Qantas/BA: These Are My Favourite Things (QF A380 J, BA 777 J, QF 744 F)

[irwin8417]

QF009 will you post SQA380 suite trip report?

 

[tuapekastar]

QF009 will you post SQA380 suite trip report?

Try this TR for QF009's SQ A380 F experience irwin8417.

 

[irwin8417]

Try this TR for QF009's SQ A380 F experience irwin8417.

Ops...thanks tuapekastar

 

[Keith009]

Inaugural Qantas A380 Service to Singapore and London Heathrow; Part III: The Onboard Experience, Singapore to London Heathrow​

We were advised at the jetway that reboarding would happen in 45 minutes. I made my way to the joint QF/BA Flounge at T1 to take a shower before the long overnight sector to London. The place was fairly empty and I basically had the pick of shower cubicles. Pretty nice and spacious showers at the SIN Flounge, with the usual array of Molton Brown amenities.

I waited till the 2nd boarding call arrived to board the flight, as IME the boarding calls at SIN are made before boarding actually began. All well and good to ensure people had time to made it to the gate except today we were boarding at C23 which isn’t that far away. I arrived just after FCL had boarded, and they’d started making the call for JCL/whY+/shiny cards. The boarding gate was a bit of a zoo, as there were scarcely enough seats for everyone in the holding area.

As noted earlier, the UK crew took over for the onward sector to London and it was their very first time on the A380. They seemed just as excited as many of us were. QF handpicks its crew for the A380, and the crew members on this particular sector were handpicked from QF’s little outpost in London itself. Given that the UK base is reputedly the best in the system as is, we’re indeed served by crème de la crème on this flight. Indeed – throughout the flight, the enthusiastic crew were only too happy to render any assistance that pax might require and seemed to be doing so because they are genuinely fantastic and fabulous people, not simply because it’s part of the job.

On this flight, the crew was an even mix of Australian, British and continental European nationalities. They were led by CSM Nicki who had a voice most suited for making PAs. My part of the cabin was served by a rather chirpy and dedicated young woman who took delight in emptying as many champagne bottles as she could for pre take off drinkies. As take off was delayed not once but twice, this meant she was most successful in her endeavours. We could not take off at first due to the unexpectedly short flight time due to favourable winds and hence had to delay departure to avoid landing out of turn at LHR. Then just when we were ready to push back, a pax announced that he was rather unwell and asked to be offloaded. The FAs also took the opportunity to hand out PJs, amenity kits and collected brekky order cards whilst we were stuck on the ground.

We were finally ready to go after an hour and a bit. I’d decided that I was simply too tired to have supper, and in any case I wasn’t at all hungry. I took the opportunity to change into PJs whilst we were on the ground, so immediately after take off – I’d reclined my seat and went straight to bed. Had a good solid sleep, and woke up with 5 hours to go.

I went towards the self serve bars to scavenge for some snacks. (note to self: rows 11-13 has a more direct access to the self serve bars, and more importantly – they put out champers at the self serve bars...) On my way there, I was stopped by an FA who noted that I’d missed supper and would I like to have something fixed up then and there – as they still have a few bits and pieces of supper items that they could cook. As I’d ascertained that it’d only be 3 hours to go before brekky was served, I instead opted to have some sandwiches from the refreshment menu to tide me over rather than a full hot meal. Snacked on some freshly made tuna mayo baguettes which were pretty tasty. Like the previous flight, the FAs also circulated the cabin with trays of snacks and drinks in spite of the self serve bars.

Whilst sitting in the lounge, I came across Nicki, the v amiable and excitable CSM who immediately sat down for a chat. She was evidently v happy about working on the A380 for the first time, and urged me to have a tour of the a/c. Unfortunately I wasn’t allowed to enter the FCL cabin, but she indicated that it was possible to go down the stairs after arriving at Heathrow to check out the cabin before disembarking. Aside from that I was allowed practically free rein of the entire plane.

You do start to appreciate how massive the A380 actually is after doing a tour of almost the entire plane. The galleys all looked similar to the old ones in terms of features, except they had a lot more groovy buttons to press now. I also noticed an espresso machine in the JCL galley. Pics from my little tour:

front stairwell/ “Stairway to Heaven”

whY+ - lots of space in the emergency exit row

 

[Keith009]

self serve bar in whY+

back stairs

gate at the top of back stairs to keep the riff raff from downstairs out

a packed whY cabin

self serve bar in whY

Whilst touring the aircraft, crew I encountered in other parts of the aircraft would always be eager to ask if I needed anything or be rather keen to explain to me what various things were. FAs also regularly popped into the JCL lounge to offer snacks and drinks at least once every 30 mins.

 

[Keith009]

Soon, the smells of breakfast being prepared waffed across the cabin and I decided to retire to my seat for the rest of the flight. The usual hot towel service was performed to signal that food was ready. There was a slight delay after theyd done the row ahead of us as the crew had misplaced the brekky order cards of my seatmate and I, so we had to fill up another one. They were most apologetic but assured us that there was more than enough of everything to go around so we needn’t worry on that front. Breakfast, as usual, was wholesome and scrummy.

my order of crossiant with strawberry jam and butter, fruit salad, Charles Heidsieck, grinders coffee (was able to get a soy latte later), scrambled eggs, English spinach, baked beans, sausages

There was then the usual post-brekky scramble to change back into street clothes and wash up before preparations for landing had gotten underway. All too soon it was time for descent, but not before the ATC-mandated holding pattern due to congested airspace. We then made another v smooth landing at London Heathrow. Despite the rather delayed departure and the ATC hold, we managed to make up some time along the way and hence docked at the gate a mere 20 minutes behind schedule. It was with a tinge of regret that I finally tore myself away from the aircraft, with its new products and features reinforcing Qantas’s role as my preferred supplier.

1 Dec 1947: Qantas debuts the Kangaroo route with Lockheed Costellation aircraft carrying 29 pax and 11 crew from Sydney to London via Darwin, Singapore, Calcutta, Karachi, Cairo and Tripoli. This created "one of the most important events in the history of Australian commercial aviation." (Daily Mirror)
1959: Qantas introduces the 707 on the Kangaroo route.
1971: Qantas 747s were introduced on the Kangaroo route.
16 Jan 2009: The Qantas A380 debuts on the Kangaroo route.

“Thanks for being part of history with us today,” concludes Nicki.

Next: BA73 LHR-(AUH)-MCT J

 

[Keith009]

Sector – LHR-AUH-MCT
Flight number – BA73
Class – Business
Equipment – B777-200
Seat – 10G

London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi

After a fairly quick bus transfer from T4 to T5 (no waiting for the bus involved for I was lucky with timing), I arrived at the fairly crowded transfer area at T5. I rocked up to the relevant desk to get my documents vetted – BA had trouble reading my boarding pass which was issued by QF in AKL, and so it was duly destroyed and replaced with a new bp on BA stock.

Security was relatively straightforward, though the attitude of one of the BAA staffers left a lot to be desired – literally screaming, in a rather condescending manner, at an elderly female pax who seemed unfamiliar with the security screening process. Plenty of people were shaking their heads at the completely unnecessary and unhelpful unfriendliness.

The first thing I did after clearing security was to head to BA’s Galleries Flounge (South, I think) to have a shower. After a long overnight flight of more than 12 hours, freshening up with a shower was my top priority. The showers were actually outside the Flounge, adjacent to Elemis Spa.

I'd taken much longer in the shower than I'd thought, for when I emerged it was almost time for boarding. I'd just realised that my flight departs from the satellite terminal and so took the train over there, a quick and painless train ride. When i arrived at my gate the flight was already boarding, so it was straight to the plane, settling down at centre aisle seat 10G and to another glass of Charles Heidsieck MEC.

As I stood up to grab some magazines, I'd accidentally bumped into the coughtail tray, which sent my glass of champers flying into the aisle with its contents partially spilled on to my jeans. An FA immediately rushed over with some wet towels, and poured a new glass of bubbles for me. Minutes later my seatmate across the aisle managed to do the exact same thing, so I didn't feel so embarassed about being such a klutz after all.

The amenity kit was also handed out. It contained the usual Elemis stuff, but the design of the kit itself had changed. I had a smart looking nylon and leather brown kit last time I flew Club World but now I got a rather dowdy clothed, blue kit.

 

[Keith009]

In no time at all we were taxiing for departure, and we were off after minimal queueing for our go on the runway. After take off I lowered the ottoman and stretched out to a more comfy position. The usual bar service occurred after take off, so I had more bubbles along with a pack of nuts. I also checked out the IFE but I'd already watched most of the programs on offer on my last flight, which in some ways was a good thing as it wouldn't have been as enjoyable trying to watch IFE on that tiny PTV screen.

I enjoyed the service on this flight; the cabin crew were a rather charming and efficient lot. We had a good laugh about my champagne spilling incident from earlier. Also got some tips about things to do in Muscat as one of them had operated that particular sector a few times.

Lunch service promptly began after the cessation of the bar service. Menu for this segment here. Some quality Australian drops on the wine list. I switched to the delicious McLaren Vale shiraz for my meal. Lunch commenced with the smoked salmon and salad - salad had a weird, bitter taste. I had the oxtail for my main course - despite the crew warning me against that choice (I couldn't pick the fish choice as it contained prawns, and the other options didn't really appeal), I actually quite liked it. Generous portions of meat, and full of flavour - enhanced nicely by the shiraz. Feeling rather full and also extremely sleepy as all the flying had caught up with me, I skipped dessert/cheese.

I changed into the PJs I got from the QF flight and got a kip. The NNCW bed felt rather narrow, as the handrests don't go down with the seat as it's reclined. My small frame fitted into the seat quite nicely, but anyone much bigger would have no choice but to sleep on their sides. Nonetheless I managed to get a rather good rest; I guess the fatigue and all that boozing helped a bit.

I woke up just as afternoon tea was served. It consisted of sandwiches served in their plastic wrap. A pretty poor effort with presentation, I thought. I quite enjoyed the sweets though - we were served both the tart and the scones.

 

[Keith009]

We landed promptly at Abu Dhabi. About half the plane disembarked there, however continuing pax were not allowed to get off the plane. So I sat onboard and watched the cleaners do their thing.

Abu Dhabi to Muscat

Not v much to report about this rather short tag flight of a mere 50 minutes' flying time. We got a plate of canapes in Club. I also managed to fit in a few glasses of champers.

There were zero aerobridges at MCT, and so everyone was bussed to the terminal. Oman has a visa-on-arrival facility, and so there were 2 queues to get through - one at Travelex to get an entry visa (which cost OMR6 or approximately AUD24), and another for passport control.

And finally, after almost 2 days sitting on air planes, I was at my destination. Wouldn't have it any other way either.

Next: BA72 MCT-(AUH)-LHR J

 

[Grooba]

Another awesome report QF009, keep it up!

 

[Ms Lucy]

What a fabulous experience! Great trip report (always very interested to see the photos of meals and drinks!).

 

[drron]

A ripper of a report as usual Keith.
New shoes duly noted.
Wasting champagne-naughty boy!.

 

[Keith009]

Sector – MCT-AUH-LHR
Flight number – BA72
Class – Business
Equipment – B777-200
Seat – 10G

Muscat to Abu Dhabi

Check in took an age as the agent wasn't sure whether I satisfied the Turkish immigration regulations (no visa, weird itinerary), as IST was my final destination for the day. It took the BA ground manager at MCT to sort it all out, and finally I was on my way.

BA utilises the Oman Air lounge at MCT, which wasn't spectacular but pleasant and adequate. Limited selection of beverages but that's understandable.

Boarding calls for all airlines using the lounge were made, and it was a fairly short walk to the boarding gate. There was a security check point at the boarding gate, before we boarded a bus which delivered us to the aircraft.

Serving in my aisle was a delightful lad with a Scottish (at least that's what I think it was) accent but a French-sounding name. Phillipe acted like a fatherly figure and made sure everyone had plenty to eat/drink; my champers glass was topped up before I could even blink. Because I boarded the a/c very early, I think I got through half a bottle prior to take off.

broken coughtail tray

We got the same plate of canapes on this short tag flight as on the way over. There wasn't much for the FAs to do since the cabin was so empty. Only 2 FAs were working (Phillipe and a girl in the next aisle) whilst the rest were passing lollies to each other in the galley.

Arrived in Abu Dhabi ahead of schedule for our transit.

 

[Keith009]

Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow

I changed into my PJs whilst waiting on the ground. After the ground crew were done cleaning and loading, Phillipe commenced with the drinks service. The a/c soon filled up, and we were probably 75% full on this flight. Got another amenity kit, as well as the menu for this flight - unfortunately I left it on the plane.

Not that there's much to report on for the catering, as this was a Sleeper Service. Meaning you'd only get a light snack after take off, with a hot brekky prior to landing. Sleeper Service flights ex-North America get a pre-flight supper in the lounge, but because the Middle Eastern flights depart so ridiculously late we don't get the lounge supper. I'd already eaten prior to the flight as I didn't think I could wait till 1am to eat something, and feeling rather tired all I wanted to do was sleep.

Nonetheless I was talked into having some of the snacks post take off, and had some yummy cookies with hot cocoa.

A few more nightcaps of the bubbly nature were consumed before the day and the alcohol intake had caught up with me and I settled down for a solid sleep.

I didn't awake till the smells of brekky woke me up. I had the traditional English fry up. Unfortunately it was far too moist and soggy, so I didn't really enjoy it.

Chatted with Phillipe some and found out that he was also a crew trainer for safety procedures. He revealed that he'd also trained the UK-based QF crew; seems to me like the UK base is one outsourced operation through and through.

Arrived at Heathrow ahead of schedule, but we took an extremely long time taxiing and waiting for the Gate Guidance God to work his magic.

Next: QF30 LHR-(HKG)-MEL F

 

[philflyer]

I love Keith's reports! Very entertaining. Though I am curious how you manage to do all this travelling in those classes. I am sure this is the second large trip you have posted in the past year.. maybe more?

Mostly I like the reports because they give me the motivation to get travelling again.

Well done!

 

[docjames]

Was thinking about the pj thing - what happens if there's an aborted t/off and you have to deplane quickly - I'd rather be in my clothes than pj's! The (few) times I've flown J or F, I get changed post-takeoff!

Excellent TR as always Keith. And agree that b'fast looked very soggy! Also, what is the rear of the J seat (brown - is it wood?) it looks terrible.

 

[Keith009]

Was thinking about the pj thing - what happens if there's an aborted t/off and you have to deplane quickly - I'd rather be in my clothes than pj's!

Mmm never thought about that. I usually get changed after take off. But I had time during the transit and was planning on going to bed asap after take off (only 6.5hrs gate to gate), so decided to save time by changing during the transit.

 

[sr81]

Also, what is the rear of the J seat (brown - is it wood?) it looks terrible.

It is just leather. A little supple now that the BA 772 fleet is starting to age but looks better than plastic when it has a scratch.

I really liked Muscat, a totally different feeling than found at Dubai and not as completly commercial.

I've also done the LHR-DXB-LHR run as well and it is a good little earner for SC's and points. The flight out you stay up and eat then on the way home you sleep. Saves you the cost of a hotel!

 

[Keith009]

I
I really liked Muscat, a totally different feeling than found at Dubai and not as completly commercial.

It's ok for a day or 2. I stayed 2 days. Was completely bored at the end of it tbh. Too much of the cultural stuff and not enough of the shopping or nightlife. Friendly people though, and the Shangri La where I stayed had a nice beach. But I prefer somewhere more developed and 'familiar.' Toying between going back to Dubai (which I really liked) or checking out Doha on the next DONE - which has a W. :mrgreen:

 

[markis10]

I love Keith's reports! Very entertaining. Though I am curious how you manage to do all this travelling in those classes.

The Worlds No.1 Foot Model on a big pay packet