A quick trip to Scotland via Thai J

[RooFlyer]

I just had one business trip at the end of the end of November cancelled at the last minute, when I was tapped on the shoulder to go to a one day conference in London. Ugh. But that allowed me to pursue some personal interests in Scotland, so I set to work at T-6 days. Or rather, I set my TA to work.

I wanted a cheap flight, that was business on the longer, overnight hop, economy the shorter sectors and I decided to limit it to Star Alliance, as it would get me to Star Gold again for next year. I wouldn’t normally bother, but I’m doing a Star Europe Pass trip next year, which can only be bought in whY, so Lounge access will be important!

Turns out that only Thai had the availability for the very precise dates I was looking to go out and return, and also did mixed classes. But then the TA found that an entire J fare was cheaper than mixed whY and J . Bit over $7K all up. Not as good as QR at about $1K cheaper (but they aren’t *Alliance unfortunately) and the TA jokingly told me that I could also save via a China Southern Air France fare. :shock: I didn’t laugh.

Got some hotels booked during the week (God! Is THAT the FX on Sterling now!!!?) and then got on QF1012 HBA-MEL for the hop over for departure from MEL. This was in whY, and a perfectly routine trip. That is: the HBA departure lounge was packed to the gills - not a single seat to be had on airside, and the Qantas Club was similarly packed. I went straight back out and did a lap of Departures while they called a JQ flight. A couple of seats opened up in the QP.
I know nothing will ever happen (terminal expansion, air bridges) while Macquarie Bank squeezes the airport for every cent they can get, but HBA really is getting disgraceful.

But we left on time and arrived MEL on time so I picked up my case and headed to TG check-in, which opened at exactly T-3.

Very quiet security and immigration at about 12:30pm, so head for the Air NZ lounge. What, they allow touts in the terminal concourse now? Twice guys called out to me ‘Hey mate – where are you going?' First one I ignored but the second got told exactly where he should proceed to. The Koru Club was deserted, but lunch was being put out. Sausage rolls and wedges  (and some soup, salad stuff etc.). Where are the hot dogs? Some basic pics of the ANZ lounge:




Seriously, I’ve praised the ‘homely’ feel of ANZ lounges before, but this food offering was just cough. Also, they are lovely friendly staff at the MEL Koru Club; but they must learn that having an opened, un-stoppered sparkling bottle in the fridge isn’t the way to go.

The Thai flight boards smoothly; sample of of Pipers Heisdic Champagne. Take off on time. Biz section almost full. It’s a 777 to BKK. Went pretty smoothly.

There were two drinks services before day time meal service (QF take note!). We got served satays first then really a nice cold scallop and prawn entree. But the mains of beef curry was pretty bland and poorly presented. Tough green beans, steamed cauliflower, rice and beef curry - like you might get in economy on long haul QF domestic. Cheese & fruit to finish. Very experienced FA and a couple of less so ones so no issues with the J crew.

Then an extraordinary thing. On Thai as you enter the 777, there is a J toilet immediately on left, then the coughpit door; turn right to go into the cabin. I was waiting in doorway waiting for toilet to become vacant. A J pax guy, possibly Thai, maybe in his 60s or 70s, came out of the toilet, and I moved forward. But the guy then stands in front of the coughpit door, presses some keys on the coughpit door keypad and looks up at the camera. As I am entering the toilet, the coughpit door opens and the guy goes in. An FA in the galley did nothing during this – didn’t try to shoo me away or anything. This happened over Australian air space. As JB747 says, every airline has its own rules. I think Thai’s apparent rules are a bit slack.

We arrive at BKK and as usual in my experience, are taken to an off stand & bussed to the terminal. A LONG bus ride – length of terminal, turn round & ½ way back again to pax entrance, half way along the main concourse.
The Thai lounges at BKK airport were all PACKED. I finally found a seat in third one I tried. Food offerings were poor - sandwiches, cut fruit, pastries, noodles; not well set out. Have a shower, then go to the spa for a head & shoulders massage which was great. Best part of BKK transit.

BKK to LHR and I was on the lower deck of a 747. Odd layout – galley behind a wall down the right hand side. Mine was an aisle seat mid cabin.




We leave half an hour late due to LHR curfew. Only 1 toilet for 14 in the J cabin – long waits! I skipped dinner (served 1am local time) but should have stayed up – very noisy service. The ventilation system in this cabin is VERY loud – one could say roaring on occasion. But at least cabin was cool.

Breakfast was OK - pretty standard croissant and fruit, then omelet and sausage (there were other options).




We arrive LHR T3 early in the morning and many streams of pax are arriving. 10 min queue in Fast Track inwards immigration. No priority baggage – all mixed.

Off into London for my conference, which was ghastly. Overnight at the Hilton at Paddington Station. Quite nice, but I saw the price before I left and was glad my employer was paying for it. Ouch!! Too zonked to take any pics, sorry.

Next day, driving north!

 

[RooFlyer]

Next day, back out to LHR about midday to pick up Avis rental car and was convinced to swap my booked small petrol manual for a diesel manual BMW 1 series. Said to be much more fuel efficient – it was, but I got to quickly hate the gadgets. Every flipping thing, like turning off the wipers or tuning the radio, required lessons to be learned.

First night was at Brockencote Hall, at the village of Chaddesley Corbett between Worcester and Birmingham. I calculated a few hours drive north, visited some research places, then collapse at this appealing looking ‘Country House’ hotel which I had pre-booked and pre-paid, at about $200 for the room (excellent value if you consider the FX rate).

WINNER!! Do yourself a favour, note the name of this place and book it next time you go to England.

The drive in sets the scene; a winding driveway, past grazing sheep, a duck pond and croquet lawn. Keep look-out for Miss Marple.




Effortless check-in, up to room. Top quality everywhere; fresh fruit, selection of teas, good desk, views over the bucolic countryside. Large bathroom, heated floor, separate bath & shower (how rare is that in England!).



Real ‘country house’ feel – quality furnishings, very well trained staff, a library and log fire to have afternoon tea in. But the highlight was dinner. You have pre dinner drinks in the bar lounge or Library and choose from the menu. Then they invite you to sit down as the first course is ready.





The LH pic is the Library, also great for a G&T and rhe RH pic is the dining room. I don't normally (in fact hardly ever) take pics in restaurants, as I think its a bit gauche, but as the dining room was pretty deserted, and the experience so good, I made an exception

Dinner was simply superb, including the flawless service. I know many people don't like 'formal' service, but here it was so professional, it was a pleasure just to be reminded how good service could be.

Started with an amuse-bouche (of course!) a divine foamy mushroom creation. Could have gone a whole bowl. Then salmon and crab, with the salmon cooked to 43 degrees C. I had never heard of that before, but I wouldn't have it any way else now.

 

[RooFlyer]

Have to start a new post as it won't let me paste any more than 5 images, as usual.

Mains I chose was partridge & pair. Amazing. Then a sorbet with fresh raspberry and blueberries. Bliss!




I had decided not to have dessert, as I was getting full ( :shock: ) but over there the cheese trolley was lurking, with its load of English and French cheeses coming to room temperature and I just couldn't resist, but limited myself to just 4, with a nice muscat to go with them.




After that, I had a waddle around the croquet lawn but as it was dark and getting cold, retreated inside to the library beside the fire, but soon went to bed lest I start snoring right there.

The whole stay cost about $400, but was worth every cent. Totally refreshed, I was able to make the dash for Scotland the next day.

 

[Deleted member]

The salmon sounds like it was done sous vide ?

 

[Magpie10]

Thanks roo flyer great TR and the hotel does look amazing.

 

[RooFlyer]

The salmon sounds like it was done sous vide ?

Hadn't herd that term before, but having looked it up, I think that's exactly how it was done.

 

[RooFlyer]

OK, from Worcestershire it was just a drive up the M6 and a diversion into Manchester to have lunch with an old friend. Then onwards and upwards until hitting Dumfries in southern Scotland where I spent the night. The Aston Hotel on the outskirts, for what its worth - nothing remarkable.

In the morning I visited some ancestors graves (this was mainly a family history research / reprise trip) and carried on to Edinburgh.

I love Edinburgh! I've been there twice before and each time the weather has been fabulous. OK, not this time - overcast and cold. I checked into the Apex City Hotel in the Grassmarket. This was a good find off Trip Advisor. Very central, 4 stars with limited free parking on site, or 10 quid a night in the larger car park of their sister hotel next door. I forget how much it was, as it was part of a pre-paid deal over 2 nights, which got broken up, but might have been 90 or 100 pounds/night. Not cheap in A$, but pretty good for central Edinburgh, a short walk from the Castle.

Room was large and reasonably comfortable. The weather became foul, and I couldn't be bothered venturing out into the rain for dinner, so I stuck to the hotel restaurant without too much hope of a decent feed. Well, the place surprised and it was a perfectly respectable dinner after all. I'll come back here next time.

The forecast was turning very bad, with an 'artic blast' on its way in a couple of days, I had to change plans and head north to Aberdeenshire a day early, so as not to get stuck in the boonies with the forecast snow. Although I had a 2 night, pre-paid deal with Apex City Hotel, as they were full later in the week when I would be returning, they let me break the 2 night deal and take 1 nights credit across to one of the other Apex Hotels for the next stay. Really good!!

Drove next day up to Aberdeenshire, in glorious sunshine. Love the Scottish countryside However the gloss was taken off when I got side-swiped by an 'impaired' driver on a back road. We were both travelling slow, in opposite directions on a narrow, but clearly 2 lane road, when ... well ... our side mirrors impacted and both cars sustained scratches down the side. A witness called the Police and we were both breathalysed. I was clear but the other driver was taken by the Police to Aberdeen, for reasons 'we can't actually say' . Hmmmm ...

Anyway, with details exchanged I carried on, having lost 2 hours of the best day of the trip (and its light only for about 6 hours). Our into the boonies, again visiting long dead rellies in quaint kirk yards and seeing the lands where they lived and farmed.

Had the night in a great B&B 'West Mains Steading', which is wa-a-ay off the beaten track, near Castle Fraser, south of Inverurie. Again, recommended if you are in the area.

That night the 'artic blast' struck, with light snow (phew), gales and rain. lots of trees came down and we lost power at breakfast but the B&B host performed magnificently with gas and candlelight. I left for Aberdeen, which was pretty miserable. Its dour at the best of times with its solid granite buildings, but in the cold and wet its pretty miserable.


Most of my pics wouldn't be of interest to readers (cemeteries!) but here's a token of Aberdeen, including suffering the stormy weather:




After some research in the Archives, it was back down the road to Edinburgh, and the 'Apex European' Hotel near the Haymarket. It was only 3 star, and this was about right. Tiny rooms, hear-the-room-next-door type of place. About 80 pounds/night and you wouldn't want to pay much more. But it sufficed for 2 nights while I covered off more research in Edinburgh. Archives, cemeteries, kirk-yards, Genealogical Society.

And I'm afraid I did all the touristy things on previous visits to Edinburgh - but I do love its sober solid-ness; wall to wall sandstone terraces and houses.

 

[RooFlyer]

After a couple more days it was time for the return journey.

My first trip to Aberdeen airport ABZ. First to return the hire car and report the damage. Had all the info to hand (seemed to surprise them!) which they bundled together pretty efficiently. I learned that they have 'standard' charges for the type and magnitude of damage, and they boost it a bit to cover 'loss of service' of the hire car. These all non negotiable. In my case the charge was about 900 pounds. Reduced to 600 pounds by my excess insurance with them. This put on my card (no points though ) to be refunded when the other party's insurance pays up. Even if they don't (and they almost certainly will, given the state of the other driver), my own travel insurance will cover. But its a bit inconvenient to have A$1,200 charged to me for a month or two.

ABZ is about the same size as HBA, but the true international facilities and a very large heli-port (North Sea oil ops). I was travelling BA economy to LHR, checking in at First/top tier queue - thankfully, as the other queue was pretty long. BUT I struck the 'passengers-checking-in-in-front-from-hell'. After 5 minutes, their bags hadn't even moved to the weigh scales. What on earth is there to talk about for 5 minutes? After 10 minutes, one of the BA staff standing around took mercy on me and the 5 other pax behind me who were groaning and waiting by this time, and checked me in on a spare counter.

The pax from hell arrived in the lounge about 10 minutes after me. I expect their check-in would have taken 20 minutes or more!

Security was a breeze and then I was surprised to find a Duty Free area. Scotland to England - sure, its an international flight, isn't it Stocked up on some interesting whiskeys for friends (don't drink the stuff myself).

The BA lounge at ABZ has just been renovated and isn't bad. Power points at every seat, not a bad food and bev selection (I had really nice sandwiches for lunch). Lots of points removed for not having toilets in the lounge though. Its a case of go out, turn left, down the corridor, door on the left .... On my return I realized after a few minutes that in the meantime the flight had been called and everyone else had scarpered. Some lounge pics:

 

[RooFlyer]

Standard type flight to LHR, arriving T5. 30 minutes for luggage to arrive. I have about 5 hours in London before checking in to my Thai flight home, so I go to T3 and store luggage, then get on Heathrow Express to Paddington. Slow trip (this is happening more and more I find).

I buy a tube day pass and spend the late afternoon / early evening having a look at London central sights with their Christmas décor up. Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus (Eros is enclosed in a dome - apparently to 'protect it' during the Christmas festivities!). Trafalgar Square is fantastic, with choirs and carols etc. Spent most time wandering around Covent Garden and bought a few small extra Christmas prezzies.

Time to return to the airport - I actually went a bit early, as I was getting cold. At Paddington, no HEX trains apparent and a crowded platform. No notices or signs of cancellations, so I wait along with everyone else. A train comes in after abt 10 mins and departs 10 mins later. The journey out to T3 is a crawl - varying between a suburban trundle and walking pace. Some-one in the crowded cabin said, in a loud voice "does anyone know why this is called Heathrow Express?" - to general laughter.

Check-in at T3, no problems, then upstairs to security and the lounge. As I posted elsewhere, I was shocked to discover two long queues - one very long one for general, the other just 'long' for 'fast track'. Absolutely disgraceful - about 100 people in the fast track queue and it moves at snails pace. After abt 20 minutes I reach the single guy doing BP checks, then into the security area. Two machines on offer and I went through fairly quickly - and without the stupid displays of incompetent and in efficiency I suffered at my last flight out of T3. Geez I hate this place.

Thoroughly pixxed off, I went to the SAS lounge. I guess its not a bad lounge - but I was in no mood to enjoy it. I hit the G&T counter a number of times while waiting for the flight.

I tried to avoid LHR on this trip - for just the reasons above, but my short notice booking, and fixed travel dates, and a good TG fare meant I had to use LHR. I probably will again, but as everyone says - if you can avoid LHR, do so.

 

[Stewey]

Great TR RooFlyer

you have me inspired to follow up my Scottish Roots in the Highlands

 

[docjames]

Great TR just awaiting the flight home.

Some nice observations. Will be interested how you end up with the hire car "issue" and how long it takes to have the excess refunded.

 

[RooFlyer]

<snip>

Some nice observations. Will be interested how you end up with the hire car "issue" and how long it takes to have the excess refunded.

Me too! if it happens under 2 months I will be pleasantly surprised. I had a discussion with the Avis rep at ABZ about various scenarios. As the damage was minor, she said they probably wouldn't repair the car now, but at the end of its Avis life. I asked why the 'other side's ' insurer would pay the standard 'damages+ out-of-service' amount that I got charged, as they would know that its obviously way above the actual cost of repair. Was there a risk that the other side would object, draw things out, and I'd be out of pocket for a long time? She said they could or would repair it 'now', if the other side wanted, but there might be delays in doing that too; and in any event I still get charged the 'standard' up-front. I would definitively get my out-of-pocket back, but am at the mercy of 'the system'. Which is what I always supposed.

Interestingly, the Avis agent said there was a chance I might get offered an 'inconvenience' offer of payment from the other party's insurer and she recounted several similar incidents to mine where this had apparently occurred. Said to be done at their initiative to fend off any 'compo' claim by me. I've never been a 'compo' person, but if they don't offer - I just might make a claim. It was very inconvenient, losing a chunk of time in a short, fine day when I should be touring (and researching for my book), then having my card hit to the tune of $1,200 for a month+. And the other party was, apparently, rather 'impaired'. Will think that one over.

Anyway, back to the trip home.

Ha! I remembered I made some voice notes on my phone. Boy, I wasn't happy about that Fast Track experience and then the SAS lounge! :evil: I noted constant kitchen clattering noise in that lounge, and kids running wild, and noisy. No relaxation at all, so I concentrated on mixing some mean G&Ts! Then, boarding comes on the screens and an eternal walk to the God-forsaken distant Gate 32 - I noted a huge crowd at the gate, with beeping people-movers nearly ploughing over people standing around. Lots of screaming kids. I commented on 10 people standing around on the other side of the boarding gate. Boarding delay - so the lounge-full of people are just watching the 10 on the other side, watching back at us.

Judging by my tone of voice at this point, I don't think even an up-the-gate upgrade to F would have been enough to improve my mood . Boarding was a free-for-all shambles.

Departure was scheduled at 9:30pm, which I like (we pushed back at abt 9:45pm). Means we can get fed and cleared away well before midnight, then try for a 'normal' nights sleep.

And so it happened. I was again in the lower deck J section, with the galley wall along the RH side. Dinner was much like the flight over. Entrée was very fresh and nice - a cold seafood collation:




... but the mains were pretty bland - this lamb, I think.




Breakfast was served on approach to BKK and wasn't bad - fresh fruit then usual omelet & snag:




Overall, the service on J was OK - not great, not lacking. Unless you are looking to be pampered, I think its quite OK. One thing is noticeable, as it was on the flight over - the English language skills of most of the FAs is pretty basic. We can understand each other, but you would be struggling to hold a conversation about something unrelated to the flight. The senior ones have better English.

Interestingly, the angle-flat bed was a slightly different design from the last 747 one. This one smoother which made for a better nights sleep for me. the IFE was also a bit different, but had the same 'freezing' issues as the previous flight!

Land at BKK and go to an actual air bridge. Hooray! The terminal wasn't as crowded as the trip across. After a shower, I again hit the Royal Orchid Spa and enjoy a foot and calf massage this time. I decided I don't like this terminal - its poorly lit in a number of places (notably on the 'Duty Free' floor) and as users know, its very large and usually a long tramp between gates and from lounges to gates.

Onto TG475 for the flight to SYD. Again, lower deck 747, at the boarding exit row, with no-one beside me, which was nice. I only snacked on this flight.

We arrived SYD at about 8:30 am and as usual Smart Gate entry immigration was a breeze. Priority bag not priority, but you never expect this any more, do you.

Check-in at VA - recently lost Gold status, so join the longer queue did I ! The VA flight in whY was again stock standard. I do like VA for short haul domestic- almost always the best priced option, or close to it, with 'no nonsense' flight experience.

So that was Thai and a quick trip to Scotland. As I said, I found this time and previously TG to be well priced, with perfectly adequate in-flight experience.

 

[casanovawa]

Have you thought about booking the cook or whatever its called with Thai, and so requesting a meal from their list pre flight, so you have a bit more chance of getting something you like, or had you requested those lamb dishes??? I personally don't mind the Salmon dish...

And have only been to Edinburgh before in Scotland, but think i would only go there in their Summer...

 

[RooFlyer]

Groan ... no, I didn't give it a thought. I did try to log onto Thai's version of 'my reservation' a few days before the flight to check on the services etc, but couldn't see how (other than 'iCheck in').

Scotland - very definitely yes, much better in summer!

 

[NFF]

I would like to visit Scotland and Ireland but they are so far away.

 

[Deleted member]

Hadn't herd that term before, but having looked it up, I think that's exactly how it was done.

When Mrs GPH let's me, I shall buy one.

 

[Sprucegoose]

I would like to visit Scotland and Ireland but they are so far away.

no where is far away. The world is under 24 hrs away!

 

[casanovawa]

Far away is a pretty elastic term for frequent flyers...

I think to select a meal pre flight you have to go to Thai Airways and find the place to enter your 6 digit PNR or whatever its called and your last name and that lets you into an area where you can select meals... For me i can't select a meal for PER-BKK (or vv) but i can for the long legs to Europe etc, it might be different from East Coast Oz ports???

And yes with a trip to Europe and the US recently in November, i have reconfirmed my desire to enjoy Spring/Summer here in Oz and then take my trips to the northern hemisphere in our Autumn/Winter while every one is shivering back here and get another month or so of sun and all the other good points about travelling in those seasons...

 

[RooFlyer]

Far away is a pretty elastic term for frequent flyers...

I think to select a meal pre flight you have to go to Thai Airways and find the place to enter your 6 digit PNR or whatever its called and your last name and that lets you into an area where you can select meals... For me i can't select a meal for PER-BKK (or vv) but i can for the long legs to Europe etc, it might be different from East Coast Oz ports???

And yes with a trip to Europe and the US recently in November, i have reconfirmed my desire to enjoy Spring/Summer here in Oz and then take my trips to the northern hemisphere in our Autumn/Winter while every one is shivering back here and get another month or so of sun and all the other good points about travelling in those seasons...

That's interesting. The Thai site you gave was the 'main' one it appears. Unfortunately I had bookmarked the Australian site. Thai Airways International - Australia.

And whilst I easily found the 'Book the Cook' area on 'your' site, I still can't find it on the Australian site.

Also, seems pre-booked meals are only available for routes ex BKK.

Anyway, now I know.

 

[TomVexille]

Great TR RooFlyer, thanks for sharing.