The totally off-topic thread

[bambbbam2]

Special tonight on Foxtel/Austar CI

'Rage in the Air - Furious Flyers' - 9.30 EDST if anyone is interested...

 

[drron]

Has microsoft been taken over by the Japanese?Have been working on my photos and got this error message from microsoft-
The server may be a little bit broken temporarily.Please try again in a few moments while it sorts itself out.
Error 12152

 

[Mal]

The server may be a little bit broken temporarily.Please try again in a few moments while it sorts itself out.

Dunno, although I have seen job apps at work with similar awkward language usage.

(And yep, I realise a decent number of my posts don't make grammatical sense at times! )

 

[beardoc]

It appears i was driving past the Hyde park Starbucks as beardoc was posting.

If you'd stopped in, I would have shouted you a coffee (which of course would be another Amex transaction for me!).

 

[Evan]

Has microsoft been taken over by the Japanese?Have been working on my photos and got this error message from microsoft-
The server may be a little bit broken temporarily.Please try again in a few moments while it sorts itself out.
Error 12152

'sorts itselfs out' also sounds a little Singaporean to me

Goto love the MS error messages... i was connecting at the Dalian Interconti to the internet and after selecting the plan you get a message....

"You determined that needs to connect the network ?"

I like that one

E

 

[anat0l]

Re: I'm bored again! This thread needs another move...

Continuing from the previous set. Again, answer any or all.

11. The three most important things a good airline lounge needs are (in order)......
12. Which of the three major oceans have you crossed? And in which order and direction (i.e. east/west)?
13. Have you ever flown international First class (on any airline)? If so, describe the first time.
14. Describe the last time you had to use stairs (rather than an aerobridge) for an international flight.
15. Boeing or Airbus?
16. Have you ever celebrated a significant event whilst in the air (e.g. birthday, etc.)?
17. Is there an airline which uses your initials as its 2-letter IATA designator?
18. Describe the most turbulent flight you have ever been on.
19. In your opinion, which is the best international passenger airport in the world?
20. What is your most preferred WHY refreshment item on a QF "Refreshment" domestic flight?

11. Free seats, good ambience, decent food.
12. Pacific (both ways) when I was 10 years old, that's it.
13. Nope, haven't flown it yet. Wish I could, hope I will.
14. LA800 SYD-AKL; got bussed out from gate 27 (?) to the waiting LA A340 at a remote contact pier.
15. Boeing, but I'm biased here since most planes I ride are with Boeing.
16. No celebrations, although I was flying on 01/01/2007.
17. TAAG Angola Airlines, flagship carrier of Angola which is banned from flying within the EU.
18. The best I can recall was the last MEL-BNE flight I was on; it was getting to one of the last flights of the night and the seat belt sign remained on for at least 50 minutes. By the time they managed to turn off the sign there was still some minor turbulence. As a consequence there was no coffee or tea to be served, so we got offered free booze instead.
19. I'm tossing up between SIN and KUL. The problem with KUL is that the gate organisation at the main contact pier can be confusing, but that's not fair comparison with SIN since there are no domestic flights in Singapore. Moreover, the shopping at KUL Satellite isn't anything really to write home about.
20. If it were a turboprop flight, cheese and crackers. (Not sure if they do these anymore.) For a Jetconnect NZ dom flight (hey, it is domestic!), most of them aren't bad at all! But seriously: for food, probably any cake without icing. For item, can't go past the free wines...

 

[anat0l]

The next set of (fun?) questions...

Once again - answer any, many or all... the choice is yours...

21. Beer, Wine, Spirits or none?
22. Based on this version of the all-day dining at the SYD F Lounge, what dishes (up to 3 + 1 side dish) would you order? (You can assume you have 2 hours before departure, so no rush.)
23. What would the world be like if flight upgrades never existed/ceased to exist?
24. Describe how well you are able to sleep on board an aircraft.
25. In Economy class: aisle, middle or window seat?
26. In your opinion, which Australian capital city has the best domestic airport? And which has the worst?
27. A very weird (AFF?) genie appears and says: "On only one sector in the Australian domestic network of your choosing, I shall grant a guarantee that this sector will have 100% on-time performance and 0% cancellation rate, forever."

Which sector would you choose?
28. Describe the time when you were travelling with the most check-in luggage you have ever carried.
29. If travelling on longhaul international for a company/work purpose, would/do you prefer:

• Travelling in J but being expected to work (and return) as soon as possible, or
• Travelling in Y but having a day's allowance on either side (i.e. of arriving and departing) of your trip?

30. Describe a time in which you almost missed a flight (but still made it).

 

[2muchplastic]

Re: The next set of (fun?) questions...

Once again - answer any, many or all... the choice is yours...

21. Beer, Wine, Spirits or none?
22. Based on this version of the all-day dining at the SYD F Lounge, what dishes (up to 3 + 1 side dish) would you order? (You can assume you have 2 hours before departure, so no rush.)
23. What would the world be like if flight upgrades never existed/ceased to exist?
24. Describe how well you are able to sleep on board an aircraft.
25. In Economy class: aisle, middle or window seat?
26. In your opinion, which Australian capital city has the best domestic airport? And which has the worst?
27. A very weird (AFF?) genie appears and says: "On only one sector in the Australian domestic network of your choosing, I shall grant a guarantee that this sector will have 100% on-time performance and 0% cancellation rate, forever."

Which sector would you choose?
28. Describe the time when you were travelling with the most check-in luggage you have ever carried.

29. If travelling on longhaul international for a company/work purpose, would/do you prefer:

• Travelling in J but being expected to work (and return) as soon as possible, or
• Travelling in Y but having a day's allowance on either side (i.e. of arriving and departing) of your trip?

30. Describe a time in which you almost missed a flight (but still made it).

21. None while flying. But all other occasions wine and spirits
22. Sorry, I would spend the whole 2 hours trying to decide. That looks like a pretty good menu to me.
23. Same as ever to me. I've never upgraded or been upgraded yet!
24. Need to be lying down (or as near as dammit) to sleep well, so ok on the Skyslopes, but economy or the Millenium style seats, just dozing only.
25. LonghaulAisle, shorthaul window
26. Only been to BNE, SYD and MEL. MEL for preference so far as connecting is just a short walk. None of the others are bad, unless you try to get a taxi from BNE in the evening.
27. BNE-SYD
28. Moving from UK to Aus last year. Were well over the 23kg/person allowance but didn't pay a bean.
29. Travel J. No contest. I'll work during the flight and 10 minutes after I get off the flight if necessary. NO Y. Please, pretty please
30. Woke up at home 2 hours before the last check in time for my honeymoon flight. Airport was 250km away, and we made it with 15 minutes to spare :shock:

 

[Bundy Bear]

Re: The next set of (fun?) questions...

Once again - answer any, many or all... the choice is yours...

21. Beer, Wine, Spirits or none?
22. Based on this version of the all-day dining at the SYD F Lounge, what dishes (up to 3 + 1 side dish) would you order? (You can assume you have 2 hours before departure, so no rush.)
23. What would the world be like if flight upgrades never existed/ceased to exist?
24. Describe how well you are able to sleep on board an aircraft.
25. In Economy class: aisle, middle or window seat?
26. In your opinion, which Australian capital city has the best domestic airport? And which has the worst?
27. A very weird (AFF?) genie appears and says: "On only one sector in the Australian domestic network of your choosing, I shall grant a guarantee that this sector will have 100% on-time performance and 0% cancellation rate, forever."

Which sector would you choose?
28. Describe the time when you were travelling with the most check-in luggage you have ever carried.


29. If travelling on longhaul international for a company/work purpose, would/do you prefer:

• Travelling in J but being expected to work (and return) as soon as possible, or
• Travelling in Y but having a day's allowance on either side (i.e. of arriving and departing) of your trip?

30. Describe a time in which you almost missed a flight (but still made it).

21. Beer
22. Minute steak; but it all looks good.
23. Probably wouldn't effect me much if anything at all.
24. Some not lots, I guess it depends on the seat. 7 hours on KUL-LHR evening flight with 3 spare economy seats; about 2 hours sitting up on a cramped economy QF A380.
25. Short less than 3 hours; windows; long aisle.
26. (best) Brisbane home airport;
(Worst) Perth
27. BNE-SYD
28. 53kg BNE-SYD; work plus ski trip. plus 8kgs hand luggage, no charge.
29. Economy; work could never afford J, we just wouldn't go.
30. SYD-BNE QF Business 2001: checked in 10 minutes before flight departed, I was stressing, my first business class flight on points.

 

[tuapekastar]

Re: The next set of (fun?) questions...

Once again - answer any, many or all... the choice is yours...

21. Beer, Wine, Spirits or none?
22. Based on this version of the all-day dining at the SYD F Lounge, what dishes (up to 3 + 1 side dish) would you order? (You can assume you have 2 hours before departure, so no rush.)
23. What would the world be like if flight upgrades never existed/ceased to exist?
24. Describe how well you are able to sleep on board an aircraft.
25. In Economy class: aisle, middle or window seat?
26. In your opinion, which Australian capital city has the best domestic airport? And which has the worst?
27. A very weird (AFF?) genie appears and says: "On only one sector in the Australian domestic network of your choosing, I shall grant a guarantee that this sector will have 100% on-time performance and 0% cancellation rate, forever."

Which sector would you choose?
28. Describe the time when you were travelling with the most check-in luggage you have ever carried.


29. If travelling on longhaul international for a company/work purpose, would/do you prefer:

• Travelling in J but being expected to work (and return) as soon as possible, or
• Travelling in Y but having a day's allowance on either side (i.e. of arriving and departing) of your trip?

30. Describe a time in which you almost missed a flight (but still made it).

21. Wine, Beer (in that order)
22. Minute Steak, Lamb Rendang, Club Sandwich w. Carrots (isn't this cough-about?)
23. Going for straight out awards instead
24. In a word, no! I could stay awake for a week straight, then board a MEL-LHR flight and not sleep a wink! (well maybe one or two winks, but not much)
25. Aisle almost without exception. Exception if a special view beckoned.
26. Taking size into consideration, MEL is quite good. Overall, ADL is nicest. PER (and to a lesser extent BNE), is a dog's breakfast.
27. The next one I'm travelling.
28. Never, IIRC, have I checked more than one bag in.
29. J without doubt.
30. At BWI many years ago. 1st call, in bar, decide to finish drink and buy another (so cool and relaxed ). 2nd call, decide to finish next drink (at leisure of course). 3rd and final call, leave bar to discover gate is at the other end of the airport! A long sprint and just made flight (missing would have cost many $$$). This cured me forever of any sort of cavalier attitude towards boarding.

 

[winetraveller]

Re: I'm bored again! This thread needs another move...

Continuing from the previous set. Again, answer any or all.

11. The three most important things a good airline lounge needs are (in order)......
12. Which of the three major oceans have you crossed? And in which order and direction (i.e. east/west)?
13. Have you ever flown international First class (on any airline)? If so, describe the first time.
14. Describe the last time you had to use stairs (rather than an aerobridge) for an international flight.
15. Boeing or Airbus?
16. Have you ever celebrated a significant event whilst in the air (e.g. birthday, etc.)?
17. Is there an airline which uses your initials as its 2-letter IATA designator?
18. Describe the most turbulent flight you have ever been on.
19. In your opinion, which is the best international passenger airport in the world?
20. What is your most preferred WHY refreshment item on a QF "Refreshment" domestic flight?

11. Free wireless connection (or one my Boingo account works with), a view (not a bunker somewhere in the depths of an airport, yes Boston Senator Lounge, I mean you!), food that isn't pre packaged.
12. Atlantic both ways, Pacific both ways, Indian Ocean both ways.
13. Yes, many times, can't remember, I think I was a few months old, flying from the UK to Dubai.
14. A couple of weeks ago climbing the stairs to the upper deck of a UA 747. To access the aircraft from FRA to CDG about six weeks ago.
15. Depends, favourite Boeing SQ777-300ER. Favourite Airbus SQA380 of course.
16. Birthday (LH presented me with small cake, no candle though), Christmas.
17. BB, Seaborne Airlines.
18. On route to Vienna from KL on a Lauda Air flight about five years ago his some serious turbulance, a few passangers hit the roof when we dropped (see told you to keep you belt on), a few broken bones and a bit of claret.
19. Until recently BKK, who knows now. Also FRA, and SFO.
20. Usually don't consume anything if I have to fly Y, you never know what you might catch (tongue firmly planted in cheek).

 

[Keith009]

Re: The next set of (fun?) questions...

Once again - answer any, many or all... the choice is yours...

21. Beer, Wine, Spirits or none?
22. Based on this version of the all-day dining at the SYD F Lounge, what dishes (up to 3 + 1 side dish) would you order? (You can assume you have 2 hours before departure, so no rush.)
23. What would the world be like if flight upgrades never existed/ceased to exist?
24. Describe how well you are able to sleep on board an aircraft.
25. In Economy class: aisle, middle or window seat?
26. In your opinion, which Australian capital city has the best domestic airport? And which has the worst?
27. A very weird (AFF?) genie appears and says: "On only one sector in the Australian domestic network of your choosing, I shall grant a guarantee that this sector will have 100% on-time performance and 0% cancellation rate, forever."

Which sector would you choose?
28. Describe the time when you were travelling with the most check-in luggage you have ever carried.
29. If travelling on longhaul international for a company/work purpose, would/do you prefer:

• Travelling in J but being expected to work (and return) as soon as possible, or
• Travelling in Y but having a day's allowance on either side (i.e. of arriving and departing) of your trip?

30. Describe a time in which you almost missed a flight (but still made it).

21. Champagne or Wine (and Spirits if part of a coughtail)
22. Duck liver parfait, minute steak, sticky toffee pudd
23. It's a world of which I daren't imagine living in.
24. Depends on how drunk i am or how little sleep I've had the previous night or how long I've been flying for.
25. centre aisle
26. best: ADL; worst: they've all been rather above average
27. Don't travel domestic enough to really care, but probably MEL-SYD as i'm most likely to fly that route
28. After my RTW trip early '08 with 3 suitcases - 1 containing clothes, the rest containing all my shopping
29. a
30. Nearly all the time when trying to catch QF30 back to MEL out of HKG. Flight departs at 0900, and I am usually too hungover to make it in good time. Usually manage airport check in 45 mins or so before departure and it's straight to boarding.

 

[beardoc]

Re: The next set of (fun?) questions...

I'm going to be less RB this time - no red.

Once again - answer any, many or all... the choice is yours...

21. Beer, Wine, Spirits or none?

None. I suspect that puts me in the minority around here. But it's not like I am one of those zealots that make you uncomfortable when you're drinking around them. It's just a personal choice for me (for weight reasons as much as everything else).

22. Based on this version of the all-day dining at the SYD F Lounge, what dishes (up to 3 + 1 side dish) would you order? (You can assume you have 2 hours before departure, so no rush.)

Let's go with the Pappardelle with Duck Ragout and Pamesan, the Lamb Rendang, a side of unbuttered snap peas, and the Sticky Toffee Pudding. Are two mains too much?

23. What would the world be like if flight upgrades never existed/ceased to exist?

It would be exactly like it is now (for me, anyway).

24. Describe how well you are able to sleep on board an aircraft.

Very well. Like a log. Although when I'm travelling long haul I'm usually so excited that I don't sleep and I spend hours exploring the entertainment options or watching stuff on my own computer!

25. In Economy class: aisle, middle or window seat?

Aisle for longhaul, Window for short trips.

26. In your opinion, which Australian capital city has the best domestic airport? And which has the worst?

ADL is the best, yes - it reminded me interestingly of MSP. PER is horrible - old, in need of lots more space, cramped and overcrowded QP.

27. A very weird (AFF?) genie appears and says: "On only one sector in the Australian domestic network of your choosing, I shall grant a guarantee that this sector will have 100% on-time performance and 0% cancellation rate, forever."

SYD-MEL. If only it were true!

28. Describe the time when you were travelling with the most check-in luggage you have ever carried.

December 2001, I was doing a Star Lite fare as a student (my first ever RTW ticket!). I carried two large bags - one a huge cheap and heavy bag that had a shoulder strap, and the other was a sort of duffle bag from Kathmandu (the shop, not KTM), turned into a sort of a huge backback. When packed, they were 30kg and 31kg respectively. I also carried a carry-on bag which weighed another 18kg as it was full of electronics. The trip (with Amtrak stops) ended up being 10 cities in 28 days. I'm still amazed that I did it, as did most of the people I stayed with!

29. If travelling on longhaul international for a company/work purpose, would/do you prefer:

• Travelling in J but being expected to work (and return) as soon as possible, or
• Travelling in Y but having a day's allowance on either side (i.e. of arriving and departing) of your trip?

Tough choice. I know most people would choose J, but it's a difficult thing for me, as I'm so used to Y, and so much of my travelling is about going to meet up with people in various cities. I'd probably go with Y and squash a pile of visits to people when I'm there (lunches, dinners, going out, etc.).

30. Describe a time in which you almost missed a flight (but still made it).

I used to do this every year on a weekend in MEL in June - it was a social weekend and there were events still going on the Sunday night, but I had to be back at work at 7am Monday in Sydney, so I would hire a car, and at around 8:30pm, leave from Collingwood, drive like a maniac to MEL, dump the car, run in and dump my bag at around 9:05pm, and then be on the last flight to SYD at 9:15pm!

Mandatory screening of bags kind of prevents me from doing this these days.

 

[serfty]

21. Beer, Wine, Spirits or none?

• Any, depending up situation ...

22. Based on this version of the all-day dining at the SYD F Lounge, what dishes (up to 3 + 1 side dish) would you order? (You can assume you have 2 hours before departure, so no rush.)

FWIW, I've had the Duck Parfait, Salt and Pepper Squid, Rendang and minute steak. ​

• Parfait & Rendang + Snap Peas

23. What would the world be like if flight upgrades never existed/ceased to exist?

• Assuming you mean Point/Award upgrades, not much different - perhaps the premium cabins would be smaller.

24. Describe how well you are able to sleep on board an aircraft.

• Generally very well, no issue in J or better, but I can still attain significant sleep in WHY.

25. In Economy class: aisle, middle or window seat?

• AISLE!!! (Except for 66A/K on QF A388)

26. In your opinion, which Australian capital city has the best domestic airport? And which has the worst?

• Best: ADL (Nice new/fresh, compact)
• Worst: SYD (afterthought after afterthought + long walk from rotunda gates to the other end)

27. A very weird (AFF?) genie appears and says: "On only one sector in the Australian domestic network of your choosing, I shall grant a guarantee that this sector will have 100% on-time performance and 0% cancellation rate, forever."

Which sector would you choose?

• CBR-ASP because that would be mythical!

28. Describe the time when you were travelling with the most check-in luggage you have ever carried.

• 1998 LHR-MEL- with SWMBO, M-I-L and mini serfty in tow - travel home weight combined was ~105Kg

29. If travelling on longhaul international for a company/work purpose, would/do you prefer:

• Travelling in J but being expected to work (and return) as soon as possible, or
• Travelling in Y but having a day's allowance on either side (i.e. of arriving and departing) of your trip?

• (b) - (Assuming the 'day's allowance' was PAID) - I'd ensure I had good chances of upgrading

30. Describe a time in which you almost missed a flight (but still made it).[/QUOTE]

• ~2:00PM MEL-CBR flight - Delayed in Port Melbourne fixing a software issue, I arrived at MEL 2:10 - aircraft was 30 minutes late.

 

[serfty]

... 30. Nearly all the time when trying to catch QF30 back to MEL out of HKG. Flight departs at 0900, and I am usually too hungover to make it in good time. Usually manage airport check in 45 mins or so before departure and it's straight to boarding.

Haven't you heard of QF128 (or QF98)? I know it goes to SYD (or BNE), but you have a full day in HKG as well as the opportunity to optimise Wing use.

 

[serfty]

Jenny & I would like to wish everyone a -

Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

- Oh - and keep SAFE -

​

 

[codash1099]

Re: The next set of (fun?) questions...

Once again - answer any, many or all... the choice is yours...

21. Beer, Wine, Spirits or none?
22. Based on this version of the all-day dining at the SYD F Lounge, what dishes (up to 3 + 1 side dish) would you order? (You can assume you have 2 hours before departure, so no rush.)
23. What would the world be like if flight upgrades never existed/ceased to exist?
24. Describe how well you are able to sleep on board an aircraft.
25. In Economy class: aisle, middle or window seat?
26. In your opinion, which Australian capital city has the best domestic airport? And which has the worst?
27. A very weird (AFF?) genie appears and says: "On only one sector in the Australian domestic network of your choosing, I shall grant a guarantee that this sector will have 100% on-time performance and 0% cancellation rate, forever."

Which sector would you choose?
28. Describe the time when you were travelling with the most check-in luggage you have ever carried.
29. If travelling on longhaul international for a company/work purpose, would/do you prefer:

• Travelling in J but being expected to work (and return) as soon as possible, or
• Travelling in Y but having a day's allowance on either side (i.e. of arriving and departing) of your trip?

30. Describe a time in which you almost missed a flight (but still made it).

21. Yes please
22. Hard to decide, but how does "all day dining" commence at midday? And when does it stop?
23. Uncomfortable.
24. In Y, not at all. In J, OK dependng on the seat. In F, very well.
25. Aisle (or isle, as some would have it )
26. Not having seen ADL recently, MEL as best, PER as worst.
27. PER - anywhere.
28. Travelling with my daughter back from YVR. 2 cases each (all overweight) and innumerable carry-ons.
29. J definitely. I've travelled Y expected to work and no break, so having to do a bit in J is no trouble.
30. Getting to LHR being ferried by a cousin who is notoriously late for everything. Horror traffic and long queues, called for the flight a few minutes after checking in!

 

[codash1099]

It occurs to me that anyone posting on Christmas day is a sad, lonely old sod. Oooops.

Merry, safe and enjoyable Christmas to all.

 

[anat0l]

A very Merry Christmas to one and all

Best wishes to your health and your mileage accounts.

 

[Flashback]

Cheers to all *raises his ice cold beer*