SYD - Mel F & J Class
Jan 26, 2003 | 4:35 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: In Exile
Programs: QFF WP :-0, AC, FlyBuys, Porter's Liquor Store, Mother's Helper
Posts: 2,496
SYD - Mel F & J Class
The journey commenced with a quick trip via the train from Kings Cross to the International terminal. At $14.00 return it was a bargain and the connections were faultless. I didn’t have nay luggage as it was a day trip but I could imagine that a suitcase in some stations would be a hassle.
Arrived at the First Class check-in counter and was seen to straight away by an agent serving the J section further down. The agent was surprised that you could do a SYD-MEL sector in F and did not know the answer to my question as to whether I could access the F lounge, in fact she was a bit unsure if I could use the J lounge until I pointed out my Gold FF card. Basic information that I would expect agents on these counters to have a handle on.
Immigration was a breeze as you can use the special lane. The general lines were packed so it was nice to get straight through.
I proceeded to the F Lounge to try my luck and had no problem. The lounge was nice but I wasn’t bowled over by the place. I have been in the J lounge many times and thought it was just a smaller version. It was only AM so maybe the catering improves later in the day. The buffet is self service like J and there are a number of seating areas that break up the space nicely to give a feeling of privacy.
THE FLIGHT
FLIGHT: QF2
EQUIPMENT: 747-400
DEPARTURE: 9:30
NUMBER PLATE: VH OJK
SEAT: 1A F Class
LOAD: Looked busy back there
An announcement was made that the guys were a bit late loading the groceries so we were going to be a bit late. That done everyone piled aboard. The CSM took my boarding pass and once he recognised the status, he welcomed me personally and invited me around to the F cabin.
As I arrived at my seat, Margaret appeared and said Hi, asked if I would like a drink and went off to arrange it. QF2 to MEL is a continuation of the LHR-BKK-SYD flight. Margaret appeared with my OJ and chatted a bit. They were a new crew on the way to SIN then, after a rest LHR. She enquired as to my destination and I said “ I was one of those people that just flew around for the experience rather than the destination” . Margaret liked flying too (good thing) and offered to take my seat. She was nice! I asked her to call me Grant as I like the informality (especially when I’m practicing my hobby).
Seating was the new design fabric which I personally think is a bit retro and bland. The seat of course is very comfortable and private. The wing design of the head rest makes it hard for other passengers to see in.
The pilot came over the PA and said that he still had 15 minutes in the meter so we waited until that ran out. Of course the inevitable happened and he couldn’t get the thing started – fortunately a nice man in a truck was going by and gave us a push start which worked. Thanks mate! Getting out of the parking lot was a bit of a drag as, being Saturday morning, everyone and their dog was doing the same thing. It took 35 minutes before we got on the road.
Once on the way there were a few pot hole that made service a bit tough. Even so, in the 1 hour Margaret managed to serve a very nice breakfast of energiser drink, French press coffee, bakery lines and a very nice mushroom and gruyere cheese tart. The flight down was shrouded in smoke and you realise just how drought stricken we are with not a patch of green to be seen.
We arrived in MEL from the south at 11:25. Taxied past Emirates 777 on a remote park that I saw in the same spot in November. Is it still waiting for the NRMA? Other a/c at the Int. Terminal included a 747ER, UA 747, Air Vietnam 767, Malaysian 777, and China Air 747. After SYD you realise how small MEL is in terms of a/c movements and the like. Being F Class, you get off first, funny that and I was cleared through all the immigration and customs guys in 5 minutes. Very acceptable. Mind you once through, there are solid automatic doors that open and all of a sudden you are greeted by an audience of people awaiting the arrivals. It is a little disconcerting and I liken it to being thrust upon a stage.
MEL was like an oven with the fan on and not at all comfortable. I gave up on taking pics from the viewing area as it was too uncomfortable and went down to the QC lounge.
FLIGHT QF 438
EQUIPMENT: 767-399
DEPARTURE: 14:00
NUMBER PLATE: VH ZXB
SEAT: 3K J Class
LOAD: Packed to the teeth
Given the 40C temperature everyone in MEL with any sense was out of there so we all piled on. The FA offered water prior to departure which was much appreciated. Once again the road was a bit bumpy so the FA’s had a devil of a job to get their little routine done in the short 55 min journey.
Just a few observations: The FA addressed everyone by name which was a nice thing to do (is this the new service standard?) refreshments were offered then I noticed they all did a few rounds with more wine and water, coffee/tea. A great job. Hot towels were handed out at the end of the service. In all a very good service. The bloke next to me was from the UK and seemed very impressed by it all.
In all, it was a great way to burn $1000.00 (oh, and $14.00 train ticket).
------------------
Arrived at the First Class check-in counter and was seen to straight away by an agent serving the J section further down. The agent was surprised that you could do a SYD-MEL sector in F and did not know the answer to my question as to whether I could access the F lounge, in fact she was a bit unsure if I could use the J lounge until I pointed out my Gold FF card. Basic information that I would expect agents on these counters to have a handle on.
Immigration was a breeze as you can use the special lane. The general lines were packed so it was nice to get straight through.
I proceeded to the F Lounge to try my luck and had no problem. The lounge was nice but I wasn’t bowled over by the place. I have been in the J lounge many times and thought it was just a smaller version. It was only AM so maybe the catering improves later in the day. The buffet is self service like J and there are a number of seating areas that break up the space nicely to give a feeling of privacy.
THE FLIGHT
FLIGHT: QF2
EQUIPMENT: 747-400
DEPARTURE: 9:30
NUMBER PLATE: VH OJK
SEAT: 1A F Class
LOAD: Looked busy back there
An announcement was made that the guys were a bit late loading the groceries so we were going to be a bit late. That done everyone piled aboard. The CSM took my boarding pass and once he recognised the status, he welcomed me personally and invited me around to the F cabin.
As I arrived at my seat, Margaret appeared and said Hi, asked if I would like a drink and went off to arrange it. QF2 to MEL is a continuation of the LHR-BKK-SYD flight. Margaret appeared with my OJ and chatted a bit. They were a new crew on the way to SIN then, after a rest LHR. She enquired as to my destination and I said “ I was one of those people that just flew around for the experience rather than the destination” . Margaret liked flying too (good thing) and offered to take my seat. She was nice! I asked her to call me Grant as I like the informality (especially when I’m practicing my hobby).
Seating was the new design fabric which I personally think is a bit retro and bland. The seat of course is very comfortable and private. The wing design of the head rest makes it hard for other passengers to see in.
The pilot came over the PA and said that he still had 15 minutes in the meter so we waited until that ran out. Of course the inevitable happened and he couldn’t get the thing started – fortunately a nice man in a truck was going by and gave us a push start which worked. Thanks mate! Getting out of the parking lot was a bit of a drag as, being Saturday morning, everyone and their dog was doing the same thing. It took 35 minutes before we got on the road.
Once on the way there were a few pot hole that made service a bit tough. Even so, in the 1 hour Margaret managed to serve a very nice breakfast of energiser drink, French press coffee, bakery lines and a very nice mushroom and gruyere cheese tart. The flight down was shrouded in smoke and you realise just how drought stricken we are with not a patch of green to be seen.
We arrived in MEL from the south at 11:25. Taxied past Emirates 777 on a remote park that I saw in the same spot in November. Is it still waiting for the NRMA? Other a/c at the Int. Terminal included a 747ER, UA 747, Air Vietnam 767, Malaysian 777, and China Air 747. After SYD you realise how small MEL is in terms of a/c movements and the like. Being F Class, you get off first, funny that and I was cleared through all the immigration and customs guys in 5 minutes. Very acceptable. Mind you once through, there are solid automatic doors that open and all of a sudden you are greeted by an audience of people awaiting the arrivals. It is a little disconcerting and I liken it to being thrust upon a stage.
MEL was like an oven with the fan on and not at all comfortable. I gave up on taking pics from the viewing area as it was too uncomfortable and went down to the QC lounge.
FLIGHT QF 438
EQUIPMENT: 767-399
DEPARTURE: 14:00
NUMBER PLATE: VH ZXB
SEAT: 3K J Class
LOAD: Packed to the teeth
Given the 40C temperature everyone in MEL with any sense was out of there so we all piled on. The FA offered water prior to departure which was much appreciated. Once again the road was a bit bumpy so the FA’s had a devil of a job to get their little routine done in the short 55 min journey.
Just a few observations: The FA addressed everyone by name which was a nice thing to do (is this the new service standard?) refreshments were offered then I noticed they all did a few rounds with more wine and water, coffee/tea. A great job. Hot towels were handed out at the end of the service. In all a very good service. The bloke next to me was from the UK and seemed very impressed by it all.
In all, it was a great way to burn $1000.00 (oh, and $14.00 train ticket).
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Jan 26, 2003 | 12:17 pm
#2
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Seattle
Programs: Alaska Airlines
Posts: 1,570
Gee GoldFlyer -
I wish on US carriers for flights an hour long, a meal like yours was served.
It always seems that the international carriers take meal service seriously-regardless of actual flight time.
Even though you burned $1000, it appears to have been well worth it. Good for you.
Have a great rest of the week...:-)
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Patrick A. Inouye
I wish on US carriers for flights an hour long, a meal like yours was served.
It always seems that the international carriers take meal service seriously-regardless of actual flight time.
Even though you burned $1000, it appears to have been well worth it. Good for you.
Have a great rest of the week...:-)
------------------
Patrick A. Inouye
Jan 26, 2003 | 12:44 pm
#3
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Portland OR Double Emerald (QF and AA), DL PM/MM, Starwood Plat
Posts: 19,593
QF has really cut back on the service for these short flights. I took MEL-SYD in F about a year ago and the breakfast was twice as elaborate as what you describe (and very delicious, I still remember the passion fruit). In fact the MEL-SYD breakfast was similar to the AKL-SYD F breakfast (when QF still had F service on its metal on that route). Rather amazingly CX serves an even more elaborate meal for the equally short HKG-TPE route.
The D sticker is essential. I also remember the QF lounge at SYD having very good prawns, but those appear some time after breakfast. As an aside, MEL-SYD is one of the 3 busiest routes in the world (and has more traffic than SFO-LAX, for example).
The D sticker is essential. I also remember the QF lounge at SYD having very good prawns, but those appear some time after breakfast. As an aside, MEL-SYD is one of the 3 busiest routes in the world (and has more traffic than SFO-LAX, for example).