One more RTW hurrah... oh whY not!

[Keith009]

Prologue
Another uni break, another jaunt to far flung corners of the globe, another bout of hedonistic pursuits in various exotic locales... ok that was really a longwinded and grandiose way of saying piss ups in different watering holes around the world and pigging out at various foodie heavens. So I do try to incorporate some pseudo cultural experiences into my trips at times, but really who am I kidding?!

This time on a oneworld Global Explorer in Economy with a 26k mileage limit (LLGLOB26), the mileage-based sibling to the continent-based oneworld Explorer. “whY fly?!” as some of you have asked. This is meant to be a v quick mid semester jaunt and after depleting my bank account on 2 DONE4s and various bmi cash+miles redemptions (the ‘cash’ bit along with the fuel fines do add up after a while!) I had to settle for a ticket in L. Moreover I had no time to reposition overseas and the cost of an ex-Oz D class would’ve been prohibitive. So it was down the back of proverbial bus for this trip in humble Economy class – whY fly indeed, but for the love and passion of travel and exploration of course. And, as my dear friend phaleesy so eloquently put it even though her idea of travel might differ substantially from mine , it is a privilege to travel at all – so whY not!

I had only intended to purchase a Circle Pacific ticket, as I’d only planned to visit Honolulu, LA and Hong Kong initially – after all I only had 2 weeks to play around with which isn’t a whole lot. Bizarrely, the Global Explorer base fare was cheaper (at time of ticketing), and would top up the mileage piggy bank more substantially – so a no brainer indeed.

I thought it’d be a waste to simply connect via Europe, and I wasn’t sure I could stand that many hours in Economy all at once – so I’d picked a city in Europe that I’d yet to visit. Initially I was booked to travel to Berlin after hearing so much about how rad it was, however the v illustrious SQTalk DO instigator phaleesy had orchestrated a DO in Vienna right around the time I was going to be in Europe. It’d be a great opportunity to catch up with SQTalk friends both old and new as well as virtually a crime to pass up such an opportunity, and so I duly changed my European stop from Berlin to Vienna. And Shanghai was thrown in after I had such a grand time there on my first visit back in December.

This trip would also be the first I take as a oneworld Emerald passenger, courtesy of my reaching the dizzying heights of AAdvantage Executive Platinum status after my last trip. I agree with those that reckon the best value use of status is travelling down the back, as you get to enjoy a quasi-premium experience that you’d otherwise not be able to access; whereas flying in the higher COSes you’d have less use of the benes as they come with your ticketed COS anyway. Though i’d hope not to make too much of a habit out of these ‘good value’ occurances. Indeed I’d seek to maximise the benes of OWE status on my first road test of the newly acquired status. I am v much looking forward to Flounging in various airports (particularly, luxuriating in the uber retro hip Qantas Flounge in SYD, and supping too much Bollie in BA’s shiny new Galleries F in LHR T5). And dare I say – higher up in the op up food chain. More importantly, I was able to apply an EVIP to my AA segments, and hence avoiding Economy for those segments (even though I borrowed the EVIP from a v generous AFFer simongr as I was afraid that availability would totally dry up by the time I had EVIPs of my own – on the proviso that I return the favour when required of course).

Of course, since my personal goal is to experience every single W hotel in the system, and I’ve not stayed at a W since February – yet another reason I eagerly await this trip is in the form of 2 first time Whatever/Whenever experiences – in Honolulu, and the newest “WorldWide WoW” in Hong Kong.

And not forgetting, the rather chic Le Meridien Wien which pretty much embodies the new LM101 project (which really seems to be a reincarnation of the abandoned Art+Tech range). I am curious as to Starwood’s attempt to rebrand its newly (ish) incorporated Le Meridien brand as a hip, yet arty and cultural line. I have previously had a great time at another similarly themed property – the LM Cyberport in Hong Kong. The LM Wien also seems at first glance to match my preconceived notions of 21st century Vienna, a contrast of ancient exteriors and ultra modern, fashionable interiors. And above all, certainly a great alternative to all the dowdy and run down (or “quaint and charming” – depending on your perspective) Starwood properties dotted around Europe.

So without further ado, sit back, fasten your seatbelts, low and tight, and get set for take off...

Upcoming:
Flights
MEL-SYD, Qantas, Economy
SYD-HNL, Qantas, Economy
HNL-LAX, American Airlines, First
LAX-LHR, American Airlines, Business
LHR-VIE, British Airways, Economy
VIE-HEL, Finnair, Economy
HEL-PVG, Finnair, Economy
PVG-HKG, Dragonair, Economy
HKG-MEL, Qantas, Business (nested ex-HKG J AAward)

Hotel experiences
W Honolulu-Diamond Head
Le Meridien Wien
The Westin Bund Centre, Shanghai
W Hong Kong

Where I’d be hanging out
Honolulu
Los Angeles
Vienna
Shanghai
Hong Kong

 

[MelUser]

Enjoy - I look forward to the Y trip reports and photos!

 

[Keith009]

Sector - MEL-SYD
Flight number - QF442
Class - Economy
Equipment - B767-300
Seat - 23B

I was surprised I could OLCI given that this was technically part of an international itinerary. Got allocated 23B automatically, first row in the whY cabin.

It was at the airport that I realised something had coughed up when the agent tapped furiously on his keyboard with a panicked look on his face. I had a peep at the screen and saw what the problem was; the reservation had treated this flight and the onward connection as separate itineraries, and the agent struggled to merge this flight with the onward connection. An error message popped up whenever he tried to do so, it could be related to the fact that I'm ticketed on the AA codeshare. ("inventory not controlled by Amadeus Altea") He grumbled that the new system had been giving staff lots of issues, and finally thrown in the white towel and rang up one of the "system specialists" who came along with my BPs and bag tag all the way to HNL. Finally got checked in properly after about 20 mins.

Made my way through a quiet security, then off to the Blounge via the QP. The QP was heaving even more than before, most probably because it is now a smaller lounge after they cut out a part of it to create the new Blounge. QP is open to paid up QP members, QFF Gold members and other OW sapphires, whereas the Blounge serves as a quieter sanctuary for J pax, QFF Plat and other OW emeralds. Suits galore at that time in both lounges, the end of week corporate traffic.

But apart from the fact that it's quieter due to the more stringent entry requirements and the nicer furniture (identical to the SIN and BKK lounges), I couldn't see much difference between the Blounge and the QP. For all that song and dance QF had made about the new Blounges, I was expecting a much improved facility with better food and drink than the QP (last i heard they were actually going to dumb down the offerings in the QP...). Or perhaps most people just aimed for the the peace and quiet. And the highlight of the day was my Flounge visit in SYD anyway.

I settled down to a glass of Sauv Blanc Semillion and a plate of cake (love that pink coloured one with the red jello on top). And caught up with my emails.

Flight after flight were delayed, including the SYD departures before and after mine. So it was with a great feeling of relief that the boarding call for my flight came per schedule, and I made the short stroll to gate 1 to join the rugby scrum to board my shuttle bus, uhh flight to SYD.

Great legroom in 23B, and we got the refurbished 763 for this flight which made it a more pleasant ride. Other than that, not much there's interesting to say about this rather standard Cityflyer service. It was outside designated meal time so only hot drink/juice and a cupcake. Alcohol isn't free till after 1630 on weekdays from memory.

Next: Qantas Flounge SYD; QF3 SYD-HNL whY

 

[Amerrican]

Prologue
Another uni break, another jaunt to far flung corners of the globe, another bout of hedonistic pursuits in various exotic locales... ok that was really a longwinded and grandiose way of saying piss ups in different watering holes around the world and pigging out at various foodie heavens. So I do try to incorporate some pseudo cultural experiences into my trips at times, but really who am I kidding?! Initially I was booked to travel to Berlin after hearing so much about how rad it was, however the v illustrious SQTalk DO instigator phaleesy had orchestrated a DO in Vienna right around the time I was going to be in Europe. It’d be a great opportunity to catch up with SQTalk friends both old and new as well as virtually a crime to pass up such an opportunity, and so I duly changed my European stop from Berlin to Vienna. And Shanghai was thrown in after I had such a grand time there on my first visit back in December.

This trip would also be the first I take as a oneworld Emerald passenger, courtesy of my reaching the dizzying heights of AAdvantage Executive Platinum status after my last trip. I agree with those that reckon the best value use of status is travelling down the back, as you get to enjoy a quasi-premium experience that you’d otherwise not be able to access; whereas flying in the higher COSes you’d have less use of the benes as they come with your ticketed COS anyway. Though i’d hope not to make too much of a habit out of these ‘good value’ occurances. Indeed I’d seek to maximise the benes of OWE status on my first road test of the newly acquired status. I am v much looking forward to Flounging in various airports (particularly, luxuriating in the uber retro hip Qantas Flounge in SYD, and supping too much Bollie in BA’s shiny new Galleries F in LHR T5). And dare I say – higher up in the op up food chain. More importantly, I was able to apply an EVIP to my AA segments, and hence avoiding Economy for those segments (even though I borrowed the EVIP from a v generous AFFer simongr as I was afraid that availability would totally dry up by the time I had EVIPs of my own – on the proviso that I return the favour when required of course).

I'd be happy to read this post if/when you decide to write it in English, mate.

 

[Cynicor]

Seems perfectly understandable to me, just like all his other trip reports, which I have alse enjoyed reading. Thanks Qf009, while I'm stuck in the country I can live through everyone else's holidays

Jon

 

[Keith009]

Sector - SYD-HNL
Flight number - AA7359 (operating as QF3)
Class - Economy
Equipment - B767-300
Seat - 26B

We disembarked at gate 3 and so it was only a short walk to the transfer lounge. Unfortunately I'd missed the last bus and had to wait 20 mins for the next one - less Flounge time, hrrumph! The good thing was when I finally made it to International, emigration and security were quick and easy and I didn't even have to use my express lane pass, thus saving it for next time.

Finally made it to the Flounge, ahh an oasis in every sense of that word! Feels great to finally be able to take advantage of this wonderously stupendous facility. There a delay of 40 mins for my flight, great I thought, as it made up for the wait to transfer across and created more Flounge time. Expressed my excitement in a text to simongr who then replied to recommend the duck ragout for dinner.

I then settled down for dinner. The eating area felt just like a 5 star restaurant, which of course is the idea - apart from the plastic knives. I had my first of many glasses of bubbles for the day - the Devaux Blanc de Noir. Would have to concur with sr81's assessment of this one - love the v invitingly musky bouquet, followed by the delightful honey and biscuity themes, and finishing up with a lingering hints of strawberry.

The meals were delicious but portions were small - it was explained earlier on FT that they wanted people to have room for their onboard meals, which obviously doesn't apply for folks down the back! Decided to have the pumpkin and coriander soup with sour cream which started the meal on a high note. I could not find the duck ragout on the menu, so ordered the chicken stir fry for my main. Unfortunately it had the unmistakable taste of oyster sauce when I bit into it (no mention was oyster sauce was made on the menu though...), so I sent it back and informed the waiter of my shellfish allergy. The v friendly duty manager came out to apologise, though I must admit it was partially my own fault for not checking. I ordered the soy duck with rice and kai lan as a replacement - and she'd made sure that the chef didn't cook the kai lan with oyster sauce. Also a v nice dish though the duck was sized smaller than I'd have liked. This was washed down beautifully with several glasses of Yering Station pinot noir (2006 i think). I finished up with the sticky toffee pudding, with ice cream on top as recomended by the duty manager. Switched to Veuve yellow after 3 glasses of pinot - perhaps the meal and other drinks had softened the bluntless of the Veuve but unless QF has Veuve stock left over from over 6 years ago before they changed the recipe for their NV, the Veuve seemed to be a bit more fragrant than usual, and went down a lot smoother with plenty of creamy characters with hints of mocha.

Service as noted was brilliant. V attentive and friendly waiters who were generous with top ups. I complimented them to the duty manager when she sought feedback about my experience. The food was also v efficiently brought out; this might be due to the lull period which was just after the LHR flights had departed and hence there weren't all that many people in the Flounge. Spa wasn't open as it'd closed at 1700, apparently they had longer hours at the MEL Flounge as SYD had a curfew.

 

[Keith009]

I then wandered over to the lounge area, decided to order my first glass of Moet for the night in the name of comparison. And it reaffirmed my stance - Moet NV is so not worth the money it retails for. It's pleasantly quaffable (lemon and lime characters are dominant), but for the same amount of money or less I could easily get much better quality NVs. YMMV of course. Switched back to the Devaux BDN and alternated with the Veuve throughout the night. I think I'm doing well to ensure that my long haul down the back experience was a pleasant one.

 

[Keith009]

Soon boarding was called and I joined several others in pottering across to the gate. There were quite a few Floungers joining this flight, as well as several people from the QP next door. Inventory on this flight was extraordinarily scarce. L was all zeroed out months before departure. But the week immediately prior to departure the flight was showing L7 - yield management voodoo, go figure! Managed to score it on the AA codeshare which doubled my mileage accrual since L class on AA accrued at 100% compared to only 50% on the QF code.

The flight was almost totally packed when I boarded, so loads are certainly not a problem for the HNL sector. But QF still treats the route like an unwanted stepchild (deploying the poorest equipment in its long haul fleet on this route - the 763 which doesn't even have PTVs in whY and Dreamtimes instead of Skybeds for J), so the yields musn't be that crash hot. There was a v 'holiday route' feel onboard, unlike the usual sprinklings of business travelers on the LHR/SIN/HKG flights.

Unrefurbished 763 for this one, so the cabin doesn't feel as nice as the MEL-SYD flight. But was no less comfy - I prefer the whY cabin of these mid sized planes (and the 332/333) to the 744s as it feels a lot less cramped somehow, and cozier (in a nice way). The lack of PTVs didn't bother me as I had a good book to read. Managed to allocate an aisle seat in row 26, 2nd row of the cabin. Turns out that row 25 was an unused row, so by default I had more space in row 26 as there weren't seats to recline into me. A v large pillow, certainly was almost the size of the J one and the largest I've ever seen in whY, and the blanket was already in my seat when I got there - this was a far nicer blanket than the old one, feels like sheep's wool and v nice to touch and snuggle up in.

Amenity kit pouch

The CSM made an apology for the delay over the PA, apparently due to the late arrival of the incoming aircraft which was doing a domestic run prior to this. Congrats to the lucky sods who got the Dreamtime seats on their domestic business class flights that day. An identical apology was made by the captain. The gentleman next to me, who obviously holds WP status, got a personal greeting from the CSM and asked for champagne. The v nice CSM came back with not only what my seatmate had asked for but also had an extra glass of champagne which he handed over to me! Cheers mate! So I enjoyed my pre flight bevvy (Lanson) just like I'd have in J- except I didn't ask for extras this time of course! Seatmate was a v friendly bloke on his way to Dallas for work but had decided to have a holiday in Hawaii prior.

 

[Keith009]

Now my memory is a little hazy and I can't remember whether the following occurred before or after take off - but amenity kits (which consists of a toothbrush, toothpaste which had some sort of apple flavour, eyeshades and socks) were handed out, as well as menu cards and the US customs declaration form. We were advised that the immigration card would only be handed out prior to landing - seems like a strange way of doing things but I'm sure there's a certain logic to it that I'm not aware of.

The meal service began v promptly after take off. I chose the beef main, as the chicken had oyster sauce in it. Had a mini bottle of Taylor's cab merlot to go along with it. Beef main course tasted decent, but portions were out of whack - seems like the beef is more of a garnish than the main feature compared to the size of the potatoes and veges.

I didn't use the call bell as the FAs seemed tied up with the meal service, and the service cart was blocking up the entire aisle anyway - but they were easy to flag down when top ups were needed, and were more than happy to come back with generous top ups. I went on to some James Squire ale for a change - for carrying James Squire I give top marks to the QF beer selection. And all this in whY!

I love the funky Marc Newson wine glass! Not the best pic though.

Ice cream was then served, and following that - the Unwind service occurred. We had a choice of Cadbury's hot chocolate (with marshmellows if you so choose) and peppermint tea - I had the hot choc which was soothing and did well to set me right for bed.

Reclined my seat fully after meal service had finished and wrapped myself up in the v comfy blankets. I fell asleep soon after, and had slept reasonably well until something heavy fell on to my lap in the middle of the night. Another pax was trying to retrieve something from the overhead bin and someone else's laptop (thank goodness it wasn't mine) had fallen on to me. "Please be careful when you open the overhead compartments as items inside may have moved..." Wasn't too painful, but was a rude shock. Dinged the galley for some booze, and fell asleep again after a few wines.

I woke up just as breakfast was served. Had the hot breakfast of scrambled eggs with potato and beans which was v filling and surprisingly tasty. And in no time at all preparations for landing had commenced.

Full menu here.

The service was excellent throughout. I reckon the true test for service is in whY where 80% of pax are yet whY service seldoms gets as much advertisement and promotion by the airlines. Last flight I had in QF long haul whY was back in 2005 and couldn't recall much of it. This was a top notch flight with v affable and efficient FAs (though one of them, despite being able to speak normally at other times like when we were chatting in the galley, had the habit of faking his voice higher by several octaves whenever he served, the 'service voice' phenomenon as I call it that affects people in the service industry, particularly men and which I personally find a bit annoying - but that's just me b*tching and is a minor quibble in the grand scheme of things as it has no impact on the inflight experience). Anyway, I was most satisfied with the experience and am pleased that QF continues to deliver even in whY.

Immigration forms were handed out, and soon enough we landed at HNL - only 2 mins behind schedule despite the late departure.

Bidding farewell to the Flying Kangaroo

We landed behind 2 Japanese flights; so the queue at immigration was v long. I saw a JAL flight on the tarmac and I noticed lots of people in the queue had forms issued by ANA. Everything was quick after I'd cleared immigration though - all our bags have already been lifted off the belt for us and placed on the floor, and the US is quite relaxed when it comes to customs unlike at home.

Next: W Honolulu-Diamond Head; Honolulu

 

[Keith009]

I'd be happy to read this post if/when you decide to write it in English, mate.

Nah... I speak FF'nglish. What language is "English"??

*tries hard not to break into Sabre-ish* :shock:

 

[Hvr]

QF009, love your trip reports and your patented foot shots. Please keep them coming, trip reports and photos. I'm sure you've mentioned it before but can you please tell me which camera you use for your on board shots?

Will have to include one or two on my next trip report (November).

One question, as a WP is there any reason why you didn't avail yourself of the option to reserve the exit row aisle seat?

 

[Keith009]

Cheers for the feedback everyone, much appreciated.

I'm sure you've mentioned it before but can you please tell me which camera you use for your on board shots?

I am using the Sony Cybershot DSC W-300 for this trip. Prior to this I was using a Canon ixus-i (can't remember exact model but I bought it in 2004).

One question, as a WP is there any reason why you didn't avail yourself of the option to reserve the exit row aisle seat?

I'm not WP. I'm an AA EXP, so no exit row seat unless available at check in (they were not) as QF doesn't like me as much.

 

[MelUser]

Keep the trip reports coming. It is refreshing to see that a flight in Y can be survived with decorum. I am preparing myself for next trip to the US in 2009 which will probably be in Prem Y as J is just too exe across the Pacific on QF.

 

[Alanslegal]

Nice report QF009.

Glad you made it through the whY flights to HNL ok.

Hope you have partied though the night at the Wunderlounge If you're off your face - in a good way - luckily your bed if need be, is only a few floors upstairs.

 

[Skyring]

Enjoying this TR. The English seems fine to me. The love of the game shines through. Love the way you shoot yourself in the feet.

I've been in the SYD FLounge twice now. A class experience. Maybe my experience is limited, but it's easily the best FLounge I've been in, with The Wing a close second. Having a view of runway operations is the icing on the cake.

What I want to know is why we WPs have to wait for that bloody bus in Sydney. Lay on a limousine service and go shooting straight across the runway is what I say. Though it's always fun to see what they have standing around in the maintenance area.

Honolulu International is just a laidback place all round. Those open walkways with the tropic breeze blowing in. A glimpse of Eagles as you taxi in or out.

 

[NYCguy]

There's nothing wrong with your English, Keith. It's just that your sentences are sometimes more than 5 words long, and use punctuation that isn't seen in the Daily Telegraph or the Cairns Post; semi-colons come to mind, which can be a little confusing for those who are used to reading at the level of a 12yo.

 

[Febs]

There's nothing wrong with your English, Keith. It's just that your sentences are sometimes more than 5 words long, and use punctuation that isn't seen in the Daily Telegraph or the Cairns Post; semi-colons come to mind, which can be a little confusion for those who are used to reading at the level of a 12yo.

LOL.

Nice writeup Keith...keep 'em coming!

 

[NYCguy]

I'm not at my best early in the morning!

Edited...

 

[simongr]

he survived whY!

Good stuff - shame the ragout wasnt on the menu

 

[drron]

Hey,new shoes!