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A previous month of madness (as documented in the Big DO DOs (a Kiwi Flyer's month of madness) trip report) had me meet lots of great FTers and see some interesting parts of the world.
I now resume a month later, for the next manic month. I'll skip over the few longhaul trips in between and start with the next noteworthy trip. So begins another manic month for Kiwi. ============== A FLY AWAY WEEKEND Several months ago I came across a great business fare to Seoul, Korea on Singapore Airlines. With using up a lot of miles on my previous trip I took the opportunity to recoup some of those miles very quickly and in comfort. So after a busy week I headed out to Auckland airport for a quick mileage run. If I have the time I usually take the airbus, preferring it to the cost of a taxi or parking at the airport. They generally run every 20 minutes and, as I get on at one of the last stops on its route in the central city, are only a little slower than a cab. Unfortunately today it was not to be - after waiting 30 minutes the first bus past when straight by :( After a moment to think about it, realise I will be cutting it fine to check in before it closes if I wait for the next bus, so reluctantly hail a cab. The cab is parked very nearby and the driver explained he often parks there so as to pick up people whom the bus misses :( The traffic is good so make check in before it closes, although my boarding pass has a sequence number in the high 200s. Singapore Airlines had earlier this year changed ground agent and it seems they are still not totally familiar with the system as once again I hope there will be no problem printing boarding pass (with my correct FF # entered) and once again there are problems and cant get the right FF # in the system. At least the premium lines let you pay for the departure tax at check in, saving a visit to the bank. In NZ the departure tax cannot be prepaid (unless you make special arrangement with your TA). So there is a constant reminder of how much departure tax is incurred, each and every time leave the country. I keep thinking by now I must have personally paid for all the immigration, customs and quarantine facilities given the number of overseas trips. But I suppose the reality is the taxes at other places is a lot more (NZ departure tax is NZ$25) but the cost is hidden except at time of purchase of tickets. With not long to go until boarding time, and wanting to freshen up in the lounge, I decide to let the miles go to the wrong FFP. Fortunately the difference in earning power is not great and I certainly dont need the miles from this trip to requalify. After a short detour to the premium immigration agent at the far end of the check-in closest to the domestic terminals, its upstairs through the precleared lane and security. Upstairs again to the Air New Zealand lounge where the lady on the front desk pleasantly reminds me the flight will be boarding soon, and welcomes me back ;) I have a quick freshen up and then its back to the gate area to board. The pier separation project is still not totally finished but each time I go through I see more changes. This time the escalators down to gates 1 through 4 are now in place but not yet being used. The flight normally runs from gate 6 but today it is using gate 5 instead, which is an open area shared with gate 7 by the base of an escalator. This area is too small for a 747 full load of passengers, even with the Air Tahiti Nui flight leaving from gate 7 having just closed. Boarding starts about a minute after I arrive, and within a few moments I am settled into my upper deck exit row seat, with today's newspaper and a drink in hand. Ahhh that feels good. The 10 1/2 hour flight passes quickly. I dont have the menu to hand, but its the same as the one posted in my previous trip report for AKL-SIN. The flight path is unusual for this route, with a very northerly path crossing the Australian coastline to the north of Cairns. This means get a good view along the length of the Great Barrier Reef as we fly almost parallel to the coast for a considerable distance. After cutting across the base of York Peninsula we cross the Gulf of Carpentaria and fly north of Darwin. Somewhere over Indonesia we head more directly to the west. In my experience the usual routing (westbound) is to pass near Brisbane, Uluru and Broome. However, I have also had southerly routings over Tasmania and Adelaide. I guess the jetstream happened to be a lot further north today than is usual. As with the past several flights through Singapore there is a long taxi on arrival - seems only one runway is operating again. Arrival gate is F60 - which is the furthest one from the lounge. I seem to get that gate, or a nearby one, very often for the flights to/from New Zealand. Still it is good to stretch the legs and work up a thirst :D In the first Silver Kris lounge I have some Dom and check my emails and some messages on FT before heading out for the redeye to Seoul. At the gate I get the magical beep and rejection of the boarding pass. I think I know what is coming and work hard to supress a smile. Then the agent hands me a new boarding pass for an F suite. Thanks very much and woohoo. In over a hundred flights on Singapore Airlines, this is my first operational upgrade. As with many european, asian and pacific airlines, Singapore Airlines will not upgrade unless they absolutely have to - preferring to preserve the front cabins for those who have paid for them. This is, it seems, a big contrast to us-based airlines who freely upgrade based on status or fare. I've barely recovered from that pleasant shock when I step on board only to be greeted from a friend and FTer who is working the flight. Its a shame all this is happening on a redeye as I'd like to catch up properly, and also to savour the experience of F. But after a few glasses of dom I succumb to sleep and wake up a couple of hours later just in time for breakfast. |
He was on duty for your flight, wasn't he? Seems you had better luck in your flight plan to coincide with his duty! How many Dom? ;) :D
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Originally Posted by Kiwi Flyer
This area is too small for a 747 full load of passengers, even with the Air Tahiti Nui flight leaving from gate 7 having just closed.
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I'm not sure why gate 7 was used - I dont recall ever leaving from that gate on 747 before.
However the usual gate for SQ is gate 6 and the gate lounge is also poorly designed. SQ has a separate BP reader for first, raffles and *G pax - but it is impossible to get to without joining the regular queue as the aisle between seats is too narrow for 2 lines. |
Originally Posted by Kiwi Flyer
[In the first Silver Kris lounge I have some Krug
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Originally Posted by Kiwi Flyer
Singapore Airlines had earlier this year changed ground agent and it seems they are still not totally familiar with the system as once again I hope there will be no problem printing boarding pass (with my correct FF # entered) and once again there are problems and cant get the right FF # in the system.
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Originally Posted by MAN Flyer
Did they have a rogue bottle on then ?. ;)
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A FLY AWAY WEEKEND continued
We arrive to a frigid Incheon, but thankfully the terminal is warm. I walk past the immigration counters to the transit security point and then wander the terminal to stretch my legs and browse the duty free. When I made the booking I had in mind to take a side trip to Khaborovsk in Russia, however on later reflection decided against it for a number of reasons. The flight back from Khaborovsk would have a tight connection to my booked return flight from Seoul, and given it is a wintery -20C in Khaborovsk at this time of year I didnt want to risk misconnection due to delays. If you are thinking the name Khaborovsk sounds familiar, it was recently in the news as being downstream of Harbin, China and affected by the recent spill in the ?? River. Another reason for not taking the side trip was the hassle of a Russian visa meant it was not worth entering Russia for such a short time, and so I would be stuck airside until the return flight. So some weeks ago I put in a request to change my return flight from Seoul to earlier in the day. However I was only waitlisted with all flights showing as full (and overbooked in both economy and raffles). The waitlist hadnt cleared by the time I left Singapore but I decided to take my chances while enjoying the facilities of the airport, including the very nice Singapore first class lounge. After making a few circuits of the airside part of the terminal I headed into the lounge and asked if the waitlist had cleared. Not yet - need to see how many no shows there are. While I'm waiting I have a shower to freshen up and a nice cup of coffee so that I'm ready for the next flight back to Singapore if I manage to make it on. A few minutes after boarding commenced I get the message that there weren't enough no shows. I mentally flipped a coin as to leave the airport and head into Incheon city or Seoul, or stay in the lounge. The very cold day outside and not enough warm clothing decided the issue. I thought about catching up on some sleep but I can never get a deep sleep in an airport lounge - too conscious of possibility of missing the flight I guess. So instead I grab a nice hot asian breakfast, hop onto the computer and while away the hours. I also managed to catch up on reading several big documents for work that I had been putting off (a few hundred pages each of heavy going material tends to do that to me!). Soon enough it was almost time for my flight so I leave the lounge a little early in order to walk another few circuits of the airport. The flight back was fairly uneventful. I wasnt feeling hungry so skipped dinner and managed to snooze a little. Back to the lounge at Singapore where I checked email and surfed FT, waiting for NCRBILL to arrive on his mileage run. Not too much later I get a PM and turn around and there he is. Hmmm maybe I need to get a few more FT tags as he didnt see them. We chat for a while before he heads into the city to sleep. Me I decide to stay in the lounge (its open 24 hours) since by now it is past 2am and my flight is fairly early tomorrow. I take a walk around the nearly shut down terminals to stretch the legs, have a shower and grab one of the sleeperette rooms. An hour later of unsuccessful dozing I give up and get back into the main lounge. One of the fellow overnighters is snoring very loudly. Before too long the lounge stirs into life, slowly filling with pax for the early morning flights and staff put out the huge breakfast spread. I manage to catch up with MAN Flyer who had a few minor dramas to deal with. I head out to the gate (yup a high F50s number again) and run into the queue for gate screening along the pier by the next door gate. Clearly not enough agents doing the screening and an on time departure is looking unlikely. The flight is very full and we do eventually leave somewhat late. Fortunately the tail winds are very strong and so we make up time enroute. By now I've seen all the December movies/shows I want to see (yes even with all the hundreds of channels), and so I spend the flight dozing, reading, drinking and eating of course. I always enjoy flying SQ down to Auckland. I dont know if its my imagination but the service is always good, and the FAs are generally in good spirits with a short layover in Auckland to look forward to - plus the flight time is not as long as other long hauls eg to/from Europe or North America. We land on time at Auckland. With this flight scheduled to arrive around the same time as the evening Australia flights, it always seems to be hit or miss as to whether or not there will be a big queue at immigration. Tonight we strike it lucky and I'm through immigration, customs and agriculture quarantine x-ray, and out the door in about 5 minutes flat. The airbus has stopped running by this time of night, so jump into a cab back home. Traffic is almost non-existant and the trip into town is quick. I get my gear sorted for work the next day and grab a deep sleep in no time at all. Next up the start of an around the world. |
ACROSS THE PACIFIC THE LONG WAY
The end of the year is a great time for travelling as work pressures fade for a couple of weeks at least. As with the previous few years I was again in search of a possible white Christmas but in my heart I know it will not be one - the past few Christmasses I have managed to miss the snow by a few miles each time. So it was just a week after the short trip to Seoul that I was again making my way to the airport. But being the last few work days of the year it was not without the usual few minor dramas and doubts as to whether or not I'd actually get away. After some frantic days I manage to pack in the wee hours of the morning before putting in a 3/4 day at work and head for the airbus to the airport. This time I time it better and only wait 15 minutes. Being one of the last shopping days before Christmas I expected traffic to be heavy, and it is, but we still make good time. Arriving at the airport and it is the expected zoo. Thankfully SQ now uses premium immigration at the far left hand end of the check in area thus bypassing the main queues, and my status allows me to bypass the long check in lines too. A change since the previous trip in that luggage is no longer pre-screened before the check in area. It seems the behind the scenes full screening of all international baggage is now online just in time for the busiest travel weeks of the year (at least in this part of the world). Despite having an overnight stop in SIN I manage to get my onward boarding passes for the next day ^ One less thing to slow me down tomorrow. Somehow my exit row seating request got lost :( but managed to snag an upper deck aisle seat. I settle in and am convinced (yeah that was hard) to have a 2nd glass of pre-departure champagne. Literally as we begin to push back I get asked if I want a better seat. Woohoo another upgrade on SQ in short succession after years of no op-ups!! I follow the IFS back and take my new seat ... |
... also in Raffles. No op up this time (you didn't really expect I'd get 2 op-ups in a month on SQ?), but rather a move to seats with more space to spread out.
The flight to SIN passes quickly. Again a fairly northerly routing across Australia. For those who like to keep score ;) the satay was nice but I declined seconds. The food was also the usual good stuff - sorry no menu this time. We arrive on time at SIN, and thanks to no bags and fast exit through door 2L (unlike some other airlines, on SQ it is often quicker to exit from the rear of upstairs cabin than the main business cabin downstairs thanks to the strict policy of exiting in order of cabin enforced by the FAs). For a change I am leaving SIN airport and head to immigration which is the busiest I have ever seen in Singapore. I guess I should have expected it being one the last days before Christmas but it seemed strange to have to wait in line. Never mind, in typical Singaporean efficiency I am through in 10 minutes and rush to the taxi line which takes longer, snaking as it does past the roped off zig-zags. The cab ride to hotel is quick, as is the check in at the Conrad. Get a nice upgrade and for once arrive early enough to grab a drink in the lounge before it closes for the night. The teddy bear is decked out for the season but otherwise the amenities are as normal for Conrad. An all too short sleep and its back to the airport. No breakfast at the lounge (not yet open) but never mind the SQ lounge breakfast is actually pretty good (and then there is the flight as well). Having boarding pass already means I skip straight to immigration, and quickly through and back to my second home the SIN Silver Kris Lounge. I grab breakfast and check out my emails. For once no FTers around (at least that I can tell). Then its off to the gate for my flight to Seoul (yes again!). I have arranged my RTW to maximise (or close to it) the number of PPS sectors I earn, while also visiting places I want to visit. This means taking the first flight of the day to ICN and then changing planes to the flight to Vancouver, instead of taking the direct one-stop service from SIN. This gets me an extra 1.25 PPS sectors for a minimal cost in miles used up :D Due to not getting much sleep this week I doze most of the flight, but awake to have some more satay. Since there is no Dr Loosen Reisling (despite being on the menu), which I am partial too, I have some champagne (and also water lest you think I am a total lush!) instead. What a difference a week or so makes. Last time to Seoul it was below freezing but no snow. Just recently South Korea had the biggest snowfall in decades and the entire countryside was blanketed with snow. And yes still well below freezing. So on deplaning I am quickly up the airbridge into the heated terminal. At the transfer screening station there is a small delay as a few fellow pax obviously unused to the realities of airline travel today take an eternity to put their many bags onto the xray machine and take off coats, jewellry etc. I dont mind. Not sure if its the drink or just I am zoned out now being on holiday. Once through I make a beeline for the great SQ lounge and grab a shower while the lounge is still quiet. Thoroughly refreshed I while away the remaining minutes til boarding. |
RAINY VANCOUVER
Back out to the gate for another full flight. Singapore Airlines has a special menu for Christmas eve and Christmas day which is in effect for this flight - has one main and one dessert in the Christmas spirit. I will post it shortly. Sorry I have to go. My meal has just been served. Thanks to CGK for typing this up.
Originally Posted by CGK
Thank you Kiwi Flyer ^ for saving this special menu for Christmas Eve flights. If I am not mistaken, this menu is also for Christmas Day flightsThe cover was different then the usual "Siri Si Wanita Asia." This one is a gift wrapped in a gold color on a tray.
singapore >> seoul lunch menu To Nibble On... Satay With onion, cucumber and spicy peanut sauce A Savoury Note Assorted Asian appetiser Tandoori chicken with cucumber raita, roasted duck with archar and Thai style chicken with glass noodles The Main Event :-: Roasted stuffed chicken with forest mushroom served with port wine jus, sautéed spinach and buttered potatio Seared salmon trout served with cilantro pesto butter, vine ripened cherry tomato and olive oil flavoured potato Wok fried beef in black peppercorn sauce served with braised beancurd and vegetables, fried rice The Cheese Board Gourmet cheese with garnishes A Sweet Note A selection of fresh fruit Ben & Jerry’s chunky monkey ice cream Banana and walnut ice cream garnished with chocolate sauce and tuile A Connoisseur's Choice Gourmet coffee Selection of tea and pralines :-: Exclusively created by Georges Blanc, Vonnas seoul >> san francisco dinner menu To Nibble On... Satay With onion, cucumber and spicy peanut sauce A Savoury Note Prawn and mango salad with cocktail dressing The Main Event Christmas Tom turkey with herbed bread stuffing, green beans, candied chestnuts and pumpkin-mash Sauteed prawns and scallops served with creamy shiitake mushroom sauce, buttered green peas and pappardelle pasta Stir fried sweet and sour beef with sesame, selected vegetables and fried rice Go Chu Jang Yang Nyeom Sang Seon Goo I Korean style seabass with hot spicy sauce, mixed vegetables and steamed rice The Cheese Board Gourmet cheese with garnishes A Sweet Note A selection of fresh fruit Yuletide log cake with vanilla sauce for festive season A Connoisseur's Choice Gourmet coffee Selection of tea and pralines seoul >> san francisco before touch-down menu A Fresh Start A choice of apple, tomato and freshly squeezed orange Fresh fruit A Healthy Note Choice of cereals Cornflakes with milk or yoghurt The Main Event Braised egg noodles with char siew, mushrooms and leafy greens Chinese style fried rice with crabmeat, shrimp and eggs Scrambled egg with sautéed assorted mushrooms, chicken sausage, roasted tomato and roesti potato From the Bakery Assorted breakfast rolls Butter - Fruit preserve A Connoisseur's Choice Gourmet coffee Selection of tea @:-) Exclusively created by Matthew Moran of Aria Restaurant, Sydney SQ16A/B SIN-ICN-SFO (L/D/HB) 10-12 RC |
As always,a pleasure to read...hmm, maybe you'll bump into another FTer (me) next year around XMas time. :p
It a good idea to travel around festive time given the minimal/zero work pressures (bar last minute ones of course). |
I forgot to mention before that for a change there are no ads before the movies or programs on Kris World. This seems to have been a recent change and I'm not sure if its temporary or permanent change. Anyway it threw me the first time I noticed it as I am so used to fast-forwarding (about 4 minutes for movies and 3 for programs) but now there is no need.
On this overnight flight from Seoul to Vancouver I doze a little but dont sleep much. We have some very strong tailwinds - well in excess of 200kmh and so the flight time is shorter than scheduled. I had hoped to see the mountains along the coast as we head southeast along the canadian coastline, and had selected a seat on the left hand side of the aircraft specifically with this in mind, however thick clouds obscured the views until the last minutes of final approach. We had a short delay taxiing into the gate, and while we were waiting I thought how the poor weather sea and mountains reminded me a little of Wellington. On the way to immigration we pass some totem poles and other native art, as well as a waterfall. The sound of running water is not what you want to hear while standing around waiting in a big queue! If you can try to finagle yourself into the right hand line. As the far right hand officer is dedicated to international transfer passengers, of which there seems to be few, essentially the right hand arrival line moves twice as fast as the others ;) After a few cursory questions I am through, change some money and get a ride to the hotel. The Hilton metrotown doesnt really have convenient transfers from/to the airport - it can be done but requires taking the bus to downtown (transfer at airport station) and then skytrain to metrotown, or bus to eastern Burnaby (also transfer at airport station) and then skytrain. I get a nice room upgrade to a suite but, as reported in previous years, the exec lounge is closed for christmas-new year period, reopening January 9th. Once checked in I head out into the rain for a walk through Central and Deer Lake parks before it gets too dark (around 4pm) followed by last minute shopping. I also took a few trips downtown to wander around exploring, check out the lights etc at Stanley Park. A few days later its an early start to head back out to the airport for a short trip to Edmonton. I left it a little late to leave and so I checked in right at closing, and have no time for a visit to the lounge. Straight out to the gate and onto the Air Canada A319, an aircraft I would get familiar with over the next few days. I notice the layout of the business class cabin is not uniform - that is the seat pitch seems to vary with each row and differs on both sides of the cabin (there being 4 rows on the DF side and only 3 on the AC side). I am not sure if it is just this particular aircraft, but 4DF in particular seems to have very small pitch and I would be very disappointed to get what is essentially a wide economy seat if I had those seats. The service is very so-so, as is pathetic attempt at breakfast that is served. The flight passes surprisingly quickly. Unfortunately the poor weather on the west coast meant the mountains were totally obscured and the flight was a little choppy, we only reached clear air on approach to Edmonton with the vastness of the canadian prairie before us. The unseasonably warm weather (around 16C the previous few days) had melted all the snow, at least that I could see - and so if it wasnt for the fresh 0C air it could have been australia for all I knew. I popped upstairs to the Maple Leaf lounge where I got checked in for the return flight, and checked some messages and look into something for this afternoon. Afterwards I wandered around the airport vicinity before the return flight. Same aircraft type but different seat. Yup sure feels like a different pitch, and I also noticed the seatbelt length was considerably different! A light meal is served on this flight and again no view so I settle into a book, which I'd brought with me but had yet to start reading until now. This time I'm staying out by the airport (another early flight tomorrow) so it doesnt take long to get checked in once landed and I'm soon heading into the city centre. |
Kiwiflyer I love reading your travel writing, but I have to say- they make me tired just reading them. It's just such a number of long haul segments. :D
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To get anywhere from NZ requires longhaul (apart from australia and the islands). I guess I kinda shrug them off now.
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TO VANCOUVER ISLAND AND BACK AND BACK AND BACK
Since seeing mention of the float planes at Vancouver in GBOAC's trip report I'd been interested in trying to fit a flight or two into my schedule - as long as the weather cooperates. With the weather forecast dreadful (rain and high winds) for the rest of my time in Vancouver, this afternoon's high overcast seemed as good a chance as any. So I checked out Harbour Air's schedule and found a convenient flight turn around to Nanaimo. I hadnt pre-booked as I wasnt sure the weather would hold but there seemed to be availability so I trusted it would work out if I rocked up to their harbourside office about half an hour before the flight. And so it proved to be, although it was difficult finding the office given the considerable construction along Coal Harbour's waterfront - the walkway was a bit of a maze. The office doubles as a small waiting room and while not a plush lounge it is a reasonable shelter from the elements and has hot & cold drinks. It wasnt long before we walked across the pier to the tiny Beaver. There were 5 passengers so a full flight. Luggage is strictly limited but of course I had minimal (just some water and a few things for later). As we slowly taxiied out into the harbour we had to wait for a jetboat crossing the "runway". Take off "roll" was fairly short and I was surprised at how stable the aircraft seemed to be and the view wasnt obscured by spray at all. We crossed the narrow straits to Nanaimo at a fairly low height - well below the clouds and with fine views of the inlets and islets. The flight itself was very short just over 10 minutes and landed at the harbour in Nanaimo. There's more spray on landing compared to take off but still not as much as I'd expected. Turnaround was fairly quick and the flight back was a race against the encroaching darkness. Once back on land I walked across the downtown peninsula to meet infoworks and CGK for enjoyable drinks and dinner. The next day was another early start to the main (land) airport for a day trip to Victoria. This time I have enough time for a quick lounge visit - it seems nice enough with the expected amenities. Then off to board the Dash 8 across the tarmac - fortunately in between the heavy showers which have been falling. For the first time in a long time my bags are checked in. No food service on this short flight - as I expected - although they do hand out some lollies. The aircraft climbs considerably higher than the floatplane did the day before, but still around cloud base level so no views of the mountains. The flight to Victoria is a little longer than to Nanaimo at around 20 minutes. The airport at Victoria is tiny, but after a short wait for bags and picking up some brochures I head into the township some 20km or so away. |
After several hours in the quaint (a bit touristy) town I headed back to the airport only to find my flight had been cancelled. The Air Canada agent then informed me the next several flights were overbooked but I'd been protected on one in several hours time and was welcome to try the waitlist although it was very long. I wasnt too happy with this so asked to be put on another airline.
After checking with supervisor for authorisation I was put onto a Pacific Coastal flight in over an hour's time. As it happens most of the passengers on this flight had come from Air Canada so the flight cancellation was likely quite costly. The Pacific Coastal flight was on a Beechcraft 1900C - a first for me, although I had previously flown the 1900D. Obviously bags needed to be checked for the flight, but the view through the cockpit more than made up for it. Another short low altitude flight across the sound and straight into Vancouver airport followed by a long taxi to the south terminal, which Pacific Coastal uses (and also Harbour Air I think). Off the plane and straight onto a free shuttle bus to the main terminal. Some of my fellow passengers had missed connections as a result of the later flight time. As expected, my miles havent credited automatically and so I will have to chase those up. Summary update Map 13 flights 30,549 flown miles Aircraft 747, 777, A319, Beaver, Dash 8, Beechcraft 1900C Airlines Singapore, Air Canada, Harbour Air, Pacific Coastal |
NEW YORK
The next day I headed out to the airport early - fearing immigration would take some time. Unfortunately I made the mistake of getting dropped off at domestic terminal not realising US departures are at the far other end of international terminal, so I had a small hike to check in. The Air Canada agent on premium check in was totally disinterested in serving me, and I had the distinct feeling that if it weren't for a reasonable queue in this line quickly forming behind me she would have left the counter unmanned. This is my first visit to US since the new rule requiring address to be given at check-in (which can be matched to address given on visa waiver form). She doesnt seem to type much in so I wonder if there's some abbreviations used? Since the visa waiver form is actually collected at US immigration in Canada, I'm not sure how having the address info a short while earlier helps with security - but what do I know? Check in completed and I join a loooong queue for immigration. For some reason at the entrance to duty free the line is split into 2 by an agent, only for it to reform into 1 line on the other side. I cant see what that achieves. The queue is incredibly slow and I am glad to have checked in so early as it took 90 minutes to reach immigration. The reason for the long queue? (A) lots of pax (yes its holiday season) and (B) only half the immigration booths are manned. Its not hard to do the maths and realise there's far too few officers to process 1000+ pax an hour. I'm sure many folk missed there flights that day. Having arrived at the airport so early I did have enough time for a brief visit to the US departure Maple Leaf Lounge. It had soup and some biscuits on offer but little other food. A modest selection of drinks and 2 computer terminals. Soon enough it is time to board - and yes its the A319 again :( but fortunately I avoided row 4 successfully. The service was minimal - apart from handing out food/drink and collecting later the FAs were nowhere to be seen. Again there was no views to be had - both due to the extensive west coast cloud cover and also the encroaching night as we headed east. The approach into JFK airport was mostly clear however so good views of Manhattan, Statue of Liberty, etc. With the late arrival, and another early start tomorrow I stayed at an airport hotel. It was fairly basic but clean and had all you needed, perhaps a little expensive for what it was though. |
ONE WORLD STATUS RUN
For some time I've been following how to get into American domestic first for quite cheaply even other long distances, and with the revamp to Qantas frequent flyer one of the few real enhancements (as opposed to the other kind which are nothing of the sort) was the increase in status earning in first. So with having a day free I scouted out a round trip that would net 480 status credits comfortably (well as comfortable as you can get in American domestic first :p ) and avoiding the dreaded winter transfer at Chicago. New York JFK to Dallas to Fresno to Dallas to New York La Guardia fit the bill and was available - each segment nicely over the 1200 mile mark and thus zone 3 earning, and the turnaround at Fresno will be the same aircraft to minimise the risk of misconnection. So it was an early start yet again back to the airport. On the way I realised that my first American flight will complete the set of having flown in all One World airlines - something I have yet to do in the (admittedly larger) Star Alliance which is my preferred alliance. I'd hoped to get all the boarding passes issued at JFK, but as expected only got them for the first two sectors. Oh well I can try again at the Admirals Club in Dallas. Then wander over to the older part of the 2 terminals (sorry forget which number 8 or 9) where the flight departs from. There is an elite line at security - but this actually takes longer than the regular line, and no they wont let me switch. I thought there was an AC in this terminal but I must have missed it so ended up wandering the short corridor to stretch out with a day of cramped seating ahead of me. |
We boarded on time. I had managed to snag bulkhead seat, and thanks to my status boarded early (from reading FT I knew the US-based airlines you need to board early to ensure space to stow carry-ons near your seat unlike the asia, pacific and european airlines I am more used to).
The aircraft was a 757. Meal was a mediocre breakfast so I just had some water. Flight pushed back on time. There was total cloud cover most of the way - until about half an hour or so out from Dallas - but we were above the clouds most of the time and so of course I noticed lots of contrails glistening in the sun. We landed pretty much on time and had a long taxi towards the terminal but instead parked up at a remote stand while we waited for our gate to clear. The pilot announced a 5 minute delay. We waited some more. Then another 5 minutes, and another. Eventually about an hour after touchdown we pulled into the gate. So my nice easy connection with enough time for a lounge visit had turned into a mad dash to the next flight - of course it had to be departing from the diagonally opposite terminal. I had made good use of the time spent waiting by looking up the map in the American Way magazine (having never previously visited DFW) so had some idea where to go and I ran and ran and ran. I was surprised given how many connecting passengers there were (many onward gates announced by the FA) that there was no one at the gate to assist those with tight or missed connections. By the time I got to the gate for the flight to Fresno boarding had not long ago started so I hopped straight on - to another bulkhead seat on the MD80(?). Once doors closed there was a delay as some bags needed to be offloaded. Apparently they were hard to find as this took quite a long time. A light lunch was served. I cant recall it exactly so not memorable. We had great views of the southwestern plains before clouds again (and some turbulence) over the mountains. Fortuitously there was a clearance over Yosemite so nice views on descent before going back into the murk closer to Fresno. With our late departure and strong headwinds we arrived around the time the next flight was due to leave, so I hoped not having checked in wouldnt cause any issues. I quickly deplaned and went straight to the desk to collect my 2 return BPs - not a problem ^ Another mileage runner (FTer?) had passed through the day before so the GA was not in the least fazed by my turnaround. A couple of pax hoping to upgrade groaned however as I collected my BPs. This had been done so quickly that the aircraft was still being emptied of passengers from DFW-FAT. So I had time to wander around the small terminal. There is very little there - a placque announcing a fairly recent expansion, and several odd bronze disks in the floor. I'm not sure what they're for - perhaps for future concessionary stands? |
With the late arrival it was no surprise that the return flight to Dallas was also late. I wasnt worried as this time I had a bigger connection in Dallas, although obviously any delay eats in to lounge visit time :p
Its been a while since I've flown out of an airport where an active air force (or in this case marines - why they should have an jet air capacity in the first place when there is a perfectly good air force as well, and then to base it well inland of all places I have no idea but I digress) uses the same runways as civilian aircraft (unlike eg Singapore where the air force has its own runway). So it was a surprise to have the taxi held up for some marine jets taking off and others landing. The snack served was very similar to that on the way in so I pass. The weather had deteriorated a bit so no views, and in any case by the time we reached Dallas it was again dark. Again arrival and departure gates almost as far apart as can be so by the time I reach the lounge there is no time to do anything other than use the bathroom and back out again. The monitors show our flight back to New York as boarding but arriving at the gate it is clear we wont be for a while. The gate agents refuse to give a boarding time so I decide not to return to the lounge (which is some distance away within the terminal). Apparently the aircraft had just arrived on international flight and so supposedly required special cleaning/security checks. These dragged on and on, so we boarded nearly an hour late. My own personal on-time performance stats for AA are atrocious - all four flights either late arriving, or both late departing and arriving; and none could be blamed on the weather. With the delay they also changed the meal service (in F at least) from dinner to snack :( which turned out to be the same as the light lunch on the Dallas to Fresno flight. The 737 was full but again I had a bulkhead seat. By now I was getting tired and so tried to doze but the seat wasnt comfortable enough to do so. The only thing of interest (well to me) were the lights of other aircraft taking off and landing at Dallas Fort Worth and presumably Love Field, and then also on approach to New York city - this time on a different flightpath (duh different airport) to the previous night. However during the day the cloud and showers over New York didnt clear and so the view was mostly obscured. With the flight being so late and nearly first to leave the aircraft (and no checked bags) the taxi queue was non-existant and so quickly made my way to the Millenium Hilton. Whether it was my HHonors status or the tired look on my face I dont know, but scored an upgrade to a fantastic corner suite ^ Unfortunately the first few times they set the keycard it didnt work so it was 2am before I was finally able to get checked in properly. |
ANOTHER OVERNIGHT FLIGHT
I hadnt properly appreciated the magnificent view from the room on checking in, but I have to admit I spent several minutes just looking out the window before getting started for the day. Ground zero immediately in front (and a long way down), the river and across to Jersey, Statue of Liberty, many tall skyscrapers in the vicinity of Wall Street, the other other river and some bridges. Breaking out of the reverie, a short stop for breakfast at Church & Dey and then out to explore. Did the usual touristy things but had fun despite the near freezing temperature and occassional snow and rain showers. After a couple of days it was time to head out to JFK on the train. I was seeing someone off on the LH flight so visited the lounge there despite not having checked in. The Senator lounge at JFK is okay but not great - selection of rolls, food and drinks. No computers. Could get crowded but not today. Some newspapers and magazines. Then I wander over to terminal 4 which Singapore uses. Check in still isnt open, but I can use the Virgin Atlantic clubhouse anyway. Wow! I'd say the best feature to be the food and drink - with actual meals cooked to order (from a selection - see below). Some of the bar staff actually wandered around the lounge asking folk for drinks orders, and indeed insisted on the consumption of several glasses of champagne. So after several hours, with a brief interlude outside the lounge to check in, I had had enough food and more than enough drink to keep me going for a while. FREEDOM MENU Here in The Clubhouse, you can order from today's menu at any time. As soon as you're ready we'll take your order from your table - or simply help yourself to our selection from the snack bars. Plus, if you'd like to plan what to eat during your flight, just ask our staff for a copy of today's onboard Freedom menu. And remember, Freedom gives you the flexibility to eat in before your flight or dine out at 35,000 feet. Daily specials A selection of daily specials are on offer to complement the set menu, please ask a member of the team or see a copy of our specials card at the bar. Lighter bites Soup of the day served with a selection of fresh breads Jumbo pesto shrimp with arugula and prosciutto Pear tomato salad with baby greens and crumbled blue cheese served with grilled bread wedges and sherry vinaigrette Bigger bites Flying club sandwich - a frequent flyer on the menu. Tortilla wrap with tofu, corn and garlic and herb mayonnaise Bourbon baby back ribs with three cheese macaroni Pan seared salmon served with warm quinoa, tomato and asparagus salad and lemon and chive dressing Naughty but nice Seasonal fresh fruit creme fraiche Warm granny smith apple cobbler Selection of international cheese with accompaniments Snack bar Just help yourself! Wines A selection of fine wines are available, please ask a member of the team Cocktails If its on the bar we'll mix it the way you like it! Just ask! Hot 'n' herbal Choose from cappuccino, espresso or one of our herbal or fruit infusions Better bytes If you're more interested in bytes than bites, you'll be pleased to know The Clubhouse is now a hot spot with high-speed wireless internet connection. Details and charges will display when you access the hot spot provider. You can easily check your email, surf the web, or book your next flight with Virgin Atlantic from the convenience of your comfy chair. |
Originally Posted by Kiwi Flyer
...but I can use the Virgin Blue clubhouse ...
Well I am very glad that you like VS Clubhouse. It's not SQ-like. And yes, I can confirm that the menu has changed from the last time I was there. |
Wowsers, what a trip! Great write-ups...and I'm very glad you managed to get on the seaplanes and have the expereince ^ I am already planning how/when I can go back hopefuly have better luck next time :D
Phil |
FWIW here is the menu for JFK to Frankfurt. I didnt ask for much but no Dr Loosen riesling and notice no blue mountain coffee any more (the same applied on all my SQ flights this trip).
DINNER menu A Savoury Note Ceasar salad with marinated prawns, asparagus and olives The Main Event Braised short rib of beef with root vegetables and celeraic-pear puree Braised grouper fillet in Oriental hot bean sauce with vegetables and egg noodles Stir fried chicken in dried chilli with vegetables and fragrant rice Stewed lamb shank in red wine with lima beans, baby carrot and asparagus The Cheese Board Gourmet cheese with garnishes A Sweet Note A selection of fresh fruit Ice cream A Connoisseur's Choice Gourmet coffee Selection of tea and pralines CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST menu A Fresh Start A choice of apple, tomato or freshly squeezed orange A selection of fresh fruit From the Bakery Assorted breakfast rolls Butter - Fruit preserve A Connoisseur's Choice Gourmet coffee Selection of tea BEVERAGES special cocktail Orange Cooler cocktails Singapore Sling Silver Kris Sling Gin Fizz Cloud Nine Screwdriver Bloody Mary Daiquiri Red or White Wine Cooler aperitifs Campari Dry Vermouth non-alcoholic cocktails Citrus Royale Tropical Sparkle Golden Spice Fruit Spritzer Sunrise Surprise spirits Cognac XO Otard Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky Johnnie Walker Black Label Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey Gordon's Dry Gin Absolut Vodka Bacardi Carta Blanca liqueurs Cointreau Tia Maria Baileys Original Irish Cream beer International Selection stout Guinness Stout champagne Charles Heidsieck 1995 white wines Dr Loosen Qualitatswein Dr L Riesling 2003 Kloster Eberbach Riesling Kabinett 2003 Rheingau Montagny 1er Cru 2002 red wines Chateau Cissac 1998 Cru Bourgeois Haut Medoc Nipozzano Riserva 2001 Chianti Rufina Docg Frescobaldi port Taylor 2000 Late Bottled Vintage Port tea selection Pure Ceylon Tea Earl Grey Darjeeling Camomile Decaffeinated Tea Japanese Green Tea chinese tea selection Oolong gourmet coffees Brazil Santos Bourbon Colombian Supremo Kenyan AA Kilimanjaro specialty coffees Brewed Coffee Cafe Royal Espresso Cappuccino Decaffeinated Coffee Mocha other beverages Chocolate Milo mineral water Carbonated mineral water Non-carbonated mineral water fruit juices Apple Orange Pineapple Tomato Cranberry soft drinks A range of regular or low-calorie drinks is available iced drinks Iced Tea Iced Coffee Iced Mocha Iced Chocolate Iced Milo |
Originally Posted by Kiwi Flyer
FWIW here is the menu for JFK to Frankfurt. I didnt ask for much but no Dr Loosen riesling and notice no blue mountain coffee any more (the same applied on all my SQ flights this trip).
|
I never noticed the coffees were any different before, but that might explain it.
|
With the lounges being landside the boarding call is announced a few minutes early so we have time to get through security, but it doesnt take long to get through and board.
The flight was very empty - just 1 in first and 2 upstairs business cabin, and 2 more in business class downstairs. Economy was also light - definitely under 100 passengers all up. There seemed to be the full complement of crew. I guess it is hard to rearrange schedules, so we had fantastic service. We arrive to a very grey and freezing europe. Fortunately I missed the big snowfalls of the prior week which would have upset my schedule considerably. Due to the early arrival I would not yet be able to check in to the hotel, and the inclement weather meant I wasnt keen to wander around in the cold just yet. So I paid a visit to the "B" Senator lounge in Frankfurt. As noted elsewhere on FT this has recently been renovated. There are no major changes (its still just as small and prone to overcrowding) but the minor ones have improved it considerably IMO. Smokers are no relegated to separate room so the air is clean (unlike the rest of the terminal). The wall of tvs has gone and layout changed slightly, giving impression of more space (but none actually). What's this I see in the corner - finally LH has installed 2 computers! Admittedly they are in high demand so it can be hard to get on, but at least they are there. I soon change my mind - figuring I should be exploring and seeing/doing stuff and to hang with the cold. So I take the train into the city. 3.25 euros for anywhere even remotely central. I'm staying at the Hilton which is in the financial district on the edge of the old town. There is a choice of about 3 or 4 subway stations within easy 5 minute walking distance but Hauptwache is easiest (no connections necessary to/from airport). Once checked in I wander through the old town and along the banks of the Main River for quite some time. Despite the similar latitude I notice it gets dark much later than Vancouver or New York - due to being further west within the time zone I suspect. Coming up - a run through western europe. |
Summary update
Map 19 flights 42,259 flown miles Aircraft 747, 777, A319, Beaver, Dash 8, Beechcraft 1900C, 757, MD80, 737 Airlines Singapore, Air Canada, Harbour Air, Pacific Coastal, American |
FIRST EUROPE RUN
Another day and another trip back to the airport. I meet CGK in the lounge before our respective flights. Then its back through another security check to the bus gate and the free "scenic" tour of FRA airport. People pay good money for airport tarmac tour in Sydney, but here you can get it for free. There's a small delay as another bus has parked in the busway out to the tarmac in front of our bus and driver is not in the vehicle. That driver is quickly found and after much gesturing (but not fisticuffs) the way is cleared. It seems today we have one of the far parking positions - there are a few different places used in FRA and ours is right past the entire both terminals. Then another minor delay as the driver forgets which aircraft/bay is ours and goes too far and so has to pull a u-turn on the tarmac. I linger in the bus to reduce the time spent standing outside in the below freezing air (the bus itself is well heated). As I have noted on previous reports, despite 2 stairs for this 737-500 aircraft, almost all passengers use the front stairs. I briefly think about causing chaos by sprinting up the rear stairs and fighting my way to my seat at the front, but think better of it and wait my turn. Lufthansa flight to Zurich has a short flight time (around 45 minutes), but still the FAs manage to serve a light meal and 2 rounds of drinks. With such a remote gate we spend almost as long on the ground as in the air. On arrival we use pier A, which is a change since my previous visit which had bus gate from B - no doubt a result of the purchase of Swiss by Lufthansa. I like ZRH airport as it is uncluttered and immigration/security process are always (in my experience anyway) quick and easy. So I am quickly out of the airport and off to the hotel shuttle stop on arrivals level. Next one is in 20 minutes, and the weather isnt too bad (just freezing) so I decide to walk to the Hilton for a change. It is easy to get to and takes less than 20 minutes, but there is no shelter en route so not a good idea when weather is bad. Within the terminal head to the departures level and the bus station, when outside turn right and follow the pathway (shared with cyclists) until the roundabout (2nd intersection), cross the motorway on the left and turn right on the other side, go straight at the next intersection and up the footpath beside the road (or if you like the stairs nearby) all the way to the hotel entrance. Its a pleasant walk and has a couple of vantage points where can see some of the activity on the tarmac and (some of) the runways. Check in is fairly quick and I am upgraded to an executive room. Feeling the need for some exercise I walk to the airport to catch the train into the city centre, instead of taking the shuttle (there is also a train station about half way between airport and hotel but this is out in the open unlike the underground airport station). I do the reverse later in the evening - the walk to the hotel is moderately well lit although a little slippery as the snow melt earlier in the day has refrozen. |
Up early again the next morning. I thought about walking (or taxiing) to the airport as the first shuttle is barely early enough to make close off of check in for the flight. However, from previous experience I know check in to be quick and painless with very few passengers taking this Singapore flight from Zurich to Manchester.
I had chosen the Zurich to Manchester return flights, not only for the easy PPS sectors, but also it is one of the few very nice intra-europe flights remaining and service is fantastic. This flight is only twice a week (on the other days flights between Manchester and Singapore are nonstop) and requires an overnight stay in Zurich due to the early departure - a good excuse to revisit. We get to the airport right on closure of the flight and the agent is looking very bored and lonely (few other flights so early and these all seem to have check-in in different part of the terminal). I check in for the return flight as well to save hassles at transfer in Manchester. Unfortunately it takes a few goes for the agent to correctly apply the double dip of PPS credits and mileage to another account. I ask to check in also for my onward Lufthansa flight this afternoon, but am told this is impossible and please try the Swissport desk a few aisles over. Of course at this desk they merely redirect me to Swiss check-in who also handle Lufthansa. Since my connection back through ZRH was a bit tight I decided to go to the Swiss check-in, in the other building, to get checked in for my Lufthansa flight. It was quite busy but the elite/business line was quiet enough. The agent checked me in quickly and also for tomorrow's first flight without me asking for it. I headed back to the main terminal and through immigration. With not much time until scheduled boarding I decided against visiting the *A lounge or the LX lounge, and instead took the airtrain to terminal E from which the flight departs. There is a long queue at security entering the terminal. I tried to pick the line with more business traveller types - figuring they would be quicker removing coats etc, but it was still quite slow. When I get to the gate the monitor shows as boarding but there are a few people sitting nearby showing no sign of boarding. I ask the gate agent and boarding hasnt started but will do so soon. I decided not to visit the Bellevue lounge upstairs in the E terminal which first/business/elite passengers can use, figuring there's no point if we are boarding in a minute. Well it turns out soon means more than 20 minutes and I could have grabbed a coffee in the lounge after all :( When boarding eventually starts the 7 passengers (including me) are quickly on the aircraft. Passengers travelling through from Singapore to Manchester are not allowed to deplane. It is only when boarding that I notice I have lost the seat I had pre-selected. I asked if I could change to be told not possible :( When on board my spirits sank when I saw I was seated in the middle of a large family group (kids, parents and I think grandparents on all 4 sides) :( |
Last time I was on this flight there were very few through passengers and had almost the cabin to myself (and another FTer). This time the flight is still very full of returning british holidaymakers - I suppose to be expected given the time of year.
So the service wasnt as good as usual but still okay for intra-europe. I dont have the menu, but it was very similar to the F menu below and basically the same for both Zurich to Manchester and Manchester to Zurich.
Originally Posted by CGK
Here are the menu for F sometimes last year... (Thanks to Shortfinals!)
Refreshment from Zurich to Manchester Light bites Focaccia sandwich with smoked salmon and salad Tomato and smoked turkey in herb croissant Hot Beverages Freshly brewed coffee Espresso or cappucino Selection of tea SQ345 SIN-ZRH-MAN (S1/B/SR1) 105-2.1 07-10 FC Refreshment from Manchester to Zurich Light bites Chef’s salad with leafy lettuce, ham, cheddar cheese, beef pastrami and roast chicken Foccacia with smoked chicken, tomato, cheese and basil mayonnaise spread Hot Beverages Freshly brewed coffee Espresso or cappucino Selection of tea SQ346 MAN-ZRH-SIN (SR1/L/B) 104-2.2. 07-10 FC I get off the aircraft quickly and make my way directly to the transfer centre (along with another couple continuing to London). However the transfer security is closed and the agent on the transfer desk tells us Singapore didnt tell them anyone was transferring so it will be a while before we can open up security. She wasnt wrong there - it took about 30 minutes to find security folk to open it up. I wasnt worried about missing the flight as the aircraft turnaround is about 90 minutes, and the walk from gate to security and back to gate is short. However the other couple were getting anxious of missing their onward flight. Once the security guys arrive there is another small wait for the xray machine to warm up, then another 10 seconds and I'm on my way. There is still enough time to visit the Servisair lounge which is a mediocre lounge but better than waiting at the gate and better than some lounges (eg at TBIT in LAX). The lounge bouncer was confused as to why I didnt have an invitation card and I was puzzled as to how else to explain it than I didnt check in at Manchester. Eventually I was let in. The lounge was full and so I had a coffee standing up. I didnt have long to wait until boarding for the return flight, although I noticed it was called in the lounge about 10 minutes earlier than they were ready at the gate. The return was uneventful. Still quite full. We have the same crew for the return so we chat a bit about this. On arriving back at Zurich I am the only deplaning passenger - the FA points to me while talking to the security agent "here is kiwi our only passenger from Manchester who is not continuing to Singapore". As the flight arrived slightly early I have enough time for a few minutes in the nice Swiss lounge. I know from previous visits that this lounge is nicer than the *A lounge I could also use in the main terminal. On entering I enquire about where I can make some changes to future flights on a ticket and am directed to the transit desk near the lounge. But the Swissport agent there tells me they can only handles tickets issued on Swiss - they cant even handle Lufthansa tickets yet, let alone anyone else in the *A. Oh well I can try again elsewhere. I have enough time for a quick drink in the lounge before heading to the gate near the end of "A" pier. Another security check before the gate and straight onto the Lufthansa flight back to Frankfurt. The load must be lighter than usual as the aircraft has switched from 737-500 to an ARJ. But the seats & service are basically the same. After a short flight in the middle of clouds the whole way we again have a bus gate. This time from a closer stand and so deplaning time is reduced. I head back to the hotel where I am welcomed back by the same clerk who remembered me. |
SECOND EUROPE RUN
Another day another trip out to the airport. Today I'm off to Basel before returning to Asia. Why Basel you ask? I chose to visit Basel for the novelty of an airport that straddles an international border, while at the same time the ratio of miles earned per mile flown is great thanks to miles and more fixed mileage for intra-europe. So I rock up to check in at Frankfurt only to be told the flight was cancelled and I was automatically rebooked on the earlier flight which is just leaving :( So why wasnt I told about the change in schedule? No answer to that. I am offered the later flight, which would then be a turnaround for me. I decline as I am actually meeting some FTers in Basel. So I am told to go to ticket counter for them to sort out. The ticket counter is right at the far end of check in, by the first class check in area. I trudge over them pondering alternatives. Perhaps I could fly to Zurich and catch a train? Or Stuttgart or ??? Ticketing offers just the one option (other than the later turnaround), to take Air France via Paris CDG airport - and I better hurry to make it as it leaves in 30 minutes from the other terminal. The agent filled out a form in leiu of a new ticket and I run to catch the sky train to the other terminal. I walk up to Air France check-in, despondent as there is a long line and no premium line for business class passengers! Fortunately I spy a counter with no queue off to the side for passengers travelling without checked luggage which brightens me considerably. The form seems to satisfy the check in agent and I am promptly issued with 2 boarding passes, along with the unwelcome news that Paris to Basel flight is economy only :( Oh well at least it is a short flight. I get held up at security as the WTMD is gone and they are meticulously hand wanding everyone (aka a 5 minute massage). By now I am wondering if I will make my flight or will I need to go back to the other terminal to Lufthansa ticketing (or would Air France now be responsible since I am now checked in??) to again revise plans. The gate is a long way from security so I run down the corridors. As I approach the gate I dont see to many people so wonder if it is too late, but then notice boarding hasnt started yet. I ask an agent and find boarding isnt for another 15 minutes or so, enough time to visit the lounge which is right by the gate. I pop in to look around. The lounge seems huge but I think that is more a reflection of there being just 3 passengers inside than its true size. There is a small selection of snacks and drinks. A couple of computers, and a separate smoking area that is unfortunately open plan and so the entire lounge reeks :( There is a large tv and some newspapers. There is no toilet within the lounge, but the public loos are just outside the doors. |
On boarding the A319 I'm offered a juice or water - gratefully accepted after my dash through the terminal. Also offered newspaper or magazine. En route to Paris we have a light snack and a drink. There is no view - again extensive cloud cover, and in fact it is quite foggy at CDG airport. We arrive at the 2D domestic terminal. The gate is undergoing some repairs or construction as there is some off stairs to go up and down to get into the main part of the terminal. Due to the late departure from Frankfurt there is no time to visit the lounge, instead through security (which doesnt take long) to the gates which are absolutely crowded.
Boarding the bus occurs almost immediately, and on time, and it is apparent the flight will be fairly full - the bus is jammed fill and quickly heats up. As we drive out to our waiting Fokker 70 aircraft (a change from the scheduled Fokker 100) it is apparent the aircraft is not yet ready for boarding. A fuel truck is still connected and luggage is being put into the hold. Vehicles come and go delivering more luggage including some late checked bags (I presume - I suppose it could be bags that were misplaced and then found) that are delivered by car even before some other bags arrive on another truck. In short a hive of activity - being overseen by several officials, all the while we have to wait in the bus which by now is overheating. Obviously they knew the aircraft wasnt ready - so we did we have to board the bus at the scheduled time? All up we spent over 40 minutes sitting there watching the comings and goings. After boiling away in the bus it was rather unpleasant to wait to board the stairs in the near freezing foggy air. Due to the small bin size my carry ons needed to be checked. On board I was pleasantly surprised to find I had the only empty seat on the aircraft beside me - presumably due to being on a business ticket for an all economy flight? - but was well toward the rear. During the short flight a snack and choice of coffee/tea, water or orange juice, was served to all free of charge. By the time they had served us we were already well into the descent so a few quick gulps of the coffee before handing back the rubbish. Our arrival gate was on the french side of the airport. Since we were using an airbridge rather than a bus gate, the bags checked at aircraft were delivered to the luggage claim. My bags were one of the first out. Then through immigration to the swiss side of the airport. I had to laugh at the ladies on the information counter who switched back and forth from country to country depending on the visitor (there's a barrier up to the edge of the counter to ensure visitors use immigration to transfer between the countries, but apparently this doesnt apply to the staff. I took the bus which runs every 5 to 12 minutes, to the Basel train station. Despite the signs in the terminal, tickets are bought from machine outside by the bus stop - can use either euros or swiss francs. The ticket machine at the train station only uses swiss francs. The bus takes about 15 minutes to get to the train station. I was meeting chrissxb and airoli for coffee here - they both travelling about an hour from their respective homes. Since the change in travel plans had meant I would be arriving later than originally planned I had let them know of my delay, but not of the further delay at Paris (since not allowed to use phones on the bus). So I was very late for meeting them, and of course they weren't waiting at the place we'd agreed. I wandered around for a couple of minutes before thinking about what I'd do instead when we saw each other and so were able to meet. I was nice to catch up with them both since our last meetings. Eventually it was time to go back. Once checked in I visited the Swiss lounge at Basel. It is very nice - even nicer than the one in Zurich IMHO. I had enough time for a few drinks as I'd made sure I had lots of time to check in. The reason was my paranoia (made worse by events of the morning) about missing a flight - in the next few days I go straight from one flight to another to another etc and so missing the first of these consecutive flights would be very bad indeed, especially with no later flights this evening. The short flight back to Frankfurt is on a 737. It is very empty but a high proportion in business class. The sun has set well by now and so no views apart from glimpses of lights in small breaks in the clouds. To my surprise we have an airbridge and not a bus gate at Frankfurt. I try again at the transfer desk to make some upcoming changes and no luck there - please go to information counter. There I finally talk to someone at Singapore who quickly makes the changes I'd like ^ I go back to the transfer desk to pick up my next boarding pass - sorry we cant issue for the subsequent flights (say what - when did this stop being possible?) and head to the senator lounge where I meet up with zvezda. |
Summary update
Map 26 flights 44,570 flown miles Aircraft 747, 777, A319, Beaver, Dash 8, Beechcraft 1900C, 757, MD80, 737, ARJ, Fokker 70 Airlines Singapore, Air Canada, Harbour Air, Pacific Coastal, American, Lufthansa, Air France (and Regional) |
RUN, RUN, AND RUN SOME MORE
After a lot of talking and a few drinks, we suddenly noticed we had lost track of time and it is time to board. At the gate my BP doesnt read properly in the machine. Is it an op-up? But no, just a jam in the reader. Never mind as I had managed to snag (by pre-selecting) the best business seat 17A - exit row and window seat (the exit row aisle seat has limited storage). Not as good as first but the next best thing. Here is the menu for the Singapore Airlines flight to Singapore. DINNER menu A Savoury Note Mesclun with marinated Greek seafood salad The Main Event Salmon trout fillet with garlic puree wrapped with bacon, pak choi, puy lentil-white broad beans and beetroot, warm extra virgin olive oil vinaigrette Thai style red curry duck, seasonal vegetables and steamed rice Braised beef in Chinese wine-spcies with vegetables and steamed rice Saltimbocca of pork in marsala wine sauce, carrot, and gnocchi The Cheese Board Gourmet cheese with garnishes A Sweet Note A selection of fresh fruit Vanilla-coffee ice cream A Connoisseur's Choice Gourmet coffee Selection of tea and pralines BEFORE TOUCH-DOWN menu A Fresh Start A choice of apple, tomato or freshly squeezed orange Fresh fruit A Healthy Note Choice of cereals or yoghurt The Main Event Tomato-cheese souffle with spinach and roasted potatoes Braised egg noodles with chicken and mushroom in Oriental sauce and vegetables Parsley omelette with medley of vegetables-potatoes From the Bakery Assorted breakfast rolls Butter - Fruit preserve A Connoisseur's Choice Gourmet coffee Selection of tea Your Breakfast Choice This convenient breakfast option lets you enjoy all the sleep you want, uninterrupted. Please inform our crew of your choice before lights out - if they do not receive your selection, you will be awakened in time for the complete breakfast. The complete breakfast - take your pick of the Main Event from our scrumptious selections (served earliest 2.5 hours prior to arrival) Continental breakfast - delight in this simple yet wholesome meal (served earliest 1.5 hours prior to arrival) BEVERAGES special cocktail Orange Cooler cocktails Singapore Sling Silver Kris Sling Gin Fizz Cloud Nine Screwdriver Bloody Mary Daiquiri Red or White Wine Cooler aperitifs Campari Dry Vermouth non-alcoholic cocktails Citrus Royale Tropical Sparkle Golden Spice Fruit Spritzer Sunrise Surprise spirits Cognac XO Otard Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky Johnnie Walker Black Label Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey Gordon's Dry Gin Absolut Vodka Bacardi Carta Blanca liqueurs Cointreau Tia Maria Baileys Original Irish Cream beer International Selection stout Guinness Stout champagne Charles Heidsieck 1995 Piper Heidsieck 1999 white wines Kloster Eberbach Riesling Kabinett 2003 Rheingau Montagny 1er Cru 2002 red wines Chateau Cissac 1998 Cru Bourgeois Haut Medoc Nipozzano Riserva 2001 Chianti Rufina Docg Frescobaldi port Taylor 2000 Late Bottled Vintage Port tea selection Pure Ceylon Tea Earl Grey Darjeeling Camomile Decaffeinated Tea Japanese Green Tea chinese tea selection Oolong gourmet coffees Brazil Santos Bourbon Colombian Supremo Kenyan AA Kilimanjaro specialty coffees Brewed Coffee Cafe Royal Espresso Cappuccino Decaffeinated Coffee Mocha other beverages Chocolate Milo mineral water Carbonated mineral water Non-carbonated mineral water fruit juices Apple Orange Pineapple Tomato Cranberry soft drinks A range of regular or low-calorie drinks is available iced drinks Iced Tea Iced Coffee Iced Mocha Iced Chocolate Iced Milo I had a few drinks and passed the time watching the remaining few shows I havent yet seen, and doze for a while. With more overnight flights to come I am not too worried about how much sleep I get on this sector. Just after breakfast I get a visit and asked if I want to move to F for the approach and landing so I can be next to zvezda. Umm let me think about it ... seriously no thinking required I am out of my seat and grabbing my bags before you can say peter piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. I get lots of stares from the rest of the cabin but who cares I am moving to F :D I decline the offers of champagne but we do talk a lot for the rest of the flight. On arrival at Singapore, slightly late, we have a moderate taxi and get a gate in the F50's range - ie a long way from the lounge but could be worse, it could be F60 or F58 which I seem to get with depressing regularity. We quickly deplane and race to the lounge, for I have a tight connection and am still to be checked in on the next flights. |
The Singapore lounge has its own check-in facility, which is a godsend at times for the lack of queues as compared with the regular transit desks.
So I bolt there and ask to be checked in. Yes just in the nick of time before the flight closes. I make use of the facilities while I'm being checked in and grab the 2 boarding passes as I rush back out of the lounge towards the gate. E11 down the end of the pier. At least it isnt an F gate I suppose. Boarding is nearing completion by the time I arrive and so through the security at the gate and straight to my seat. I have a drink while catching my breath before we push back. There is a short delay while someone's bags are offloaded. Fortunately this takes just a few minutes - a minor miracle compared with the usual 20 minutes - as I have another tight connection ahead and havent yet checked in for that flight either (I had no time to do this also). The short flight is uneventful. I like the food options on the flights between Singapore and Indonesia - there's usually one or two spicy dishes. There isnt enough time to watch a movie so instead I play some games. On arrival at Jakarta we land on the secondary runway, which is a first for me. This means we get to taxi past the aircraft graveyard which has maybe a dozen aircraft ranging from 747s down to much smaller types, in various colour schemes and all sorts of states of disrepair. Once deplaned I head upstairs just before immigration to the departures level and visit the lounge, where I have a chance to check my email. Its not long before its time to head to the gate. Security is at the gate and several folk are turned away - not sure why - but I am through quickly. I pay the departure tax here (no change given but can pay in S$ or US$ or euros instead of IDR). Back on board and greeted warmly back by the crew, who also do the turnaround. I am invited to choose any seat I wish as on this flight I'm the only one in the cabin! When the FA hands out the menu card I say dont bother as I know what I'd like to order (both menus for SIN-CGK and CGK-SIN are on the same card) :D Given our late arrival into Jakarta I ask what the changes are for on time return to Singapore. I'm told dont worry we have a good 20 minutes padded into the schedule. We make up a little time on the turnaround but still push back a little late. Then a long slow taxi. Ahhh, I'd forgotten how slow this can be at Jakarta. I'm not sure if air traffic control is more cautious here or deliberately slow, but during busy (well busy for Jakarta) times I notice how slow and well spaced out the arrivals and departures are here. Yup we end up waiting 20 minutes for our turn to take off - so much for a padded schedule! The flight itself is rather bumpy so I have to be careful not to spill the red wine. On arrival back at Singapore we get the "random" check of carry-ons at the gate entrance. This only seems to happen to some (not all) Jakarta flights, although others have reported also for Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. It certainly doesnt seem to be random. By now I am really tight to check in for the next flight so back I run down the pier (we arrived at gate E12) to the lounge. Hi, remember me! I'm back and need another boarding pass! I asked for the return boarding pass as well but was told it was unable to be checked in as passed to airport control - huh? sounds baloney to me as I've always been able to check in for onward sectors especially when its the same airline and no checked bags. Anyway, no time to argue as race back out to the gate - yup way out in F pier. |
Summary update
Map 29 flights 52,051 flown miles Aircraft 747, 777, A319, Beaver, Dash 8, Beechcraft 1900C, 757, MD80, 737, ARJ, Fokker 70 Airlines Singapore, Air Canada, Harbour Air, Pacific Coastal, American, Lufthansa, Air France (and Regional) |
Back on board a Singapore 747 after the brief interlude on a 777. No exit row this time but never mind, at least I made the flight. I hope to sleep on this short redeye service, and manage to get a couple of hours but not much more. The menu is posted below.
REFRESHMENT menu To Nibble On Walnut bread with gravadlax and avocado spread, leafy salad Braised egg noodles with beef, mushrooms and leafy greens A Connoisseur's Choice Gourmet coffee Selection of tea BREAKFAST menu A Fresh Start A choice of apple, tomato or freshly squeezed orange Fresh fruit A Healthy Note Choice of cereals The Main Event Steamed fried rice with seafood and spring onion wrapped in lotus leaf Griddled hotcake served with maple syrup, chicken sausages and roasted tomato Chive omelette served with ham steak, roasted tomato and roesti potato From the Bakery Assorted breakfast rolls Butter - Fruit preserve A Connoisseur's Choice Gourmet coffee Selection of tea Your Breakfast Choice This convenient breakfast option lets you enjoy all the sleep you want, uninterrupted. Please inform our crew of your choice before lights out - if they do not receive your selection, you will be awakened in time for the complete breakfast. The complete breakfast - take your pick of the Main Event from our scrumptious selections (served earliest 2.5 hours prior to arrival) Continental breakfast - delight in this simple yet wholesome meal (served earliest 1.5 hours prior to arrival) BEVERAGES special cocktail Orange Cooler cocktails Singapore Sling Silver Kris Sling Gin Fizz Cloud Nine Screwdriver Bloody Mary Daiquiri Red or White Wine Cooler aperitifs Campari Dry Vermouth non-alcoholic cocktails Citrus Royale Tropical Sparkle Golden Spice Fruit Spritzer Sunrise Surprise spirits Cognac XO Otard Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky Johnnie Walker Black Label Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey Gordon's Dry Gin Absolut Vodka Bacardi Carta Blanca liqueurs Cointreau Tia Maria Baileys Original Irish Cream beer International Selection stout Guinness Stout champagne Charles Heidsieck 1995 Piper Heidsieck 1999 white wines Kloster Eberbach Riesling Kabinett 2003 Rheingau Montagny 1er Cru 2002 red wines Chateau Cissac 1998 Cru Bourgeois Haut Medoc Nipozzano Riserva 2001 Chianti Rufina Docg Frescobaldi port Taylor 2000 Late Bottled Vintage Port tea selection Pure Ceylon Tea Earl Grey Darjeeling Camomile Decaffeinated Tea Japanese Green Tea chinese tea selection Oolong gourmet coffees Brazil Santos Bourbon Colombian Supremo Kenyan AA Kilimanjaro specialty coffees Brewed Coffee Cafe Royal Espresso Cappuccino Decaffeinated Coffee Mocha other beverages Chocolate Milo mineral water Carbonated mineral water Non-carbonated mineral water fruit juices Apple Orange Pineapple Tomato Cranberry soft drinks A range of regular or low-calorie drinks is available iced drinks Iced Tea Iced Coffee Iced Mocha Iced Chocolate Iced Milo Shortly after the refreshment has been served (which I decline) and cleared away, there is a PA asking for a doctor on board to deal with a medical emergency. Wow this is the fourth one in the past few months, after years since the previous one that I can recall. Hope its not too serious. After that I found sleep hard so I lift the window shade a little to peek outside. It is amazingly beautiful - we are flying over extensive cloud cover - not too far below the aircraft. The moonlight has lit up the top of the cloud with a light silvery glow, and the slight undulations in the top of the cloud casts shadows and gives a soft texture like giant pillows slightly plumped up. The view on descent into Seoul is also amazing. It is still pitch black but the city lights shine brightly under clear skies. We see the warning lights atop high towers and masts, and even a lighthouse's beam revolving lazily across the sea. As we land I see the lights of several other longhaul flights stacked up behind us on final approach - we must be seeing quite a distance out on such a clear night. The snow of a less than 2 weeks ago has gone, and all that remains is the frigid -10C cold. So I hurry to the transfer screening point. Since for once I dont have an onward boarding pass there is a small delay while I explain the date changes since my original ticket was issued (it did not need reissuing for this) and I'm let through. At this early time the transfer desk is closed and wont open for another hour, so I head to the lounge and hope to access on the strength of my ticket; and indeed I am let in. In fact they kindly offer to arrange check in for me so I can stay in the lounge until the return flight ^ |
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