane I am finally here in PER settling in my suite.
Back to SYD on the 22nd !
I'll keep on posting the rest of the report whenever I get a chance to connect to the internet! I didn't have time to edit the report so might have tons of errors in it!
AN 210
Schedule Depart PER 1455
Schedule Arrive SYD 2055
Checked out of the Sheraton at about 1240 waiting for the airport shuttle which I called the previous night which never showed up. A call by the concierge to the shuttle bus company reveal that they thought I reserved it for 1345. However, the concierge even remember me saying I needed one for 1245! The company promise me a refund at the airport.
Took the taxi to the PER airport which cost me $20 AUD and 20 minutes. I was never able to find the place where they told me I would get a refund! I am trying to find an address which I am going to write a letter to.
Check in lines was empty. My CP FF number was entered in with no problem this time and I again requested the exit row 10 and was given with no problem. The agent insisted that I have to check my bags in even though I never ever had to check it in on over 200+ flights. He for some reason insist that it was too heavy. Got into the AN Golden Wing lounge with my CP ExecPlat status. I was going to post this report when I found out that they had internet access but they for some stupid reason disabled "paste" option in Internet. The lounge is very small and has limited food selections.
Boarding took place at 1435 and pushback at 1445. Took off at 1450. Flight time was 3 hours 45 minutes and we are schedule to arrive in SYD 20 minutes ahead of schedule. J class full and Y class about 60%. For some reason on both my trips on AN, the emergency exit rows are the only ones which seems to be empty. I got the whole row to myself again.
Movie commenced soon. The movie was "The whole nine yards". Dinner service came around shortly. It is some sort of fried chicken breast with tons of onions. Ice cream cone for dessert.
Hilton SYD Airport
I am currently staying at the Hilton Arport SYD. I am staying on a point stretcher award. Checked in around 9pm and when I told them my last name and seeing that it seems like a room wasn't preassign to me, I know that my possible upgrade is down the drain I asked about upgrade to a room with airport view and high floor as a Hilton GOLD member, I was then told "yeah, you've been upgrade." This response was obvious lie to me.
I was at least expecting a corner room as an upgrade but when I arrive at the room, not a corner room, not an airport view as requested, TV very very fuzzy, 6th floor and I am very confident that this is previously a smoking room converted into a non smoking room by spraying stuff
A call down to front desk solved nothing and this is the first of my 3 nights here
While this is a free stay, I still expect a better treatment for a Honors GLD member. This is especially upsetting and why does it seems like that we have to "FIGHT" for that upgrade every time? Now that I am stuck in this room for the rest of my stay, I am extremely upset and I am really really really regretting that maybe I should have chosen a Starwood property instead when they have not disappointed me once so far as a Platinum member. I don't expect them to upgrade me to a suite like Starwood always does but I absolutely think they could have done better than this.
This smoking smell is really ticking me off despite their claim that this is a non smoking room.
Another call to the front desk insisting on a room change got the job done. A very unhappy front desk agent call back up and told me they are moving me to another room on the 8th floor (Hmm.. why didn't they give me this room when I request a high floor in the first place and an airport view?). This resulted in a very unhappy concierge/bell boy being sent up.
5 attempts to connect to the internet from the hotel room results in failure and a $4.50 charge.
Another disappointing experience from Hilton and I am definitely writing to Hilton about it.
The return trip will be posted tonight or tomorrow!
Jul 25, 2000 | 8:28 pm
#2
Original Poster
Company Representative - Air Canada
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Canada
Posts: 24,224
Checked out of the hotel at around 7:30am. Looking out my hotel window, I can see that the CP plane have already arrived from HNL. I barely made the 7:30a shuttle to the airport after the front desk agent decide to take 5 minutes to check me out and the only thing that she really had to do was to collect the couple dollars of phone charges from me since I am staying for free.
Anyways arrived at the airport in 5 minutes and the CP check in which was done by AN was very quiet. No one at the J class checkin so I was first in line. The agent was kind of confused about how to get my HNL - YYZ boarding pass. At last she gave up and said I'll get it in HNL. She never had the intention to collect upgrade stickers from me which is fine with me! She gave me my SYD - HNL boarding pass and a invitation to the AN lounge.
Breeze through customs and went straight to the lounge. It is extremely important that you get an invitation at checkin since they will "NOT" grant you entry unless you have membership or have invitation. The lounge was very simple, usually drinks and washroom equipped with showers. No place to plug computers in.
Headed to the gate and it took me a while to find it (gate 54) since it's hidden in a little corner. The concierge then showed up which I thought maybe they just wanted to see how my day went so far WRONG!!! She introduced herself and then "Seems like we are missing some upgrade stickers from you." I took out the Blue stickers and she took it in her finger which I later saw her threw it out which mean they really don't need it to upgrade you.
CP 134
Schedule Depart SYD 0935
Schedule Arrive HNL 2340
I was the first to board in J class and took my seat 4A. 5A is once again blocked off for relief pilot.
Pushback took place at 9:37am and took off at 9:50pm from 34L. Flight time was 9 hours and 12 minutes with strong tailwinds. There were 15/25 in J class. A guy asked the CSD for an upgrade on his way to his seat in Y but was denied but as soon as the door closes, he was moved up immediately how nice
Shortly after takeoff, drink orders were taken and then lunch came around
Lunch menu:
TO BEGIN:
Seared scallops served with tomato ceviche
ENTRE SELECTIONS:
- grilled lamb chops presented with vermouth and grape sauce
- chicken tajine enhanced by sharmoula sauce
- fillet of barramundi with panko crust accompanied by lemon thyme cream sauce
ACCOMPAINIMENT OPTIONS:
- Mushroom and basil polenta or classic new potatoes
- Garlic green beans or ratatouille
CHEESE AND DESSERT:
Selection of fine cheese
Blackberry ice cream or citrus and almond tosca
Lights were quickly dimmed after all the trays are cleared off
FAs came around and took orders to watch movies from the Personal video system.
The guy in front of me (3A) kept drinking alcohol from the time we took off. The CSD came around and told him "nicely" that he should stop drinking that much but he didn't care. Total count: 7 cans of beer and more than 5 liqueur. He gets up to the washroom every 10 mins and I was surprise he still wasn't drunk!
Shortly before landing, a light meal was served with fruit bowl and a choice of beef osso bucco or vegeterian calzone.
Flight landed 30 minutes ahead of schedule. What a easy rotation for the FAs, 6 days away from home and 40 hours in the logbook!
Got a lot of time in HNL til my 12:45am flight to YYZ. Now those U.S. customs really ticked me off and it just makes me hate them that much more. They checked my passport which was a standard thing for transferring in U.S. They make me stand there and question me for 5 minutes on who paid for the trip, where I was born , what my jobs is. Meanwhile other people was breezing through. It was obvious that the guy was trying to screw me up.
CP 128
Schedule Depart HNL 1245
Schedule Arrive YYZ 1539
Flight pushback on time and with the usual long taxi, we took off at 100. J class was full and Y class was 70% full. A guy who got upgraded was downgraded because there was a seat duplication and he has a lower status poor guy.
Once again, drinks order were taken and then a light snack is served.
They haven't changed this menu for the last 2 years as far as I can remember. Maybe they don't expect anyone to fly to HNL that frequently!
LIGHT MEAL:
Minestrone soup
Island seafood plate comprised of marinated scallops. Shrimp, calamari rings and melon slices
Chocolate
Only about 5 people ate the snack and then lights were dimmed, FAs disappeared until breakfast time.
I am losing energy typing up this report getting shorter and shorter!
Breakfast were served before landing we arrived into YYZ 15 minutes ahead of schedule and breeze through customs nothing compared to U.S. customs!
Overall a great trip to AUS! Overall cost works out to be $0.04CDN/mile!
Anyways arrived at the airport in 5 minutes and the CP check in which was done by AN was very quiet. No one at the J class checkin so I was first in line. The agent was kind of confused about how to get my HNL - YYZ boarding pass. At last she gave up and said I'll get it in HNL. She never had the intention to collect upgrade stickers from me which is fine with me! She gave me my SYD - HNL boarding pass and a invitation to the AN lounge.
Breeze through customs and went straight to the lounge. It is extremely important that you get an invitation at checkin since they will "NOT" grant you entry unless you have membership or have invitation. The lounge was very simple, usually drinks and washroom equipped with showers. No place to plug computers in.
Headed to the gate and it took me a while to find it (gate 54) since it's hidden in a little corner. The concierge then showed up which I thought maybe they just wanted to see how my day went so far WRONG!!! She introduced herself and then "Seems like we are missing some upgrade stickers from you." I took out the Blue stickers and she took it in her finger which I later saw her threw it out which mean they really don't need it to upgrade you.
CP 134
Schedule Depart SYD 0935
Schedule Arrive HNL 2340
I was the first to board in J class and took my seat 4A. 5A is once again blocked off for relief pilot.
Pushback took place at 9:37am and took off at 9:50pm from 34L. Flight time was 9 hours and 12 minutes with strong tailwinds. There were 15/25 in J class. A guy asked the CSD for an upgrade on his way to his seat in Y but was denied but as soon as the door closes, he was moved up immediately how nice
Shortly after takeoff, drink orders were taken and then lunch came around
Lunch menu:
TO BEGIN:
Seared scallops served with tomato ceviche
ENTRE SELECTIONS:
- grilled lamb chops presented with vermouth and grape sauce
- chicken tajine enhanced by sharmoula sauce
- fillet of barramundi with panko crust accompanied by lemon thyme cream sauce
ACCOMPAINIMENT OPTIONS:
- Mushroom and basil polenta or classic new potatoes
- Garlic green beans or ratatouille
CHEESE AND DESSERT:
Selection of fine cheese
Blackberry ice cream or citrus and almond tosca
Lights were quickly dimmed after all the trays are cleared off
FAs came around and took orders to watch movies from the Personal video system.
The guy in front of me (3A) kept drinking alcohol from the time we took off. The CSD came around and told him "nicely" that he should stop drinking that much but he didn't care. Total count: 7 cans of beer and more than 5 liqueur. He gets up to the washroom every 10 mins and I was surprise he still wasn't drunk!
Shortly before landing, a light meal was served with fruit bowl and a choice of beef osso bucco or vegeterian calzone.
Flight landed 30 minutes ahead of schedule. What a easy rotation for the FAs, 6 days away from home and 40 hours in the logbook!
Got a lot of time in HNL til my 12:45am flight to YYZ. Now those U.S. customs really ticked me off and it just makes me hate them that much more. They checked my passport which was a standard thing for transferring in U.S. They make me stand there and question me for 5 minutes on who paid for the trip, where I was born , what my jobs is. Meanwhile other people was breezing through. It was obvious that the guy was trying to screw me up.
CP 128
Schedule Depart HNL 1245
Schedule Arrive YYZ 1539
Flight pushback on time and with the usual long taxi, we took off at 100. J class was full and Y class was 70% full. A guy who got upgraded was downgraded because there was a seat duplication and he has a lower status poor guy.
Once again, drinks order were taken and then a light snack is served.
They haven't changed this menu for the last 2 years as far as I can remember. Maybe they don't expect anyone to fly to HNL that frequently!
LIGHT MEAL:
Minestrone soup
Island seafood plate comprised of marinated scallops. Shrimp, calamari rings and melon slices
Chocolate
Only about 5 people ate the snack and then lights were dimmed, FAs disappeared until breakfast time.
I am losing energy typing up this report getting shorter and shorter!
Breakfast were served before landing we arrived into YYZ 15 minutes ahead of schedule and breeze through customs nothing compared to U.S. customs!
Overall a great trip to AUS! Overall cost works out to be $0.04CDN/mile!
Jul 26, 2000 | 10:30 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,190
I had almost forgotten the chaos that awaits one at SYD airport going through lines at immigration, agricultural control, etc. And of course, the fumes afterthey spray the cabin... Wonder what the children of these men now look like. Surely there must be some genetic damage for all those chemicals! Thanks for filling us in on what to expect on this service. Did you get to Freemantle? Or Doyles on the Beach in Sydney? Just passing through MLL at YYZ, so will contact you once I get settled back home.
Jul 26, 2000 | 1:01 pm
#4
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: HKG
Programs: CX DM, NH Plat, SPG Lifetime Plat, Hyatt Plat
Posts: 404
Thanks for this great report Empress. I'm off this Friday evening .. expecting full J cabins. I will remember to ask the EP concierge in SYD to walk my mother and I through the crew line. And will also remember the invitation for AN lounge (cross fingers about not lifting upgs stickers).
Will also post a trip report so we can all compare notes.
Will also post a trip report so we can all compare notes.
Jul 26, 2000 | 4:34 pm
#5
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Seattle, Cagayan de Oro
Programs: CebGo 5J, Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum, Alaska Titanium
Posts: 4,778
Excellent flight report Empress. It is a long flight no matter what class you fly. I was not that impressed with CP Air but the price was right. However you have convinced me to go for the AMEX starwoods card.
The faults that I have found with CP Air mostly are found in their staff. They just seem so tired, indifferent and worn out. I sometimes feel like a child around them. For example I asked for a bag of peanuts on the HNL-SYD portion and I was told that dinner will be served soon. Well that's nice but I would just like a bag of peanuts. Never did get it. Service is a strange term with this airline! I got the feeling the flights on this route were staffed by senior flight attendants who were more interested in going to Australia and Hawaii for a holiday! We passengers were the least of their concerns.
Cheers,
Dave Stevenson
The faults that I have found with CP Air mostly are found in their staff. They just seem so tired, indifferent and worn out. I sometimes feel like a child around them. For example I asked for a bag of peanuts on the HNL-SYD portion and I was told that dinner will be served soon. Well that's nice but I would just like a bag of peanuts. Never did get it. Service is a strange term with this airline! I got the feeling the flights on this route were staffed by senior flight attendants who were more interested in going to Australia and Hawaii for a holiday! We passengers were the least of their concerns.
Cheers,
Dave Stevenson
Jul 26, 2000 | 5:42 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Programs: FB PLT again afater a decade as plebian
Posts: 22,940
Empress
Thanks for the report.
What is the thing with having to go through US INS at HNL? I always thought the a/c would use the sterile transit area (when CP used to interchange with QF and NZ). Does the flight not go to that international terminal anymore?
Interesting that the SYD-HNL flight will leave at 10:30 in August. I wonder why the schedule has changed? Not because of summer/winter time?
[This message has been edited by terenz (edited 07-26-2000).]
Thanks for the report.
What is the thing with having to go through US INS at HNL? I always thought the a/c would use the sterile transit area (when CP used to interchange with QF and NZ). Does the flight not go to that international terminal anymore?
Interesting that the SYD-HNL flight will leave at 10:30 in August. I wonder why the schedule has changed? Not because of summer/winter time?
[This message has been edited by terenz (edited 07-26-2000).]
Jul 26, 2000 | 7:41 pm
#7
Original Poster
Company Representative - Air Canada
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Canada
Posts: 24,224
Terenz: The flight leaves at 10:35am due to the time change and it also arrive SYD an hour later at 8:00am. It still arrive in HNL at 11:40pm as they currently do. SYD is currently in winter time.
As to the customs question at HNL, they still use the same international transit area as before. However, I think it's stupid that they have to check your passport. Maybe they were too boring??
Davistev: Even though I was getting great service in J class, I must agree with you on some of the attitude of some crews. These routes are mostly served by "older" crews but there were couple of really young Japanese FAs on my flights. On HNL - SYD, the crews were simply over excited because it was their first trip to SYD. No body wanted to do it when the CSD asked someone to spray the plane. On the HNL - YYZ portion, the 2 male FAs were simply not too excited about doing their job probably because their vacation is over?? Not a bad job consider a high seniority FA/Pilot only have to do 2 YYZ - SYD to get their hours in!
As to the customs question at HNL, they still use the same international transit area as before. However, I think it's stupid that they have to check your passport. Maybe they were too boring??
Davistev: Even though I was getting great service in J class, I must agree with you on some of the attitude of some crews. These routes are mostly served by "older" crews but there were couple of really young Japanese FAs on my flights. On HNL - SYD, the crews were simply over excited because it was their first trip to SYD. No body wanted to do it when the CSD asked someone to spray the plane. On the HNL - YYZ portion, the 2 male FAs were simply not too excited about doing their job probably because their vacation is over?? Not a bad job consider a high seniority FA/Pilot only have to do 2 YYZ - SYD to get their hours in!