Flying *A from Australia to Europe

[boomy]

After landed in BKK the buggy was waiting for a short drive to the transit security check. I had 6 hours to burn until my next flight. I was lucky to get a private room in the F lounge again. After a short relaxation and some phone calls, I went to claim my 1 hour complimentary massage. Later returned to the lounge, relaxed in the private room, had some Thai food (Tom Yum Gong and Massaman Curry) and a few Martinis.

I took a short nap, surfed the net and watched soccer.
Time went by very quickly and before I noticed, it was already time to board the flight back home.

 

[boomy]

Last leg BKK-SYD departing 8pm on B747-400.
I couldn't believe my luck, I scored the refurbished F cabin!

That means I managed to experience 4 different TG F cabins on this trip. Sweet!
Took my seat at 1A and was very happy to see no one occupied 1K, complete privacy! I'm going to sleep well tonight


Great look, so much better then the old B747 F I had on the way to BKK.

I already had a PJ from my previous leg so I asked for S size to bring the missus. I was told they keep only 1 S onboard and the rest are M and L so next time, I should pre-order.
Not big deal, next time the missus will fly with me anyway on a special GUM trip

 

[boomy]

The menu.

Entrée is Prawns wrapped in lemongrass, yummy!

First course. The familiar Caviar for the last time
Second course is marinated salmon caramel stuffed with goat cheese.

For main I pre-ordered the Lobster Thermidor (again). This time it was even better

 

[boomy]

Forgot the Third course, Onion Soup with Port that came before the Lobster. It was also very nice.

Finish the meal with cheese.

Followed by tea and some small sweets.

It was by far the best meal in the air I had on this trip.

 

[boomy]

Time to sleep.

The bed was very comfortable, I can get used to this

 

[boomy]

Breakfast started with muesli, yogurt and fruits.

I didn't feel like a hot meal so I chose the Cold cuts Platter. It was not bad.

Watching the sunrise above Australia.

 

[boomy]

Almost time to land in SYD. Express pass was given, very important to avoid the morning rush.

The crew came to say goodbye and handed a nice gift, TG A380 playing cards.

 

[boomy]

That's it, the trip is over.
Short summary:
1 layover.
2 stopovers.
4 different airlines.
4 long haul F flights.
4 short haul J flights.
8 type of planes.
10 lounges.
All in all it was a great trip with some sightseeing, a lot of flying and too much plane food and lounge alcohol.
Time to start a diet until the next trip
And finally, a big thanks to the people who contribute to the USDM and LM threads. I learned a lot from there and I hope to contribute as well in the future.

 

[JessicaTam]

Awesome trip report boomy. I look forward to catching up with you soon to hear more.

 

[JMFK]

Holy TR batman!

Great work, Boomy!

 

[Welsh-Kiwi]

Great work Boomy!

 

[amaroo]

Terrific TR.

Your ATH segment has enticed us to change plans for our Anzac Day trip next year. Have booked Hotel Grande Bretagne and BA flight from LHR after our BNE-SYD-LHR J/FASA.

Last time I visited ATH was as a 9 year old on a 6 week family holiday of Europe - way back in 1976. SWMBO has never been to ATH and once she saw your TR - it was game on!

About to book TK for ATH-IST - another first....

 

[boomy]

Terrific TR.

Your ATH segment has enticed us to change plans for our Anzac Day trip next year. Have booked Hotel Grande Bretagne and BA flight from LHR after our BNE-SYD-LHR J/FASA.

Last time I visited ATH was as a 9 year old on a 6 week family holiday of Europe - way back in 1976. SWMBO has never been to ATH and once she saw your TR - it was game on!

About to book TK for ATH-IST - another first....

I'm sure you will enjoy ATH, especially if you like history and Greek food. Hotel GB is pretty awesome, you made a good choice
Looks like you are going to have a memorable trip going to the special Anzac Day ceremony next year.

 

[TomVexille]

Fantastic work boomy. And welcome back.

 

[trentusjuventus]

Fantastically detailed TR boomy, pleasure to read. TK lounge in IST is definitely on the bucket list now!

 

[Magpie10]

Thanks Boomy for a great TR and the fantastic photos have eagerly awaited each new post. Much appreciated.

 

[jetlagger]

Thoroughly enjoyed your fantastic TR & especially the pictorials.
The luxurious TG F is on my list.
Thanks for sharing your experiences.

 

[amaroo]

I'm sure you will enjoy ATH, especially if you like history and Greek food. Hotel GB is pretty awesome, you made a good choice

Breakfast setting looks the goods!

Looks like you are going to have a memorable trip going to the special Anzac Day ceremony next year.

Cheers, unbelievably everything is booked. Have never booked anything this far out - ever!

 

[boomy]

Breakfast setting looks the goods!

Make sure to be there early to secure a good seat and don't forget to visit after dark as well. The bar and restaurant are very popular for dinner and drinks, booking is necessary.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

I'm sure you will enjoy ATH, especially if you like history and Greek food. Hotel GB is pretty awesome, you made a good choice

+1 to GB - given the location, the history of ATH, the view from restaurant on top floor (dinner and brekky a MUST - DO NOT MISS BOTH), quality of room, Alexanders Bar, the cigar room and everything about GB in general - I think it is equal in terms of BEST HOTEL EXPERIENCE I have ever had - equal with Raffles - could not split them.

Thanks boom boy for your TR - and thanks for your advice re TK - have booked 2 x *A J rdpt IST-ZRH for - 50K KF pts + SD90 - worth that alone to spend a few hours in the TK lounge.