Another manic month for kiwi

[Kiwi Flyer]

FIRST EUROPE RUN

Another day and another trip back to the airport. I meet CGK in the lounge before our respective flights. Then its back through another security check to the bus gate and the free "scenic" tour of FRA airport. People pay good money for airport tarmac tour in Sydney, but here you can get it for free. There's a small delay as another bus has parked in the busway out to the tarmac in front of our bus and driver is not in the vehicle. That driver is quickly found and after much gesturing (but not fisticuffs) the way is cleared. It seems today we have one of the far parking positions - there are a few different places used in FRA and ours is right past the entire both terminals. Then another minor delay as the driver forgets which aircraft/bay is ours and goes too far and so has to pull a u-turn on the tarmac.

I linger in the bus to reduce the time spent standing outside in the below freezing air (the bus itself is well heated). As I have noted on previous reports, despite 2 stairs for this 737-500 aircraft, almost all passengers use the front stairs. I briefly think about causing chaos by sprinting up the rear stairs and fighting my way to my seat at the front, but think better of it and wait my turn.

Lufthansa flight to Zurich has a short flight time (around 45 minutes), but still the FAs manage to serve a light meal and 2 rounds of drinks. With such a remote gate we spend almost as long on the ground as in the air. On arrival we use pier A, which is a change since my previous visit which had bus gate from B - no doubt a result of the purchase of Swiss by Lufthansa.

I like ZRH airport as it is uncluttered and immigration/security process are always (in my experience anyway) quick and easy. So I am quickly out of the airport and off to the hotel shuttle stop on arrivals level. Next one is in 20 minutes, and the weather isnt too bad (just freezing) so I decide to walk to the Hilton for a change. It is easy to get to and takes less than 20 minutes, but there is no shelter en route so not a good idea when weather is bad. Within the terminal head to the departures level and the bus station, when outside turn right and follow the pathway (shared with cyclists) until the roundabout (2nd intersection), cross the motorway on the left and turn right on the other side, go straight at the next intersection and up the footpath beside the road (or if you like the stairs nearby) all the way to the hotel entrance. Its a pleasant walk and has a couple of vantage points where can see some of the activity on the tarmac and (some of) the runways.

Check in is fairly quick and I am upgraded to an executive room. Feeling the need for some exercise I walk to the airport to catch the train into the city centre, instead of taking the shuttle (there is also a train station about half way between airport and hotel but this is out in the open unlike the underground airport station). I do the reverse later in the evening - the walk to the hotel is moderately well lit although a little slippery as the snow melt earlier in the day has refrozen.

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

Up early again the next morning. I thought about walking (or taxiing) to the airport as the first shuttle is barely early enough to make close off of check in for the flight. However, from previous experience I know check in to be quick and painless with very few passengers taking this Singapore flight from Zurich to Manchester.

I had chosen the Zurich to Manchester return flights, not only for the easy PPS sectors, but also it is one of the few very nice intra-europe flights remaining and service is fantastic. This flight is only twice a week (on the other days flights between Manchester and Singapore are nonstop) and requires an overnight stay in Zurich due to the early departure - a good excuse to revisit.

We get to the airport right on closure of the flight and the agent is looking very bored and lonely (few other flights so early and these all seem to have check-in in different part of the terminal). I check in for the return flight as well to save hassles at transfer in Manchester. Unfortunately it takes a few goes for the agent to correctly apply the double dip of PPS credits and mileage to another account. I ask to check in also for my onward Lufthansa flight this afternoon, but am told this is impossible and please try the Swissport desk a few aisles over. Of course at this desk they merely redirect me to Swiss check-in who also handle Lufthansa.

Since my connection back through ZRH was a bit tight I decided to go to the Swiss check-in, in the other building, to get checked in for my Lufthansa flight. It was quite busy but the elite/business line was quiet enough. The agent checked me in quickly and also for tomorrow's first flight without me asking for it.

I headed back to the main terminal and through immigration. With not much time until scheduled boarding I decided against visiting the *A lounge or the LX lounge, and instead took the airtrain to terminal E from which the flight departs.

There is a long queue at security entering the terminal. I tried to pick the line with more business traveller types - figuring they would be quicker removing coats etc, but it was still quite slow. When I get to the gate the monitor shows as boarding but there are a few people sitting nearby showing no sign of boarding. I ask the gate agent and boarding hasnt started but will do so soon. I decided not to visit the Bellevue lounge upstairs in the E terminal which first/business/elite passengers can use, figuring there's no point if we are boarding in a minute. Well it turns out soon means more than 20 minutes and I could have grabbed a coffee in the lounge after all

When boarding eventually starts the 7 passengers (including me) are quickly on the aircraft. Passengers travelling through from Singapore to Manchester are not allowed to deplane. It is only when boarding that I notice I have lost the seat I had pre-selected. I asked if I could change to be told not possible When on board my spirits sank when I saw I was seated in the middle of a large family group (kids, parents and I think grandparents on all 4 sides)

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

Last time I was on this flight there were very few through passengers and had almost the cabin to myself (and another FTer). This time the flight is still very full of returning british holidaymakers - I suppose to be expected given the time of year.

So the service wasnt as good as usual but still okay for intra-europe. I dont have the menu, but it was very similar to the F menu below and basically the same for both Zurich to Manchester and Manchester to Zurich.

Here are the menu for F sometimes last year... (Thanks to Shortfinals!)


Refreshment from Zurich to Manchester

Light bites

Focaccia sandwich with smoked salmon and salad

Tomato and smoked turkey in herb croissant


Hot Beverages
Freshly brewed coffee
Espresso or cappucino
Selection of tea



SQ345 SIN-ZRH-MAN (S1/B/SR1) 105-2.1 07-10 FC


Refreshment from Manchester to Zurich

Light bites

Chef’s salad
with leafy lettuce, ham, cheddar cheese, beef pastrami and roast chicken

Foccacia with smoked chicken, tomato, cheese and basil mayonnaise spread


Hot Beverages
Freshly brewed coffee
Espresso or cappucino
Selection of tea

SQ346 MAN-ZRH-SIN (SR1/L/B) 104-2.2. 07-10 FC

The flight was short (but my longest intra-europe this trip), but no view as cloudy the entire way (and in any case still dark on leaving Zurich). We have a small delay taxiing into the gate at Manchester due to aircraft congestion on the ground.

I get off the aircraft quickly and make my way directly to the transfer centre (along with another couple continuing to London). However the transfer security is closed and the agent on the transfer desk tells us Singapore didnt tell them anyone was transferring so it will be a while before we can open up security. She wasnt wrong there - it took about 30 minutes to find security folk to open it up. I wasnt worried about missing the flight as the aircraft turnaround is about 90 minutes, and the walk from gate to security and back to gate is short. However the other couple were getting anxious of missing their onward flight.

Once the security guys arrive there is another small wait for the xray machine to warm up, then another 10 seconds and I'm on my way. There is still enough time to visit the Servisair lounge which is a mediocre lounge but better than waiting at the gate and better than some lounges (eg at TBIT in LAX). The lounge bouncer was confused as to why I didnt have an invitation card and I was puzzled as to how else to explain it than I didnt check in at Manchester. Eventually I was let in. The lounge was full and so I had a coffee standing up.

I didnt have long to wait until boarding for the return flight, although I noticed it was called in the lounge about 10 minutes earlier than they were ready at the gate.

The return was uneventful. Still quite full. We have the same crew for the return so we chat a bit about this. On arriving back at Zurich I am the only deplaning passenger - the FA points to me while talking to the security agent "here is kiwi our only passenger from Manchester who is not continuing to Singapore".

As the flight arrived slightly early I have enough time for a few minutes in the nice Swiss lounge. I know from previous visits that this lounge is nicer than the *A lounge I could also use in the main terminal. On entering I enquire about where I can make some changes to future flights on a ticket and am directed to the transit desk near the lounge. But the Swissport agent there tells me they can only handles tickets issued on Swiss - they cant even handle Lufthansa tickets yet, let alone anyone else in the *A. Oh well I can try again elsewhere.

I have enough time for a quick drink in the lounge before heading to the gate near the end of "A" pier. Another security check before the gate and straight onto the Lufthansa flight back to Frankfurt. The load must be lighter than usual as the aircraft has switched from 737-500 to an ARJ. But the seats & service are basically the same. After a short flight in the middle of clouds the whole way we again have a bus gate. This time from a closer stand and so deplaning time is reduced.

I head back to the hotel where I am welcomed back by the same clerk who remembered me.

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

SECOND EUROPE RUN

Another day another trip out to the airport. Today I'm off to Basel before returning to Asia. Why Basel you ask? I chose to visit Basel for the novelty of an airport that straddles an international border, while at the same time the ratio of miles earned per mile flown is great thanks to miles and more fixed mileage for intra-europe.

So I rock up to check in at Frankfurt only to be told the flight was cancelled and I was automatically rebooked on the earlier flight which is just leaving So why wasnt I told about the change in schedule? No answer to that. I am offered the later flight, which would then be a turnaround for me. I decline as I am actually meeting some FTers in Basel. So I am told to go to ticket counter for them to sort out. The ticket counter is right at the far end of check in, by the first class check in area.

I trudge over them pondering alternatives. Perhaps I could fly to Zurich and catch a train? Or Stuttgart or ??? Ticketing offers just the one option (other than the later turnaround), to take Air France via Paris CDG airport - and I better hurry to make it as it leaves in 30 minutes from the other terminal. The agent filled out a form in leiu of a new ticket and I run to catch the sky train to the other terminal. I walk up to Air France check-in, despondent as there is a long line and no premium line for business class passengers! Fortunately I spy a counter with no queue off to the side for passengers travelling without checked luggage which brightens me considerably.

The form seems to satisfy the check in agent and I am promptly issued with 2 boarding passes, along with the unwelcome news that Paris to Basel flight is economy only Oh well at least it is a short flight.

I get held up at security as the WTMD is gone and they are meticulously hand wanding everyone (aka a 5 minute massage). By now I am wondering if I will make my flight or will I need to go back to the other terminal to Lufthansa ticketing (or would Air France now be responsible since I am now checked in??) to again revise plans.

The gate is a long way from security so I run down the corridors. As I approach the gate I dont see to many people so wonder if it is too late, but then notice boarding hasnt started yet. I ask an agent and find boarding isnt for another 15 minutes or so, enough time to visit the lounge which is right by the gate.

I pop in to look around. The lounge seems huge but I think that is more a reflection of there being just 3 passengers inside than its true size. There is a small selection of snacks and drinks. A couple of computers, and a separate smoking area that is unfortunately open plan and so the entire lounge reeks There is a large tv and some newspapers. There is no toilet within the lounge, but the public loos are just outside the doors.

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

On boarding the A319 I'm offered a juice or water - gratefully accepted after my dash through the terminal. Also offered newspaper or magazine. En route to Paris we have a light snack and a drink. There is no view - again extensive cloud cover, and in fact it is quite foggy at CDG airport. We arrive at the 2D domestic terminal. The gate is undergoing some repairs or construction as there is some off stairs to go up and down to get into the main part of the terminal. Due to the late departure from Frankfurt there is no time to visit the lounge, instead through security (which doesnt take long) to the gates which are absolutely crowded.

Boarding the bus occurs almost immediately, and on time, and it is apparent the flight will be fairly full - the bus is jammed fill and quickly heats up. As we drive out to our waiting Fokker 70 aircraft (a change from the scheduled Fokker 100) it is apparent the aircraft is not yet ready for boarding. A fuel truck is still connected and luggage is being put into the hold. Vehicles come and go delivering more luggage including some late checked bags (I presume - I suppose it could be bags that were misplaced and then found) that are delivered by car even before some other bags arrive on another truck. In short a hive of activity - being overseen by several officials, all the while we have to wait in the bus which by now is overheating. Obviously they knew the aircraft wasnt ready - so we did we have to board the bus at the scheduled time? All up we spent over 40 minutes sitting there watching the comings and goings.

After boiling away in the bus it was rather unpleasant to wait to board the stairs in the near freezing foggy air. Due to the small bin size my carry ons needed to be checked. On board I was pleasantly surprised to find I had the only empty seat on the aircraft beside me - presumably due to being on a business ticket for an all economy flight? - but was well toward the rear.

During the short flight a snack and choice of coffee/tea, water or orange juice, was served to all free of charge. By the time they had served us we were already well into the descent so a few quick gulps of the coffee before handing back the rubbish. Our arrival gate was on the french side of the airport. Since we were using an airbridge rather than a bus gate, the bags checked at aircraft were delivered to the luggage claim. My bags were one of the first out. Then through immigration to the swiss side of the airport. I had to laugh at the ladies on the information counter who switched back and forth from country to country depending on the visitor (there's a barrier up to the edge of the counter to ensure visitors use immigration to transfer between the countries, but apparently this doesnt apply to the staff.

I took the bus which runs every 5 to 12 minutes, to the Basel train station. Despite the signs in the terminal, tickets are bought from machine outside by the bus stop - can use either euros or swiss francs. The ticket machine at the train station only uses swiss francs. The bus takes about 15 minutes to get to the train station.

I was meeting chrissxb and airoli for coffee here - they both travelling about an hour from their respective homes. Since the change in travel plans had meant I would be arriving later than originally planned I had let them know of my delay, but not of the further delay at Paris (since not allowed to use phones on the bus). So I was very late for meeting them, and of course they weren't waiting at the place we'd agreed. I wandered around for a couple of minutes before thinking about what I'd do instead when we saw each other and so were able to meet. I was nice to catch up with them both since our last meetings.

Eventually it was time to go back. Once checked in I visited the Swiss lounge at Basel. It is very nice - even nicer than the one in Zurich IMHO. I had enough time for a few drinks as I'd made sure I had lots of time to check in. The reason was my paranoia (made worse by events of the morning) about missing a flight - in the next few days I go straight from one flight to another to another etc and so missing the first of these consecutive flights would be very bad indeed, especially with no later flights this evening.

The short flight back to Frankfurt is on a 737. It is very empty but a high proportion in business class. The sun has set well by now and so no views apart from glimpses of lights in small breaks in the clouds. To my surprise we have an airbridge and not a bus gate at Frankfurt. I try again at the transfer desk to make some upcoming changes and no luck there - please go to information counter. There I finally talk to someone at Singapore who quickly makes the changes I'd like ^

I go back to the transfer desk to pick up my next boarding pass - sorry we cant issue for the subsequent flights (say what - when did this stop being possible?) and head to the senator lounge where I meet up with zvezda.

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

Summary update

Map

26 flights
44,570 flown miles

Aircraft 747, 777, A319, Beaver, Dash 8, Beechcraft 1900C, 757, MD80, 737, ARJ, Fokker 70

Airlines Singapore, Air Canada, Harbour Air, Pacific Coastal, American, Lufthansa, Air France (and Regional)

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

RUN, RUN, AND RUN SOME MORE

After a lot of talking and a few drinks, we suddenly noticed we had lost track of time and it is time to board. At the gate my BP doesnt read properly in the machine. Is it an op-up? But no, just a jam in the reader. Never mind as I had managed to snag (by pre-selecting) the best business seat 17A - exit row and window seat (the exit row aisle seat has limited storage). Not as good as first but the next best thing.

Here is the menu for the Singapore Airlines flight to Singapore.

DINNER menu

A Savoury Note

Mesclun with marinated Greek seafood salad

The Main Event

Salmon trout fillet with garlic puree wrapped with bacon, pak choi, puy lentil-white broad beans and beetroot, warm extra virgin olive oil vinaigrette

Thai style red curry duck, seasonal vegetables and steamed rice

Braised beef in Chinese wine-spcies with vegetables and steamed rice

Saltimbocca of pork in marsala wine sauce, carrot, and gnocchi

The Cheese Board

Gourmet cheese with garnishes

A Sweet Note

A selection of fresh fruit

Vanilla-coffee ice cream

A Connoisseur's Choice

Gourmet coffee

Selection of tea

and pralines


BEFORE TOUCH-DOWN menu

A Fresh Start

A choice of apple, tomato or freshly squeezed orange

Fresh fruit

A Healthy Note

Choice of cereals or yoghurt

The Main Event

Tomato-cheese souffle with spinach and roasted potatoes

Braised egg noodles with chicken and mushroom in Oriental sauce and vegetables

Parsley omelette with medley of vegetables-potatoes

From the Bakery

Assorted breakfast rolls

Butter - Fruit preserve

A Connoisseur's Choice

Gourmet coffee

Selection of tea

Your Breakfast Choice

This convenient breakfast option lets you enjoy all the sleep you want, uninterrupted. Please inform our crew of your choice before lights out - if they do not receive your selection, you will be awakened in time for the complete breakfast.

The complete breakfast - take your pick of the Main Event from our scrumptious selections (served earliest 2.5 hours prior to arrival)

Continental breakfast - delight in this simple yet wholesome meal (served earliest 1.5 hours prior to arrival)


BEVERAGES

special coughtail

Orange Cooler

coughtails

Singapore Sling
Silver Kris Sling
Gin Fizz
Cloud Nine
Screwdriver
Bloody Mary
Daiquiri
Red or White Wine Cooler

aperitifs
Campari
Dry Vermouth

non-alcoholic coughtails

Citrus Royale
Tropical Sparkle
Golden Spice
Fruit Spritzer
Sunrise Surprise

spirits

Cognac XO Otard
Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky
Johnnie Walker Black Label
Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey
Gordon's Dry Gin
Absolut Vodka
Bacardi Carta Blanca

liqueurs

Cointreau
Tia Maria
Baileys Original Irish Cream

beer

International Selection

stout

Guinness Stout

champagne

Charles Heidsieck 1995
Piper Heidsieck 1999

white wines

Kloster Eberbach Riesling Kabinett 2003 Rheingau
Montagny 1er Cru 2002

red wines

Chateau Cissac 1998 Cru Bourgeois Haut Medoc
Nipozzano Riserva 2001 Chianti Rufina Docg Frescobaldi

port

Taylor 2000 Late Bottled Vintage Port

tea selection

Pure Ceylon Tea
Earl Grey
Darjeeling
Camomile
Decaffeinated Tea
Japanese Green Tea

chinese tea selection

Oolong

gourmet coffees

Brazil Santos Bourbon
Colombian Supremo
Kenyan AA Kilimanjaro

specialty coffees

Brewed Coffee
Cafe Royal
Espresso
Cappuccino
Decaffeinated Coffee
Mocha

other beverages

Chocolate
Milo

mineral water

Carbonated mineral water
Non-carbonated mineral water

fruit juices

Apple
Orange
Pineapple
Tomato
Cranberry

soft drinks

A range of regular or low-calorie drinks is available

iced drinks

Iced Tea
Iced Coffee
Iced Mocha
Iced Chocolate
Iced Milo


I had a few drinks and passed the time watching the remaining few shows I havent yet seen, and doze for a while. With more overnight flights to come I am not too worried about how much sleep I get on this sector.

Just after breakfast I get a visit and asked if I want to move to F for the approach and landing so I can be next to zvezda. Umm let me think about it ... seriously no thinking required I am out of my seat and grabbing my bags before you can say peter piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. I get lots of stares from the rest of the cabin but who cares I am moving to F

I decline the offers of champagne but we do talk a lot for the rest of the flight. On arrival at Singapore, slightly late, we have a moderate taxi and get a gate in the F50's range - ie a long way from the lounge but could be worse, it could be F60 or F58 which I seem to get with depressing regularity.

We quickly deplane and race to the lounge, for I have a tight connection and am still to be checked in on the next flights.

 

[clifford]

Very impressive Kiwi.

In a couple of weeks I am flying (I guess 45,000 miles) all business class as follows:

SYD-SIN-CMB (SQ)
CMB-MLE-DXB (EK)
DXB-BKK-LAX (TG)
LAX-JFK (UA) - upgraded to 1st
JFK-BKK-CMB (TG)
CMB-SIN-SYD (SQ).

That should keep me busy for a couple of weeks.

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

Nice trip clifford. Will you do a report?

I still have over a dozen flights (and a lot of miles of course) to go in this trip report - it aint over yet by any stretch!

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

The Singapore lounge has its own check-in facility, which is a godsend at times for the lack of queues as compared with the regular transit desks.

So I bolt there and ask to be checked in. Yes just in the nick of time before the flight closes. I make use of the facilities while I'm being checked in and grab the 2 boarding passes as I rush back out of the lounge towards the gate. E11 down the end of the pier. At least it isnt an F gate I suppose.

Boarding is nearing completion by the time I arrive and so through the security at the gate and straight to my seat. I have a drink while catching my breath before we push back. There is a short delay while someone's bags are offloaded. Fortunately this takes just a few minutes - a minor miracle compared with the usual 20 minutes - as I have another tight connection ahead and havent yet checked in for that flight either (I had no time to do this also).

The short flight is uneventful. I like the food options on the flights between Singapore and Indonesia - there's usually one or two spicy dishes. There isnt enough time to watch a movie so instead I play some games. On arrival at Jakarta we land on the secondary runway, which is a first for me. This means we get to taxi past the aircraft graveyard which has maybe a dozen aircraft ranging from 747s down to much smaller types, in various colour schemes and all sorts of states of disrepair.

Once deplaned I head upstairs just before immigration to the departures level and visit the lounge, where I have a chance to check my email. Its not long before its time to head to the gate. Security is at the gate and several folk are turned away - not sure why - but I am through quickly. I pay the departure tax here (no change given but can pay in S$ or US$ or euros instead of IDR).

Back on board and greeted warmly back by the crew, who also do the turnaround. I am invited to choose any seat I wish as on this flight I'm the only one in the cabin! When the FA hands out the menu card I say dont bother as I know what I'd like to order (both menus for SIN-CGK and CGK-SIN are on the same card)

Given our late arrival into Jakarta I ask what the changes are for on time return to Singapore. I'm told dont worry we have a good 20 minutes padded into the schedule. We make up a little time on the turnaround but still push back a little late. Then a long slow taxi. Ahhh, I'd forgotten how slow this can be at Jakarta. I'm not sure if air traffic control is more cautious here or deliberately slow, but during busy (well busy for Jakarta) times I notice how slow and well spaced out the arrivals and departures are here. Yup we end up waiting 20 minutes for our turn to take off - so much for a padded schedule! The flight itself is rather bumpy so I have to be careful not to spill the red wine.

On arrival back at Singapore we get the "random" check of carry-ons at the gate entrance. This only seems to happen to some (not all) Jakarta flights, although others have reported also for Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. It certainly doesnt seem to be random.

By now I am really tight to check in for the next flight so back I run down the pier (we arrived at gate E12) to the lounge. Hi, remember me! I'm back and need another boarding pass! I asked for the return boarding pass as well but was told it was unable to be checked in as passed to airport control - huh? sounds baloney to me as I've always been able to check in for onward sectors especially when its the same airline and no checked bags.

Anyway, no time to argue as race back out to the gate - yup way out in F pier.

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

Summary update

Map

29 flights
52,051 flown miles

Aircraft 747, 777, A319, Beaver, Dash 8, Beechcraft 1900C, 757, MD80, 737, ARJ, Fokker 70

Airlines Singapore, Air Canada, Harbour Air, Pacific Coastal, American, Lufthansa, Air France (and Regional)

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

Back on board a Singapore 747 after the brief interlude on a 777. No exit row this time but never mind, at least I made the flight. I hope to sleep on this short redeye service, and manage to get a couple of hours but not much more. The menu is posted below.

REFRESHMENT menu

To Nibble On

Walnut bread with gravadlax and avocado spread, leafy salad

Braised egg noodles with beef, mushrooms and leafy greens

A Connoisseur's Choice

Gourmet coffee

Selection of tea


BREAKFAST menu

A Fresh Start

A choice of apple, tomato or freshly squeezed orange

Fresh fruit

A Healthy Note

Choice of cereals

The Main Event

Steamed fried rice with seafood and spring onion wrapped in lotus leaf

Griddled hotcake served with maple syrup, chicken sausages and roasted tomato

Chive omelette served with ham steak, roasted tomato and roesti potato

From the Bakery

Assorted breakfast rolls

Butter - Fruit preserve

A Connoisseur's Choice

Gourmet coffee

Selection of tea

Your Breakfast Choice

This convenient breakfast option lets you enjoy all the sleep you want, uninterrupted. Please inform our crew of your choice before lights out - if they do not receive your selection, you will be awakened in time for the complete breakfast.

The complete breakfast - take your pick of the Main Event from our scrumptious selections (served earliest 2.5 hours prior to arrival)

Continental breakfast - delight in this simple yet wholesome meal (served earliest 1.5 hours prior to arrival)


BEVERAGES

special coughtail

Orange Cooler

coughtails

Singapore Sling
Silver Kris Sling
Gin Fizz
Cloud Nine
Screwdriver
Bloody Mary
Daiquiri
Red or White Wine Cooler

aperitifs
Campari
Dry Vermouth

non-alcoholic coughtails

Citrus Royale
Tropical Sparkle
Golden Spice
Fruit Spritzer
Sunrise Surprise

spirits

Cognac XO Otard
Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky
Johnnie Walker Black Label
Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey
Gordon's Dry Gin
Absolut Vodka
Bacardi Carta Blanca

liqueurs

Cointreau
Tia Maria
Baileys Original Irish Cream

beer

International Selection

stout

Guinness Stout

champagne

Charles Heidsieck 1995
Piper Heidsieck 1999

white wines

Kloster Eberbach Riesling Kabinett 2003 Rheingau
Montagny 1er Cru 2002

red wines

Chateau Cissac 1998 Cru Bourgeois Haut Medoc
Nipozzano Riserva 2001 Chianti Rufina Docg Frescobaldi

port

Taylor 2000 Late Bottled Vintage Port

tea selection

Pure Ceylon Tea
Earl Grey
Darjeeling
Camomile
Decaffeinated Tea
Japanese Green Tea

chinese tea selection

Oolong

gourmet coffees

Brazil Santos Bourbon
Colombian Supremo
Kenyan AA Kilimanjaro

specialty coffees

Brewed Coffee
Cafe Royal
Espresso
Cappuccino
Decaffeinated Coffee
Mocha

other beverages

Chocolate
Milo

mineral water

Carbonated mineral water
Non-carbonated mineral water

fruit juices

Apple
Orange
Pineapple
Tomato
Cranberry

soft drinks

A range of regular or low-calorie drinks is available

iced drinks

Iced Tea
Iced Coffee
Iced Mocha
Iced Chocolate
Iced Milo


Shortly after the refreshment has been served (which I decline) and cleared away, there is a PA asking for a doctor on board to deal with a medical emergency. Wow this is the fourth one in the past few months, after years since the previous one that I can recall. Hope its not too serious.

After that I found sleep hard so I lift the window shade a little to peek outside. It is amazingly beautiful - we are flying over extensive cloud cover - not too far below the aircraft. The moonlight has lit up the top of the cloud with a light silvery glow, and the slight undulations in the top of the cloud casts shadows and gives a soft texture like giant pillows slightly plumped up.

The view on descent into Seoul is also amazing. It is still pitch black but the city lights shine brightly under clear skies. We see the warning lights atop high towers and masts, and even a lighthouse's beam revolving lazily across the sea. As we land I see the lights of several other longhaul flights stacked up behind us on final approach - we must be seeing quite a distance out on such a clear night.

The snow of a less than 2 weeks ago has gone, and all that remains is the frigid -10C cold. So I hurry to the transfer screening point. Since for once I dont have an onward boarding pass there is a small delay while I explain the date changes since my original ticket was issued (it did not need reissuing for this) and I'm let through. At this early time the transfer desk is closed and wont open for another hour, so I head to the lounge and hope to access on the strength of my ticket; and indeed I am let in. In fact they kindly offer to arrange check in for me so I can stay in the lounge until the return flight ^

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

While in the lounge I take a much needed shower and check some emails. Soon enough it is time to board for the return, now in daylight, flight.

I keep an eye on the departure time - yup you guessed it I have another tight connection on arrival in Singapore. To my relief we leave on time.

I spend the flight dozing without getting any proper sleep, drinking, playing games and talking. Here is the menu.


REFRESHMENT menu

To Nibble On

Walnut bread with gravadlax and avocado spread, leafy salad

Braised egg noodles with beef, mushrooms and leafy greens

A Connoisseur's Choice

Gourmet coffee

Selection of tea


BREAKFAST menu

A Fresh Start

A choice of apple, tomato or freshly squeezed orange

Fresh fruit

A Healthy Note

Choice of cereals

The Main Event

Steamed fried rice with seafood and spring onion wrapped in lotus leaf

Griddled hotcake served with maple syrup, chicken sausages and roasted tomato

Chive omelette served with ham steak, roasted tomato and roesti potato

From the Bakery

Assorted breakfast rolls

Butter - Fruit preserve

A Connoisseur's Choice

Gourmet coffee

Selection of tea

Your Breakfast Choice

This convenient breakfast option lets you enjoy all the sleep you want, uninterrupted. Please inform our crew of your choice before lights out - if they do not receive your selection, you will be awakened in time for the complete breakfast.

The complete breakfast - take your pick of the Main Event from our scrumptious selections (served earliest 2.5 hours prior to arrival)

Continental breakfast - delight in this simple yet wholesome meal (served earliest 1.5 hours prior to arrival)


BEVERAGES

special coughtail

Orange Cooler

coughtails

Singapore Sling
Silver Kris Sling
Gin Fizz
Cloud Nine
Screwdriver
Bloody Mary
Daiquiri
Red or White Wine Cooler

aperitifs
Campari
Dry Vermouth

non-alcoholic coughtails

Citrus Royale
Tropical Sparkle
Golden Spice
Fruit Spritzer
Sunrise Surprise

spirits

Cognac XO Otard
Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky
Johnnie Walker Black Label
Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey
Gordon's Dry Gin
Absolut Vodka
Bacardi Carta Blanca

liqueurs

Cointreau
Tia Maria
Baileys Original Irish Cream

beer

International Selection

stout

Guinness Stout

champagne

Charles Heidsieck 1995
Piper Heidsieck 1999

white wines

Kloster Eberbach Riesling Kabinett 2003 Rheingau
Montagny 1er Cru 2002

red wines

Chateau Cissac 1998 Cru Bourgeois Haut Medoc
Nipozzano Riserva 2001 Chianti Rufina Docg Frescobaldi

port

Taylor 2000 Late Bottled Vintage Port

tea selection

Pure Ceylon Tea
Earl Grey
Darjeeling
Camomile
Decaffeinated Tea
Japanese Green Tea

chinese tea selection

Oolong

gourmet coffees

Brazil Santos Bourbon
Colombian Supremo
Kenyan AA Kilimanjaro

specialty coffees

Brewed Coffee
Cafe Royal
Espresso
Cappuccino
Decaffeinated Coffee
Mocha

other beverages

Chocolate
Milo

mineral water

Carbonated mineral water
Non-carbonated mineral water

fruit juices

Apple
Orange
Pineapple
Tomato
Cranberry

soft drinks

A range of regular or low-calorie drinks is available

iced drinks

Iced Tea
Iced Coffee
Iced Mocha
Iced Chocolate
Iced Milo


We arrive on time and yup another race to the lounge to beat the check in deadline.

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

For the third time in under 24 hours I dash to the lounge, grab some boarding passes and dash out to the gate. I wonder what they must think of me, let alone security?

Well I make it and finally sigh of relief for the rushed connections are over (for the next few days at least). This is again a turnaround trip to Jakarta. Food is the same as yesterday despite the different flight time - hmmm.

I didnt think I had much to drink but somehow the bottle was emptied on the short flight just by me!?

The flight was a little bumpier today and I had a few problems with the game resetting every now and then, but other than that the same as yesterday. Great service of course.

Back in Singapore a few hours later I meet up with ph-ndr who'd I'd briefly spoken to before heading out to the flight (while waiting for the boarding pass to be issued). He gladly moved across to the first side to join me in having some Doms.

We talked a lot and after he left for his flight I caught up on emails and some urgent work.

I dont end up getting any sleep, as by the time that is done it is time for a shower and get some nice breakfast (much better in the lounge than in the air).

Well it is another day and time for another flight. This time back to Auckland on the 777. For a nice change the gate is not at the end, although the usual long queue out the gate and along the corridor due to not enough screeners has happened again. Honestly I dont know why they keep short-staffing the gates when they are pushing everyone to arrive early and you end up spending time waiting to be screened. The flight is full, as expected for this time of year. What is unexpected is the contingent of male tennis players (not quite top flight but still high ranking) who are in the tournament starting soon. They all have large carry-ons for their rackets which they refuse to check in. This means overhead bin space is at a premium.

I hadnt planned on sleeping so as to adjust for the arrival time around midnight, however I found my self dozing a bit as the past few days frentic pace caught up with me.

I didnt eat or drink much - and the FAs seemed confused by my turning down all their offers (of food and drink - get your mind out of the gutter!).


BREAKFAST menu

A Fresh Start

A choice of apple, tomato or freshly squeezed orange

Fresh fruit

A Healthy Note

Choice of cereals or yoghurt

The Main Event

Portobello mushroom quiche with chicken sausag, roasted roma tomato and hash brown potatoes

Dim sum

Crepe with parsley-scrambled egg, roasted tomato, sauteed button mushrooms and gratin potato

From the Bakery

Assorted breakfast rolls

Butter - Fruit preserve

A Connoisseur's Choice

Gourmet coffee

Selection of tea


BEFORE TOUCH-DOWN menu

To Nibble On

Satay

A Savoury Note

Mesclun with spicy Thai prawn-pomelo salad

The Main Event

Seabass fillet with steamed mussel in moroccan spice sauce, baby leek, peas, carrot and fettuccine

Braised lamb shank in soya with brocolli, carrot, mushrooms and fried rice

Panfried chicken in basil-tomato sauce with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes

Indonesian style beef randang with spiced vegetables and steamed rice

The Cheese Board

Gourmet cheese with garnishes

A Sweet Note

A selection of fresh fruit

Ben & Jerry ice cream

A Connoisseur's Choice

Gourmet coffee

Selection of tea

and pralines


BEVERAGES

special coughtail

Orange Cooler

coughtails

Singapore Sling
Silver Kris Sling
Gin Fizz
Cloud Nine
Screwdriver
Bloody Mary
Daiquiri
Red or White Wine Cooler

aperitifs
Campari
Dry Vermouth

non-alcoholic coughtails

Citrus Royale
Tropical Sparkle
Golden Spice
Fruit Spritzer
Sunrise Surprise

spirits

Cognac XO Otard
Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky
Johnnie Walker Black Label
Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey
Gordon's Dry Gin
Absolut Vodka
Bacardi Carta Blanca

liqueurs

Cointreau
Tia Maria
Baileys Original Irish Cream

beer

International Selection

stout

Guinness Stout

champagne

Charles Heidsieck 1995
Piper Heidsieck 1999

white wines

Kloster Eberbach Riesling Kabinett 2003 Rheingau
Montagny 1er Cru 2002

red wines

Chateau Cissac 1998 Cru Bourgeois Haut Medoc
Nipozzano Riserva 2001 Chianti Rufina Docg Frescobaldi

port

Taylor 2000 Late Bottled Vintage Port

tea selection

Pure Ceylon Tea
Earl Grey
Darjeeling
Camomile
Decaffeinated Tea
Japanese Green Tea

chinese tea selection

Oolong

gourmet coffees

Brazil Santos Bourbon
Colombian Supremo
Kenyan AA Kilimanjaro

specialty coffees

Brewed Coffee
Cafe Royal
Espresso
Cappuccino
Decaffeinated Coffee
Mocha

other beverages

Chocolate
Milo

mineral water

Carbonated mineral water
Non-carbonated mineral water

fruit juices

Apple
Orange
Pineapple
Tomato
Cranberry

soft drinks

A range of regular or low-calorie drinks is available

iced drinks

Iced Tea
Iced Coffee
Iced Mocha
Iced Chocolate
Iced Milo

We arrived back to a sultry evening and quickly through immigration and agriculture. I could see a large queue of those who weren't so fortunate and was glad it wasnt me.

Next up - a do run run.

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

Summary update

Map

34 flights
64,102 flown miles

Aircraft 747, 777, A319, Beaver, Dash 8, Beechcraft 1900C, 757, MD80, 737, ARJ, Fokker 70

Airlines Singapore, Air Canada, Harbour Air, Pacific Coastal, American, Lufthansa, Air France (and Regional)

 

[clifford]

Nice trip clifford. Will you do a report?

I still have over a dozen flights (and a lot of miles of course) to go in this trip report - it aint over yet by any stretch!

I may, Kiwi, but it will be very rough and ready compared with your voluminous reports.

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

I'm looking forward to it already!

Should there be a trip reports section on AFF? Might make it easier to find reports, and encourage a few more folk to write them.

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

DO RUN RUN

A few days later, and after a long day at work, its again time to head back to the airport for yet another flight. I had forgotten the last airbus to the airport from the city is rather early for my flight, which is the last of the day. And so I end up having to take a taxi when I come to my senses. At this hour of the day the ride out is fast.

Since its the last flight the airport is fairly quiet (although 2 other flights are yet to depart they have finished check in process). Check in takes a while as I sort out some flight issues. While there they hand me a birthday card from the airport crew which is a nice touch ^

The premium immigration officer is gone so I head to the regular immigration queue for the first time in ages. Fortunately the queue is short and I'm through in no time. Some last minute shopping before I head to the lounge and I discover that all the duty free shops (well all except for liquor) are shut already :td: Even the currency exchange is shut so I cant get some money changed.

Off to the lounge and a refreshing shower. Once freshened up I grab a drink and log on. I see the inbound aircraft is running late so the redeye departure is looking to be even later than usual

 

[Yada Yada]

DO RUN RUN

Serfty PM'd to advise you won't be able to join us tomorrow (Fri) in SIN b/c of your short transit. Sorry to hear that.

Anyway, I hope that the "DO" is lots of fun, and that the rain stops! I was out at dinner last night at Beerwerkz and it litterally p!ssed down for quite a while. It's dry tonight so maybe it will begin to fine up. :wink:

 

[JohnK]

While there they hand me a birthday card from the airport crew which is a nice touch ^

My family forgets my birthday and you get a birthday card from airport crew. :roll: Priceless.