A short(ish) trip to Japan

[ShelleyB]

Arrived at Melbourne Airport at T-4 hours. Sadly the China Airlines check in counters were yet to open. Opened on the dot of T-3 hours. Once checked in all very efficient. The express pass through security was entirely unnecessary as it was very quiet. A quick stop at the TRS office for a claim then onto the lounge.

CI are currently using the Marhaba Lounge which is OK if a bit undersupplied. Buffet food only - but I will say the butter chicken was very tasty. ShelleyB-son also gave the meatballs a big tick of approval. Plenty of self serve wine, but Mr. ShelleyB got one of the last beers (at 7pm) and the fridges have remained empty since.

 

[rbjhan]

Hold on, you were in Marhaba? What happened to The House?!

 

[Matt_01]

Hold on, you were in Marhaba? What happened to The House?!

In June 2023 from what I understand the Marhaba in MEL was the CI contracted lounge. In my TR I did not get into the details of lounge access however post 1 details my experience.

 

[rbjhan]

In June 2023 from what I understand the Marhaba in MEL was the CI contracted lounge. In my TR I did not get into the details of lounge access however post 1 details my experience.

Well I was travelling May 24 and I surely went to The House.

Return to the Japan Alps May 2024

Ah but that is a mountain hut by Japanese standards! 🤣 From the Kamikochi side you have Dekesawa hut: https://www.yarigatake.co.jp/dakesawa/ When I heard the name "hut" I imagined huts like on the Overland Track.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[ShelleyB]

Well I was travelling May 24 and I surely went to The House.

Return to the Japan Alps May 2024

Ah but that is a mountain hut by Japanese standards! 🤣 From the Kamikochi side you have Dekesawa hut: https://www.yarigatake.co.jp/dakesawa/ When I heard the name "hut" I imagined huts like on the Overland Track.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

Sadly I think the use of the The House was only for a short time and it’s back to the Marhaba now. Which is a shame as I have always found the Marhaba a bit ordinary.

 

[ShelleyB]

Boarding for our MEL-TPE leg was quick and efficient and we pushed back basically on time. The cabin is very tastefully decorated. Not a lot of photos from this leg as we mainly slept. Here’s the menu though. Seats good for sitting but not outstanding for sleeping. No topper offered so found the seat a bit hard for a side sleeper like me. Service was very good, particularly when ShelleyB-son managed to drop his small holder of Nintendo game cards down the side of seat and it took two attendants and some ingenuity to retrieve them.