A disrupted reunion

[andye]

I had been planning my trip to England last month for my 30 year med school reunion from 11 months before.

It was the culmination of hours on AFF picking up tips on earning and burning via multiple avenues. I was quite pleased with myself.

SYD-SIN SQ Y+ (52.5k VA + $209)
SIN-CMB-LHR UL J (75K AS + USD49)
LCY-BER BA Y (4.75k Avios +$35)
BER-DOH QR J, DOH-HKG QR F (90k AA + USD135)
HKG-SYD CX J (58K CX + HKD719)

So much to look forward to: QR SIN J lounge. New airline with UL. Time to sight-see in Berlin. The Al-Safwa. First ever F flight.

I did have an unprotected tight connection in HKG but seemed a risk worth taking

But even the best planned trips can throw up challenges

 

[andye]

First challenge:

Go to online checkin for UL flights and although I can get an electronic boarding pass for CMB-LHR, I can't be issued one for SIN-CMB. No joy calling UL either.

On departure day, I hadn't taken the whole day off work (I have a Monday morning clinic that avoids people staying in hospital all weekend) and ended up with a bit more admin than I'd hoped.

So I was later in the taxi than planned. Traffic was typical for Sydney late afternoon but was never worried.

I'd hoped there might be a UL desk open in SYD but I'd misread the flight schedules so no chance to try to get the boarding pass issue sorted. At least SYD security was a breeze.

 

[andye]

In Y+ and no relevant status, so no SQ lounge access. I'm nevee super-excited about the Amex lounge but I marginally prefer to The House (somewhat pettily I don't like the tiny glasses).

Third time in SQ Y+ this year and its a decent product. Its a B777-300 (slightly preferred the A350)



Slept much of the flight..

 

[andye]

...which was a blessing.

Arrived in SIN at 0020 and my flight to Colombo is at 0940.

SIN is good for transfers with the security at gate set-up. Went to the transfer desk but, as I feared, there was no UL agent until 3 hours before flight.

At least I can stay in the terminal.

I had been looking forward to the QR J lounge. I tried my luck with my CMB-LHR boarding pass (with rationale being I did have a OW J flight that day) but it was obviously a no-go. Also tried the PP lounge but no joy there either.

Ended up traipsing the terminal. Filled in a decent chunk of time writing up my April family holiday trip report. Had a very good noodle soup

 

[andye]

0640 came round and I hung around at the transfer desk. No-one from UL arrived. After 10 minutes, I lost confidence that they'd be able to retrieve my bag (I know, I know).
Headed for exit, completed the Singapore online immigration form, picked up bag (neatly arranged away from the carousel). No queues anywhere and I soon had the boarding pass.

 

[andye]

And so to the QR lounge. I was one of the first ones in.
Its quite a different vibe to the SQ J and the QF J/F lounges in SIN (all of which I do like)
Obviously pretty quiet but I had the feeling of a gentleman's club which I think would remain even when busier
I chose the Arabic Foules Medames to eat and, after a cup of tea, kept the staff busy pouring Tattinger

 

[andye]

The short leg to CMB is in an A320

Seats are 2+2 recliners (though a big recline) and feel quite dated but were pretty comfy with lots of legroom.

J cabin not full so I had a shadow. IFE in armrest though didnt use

 

[andye]

Food was predictably delicious and service very good
I dont remember a booze list but the tea selection was an unexpected highlight



Only a 4h flight so descending into Sri Lanka quite soon

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I was wondering what the ‘diamond’ rice was! So thanks for ordering!

Wearing a suit the whole way is brave!

 

[andye]

I was wondering what the ‘diamond’ rice was! So thanks for ordering!

Wearing a suit the whole way is brave!

Straight from work but I do usually wear a jacket when flying

 

[andye]

The Serendib lounge in CMB has a great door. Pretty busy when in. Views of planes, reasonabe food spread and ok booze. Did manage to leave my phone charger though

 

[andye]

CMB-LHR was on an A330-300

Seats were lie-flat and comfortable but looked a little tired

 

[andye]

Not as many pics as I'd hoped but phone gave out

Service good and food tasty