In February 2008 I was returning from Japan and due to loading was op-upped to J on the A330. I vowed then to never fly in Y again. And thanks to AFF that has basically been the case.
So when planning for a Circle Asia fare commencing in November 2008 I booked J, the first international leg being SYD-BKK on QF1. I also applied for and received an upgrade to F.
I was living in CBR at the time and booked a domestic flight to SYD and got my luggage checked through. The customer service person was obviously having a bad day and when I saw her put the yellow F tag on my bag (I was SG at the time) I asked if my upgrade had come through I got a surly and unintelligible response.
However, I then saw the F BP and was very happy. I then went to the newly opened CBR J lounge for my first visit. The lounge lady saw my obvious enthusiasm and asked me if this was my first F flight. When responded affirmatively she asked if I wanted the F folder which I accepted with enthusiasm.
A quick flight to SYD and then the bus to the international terminal. I happily made my way to the F lounge for my very first visit. Nestor met me at the door and upon sighting my F BP welcomed me to the inner sanctum with a big smile.
I was fortunate enough to get a spa treatment and ate well. I saw the magnificent 747 on the tarmac awaiting my journey. Finally, it was time to board and I availed myself of priority boarding.
Upon sighting my BP at the door the FA welcomed me and escorted me to my seat. I began to truly appreciate I was flying on a classic plane.
A little later another FA asked if I needed guidance about the seat and I accepted this telling her this was my first F flight. She was pleased and gave me a good explanation of the various features.
As we took off I appreciated the view and knew I was on board the Queen of the sky.
I had some fine food and Diet Coke, a small sleep and all too soon we arrived at BKK.
As I disembarked I looked back and truly appreciated that I had flown on a classic plane that had moved millions of people around the world.
I later travelled many different routes on the 747 mainly in J with the occasional flight in an F seat. The last one being from SFO-SYD. While the seats were looking a little tired just knowing that I was flying in a plane that will be talked about for ever is a memory that I will forever cherish. However, as with many things in life, we always remember our first time.
I had the privilege of flying upstairs, but as a solo traveller preferred the single seat in row 5.
Now of course QF1 is routed SYD-SIN-LHR and SIN is the only Asian port used by QF to continue on to LHR.
In late Nov 2008 BKK AP was occupied and there was a period of time where QF didn't fly there.
That the COVID-19 pandemic has seen the end of QF747 pax flights is a sad way for them to finish. The 747 truly deserved a fine send off at the end of their long and illustrious service for Qantas.
I'll miss the old girl.