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Mileage running to Sydney, Kuala Lumpur & Tokyo including Malaysia & Singapore First
With not a single award seat back from Australia after New Years, the cheapest Business Class way home was to buy a roundtrip… in our case Hamilton Island-LAX-Sydney. Not wanting to waste the return flight and lost free BA Tier Points, I’m completing the roundtrip by flying to Sydney and then coming home via Asia on Malaysia and Singapore First Class.
https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4473_0.jpg Older and wiser about Qantas’ annoyingly stupid and cheap decision not to spend money and join PreCheck, I headed to the bowels of the Bradley to the “secret” TSA security checkpoint. I have never seen this checkpoint crowded but tonight was amazing as there was only one other passenger and he was long gone by the time I got to screening. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4474_3.jpg Obviously I was in and out in no time and headed upstairs to the T4/Bradley connector and the short walk to the Qantas First Class Lounge. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4477_0.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4479_0.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4480_0.jpg What are the odds that 3 of the 4 moving walkways are out of service?? https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4481_0.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4482_0.jpg Yeah, I'd say I made the right choice about the security checkpoint. No one at PreCheck but a lot of good that does me. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/sfo777/IMG_4483.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4487_1.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4490_0.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4491_0.jpg The Salt and Pepper squid was excellent as always. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4492_0.jpg The sea bass not as good as last time. Note to self: don't order fish on Sundays. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4493_2.jpg And then there was this loud mouth Brit that drank and yapped nonstop until his BA flight was called. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4495_0.jpg For dessert, the Chocolate bread and butter pudding with marscapone sauce and ice cream was fabulous. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4497_1.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4498_0.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4499_0.jpg At T-50, I headed out for the walk to Gate 154. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4501_2.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4502_0.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4503_2.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4504_1.jpg |
Qantas QF 12
Los Angeles LAX to Sydney SYD A380-800 10:55pm-8:45am +2 March 3, 2019 Business Class Seat 11A and the Business Class Lounge Suite Boarding had already started by the time I arrived at Gate 154. The Business Class lane was wide open and I was upstairs and on board a couple minutes later. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4505_0.jpg Qantas A380 Business Class is a far cry from First Class on the main deck of this plane. It is also a far cry from Business Class on the 789 or most good airlines. Ugly and dated 2-2-2 seating. And after a couple of hours, quite uncomfortable. Add in an indifferent crew and this was a long, long flight. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4508_1.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4509_0.jpg One of the advantages of a window seat is the storage compartments. Small price to pay for having to hop over your seatmate later on to go to the lav. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/sfo777/IMG_4510.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4519_0.jpg Good leg room and that handy window storage space and counter top. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4520_2.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/sfo777/IMG_4523.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4525_3.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4526_0.jpg Tonight's menu with the usual Great Barrier Reef cover. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4515_1.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4514_1.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/sfo777/IMG_4516.jpg The pre-order Breakfast menu. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/sfo777/IMG_4511.jpg The Qantas amenity kit. Pretty pathetic although rather fitting for a garbage Business Class product. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4517_0.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4527_3.jpg Let's check out the IFE... https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4531_1.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4530_0.jpg Apparently Qantas is the internet word for "we've never heard of Wifi mate". It's 2019 and it's a 15 hour flight for effsake. But if I'm really desperate supposedly I can message someone on the ground for $1.90 a message. LOL. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4532_1.jpg Or even chat with another passenger. Wow, the guy that thought up this one is probably CEO now. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4533_1.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4534_1.jpg Speaking of IFE... so I was watching Red Sparrow for what seems like the 10th time while waiting for service to begin, when the Purser came by to inform me that, so sorry, but they were going to have to reboot because some people were having trouble with their screen. Not me mind you, but others. OK, well thank you for the 10 minute break. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4536_1.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4539_0.jpg We're now 45 minutes into the flight and there was no sign of drink service, at least for me. I looked over and saw drink service for the middle pair of seats in row 11 and the right pair of seats. I flagged down the same purser that told me about the IFE reboot and asked about the lack of drink service. He replied that the crew was preparing service for the cabin. When I noted that others had drinks and indeed table cloths, he said that they had ordered Express supper selections so they get served first. Say what?? They get served their meal before drinks for the entire cabin? He did offer to bring me a drink... and please close my shades as it will be morning in Sydney when we arrive. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4537_0.jpg And then pretzels/almond mix. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4538_0.jpg Meal service for non-Express started around 75 minutes after wheels up. Note to Qantas: Meal service without a tray works great for 1-2-1 seat but not for a window seat in this 2-2-2 seating since the FA can't reach the A tray table without an effort which this group had no interest in doing. So we get the flight attendant passing each item after item to A for me to place. I wasn't hungry but took one for the team and the photo op. Qantas doesn't print a wine list for Business so it's hard to tell what the optons were. I went with the Pinot Grigio which was the only white. It was served at room temperature. Well done again Qantas... and please close my shades as it will be morning in Sydney when we arrive. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4543_1.jpg Yeah, that looks about as appetizing as AA domestic salad. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4545_2.jpg I pre-ordered the Spicey pulled pork ciabatta. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4546_0.jpg Which was actually pretty good, at the least the few bites that I had. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4547_0.jpg After dinner, I waited patienty for someone to clear up the plates. My patience ran out 25 minutes later when I gave up and rang the call button which nearly blew out my ear drums as it reverberated thru my headset... and please close my shades as it will be morning in Sydney when we arrive. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4549_0.jpg I made my own bed and got six hours of on and off reasonably good airplane sleep. With a good 6 hours to go, I explored the cabin. Interesting crew seats. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4556_2.jpg And then the front part of the upper deck. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4552_0.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4558_0.jpg The Qantas Business Class snack offering. Pretty pathetic compared to what American offers. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/sfo777/IMG_4603.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4568_0.jpg Then there was a completely empty Business Class lounge area, which looked far more comfortable than my dopey 11A. With no one else there, I decided to relocate and squatted for a good 5 hours. Much better than sitting in that Business Class seat. And IFE controls and power outlets hidden away in the little cubbies. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4567_0.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4564_1.jpg I watched Bohemian Rhapsody and The Meg, both for the 2nd time. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4589_1.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/sfo777/IMG_4598.jpg After 3 or 4 hours, a flight attendant stopped by and asked if I'd like anything. I requested the taste smoky bacon, egg and herb tart, although initially she had no idea that it was on the menu. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/sfo777/IMG_4572.jpg It was quite tasty. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/sfo777/IMG_4573.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4574_1.jpg Then there was this dude doing his exercise routine. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4576_2.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4601_2.jpg Back in my 11A, on approach on a beautiful summer morning in Sydney. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4611_1.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4613_1.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4618_2.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4619_1.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4620_1.jpg Mercifully, this 15 hour ordeal on one of the worst airlines in the free world was finally over. Qantas A380 Business Class would be my last choice on this route when AA, VA and DL all offer 1-2-1 seating. Even United is better despite their 2-2-2 Dreamliner seating. At least it is a comfortable 2-2-2 and they have Wifi and far better IFE. |
Looking forward to the rest of the report SFO777. I have only flew domestic on Qantas J many years ago. The seat at the lounge area looked indeed much better :D
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Qantas are just appalling
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Great new report, SFO777. I am amazed at your experience with Qantas. It really seems like this airline has really gone down hill, and used to be so highly regarded as one of the best!
Looking forward to all the additional parts. |
I got politely kicked out of the secret check point the last time I was through TBIT and tried to access it. Not sure if that was the new world order or whether I should have been more assertive with the security guard (laughing)
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Originally Posted by sl00001
(Post 30860204)
Looking forward to the rest of the report SFO777. I have only flew domestic on Qantas J many years ago. The seat at the lounge area looked indeed much better :D
Originally Posted by adampenrith
(Post 30860572)
Qantas are just appalling
Originally Posted by 757
(Post 30860816)
Great new report, SFO777. I am amazed at your experience with Qantas. It really seems like this airline has really gone down hill, and used to be so highly regarded as one of the best!
Looking forward to all the additional parts.
Originally Posted by worldtraveller73
(Post 30861047)
I got politely kicked out of the secret check point the last time I was through TBIT and tried to access it. Not sure if that was the new world order or whether I should have been more assertive with the security guard (laughing)
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I spent 7 hours in that business class seat once - and at 6’ 3 I’m too tall to stretch out on it when flat because of that stupid sticking out bit for your feet. Once was enough. The A330/789 seat I really like however |
Originally Posted by SFO777
(Post 30859964)
Then there was this dude doing his exercise routine.
https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4576_2.jpg |
I went with the Pinot Grigio which was the only white. It was served at room temperature. This is such a bad show especially considering that one would assume that the wine industry would use Qantas as a showcase for their wines. As usual, an entertaining read - cannot wait for the next chapter, thank you for sharing. |
Originally Posted by darthlemsip
(Post 30862010)
I spent 7 hours in that business class seat once - and at 6’ 3 I’m too tall to stretch out on it when flat because of that stupid sticking out bit for your feet. Once was enough. The A330/789 seat I really like however
Originally Posted by enviroian
(Post 30862334)
Freddie Mercury?
Originally Posted by roadwarrier
(Post 30862398)
:mad: :mad: This is such a bad show especially considering that one would assume that the wine industry would use Qantas as a showcase for their wines.
As usual, an entertaining read - cannot wait for the next chapter, thank you for sharing. |
Malaysia Airlines First Class - Sydney to Kuala Lumpur
While the LAX-SYD flight was free, I had to figure out how to get home. Rather than another boring SYD-LAX nonstop, I decided to take the scenic route home with using AA miles for Malaysia First Class from Sydney to Tokyo via Kuala Lumpur on their A359 and A380. My only other experience on MH was when Mrs. SFO777 and I flew Malaysia's A380 First Class from KL to London a few years ago. Malaysia has had issues of late, between losing two planes a few years ago to an apparent revolving CEO door, and confusing and at times rather strange directions. Like despite have First Class cabins on many planes, MH announced in December that they were eliminating "First Class" and replacing it with "Business Suites". No idea what the rationale is but for all intents and purposes and based on my experience today, it is still First Class just with a different name. Malaysia's beautiful A359 at the gate in Sydney. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4672_1.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4675_1.jpg Sydney SYD to Kuala Lumpur KUL Malaysia MH 122 A350-900 (A359) 1:10pm-6:30pm March 5, 2019 Departed 1/4 Suite 1K https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4676_1.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4677_2.jpg Yo Qantas, another airline with Wifi... unlike you. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4680_1.jpg Malaysia's First Class on the A359 is a single row 4 seat cabin. Not the most luxurious First Class cabin, with pretty bland and boring decor. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4681_0.jpg Since I was the only First Class passenger today, I had no problem taking pics. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4683_1.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4684_3.jpg And the Business Class cabin, starting at Row 2. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4682_0.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4685_1.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4688_0.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4690_2.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4693_0.jpg Since the A350 is not as wide as other long range twin engine planes, the suites are as spacious as other First Class suites. More like Business Class Plus. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4696_2.jpg My god, who picked the color scheme on this one? https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4700_1.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4701_0.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4702_2.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4705_0.jpg Today's menu... https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4719_0.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4707_2.jpg Considering Malaysia has great and unique cuisine, I was surprised to see a mostly Western menu. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4708_0.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/sfo777/IMG_4711.jpg On the other hand, the wine list was quite respectable. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4715_2.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/sfo777/IMG_4716.jpg The Malaysia First Class amenity kit... https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4720_2.jpg ... meh. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4721_2.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/sfo777/IMG_4723.jpg IFE was pretty good with a reasonable selection of movies, from Hollywood and Asia. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4726_1.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4724_1.jpg Good storage space throughout the suite. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4727_0.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4729_0.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/sfo777/IMG_4730.jpg We pushed back on time but then returned to the gate to resolve a minor technical issue and then headed back out 45 minutes later. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4735_1.jpg On our way to KL. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4772_0.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4773_3.jpg Right after take-off, my personal flight attendant, Elyana closed the curtains to wall off the cabin from the masses in Business and Economy. And as the only passenger in First, it was pretty much a private experience. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4774_1.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4775_2.jpg Elyana was well intentioned but her service lacked some of the typical refinements of more experienced cabin crew. My satay starter was excellent but she neglected to bring my champagne until after I was done. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4776_2.jpg And then she brought both the Champagne and Shiraz at the same time. LOL. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4779_2.jpg Both were excellent. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4781_3.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4782_1.jpg I had asked for the caviar first and then the seared tuna after. I'm guessing that it got lost in translation, as she and presumably Purser Aaron decided to serve both at once. It was an impressive display of food, so much so that Elyana decided to take a picture of it as well, after she saw me take one. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4785_1.jpgThe tuna was While the caviar was OK, the tuna was bland and pretty much tasteless. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4787_0.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4788_0.jpg For my main, I made the mistake of going with the Braised Brisket of Beef. Lots of fat although the sauce was good and made the brisket palatable. Overall pretty disappointing. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4789_2.jpg Next up was the cheese plate, which was quite good. With a couple more glasses of the wonderful St. Hallatt 2013 Old Block Shiraz. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4790_2.jpg And finally, delicious Hokey Pokey ice cream. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4791_1.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4792_0.jpg While Elyana made my bed, I headed to the lav to change. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4736_2.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4737_1.jpg Reasonable comfy bed and I was able to sleep for nearly 4 hours. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4793_2.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4795_1.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4796_0.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4797_0.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4811_0.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4812_1.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4814_0.jpg And a smooth touchdown at KUL after nearly 8 hours. https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4820_1.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4828_2.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4830_1.jpg https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s...IMG_4831_1.jpg Overall quite a pleasant flight. Service was well intentioned but just a little unpolished compared to the flawless service on my connecting flight to Tokyo. |
Why do you fly Qantas if you hate it so much ?
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Originally Posted by bme21
(Post 30863794)
Why do you fly Qantas if you hate it so much ?
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