XavierP
Member
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2025
- Posts
- 124
- Qantas
- Gold
- Oneworld
- Sapphire
This was my first 'status run' after starting my LTG journey this year. I was quite nervous to be honest, I mean it looks weird that someone is just flying over to a country and returning on a flight couple of hours later, no? At least it still seems "funny" in my mind. Given my quick flight return of just two hours transit; I was even more nervous if I had to clear customs & immigration that I would somehow be delayed. But....
My flight was (let me refer to the abbreviations page!
) J the whole way through and booked during the DSC promotion. My flights were all 737-800 and in seat 2x. I was expecting very little from these flights as they were short but I was really taken back by a few things. I had the best crew all the way through on all 4 sectors. They were cheerful and happy to serve and always attentive. I was truly surprised by the small menu card on my seat for the international legs. That caught me off guard but what really blew my socks off were the meals! They were simply delicious and had all the choices. And the wine that came with it was also very nice. I did hear on the trip back from MEL-BNE that there was only "one choice" left to the folks in the back row. Thankful I wasn't in that row...
Disembarking in AKL, I found the airport to be quite large and there were not many people around. I followed the signs for "Transit/International Passengers". The walk was a good 15-20mins and the view you get as you walk was just amazing. With the sunset, it was very memorable. The transit section and lanes were all empty but saw the counters were still operational. I went through without any issues and it was quick and seamless. I was so glad for this part
I wasted no time and did some quick "Whittaker Chocolate NZ made" shopping and headed to the Emirates Lounge. I didn't have any doubts of this lounge as my Qantas boarding pass said, "We invite you to the Emirates lounge". I trotted along and somehow missed the signs to the Emirates lounge so I had to ask to find the lounge location.
The Emirates lounge was exceptional and the food and service; simply amazing. I enjoyed my two hours there immensely and then made my way back to re-board the flight back home. The crew was different and again the service and food on board was simply superb. I enjoyed this flight back home.
I made my way to Ibis airport hotel after touching down; MEL didn't disappoint with showers and I got a fair bit wet. I made it to the airport hotel after 10-15 minutes of walking and check-in was smooth enough. A note for anyone staying here; no grooming kits are in the room; you have to get it from the reception when you check-in. My flight was also at 0600 next morning so this was a hard to get to sleep after a day of excitement!
A few things I would change here and for notes:
- Take a change of clothing; you can have it in your hand luggage; I had books instead
- Avoid the 0600 flight out of MEL. Getting to MEL at almost midnight the night before and having to be at the airport by 0500 was definitely tough and would change in future.
MEL lounge was amazing; I mean really amazing compared to Sydney and Brisbane QF Club. Single seats facing the tarmac was really awesome to be on. Had some great food and coffee and hopped back on the flight back home...
Until the next status run.. looking forward to the thrill
My flight was (let me refer to the abbreviations page!
) J the whole way through and booked during the DSC promotion. My flights were all 737-800 and in seat 2x. I was expecting very little from these flights as they were short but I was really taken back by a few things. I had the best crew all the way through on all 4 sectors. They were cheerful and happy to serve and always attentive. I was truly surprised by the small menu card on my seat for the international legs. That caught me off guard but what really blew my socks off were the meals! They were simply delicious and had all the choices. And the wine that came with it was also very nice. I did hear on the trip back from MEL-BNE that there was only "one choice" left to the folks in the back row. Thankful I wasn't in that row... Disembarking in AKL, I found the airport to be quite large and there were not many people around. I followed the signs for "Transit/International Passengers". The walk was a good 15-20mins and the view you get as you walk was just amazing. With the sunset, it was very memorable. The transit section and lanes were all empty but saw the counters were still operational. I went through without any issues and it was quick and seamless. I was so glad for this part
I wasted no time and did some quick "Whittaker Chocolate NZ made" shopping and headed to the Emirates Lounge. I didn't have any doubts of this lounge as my Qantas boarding pass said, "We invite you to the Emirates lounge". I trotted along and somehow missed the signs to the Emirates lounge so I had to ask to find the lounge location.
The Emirates lounge was exceptional and the food and service; simply amazing. I enjoyed my two hours there immensely and then made my way back to re-board the flight back home. The crew was different and again the service and food on board was simply superb. I enjoyed this flight back home.
I made my way to Ibis airport hotel after touching down; MEL didn't disappoint with showers and I got a fair bit wet. I made it to the airport hotel after 10-15 minutes of walking and check-in was smooth enough. A note for anyone staying here; no grooming kits are in the room; you have to get it from the reception when you check-in. My flight was also at 0600 next morning so this was a hard to get to sleep after a day of excitement!
A few things I would change here and for notes:
- Take a change of clothing; you can have it in your hand luggage; I had books instead
- Avoid the 0600 flight out of MEL. Getting to MEL at almost midnight the night before and having to be at the airport by 0500 was definitely tough and would change in future.
MEL lounge was amazing; I mean really amazing compared to Sydney and Brisbane QF Club. Single seats facing the tarmac was really awesome to be on. Had some great food and coffee and hopped back on the flight back home...
Until the next status run.. looking forward to the thrill
