TomCat's Suite Adventure

[Pushka]

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

Great memory TomV. He is a little chubby though.
Doesn't have quite the same Eeyore charisma.

 

[love_the_life]

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

Real ones unfortunately tend to eat you.

 

[Bindibuys]

Pushka, this is our travelling companion - Missy.

 

[blackcat20]

I actually have a larger Eeyore (*cough* several *cough*) but the smaller one is better for travelling.

 

[TomVexille]

... but the smaller one is better for travelling.

And is the one that enjoys a drink

 

[RAM]

And is the one that enjoys a drink

Forgive me, I thought it was the one that had the lowest consumption of alcohol.

Does eeyore have its own flight map yet?

 

[TomVexille]

Forgive me, I thought it was the one that had the lowest consumption of alcohol.

Shhhh

 

[pagingjoan]

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

Just to add a report for the other side of the Balance Sheet, I have had excellent service from several different QF F Hosts at LHR over recent years and continuing as recently as yesterday.

I can recall only one in maybe the last seven or eight check in events where we were not met by an F Host - but then we would usually be at check in only some two to three hours ahead of ETD, so maybe checking in four hours or so before time means that you are outside the standard hours? Just an idle thought, as a possible explanation of the different experiences.

Can remember only one instance (in a largish sample) of a QF F Host assisting us at LAX, and that was when Special Assistance was needed and had been requested in advance. Service was excellent on that occasion though.

Certainly agree with the assessments of BA staff at the Lounge, and also the underwhelming service of the catering staff in the Lounge and Dining Room. Let's hope for an improvement in the future.

 

[blackcat20]

Forgive me, I thought it was the one that had the lowest consumption of alcohol.

Does eeyore have its own flight map yet?

His flight map matches mine :mrgreen:

 

[blackcat20]

Had a good chat with QF this morning about the on ground experience at LHR. Officially the first host is meant to meet the pax at check in so hopefully continued feedback to QF will see this happen as it should.

 

[kermatu]

Had a good chat with QF this morning about the on ground experience at LHR. Officially the first host is meant to meet the pax at check in so hopefully continued feedback to QF will see this happen as it should.

Meet and escort, or just meet (and catch-up later)? Just curious. One or even two hosts wouldn't be enough if the former (and accounting for any transferring pax)?

 

[TheRealTMA]

Pushka, this is our travelling companion - Missy.

View attachment 74340

Where's the seat belt 'fir' emergency ?

 

[blackcat20]

Meet and escort, or just meet (and catch-up later)? Just curious. One or even two hosts wouldn't be enough if the former (and accounting for any transferring pax)?

My understanding is meet and escort. It wouldnt take that long to usher a passenger through security and into the lounge.

 

[blackcat20]

After our quick stop in Dubai, Eeyore was excited to be back on board. We met out FA Courtney and quickly settled in with a glass of Taittinger.



After takeoff I headed to the loo to change but someone beat me to it, and while I waited I noticed the CSM greeting each of the pax. As soon as I returned to my seat he beelined over to say hello. I was intrigued that he used my first (preferred) name; I asked for this to be noted on the iPad on a flight last year so I assume this is why (though I did also ask the FA to call me by my preferred name).

Menus

 

[Dr Bob]

Not long after 8am we headed to the lobby to wait for our chauffeur car to LHR. A text indicated our driver was outside so off we went.
View attachment 74258

The airport experience was probably the most disappointing part of this trip. While the driver asked about how many bags we were checking, there was no one to meet us on arrival and the woman as first check in couldn't have been less interested. The only info she gave us was that we could visit the BA and EK lounges; no mention of the AA flagship lounge nor the F host.

We started at the BA lounge hoping for a proper English breakfast. We already knew the champagne had been downgraded to try rather uninteresting Henriott. The attendant at the desk tried to redirect us to the Galleries lounge and we had to point out the big 'FIRST' emblazoned on our boarding passes
View attachment 74260

Despite taking a seat in the dining room where a menu is offered, you'll have to help yourself o the buffet if you want an English breakfast, and the champagne bar if you want a drink. We must have looked unimpressed, as the gentleman serving us offered to plate up the breakfast for us. Poor effort really for a first class lounge. And the breakfast wasn't that good.
View attachment 74261

Hey blackcat (loving the TR by the way) but a bit OT - do you get a chauffeur drive to Heathrow with QF F . The reason I ask is because I have shouted my son an F redemption back to Oz form christmas & he usually gets uber to the airport (40 quid). I might get him to research & by the sounds of it go straight to the EK lounge.

 

[blackcat20]

Hey blackcat (loving the TR by the way) but a bit OT - do you get a chauffeur drive to Heathrow with QF F . The reason I ask is because I have shouted my son an F redemption back to Oz form christmas & he usually gets uber to the airport (40 quid). I might get him to research & by the sounds of it go straight to the EK lounge.

Sure did! One to LHR, and another on arrival in MEL. Should be availble in Manage My Booking. And yes, EK lounge by a long mile, for the views, service and champagne.

 

[blackcat20]

Being late (or perhaps very early) a light supper was in order. The perfect opportunity to try the signature steak sanga.

It was so yummy that I could've easily eaten another one. My only quibble is that it was almost 2 hours post-take off before the food arrived.

We went upstairs to check out the lounge and one of the J FAs stuck his head in to see if we needed anything. Then we did a wander through the whole plane to remind ourselves how lucky we were.


Then it was time to sleep; the seat is fitted with a sheep skin mattress and doona and is perfect for a side sleeper like myself.

 

[blackcat20]

After a refreshing sleep I proper myself up to watch another couple of movies but started to feel a bit peckish. I'm one to avoid the call bell at all costs but on QF you have to hit the button, as the FAs tend to disappear during the night. They don't do cabin walkthroughs like other airlines do (not as frequently anyway).
So I hit the button and waited. And waited. And then the CSM appeared. He had to take the menu with him to put in my order
Soon after my table was set and out came the Spaetzle. Not at all what I had expected but yummy nonetheless. Capped off with another glass of champagne of course.


I also requested a pot of tea which came out with a very yummy passionfruit tart.


I popped open the blinds to catch some of the sunset as we zipped across WA.

 

[TheRealTMA]

I also requested a pot of tea which came out with a very yummy passionfruit tart.
View attachment 74528

Excellent TR BC. Been enjoying it!

I must say that I really have a dislike of the cup design Qantas use for F and in lounges. I find it much more difficult to pick up and drink from, specially with some turbulence. Why can't they use decent straight sided cups, and for F, maybe something finer not made to compete with those soled in The Reject Shops?

 

[blackcat20]

Excellent TR BC. Been enjoying it!

I must say that I really have a dislike of the cup design Qantas use for F and in lounges. I find it much more difficult to pick up and drink from, specially with some turbulence. Why can't they use decent straight sided cups, and for F, maybe something finer not made to compete with those soled in The Reject Shops?

I must admit I love the cup. I wish the milk jug could have come home with me