Since joining FT, I’ve learnt a lot; I’ve also tried to give back a little. I’ve also picked up the addiction of miles and mileage runs. Summer is over down under, and spring has sprung (or so I’m hoping) in the Northern Hemisphere. Time to go away for a little while.

I’ve planned this trip for a long time – way back in July/August, in fact. Thanks to the tools and experts I’ve found here, I devised this route on a DONE4 to be completed in 3 weeks.

WLG-SYD-JFK-MIA-DCA-DFW-YVR-FDW-SFO-LHR-HEL-LHR-DXB-LHR-BKK-HKG-NRT-HKG-SIN-MEL-WLG

I’ve never flown like this before, so it’ll be interesting.

When I gave this itinerary for my TA to book, she was slightly surprised that I’m not stopping at some of the places. Then again, I’ve been dealing with her for several years now, and she knows I’ve these weird requests every now and then.

My original plan (back in July/August) was to book it, but only pay in the last minute – at least I could be earning interests on that money. However, (again thanks to FT), I found out BA were to impose a fuel surcharge. I took the gamble that once BA did that, other airlines would follow. So I rushed my TA to issue the ticket before the start of the surcharge. At first, it might have saved me around NZD$70, but after several rounds of surcharges from different airlines (plus a raise in DONE4 tickets), I’ve lost track of how much money that would have been. I estimate the cost will be around NZD$3000 more if I am to pay for it now. It almost sounds like an investment…! (On the other hand, I don’t know whether I can afford to do another one of these next year with all these extra charges…)

Between ticketing and now, I’ve been slowly arranging my accommodation. Again, thanks to FT, I’ll be moving hotels after one night even if I’ll be in a city for several nights… I’ll also write a few things about these hotels when we get to them… Also during this time, I’ve put myself on the waitlist on QF up to first class for SYD-JFK.

Fast forward to this week, it’s been an exciting week. Not only was work busy, the airport has been closed for some 5 days out of the last 7 due to fog. While it’s foggy season in Wellington now, I’ve never seen this much fog for such a prolonged period of the 15 years I’ve lived here. Although it cleared considerably in the last 48 hours, it was still foggy this morning. With nothing to see outside the window, I checked obsessively whether my upgrade has cleared. It still hasn’t cleared this morning, so I was on the verge of giving up. Then it cleared! Woohoo!

Now, I just have to pack, and wake up at 4am tomorrow to catch the 6am flight…

25 Mar
QF118
WLG – SYD
1C

I didn’t get much sleep the night before. The flight departs at 6am, so I’d to be at the airport by 4:30 at the latest. Spent a bit of time packing, and making sure I got everything I need. By the time I was done, it was about midnight. I decided to just spend some quality at the PlayStation and wait it out. By 2:30, I was bored, so managed to dose off for an hour or so.

As I mentioned earlier, the weather in Wellington hasn’t been the greatest lately. Heavy showers throughout the night, but at least it wasn’t foggy. I got to the airport at just after 4am. The queue for economy check-in was long; it nearly snaked outside the terminal. Perhaps it was due to the start of the Easter weekend or perhaps there were 2 flights leaving, to SYD and to MEL. The business class counters (there were 2) were all busy, but it was my turn in less than a minute.

Handed over my ticket and passport, apart from the standard questions, the agent also asked whether I’d a return ticket. I was never asked that before, and at that hour of the morning, I didn’t what to say. Anyway, she went through the tickets (commenting how many coupons I have), and saw the final one will be back to WLG. She checked me in and offered to arrange the departure tax for me at the counter. Normally, you’ve to queue at the Foreign Exchange counters to buy that sticker. Happily handed over my credit card and everything was done in less than 5 minutes.

I discovered this morning that both of my watches ran out of batteries. So I spent a little time going through duty-free for a cheap watch. While I found something simple and practical, I still think I paid too much for it. Anyway, I didn’t think I’d a choice.

I then headed towards the Qantas lounge. It has quite a nice décor and was attended by a cheerful staff – way too cheerful for this early in the morning. It was just simple DIY breakfast affair – nothing too fancy. Perhaps it was still dark outside or they didn’t have all the lights on, it was rather dark… Anyway, had a simple breakfast and it was almost time to board.

Business class was quite full (7 out of 8), and I had the spare seat next to me – not that it mattered much. These 737-300 workhorses have the old business class seats. Settled in and the FA offered to hang up my jacket. Pre-departure drinks were offered, then it’s time to close the door. Despite the check-in queue, the flight wasn’t 100% full, perhaps 90%... I was slightly surprised by that.

We were then offered a movie menu for our personal DVD player. Nothing appealed, so I settled in with the main overhead screen showing The Incredible. Not long after the movie started, it was time for breakfast. While there were no printed menus, there were 3 choices, cereal, pancakes and something I forgot. I’d the pancakes, they were a bit weird – fluffy yet dry. I don’t how they managed that.

After breakfast, I wanted to stay up for the movie, but I’d my noise cancelling headphones on, and managed to spend most of the time watching the inside of my eyelids. The headphones were as effective as I thought they would be, but with the sleep I managed to get, they were obviously good enough. (I normally can’t sleep on planes.)

When I woke up, the movie was about to finish and the sun was up. With about an hour to go, the FA still managed to squeeze in a couple of water rounds. Good stuff, the pancakes were a bit dry. All up, there were lots of drinks on the flight, I was probably offered 6 or 7 drinks for this 3.5 hour flight.

Due to favourable weather, we landed at SYD about 15 minutes early. On the other hand, we’d a long taxi and almost caused a crash when we had to brake hard before we crossed a runway.

Anyway, went through the Transfer Centre and got pulled over for an ‘additional check for explosives’, which apparently is a trial. They wipe pieces of paper on you and the inside of your bag and put them through a machine. Favourable beeps from the machine allowed me through. (Is this the Aus version of SSSS?)

I then went to the First Class Qantas lounge. Perhaps my expectations were too high, but I expected more from this lounge, given this is the flagship lounge for QF at their home airport. Only basic food (as per WLG) was on offer. When I first got in, the lounge was pretty full. Then a rush of departures to NZ emptied it out. As I sit here typing this, it’s slowly being filled again.

By the way, the PCs here are so slow, it’s not funny.

Anyway, I shall get going. I need a scroll around the airport and a shower before I ready myself for my first QF first class flight, can’t wait!

Leumas, I thought I should check out what hapening on the Trip Reports board s I haven't been here in a couple of weeks and I'm having a slow Easter (worked today a I'll be in SYD and CBR next week). I was rapt to see a RTW TR and one from somebody I feel I know (from the QF Board).

Excellent - a TR as-you-go, to boot!! And what a DONE4 routing ...I'm jealous . I can understand why you didn't have any sleep last night - sleeping can be done on the SYD/JFK leg in comfort. Really looking forward to your updates. Congratulations on getting the F seat on QF107.

To answer that question about the ion scanner, they've been in at all Aust Dom & Intl terminals for a while..maybe a year or more?? More post 9/11 madness. But then again, I've seen pax in BNE set them off...miners going back to central Qld who've had traces of explosives on/in their bags, etc.

You obviously haven't seen the Border Security program over in NZ. Was a ratings winner for Channel 7 (first season just finished) - the ion scanners have had a starring role catching contraband material and people.

Ah Leumas, even on the other side of the world I had heard about the WLG fog. Glad to hear you got out okay. Look forward to hearing about the rest of the trip.

PS Tip from someone who tries to travel every easter - fly out a week or several days before Easter. For some reason airports in NZ and Australia seem to be overwhelmed but in europe and americas its like just another day for business.

QF WP - now I am offended you havent read the start of my trip report. I think this calls for a shout or three at the QP at Oz fest (unless we meet up again sooner).

Great report so far....interesting to see no menus in J WLG SYD. Good thing you did not leave earlier in the week with all that fog in WLG.

Eagerly awaiting the next installment.

Thanks for the comments, guys.

To be fair, the food at the SYD QP did get better after I posted. They changed to the lunch menu with salmon and seafood based finger food. However, there was not a single bottle of HP in sight...!

The view from the QP overlooking the runway and the tarmac kept me well occupied though.

I was still expecting the SYD lounge to be like the BA first lounge at LHR or the CX lounges at HKG.

Anyway, no, QF WP, I haven't seen that Border Control programme.

25 Mar
QF107
SYD - JFK
2A

I left the lounge slightly before the advertised boarding time. QF107 departed from Gate 8, when I got there, the whole area was blocked off. It seems Gates 8 and 9 are for US-bound flights. An announcement came through that the flight would be delayed due to the usual ‘inbound flight was late’ excuse. I wonder where the plane came in from.

People essentially camped outside the blocked off area with no seats anywhere nearby. There were some seats near Gate 10, but that’s full with a flight. In total, we camped outside around 40 minutes. It was rather annoying when they could have done the secondary screen and allow the passengers near the gate where there were plenty of seats available.

Finally made it on board, and one of the few times I got to turn left. First impression, it was crowded, and the seats were narrow. The FA offered to hang up my jacket, pre-flight drinks and almonds and olives. The CSD also came around did her introduction. I was then offered a sleeper suit and the amenity kit.

I changed into my sleeper suit quickly, and when I returned to my seat, the cabin was full. Row 4 was occupied by a family, who turned out to be going to NY. I think I might have seen the gentleman of the family on TV before, but I have no idea what his name is. Row 3 was occupied by 2 couples, who know each other. 2D/E were occupied by an elderly American couple. The lady had never flown in first class before, and she was 60 going on 16. Rather scary, if you ask me. I don’t mind people enjoying themselves, but laughing loudly and kissing each other every minute during the first 30 minutes was just annoying. I was in 2A, and the other seats were also occupied by single passengers.

Canapés were offered, before a late lunch. Lunch was interrupted several times due to turbulence. I was getting rather tired; I actually fell asleep between entrée and the main (during one of the turbulence breaks). The FA had to wake me up for the main. I’d the seared kingfish. It was OK, a bit tough, but it was kingfish. The highlight was the ice-cream dessert though. It was a huge slice (served in the form of a cheesecake) and I asked for additional fruit. The ice-cream was simply magic.

After lunch, I quickly settled into for sleep. Drifted in and out of sleep while I watched Ray. The movie was average I felt, but Jamie Foxx was very good. I always felt he’s a very good actor when he was in some bad sitcom shows years ago. Anyway, the FA offered to lay out the bed. The duvet was rather dirty looking, she explained it was just fluff from the blankets, but still…

I didn’t sleep much during Ray, so I chose a tape to watch – The Manchurian Candidate. The movie had a slow start, and I slept right through it after the first 20 minutes or so. When I woke up, the screen was off. Thankfully it was a tape, so I re-winded it and watched it again.

It’s breakfast time. I’d everything, cereal with yoghurt, bread, and the full cooked breakfast, washed down with some mango juice. I didn’t get a chance to try the famous steak sandwich though – maybe next time.

Due to the late departure, the changeover time were cut down to about 90 minutes.

Great report, look forward to the rest.

Would you care to elaborate a bit on the seats? Were these the skybeds?

Skybeds are business class seats, but this plane does have it.

Left the plane through door 2L. Thankfully, there were no other arrivals, so I got through the immigration process, including the finger printing and mug shot in about 5 minutes. After I collected my luggage, and dropped it off at the transfer point, I went back upstairs (not before being asked for donations, only at LAX).

Security line was huge. There were 6 lanes going, but it still took some 15 minutes to go through. They weren’t asking people to remove their shoes, but people were taking them off anyway. I didn’t take mine off, and I went through the mayhem without grief.

Gate 41 was the first gate after security. The board said I’d 30 minutes, so I’d a quick dash to the Admiral Club. I confused the reception lady by presenting a business class BP (WLG don’t have first class flights, so no first class BPs) with a first class seat number. After asking me and herself (several times), she gave me a key card to go to the Flagship Lounge. I asked the FL reception lady how much time I had, she said there should be enough for a shower since the flight is likely to be delayed as we (from SYD) were late, and they were also waiting for the connecting flight from MEL.

Had a quick shower, a quick tour of the lounge showed that it was filled with many people from the earlier leg. We started to board about 10 minutes after the advertised time. This leg also had a full first class, but half the people were new.

While they served lunch almost straight after we levelled off, most people from SYD (myself) went straight to sleep and skipped lunch. I’d a late lunch - banger and mash. The bangers were rather disgusting, but the mash was very tasty. No magic dessert this time, but I was determined not to sleep again in case I couldn’t sleep anymore that night (i.e., now). One movie later, I surrendered and slept for another 45 minutes or so.

Despite the delay, we landed at JFK pretty much on time. We flew over Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, then New York. We had a good view over Manhattan , the Statue of Liberty, then towards JFK.

My only other first class experiences were with CX (once on an Airbus, the other on a 747). A bit unfair to QF, but nothing wrong with comparing yourself to the best.

Summary
Services were good on both airlines, although I suspect CX is the more consistent of the two.

Catering, perhaps a slight edge to CX. QF have Dom ’96, but CX had caviar.

Cabin layout, a definite edge to CX. I think both the QF 747 and the CX 747 have 14 seats, but CX is so much roomier. QF only have 4 rows (vs CX 5 rows), so QF have 3 rows of 4. Row 2A/K are very close to the central block (D/E). Row 1 essentially have no overhead bin. Row 2A/K have some, but have to step into 2D/E space to reach it. You’ll be better off putting your luggage under your visitor seat. If you’re a single passenger, I’d suggest 1A/K or 3A/K. Row 1 is difficult to get though.

Seat – advantage CX again. QF seats are beginning to show their age. They’re narrow, but they have the visitor seat that CX don’t. The QF seat is more comfortable in an up-right position, but you don’t spend much time in that position anyway. In a bed position, the CX bed is more comfortable. Both airlines have noise-cancelling headphones.

Lounge, a definite edge to CX (already described).

I know. You mentioned they were small? In what way? Were they comfortable?

Again, we left through door 2L. I think it was supposed to be 1L, so we can get off first, but they put the bridge into 2L, oh well. We waited some 20 minutes for luggage. After that, the process was straight forward. Caught the Air Train to Federal Circle. The Air Train facility is very good, tidy and efficient. The last time I was at JFK, the Air Train was under one of its many delays.

Rang the hotel (Courtyard by Marriott) for the shuttle at the train station. After a short ride, check-in took all of 2 minutes, and I got my room. I also got a letter welcoming me, it’s a 10% discount on breakfast (which I won’t have time to have) or 500 Marriott points if I spend $25 at the restaurant (which I won’t use, since I spent the last 30 hours sitting around and eating, I’m not hungry).

This Marriott property is a standard commuter hotel. It’s quite a crowded/small property, only one restaurant/bar, but it does have a gym. No room services on Friday and Saturday, but it does have free wireless Internet. Like many areas around JFK, you won’t want to walk around the neighbourhood alone, especially at night. So I’ll sign off here as I’ve a 5am start tomorrow.

Hope I've answered your questions? Just ask if you've more.

Yes, muchos thank yous!

26 Mar
JFK - MIA
AA1373
3B

After answering Fliar’s questions the previous night, I fit in a few hours of quality shut-eye. Despite its surroundings, the room isn’t too bad, but everything else is so crowded, it’s not funny.

Check-out took approximately 20 seconds, then waited for the shuttle. The next one was a few minutes away. By the time it was ready to go, it was full. When it’s not even 6am, it’s not time to be cheerful and talkative. There was one family going somewhere on holiday, and just wouldn’t shut up. Thankfully, the trip to the terminal wasn’t long, even if I’d a feeling that they’re on the same flight as me.

Check-in was smooth, only one slight comment about going all the way to MIA just to go to DCA. I then had to take my luggage to screening. The TSA, as always, were busy chatting despite seeing me (and others) queuing up. Finally they decided to do some work and took my luggage away.

Without looking, I went straight through security. While they had a premium line, it was empty and led to the same security area anyway. This time, I’d to take my shoes off. After I located the gate, I was trying to look for a lounge. I think the lounge is landside in this terminal (T8), d’oh! I was hoping to get something to eat and quiet place to site down. Now, I’ve about an hour to people watch and nowhere to seat.

My gate (4X) is a ‘sub-gate’, with gate 4 being used for a flight to somewhere in South America. Boy, is there a lot of bling around or what… I’d hate to get stuck after them at security.

Finally, my flight was called and I was the second person to board. ‘Welcomed’ by one of the FAs (please note the quotes). I don’t know who she was, I think she might have been the one in charge as I never saw her outside the gallery. The FA that served first class was friendly and sufficient enough though.

This flight was a 767, which had some very nice leather seats with plenty of recline and legroom. Load was only about 50% in first class (including one AA pilot in uniform), but looked quite full in coach.

I’m always amazed at how much luggage people can carry on board. If the same luggage is carried for flights in just about anywhere (Europe, Asia and Aus/NZ), it will be checked so fast…

Catering involved pre-departure drinks and a breakfast (cereal or an omelette). I’d the latter, which turned out to be OK. It came with a tasty salsa. No individual IFE here, the main screen showed a programme ‘produced by CBS especially for AA’. It’s essentially a big pile of CBS commercials and programme highlights.

30 minutes out, it got rather bumpy, and we were strapped in until landing. (BTW, that cheerful family on the shuttle was on this flight.)