Took the family to France recently flying Cairn to Tokyo Narita on Qantas, then Narita to London on Virgin Atlantic, then Ryanair to Marseille.
Typical Qantas start, as I couldn’t get more than 2 reward seats in Business class, even after 3 months of trying on the net, so we decided to grab 1 in business and 3 in economy, then try again at the airport.
End result was that I was in business class with 2 other passengers and 20 empty seats and the 3 family members back in economy with Qantas giving us the deaf and dumb routine at the airport. Daytime flight, so no big deal. You wouldn’t want it to happen on the overnight flight going the other way.
Note 1: Qantas do not release more than 2 frequent flyer seats on QF69 Cairns to Tokyo, (or return) no matter how empty business class is.
They are just not up to the challenge of using their capacity.
As for Virgin Atlantic Narita to London in Upper Class - what a great airline. Comfortable, friendly and easy to use points for seats (and a bargain at that).
Their Upper class lounge at Heathrow is the best I have ever seen anywhere, with a huge range of services. My wife enjoyed spotting one of the Spice Girls relaxing with her child in the kids play area. The lounge is like something out of an Austen Powers movie. Very impressive.
Note 2: Fly Virgin Atlantic wherever possible.
Took Ryanair from Stanstead to Marseille, and that was an eye opener. No complaints though, you get EXACTLY what you pay for. Basically a town bus that flys. Also now I truly understand the meaning of "petty-cashing".
Note 3: With Ryanair, Do exactly what you are told, when you are told, and all will be fine. Just!
Highlight on the return trip was at Heathrow were the security guy confiscated 2 of my 6 year old son’s Toy Soldiers – the really little plastic ones that come in a pack of 100 for $2.99. He said he was confiscating these for "obvious reasons" (they had little plastic rifles the size of toothpicks).
I just shut up and moved on. As you do, when confronted by someone who’s grip on reality appears to be tenuous, at best.
Note 4: Always expect the unexpected at British Security Checkpoints.
We flew out of Japan via Osaka, as it was the only way possible to get 4 business class seats – even though good old QF60 from Tokyo still had about 16 empty business class seats.
Final Note: Pray that Qantas someday find somebody to run their flight rewards that actually cares (or at least understands loadings)
Typical Qantas start, as I couldn’t get more than 2 reward seats in Business class, even after 3 months of trying on the net, so we decided to grab 1 in business and 3 in economy, then try again at the airport.
End result was that I was in business class with 2 other passengers and 20 empty seats and the 3 family members back in economy with Qantas giving us the deaf and dumb routine at the airport. Daytime flight, so no big deal. You wouldn’t want it to happen on the overnight flight going the other way.
Note 1: Qantas do not release more than 2 frequent flyer seats on QF69 Cairns to Tokyo, (or return) no matter how empty business class is.
They are just not up to the challenge of using their capacity.
As for Virgin Atlantic Narita to London in Upper Class - what a great airline. Comfortable, friendly and easy to use points for seats (and a bargain at that).
Their Upper class lounge at Heathrow is the best I have ever seen anywhere, with a huge range of services. My wife enjoyed spotting one of the Spice Girls relaxing with her child in the kids play area. The lounge is like something out of an Austen Powers movie. Very impressive.
Note 2: Fly Virgin Atlantic wherever possible.
Took Ryanair from Stanstead to Marseille, and that was an eye opener. No complaints though, you get EXACTLY what you pay for. Basically a town bus that flys. Also now I truly understand the meaning of "petty-cashing".
Note 3: With Ryanair, Do exactly what you are told, when you are told, and all will be fine. Just!
Highlight on the return trip was at Heathrow were the security guy confiscated 2 of my 6 year old son’s Toy Soldiers – the really little plastic ones that come in a pack of 100 for $2.99. He said he was confiscating these for "obvious reasons" (they had little plastic rifles the size of toothpicks).
I just shut up and moved on. As you do, when confronted by someone who’s grip on reality appears to be tenuous, at best.
Note 4: Always expect the unexpected at British Security Checkpoints.
We flew out of Japan via Osaka, as it was the only way possible to get 4 business class seats – even though good old QF60 from Tokyo still had about 16 empty business class seats.
Final Note: Pray that Qantas someday find somebody to run their flight rewards that actually cares (or at least understands loadings)
