Skybedding DRW

[markis10]

They say practice makes perfect when it comes to TR, and apparently I need practice, so in the interests of self improvement here is another TR!

As many of you know I travel domestically extensively due to work, especially to the NT and FNQ, but I have never been able to score a skybed at the right time. On Thursdays and Sundays the HKG-BNE A333 decides to go to DRW rather than sunbake beside Moreton Bay, and for once I was able to take advantage of its operation and a 24k JASA special.

Firstly a couple of photos to set the scene!

A rare view in the QP from 11AM onwards on any given day (the empty seat - not the Heineken):

Next is the view from the QP of a not so rare site, our latest and greatest immigration detention centre called the "Airport Lodge", it keeps growing! At least they have stopped using the Asti Motel downtown, although I suspect the owner of that establishment misses the revenue stream.

And always a good sight, the operating aircraft arriving on-time, in fact when the A333 does this service more often than not its late, my Thursday flight was three hours late, had I been trying to get to TSV on the return leg I would have not made it!

More to follow! I would say there have been 20 or so Op-Ups given the only J seat left is beside me!

 

[markis10]

As the QP started to get very busy I thought I might stroll out to the gate boarding area, in the hope that I might be one of the first on board so my photo taking would not upset my fellow passengers.

I noted that JQ now have a boarding machine that also doubles as a toilet paper dispenser:

Luckily the flight was soon called and it was time to get on board, here is my seat for the next 4 hours:

And the infamous AFF foot shot:

Note that some seat map sites state that Row 1 has the TV in the seat, that is obviously incorrect!

As we started to Taxi out I noticed an unusual sight for me, but perhaps not so unusual for DRW, its the A319 that does the long range polar flights, when not chillin out it gets used for Christmas Island to DRW charters:

I also thought the first part of the gate to gate IFE was somewhat tedious:

 

[russ]

marquis10,

I salivate in your general direction!

Having endured countless SYD/DRW trips in a 737, I have prayed to the Flying Spaghetti Monster many times for a skybed equipped aircraft. Alas, I am yet to be touched by His Noodly Appendage.

Do you happen to know if there is ever one on the SYD/DRW run?

Thanks,
russ

 

[dk4]

As the QP started to get very busy I thought I might stroll out to the gate boarding area, in the hope that I might be one of the first on board so my photo taking would not upset my fellow passengers.

The more often you do it, the less embarrassed you become about it!

I noted that JQ now have a boarding machine that also doubles as a toilet paper dispenser:

I am 2 for 2 so far on Jetstar’s failed (Aussie-soft-launch) of SMS BP technology. You get the SMS through to the phone fine, but when you approach “the box” at the gate, someone quickly points you away to the service desk - to get a “real” boarding pass. :shock: