AFF Gathering #10 - location choice

[samh004]

Last weekend over 40 members of AFF converged on Cairns for the 2015 annual gathering, having a great time meeting new faces, catching up with old ones, and of course, winning some great prizes too. Attention must now turn to where AFF #10 will be held, with 3 contenders named:

• Perth
• Darwin
• Hamilton Island

This year, barring a tie, the result of this poll will be final.

 

[yohy?!]

maybe PER to allow for competitive evalution of VA J vs QF J

 

[samh004]

maybe PER to allow for competitive evalution of VA J vs QF J

That's the reason I have voted for PER... I was very much looking forward to cashing in some of my points to enjoy the A330 return home!

That and I haven't been there before and it looks like an interesting place (though I also haven't been to DRW for that matter).

 

[JessicaTam]

I voted for DRW as I have yet to visit it.

 

[samh004]

I voted for DRW as I have yet to visit it.

Works for me as well

Can I fly an A330 up there?

 

[kevrosmith]

I haven't voted yet, but it is important to note (and, yes I know timing will be another poll later) that you really do want to visit DRW during the middle of the dry season, and not on the shoulders... so July/August, rather than May/June or Sept/Oct. Even during July/August, the temperatures still reach 30 degs, but the humidity is just not as high. Even as a CNS local, I found the heat in September to be more intense in DRW (and Weipa), which are that little bit further north toward the equator.

 

[Jacques Vert]

+1 is learning: she asked if PER gives more points and SCs than DRW

 

[Awesom Andy]

This year, barring a tie, the result of this poll will be final.

Just this year? Isn't the result of the poll final for every year?

I've been to both PER and DRW this year, and PER seems more interesting for a revisit, hence my vote for it. Although I think the final deciding factor would be DRW having multiple Hilton group properties while PER having only 1 (in 2016). But if we go to PER in 2017 instead, we would find 2 new DTs there, plus another DT in Freo. I'm not a HH member but quite a few of us are.

 

[Awesom Andy]

+1 is learning: she asked if PER gives more points and SCs than DRW

Based on simple routings from the 3 big cities in the east, the SC earns are the same, although for those from ADL, the direct option earns less SCs. Not quite sure how someone from ADL would add in a connection. I believe back tracking is compulsory in this case.

 

[samh004]

Just this year? Isn't the result of the poll final for every year?

There have been two years where the result of the poll didn't seem to sit well. In one of those cases, a second poll happened, but that just further solidified the choice rather than changing it.

I've been to both PER and DRW this year, and PER seems more interesting for a revisit, hence my vote for it. Although I think the final deciding factor would be DRW having multiple Hilton group properties while PER having only 1 (in 2016). But if we go to PER in 2017 instead, we would find 2 new DTs there, plus another DT in Freo. I'm not a HH member but quite a few of us are.

You present a good case for PER to be the host city in 2017!

 

[Jacques Vert]

Based on simple routings from the 3 big cities in the east, the SC earns are the same, although for those from ADL, the direct option earns less SCs. Not quite sure how someone from ADL would add in a connection. I believe back tracking is compulsory in this case.

You are of course correct; +1 will need to find other criteria to decide. It seems to me that PER has more options for creative routing.

 

[JessicaTam]

Works for me as well

Can I fly an A330 up there?

Not according to this list: http://www.darwinairport.com.au/sites/default/files/Darwin Airport Flight Schedule OCTOBER 2015.pdf

 

[Buzzard]

I vote for Perth.
Better flight options for me as I can go via MEL or SYD and pick up an A330

 

[Awesom Andy]

Not according to this list: http://www.darwinairport.com.au/sites/default/files/Darwin Airport Flight Schedule OCTOBER 2015.pdf

It's perfectly fine if you charter one, or "borrow" it (with or without permission).

None of which are, unfortunately, eligible for points/status accruals.

 

[blackcat20]

Havent been to Perth so I'm keen.

 

[Bundy Bear]

Voted for Perth, I used to live there.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

How do dates get decided? As mentioned, that would sway the decision. DRW for the dry, PER for non-winter.

I've never stayed at H-PER as it seems overpriced for an old ordinary hotel. DRW has Hilton options (as mentioned previously, not to mention, a lounge). PER has wineries, DRW has Kakadu......decisions, decisions.

 

[samh004]

How do dates get decided? As mentioned, that would sway the decision. DRW for the dry, PER for non-winter.

In another poll, but usually based around the best time to go there. An example was that when HBA was chosen the eventual date selected was December to get the warmest weather. If DRW was the winner, I'd expect a focus on dates in the middle of the year, and then we just hope we find one that fits everyones schedules. If PER was chosen, I'd imagine it'd be a similar time to the majority of the gatherings of mid-to-late October. Have no idea about HTI, but it was mentioned so it has been included

 

[Fifa]

I have gone with PER.
We have had a couple of trips to Darwin recently and I'm keen to see a little more of Perth and its surrounding area. Like others I would also like to try out the new J offerings on VA and QF.
Perth Hilton's prices are usually quite reasonable on the weekend.

 

[gwilli1]

I would be happy with either PER or DRW . Whilst i would like to do HTI again sometime, i think to back it up against CNS would get a similar feel from a climate perspective as we had in CNS . What ever the choice , i will be making it a 4 day adventure this time.

Now .... which to vote for ???