|
A Quick Flight from Responsibility
It’s been a while. A lifetime ago, really—back when no one called me “Dad,”. Those were the glory days of award travel, when points were plentiful, awards were cheap, and the biggest dilemma in life was “LX First or SQ Suites?”
These days, I’m the guy booking family trips 12 months out, desperately trying to find four award seats like I’m playing elite-level Sudoku with frequent flyer charts. I read other people’s trip reports the way some people read romance novels—wistfully, a little jealously, and with a glass of wine in hand. Those old travel instincts are still there… they just take naps now. But then, something happened. Last week, while reading yet another glorious trip report, a crazy idea popped into my head: maybe I can still do this. A long weekend was coming up, work was light, And, best of all, my amazing wife offered me a four-day hall pass. No strings, just go. The destination didn’t even matter. I just wanted to go somewhere. Anywhere. In style. Where to go? Birmingham. Why? Because getting there required two long-haul flights and, let’s be honest, I’d been reading weirdly captivating trip reports (looking at you JapesUK) that made it sound quirky and cool in a low-key way. When to go? King’s Birthday weekend (June 7–9, plus maybe a cheeky day or two of leave). Perfect—except, of course, everyone elsehad the same idea. There were no awards left from anywhere in Oz to Southeast Asia or the Middle East. After hours of searching, I cobbled together a routing: MEL–DEL–BOM–LHR (Air India) & BHX–IST–KUL–SYD (Turkish). Bold, yes. Wise? Questionable. The AI routing had only a 3-hour connection in BOM—on separate tickets—and flying AI 788 J didn’t quite have the magic I was craving. I hesitated. I stalled. But wait. Hope wasn’t lost. I remembered the previous weekend (May 30–June 2) was also a long weekend for us Canberrans. Surely fewer people were trying to flee the country then? I started searching again. And bingo! I found SYD–DOH–AUH–CDG on Qatar First and Etihad First, using a heroic mix of Avios and Aeroplan. It even had a manageable 3-hour connection in AUH. I was travelling HLO, so I figured I could roll the dice. Of course, the EY F turned out to be phantom. Classic. But after a few more searches, I found a more direct option: SYD–DOH–BHX. The return was a breeze: ZRH–BKK–MEL (Swiss and Thai), with a 36-hour stopover in Bangkok. A final hit of warm weather and spicy noodles before heading back to Canberra’s chill. Final routing: CBR–SYD–DOH–BHX // MAN–ZRH–BKK–MEL–CBR. Five days. Two nights in BHX. One night in BKK. The adventure kicks off this Thursday with a tiny hop from CBR–SYD, followed by a blissful stint in the Qantas First Lounge, and then it’s Qatar First all the way. Let the champagne flow, the trip reports be written, and the glory days be relived—if only for a weekend. |
Nice itinerary you have managed to piece together there! I am sure you will have a great trip!
If you need any recommendations for your BKK stopover, do let me know - happy to help :) |
Originally Posted by SKT-DK
(Post 37109467)
If you need any recommendations for your BKK stopover, do let me know - happy to help :) |
Originally Posted by somebol
(Post 37109520)
sure. Fire away 😁
|
Originally Posted by SKT-DK
(Post 37109620)
Whereabouts are you planning to stay? And what kind of activites would be of interest? - that would steer towards the right suggestions.:tu:
have been to Bangkok before so have done the tourist stuff |
Birmingham is truly an international jet-setters destination now thanks to Birmingham Bites thread, who'd have thought!
Enjoy your adventure :D |
Great looking trip, yes JapesUK has truly invigorated the TR corner of FlyerTalk, he’s now essential weekend reading🤪
|
Always happy to be leading fellow FT'ers astray :D
|
Originally Posted by atcodave
(Post 37109901)
Great looking trip, yes JapesUK has truly invigorated the TR corner of FlyerTalk, he’s now essential weekend reading🤪
somebol looking forward to your report, and love your description of how you read this forum |
I've subscribed. This sounds like must reading.
|
Plans for Birmingham
Friday evening - Peaky blinders themed pub tour Saturday morning - Warwick castle |
There’s a very specific kind of excitement that comes the day before a solo international trip. A rare, almost mythical energy. The kind that only we understand. The brethren. The tribe. The ones who’ve spent too many hours on Flyertalk forums and have strong opinions about aircraft subtypes. Only we get us.
When I mentioned this trip to friends or colleagues, I was met with the same quizzical head tilt and furrowed brow. “You’re doing what?” “You’re flying to the UK… for two days?” They looked at me like I was some sort of deeply confused, points-obsessed mutant. Which, to be fair, I am. But in here—in this community—these trips aren’t just understood. They’re celebrated. They’re the stuff of legends. Emotionally, I’m oscillating between giddy anticipation and mild guilt. But let’s be clear: this isn’t indulgence. This is self-care. It just so happens that my version of self-care involves lie-flat beds, warm nuts, and a wine list with footnotes. There’s a particular kind of freedom in knowing that, for five brief, blissful days, no one will ask me what’s for dinner, where their school hat is, or whether their iPad has been charged. Instead, I’ll be contemplating far more important questions, like: “Champagne or scotch?” I’m kidding, of course. I’ll have both. At the same time. Right now, I’ve got seven hours until my first flight. Between now and then, I’ll drop the kids at school, finish a few work things, and pretend to be a functioning adult. But mentally, I’m already gone—wandering the marble floors of the Qantas First Lounge, sipping something French, wondering if Neil Perry has finally lifted his game. (Spoiler: probably not. But hope, like status, springs eternal.) The first leg is a puddle jumper from Canberra to Sydney. Barely a flight, really—but symbolically, it marks the moment the wheels lift off and the escape begins. After that: Qantas First Lounge. Then Qatar First. Am I really flying halfway around the world just for a seat and a meal? Absolutely. And I regret nothing. |
Originally Posted by somebol
(Post 37109644)
staying in sukhumvit area. Interested in Any fun places with decent cocktails
have been to Bangkok before so have done the tourist stuff I like your writing style btw! |
And it begins!!
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...638ba28d1.jpeg Drink #1 Tequila sunrise courtesy of priority pass |
Originally Posted by somebol
(Post 37113388)
Am I really flying halfway around the world just for a seat and a meal?
Absolutely. And I regret nothing. |
Now in VA lounge. Boarding in 30 mins
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...bdfb12785.jpeg Drink #2 the ‘’Nicht-Standard-Trio’’ |
Originally Posted by somebol
(Post 37113388)
Emotionally, I’m oscillating between giddy anticipation and mild guilt. But let’s be clear: this isn’t indulgence. This is self-care. It just so happens that my version of self-care involves lie-flat beds, warm nuts, and a wine list with footnotes.
... Am I really flying halfway around the world just for a seat and a meal? Absolutely. And I regret nothing. |
Originally Posted by somebol
(Post 37113388)
Am I really flying halfway around the world just for a seat and a meal?
Absolutely. And I regret nothing. This entire post could be the perfect forward to an FT Trip Report compendium! |
Looking forward to following along. Have a great time! :)
|
Australians often complain about the “Australia Tax”—the mysterious premium we pay on just about everything from gadgets to groceries to economy class. But we in Canberra? We live under a more niche tyranny: the Canberra Tax. Flights to and from CBR are somehow double the cost of any other route. A simple 300km hop to Sydney? North of $200. Same price as a decent domestic leg. Except this one’s in a Dash 8 and lasts about as long as a good voice message.
But I love flying out of CBR. It’s never too busy, the layout is intuitive, and it only takes minutes to get from kerbside to airside. My wife dropped me off like she was making a grocery run, and moments later I was airside, toasting the trip with a drink at Capital Brewing, courtesy of priority pass, and then migrated to the Virgin lounge to nurse a beer and answer a few work emails to keep up the illusion of productivity. The hop to Sydney was, as always, unremarkable. We spent more time in the airspace above Sydney than actually flying. It’s a route best described as “airborne formality.” After landing, I took the airport bus to the international terminal. From there: check-in, security, and immigration. I was walking into the Qantas First Lounge 45 minutes after deplaning. While arriving into Australia usually involves suspicion, sniffer dogs, and explaining your trail mix to someone in latex gloves, departures have now started to resemble arrivals. After security, you’re funnelled into a single, sad little immigration hall with exactly sevenSmartGates to serve all of international departures. Seven! For a major city. But once you make it through, the reward is sweet. You emerge into the warm, familiar glow of the Qantas First Lounge. Now, in Australia, we don’t agree on much. But we do agree on three cultural icons: Don Bradman, Ned Kelly, and the Salt and Pepper Squid in the Qantas First Lounge. The lounge itself is beautiful—tastefully designed, with great tarmac views and a decent wine list. And in the past, I’ve had some excellent meals there. I have the photos to prove it. Full disclosure: I’m vegetarian. (Not by choice) So it was with great anticipation that I approached this long-awaited return visit (my first since 2019). And, well… let’s just say it didn’t live up to the memory. I had lentil soup, mushroom stir-fry, and pavlova. The soup was lukewarm, joyless, and so devoid of flavour that no amount of salt or pepper could revive it. The mushroom stir-fry was better, but still miles behind what you could get in any average suburban Asian joint. The pavlova? Glorious, as always. And the sourdough served with the soup was legitimately excellent—I ate the bread and left the soup, which felt symbolic somehow. All of this was accompanied by two glasses of champagne and the slow erosion of my culinary optimism. But hey, champagne dulls many things. Including soup-based betrayal. Some people critique QR First for its lack of doors, or its less-than-private layout. Personally, I don’t mind. It’s spacious, elegant, and—most importantly—has no dreaded footwell coffin. As for privacy, I’m not particularly worried. I assume my cabin-mates are far too busy drinking Krug and pretending to sleep to care what I’m doing in seat 2A. As I write this, we’re 12 hours into the flight. I’ve had a good meal, slept solidly for nearly seven hours, and spent the last few hours sipping coffee, writing and reflecting on the fact that this whole plan, while slightly ridiculous, is also absolutely worth it. There’s 1.5 hours left until we land in Doha P.S. No photos until we get to BHX, most likely. My phone and iPad are currently locked in a Cold War, and I lack the finger flexibility (and patience) to type anything longer a line on my phone. Words only for now—pictures when iDevice diplomacy is restored |
Just to prove that I am not making all this up, some photos to establish the authenticity of my words
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...98a28843b.jpeg My ride to sydney https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c9797b4c1.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6b6680877.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...13e1b7b1a.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...860974942.jpeg the “questionable soup” https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...01716532b.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...30211ef23.jpeg QR welcome drink https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9b1a7cffa.jpeg Proper drink https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3d45686e3.jpeg A tasty soup for change, I did eat more food onboard, but forgot to take photos https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...df3f76b4f.jpeg breakfast at Al Safa |
Have just checked into Adagio aparthotel, the plan is to go for a walk and then the pub tour and then sleep. Hopefully that should keep the Jet lag to a minimum.
But first, I am thirsty and need to find a beer. |
|
With nothing better to do. I got ready and went down to moor st station to purchase tickets for today’s excursion to Warwick. Also bought the plusbus addon for Birmingham
the plan now is to ride random busses till it’s time for the train. but first, need coffee… https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...473b18007.jpeg |
A tour around suburbia to Solihull.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...57ed60869.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...abfd6df61.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4c735b816.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...133c74557.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fb90651f9.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4a89472bd.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4003911ba.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...dc13b1625.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...bed3e95d6.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7427c8613.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...dfc14a7c3.jpeg |
I enjoyed the excursion to Warwick Castle. The history is fascinating—this place has been standing for over a millennium and has hosted everyone from William the Conqueror to Netflix location scouts. There’s something both grounding and surreal about standing in a centuries-old stone hall that predates your entire country. Touching walls that have seen a thousand years of drama, betrayal, and questionable plumbing is oddly humbling.
Beyond the expected stately rooms, towers, and draughty corridors, there were live shows, falconry displays, and more activities for kids than you could shake a foam sword at. I spent a couple of hours just wandering the grounds, climbing towers, and taking in the views. All in all, a great way to spend a few hours https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d88f4c22f.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...213123eda.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...338a10a6c.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6e4893ea3.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9b0030994.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...52f3d3acd.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1cf6571d1.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2db405b08.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f0341e3ef.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...56239474d.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8abc696c0.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4fbeb33cf.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b25ea76e7.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5b1ccf087.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...28e556ce1.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8d8e703f8.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ae15b17ae.jpeg Now heading back to the hotel to charge devices. Afterwards it’s jewellery quarter, drinks and food in no particular order |
I am flying from MAN tomorrow morning on lx y. Is it worth purchasing premium security?
|
I did last year when flying from MAN in LH Y since I was travelling with a bandaged wrist and was concerned about having to go through a crowded security check in a hurry. (Plus bad previous security experiences at MAN where I'd almost missed a flight.)
It worked since I was through in 5 minutes even with an extra check of the bandages, and I was offered help lifting my bag as well. But a friend on the same flight said that regular security was very quick that day, so who knows if it was actually necessary. Certainly felt easier, though. |
somebol thanks for the Warwick Castle details, was looking forward to this!
Once upon a time in the 1980s I was there and as a yank was "concerned" when I emerged at the top of a tower and the door from the stairs auto-closed with a loud "thump". Turning around at the noise I was dismayed to see a door with no handle and a sign "No Way Down". Makes sense to Brits but for a moment I thought I would have to climb down lol! Thankfully there was a separate down-only stairwell |
Typed this up last night but forgot to post.
After a bit of rest and some much-needed time plugged into both a power outlet and the void, I headed out to explore the famed Jewellery Quarter. It was… quiet. Aside from a few equally misguided souls, the place was largely deserted. Apparently, Saturday afternoon isn’t peak time for diamond shopping or idle wandering. Still, I gave it a go. Wandered the leafy streets, peered into closed storefronts, and stopped at a couple of watering holes that were thankfully open and more than happy to pour a pint for a lone traveller. Grabbed a bite to eat somewhere vaguely edible—nothing to write home about, but it did the job. After a couple of hours of aimless ambling, I decided to call it. Back to the hotel, back to bed. Tomorrrrow’s a big travel day, and I’ve got to be up at sparrow’s fart for a romantic 3:25am date with a National Express coach. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a3b51e841.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...60dc56c89.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0c712b926.jpeg The beer was good. Pizza not so much https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...189544b8a.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...dcc7b7bea.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...dc860856a.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...075c10087.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...28e4ce3de.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d23af1f4e.jpeg |
Ready and checked out by 2:30am for my ultra-luxury, zero-lie-flat National Express coach to Manchester Airport. Not that I was getting much rest anyway—I went to bed at 9, but from midnight onwards it was a revolving door of 30-minute naps, existential dread, and glances at the clock.
By 1:30am I gave up the ghost, got dressed, and headed out. The walk to the coach station was interesting . The night crowd was still in full swing—revellers spilling out of bars, kebab wrappers fluttering in the breeze, the occasional bouncer still trying to enforce order with minimal enthusiasm. The coach station was heaving, too. Not a single empty seat in sight. Apparently, 3:25am is peak hour in Birmingham if you’re travelling on a budget, trying to make a Ryanair check-in, or in my case, chaining together a convoluted award itinerary for fun. Sleep may be in short supply, but spirits are high. |
The lounge situation in MAN is dire. Both aspire and escape are chockers
so retreated to priority pass restaurant https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...cc7e59555.jpeg Standard trio in a duo format (mimosa). Have to check what the fuss is about |
Looks like man-zrh will be cancelled.
Supposed to be on lx180 tonight. I am on separate tickets so not sure what my options are. will lx do anything to help? |
Originally Posted by somebol
(Post 37120068)
Looks like man-zrh will be cancelled.
Supposed to be on lx180 tonight. I am on separate tickets so not sure what my options are. will lx do anything to help? |
Originally Posted by somebol
(Post 37119804)
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0c712b926.jpeg
The beer was good. Pizza not so much |
Originally Posted by GoBob
(Post 37120283)
Crust looks passable but yikes, what are those toppings? (PS, good luck with your travel today)
|
Originally Posted by somebol
(Post 37113388)
my version of self-care involves lie-flat beds, warm nuts
|
Quick update.
Changed plans now flying lhr-bom on ai f. Currently driving to lhr. Will provide a detailed update once I am there |
Bom? Wow, wasn’t expecting that
|
| All times are GMT -6. The time now is 3:15 pm. |
This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.