- Joined
- Jan 29, 2012
- Posts
- 15,597
- Qantas
- LT Gold
- Virgin
- Red
This one was used by the RAF and was then acquired by Swiss Air before being donated to the museum and restored.
Florence and where-ever.
- Thread starter JessicaTam
- Start date
- Status
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2012
- Posts
- 15,597
- Qantas
- LT Gold
- Virgin
- Red
Thursday (27th Feb!)
Our last day in Malta was a relaxed start. We caught the X2 bus (€1.50 ea) from outside the hotel which took us to the airport. It was a very roundabout route, but we got there in the end. I think the bus driver sped up for the stop signs!
We checked in and whiled away some time using the free wifi in the departures area. I think half the KM fleet was in Malta that afternoon. They have 4x A319 and 6x A320. Our flight to Malta was in a 320, and back to CTA was in a 319.
No airbridges in MTA, so it was onto the bus again for the trip to the plane - the driver drove in a straight line for about 400 metres and then stopped at the steps of our ride.
We chose window seats for this flight, but low cloud prevented anything but a brief glimpse at the landscape during takeoff and landing. During this flight we got to the heady heights of 16,000 feet.
A short bus ride into CTA and we were checked in at the same B&B as before we left. A different room, with some interesting bed heads.
Something fishy!
Tomorrow, we head for Palermo by bus, where we spend a couple of nights before starting the long trek home - and Lyn doesn't suspect a thing.
Our last day in Malta was a relaxed start. We caught the X2 bus (€1.50 ea) from outside the hotel which took us to the airport. It was a very roundabout route, but we got there in the end. I think the bus driver sped up for the stop signs!
We checked in and whiled away some time using the free wifi in the departures area. I think half the KM fleet was in Malta that afternoon. They have 4x A319 and 6x A320. Our flight to Malta was in a 320, and back to CTA was in a 319.
No airbridges in MTA, so it was onto the bus again for the trip to the plane - the driver drove in a straight line for about 400 metres and then stopped at the steps of our ride.
We chose window seats for this flight, but low cloud prevented anything but a brief glimpse at the landscape during takeoff and landing. During this flight we got to the heady heights of 16,000 feet.
A short bus ride into CTA and we were checked in at the same B&B as before we left. A different room, with some interesting bed heads.
Something fishy!
Tomorrow, we head for Palermo by bus, where we spend a couple of nights before starting the long trek home - and Lyn doesn't suspect a thing.
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2012
- Posts
- 15,597
- Qantas
- LT Gold
- Virgin
- Red
We checked in to find we were staying in the building around the corner from the office. No biggie, as we soon found when we opened the door. Or actually 'biggie' might be more appropriate. The room was lovely with a large bathroom and terrace. It was well protected from the wind and cold so made a quite pleasant spot to enjoy a glass or two of red. We were here for two nights so ended up eating at the local pizza place on both of them.
On our first day we had a bit of a walk, and spied our bus stop for the airport bus. (6.30€ ea)
The room
The terrace
On our first day we had a bit of a walk, and spied our bus stop for the airport bus. (6.30€ ea)
The room
The terrace
Read our AFF credit card guides and start earning more points now.
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2012
- Posts
- 15,597
- Qantas
- LT Gold
- Virgin
- Red
WARNING: This posts contains photographs of cakes.
Day 2
One of the goals today was to walk the main streets of Palermo. There are four, two run east-west, and two north-south. It was a saturday and surprising quiet. We ducked our heads into a few shops, but nothing too inspiring.
As we wound our way home, we searched out Capello, home to the setteveli - a seven layer chocolate cake. We found it in a very ordinary shop front on a side street, two blocks from the main road.
And here it is. Apparently delicious.
I only found out when ordering it that it contains hazelnuts. Grrr.
So I had an alternative:
Almost as much cream inside as a kitchener bun.*
The dining area was delightful
A small selection
But wait! There's more.
Apart from the above cakes that were on display, there was also a fridge door full of cakes and treats. I did not get a shot of that as it was near the coffee counter and a bit too crowded. Sorry.
We headed back to our apartment for a bit of a lie down! Then it was out for dinner and an early night. A 5am start the next day in order to get the bus to PMO at 6.15 for an 8.55 departure.
*South Australians will understand this reference.
Day 2
One of the goals today was to walk the main streets of Palermo. There are four, two run east-west, and two north-south. It was a saturday and surprising quiet. We ducked our heads into a few shops, but nothing too inspiring.
As we wound our way home, we searched out Capello, home to the setteveli - a seven layer chocolate cake. We found it in a very ordinary shop front on a side street, two blocks from the main road.
And here it is. Apparently delicious.
I only found out when ordering it that it contains hazelnuts. Grrr.
So I had an alternative:
Almost as much cream inside as a kitchener bun.*
The dining area was delightful
A small selection
But wait! There's more.
Apart from the above cakes that were on display, there was also a fridge door full of cakes and treats. I did not get a shot of that as it was near the coffee counter and a bit too crowded. Sorry.
We headed back to our apartment for a bit of a lie down! Then it was out for dinner and an early night. A 5am start the next day in order to get the bus to PMO at 6.15 for an 8.55 departure.
*South Australians will understand this reference.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2012
- Posts
- 15,597
- Qantas
- LT Gold
- Virgin
- Red
Quite the early start, but we made the bus after about a 20 minute walk, and then had a pleasant 45 minute ride as the sun came up over the mountains. Checkin open at 6.55, BPs obtained and we were then through security. No lounge access, so we slummed it with the great unwashed. 
Had a bit of a laugh as were enjoying our last Italian coffee. The waiter called out over the crowd "Hey Luigi"! Totally unexpected throw back to what one might hear in the fruit and veg markets in the 70s. Ok, 'small things'.
Our ride from PMO-STR
We arrived in STR with a few hours to kill, so headed off in search of a lounge. We found the BA exec lounge upstairs and at the end of a corridor. The lounge agent had to go off and check if a QF FF, travelling on AB metal on an AA ticket was allowed access to a BA lounge. Her supervised came back to confirm we could access it, and we were in. For the next three hours we were the only pax in the lounge. A Sunday afternoon, coupled with no BA flights until later that evening meant that we were the only entertainment for the lounge staff. Had a lovely chat with them both before finally heading off to board.
STR BA lounge
And more
We landed a few minutes early into TXL and were soon in a cab to the HH. We checked in and dropped our bags before heading back into town in a cab to see Blue Man Group. I have seen them before, and was not quite sure how to describe them to Lyn. So I left the show speak for itself. It has had a bit of a revamp since I saw it last four years ago, and was still absolutely marvellous. A light meal afterwards and then a casual walk back to hotel for a well earned rest after a very long day.
HH Berlin Exec room
Had a bit of a laugh as were enjoying our last Italian coffee. The waiter called out over the crowd "Hey Luigi"! Totally unexpected throw back to what one might hear in the fruit and veg markets in the 70s. Ok, 'small things'.
Our ride from PMO-STR
We arrived in STR with a few hours to kill, so headed off in search of a lounge. We found the BA exec lounge upstairs and at the end of a corridor. The lounge agent had to go off and check if a QF FF, travelling on AB metal on an AA ticket was allowed access to a BA lounge. Her supervised came back to confirm we could access it, and we were in. For the next three hours we were the only pax in the lounge. A Sunday afternoon, coupled with no BA flights until later that evening meant that we were the only entertainment for the lounge staff. Had a lovely chat with them both before finally heading off to board.
STR BA lounge
And more
We landed a few minutes early into TXL and were soon in a cab to the HH. We checked in and dropped our bags before heading back into town in a cab to see Blue Man Group. I have seen them before, and was not quite sure how to describe them to Lyn. So I left the show speak for itself. It has had a bit of a revamp since I saw it last four years ago, and was still absolutely marvellous. A light meal afterwards and then a casual walk back to hotel for a well earned rest after a very long day.
HH Berlin Exec room
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2012
- Posts
- 15,597
- Qantas
- LT Gold
- Virgin
- Red
zig
Established Member
- Joined
- Apr 9, 2007
- Posts
- 2,392
Whew... that's a relief. Thanks for the TR.
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2012
- Posts
- 15,597
- Qantas
- LT Gold
- Virgin
- Red
We stirred about 9 and made our way downstairs for the buffet breakfast. There was a fair selection of hot items along with the usual cereals. A nice coffee to finish it off, and then we were packed and in a taxi for the airport. As we slept a little later than intended we only had time for a drive past the Brandenberg Gate.
The flight from TXL was uneventful with BA in Club Europe. What was eventful was getting to LHR and picking these up from the transfer counter:
Our BPs which I quickly secreted away.
We headed into the BA First lounge in T3 and had a bite to eat and a glass of bubbles. We had pre-booked a spa treatment at No.1 traveller's lounge, and it was certainly very pleasant. It was only 20 minutes long, but that was the longest complimentary massage available to QF F pax.
At 6.30pm we headed into the F dining room for dinner. I forgot to take a pic of the main course (thai chicken and rice) however regained my senses in time for dessert:
A yummy baked cheesecake.
During dinner I produced the BPs, and it took a moment for Lyn to quite realise what they meant. 'Bazoinga'!
She was very surprised and wondered how many goats I had sacrificed to procure them. I made it very clear then (as now) that flying home in F is solely due to the many tips/tricks/advice from all the contributors on this forum. AFF has taken me from one domestic flight in J, to LHR-xDXB-MEL in F for two. And for that I shall always be grateful.
Seat view
Bed view
Lounge view
There were 5 of us in the F cabin and so service was top notch. A welcome from the F staff, as well as a personal welcome from the CSM. We settled in for the first leg and were soon being served some delightful treats.
The flight from TXL was uneventful with BA in Club Europe. What was eventful was getting to LHR and picking these up from the transfer counter:
Our BPs which I quickly secreted away.
We headed into the BA First lounge in T3 and had a bite to eat and a glass of bubbles. We had pre-booked a spa treatment at No.1 traveller's lounge, and it was certainly very pleasant. It was only 20 minutes long, but that was the longest complimentary massage available to QF F pax.
At 6.30pm we headed into the F dining room for dinner. I forgot to take a pic of the main course (thai chicken and rice) however regained my senses in time for dessert:
A yummy baked cheesecake.
During dinner I produced the BPs, and it took a moment for Lyn to quite realise what they meant. 'Bazoinga'!
She was very surprised and wondered how many goats I had sacrificed to procure them. I made it very clear then (as now) that flying home in F is solely due to the many tips/tricks/advice from all the contributors on this forum. AFF has taken me from one domestic flight in J, to LHR-xDXB-MEL in F for two. And for that I shall always be grateful.
Seat view
Bed view
Lounge view
There were 5 of us in the F cabin and so service was top notch. A welcome from the F staff, as well as a personal welcome from the CSM. We settled in for the first leg and were soon being served some delightful treats.
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2012
- Posts
- 15,597
- Qantas
- LT Gold
- Virgin
- Red
I will add the food pics when I get home, as I kept the menus and would rather title them correctly.
We had a little under 2 hours to transit DXB, so we made our way through security and up to the lounge. With so little time we just grabbed a bite and then it was not long before we were called for boarding.
We had our BPs checked and then the liquid check. I had a bottle of Pimms with me (that came through the first security check with no problems) and so the process began. A person came along with a bottle-box and some bubble-wrap and wrapped up the bottle. Then a QF staff member wrote out a ticket which I signed and was given a receipt. When I arrived in MEL I collected the box from the oversize baggage counter. I asked in DXB and was told that this is available to all classes, not just F.
The box
We had a little under 2 hours to transit DXB, so we made our way through security and up to the lounge. With so little time we just grabbed a bite and then it was not long before we were called for boarding.
We had our BPs checked and then the liquid check. I had a bottle of Pimms with me (that came through the first security check with no problems) and so the process began. A person came along with a bottle-box and some bubble-wrap and wrapped up the bottle. Then a QF staff member wrote out a ticket which I signed and was given a receipt. When I arrived in MEL I collected the box from the oversize baggage counter. I asked in DXB and was told that this is available to all classes, not just F.
The box
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2012
- Posts
- 15,597
- Qantas
- LT Gold
- Virgin
- Red
We boarded to find 'now there were four'. We also had three staff so wanted for nothing.
J was maybe 3/4 full, W less than half, and Y was also less than half full for the flight. The FAs were very happy with the light load.
Again, I will post the food shots later when I can give the correct descriptions.
We arrived in MEL a little while late as our departure from DXB had been delayed about 30 minutes. They had chosen today to do some testing of one of the runways - landings and takeoffs for IFR purposes I believe - so at one point we were number 23 in the queue.
As we walked out of the secure part of the terminal there stood a driver with a sign with my name on it. Very nice. A short walk over to the undercover carpark and up one level and we were into the car and home. Seamless.
J was maybe 3/4 full, W less than half, and Y was also less than half full for the flight. The FAs were very happy with the light load.
Again, I will post the food shots later when I can give the correct descriptions.
We arrived in MEL a little while late as our departure from DXB had been delayed about 30 minutes. They had chosen today to do some testing of one of the runways - landings and takeoffs for IFR purposes I believe - so at one point we were number 23 in the queue.
As we walked out of the secure part of the terminal there stood a driver with a sign with my name on it. Very nice. A short walk over to the undercover carpark and up one level and we were into the car and home. Seamless.
codash1099
Established Member
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2006
- Posts
- 2,879
- Qantas
- Platinum
Quite the early start, but we made the bus after about a 20 minute walk, and then had a pleasant 45 minute ride as the sun came up over the mountains. Checkin open at 6.55, BPs obtained and we were then through security. No lounge access, so we slummed it with the great unwashed.
Had a bit of a laugh as were enjoying our last Italian coffee. The waiter called out over the crowd "Hey Luigi"! Totally unexpected throw back to what one might hear in the fruit and veg markets in the 70s. Ok, 'small things'.
View attachment 25748
Our ride from PMO-STR
We arrived in STR with a few hours to kill, so headed off in search of a lounge. We found the BA exec lounge upstairs and at the end of a corridor. The lounge agent had to go off and check if a QF FF, travelling on AB metal on an AA ticket was allowed access to a BA lounge. Her supervised came back to confirm we could access it, and we were in. For the next three hours we were the only pax in the lounge. A Sunday afternoon, coupled with no BA flights until later that evening meant that we were the only entertainment for the lounge staff. Had a lovely chat with them both before finally heading off to board.
View attachment 25749
STR BA lounge
View attachment 25750
And more
We landed a few minutes early into TXL and were soon in a cab to the HH. We checked in and dropped our bags before heading back into town in a cab to see Blue Man Group. I have seen them before, and was not quite sure how to describe them to Lyn. So I left the show speak for itself. It has had a bit of a revamp since I saw it last four years ago, and was still absolutely marvellous. A light meal afterwards and then a casual walk back to hotel for a well earned rest after a very long day.
View attachment 25751
HH Berlin Exec room
Loved the Hilton in Berlin. Comfortable, good service and very well situated.
Flashback
Enthusiast
- Joined
- Oct 29, 2006
- Posts
- 13,036
Thanks for the TR, added a few places to my list of things to do while I'm here - and revisit (for Mrs Flashback's sake as she's not been to Florence)
They have these scattered around London St Pancras too!
Hmm... I was in Rome in November wearing shorts/t-shirt and people were all rugged up... so not freezing, but they feel it is
As above, I was much the same!
If you're ever back there again - don't bother with Pompeii, goto Herculaneum.
Off to Malta in 2 weeks so thanks for the tips.
They have these scattered around London St Pancras too!
Hmm... I was in Rome in November wearing shorts/t-shirt and people were all rugged up... so not freezing, but they feel it is
As above, I was much the same!
If you're ever back there again - don't bother with Pompeii, goto Herculaneum.
Off to Malta in 2 weeks so thanks for the tips.
TomVexille
Enthusiast
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2013
- Posts
- 11,090
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2012
- Posts
- 15,597
- Qantas
- LT Gold
- Virgin
- Red
There were two SPG and two AA accounts, taking advantage of bonus purchase and transfer offers. Separate bookings put on hold to ensure flights were the same. QF details added later to recognise status.So how many goats did you sacrifice?
In all seriousness, what an amazing surprise.
- Joined
- Jun 27, 2007
- Posts
- 10,758
- Qantas
- LT Gold
So how many goats did you sacrifice?
In all seriousness, what an amazing surprise.
She was just kidding about the goats.
Cool Cat Phil
Established Member
- Joined
- May 2, 2013
- Posts
- 1,936
- Qantas
- Platinum
- Virgin
- Red
- Oneworld
- Emerald
Thanks for the Trip Review Jessica, no doubt you both had an amazing trip, not to mention a fantastic experience to end such a great holiday flying First Class on a QF A380.
One word.... Jealous!
One word.... Jealous!
- Joined
- Jun 27, 2007
- Posts
- 10,758
- Qantas
- LT Gold
What a friend eh? Booking a first class trip like that and saving the best travel surprise for the very end.
Sprucegoose
Senior Member
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2003
- Posts
- 8,147
A great Finnish to a rewarding trip, you're right it's about the journey!
- Status
Become an AFF member!
Join Australian Frequent Flyer (AFF) for free and unlock insider tips, exclusive deals, and global meetups with 65,000+ frequent flyers.AFF members can also access our Frequent Flyer Training courses, and upgrade to Fast-track your way to expert traveller status and unlock even more exclusive discounts!
AFF forum abbreviations
Wondering about Y, J or any of the other abbreviations used on our forum?Check out our guide to common AFF acronyms & abbreviations.
