2013 stoopidity: here, there, everywhere.. incl around the world (twice). .

[Stoopidsteve]

There was some discussion of these things....



...as well as other trivia such as mASAs, the merits of staying with QF if based in PER or ADL, as well as other chatter such as fuel fines.

 

[Stoopidsteve]

Time passes so quickly it's soon time to leave.

Another shared maxi to MEL dom, and into J lounge. Now about a 10 of us sitting around chatting and sharing tips (I learned a fair bit). Then four of us head for QF632. That's Row 1 filled. (points upgrades all round)

VH-VXQ is captained byGraham Hood, FO Dave Johnson, due departure 1805. Not surprisingly, skipper tells ATC BNE asks us to delay departure. pushback is 1823, and in the air 1834.

A nice smoked salmon with green tea noodles is apparently better than the rather dry canneloni.



QF WP and TravelGuru have a good natter to the FAs while MattinCBR and I snooze our way to BNE, but not before Peter CSM has taken the obligatory snap...



Again there's no surprise when capt says BNE ATC has asked us to circle for a bit. We finally land at 2045, and at gate a few minutes later.

And so ends a fun and informative day in MEL courtesy of QF loyalty.So many thanks to Stefanie and the team, as well as my great pleasure in meting especially JessicaTam, QF WP, TravelGuru, Frogger, MattinCBR, Kazhere, Blackcat and Serfty. (Apologies to those not mentioned in dispatches).

Am I likely to use Qantas cash? Probably, but just as a cash card for cash withdrawal when overseas. (Bankwest creditcard with $0 o/s fees and points suits all other purchases).Am I likely to use Qantas cash? Probably, but just as a cash card for cash withdrawal when overseas. (Bankwest creditcard with $0 o/s fees and points suits all other purchases).

 

[Flying Fox]

Great report.

All I can say is that you are a braver man than me to were that bank robbers outfit all over the world.

Well done!!!

 

[Stoopidsteve]

And so the travels continue. Now, you will all have to forgive me for swearing here, and I know I risk expulsion from AFF, but whose silly idea was it to connect via Sydney to get to BKK?

Yes, another OMG o'clock start sees me arriving at BNE domestic at 0450. Navigate the suits and fluoros, play the "how slowly can I repack my computer after screening so I don't get picked for random additional swab test" and then up to the business lounge for some breakfast.

It takes a few minutes to get BPs, with muttering about cancelled SYD flights concerning me slightly, only to be offered BP with 3A on it. Darn. And I had wanted to experience front row economy on the wide body. Oh well, I'll just have to put that off for another day. Of course it also alters breakfast plans. Just some coffee and a muffin thanks.

 

[Stoopidsteve]

QF501 VH-OGP 0600

Op-up to seat 3A

Capt (didn't catch name) advises us that the walkaround identified a tyre that needed replacing.

Pushback 0622, in the air 0633.

snoozed on way down, decided to forgo breakfast to leave room for Flounge.
Steady flight, touchdown in a grey and wet SYD at 0745, and at gate 0800.

Very painless trasnfer (bus was waiting), immigration and security equally easy, sees me sitting awaiting breakfast in FLounge by 0825.

 

[bass_ke]

Nice hi vis hat!

 

[JessicaTam]

And so the travels continue. Now, you will all have to forgive me for swearing here, and I know I risk expulsion from AFF, but whose silly idea was it to connect via Sydney to get to BKK?

Yes, another OMG o'clock start sees me arriving at BNE domestic at 0450. Navigate the suits and fluoros, play the "how slowly can I repack my computer after screening so I don't get picked for random additional swab test" and then up to the business lounge for some breakfast.

It takes a few minutes to get BPs, with muttering about cancelled SYD flights concerning me slightly, only to be offered BP with 3A on it. Darn. And I had wanted to experience front row economy on the wide body. Oh well, I'll just have to put that off for another day. Of course it also alters breakfast plans. Just some coffee and a muffin thanks.

I suggest you try to control your language. That mention of such an early time had me nearly report you myself!

 

[Stoopidsteve]

Nice hi vis hat!

Thanks. Easier to carry than the vest

So Breakfast was lots of bacon, scrambled eggs, spinach,mushrooms. Coffe, and mixed cranberry and grapefruit to wash it all down. I think this is my third visit to SYD Flounge.
Happy customer so far.



And of course the choice of butter was delicious on the toast.



Left the lounge and wandered down to gate 27 get the bus to the airplane. After a few minutes waiting for it to fill up, arrived at steps to VH-QPF "Port Esperance" A330.

Up to 24J. No-one in 24K, so I move and make myself comfortable. Loading looks fairly light. two in 23K, and only one behind me.
Capt Morrison welcomes us, and we push back at 0955, and leave the ground at 1025.

CSM welcomes me without iPad in hand (not sure how many WPs on the flight) , and unusually, I repsond to the "if there's anything I can offer you..." by asking for J amenity pack: I'd forgotten my my lippy and moisturiser and, call me vain, but my face falls apart if I don't have moisturiser on flights. So it was gratefully received.

I asked 23K if he was going to recline to warn me because I needed to do a bit of laptop work. HE was very good and checked before he reclined, but that wasn't til after meal service and I'd finished work. Of course I passed it on by checking behind me before reclining.

 

[Stoopidsteve]

So, my direct comparison 23J vs 24J: if I get a shadow, then definitely 24, as I feel I can spread out much more with the seat arm raised., and can stick feet diagonally under adjacent seat.

Meal was not fantastic. Moroccan Chicken with couscous. Surprisingly the carrot accompanying it still ahd some texture. Unfortunately, it was I think the strongest flavour. That might just be an indictment on the dish

 

[Stoopidsteve]

We arrived into BKK pretty much on time despite the slightly late departure, landing at 1630, and at the gate (G4) by 1636.

A priority pass was not needed, immigration was quick and easy. Then taxi to hotel in BKK. About THB500 including the expressway tolls.

And so to settle down for meetings. Unadventurous burger in hotel bistro, and it's time for bed.

 

[serfty]

Lovin' the TR as usual ... saw the hi-vis cap upthread in the shower ...

... Then taxi to hotel in BKK. About THB500 including the expressway tolls. ...

Hmmm .... if that was ~฿420 of the "meter" is seems a bit exe ...

 

[Stoopidsteve]

Lovin' the TR as usual ... saw the hi-vis cap upthread in the shower ...Hmmm .... if that was ~฿420 of the "meter" is seems a bit exe ...

That was on meter....sat in traffic jam for a while.

 

[Stoopidsteve]

So the conference finishes Friday afternoon. I have seen almost nothing but the inside of the hotel since arriving Tuesday evening. And now due to fly home. I leave the hotel just before 5pm having been advised this should leave plenty of time for a 1950 departure on QF8418. I've been keeping an eye on loads the last couple of days....zero available in all economy. zero availability in all business. 4 available in F.....wondering if I'll get the lucky at airport op-up again......

Traffic is shocking. Takes best part of 90 mins. Wander up to Emirates 1st check-in about 1830......and get a surprise ....

 

[puppysparkes]

So the conference finishes Friday afternoon. I have seen almost nothing but the inside of the hotel since arriving Tuesday evening. And now due to fly home. I leave the hotel just before 5pm having been advised this should leave plenty of time for a 1950 departure on QF8418. I've been keeping an eye on loads the last couple of days....zero available in all economy. zero availability in all business. 4 available in F.....wondering if I'll get the lucky at airport op-up again......

Traffic is shocking. Takes best part of 90 mins. Wander up to Emirates 1st check-in about 1830......and get a surprise ....

Change of aircraft or the upgrade?

 

[JessicaTam]

So the conference finishes Friday afternoon. I have seen almost nothing but the inside of the hotel since arriving Tuesday evening. And now due to fly home. I leave the hotel just before 5pm having been advised this should leave plenty of time for a 1950 departure on QF8418. I've been keeping an eye on loads the last couple of days....zero available in all economy. zero availability in all business. 4 available in F.....wondering if I'll get the lucky at airport op-up again......

Traffic is shocking. Takes best part of 90 mins. Wander up to Emirates 1st check-in about 1830......and get a surprise ....

Well, what was the surprise:?:


Don't keep us all in suspenders.

 

[Stoopidsteve]

BE careful what you wish for....I had been bemoaning not having time to see anything in BKK but the inside of the hotel. Thanks to QF stuff-up I get another night here.

QF didn't issue the ticket to EK. I got to check in before closed, and EK agent says call QF in Sydney. Mobile phone not working, so find a net phone in the concourse, and put on hold while they try to sort it. Meantime, before I get a resolution, check-in agent comes to find me and says flight is closed.

Oh well. Not best pleased, but nothing they can do. Call QF back in SYD who try to get me on direct BKK-SYD on Thai, but no go. Rebooked onto Saturday's QF24. Told to find a QF agent in teh airport to issue me a voucher, but if I can't find an agent to find a hotel and keep all receipts. No sign of QF staff, so train back to BKK and walk to Swissotel Nai Lert Park. (a bit further walk than I anticipated).

 

[Stoopidsteve]

So I have a good sleep, and get taxi out to old city, Wat Po to see the reclining Buddha, and to treat myself to Thai massage. Yes the Buddha is big. And reclining. But the Wat Po complex is worth wandering around. Many Buddhas, many gold decorated temples, surprisingly quiet away from the crowds. Apparently Thai massage as medicine is cited as being started at this Wat.

 

[Stoopidsteve]

Deciding not to take any chances, I got to the airport this time before check in opened!

Disappointed after yesterday's stuff up by QF not to have J BP printed out for me, but I get what I paid for, a seat in cattle class. Unfortunately, seat availability is not what it was previously, so have to grab 24G and hope for shadow.

Now ensconced in QF lounge. Reminds me of SIN J lounge before it was upgraded. Showers nice (bit bigger than SIN). Food a little better than old SIN lounge, some chicken curry, soup, snacks. Auto-Coffee machine.

 

[Sprucegoose]

That's pretty poor form on QF's part.

What have they offered you for wasting a day in your life?

 

[Stoopidsteve]

That's pretty poor form on QF's part.

What have they offered you for wasting a day in your life?

Other than expenses, nothing......yet.

I will be in touch with customer care first thing Monday morning.

I made the most of it, but MrsStoopid was less than happy.......