TomCat's Suite Adventure

[blackcat20]

Around 12.30pm the first host reappeared in the lounge to escort us to the plane. We explained it was our first time flying QF F so she talked us through a few details about the menu etc on the way to the gate. In the terminal, we passed the masses of AA evacuees.

We were escorted the whole way to our seats, where we were greeted warmly by all the crew and the CSM. Our host ducked off to get our PJs and amenity kits while our FA Jayne made sure the champagne was in hand.


Just to prove I was well dressed


3A was going to be my home for the next 20-something hours.


TomVexille getting comfy

 

[RooFlyer]

Yes, QF F. BA Galleries First in T3. Unfortunately the CX lounge is still closed so the other OW option at the moment is AA. QF F does have access to the EK lounge, so one can get away from the hordes of OWEs

Good grief. Re-inforces all my biases against LHR in general. What was security like?

 

[boomy]

I've never had this happen on any departure from LHR (last 6 have been in F).
I wish it had

+1

Never happened to me either. You were probably right saying that QF treats paid F differently than points bookings/upgrades.

As demonstrated on this TR, QF offers an underwhelming ground experience in LHR. It can be very disappointing, especially for pax flying F. Hope it will change for the better when the new lounge opens.

 

[TheRealTMA]

Collared shirt and khakis.

We're certainly not slobs if that's where you're going with that.

LOL. Most in F are less well dressed in our experiences.

And, who cares, you are in F so dress as you please.

Never had an F host on several US or UK trips.

 

[TomVexille]

Good grief. Re-inforces all my biases against LHR in general. What was security like?

Fast track was slightly better than the week prior, but they make TSA look pleasant IMO

+1

Never happened to me either. You were probably right saying that QF treats paid F differently than points bookings/upgrades.

As demonstrated on this TR, QF offers an underwhelming ground experience in LHR. It can be very disappointing, especially for pax flying F. Hope it will change for the better when the new lounge opens.

The F host basically expressed that sentiment. She said that they expect it will be much easier for QF to control their ground experience when they have their own lounge.

 

[TomVexille]

LOL. Most in F are less best dressed.

I noticed

 

[boomy]

Great TR so far guys. Hope you had better experience once getting onboard. Unlike SQ & JL, QF can be inconsistent both on the ground and in the air.

 

[blackcat20]

Great TR so far guys. Hope you had better experience once getting onboard. Unlike SQ & JL, QF can be inconsistent both on the ground and in the air.

When they're good, they are very good. When it's night time and they don't want to be found, the experience can be a bit lacking cf SQ and JL.

 

[blackcat20]

We were delayed on the Tarmac for approximately half an hour thanks to the dramas with the AA plane which gave us time to wander around, chat to other passengers and also the crew. And drink some more Taittinger. Boy is that a yummy champagne.


The drink menu
A little disappointed in the Reds given I'd seen previous menus with Wolf Blass Black label and similar quality wines. Not to say the Reds weren't fantastic but one can always hope for some RWT


Degustation


Full menu


Soon it was seat belts on and off we went!

 

[blackcat20]

Now I'm not a caviar person but I did enjoy the little canapés.


Then my table was set for the full experience.


I asked Jayne if she could mix and match wines to the different courses and she was happy to oblige.
Soup to start with the Sauv Blanc.


Then the scallops with the Riseling. Much nicer than the SB.


For mains I had the lamb with the Cab Shiraz. I really enjoyed this red. Weirdly the salad never appeared.

 

[boomy]

How was the dessert wine? That's a new one on QF.

 

[blackcat20]

How was the dessert wine? That's a new one on QF.

I seem to recall really enjoying it.

 

[blackcat20]

After mains, I relocated to TV's suite for a chat and dessert quickly found me.



Eeyore and I both really enjoyed the desert wine.


After dessert came the cheese and chocolates. And a proper pot of English breakfast tea.


Then, feeling absolutely stuffed full, I retreated to my seat to watch a movie before taking a nap. On seeing me snuggled under the blanket, our FA came past and popped a doona over me. And that that I was out like a light.

 

[RAM]

What do you mean Pushka that it's raw - that's the whole idea There are a few sushi and sashimi toppings I give a wide berth too but most are yummy. Speaking of carpaccio, if it's good quality it's yum too, though MrLtL doesn't do it after watching the vultures working on a dead buffalo at Sabi Sand
A well made one pizza is heaven but can be hard to come across here with the Australian penchant for lots of toppings and fat, doughy bases.

You obviously never saw the infamous "Alex" cartoon that nearly shut down half of London, Sydney, Melbourne and countless other financial centres' Japanese restaurants back in the late 90s.

Alex was taking great delight in informing a relative of his about the microscopic worms found wiggling in a number of different types of Sushi.

For at least 4 years the brokers in Sydney did not go Japanese.

ONLY READ THIS IF YOU ARE NOT SQUEAMISH...

How safe is your sushi? Part Two: Parasites! - Eatsushi

otherwise just enjoy your Sushi...

 

[Pushka]

I must get a nice travel companion like Eeyore. Of course TomV and MrP are nice travel companions but, well, Eeyore and ilk are special.

 

[blackcat20]

Despite the late departure we arrived on Dubai on time. We hatched an ambitious plan to collect the trifecta of massage, shower and a meal, and we almost made it.
After passing through transfer security it was a race to the spa to snag an appointment. We both booked on for 12.30am. Then we entered the lounge and beelined for the showers.

Success! Both straight in.

So with 30 minutes until our spa bookings, we figured a meal in the restaurant was a certainty. We were seated, provided with drinks (champagne for me) and had our orders taken. I warned the server that we had appointments booked for 12.30.


Well. We missed out. Who knew that it took more than 30 minutes to produce a raw steak and a curry (which I assume they'd have ready to go)? We had to abandon the table and hot foot it to the spa. And boy was it worth it; I had every single one of my toes massaged within an inch of its life and it was fabulous.
With that done, we re-entered the lounge and headed straight for the gate. There's something a bit nice about walking down the air bridge past the other pax who are being held back to let you through. I could get used to this!

 

[RAM]

I must get a nice travel companion like Eeyore. Of course TomV and MrP are nice travel companions but, well, Eeyore and ilk are special.

Polar bears are rumoured to be extremely amiable travel companions, even warranting special treatment for baggage screening.

 

[Pushka]

Polar bears are rumoured to be extremely amiable travel companions, even warranting special treatment for baggage screening.

Going over my head right now. Please explain?

 

[RAM]

Going over my head right now. Please explain?

I know a traveler who's 'packable' companion has sat in J to Europe many times, as well as Singapore, HK etc. Even been known to receive extra chocolates in hotel rooms.

Some 'bag inspections' have been curtailed as soon as his head pops out of the carry-on bag (I have been told).

Even been known to stow away unexpectedly...

 

[TomVexille]

I must get a nice travel companion like Eeyore. Of course TomV and MrP are nice travel companions but, well, Eeyore and ilk are special.

I'm sure that you'll find something. Do I recall you having a bear on the QM2?