How far would you go?

[SilverShadow]

Hi guys how's it going? Hope you're not getting too drenched in whatever city you're in!

So we have an upcoming work project that will involve some weeks away in the UAE, however part of that will also require time in Kabul, Afghanistan. Now the logistics are still being worked out but I just had to laugh a little bit because my first thought were "Gee I wonder how many SC's I could earn off those flights, (at least the UAE ones)".

Anyway, my question is how far would you go to get some SC's or points?

On another topic has anyone been to Kabul? I've tentatively put my hand up for this job but won't want to commit until I've researched a bit more lol!

Now to figure out how to break the news to Mrs SilverShadow.......

 

[simongr]

Anyway, my question is how far would you go to get some SC's or points?

I seriously considered a status run to Baghdad a few years ago. The only reason I didn't do it was because the flights did not earn points or SCs.

 

[JohnM]

I seriously considered a status run to Baghdad a few years ago. The only reason I didn't do it was because the flights did not earn points or SCs.

Rides on F-18's probably have never earned SC's .

 

[simongr]

At the time there was a commercially available BA flight - I was planning on a status run LHR-DXB-LHR to read the final harry Potter book and considered Baghdad as an alternative.

 

[SilverShadow]

Okay so turns out I may be the only contender being the only one who would be free in July, that 'tentative' hand up might actually be a certainty all things considered.

Now to make sure the life insurance is paid up.

Btw is anyone going to the Sydney lounge this arvo/evening? I'll be in there drinking it up and reconsidering my life's choices to date haha!

 

[bossreggie]

I'm pretty sure RJ fly from AMM - SDA.

Fly in J and you will get some good SC's

Good Luck.

Boss

 

[docjames]

PM Pineappleskip as he may have already done some research on Afghanistan and travel thereabouts .....

 

[777]

In lounge now but boarding pretty soon. If you're around let me know where and I'll try and say hi!

 

[Boris spatsky]

Be careful, as some life insurance policies son't honour travel to 'warlike destinations'. Check before you go. Having been to Baghdad before, there is no way that i would go there on an SC run. Forget it.

 

[mella2007]

Can't say I'd be in a hurry to travel there! I went to Vegas for SC's...prob the longest I've travelled

 

[samiam]

Can't say I'd be in a hurry to travel there! I went to Vegas for SC's...prob the longest I've travelled

... And the most dangerous thing you'll see in Vegas are the street corner click-clackers

 

[mella2007]

... And the most dangerous thing you'll see in Vegas are the street corner click-clackers

LOL...no meeting Nicole Ritchie was scary enough...ugh!

 

[SilverShadow]

In lounge now but boarding pretty soon. If you're around let me know where and I'll try and say hi!

Hey 777, noticed that I never replied to this! I had just arrived by the time of your posting - I'll be sure to be check AFF when in lounge next time.

 

[777]

Hey 777, noticed that I never replied to this! I had just arrived by the time of your posting - I'll be sure to be check AFF when in lounge next time.

No worries. Next time!

Out of interest maybe we should start a general "i'm in The Lounge now" thread in the Virgin section that people have somewhere to check in for this stuff? What do people think?

 

[SilverShadow]

No worries. Next time!

Out of interest maybe we should start a general "i'm in The Lounge now" thread in the Virgin section that people have somewhere to check in for this stuff? What do people think?

I'll second that! Will be flying Monday morning to Sydney with Mrs SilverShadow so will be doing the lounge if we get in early enough.

When are you flying next 777?

 

[horseman]

I'd go anywhere for sc's as long as the price and sc's were worth it. How dangerous could it be off a plane into the terminal, then back on the plane and bugger off elsewhere! If going to nasty places for work, research it, then only go if ur employer is committed to ensuring your safety, I've been to dodgy places for work, with no one interested in my safety other than me and my family. And that was the deal breaker for me.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

So we have an upcoming work project that will involve some weeks away in the UAE, however part of that will also require time in Kabul, Afghanistan. Now the logistics are still being worked out but..... I've tentatively put my hand up for this job but won't want to commit until I've researched a bit more

And, did you decide?

I was semi-seriously offered some exceptionally well paid work in Kuwait immediately following Iraqs defeat there. I decided it would be difficult to spend the bounty from beneath a headstone.

 

[SilverShadow]

And, did you decide?

I was semi-seriously offered some exceptionally well paid work in Kuwait immediately following Iraqs defeat there. I decided it would be difficult to spend the bounty from beneath a headstone.

We are in negotiations for the timings of the visit at the moment and considering if they would fly their people over to Syd or Melb for at least part of the project. Awaiting a response but I can't see us getting out of at least 1 visit to the sunny side of Kabul.

I'll be going indeed, just hope that it won't be around my birthday!

 

[SilverShadow]

so does anyone know of any agencies that will do travel insurance for Kabul, Afghanistan?

Other option is to do the work remotely out of Dubai - I am indeed hoping for that!

 

[Boris spatsky]

I have annual through QF with Allianz. I deliberately rang and asked if any countries were excluded on the policy and she said no, but made the normal "but we expect you to take ultimate care of your own personal safety" whatever that means. Of note, the policy has insurance for kidnapping.