- Joined
- Jun 18, 2005
- Posts
- 136
My partner and I have completed the first leg of a round the world itinerary; our first overseas adventure since the pandemic.
We made our way from Ringwood to a Melbourne Airport by the 901 bus. Sure it takes a while but the stop is close to where we live. A few people boarded at Broadmeadows station. The 901 terminates at the far end of the bays in the bus terminal near T4 so it was an invigorating walk from there to the Qantas terminal. Fortunately, there’s a lavatory in thr bus terminal - an important consideration for this 71 year old retiree. AFF people may be interested t know the 902 is now operated by Kinetic - the same people who run Skybus.
The trip to Sydney on QF 440 (737-800) was uneventful. “Lunch” was a chicken sandwich and coffee. Quite OK. As we were approaching Sydney, it was announced that passengers continuing on a Qantas overseas flight would be transferred to the international terminal. Others would need to take a train or taxi. No mention of buses/
I was aware of the free transfer bus but missed whatever signage there may have been so we ended up at the “public” bus stop and caught the 420 to the international terminal. We used our Opal cards. Most other passengers appeared to be airport workers.
We chose to travel the previous day to be sure of getting our COVID-19 tests completed within the prescribed 24 hours of departure.
First we checked in to Rydge’s. I cheekily asked if it was possible for an upgrade to a “plane spotters” room but was advised it wasn’t possible because I’d booked through an online agency. Got the feeling I may have had a chance if I’d have booked direct. Never any harm in asking eh?
The test was completed without fuss or bother. Whilst waiting for the result we e ploted the al so deserted international terminal and I partook of a cleansing ale at one of the few “concessions” that were open. I felt I was drinking liquid gold after paying $12.90 for a stubbie of VB. And receiving service that was indifferent at best, My partner considered it rude.
After refining to the hotel, we tried to complete United Airlines “travel Ready” requirements using the United app but gave up after many unsuccessful attempts.
Later, we again used the 420 bus to enjoy a “cheap and cheerful” dinner at a Nepalese restaurant near Rockdale station.
Monday morning check-in for UA 870 to SFO was quick. There was no need for us to have got concerned about our problems with the United app (we are both fairly proficient at technology!) because the female agent cheerfully entered it all for us. We had come prepared with printed copies of the relevant documentation.
UA 870 was OK. It was a 777 (300?) and we had two seats out of three with the middle one vacant. My thoughts on UA seats concurred with many of the comments previously posted on AFF.
The meal service was dreadful. The steward had no interpersonal skills and simply threw the items at you. My lunch was pasta and I considered it acceptable but just that. However, the breakfast was appalling; a small what we would call “mini” ham roll. No choices. Take it or leave it.
Immigration and customs at SFO was much quicker than previous visits. Fewer passengers of course. Still fairly formal.
We took BART downtown. Change since last visit was that red line trains go via Millbrae but that was no big deal as loading on BART we’re very light
We made our way from Ringwood to a Melbourne Airport by the 901 bus. Sure it takes a while but the stop is close to where we live. A few people boarded at Broadmeadows station. The 901 terminates at the far end of the bays in the bus terminal near T4 so it was an invigorating walk from there to the Qantas terminal. Fortunately, there’s a lavatory in thr bus terminal - an important consideration for this 71 year old retiree. AFF people may be interested t know the 902 is now operated by Kinetic - the same people who run Skybus.
The trip to Sydney on QF 440 (737-800) was uneventful. “Lunch” was a chicken sandwich and coffee. Quite OK. As we were approaching Sydney, it was announced that passengers continuing on a Qantas overseas flight would be transferred to the international terminal. Others would need to take a train or taxi. No mention of buses/
I was aware of the free transfer bus but missed whatever signage there may have been so we ended up at the “public” bus stop and caught the 420 to the international terminal. We used our Opal cards. Most other passengers appeared to be airport workers.
We chose to travel the previous day to be sure of getting our COVID-19 tests completed within the prescribed 24 hours of departure.
First we checked in to Rydge’s. I cheekily asked if it was possible for an upgrade to a “plane spotters” room but was advised it wasn’t possible because I’d booked through an online agency. Got the feeling I may have had a chance if I’d have booked direct. Never any harm in asking eh?
The test was completed without fuss or bother. Whilst waiting for the result we e ploted the al so deserted international terminal and I partook of a cleansing ale at one of the few “concessions” that were open. I felt I was drinking liquid gold after paying $12.90 for a stubbie of VB. And receiving service that was indifferent at best, My partner considered it rude.
After refining to the hotel, we tried to complete United Airlines “travel Ready” requirements using the United app but gave up after many unsuccessful attempts.
Later, we again used the 420 bus to enjoy a “cheap and cheerful” dinner at a Nepalese restaurant near Rockdale station.
Monday morning check-in for UA 870 to SFO was quick. There was no need for us to have got concerned about our problems with the United app (we are both fairly proficient at technology!) because the female agent cheerfully entered it all for us. We had come prepared with printed copies of the relevant documentation.
UA 870 was OK. It was a 777 (300?) and we had two seats out of three with the middle one vacant. My thoughts on UA seats concurred with many of the comments previously posted on AFF.
The meal service was dreadful. The steward had no interpersonal skills and simply threw the items at you. My lunch was pasta and I considered it acceptable but just that. However, the breakfast was appalling; a small what we would call “mini” ham roll. No choices. Take it or leave it.
Immigration and customs at SFO was much quicker than previous visits. Fewer passengers of course. Still fairly formal.
We took BART downtown. Change since last visit was that red line trains go via Millbrae but that was no big deal as loading on BART we’re very light
