23 into 21 does go

[JessicaTam]

The mea culpa:
I have been particularly cr@p of late getting trip reports finished. I start them well enough, but the enthusiasm wanes towards the end of the trip. The trouble seems to be making the time to copy across photos from my camera.

The plan:
So I am going to try something a little different for this trip. I am still taking my camera which will be my main source of picture taking; however I will be more vigilant with my phone, and use that to capture the 'best bits' of a flight or location. That will form the basis for the day's post. It may mean I miss some of the detail, but for once the end justifies the means.

The journey:
mel-sin-cmb-auh-cmb-cgk-cmb-auh-cmb-cgk-doh-ams-lhr-muc-nue*-muc-lhr-ams-doh-cgk-cmb-auh-cmb-sin-syd-mel

*muc-nue-muc is by train.

The map:


The stops:
I overnight in SIN, CGK, AUH, LHR, AMS and NUE.

The transits:
CMB, CGK, DOH, LHR, MUC, SIN

The reason:
The last F1 race for 2019 in AUH; a FT NUE Christmas market 'do'; and a status run with BA.

• I have committed myself to getting to every F1 race on the calendar - eventually! This year sees BCN and AUH ticked off. A few years ago I did Monza and SIN. And of course I have been to the one in AU - the proper one, not the current pretender.
• Last time I was in NUE I pressed a FT member to have another Christmas do, as it had been a couple of years since the last one. So I better turn up! Save the date: Dec 06-Dec08 2019 - 6th Franconian DO NUE- Christmas Market Edition v2
• This run nets 2300+ TPs which gets me well on the way to GGL for another year. The AMS-LHR-MUC return flights tick off my 4 BA ~s.

The equipment:
My trusty Sony A6300 with an 18-200mm lens, and my iPhone 8 plus.

The title:
I have 23 flights, and I am away 21 days.

The classes:
I start on QF35 in W. From there I am in J until I get back to SIN. And yes, the upgrade request is in for the flight home!

The luggage:
Yep, carry on only. 10kg plus my shoulder bag and jacket.

See you tomorrow!

Edit: added FT link

 

[JessicaTam]

Actually I can start today. Here is the view of and from my office at the MEL DT. I booked it a week or so ago as the rate was low. Staying here takes away the angst of an early start from SXE, and of course gives me more Flounge time.

 

[serfty]

OMG a rare balcony room ...

Yep, little point in upgrading to a bed for a midday flight to Singapore.

 

[JessicaTam]

OMG a rare balcony room ...

Yep, little point in upgrading to a bed for a midday flight to Singapore.

I was quite surprised, particularly with the JW convention in Melbourne this week. I must be special!

W nets 90 TPs with BA, but only about 30 in Y so worth the extra TPs/legroom/food/drink/comfort on the way up.

 

[moa999]

Impressive running.
Assume it's a mix of a few separate tickets with all the CMB transfers?

At AUH.
I saw Kym Illman (Australian F1 photographer and marketer) is having a dinner on the Fri night which might be interesting (not cheap though) - F1 Dinner Event: Abu Dhabi, UAE 29 November 2019 - Kym Illman

 

[LadyC]

I admire anyone who can complete a trip report - I am completely with you on the enthusiasm to start with the slowly peters away.....

I like the Christmas Market do - what a great idea. You've got a lot packed into to your trip, sounds very interesting and busy!

Edit: Of course - I should have picked up on the UL deal you have going on in all that!

 

[JessicaTam]

Impressive running.
Assume it's a mix of a few separate tickets with all the CMB transfers?

At AUH.
I saw Kym Illman (Australian F1 photographer and marketer) is having a dinner on the Fri night which might be interesting (not cheap though) - F1 Dinner Event: Abu Dhabi, UAE 29 November 2019 - Kym Illman

Thanks for the heads up. I get into AUH on Tuesday before leaving on Wednesday (a quick UL AUH-CGK run). I don't get back until Friday night. Turns out my F1 ticket also includes a pit walk on Thursday. Anyone wanna be me for the day?

I think I have 5 nested tickets - or is it 6!

Edit: With the train it is 7. I think I need a lie down! {mel-(sin-cmb-[auh-cmb-cgk-cmb-(auh]-cmb-(cgk-doh-(ams-lhr-(muc-nue-muc)-lhr-ams)-doh-cgk)-cmb-auh)-cmb-sin)-syd-mel}

 

[RooFlyer]

I am still taking my camera which will be my main source of picture taking; however I will be more vigilant with my phone, and use that to capture the 'best bits' of a flight or location. That will form the basis for the day's post.

That's what I, and I think JohnM does (but its just a Sony pocket camera with 100x zoom). For me, I often end up just posting the iPhone pics via a Surface Pro, except for some especially composed ones, as the quality of the iPhone is usually good enough. Will you post from a phone, iThing or laptop?

 

[JessicaTam]

That's what I, and I think JohnM does (but its just a Sony pocket camera with 100x zoom). For me, I often end up just posting the iPhone pics via a Surface Pro, except for some especially composed ones, as the quality of the iPhone is usually good enough. Will you post from a phone, iThing or laptop?

I am thinking of posting the pic straight from the phone and then adding the text on the laptop. Less faffing about that way.

 

[Austman]

SIX (yes, shouting) transits in CMB!

They will know you personally!

 

[p--and--t]

OMG 23i in 21.

I've done that (or near) domestically before but not internationally.

 

[Major]

You will certainly know the ins and outs of CMB by the time you have finished

 

[Pushka]

You will certainly know the ins and outs of CMB by the time you have finished

You can pick up a fridge, washing machine or super large TV in duty free on the way!

 

[RooFlyer]

I read somewhere here recently that there are two UL lounges at CMB (the only OW lounges there). Are you flying out UL or EY? Either way, I'd be interested i the transit experience and the UL lounge situation if you use them.

I've only seen the 'Serendip' lounge at CMB, and I'll be transiting myself on Thursday night.

Edit: Not in the market for a fridge or other whitegoods.

 

[Austman]

I read somewhere here recently that there are two UL lounges at CMB (the only OW lounges there). Are you flying out UL or EY? Either way, I'd be interested i the transit experience and the UL lounge situation if you use them.

UL have a complex lounge access system that would rival QR's!

Basically you have to be flying out in J or F to get into the better one (Serendip). OWE leaving in Y gets the other one (Serenediva).

Lounge Policy

Frequent Flyer Programme,SriLankan Frequent Flyer Programme,SriLankan Airlines Frequent Flyer Programme, SriLankan Loyalty Programme, FlySmiLes Frequent Flyer Programme,Airline Frequent Flyer Programme,Membership,Airline Membership,Frequent Flyer Membership,Airline Club,Frequent Flyer...

www.srilankan.com

There is also an EK lounge in CMB, which could be a curious and risky choice for Qantas status pax.

 

[Scarlett]

Thanks for the heads up. I get into AUH on Tuesday before leaving on Wednesday (a quick UL AUH-CGK run).
I think I have 5 nested tickets - or is it 6!
Edit: With the train it is 7. I think I need a lie down! {mel-(sin-cmb-[auh-cmb-cgk-cmb-(auh]-cmb-(cgk-doh-(ams-lhr-(muc-nue-muc)-lhr-ams)-doh-cgk)-cmb-auh)-cmb-sin)-syd-mel}

That is COMPLETELY BONKERS.
You could spend an entire hour trying to explain that trip to someone outside the FF communities and they'd still probably walk away not understanding.

Just go pop your avatar in the "You know you're a frequent flyer when..." thread. No text necessary.

 

[moa999]

UL have a complex lounge access system that would rival QR's!
Basically you have to be flying out in J or F to get into the better one (Serendip). OWE leaving in Y gets the other one (Serenediva).

Better is a relative term. Don't think either lounge ranks particularly highly.

EK lounge no use in CMB as no QF metal flights (and JessicaTam is BA running)

 

[RooFlyer]

Basically you have to be flying out in J or F to get into the better one (Serendip). OWE leaving in Y gets the other one (Serenediva).

Thanks. Will be doing UL J so it looks like Serendip again. Sorry for the distraction JT.

 

[Austman]

Will be doing UL J so it looks like Serendip again.

In fact they won't even let you into the Serenediva in that case! I've been turned away, quite firmly! A bit odd... but I suppose it could be to do with numbers control (although the Serenediva was empty at the time).

 

[docjames]

I’d love to know the booking process / fares used if you’re able to share?