I was greeted by the CSM at the entrance of the aircraft, he'd recognised me and remembered my name... I hope I hadn't been too much of a PITA back in the QP.
In the usual sleek, stylish and efficient ways of the QF cabin crews, my coat was swiftly hung up and the tray of pre-departure drinks pushed under my nose with a hint that gasps of horror would echo around the cabin should I reach for anything other than the bubbly, so the bubbly it was. Lanson for today, managed to down 2 glasses before the crew had to prep the cabin for take off.
Today's flight was operated by a 332; I've never been on a QF long haul 332 before and have only been on QF25 when it was a daily 744 so this was a first. The business cabin had a 2-2-2 configuration. Naturally I went for the centre row to take advantage of both aisle access and being able to avoid being mauled when the seatmate wishes to get out of the seat. I was in 1E which was the bulkhead however it did not appear to offer more legroom than the regular rows.
A meal was served shortly after take off. Full menu
here. Had the chicken. Whilst edible, the meal was unfortunately neither creative nor well-thought out. It was more simple and boring comfort food rather than the sexy Asian fusion cuisine on the long hauls, or the more thoughtfully presented J meals on Air NZ transtasman flights.
OTOH QF offered a stellar selection of wines even on its TT flights. As a huge fan of pinor noirs I was thrilled that Pallister Estate pinot was featured in QF's current stable of J wines. A rather medium bodied number, more on the shiraz end of the scale as far as pinot noirs go, the wine did much to sooth my palate after the rather average meal - bold expressions of cherries and hints of coffee were rather evident.
Due to the combination of the whole day's worth of alcohol (I'd also gotten into the port after the FA actively recommended it as an accompaniment for the cheese plate) and the sleep deprivation, I turned the Skybed into its fully flat position and crashed for the rest of the flight, only to stir when woken up by the cabin crew during their preparations for landing.
Next: The Westin Auckland-Lighter Quay; CX108 AKL-HKG J: "Pinot noir/Sauvignon Blanc, is that red or white wine?"
