6 Airlines, 6 countries in 30 days

[Hvr]

So a month away, six different airlines and six Asian countries, let the fun begin.


And it does early. My first trip is QF1478 CBR-SYD 1310hours Y class on Tuesday 28 October followed by QF1 SYD-BKK 1805 hours in J class.


As a QFF-SG I check in at the business desk at CBR where I have dozens of times before and tell the GA I am going through to BKK. She is not happy, whether it is dealing with an international customer or not I don’t know, but life suddenly becomes very frosty. I had two separate PNRs which I have previously combined so I present them both.


She punches away and prints off my boarding passes, puts a yellow first class tag on the bag and sends it away. I ask if the upgrade has come through to which she snaps, “no all business class passengers get that tag”.


Something is definitely wrong here.


The she tells me to put my carryon bag (a small Antler bag with one pole) onto the scale. It is way too heavy at more than 10 kilograms but knowing I am transferring to an international flight in a premium cabin I didn’t think it was going to be an issue. Boy was I wrong.


I was told in no uncertain terms that it was too heavy for the Dash 8 and had to be checked in or that I had to at least put some of the contents into my checked luggage (which had already been sent down the chute). So when I asked for it back this was another huge drama. It was returned but boy was I in the poo. Asking to retain possession of my passport while I was doing this just seemed to aggravate her even further.


So I transferred some minor items into the main luggage and went back to her knowing this wasn’t going to be good. I asked if it was possible for the bag to be gate checked but was told no way, it had to go into the hold.


So I grabbed my camera gear out of the small case and left the laptop inside and asked for it to be checked through to Sydney. Another huge imposition done with great sighing and complaining. I wondered if I would ever see it again.


I then looked at my boarding pass (11C to SYD) and was checking the rest when I was snapped at for the last time “don’t bother checking it is all there”. I walked through security and saw that I have 3A for the SYD-BKK leg. Now I am pleased, the upgrade has come through.


Head up to the new Business class lounge which only opened the previous day at CBR AP. I passed my boarding passes to the door lady who saw the black business class pass and welcomed me into the lounge. I said that I thought I had been upgraded and she confirmed it and said she would arrange a First class BP for me. It will be ready when I depart the lounge.


The new lounge is of course a totally different lay out. I didn’t really look at the food options still being upset about the treatment downstairs at check in and wondering if I would ever see my bag again. Still it was all very nice and new and almost empty.



People will need to adjust how they talk, I overheard a conversation that probably shouldn’t have been had in public and would never have been heard in a noisy room that is the basic QP. Sorry can’t remember a word of it now.



My only very minor criticism is that you really cannot see much of the tarmac. Still I suspect it will be awhile before I get there again.


Boarding is called and my new First class BP is ready with a smile and pleasant comments about enjoying my flight. Thank you, it really is appreciated. As I walk to the gate I see some people with the premium hand luggage tags for their over sized luggage preparing to put them on the trolley for gate checking. This increases my unhappiness at being forced to check a heavy but regulation sized bag.


Uneventful flight to SYD and a mad dash to the baggage carousel to see if my bag has arrived. Fortunately it has, now I can breathe easier. Pack it all in (no problems or bulges, just heavy).


Show my BP to the transfer desk and am given another priority Immigration pass and it is off to the F Lounge for the very first time ever. A quick flash of the BP and I am in the hallowed halls.



I am greeted at the reception desk and offered a tour. I opt for the brief tour wanting to see if there is a chance of a massage. There was an appointment available hour or so away and I gladly accept the booking.



In the meantime I have a very nice minute steak and fries followed by the most exquisitely topped hot chocolate ever. A very enjoyable massage and eventually boarding is called. I proceed and walk to what I think is the front of the elite boarding line (but was just a spare queue which wasn’t being used).



The GA sees the BP and tells me to wait there, after a couple of phone calls she comes to me and quietly tells me that there will be a delay of approximately 30 minutes, a problem with the door. A discreet thank you and I head back to the lounge telling another F pax that he may as well return with me.


Eventually the new boarding time arrives and this time I join the correct queue and make my onboard for my very first trip in F. I am greeted by name at the door and guided to my seat. Oh the joy, to think that this is where I will spend the next nine or so hours.


I really enjoyed my F experience, the pyjamas and amenity kit, the very professional attention to food and beverages, and the very personal attention all combined to enhance the flight. A small but important point, when I declined alcohol for the first time explaining that I did not partake at all a note was made and I was never offered alcohol again. Instead I was always offered a soft drink or a hot beverage. Very much appreciated.


To the person in front of me quietly lamenting to the FA that your friend did not get an upgrade, I hope you take solace in the fact that I really did enjoy the experience.
A sleep on the flat bed in the nose of the plane was a joy. Being second off the plane just topped of the whole experience. If I could afford to pay for an F class fare would I? In a heartbeat.



The lounge staff as well as the FAs seem to really enjoy their role. I am a good customer and know how to say please and thank you which is greatly appreciated. A win/win situation for all involved.


BKK AP is as amazing as described but at just after 11.00pm local time (3.00am my time) I didn’t really care, I just wanted to get out of there. So I started walking fast for goodness knows how many kilometres and was eventually rewarded with the immigration desk as the remnants from a previous flight cleared.



Through in a couple of minutes and off to baggage collection and my bag with that wonderful yellow tag comes through fairly quickly and it is off to deal with the taxi system.

Next BKK to CEI on Air Asia.
After a couple of days in the sweat pit, scamorama and open sewer that is BKK I am off to Chiang Rai for a few days. AirAsia FD3254.



Well I am there nice and early after getting very good run from the hotel. I check in and receive my Express Boarding sticker, no seats allocated on this airline. Wonder if it will work?


A slow walk around and eventually through security and off to the gate. The signs are still showing an on time departure. A quick look at my BP however shows a departure of 12.15pm. Hmm what is going on? No staff here yet either although the waiting area is filling up.


Eventually staff arrive and start looking busy, finally at about 1.00pm a plane arrives and people start running for the door down to the boarding tunnel.



Well I can join a stampede with the rest of them and am very near the front of the scrum. Have I wasted my money with this Express Boarding?



Actually no I haven’t. Despite the best efforts of some people to push in, the staff are very clear that without the right sticker you are not boarding yet.



I am first to board and claim 1C, lots of leg room and up the front. And I get to play footsies with the FA, well we could but she isn’t interested. Naturally no overhead locker but the one above 3C does nicely for my case which fortunately was not weighed.


The FA welcomes me aboard and then blocks off seat 1A. As the plane fills 1B remains vacant, eventually a gentleman boards, is welcomed profusely and ushered into 1A. He then goes to the coughpit, greets the pilot and returns to his seat. No one takes 1B, I think it is the only vacant seat on the plane.


I am asked if I am prepared to assist in an emergency (of course) and we settle down for a standard flight. I do note that the woman and child in 1D/E aren’t asked but if the worst happens they will be behind me.


After takeoff 1A enters the coughpit and remains there until I deplane, a whole row to myself. Cannot buy this much room on this airline. Snacks were the standard high priced cough. I am first off and head to the relatively quick luggage collection.


Thoughts of AirAsia; well I got there safely as did my luggage. Can you ask anymore from an LCC? Well an explanation about the delay would have been nice but worse things have happened. Express Boarding at 150 Baht was worth it since it was enforced.


Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai by bus. I mention this trip because of how well it was done. I booked the VIP bus the evening before for 280 Baht. Was allocated seat 5A. Turned up at the designated time to see a luxury coach ready at the Chiang Rai bus station platform 4 with appropriate code VV203.



Presented my ticket to the attendant and my luggage was promptly given a tag and placed in the hold. I was then escorted to my seat. The pax compartment had one column of seats down the right hand side and 2 columns down the left hand side.


The seat was wide and had a fair bit of leg room. Reclined to about 150 degrees with no great impediment on the person behind. A foot rest also came up to make it a very comfortable three hour journey. The passenger compartment was completely separate from the drivers’ compartment as was what I think was the toilet at the rear.


We departed exactly on time and as we were leaving the bus station the female attendant came around with a sticky bun and bottle of water for everyone. Two brief stops, one for the routine police check, a quick walk through the cabin and the other for a pax to get off somewhere along the way. Arrived just before the designated arrival time of 4.00pm at the Chiang Mai bus station.


Baggage slips are checked and luggage passed out. The scrum of taxi/tuk tuk drivers made it a bit of a mess but this is Thailand.

Next CNX to BKK, again on Air Asia.

 

[comint]

I asked if it was possible for the bag to be gate checked but was told no way

Next time (when on Turboprop services) ask for your hand luggage to get tagged "Premium Hand Luggage". (At 10kg, you should get away with it, I have.)

I think the term "gate checked" is an Americanism for this process, and I have witnessed it confuse some Qantas check-in reps!

 

[docjames]

Nice TR - looking forward to reading the rest of the trip!

I personally would have "quietly mentioned" to the Business Lounge supervisor about the checkin experience if it was that bad.

 

[Hvr]

Nice TR - looking forward to reading the rest of the trip!

I personally would have "quietly mentioned" to the Business Lounge supervisor about the checkin experience if it was that bad.

I actually spoke to the staff member at the F Lounge in Sydney about my check in experience and he was suitable horrified.

Anyway on to the next flight.
And here I am again. FD3235, due to depart at 1440 hours. Heeding the lessons from my last Air Asia flight I check the flight time on the internet the evening before and see it is due to depart at 1520. So I arrive at Chiang Mai airport just after 1300 and see that the original time is still posted with a note that the new time is 1520 hours.

As I sat in the terminal near the closed Air Asia gates I wonder why it is so quiet. The flight previous to mine departs without the desk opening. What is going on? Eventually I ask the information desk about Air Asia and am told that there are two terminals and they only use the other one.

So I make my way there, it is an adjoining building but you need to go out into the street through the traffic and security again. It was a perfunctory check, no requirement to remove the camera from my pocket or anything. Farangs with a ticket seemed to be waved through.

Up to the counter and I am quickly checked in. I mention the other terminal and the GA says they don’t use it. I ask about putting signs there directing people to the current terminal but he doesn’t think it is warranted. Everything was running late and we didn’t depart until about 1540.

Again Express Boarding is strictly enforced and I am second through the gate and first onto the plane. 1C with long leg room is mine again. A nun was let through first but I was able to pass her on the walkway to the plane. 1A was a man with some status on Thai/Star Alliance judging by his bag tag and eventually 1B was filled, I believe she was an off duty Air Asia employee returning to BKK.

I was asked about assisting the FA in an emergency and naturally agreed. She then said that once I had opened the door she would be off first, I laughed and said I would chase her off the plane if that happened. She thought I was very funny and we both had a good laugh. 1B said she would be second and I said I don’t think so because I would be. Again laughs all around.


Just as the food service was about to begin 1B gave me a slice of wrapped cake so I said she could be second. Big smiles from her at this.

During the flight there was a bit of turbulence and both the FA and 1B looked very worried. The FA sat down very quickly and got her four strap harness on in record time. However after a few seconds it all calmed down and she gradually eased of the belt and resumed duty.

Upon arrival I grabbed my carry on and was third off the plane. Long walk to baggage collection and eventually it came off in 53rd position. Yes I was bored by this stage. As I go through the terminal I am accosted by the taxi and limousine touts and ask the prices. With ridiculous quotes of 1000+ Baht I laugh and walk away. One of them asks me what I think it should be and I suggest 500 Baht. After seeing the hotel location card she offers 600 Baht including tolls and I agree knowing the traffic will be horrendous on a Friday night.

We go to the kerb and the luggage is loaded into the boot. I get into the front seat (I am rather cough about wearing a seat belt, it is ingrained in us as Australians) and then someone jumps into the back seat. I immediately ask the driver about this and he says he is another driver going to the company cars. By now we are just out of the airport and I hope I am going to make it to the hotel alive. However a couple of kilometres down the road the car stops, the man in the backseat jumps out and we move on. I see a row of cars parked beside the road on the other side and he heads over there.

A couple more kilometres down the road he pulls over in a very busy area gets out and speaks to someone and then says he is not going any further and that I have to get out and in to the taxi that is waiting there. The drivers speak and not seeing any other option and it is getting dark, I get my luggage and enter the taxi. He puts on his meter, asks where I am going and again I show my hotel card.

He heads off and then pulls over to the side of the freeway and asks to see the card again and wants a phone number. I point it out to him and he dials a number, listens for a couple of seconds then passes the phone to me, it is saying the number does not exist.

I have another number on my reservation and give that number to him and again it does not exist. He then dials the fax number and I hear the fax tones on the phone. By now I am getting really worried. As we approach the tollway he tells me I have to pay it or we would get caught in the traffic jam and that would increase the fare. 25 Baht to keep moving in what seems to be the right direction doesn’t seem too much to pay. He tried to keep the change and I had to really insist on getting the 75 Baht back.

As we keep going and caught in another traffic jam he gets me to talk on the taxi radio and tell them where I am going. Then he tells me to talk to someone on the mobile phone and tell them where I am going. Eventually I see an area I know and realise we are nearly there.

We get to the hotel and the meter is showing 233 Baht, as my luggage is carried into the hotel I hand him 240 Baht. Then the screaming starts. I am ushered into the hotel by the staff and asked what happened. I tell them about the limousine company abandoning me in the middle of nowhere and paying the toll etc. As the driver continues to carry on I ask for the Tourist police to be called and for them to assist.

The manager comes out and asks what happened, the driver tells his story in Thai (which I don’t understand) and then me. I explain that with the meter on and being required to pay the toll under threat of a higher fare I understood that I was paying the price on the meter. My contract was with the limousine company which literally dumped me in the middle of nowhere.

I again ask for the Tourist police to be called so that the mater can be resolved. The manager explains to the driver what I had been through and what I wanted. After a little more discussion between the manager and the driver (away from myself) the manager suggests that if I pay 100 Baht to the driver the matter will be resolved. I decide it is a cheap price to pay to finish the matter and finally have dinner. I pass the money to the manager who I see passing it to the driver.

I have been hassled and people have attempted to scam me here in Thailand (BKK especially) but this was the first time I was really scared for my safety. Still I guess it could happen anywhere. The journey continues.

Next BKK to REP.

 

[meloz]

It sounds like you have been to Thailand before, yet you seem surprised?

You wasted some time and a few bucks, no big deal, the journey can be as enjoyable as the destination, be it good or bad. At least you will have some good dinner party tales. Expect the possibilty of the same in REP, but don't forget it's all an experience and a cheap one at that even if you do get burnt for a few dollars. The majority of people in SEA are laid back but are chasing a buck, play the game and the experience can be much more rewarding.

If you thought the taxi drivers were bad in BKK, the kids in REP will do your head in. Along with the tuk tuk drivers, hookers, book sellers, happy pizza parlours, land mine victims. You will only experience all of this if you choose to venture into the township away from the 4-5 star hotel strip ($1-$2USD tuk tuk). In my opinion you would be mad not to venture into town for a street stall meal, feed a few kids, drink 50 cent beers and try and catch a Kick box fight. I'll bet you are one of a few farangs there at the boxing, which means it is the real deal, $2USD entry.

Make the effort to view the sunrise at Angkor Wat and head for the right pond for good pics. Get there early (half hour before sunrise) and hear the local chants and drums eminating from the forest. Quiet times are 11:00 - 13:00 at most wats when the tour groups are having lunch. You can then get pics at most places without people in them, the heat is worth it. Driver should be had for $15-$20 USD a day.

Enjoy.

Sabai sabai. Mai pehn rai.

Meloz

 

[Keith009]

Yikes that sounds scary. Glad to hear you're still alive to tell the tale! I've encountered scammers in BKK and HKT but nothing that elaborate, or at least none that I'm blissfully unaware of anyway. Just some bargaining with cabs and tuks tuks but that's it. For that matter not many, if at any at all, cabs in Malaysia follow the metered fares either though fares are usually pre-set in advance instead of some random figure the cabbie throw at you expecting you to bargain. Only other SEA experiences are Singapore and Bali which are a breeze in comparison.

 

[drron]

Scary stuff.Reinforces the old saying-never deal with a tout.We must be very fortunate-15 times to BKK and the only scam is heading back to the airport they try the fixed price deal-usually 100 baht over what it should be-I really dont care and for the sake of a pleasant journey agree-maybe I am one of the fellows to blame as they now expect it.

 

[Hvr]

Actually it is my first visit to BKK so still learning experience. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

 

[serfty]

I did some research on BKK taxi's before using them.

Here's a post of mine on how it should work:

http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/com...time-to-bangkok-airport-11633.html#post150567

 

[ArseneV]

Wow, what a scam!:shock:
Your first time there so no biggie. Watch out for the 'Hey! You can't wear shorts at a temple' scam and the 'This suit shop is selling cheap Versace suits to raise money for the Tsunami appeal'.

Enjoy Cambodge, it's beautiful!

REP has changed heaps in the last year. I was there in 07' and the kids, beggars, touts and scammers were abundant but by this year (January) they were pretty much non existant. They've really cleaned up the area. However, i'm really suspect about where these kids etc have all gone, the Cambodian govt is evil :evil: after all.

Sikhanoukville on the other hand.....

 

[Hvr]

Next BKK to REP.
So off to my next destination Siam Reap and the temples of Angkor Wat. PG905 1135 hours to 1235 hours. A nearly uneventful trip to the airport. On my previous trip here the taxi driver insisted that I see his friend the tailor and visit a “ping pong show” at his other friends’ establishment. Neither activity appealed to me so I begged off and then foolishly mentioned that I would return to BKK in the near future at which point he extracted a promise from me to call him. I mean there have to be thousands of taxi drivers and what are the odds of seeing the same one?

Pretty high obviously, still a further promise to call him when I returned (supposedly last Friday) assuaged his bleatings and I was delivered to the airport in good time with no drama. Go to the Bangkok desk and quickly checked in, issued 22D an aisle seat as per my request. No luck with the exit row, but it is a short flight. Am given three different forms to fill out and to attach a photo to one of them. I didn’t have one but knew that for a US$2 fine life would be ok.

Am nice and early and quickly through immigration and customs and head down to the gate to wait. A mistake and it could have had disastrous consequences. The previous flight to wherever had not yet left. So no access to the gate seating and more importantly, no toilets. A long walk around was unsuccessful in finding relief but it did take my mind off the matter and upon my return I was able to access the gate area, check in and use the loo.

Boarding was a few minutes late but nothing to worry about. A quick take off and I am headed for Cambodia. Friendly and efficient crew who quickly distributed a food box and offered beer as required. Then just as quickly collected and preparation for landing is commenced. It contained a cake, sandwich and sliced fruit as well as water. A smooth landing and then disembarked to obtain my visa on arrival.

An immigration officer was telling people with a visa to go through and those of us without to head to the left. So I went left. Got my passport out along with US$22 ($20 for the visa and $2 for the lack of photo). This is cheaper than on line visa processing (US$25 but not as fast). Forms stamped, passport taken and wait in the next line. There were at least half a dozen people doing passport administration and every so often a person would walk along the line and collect the passports, hand them to another person at the next line. He then called out names and handed passports back with a visa inside.

Then off to the immigration desk where it was examined and several stamps made in different colours and finally I was in Cambodia. The person in front of me had to show his reservation and write the address on the form. I had forgotten where I was staying at and would have been in trouble if asked. A driver was waiting for me so I didn’t need to know the address. Fortunately I wasn’t asked. Head off to the baggage claim, collected the bag and met my driver.

I little note here about Bangkok airways; they have the monopoly on this route and the fare is expensive, I paid 7460 Thai baht (AUD$332 at today’s rate). A couple of days later at my hotel some guests who flew the same route arrived without luggage. It had been left in BKK along with about 40 other pax. The (English) owner mentioned that it was a fairly common occurrence and usually arrived within a day or two. They had packed some essential medicine so the matter was urgent.

Later that day the owner got his Khmer speaking staff to call the airline to see if it had arrived. It had but they hadn’t had a chance to call pax yet. A quick tuk tuk trip and a little while later they were both back with their luggage and quite relieved.

Next REP to SIN via PNH on JetStar 3K599 at 0745 hours.

So an early start and a tuk tuk ride to the airport in the dark. It was quiet after the night before when the local festival was on and the streets packed. Still it was fun and felt safe so it was good to enjoy a little bit of the local fun.

So at REP AP find the counters for JetStar and start to queue with a large group on Singaporean school children returning from an excursion. Things have changed since my day, a trip in a clapped out bus to the local museum was a big deal. Still they were well behaved and queued quietly until called. Naturally I lined up behind the defective machine but we soon moved to another line and started the processing. Of course the person in front of me had some problems with his booking so it took a bit longer.

Eventually I got served and 3D which I had chosen when booking was assigned. Bag checked and I proceed to immigration, but before this I had to pay the US$20 departure tax. Cambodia can be expensive if not careful with foreigners charged for everything in USD. Still the little bits I saw were beautiful and I am very pleased I visited. The people were very happy to practise their English and the children, on school holidays certainly knew their stuff.

Typical question is “where are you from?” Australia which is then followed by a series of facts about Australia from our capital city, flora and fauna as well as population. They were able to replicate this for many countries. Much better general knowledge than many Australian children of the same age. One thing they do is count out loud showing you the post cards (10 for US$1). One young lad was counting in English, then Spanish, German French and Japanese. I asked him if he could count to ten in Vietnamese (which I can) and he did it perfectly. Yes I purchased my post cards from him.

Anyway back to the flight. Very quick hop from REP to PNH and then we had to disembark. After taking off about 20 minutes late this seemed a waste. This flight was also a continuation of the flight from SIN and pax from there had to disembark at REP. Given the short flight the seatbelt sign remained on for the whole flight and no refreshments were served.

At PNH we disembarked, got security screened as we walked off the aircraft, I went to the loo turned around twice sat down for a couple of minutes and then we reboarded. Eventually everyone was back on board and we took off again. Usual high priced cough I purchased an apple juice using AUS$ because I didn’t have any SIN$ or left over US$ .

The school children were very well behaved looking out of the window or conversing quietly. A credit to themselves and their school. The poor teacher was looking frazzled, I suspect because she had to get them all up very early and at the AP on time. Reaffirmed my decision to not become a teacher.

Upon arrival at SIN a long walk to immigration and am near the front of the queue. Quickly through and into the heat and rain.

Next SIN to MNL on JetStar again. My first lounge access since leaving SYD.

 

[drron]

Thanks.I will be doing the PG BKK-REP shuffle in 2 weeks time.If only $2 for not having a photo I will stop looking.
Will be a bit of a shock coming off BA F and onto PG Y.

 

[Hvr]

Correction US$25 departure tax from Cambodia

 

[coolumbla]

And the departure tax is payable only in US dollars.

There is absolutely no need for local currency in Siem Reap as teh locals frown upon being paid in riyals and all prices are in US dollars


SHane

 

[Hvr]

Actually you do have a small exposure to the local currency. If you purchase anything that is not in even dollars then you will get riels as change. There are no coins used here at all.

It was perfectly acceptable to them use them for your next transaction if you again went over the even dollar.

 

[JohnK]

Very nice trip report. Sounds like you are having some adventure.

I still do not understand why and how people are taken in by the limousine services at BKK airport. They are a blatant rip-off. Go downstairs and get an official meter taxi and do not accept anything other than a meter fare. This should be standard advice on every travel related website.

 

[Hvr]

Monday 17 November SIN-MNL 3K561 0630am. Another early check in and again seat 3D which I had chosen when booking. The GA was very interested in my itinerary and insisted on seeing the flight I had to leave the Philippines. Not sure what that was about but I guess they have to check I won’t overstay in MNL.
However my BP was stamped with Channel B. What the heck is going on here? No explanation or anything. Check in luggage went through ok. So I head off to immigration and am told I have to go via another entrance, Channel B to be precise. I didn’t see any markings but I complied.

As I approached the immigration area I removed my laptop from my carry on bag and was carrying it under my arm so it could be x-rayed separately if required. My carry on bag was weighed and came in just under 10kg. The person doing the weighing asked me what I was carrying and when I said cameras gave them a cursory look and marked the weight as less than 10kg and I was allowed to continue.

There seemed to be a lot of Anglo JetStar customers coming through channel B whilst I was there. Not sure why or if we just checked in early. Now if they really wanted to crackdown on something surely oversized bags as many other pax had would be a suitable target.

I was of course hoping for QP lounge access but didn’t realise that it didn’t open until 0630. The perils of being an amateur at this international jetsetting.

A fairly basic flight with nothing special or memorable. Seemed to be about 2/3 full so not uncomfortable. Again usual overpriced cough to eat. I abstained.
Immigration at MNL was fairly benign except that I again had to show my outward flight details. Once I did this it was thank you and welcome. Am very glad I was met by friends and escorted around. It meant I got local prices in taxies etc. Had a great time and would certainly recommend the Manila Hotel in Roxas Boulevard if anyone is heading there.



Do remember to lock all the doors in the taxi if you use one. Insist that the driver locks his as well. Twice I had people try to enter through my door. Once the taxi took off and got away from the person. The other time he chased the person with what I initially thought was a gun but turned out to be a very nasty looking knuckleduster. I didn’t argue that fare I can tell you.

So onto Cebu Pacific airlines,21 Nov MNL to HKG flight 5J118 1640 hours.
Manila airport terminal three. There are a host of LCCs there and lots of people. I enter the airport and have my ticket checked before being allowed to enter the check in queue. It moves at a fair pace and I eventually get to the front. I show my ticket and passport and ask nicely for an aisle seat. I am politely informed that my luggage is overweight and I will have to pay 800PHP (approx AUD$25). Their luggage limit is 15kg and I have 19.6kg. No problems say I, how do I pay? Sent off to the front desk and told to pay there and come straight back to the counter.

Unfortunately their computer system died and they couldn’t accept credit cards. So I had to withdraw the money and pay by cash. Did this and went back to my check in person. My BP is ready and I am very pleased to see 1C. Front and centre with some leg room. Turned out no one beside me so a very comfortable flight.

I didn’t realise however that there is a charge for departure tax, 1620 PHP (approx AUD$51) which also had to be paid in cash. Another quick trip back to the ATM, I think the bank fees alone are going to kill me here.

Immigration was a very slow affair with only three desks open for everyone. I realise that it is approaching boarding time and spying a Cebu pacific representative call her over and ask if there is any way to get through? She asks other the people there who was waiting for the flight to HKG and there were a lot of us so she radioed ahead to let them know where we were.

The problem ahead of me was that the Pilipino immigration is very strict about their citizens who are going overseas to work and check their papers very closely. The two women in the queue ahead of me were not allowed through and were speaking to the supervisor when I eventually got through. A quick run to the gate and the plane was still there, not yet boarding so no problems.

The seat was very nice and the FAs tried to inject a little fun after the mandatory safety briefings. Once the seat belt sign was turned off they held a little competition with a small, branded, orange face cloth as the prize. I won one of the three. Sitting up the front made it easier to be seen when the answer was called for the question to the riddle. What has a face and three hands? A clock.

The flight was another flight with nothing memorable. I got there safely as did my luggage and being first out of the door always helps. Yes I would fly Cebu Pacific again. The flight was only about 1/2 full.

HKG AP was its usual magnificent efficient self. I hadn’t been there since 1993 so this was my first time in the new AP. The efficiency I speak about is immigration. Basically by the time I had greeted the immigration officer my passport had been scanned, stamped and was being handed back to me.

Next HKG to BKK on RJ, another new airline.

 

[Lord Mud]

I don't even head downstairs at BKK anymore. I prefer to head upstairs to the departures ramp, offer 300THB and a toll and go staright to Silom Sofitel. Never had a problem once. The pinker the taxi the better. The only time I have taken the Limo is whe my hotel booked it but that was seriously expensive. Cab is easier and makes no real diff to me.

 

[Hvr]

I really need to finish this so here we go, still a bit more drama to be had.



So back to HKG AP for the flight back to BKK and then home. I’ll write this as it happened, not with the benefit of hindsight. Flight RJ183 2030 hours HKG to BKK.

I have booked a late check out of the Park Lane Hotel in HKG where I have spent four lovely days revisiting the city of activity and a cornucopia of sights and sounds in my first visit here since 1993. I spent the final day visiting the big Buddha on Lantau Island and again marvelling at the magnificent public transport system that can move millions of people in a timely and efficient manner.

A great day out and upon return to my hotel I bathe and prepare for my evening flight into BKK for my final night away. I have decided that I really cannot be bothered with the taxies and getting in and out of BKK for a few hours. I decide to book a room at the BKK Novatel airport hotel and just enjoy Qantas club when I check out at midday for my J class home to SYD on Wednesday afternoon then to CBR on Thursday morning.

I check out at exactly 4.00pm and there is a bus immediately there to take me to Hong Kong Station where the train is just a couple of minutes away. I am at the airport at about 4.30ish and check in doesn’t open until 5.30pm so time for a bit of a walk around to see this magnificent AP. It truly is awesome and efficient. Finally there are RJ staff near the designated desks and I approach the Business class desk to check in. The two people ahead of me are redirected to the Y desks because they have neither status nor a J booking. The GA glances briefly at my QFF SG card and welcomes me like a long lost friend. Check in is quick and painless and I am in row 10 on the aisle. I then (eventually) find the lounge and enjoy some fine food and internet.

All to soon it is getting near the time to board and being aware of the size of HKG AP I leave slightly early to find where my flight will depart from and hopefully board quickly. As I approach the gate I start to pull out my passport when the RJ staff ask if I am a passenger on this flight? An affirmative answer is greeted with a request for my BP and not to worry about my passport. In all my international flights this is a first but I board and am quickly seated.

We actually took off five minuted early. The flight wasn’t very full and I had the middle row to myself. Some basic food and I slept for awhile. We are due to arrive at 22.20 hours but I forget that there is a one hour time difference between HKG and Thailand and wonder why we don’t seem to be landing. Still we eventually arrive and as we taxi into HKG AP there is an announcement that the stop will be very quick and that only pax who are disembarking in BKK may leave their seat.

As I start to move off I am asked if I am getting off here and have to show my BP to proceed further. Am then checked again at the gate in the hall leading to the immigration desk where I have to show both my BP and passport. There were only about six or so pax getting off here, the flight is proceeding onto Jordan.

Proceed to immigration where the line is very short and I am through in a couple of minutes. Then through to the baggage claim and there is not a cart to be had at all. This is unusual, on my previous trips through BKK AP there were carts galore.

My bag came off very quickly and II drag it towards the customs desk but there is no one there. I just go through the green line with nothing to declare and notice that there are a lot of people hanging about who don’t really seem to belong there. Still they leave me alone and I proceed to the meeting point for the hotel. Naturally it is at the other end of the AP and it is incredibly busy. There are people everywhere but this is a busy AP so I am not concerned. We are finally all at the hotel meeting point and have our bookings checked and then the staff start to lead us to the hotel. No bus or car waiting for us as expected and still no luggage carts. There are several of us carrying our luggage and we repeatedly tell the staff to slow down so we can stay with them. Then they spy a luggage cart and put everyone’s luggage on it and continue running to the hotel.

There are hundreds of people in the foyer but we are taken straight to the reception desk and given our rooms. I go to bed and have a good night’s sleep thinking of my trip home the next day and then finally home. I hear a bit of noise from the AP but it is a busy area and I am not worried.

The next morning (26 November 2008) I wake up and put on the television news and suddenly a lot of things from the previous evening start to make sense. BKK AP has been taken over and there are no flights leaving or arriving. Strewth this could be serious. I perform the morning ablutions and head downstairs where there are still hundreds of people and see that the hotel has put up signs saying that the AP has advised them that there are no flights until further notice. There seem to be guards around the hotel and it is suggested we do not leave the immediate vicinity of the grounds.


I head to the hotel reception and ask if it is possible to book another night? The manager is there serving guests and making sure that his staff have support as required. An excellent case study of how to demonstrate leadership and when I comment on how hard his staff are working he tells me he is very proud of them and how well everyone has worked together during the crisis. I don't think he has slept for at least 24 hours.


An American starts to abuse the staff because he is going to miss thanksgiving with his family. I am just amazed and the manager, having booked my next night excuses himself and goes off to deal with this ignorant moron.


I return to my room to get my Milo and then have breakfast. As I am being seated I ask for some hot water. The lady looking after me asks why and I show her the Milo, she smiles and says that they serve it there and she would be happy to bring me a pot. She quickly returns with it and a new (hotel branded) bag for my can to replace the one it was in.


This was typical of the staff service I received whilst I was there, if it was possible it was done, under adverse circumstances. Asking quietly and saying thank you meant that there wasn't anything that was too much trouble for the staff.


More to come very soon.

 

[Hvr]

So after breakfast feeling very full and with at least another night there I head off to the business centre to investigate using the internet. There is a huge queue of people waiting to use the computers there and I am very thankful I have my laptop. It is 700THB for 24 hours use, extortionate to be sure but cheaper than the 300THB for 30 minutes at the business centre. Plus there is a very long waiting list and it would be several hours before I could’ve gotten on line.

I return to my room and email family, friends and work to let them know what is happening at that I am safe but have no idea when I will be able to return home. I also email Derryn Hinch at 3aw radio and let them know I am happy to do an interview. His producer rings me within minutes and after a quick chat we agree on a time she’ll call back for my live interview.

At the allotted time she calls back and I do my short interview. Nothing much to tell but I am an Australian and on the scene, being reasonably articulate helps and the producer thanks me off air when I finish.
I also emailed and then spoke (toll free telephone number) to my travel insurance company and was assured that they would cover 10 days accommodation and food up to the agreed amounts less a $100 excess. ($300 accom and $50 food per day).

In the meantime it is getting boring just sitting in the hotel room so I go downstairs again and walk around the lobby for awhile and see that there are several buses evacuating pax from the AP. A little bit later there are a lot of people on the front lawn of the hotel and buses pulling up to take them to BKK hotels where the Thailand Tourism Authority (TAT) is getting them a 2000THB per night discount. Fortunately it was not a hot day and no one really minded or was distressed at being outside for an hour or so.

As the day wore on I went outside again for a quick walk around the hotel because I was a bit stir crazy and really needed to do something. The guard at the door reminded me that it was not safe to leave the hotel grounds. I explained that I was just going to walk around the hotel, nothing more and he was satisfied. There were a few other people doing the same thing and several smoking. A quick walk around meant that I saw the fleet of ambulances near the back of the hotel and the Red Cross doctors. I spoke to one of them and he told me he had been drafted as part of the medical team in case they were "needed that evening”.

There was lots of activity around the AP and even more rumours that something was going to happen. Very strong rumours that the police were going to try and break up the protest that evening. As it turned out nothing happened and by next morning the ambulances and medical personnel had disappeared. The tragedy in Mumbai swept the AP occupation off the news stations and by Thursday afternoon the hotel was very quiet with no new news.

So another day and I book another evening at the hotel. The airline crews had all checked out and gone to town. I believe that fewer than 120 rooms (out of >600) were occupied on Thursday evening.

Several people had actually been to the AP to see what was happening and assured me it was quite safe. Just don’t wear a red shirt. So a quick walk over through the car park and up to the passenger levels. I hear the noise long before I get close. The speakers have been playing the same old speeches ever since I arrived at the hotel. No one pays me any attention as I enter the departure floor and I walk around a bit. Then I see some Australian Consular officials and go over to have a quick chat. They were walking around the airport to see if any one needed their assistance. Naturally they don’t know how long the situation will go on. They give me their emergency contact details and a number for Qantas which actually works. Several other Australians come to talk to them as well, sometimes we just need a friendly face and to hear our own accent.

They are very surprised that my travel insurance company has already agreed that they would cover my expenses. They had been told by lots of people that other companies were refusing to even consider claims.

Anyway a bit of a walk around on the departure roadway and the protesters are eager to talk and explain their motives. I just nod and say that this is a matter for the Thai people and I am a guest in their country. This seems to go down quite well and I receive lots of apologies about being inconvenienced. A few photos and I go back to walk around the actual check in desks and am very surprised to see that everything is spotless and undamaged. However they have enough supplies to stay there for a very long time and the protesters do their shift and then handover to the next shift.

I am then talking to another Australian bloke and he receives a phone call from his partner who is working for an airline trying to get some pax who were caught behind the immigration clearance point but unable to fly out. They had been there since Tuesday evening and were desperate to get out. Anyway he is told to come and collect his partner who had been advised to leave the AP immediately because the Army were on the way to clear the AP. Definitely not the place to be a bystander. I head straight back to the hotel and see that the ambulances and doctors have returned. There were some very senior people from the Airport of Thailand company who hinted that something was going to happen that evening and that it would not be a good idea to leave the hotel again.

The staff were openly worried and talking of a curfew. Remember that the staff had to navigate their way around major roadblocks to get to work and they obviously knew that once the final guests left they may not have a job. Despite an evening of increasing tension I finally went to bed. Nothing happened that evening and on Friday morning I rang the Australian Embassy to see if they had heard anything. They hadn’t but when I told them where I was staying they suggested very strongly that I leave because of the hotels proximity to the possible “action” at the AP. I booked a room for three nights at the New World Lodge where I had originally started my journey a month before.

I found the NZ couple I had spent a bit of time with (they were on the way to India to get married) and we all checked out together and shared a cab to town. The staff at the BKK AP Novatel were absolute professionals and ensured that we had somewhere to go to and farewelled us as we left. I would be surprised if any guests were there that evening (Friday 28 November).

Next my time in BKK (again) and the importance of situational awareness.