kpc
Senior Member
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- Mar 11, 2003
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Some of you may remember this thread of mine late last year....
http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/qantas-frequent-flyer/goodbye-done-trip-rtw-y-11531.html
Well, I've just completed the trip, survived, and have to report that it wasn't too bad an experience as I initially feared.
FYI, the itinerary was:
QF 31 SYDLHR 1655 0640+1
QF 3476 (BA codeshare) LHRGLA 0955+1 1115+1
STOP
QF 3495 (BA codeshare) GLALHR 1845 1945
STOP
BA 1293 LHRIAD 1710 2010
STOP
QF 3082 (AA codeshare) IADLAX 1755 2030
QF 12 LAXSYD 2230 0605+2
Some random points about the trip:
As a QF Gold travelling with a QF NB (gf) [we had separate tickets], I personally was able to preallocate seats on all the flights
, which was a great plus. I could only preallocate seats for the QF NB gf on the Syd-Sin-Lhr, Iad-Lax, & Lax-Syd legs; the rest I had to do via OLCI 24 hours prior to the flight or at the airport.
After initially choosing exit row seats (I did despite all the doubts here), I changed to the bulk head seats (34B, C) as I was concerned that the exit row seats would be too close to the toilets and would be noisy as people congregated there (I'm a very light sleeper on planes), and as I'm not that tall, the extra legroom in the bulkhead row would be enough. Also being in the first row off economy meant getting your meals served first (and getting your choice), could also get off the plane quickly which may be helpful at airports like Lhr.
I was able to check in at Syd at the J counter with gf, and had priority tags placed on the bags...saved a few minutes waiting in a Q.
Lounge access with a guest in Syd was nice but the J lounge is not the F lounge
In seat 34A was a youngish chap who was a Plat, and when the IFS came to greet him (ignored the lowly Gold next to him), he asked for a J travelling amenity kit and NC ear phones which he then gave to my gf:shock:
There was enough leg room in the bulkhead row so that when 34A wanted to go the toilet, he could do so without waking us.
The short layover in Sin was really irritating, as you had to take everything off the plane, and after only 1/2 hour, had to join a long Q for security to reboard. We did manage to find our way to the QF lounge (J) in Sin for a nice hot shower; the food available was disappointing, but it was already 2400....
From Sin-Lhr, both me as a QF Gold and 34A (QF WP) were personally greeted. On request, gave all 3 of us a J amenity kit, my gf a NC earphones from J, and me a copy of the local newspaper. V.nice touch QF, and really impressed me! Slept 4-5 hours courtesy of 2 temazepam. AVOD worked without incident and was great. Watched 3 movies in all.
The dreaded T4-T5 connection at Lhr for my flight to Glasgow took 1hr 20 mins; had allowed 3 hours so had plenty of time to enjoy the very nice new BA lounge at T5; also tried out the famous bacon rolls! The transit time included the time to walk 1.5-2kms from the aerobridge at T4 to the bus (airside), and after a 10 minute wait in line, caught the bus which took 15 minutes to get to T5!!...terminal looks nice and new! Immigration at T5 was a breeze, but security took about 1/2 hour, including witnessing an European lady in front of me scream at the security screener, and throwing her bag at him...wasn't sure why she was not arrested!!
The shuttle flight bet Lhr and Gla served a hot breakfast which included eggs, bacon and HOT coffee. Well done Ba! Take a note QF please!!
Arrived in Gla only 45 mins late...and with relief, both bags appeared after 20 minutes...so after all my fears about losing my bags at Lhr, it did not eventuate. Was slightly disappointed though, as I had nothing valuable in the bags and was looking forward to going on a shopping spree in Gla, courtesy of my travel insurance....so arrived at the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow after 32 hours of travelling in Y, and the room was not ready for another 2 hours:evil:; surprisingly was not too tired at all, and enjoyed a leisurely walk around Glasgow city.
After spending 4 days in Glasgow (including a day trip to Edinburgh - lovely city - everyone should try and visit it at least once), did OLCI, and scored 2B,C for the the flight from Gla to Lhr. Ba lounge at Gla was small and basic but acceptable. Bags arrived without incident at Lhr T5. Bought an Oyster card at T5, and went off to catch the underground to hotel....
3 days later, after an unsuccessfull attempt at OLCI for the Ba flight to Iad, caught the tube back to Lhr T4. Slight problem with getting a refund for Oyster card (resolved after a few threats). Could not find any priority check in lines for OWS for the Ba flight, and when asked, was told that there was none!; when I casually mentioned that I thought Ba was part of oneworld, was directed to check in at the J counter. After a few problems with seating, everything was good, until we met the security lines; took more than 1/2 hour but got through eventually. I was not sure whether as a OWS and travelling in Y, whether I could use the fast track line through security, so I didn't.
Desparately tried to get get rid of the last of my British coins at the Harrods store at T4, and came up 5 pence short
Asked whether I could use my credit card to make up the short fall, the lady laughed and fished out 5 p from a jar at the counter!!
Went to the Ba executive lounge at T4 which was really quite nice, and from my inspection, had a much better food spread then the equivalent QF J lounges. Also had a great view of the tarmac!!
Sat in the second row of economy on the 777 to Iad...disaster struck as had 2 screaming babies for the duration of the flight but the Shure E4s (as recommended by NM) helped to isolate the noise. An average flight with personal TVs but no AVOD. To test Ba's efficiency and service on board, pressed the call button to get some water, and a stewardess appeared after 10 minutes, but took another 30 minutes to get my water!
Enjoyed the joys of having all 10 fingers fingerprinted and mug shot taken at Iad; apart from that, spent 6 very enjoyable days in Washington DC, including a day trip to NY.
6 days later back to Iad, where we checked in quickly at the AA F counter (they recognise OWS!!), to then meet the dreaded TSA security staff. Got through quite quickly, and it would have been a good experience apart from being yelled at by the TSA as I had trouble understanding his instructions (thick American accent!).
As I've heard about the dreaded Admiral's club, tried to get into the Ba lounge, but was turned away despite me claiming that I was a OWS travelling on a OW flight, and therefore should have access; the lounge dragon agreed that I was right but stated that the local airport rules were such that as I was travelling on AA, I had to use the AA lounge. Given 3 drink vouchers at the AA lounge, but only used 2. What a terrible lounge food and drink - wise! Not sure why anyone would pay to join the Admiral's club.
On board the AA 757 plane, had preallocated exit row seats, so had lots of leg room on the flight to Lax. Not only was there no AVOD, they did not have individual TVs, so just brought out the laptop and watched a movie or two. Passed on the US$7 cheese sandwich and survived on the cookies and apple that I had stolen from the Admiral's club at Iad. Beverages (non alcoholic) were free!? I now understand why people avoid American airlines, esp. if travelling in Y.
Arrived on time at T4 in Lax, the same terminal where my QF flight to Syd was leaving in 2 hours. As the AA lounge and departure gate were in the same terminal, did not have to go through the TSA security check again which was a big relief!!
Given 4 drink vouchers at the AA lounge, but only used one of them; had a nice hot shower and had 10 carrot sticks and 6 crackers for dinner!
Joined the priority line for boarding the QF flight to Syd, and we settled into 34B, C (bulkhead row) again. No individual greeting this time for this QF Gold....not sure whether the salmon dinner was actually good, but as I was ravernous, it lasted all of 5 minutes. With the help of temazepam, I managed to wittle away 7 of the 14.5 hours to Syd with on / off sleep.
Arrived on time in Syd, and by using the Duty Free lane for immigration, managed to get into a taxi within 0.5 hours of landing at Syd, which I thought was incredible as I had landed in peak hour!!
So in summary, travelling Y in QF was not a too unpleasant experience, and I actually enjoyed most of it. I think you get the most out of being QF Gold if you are travelling in Y with a non status partner. Priority boarding, checkin at J counters, preallocated seating, lounge access etc are benefits you would only normally get if travelling in J. Ba was OK and Aa, well what can you say? Plus, I saved over $7000 on the gf's fare...the major downside with travelling in Y is that you don't get very many status credits!!
I'm off to Sin / Kul in 7 weeks in SQ Y (incl. the A380) so it would be interesting to compare my experiences in Y as a PPS passenger!
till then...
http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/qantas-frequent-flyer/goodbye-done-trip-rtw-y-11531.html
Well, I've just completed the trip, survived, and have to report that it wasn't too bad an experience as I initially feared.
FYI, the itinerary was:
QF 31 SYDLHR 1655 0640+1
QF 3476 (BA codeshare) LHRGLA 0955+1 1115+1
STOP
QF 3495 (BA codeshare) GLALHR 1845 1945
STOP
BA 1293 LHRIAD 1710 2010
STOP
QF 3082 (AA codeshare) IADLAX 1755 2030
QF 12 LAXSYD 2230 0605+2
Some random points about the trip:
As a QF Gold travelling with a QF NB (gf) [we had separate tickets], I personally was able to preallocate seats on all the flights
, which was a great plus. I could only preallocate seats for the QF NB gf on the Syd-Sin-Lhr, Iad-Lax, & Lax-Syd legs; the rest I had to do via OLCI 24 hours prior to the flight or at the airport. After initially choosing exit row seats (I did despite all the doubts here), I changed to the bulk head seats (34B, C) as I was concerned that the exit row seats would be too close to the toilets and would be noisy as people congregated there (I'm a very light sleeper on planes), and as I'm not that tall, the extra legroom in the bulkhead row would be enough. Also being in the first row off economy meant getting your meals served first (and getting your choice), could also get off the plane quickly which may be helpful at airports like Lhr.
I was able to check in at Syd at the J counter with gf, and had priority tags placed on the bags...saved a few minutes waiting in a Q.
Lounge access with a guest in Syd was nice but the J lounge is not the F lounge
In seat 34A was a youngish chap who was a Plat, and when the IFS came to greet him (ignored the lowly Gold next to him), he asked for a J travelling amenity kit and NC ear phones which he then gave to my gf:shock:
There was enough leg room in the bulkhead row so that when 34A wanted to go the toilet, he could do so without waking us.
The short layover in Sin was really irritating, as you had to take everything off the plane, and after only 1/2 hour, had to join a long Q for security to reboard. We did manage to find our way to the QF lounge (J) in Sin for a nice hot shower; the food available was disappointing, but it was already 2400....
From Sin-Lhr, both me as a QF Gold and 34A (QF WP) were personally greeted. On request, gave all 3 of us a J amenity kit, my gf a NC earphones from J, and me a copy of the local newspaper. V.nice touch QF, and really impressed me! Slept 4-5 hours courtesy of 2 temazepam. AVOD worked without incident and was great. Watched 3 movies in all.
The dreaded T4-T5 connection at Lhr for my flight to Glasgow took 1hr 20 mins; had allowed 3 hours so had plenty of time to enjoy the very nice new BA lounge at T5; also tried out the famous bacon rolls! The transit time included the time to walk 1.5-2kms from the aerobridge at T4 to the bus (airside), and after a 10 minute wait in line, caught the bus which took 15 minutes to get to T5!!...terminal looks nice and new! Immigration at T5 was a breeze, but security took about 1/2 hour, including witnessing an European lady in front of me scream at the security screener, and throwing her bag at him...wasn't sure why she was not arrested!!
The shuttle flight bet Lhr and Gla served a hot breakfast which included eggs, bacon and HOT coffee. Well done Ba! Take a note QF please!!
Arrived in Gla only 45 mins late...and with relief, both bags appeared after 20 minutes...so after all my fears about losing my bags at Lhr, it did not eventuate. Was slightly disappointed though, as I had nothing valuable in the bags and was looking forward to going on a shopping spree in Gla, courtesy of my travel insurance....so arrived at the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow after 32 hours of travelling in Y, and the room was not ready for another 2 hours:evil:; surprisingly was not too tired at all, and enjoyed a leisurely walk around Glasgow city.
After spending 4 days in Glasgow (including a day trip to Edinburgh - lovely city - everyone should try and visit it at least once), did OLCI, and scored 2B,C for the the flight from Gla to Lhr. Ba lounge at Gla was small and basic but acceptable. Bags arrived without incident at Lhr T5. Bought an Oyster card at T5, and went off to catch the underground to hotel....
3 days later, after an unsuccessfull attempt at OLCI for the Ba flight to Iad, caught the tube back to Lhr T4. Slight problem with getting a refund for Oyster card (resolved after a few threats). Could not find any priority check in lines for OWS for the Ba flight, and when asked, was told that there was none!; when I casually mentioned that I thought Ba was part of oneworld, was directed to check in at the J counter. After a few problems with seating, everything was good, until we met the security lines; took more than 1/2 hour but got through eventually. I was not sure whether as a OWS and travelling in Y, whether I could use the fast track line through security, so I didn't.
Desparately tried to get get rid of the last of my British coins at the Harrods store at T4, and came up 5 pence short
Asked whether I could use my credit card to make up the short fall, the lady laughed and fished out 5 p from a jar at the counter!!Went to the Ba executive lounge at T4 which was really quite nice, and from my inspection, had a much better food spread then the equivalent QF J lounges. Also had a great view of the tarmac!!
Sat in the second row of economy on the 777 to Iad...disaster struck as had 2 screaming babies for the duration of the flight but the Shure E4s (as recommended by NM) helped to isolate the noise. An average flight with personal TVs but no AVOD. To test Ba's efficiency and service on board, pressed the call button to get some water, and a stewardess appeared after 10 minutes, but took another 30 minutes to get my water!
Enjoyed the joys of having all 10 fingers fingerprinted and mug shot taken at Iad; apart from that, spent 6 very enjoyable days in Washington DC, including a day trip to NY.
6 days later back to Iad, where we checked in quickly at the AA F counter (they recognise OWS!!), to then meet the dreaded TSA security staff. Got through quite quickly, and it would have been a good experience apart from being yelled at by the TSA as I had trouble understanding his instructions (thick American accent!).
As I've heard about the dreaded Admiral's club, tried to get into the Ba lounge, but was turned away despite me claiming that I was a OWS travelling on a OW flight, and therefore should have access; the lounge dragon agreed that I was right but stated that the local airport rules were such that as I was travelling on AA, I had to use the AA lounge. Given 3 drink vouchers at the AA lounge, but only used 2. What a terrible lounge food and drink - wise! Not sure why anyone would pay to join the Admiral's club.
On board the AA 757 plane, had preallocated exit row seats, so had lots of leg room on the flight to Lax. Not only was there no AVOD, they did not have individual TVs, so just brought out the laptop and watched a movie or two. Passed on the US$7 cheese sandwich and survived on the cookies and apple that I had stolen from the Admiral's club at Iad. Beverages (non alcoholic) were free!? I now understand why people avoid American airlines, esp. if travelling in Y.
Arrived on time at T4 in Lax, the same terminal where my QF flight to Syd was leaving in 2 hours. As the AA lounge and departure gate were in the same terminal, did not have to go through the TSA security check again which was a big relief!!
Given 4 drink vouchers at the AA lounge, but only used one of them; had a nice hot shower and had 10 carrot sticks and 6 crackers for dinner!
Joined the priority line for boarding the QF flight to Syd, and we settled into 34B, C (bulkhead row) again. No individual greeting this time for this QF Gold....not sure whether the salmon dinner was actually good, but as I was ravernous, it lasted all of 5 minutes. With the help of temazepam, I managed to wittle away 7 of the 14.5 hours to Syd with on / off sleep.
Arrived on time in Syd, and by using the Duty Free lane for immigration, managed to get into a taxi within 0.5 hours of landing at Syd, which I thought was incredible as I had landed in peak hour!!
So in summary, travelling Y in QF was not a too unpleasant experience, and I actually enjoyed most of it. I think you get the most out of being QF Gold if you are travelling in Y with a non status partner. Priority boarding, checkin at J counters, preallocated seating, lounge access etc are benefits you would only normally get if travelling in J. Ba was OK and Aa, well what can you say? Plus, I saved over $7000 on the gf's fare...the major downside with travelling in Y is that you don't get very many status credits!!
I'm off to Sin / Kul in 7 weeks in SQ Y (incl. the A380) so it would be interesting to compare my experiences in Y as a PPS passenger!
till then...
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