Across the Globe in 5 Continents Again

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Sydney to Singapore (SYD-SIN) Business Class on QF 747 continued

Boarding is announced in the lounge a little late and when I reach the gate boarding has only just begun. There are people bunched up everywhere blocking the middle of the gate lounge. When several passengers (including me) entitled to use the priority boarding line (business class and elites) move through the huddled masses we get evil looks. It would be so much easier if orderly lines had formed leaving space for the priority line.

As I head to the stairs on this 2-class 747 I notice a forward economy section in between doors 1L and 2L. I make my way upstairs only to find, as with half the other passengers, that the overhead bins are too small for our carry ons.

We push back rather late and slowly taxi out into Botany Bay. While taxiing I take a moment to marvel at the carefully orchestrated mechanical ballet that takes place on the apron and taxiways of any large airport.

We take off over Sydney and the noise abatement procedures mean we seem to glide slowly at low altitude over the suburban sprawl for a long time, showing just how large Sydney is.

This aircraft is not equipped with AVOD, for which I am glad. I have yet to have a Qantas AVOD-equipped flight without major problems with the IFE - the older system while offering less options and non-AVOD is at least much more reliable. I watch a movie over dinner and then catch up on a few hours sleep. There are a number of little touches with the meal service that I notice are not quite as polished as say Air NZ or Singapore Airlines business class meal service. For example there is only 1 choice of bread roll type, no olive oil, salad consists only of rocket and lettuce (no tomatoes, cucumber, etc), cheese board has only 2 types of cheese, no wine menu.

The flight seems to pass by quickly, and I realise that has to do with being so much shorter than my usual New Zealand to Singapore flight. We descend into the night and arrive on time - we mustn't have had too many headwinds today.

I deplane and head straight for the nice Qantas first class lounge (entry thanks to status) for a shower. Much like an army eats food whenever it gets the chance, I have learnt from experience to grab a shower whenever I get the chance on multi-day flights. While I might be expecting to be able to have a shower at the next transit, or the next but one, there could be delays leaving too little time, or the shower could be out of order. So I take every chance to freshen up that I can.
 
SYD-SIN Business Menu

DINNER menu

Entree

Prosciutto, Hearts of Plam and Rocket Salad with Caper Dressing

Main Courses

Roast Beef Fillet with Ratatouille, Crushed White Beans and Lemon Zest

Red Braised Pork with Shiitake Mushrooms, Fragrant Rice and Bok Choy

Seared Kingfish with Anchovy Butter and Potato and Leek Gratin

Green Leaf Salad with Herb Vinaigrette

Dessert

Selection of Seasonal Cheese and Dried Fruit

Nice Cream Pistachio and Honey Ice Cream with Pistachio Brittle

Sliced Fresh Fruit

Chocolates

Valrhona Chocolates

Paton's Macadamia Chocolates

OR

Express Dinner


These dishes will be delivered and cleared as a service priority to allow maximum time for work or relaxation.

Celeriac and Apple Soup with Crisp Eschallots

Prosciutto, Hearts of Plam and Rocket Salad with Caper Dressing

Green Leaf Salad with Herb Vinaigrette

Refreshment

We invite you to enjoy a range of snacks and drinks from our inflight bar at any time throughout your flight. Your Flight Attendant will be pleased to assist you.

Toasted Turkey, Provolone, Roast Capsicum and Pesto Turkish Bread

Toasted Sourdough Baguette with Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese, Artichoke and Baby Spinach

or

Create your own toasted sandwich from the following selection

Turkish Bread or Sourdough Baguette with:

Sliced Turkey
Smoked Salmon
Provolone
Cream Cheese
Roast Capsicum
Marinated Artichokes
Pesto
Baby Spinach

Fresh Whole Fruit

Mother Meg's Chocolate Chip Biscuits

Nice Cream Ice Cream Tubs

Cheese and Biscuits

Chocolate and Muesli Bars


BEVERAGES MENU

Champagne

Qantas is proud to feature Premium Non-Vintage Champagne from the most respected houses in France

Australian Wine

Winner Cellars in the Sky 2005 Best Business Class Cellar

Cellars in the Sky is awarded by Business Traveller and Wine International magazines annually and aims to recognise the quality and innovation of wine available onboard.

Australian wines are renowned around the globe for their intensity of flavour and fine fruit characters. With the first vines planted in Sydney in 1788, vineyards now thrive across our vast country. Differences in climate, topography and soil type provide us with a broad spectrum of wine styles and varietals.

For your enjoyment we have a selection of light and full bodied, premium white and red wines on board today. Your Flight Attendant will advise you on the selection.

Aperitifs

Campari

Spirits

The Glenlivet Malt Whisky
Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky
Wyborowa Classic Vodka
Wild Turkey 86.8 Bourbon
Tanqueray London Dry Gin
Bacardi White Rum
Inner Circle (Green Dot) Dark Rum 57.2%

Beers

Victoria Bitter
Tooheys New
Hahn Premium Light (low alcohol)

Non Alcoholic

Orange Juice
Tomato Juice
Spicy Tomato Juice
Apple Juice
Mineral Water
Soda Water
Tonic Water
Bundaberg Ginger Beer
Ginger Ale
Lemonade
Cola
Diet Cola
Solo - Lemon Squash

Hot Beverages

Grinders Coffee

Bodum
Decaffeinated

Dilmah Tea

English Breakfast
Jasmine Green
Chamomile
Peppermint

Hot Chocolate

Liqueurs

Cointreau
Bailey's Irish Cream

Fortified

Penfolds Bluestone 10yo Tawny
Rutherglen Liqueur Muscat

Cognac

Martell VSOP
 
Singapore to London Heathrow (SIN-LHR) Business Class on BA 747

The packed lounge quickly empties as several BA and QF flights are called in quick succession. The lounge bouncers are looking and acting like staff at a bar trying to shoo the last patrons out and close for the night.

There is a bit of a queue at gate security but processed quickly and efficiently as ever at Singapore. Then straight on board, for boarding is well underway, and once again to the upper deck. This is my first time on BA's club world sleeper seat so I spend a few moments checking it out and familiarising myself with it. There's no convenient spot to put my book (or water bottle we get later) and the lack of lower leg support if not using the ottoman takes some getting used to. Otherwise it does feel comfortable, if not a bit more claustrophobic than even Air NZ's new business seat - I think it is a bit narrow but the walls aren't as tall.

Boarding completed we take off into the night. Dinner is served fairly quickly - I wish all airlines were as prompt for middle of the night meals. The food is nice enough without being stunning. Service is so so - little things just don't quite go right. For example no drink top up, completely forgetting a drink order (goes away to get it but doesn't actually deliver it), not responding to call button (after 15 minutes I gave up and went to the galley to pick up the bottle of water myself). Also a few false moves - only paper towels in the bathroom, cheap nasty single ply toilet paper that reminds me of student hostels (shudder), and no amenity kit (even though Singapore Airlines doesn't have an amenity kit in business class it at least hands out sockettes and you can get the rest of the stuff in the bathroom - I got nothing). I am sure some readers will think I am quibbling over minor things, but it is these touches that give the wrong impression on me, so that instead of being great as it so easily could be I think the product is merely good.

I manage to sleep deeply, but only for short spells at a time. Eventually I give up trying and read my book. Breakfast is served about 2 hours out from London. I notice that unlike most other airlines there is no attempt to raise the blinds for landing, so we touch down unexpectedly quickly and rather early. Since it is well before 6am the corridors are empty and I get through flight connection centre very quickly. Shoes off but belt can stay on. No one queries the size of my carry-on.

I get the boarding pass printed for the next flight but the agent is unable to check me in for the following flight (yes I still have a way to go before my next stopover!). I head to the first lounge, despite being misdirected towards business (ignoring my status benefit) and have - yup you guessed it - a nice refreshing shower.
 
SIN-LHR Business Menu

DINNER

Starters

Smoked salmon on green papaya salad

or

Asian noodle salad dressed with sesame oil dressing

Fresh seasonal salad served with vinaigrette

Main

Stir-fried beef with e-fu noodles

Pan-fried sea perch, Provencale vegetables and saffron potatoes

Vegetable risotto topped with pesto

Main course Waldorf salad with Cajun chicken

Dessert

Chocolate and hazelnut cake with mango coulis

Cheddar and Kikorangi cheese

Raid the Larder

A well-stocked larder has long been a tradition in the British household. As our guests, we invite you to raid our own larder, located in the Club World galley. Please feel free to help yourself from the following range of items at any time after the main meal service.

Sandwiches with range of fillings

Variety of crisps and dips

Choice of sweet biscuits / cookies

Assortment of chocolate bars

Selection of whole fruit

Drinks

Complimentary bar serving alcoholic beverages and soft drinks is available throughout the flight. See last page of this menu for wine list.

Ground coffee, decaffeinated coffee or tea

Selection of herbal teas - peppermint, blackcurrant, apple or camomile and honey


BREAKFAST

Starters

Chilled orange juice

An energising fruit smoothie

Fresh seasonal fruit

or Birchermuesli

Fruit yoghurt

Bakery

A selection of warm breads and breakfast pastries

Main

Classic British breakfast of scrambled eggs, grilled bacon, pork sausage, mushrooms and grilled tomato

Mushroom frittata

Stir-fried seafood with e-fu noodles

Drinks

Ground coffee, decaffeinated coffee or tea

Selection of herbal teas - peppermint, blackcurrant, apple or camomile


WINES

Champagne coughtails

Kir Royale
Buck's Fizz

Champagne

Heidsieck Monopole Blue Top Brut Reserve Champagne

White

Wakefield Estate Riesling 2004, Clare Valley

Pouilly-Loche 2004, Louis Max

Red

Wakefield Shiraz 2004, Clare Valley

Vasse Felix Margaret River Cabernet Merlot 2003

Gigondas 2004, Domaine du Grand Montmirail, Cuvee Vielles Vignes
 
Summary days 1-5

  • map
  • 29,115 flown miles
  • 7 flights
  • 2 a/c types
    • 747-400
    • 767-300
  • 3 airlines
    • SQ
    • QF
    • BA
  • 5 countries
    • New Zealand
    • Singapore
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • United Kingdom
  • 5 airports (number of transfers)
    • 3 SIN
    • 2 AKL
    • 1 NRT, SYD, LHR
 
RE: S Africa to Europe.
Yes, Business class is very heavily booked JNB - LON and reverse. I tried D class over 4 months ago and was waitlisred and told not much chance. I looked at oneworld alternatives. On 4 days a week there is a BA flight London to Harare, but a 6 hr wait for a connection to JNB didn't appeal. I saw the airport a few years back when QF went via Harare and we had a couple of hours stop due to a mechanical problem. Thought I had gone back in time to the 60's.
Another alternative and the one I have taken is MAD-JNB with Iberia on there newly fitted out A340's. They have a skybed setup. No first, just J and Y. I will report on it after I fly in mid-October.
 
:rolleyes: Forgot to mention that on the SIN-LHR flight we got a useless hot towel that was dry and at room temperature. Really, what is the point of that?

In my DONE5 I had a couple of intra-european legs to spare and so planned to get good use from them. For those unfamiliar with xONEx (one world explorer RTW, the first x being A for first, D for business of L for economy/coach and the last x representing the number of continents included), each continent can have up to 4 flights within the continent (except 6 for North America) subject to the overall limit of 20 flights (includes both intra-continent and inter-continent flights). For this product a rather strange geography is used, in that Europe includes Middle East and certain North Africa countries.

So I chose the furthest (naturally) Middle East destination served by BA, which happened to be just over a zone boundary for QFF status earning (whereas Dubai is just under a zone boundary).


London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi (LHR-AUH) Business Class on BA 777
(ticketed as LHR-MCT)

After the shower I hopped upstairs to the computer room, first picking up the entry code for the door. I checked my email and FT, and OLCI'ed (checked in online) for my next 2 flights. Yup I was able to OLCI for the flight that the check in agent and lounge agent were both unable to check me in for Unfortunately I couldn't print the boarding pass (it showed "collect at airport") for the return flight to London, but was able to for the following flight the next day despite being more than 24 hours away.

Boarding was called earlier than expected (and earlier than the time printed on my boarding pass), so it was no surprise to me that we had a bus gate down the other end of the terminal. I noticed the signs suggested 15 minutes walking time, which is a load of cobblers - it would only take that long if you stopped at several shops along the way.

The flight was only moderately full so just 2 busses were needed. I took my bulhead seat and settled in with a book. Having seen most of the movies and tv programs there wasn't much of interest on the screen. Had a pre-departure drink and a hot wet (but not soggy) towel, plus got an amenity kit this time. Service on this flight was much better than the night before - my only quibble being the number of times they'd reach across me to serve the passenger seated alongside instead of using the gap between rows to serve (this is possible thanks to the layout with the alternating rear-facing and forward-facing seats).

The food is good and I enjoy a short sleep. Our flight path tracks back the way I'd come during the night, across central europe and over the black sea, before turning more southerly over Turkey and flying over Iraq (it's been a long time since I've overflown Iraq - previous flights in the area having deliberately skirted Iraqi airspace) and along the Persian Gulf. We land in darkness at Abu Dhabi, punctuated by the lights of the city and main road.
 
LHR-AUH Business Menu

LUNCH

Starters

Loch Fyne smoked salmon with dill creme fraiche

or

Roast red onion, rocket and Feta cheese salad

Fresh seasonal salad served with vinaigrette

Main

Grilled fillet of beef with balsamic butter, butter bean mash and roast root vegetables

Seared cod with a butter and caper sauce

Penne pasta with tomato basil sauce and Mozzarella cheese

Main course chicken tabouleh salad

Dessert

Toffee apple souffle with toffee sauce

Hereford Hop and Brie cheese

Chocolates

Raid the Larder

A well-stocked larder has long been a tradition in the British household. As our guests, we invite you to raid our own larder, located in the Club World galley. Please feel free to help yourself from the following range of items at any time after the main meal service.

Variety of crisps and dips

Choice of sweet biscuits / cookies

Assortment of chocolate bars

Selection of whole fruit

Drinks

Complimentary bar serving alcoholic beverages and soft drinks is available throughout the flight. See last page of this menu for wine list.

Ground coffee, decaffeinated coffee or tea

Selection of herbal teas - peppermint, blackcurrant, apple or camomile and honey


WINES

Champagne coughtails

Kir Royale
Buck's Fizz

Champagne

Heidsieck Monopole Blue Top Brut Reserve Champagne

White

Wakefield Estate Riesling 2004, Clare Valley

Pouilly-Loche 2004, Louis Max

Red

Wakefield Shiraz 2004, Clare Valley

Vasse Felix Margaret River Cabernet Merlot 2003

Gigondas 2004, Domaine du Grand Montmirail, Cuvee Vielles Vignes
 
Abu Dhabi to Muscat (AUH-MCT) Business Class on BA 777

The handful of passengers continuing on to Muscat had to stay onboard for the short transit, identify their carry-ons in the bins (presumably any bags not identified would be offloaded) and sit back while a quick clean was done (mainly or only the bathrooms from what I could see) and could hear and feel cargo being unloaded beneath us. Then a handful of passengers boarded and after just 45 minutes on the ground we pushed back.

With such a light load and only a short flight ahead of us the takeoff roll was very short and we climbed very quickly to cruise altitude of 29,000 feet. During the short flight there was enough time for a drinks run and canapes were served. Then less than 40 minutes later we touched down in Muscat.

As far as I could see there are no air bridges so we pulled up on the apron. Very quickly 2 busses pulled up alongside and stairs were set up - highly efficient although I am sure we could all have fitted in 1 bus. A few steps outside in the still hot desert night before stepping into the airconditioned bus for the short ride to the terminal.

Transfer was painless - no need to clear immigration just head to the (empty except for staff) transit desks where I got my boarding pass printed quickly, through security and down to the Oman Air lounge. If I hadn't been told by the agent at the transit desk where the lounge was I possibly wouldn't have found it since no signs pointed to it on the departure level.

The lounge is very nice. No showers, but all the other amenities and a great spread of mainly cold food (plus a couple of hot items) and non-alcholic drinks. Oh yeah and computers, where I am currently sitting typing this report.
 
Summary days 1-6

  • map
  • 32,783 flown miles
  • 9 flights
  • 3 a/c types
    • 747-400
    • 767-300
    • 777-200
  • 3 airlines
    • SQ
    • QF
    • BA
  • 7 countries
    • New Zealand
    • Singapore
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • United Kingdom
    • United Arab Emirates
    • Oman
  • 7 airports (number of transfers)
    • 3 SIN
    • 2 AKL
    • 1 NRT, SYD, LHR, AUH, MCT
 
Kiwi Flyer said:
... This is my first time on BA's club world sleeper seat so I spend a few moments checking it out and familiarising myself with it. There's no convenient spot to put my book ...
Did you not find the 'glove box' sized compartment underneath the seat? Great for books and travel douments; quite inaccessibe (secure) when the seat is flat.
 
Kiwi Flyer said:
The lounge is very nice. No showers

Correction - the Oman Air lounge is Muscat does have showers. I just missed seeing them before I posted.
 
serfty said:
Did you not find the 'glove box' sized compartment underneath the seat? Great for books and travel douments; quite inaccessibe (secure) when the seat is flat.

Sure, but it isn't any more convenient to getting book out than the overhead bin IMHO.
 
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Thanks Kiwi Flyer, please keep these trip reports coming in. I thought I had read all your trip reports, until I saw the links.
Oh could you review what you ate on the trip and the quality as well, the only mention was the poor salad.
It seems that NZ and SQ (of course) are better than BA and QF or is it your *A preference coming out?
 
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What I think happened is they got confused about who joined the flight in Singapore (me) and those who flew all the way from Sydney. I presume those flying SYD-LHR only get one kit?
 
Kiwi Flyer said:
The lounge is very nice. No showers

Correction - the Oman Air lounge is Muscat does have showers. I just missed seeing them before I posted.
 
I got a kit on flights to and from Muscat. Of course with current UK liquids ban I can't take it with me without dumping most of the contents.
 
Muscat to Abu Dhabi (MCT-AUH) Business Class on BA 777

The lounge got surprisingly full - quite a few flights leave around the same time in the middle of the night from Muscat. When we were called I made my way to the gate. Since the transfer desk hadn't pulled the paper coupon I had to get my ticket out. The gate agent was astonished at the size of the booklet (lots and lots of pages since not only did I have the current ticket but also the original stapled to it to properly account for all the taxes and fees, and I guess also register the version of RTW rules that would apply in case I wanted to make further changes).

Security was quick and onto the bus. Seconds later it pulled out to the aircarft fairly empty. So again 2 buses used for the small number of passengers. For this flight I had the exact same seat as I flew in on the same aircraft.

Doors closed early and while we settled in to pre-departure drinks the captain announces we will wait on the tarmac until scheduled departure since there are currently no free gates at Abu Dhabi.

The flight eventually gets under way and is a repeat of the flight in - drinks, canapes, very short. When we arrive at Abu Dhabi we have a short wait for an aircraft to clear the gate.

We're told the transit will be 45 minutes, but it turns out to be closer to 90 minutes. No cleaners this time, and no need to confirm our carry ons, just loading cargo and an almost full load of passengers. Again, through passengers have to stay on board for the duration.
 
Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow (AUH-LHR) Business Class on BA 777

With the fullish load of passengers we push back a little late (and perhaps contributed by the extra security rules in place?).

By now I am fairly tired being the second complete night in the air, so I sleep much of the flight awakening over Germany. A breakfast is served 90 minutes before arrival. We get a good quick approach and so arrive slightly early. The downside is we get the farthest possible gate in T4 from the flight connections centre (FCC). So by the time I've made the long trek, followed by a bus ride (which for once I manage to get lucky with almost no wait) to T1, there are huge queues just to get into the security queue for FCC. Even fast track takes a while due to only one lane being open, so I am thankful I am not in the main queue this time.

After the WTMD everyone is getting a pat-down. I wonder if they will find my small bottle of cologne in my pocket, but after a brief pause he decides to let me through.

Then a short walk to the first lounge and a shower. All up it took me 90 minutes to reach the lounge. It would easily have been over 2 hours if I walked slowly and didn't have access to fast track lane at FCC.
 
AUH-LHR Business Menu

THE SLEEPER SERVICE

The British Airways Sleeper Service is designed to provide you with longer, undisturbed sleep time on-board.

NIGHTCAP

Seared tuna and prawns with lemon, tabouleh and tomato salad

or

Roast aubergine and red pepper salad with grilled Haloumi cheese and olive oil dressing

or

Hot chocolate and warm chocolate chip cookies

Your choice of hot chocolate, coffee, tea or herbal teas (peppermint, blackcurrant, apple or camomile and honey).


MIDNIGHT MUNCHIES

Should you wake and feel hungry we invite you to the galley area to choose from a variety of snacks from our Midnight Munchies, which is available at any time throughout the flight.


BREAKFAST IN BED

Chilled fruit juice

An energising fruit smoothie

Seasonal fresh fruit

Fruit yoghurt

Scrambled eggs with herb pancake, veal sausage, tomato, mushrooms and hash-brown potatoes

or

Tomato and herb omelette

Selection of warm bread and breakfast pastries

Your choice of coffee or tea


ARRIVALS LOUNGE

Feel revived, refreshed and ready for the day by completing your journey with a visit to the Arrivals Lounge. There you can enjoy a full English or Continental breakfast, take a power shower, catch up on work - even get your suit pressed.

The British Airways Arrivals Lounge is open from 5am to 2pm.


WINES

Champagne coughtails

Kir Royale
Buck's Fizz

Champagne

Heidsieck Monopole Blue Top Brut Reserve Champagne

White

Wakefield Estate Riesling 2004, Clare Valley

Pouilly-Loche 2004, Louis Max

Red

Wakefield Shiraz 2004, Clare Valley

Vasse Felix Margaret River Cabernet Merlot 2003

Gigondas 2004, Domaine du Grand Montmirail, Cuvee Vielles Vignes
 
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