QF: MEL - SYD vv
Sep 5, 2004 | 5:40 pm
#1
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QF: MEL - SYD vv
Just a short flight review I took over the weekend.
3/09/04 – QF494, 763 Cityflyer
Traffic to Tullamarine was rather sombre, allowing a very quick 45 minute drive from Glen Waverley. Taking advantage of QF’s Valet Parking, we were very quickly handed our boarding passes once all formalities were completed with the car handover.
As we still had another good hour before the departure of CityFlyer QF494, we decided to have a couple of smokes before entering the terminal (to all those not familiar with Melbourne Airport, there are no smoking rooms in the International and Domestic terminals). Hungry Jacks (Burger King) was the fare for the evening. Really felt like something greasy to line the stomach before our long weekend of over-indulgence. I had a regular whooper value meal (AUS$5.95), but really could have gone a large…being the glutton that I am. :-)
Boarding was spot on-time, with a flight load of 45% in Y and 80% in J. Alighting onto the plane was only through the main J-class galley door, and no proper privileges were given to business class or One World Frequent flyers. With such a light load, it wasn’t really much of an issue.
With only an average flight time of 55 – 60 minutes (prevailing Northerly), I was not excessively uncomfortable in 55K (last row). Seating configurations were in a 2-3-2 setup in Y-class and 1-2-2 in J.
Pushback was ten minutes behind schedule, but due to a strong Northerly, estimated to arrive into Sydney on time. After a short seven minute taxi, we took off into the ether.
Our flight path took us over Albury and Canberra, where the first signs of an impending thunderstorm was seen. Glorious views of lightning stretching horizontally across the CB clouds were simply breathtaking. Wish I had my camera, alas we decided to leave it behind as we were in Sydney for a long drinking session and felt that a camera might slow us down. :-)
A light snack was handed out, consisting of Orange & Mango juice, Cashew nuts, parmesan crostinis and fruit. Already semi-bloated from Hungry Jacks, I scoffed all down bar the cashews, which I kept for later.
Kingford Smith came into view and looked resplendent on this Spring evening (storms had yet to hit Sydney at this stage). No warning of landing was given, with the only sign being the surprise disappearance of all FAs.
Smooth and calculated, landing was textbook.
5/09/2004 – QF455, 763 Cityflyer
Return leg on QF455 was not a friendly affair. Not due to any of QFs doing, merely the fact that I was suffering severely from a self-induced hangover. It didn’t help that our flight was delayed, thanks to a closing electrical storm.
Baggage handlers were asked to cease work and all arriving flights were not cleared for docking procedures (hence an ever increasing queue of QF aircrafts could be seen lining up beyond my line of sight). Had it not been for my rupturing headache, I would have enjoyed the view much more. As it stood, I just wanted to get home and roll into bed.
The storm cleared somewhat and all work had recommenced. Ten minutes before our estimated time of departure, our gates were changed from 6 to 17 (unrenovated). At our new gate, no plane was sighted. In fact, no plane was sighted for another 15 minutes. Announcements were very poorly relayed and were left in the lurch till boarding.
Like our outbound flight, boarding was in no particular order, and no special treatment was given to premium PAXs. Despite that, boarding was completed in under 20 minutes.
The first officer and captain both expressed sincere and heartfelt apologies for the delay and were on the way as soon as clearance was given. Taxi took over 15 minutes as there was a traffic jam on the tarmac, with three other company aircrafts waiting for TO.
Once we reached cruising altitude, the FAs kicked into action, swiftly handing out a light snack. IMPO, they should have served a hot meal/dinner as our original departure time had crept into the later meal-frame. With that said, the snack was suitable for an hour flight. Like the other flight, we got Berri Orange & Mango juice again, but were given Byron Bay Cookies (choc chip and honey & oatmeal cookies) instead. No fruits were offered.
This aircraft (City of Wollongong) was aesthetically in better condition than the last. Firstly, all the LCD screens were working and not flashing between colour and magenta. My armrest was not cracked and torn and the seats were in reasonable condition. All in all, suitable for a one hour flight.
During the entire flight, the captain and first officer were constantly updating us on our flight progress, destination weather conditions, information for transiting Jetstar and Qantas PAXs, etc. Once again, they expressed their apologies for the delay (all PAX knew that there was nothing they could have done).
The landing was smooth and expertly executed. We taxied to the gate but had to wait for seven minutes before we could disembark.
We both headed straight to the Valet Parking, paid the fees (for all QFF, you can accrue 5 points for every dollar spent with the Valet parking – ex. Car wash).
That’s it. Short flight and a short review. My next flight will be the following:
QF: MEL – SYD
QF: SYD – SIN
MH: SIN – CAN
Will report more then.
3/09/04 – QF494, 763 Cityflyer
Traffic to Tullamarine was rather sombre, allowing a very quick 45 minute drive from Glen Waverley. Taking advantage of QF’s Valet Parking, we were very quickly handed our boarding passes once all formalities were completed with the car handover.
As we still had another good hour before the departure of CityFlyer QF494, we decided to have a couple of smokes before entering the terminal (to all those not familiar with Melbourne Airport, there are no smoking rooms in the International and Domestic terminals). Hungry Jacks (Burger King) was the fare for the evening. Really felt like something greasy to line the stomach before our long weekend of over-indulgence. I had a regular whooper value meal (AUS$5.95), but really could have gone a large…being the glutton that I am. :-)
Boarding was spot on-time, with a flight load of 45% in Y and 80% in J. Alighting onto the plane was only through the main J-class galley door, and no proper privileges were given to business class or One World Frequent flyers. With such a light load, it wasn’t really much of an issue.
With only an average flight time of 55 – 60 minutes (prevailing Northerly), I was not excessively uncomfortable in 55K (last row). Seating configurations were in a 2-3-2 setup in Y-class and 1-2-2 in J.
Pushback was ten minutes behind schedule, but due to a strong Northerly, estimated to arrive into Sydney on time. After a short seven minute taxi, we took off into the ether.
Our flight path took us over Albury and Canberra, where the first signs of an impending thunderstorm was seen. Glorious views of lightning stretching horizontally across the CB clouds were simply breathtaking. Wish I had my camera, alas we decided to leave it behind as we were in Sydney for a long drinking session and felt that a camera might slow us down. :-)
A light snack was handed out, consisting of Orange & Mango juice, Cashew nuts, parmesan crostinis and fruit. Already semi-bloated from Hungry Jacks, I scoffed all down bar the cashews, which I kept for later.
Kingford Smith came into view and looked resplendent on this Spring evening (storms had yet to hit Sydney at this stage). No warning of landing was given, with the only sign being the surprise disappearance of all FAs.
Smooth and calculated, landing was textbook.
5/09/2004 – QF455, 763 Cityflyer
Return leg on QF455 was not a friendly affair. Not due to any of QFs doing, merely the fact that I was suffering severely from a self-induced hangover. It didn’t help that our flight was delayed, thanks to a closing electrical storm.
Baggage handlers were asked to cease work and all arriving flights were not cleared for docking procedures (hence an ever increasing queue of QF aircrafts could be seen lining up beyond my line of sight). Had it not been for my rupturing headache, I would have enjoyed the view much more. As it stood, I just wanted to get home and roll into bed.
The storm cleared somewhat and all work had recommenced. Ten minutes before our estimated time of departure, our gates were changed from 6 to 17 (unrenovated). At our new gate, no plane was sighted. In fact, no plane was sighted for another 15 minutes. Announcements were very poorly relayed and were left in the lurch till boarding.
Like our outbound flight, boarding was in no particular order, and no special treatment was given to premium PAXs. Despite that, boarding was completed in under 20 minutes.
The first officer and captain both expressed sincere and heartfelt apologies for the delay and were on the way as soon as clearance was given. Taxi took over 15 minutes as there was a traffic jam on the tarmac, with three other company aircrafts waiting for TO.
Once we reached cruising altitude, the FAs kicked into action, swiftly handing out a light snack. IMPO, they should have served a hot meal/dinner as our original departure time had crept into the later meal-frame. With that said, the snack was suitable for an hour flight. Like the other flight, we got Berri Orange & Mango juice again, but were given Byron Bay Cookies (choc chip and honey & oatmeal cookies) instead. No fruits were offered.
This aircraft (City of Wollongong) was aesthetically in better condition than the last. Firstly, all the LCD screens were working and not flashing between colour and magenta. My armrest was not cracked and torn and the seats were in reasonable condition. All in all, suitable for a one hour flight.
During the entire flight, the captain and first officer were constantly updating us on our flight progress, destination weather conditions, information for transiting Jetstar and Qantas PAXs, etc. Once again, they expressed their apologies for the delay (all PAX knew that there was nothing they could have done).
The landing was smooth and expertly executed. We taxied to the gate but had to wait for seven minutes before we could disembark.
We both headed straight to the Valet Parking, paid the fees (for all QFF, you can accrue 5 points for every dollar spent with the Valet parking – ex. Car wash).
That’s it. Short flight and a short review. My next flight will be the following:
QF: MEL – SYD
QF: SYD – SIN
MH: SIN – CAN
Will report more then.
Sep 5, 2004 | 5:51 pm
#2
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Join Date: Nov 2003
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Posts: 71,445
Thanks for the report tiernan1338 ^
I prefer to not have further significant delays that a change in catering would entail.
Originally Posted by tiernan1338
IMPO, they should have served a hot meal/dinner as our original departure time had crept into the later meal-frame.
Sep 5, 2004 | 7:15 pm
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hi Kiwi Flyer,
I definitely agree with you. However, catering would still have to load the AC before pushback and I feel would probably not take up significantly more time.
Then again, this is coming from someone (namely I) who is not fully conversant of the technical 'engine' behind getting an AC prepped for departure.
REgards
Tim
I definitely agree with you. However, catering would still have to load the AC before pushback and I feel would probably not take up significantly more time.
Then again, this is coming from someone (namely I) who is not fully conversant of the technical 'engine' behind getting an AC prepped for departure.
REgards
Tim
Sep 6, 2004 | 2:10 am
#4
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: SYD
Programs: Mid-tiers with no tears: OZ*G, AC*G, NZ*S, VA Silver, QF Gold, HH Gold, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 5,441
Sorry to hear you got caught up in the weather madness yesterday. I just enjoyed the show from the comfort of our balcony - simultaneously within view was bright sunlight, white thunderheads, black clouds, a rainbow, and a hail-whitened city - it was awesome!
You didn't miss out on much re the new hot meals - I had one MEL-SYD last week and it was a very flavourless tub of tomato and olive pasta and a tiny chocolate bar.
BTW, a trivial fact for you: the wind must have been a southerly (as I remember it was on Friday - it was damn cold as we headed out clubbing) to give you a relatively quick journey time. The name of a wind refers to the direction it comes from, not the direction it goes in.
You didn't miss out on much re the new hot meals - I had one MEL-SYD last week and it was a very flavourless tub of tomato and olive pasta and a tiny chocolate bar.
BTW, a trivial fact for you: the wind must have been a southerly (as I remember it was on Friday - it was damn cold as we headed out clubbing) to give you a relatively quick journey time. The name of a wind refers to the direction it comes from, not the direction it goes in.
Sep 6, 2004 | 4:07 am
#5
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SYD and (sometimes) MEL
Programs: QP Silver; CX MPC Green; Virgin AusRed
Posts: 694
Thank you for your insight tiernan1338!
Your trip report has give a taste of what to expect for my up-coming trip up Sydney. BTW, how's the quality of the snacks?
Also, are you sure you flown on a 'City of Wollongong' on your return trip. AFAIK, 'Wollongong' is VH-VXU B738 and I have checked that QF 455 was servered by VH-OGH (City of Parramatta).
Anyhow, Look forward to your next trip report.
Ricky
Your trip report has give a taste of what to expect for my up-coming trip up Sydney. BTW, how's the quality of the snacks?
Also, are you sure you flown on a 'City of Wollongong' on your return trip. AFAIK, 'Wollongong' is VH-VXU B738 and I have checked that QF 455 was servered by VH-OGH (City of Parramatta).
Anyhow, Look forward to your next trip report.
Ricky
Last edited by RickyT; Sep 6, 2004 at 4:20 am
Sep 6, 2004 | 3:33 pm
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Gday all,
"Your trip report has give a taste of what to expect for my up-coming trip up Sydney. BTW, how's the quality of the snacks?
Also, are you sure you flown on a 'City of Wollongong' on your return trip. AFAIK, 'Wollongong' is VH-VXU B738 and I have checked that QF 455 was servered by VH-OGH (City of Parramatta)."
I thought the snacks were of relatively high standards. What else would one expect from QF? :-)
No, you are correct in that QF455 was actually Parramatta. Wollongong is now a 737-838. My lapse of concerntration really did skew my report. :-)
"Sorry to hear you got caught up in the weather madness yesterday. I just enjoyed the show from the comfort of our balcony - simultaneously within view was bright sunlight, white thunderheads, black clouds, a rainbow, and a hail-whitened city - it was awesome!
You didn't miss out on much re the new hot meals - I had one MEL-SYD last week and it was a very flavourless tub of tomato and olive pasta and a tiny chocolate bar.
BTW, a trivial fact for you: the wind must have been a southerly"
Oh look, if I wasn't in such a miserable state (self inflicted), I would have enjoyed it a lot more. Alas, I could have easily curled up in a corner and let the world slip by.
Yes, the wind was a southerly.
"Your trip report has give a taste of what to expect for my up-coming trip up Sydney. BTW, how's the quality of the snacks?
Also, are you sure you flown on a 'City of Wollongong' on your return trip. AFAIK, 'Wollongong' is VH-VXU B738 and I have checked that QF 455 was servered by VH-OGH (City of Parramatta)."
I thought the snacks were of relatively high standards. What else would one expect from QF? :-)
No, you are correct in that QF455 was actually Parramatta. Wollongong is now a 737-838. My lapse of concerntration really did skew my report. :-)
"Sorry to hear you got caught up in the weather madness yesterday. I just enjoyed the show from the comfort of our balcony - simultaneously within view was bright sunlight, white thunderheads, black clouds, a rainbow, and a hail-whitened city - it was awesome!
You didn't miss out on much re the new hot meals - I had one MEL-SYD last week and it was a very flavourless tub of tomato and olive pasta and a tiny chocolate bar.
BTW, a trivial fact for you: the wind must have been a southerly"
Oh look, if I wasn't in such a miserable state (self inflicted), I would have enjoyed it a lot more. Alas, I could have easily curled up in a corner and let the world slip by.
Yes, the wind was a southerly.