Cheeky trip across the Nullarbor

[NDiddy]

My second last booking through the Citibank PMG program sees me and Mrs Diddy taking a trip across this amazing land to visit some great friends of ours who are due to have their first child in the next 2 months. There are about 4 couples going and they left tonight but due to our busy work schedules we're only able to leave tomorrow.

Not expecting this to be the greatest TR but I am looking forward to flying QF on the A330-200. It's Y and was sorely tempted to go to J but am banking by Citibank points to xfer to Krisflyer to hopefully take advantage of some Suite Savers on SQ.

We tried QF recently and were fairly impressed so let's see how the 4+ hour flight goes. Itin is fairly straight forward:

MEL - PER QF777 Y
PER - MEL QF772 Y

If anyone is in Mel tomorrow and feels generous of gifting the Diddy's some lounge access that would be great appreciated

 

[LadyC]

SQ Suite Savers or upgrading from Y to J for a domestic flight - you absolutely made the right decision! I can't wait to do my first Suite Saver (slowly accruing points now)!

 

[NDiddy]

SQ Suite Savers or upgrading from Y to J for a domestic flight - you absolutely made the right decision! I can't wait to do my first Suite Saver (slowly accruing points now)!

Agreed LadyC - Not much a choice really

 

[NDiddy]

Friday started very early as I dropped Mrs Diddy off to work and did some stuff around the house in preparation for us leaving. Checked in online the night before but could not find anything better than what we were allocated which was 31A/B.

Flight was at 14:45 so left home around 12 to pick up the wife and headed off to Melbourne Airport Long term parking. Got a good 3 day deal as part of their end of month online sale they were having so worth checking them out for all those who want to park at the airport.

BP's printed and only carry on luggage meant there was not much for us to do so we just grabbed some lunch before heading to security.

Small delay on the way out and the line to board was becoming quite long. Not much respect for the Business/Premium line and nor was it enforced. In fact the Business line was longer than the economy one...



Flight details

QF 777 - MEL to PER
A330-200

Seat 31B - Very comfy and I continue to be impressed by QF domestic Y offering:



Screen could be a bit better though. Good on demand selection and I managed to get through 2 full movies on our flight. Love that the AVOD is available as soon as you arrive in your seat



Lunch was a chicken curry with what ended up being 3 bottle of grenache - Yeah I was a little tipsy but the flight attendants just wouldn't take no for an answer. The meal was OK but the portion size was small:



Flight was about 75% full by my calculations but you didn't feel like you were in a sardine can:



Overall I really enjoyed this flight and even though we were delayed getting out we arrived about 5 mins ahead of schedule. Flight attendants were of the "experienced" kind and they really just looked like they were going through the motions. That being said my engagement with them was positive and anyone bringing me wine won't be going to far wrong in my books.

Seat was comfortable with noticeable space from the knees to the seat in front. Leg room was also very impressive and even Mrs Diddy commented on her pleasure flying Y on QF (she has been spoilt on recent USDM redemptions so this was incredible to hear).

 

[NDiddy]

A weekend of debauchery ensued with some great wine, great food, a big Quaddie win at Belmont races as well a a raucous night at Burswood only left for a hazy departure today. Flight was at 10:00am which meant an 8.30 departure from Scarborough. Joined the throngs of FIFO's at Perth domestic which was quite an interesting experience. It's big business this mine caper and a pretty penny is def being spent on flights.

Flight details

QF 772 PER to MEL
A330-200

Check in kiosks were a bit busy when we arrived but only waited about 30 seconds before printing off our BP's:



No upgrade or magical gate upgrades so we took our seats in 31D/E. Chose the beef pie but this was far from what I was expecting:





Edible - Yes....Memorable - Sadly No! Pretty gawd awful meal and I skipped the grog on this flight due to the night before and also as I had to drive back home.

Seat map showed only 7 seats available so the flight was pretty chockers - again though you really don't feel like you're in a sardine can:



Young crew who were very smiley and chatty the whole flight and it certainly made the overall experience much better. Great fun was had by all and a great way to spend Citibank points on a QF redemption. Am loving flying QF domestically and they are fast becoming my carrier of choice. I would like to try VA's offering on this route and may do so in the next 12 months depending.

It's now only 8 weeks till we take our second USDM redemption to the States and will be looking forward to that trip. A TR will follow as always and hopefully a bit more show & tell in that one. Until then....

NDiddy

 

[LadyC]

Glad to hear the flight was okay and even better that you won a quaddie!. I am planning on heading across to Perth later in the year to visit some friends so it seems the flight will be bearable! Looking forward to hearing about the USA trip - again I'm there in Feb next year. I'm beginning to feel like I'm stalking you!

 

[NDiddy]

Glad to hear the flight was okay and even better that you won a quaddie!. I am planning on heading across to Perth later in the year to visit some friends so it seems the flight will be bearable! Looking forward to hearing about the USA trip - again I'm there in Feb next year. I'm beginning to feel like I'm stalking you!

Thanks LadyC - The quaddie made the weekend even better. Lost my voice at the finishing line at the end of race 8

You and I seem to have similar tastes in locations - Paris was the clincher Shame we couldn't meet up but love to see a fellow AFF'er in and around the world. July/August is our States/coughet trip and in Jan/Feb next year we're off to Bangkok, Milan, Cairo and Jordan.

 

[LadyC]

Nice trips planned there! Look forward to reading the trip reports