Lighting up Burj Khalifa on New Year's Eve

[Pushka]

And

Note the price tag

 

[Pushka]

Gate lounge

Business Centre


Not this morning

 

[Pushka]

The boarding process wasnt exactly great. First we could look down and see that most Y pax had long been boarding.
Our flight hadnt been called from the Lounge but we started queueing anyway. They announced a 5 minute delay - have no idea what for.

Finally they started moving - a check that we had a boarding pass, then the actual check in, then a strict bags inspection. Remember this is from the F lounge. Then we started down four flights of stairs as there didnt seem anywhere else to go. Got to the bottom then a security guy pointed us to go up where we came from (a few of us by now). Great. Up four sets of steps that landed us back to security search. They were surprised to see us. Then someone found four lifts - two for top level and two for bottom. But everyone piled into the wrong lifts and pressing buttons that wouldnt register. Finally we got to the plane and the crew said that everyone boarding from F lounge were saying the same thing. There was supposed to be someone upstairs guiding us.

 

[Pushka]

And F was wonderful. We had selected 2A and 3A and were pleased. There was a crying baby in the last row who finally slept most of the trip after around an hour crying.

Being a 9.30am flight we had just woken up normally but a 6am arrival in Sydney meant we should sleep. Of course we couldn't. The joys of jet lag/no sleep.

Back to the trip. Nice Champagne indeed - now quite a fan.

The lovely Kerri was our main host and she was fun. Nothing like a Qantas crew member who loves their job.

I settled down to watch movies. First off, finished off Bridge of Spies. Fabulous movie - just had missed the last 10 minutes last flight.
Then the menus

 

[Pushka]

Chose the Pol Roger again with appetisers.

Love the dining here with the possibility of eating with someone else. We both declined!

 

[Pushka]

Next up was the soup. Very nice it was. Forgot to take a photo!
Next, a delish steak sandwich


That was it - no mains, or deserts. Way too much food the night before.

By this time I was watching Vacation - a National Lampoons follow up film. It was ridiculously funny and I and Kerri, as she passed by from time to time, enjoyed it thoroughly.
Pix of 2A


Final view of Khalifa

Amenities kit and those PJ's

 

[Pushka]

I ended up watching a few more films in comfort of the wonderful Q bed. No Escape - fast paced action and rather brutal movie; Southpaw - brilliantly acted boxing movie; Mistress America - interesting; and Vacation. Did I say Vacation was rude?


Also bought these onboard


Love the set up of the swivel seat and easy access to controls. The bed was super comfy. Not as private as EK first, and also like EK mini bar set up and snacks tray. Clearly I am happy in either.

Arrival into Sydney was quick with a slight delay due to an Immigration inspection prior to disembark as someone was unwell. Actually think it was a crew member as they were sitting in 1J and they walked forward but not off, once immigration was happy.

Luggage was quick. Boy the egate causes so many issues in Sydney not seen in Adelaide. Luggage came out quickly then off to collect the duty free that had to be put in the hold at Dubai. Then through priority customs very quickly.

Caught an earlier flight to Adelaide - Row 16? WT? And why when there were rows of free seats were we plonked next to someone else? The mysteries and 'joys' of flying.

Home again. Sleep deprived. But already unpacked.

Where to next? Well a bucket list. Alaska. A land trip and cruise. Dog sledding, light planes, helicopters and glacier landings. In May. With a bookend of Hawaii. Less than 5 months to go! Must start packing.

 

[Kolo]

Thanks for another enjoyable TR Pushka.

 

[JessicaTam]

Thanks for the TR!

 

[Bindibuys]

2A & 3A reserved for our next trip, (SYD-DXB) hope you did not spill champagne on our seats.
Thanks for a fabulous report, will be booking the Desert tour (after Mercury)

 

[love_the_life]

Hi P, Thanks for the TR. Dubai sounds amazing though it is not a place I am likely to visit soon as we prefer to go through Asia to Europe. Gold and bling seem to be the order of the day.
If it came down to it, which do you prefer - Emirates or QF F?

 

[Pushka]

If it came down to it, which do you prefer - Emirates or QF F?

That is a great question. I am torn.
Love the EK Suites. A perfect retreat. Being enclosed is wonderful. Plus there are the snacks and soft drink in your seat so you don't need to keep asking for water/soft drinks and choccies/chips.

The food - I'd say EK slightly ahead. Their caviar service is outstanding and there is nothing like Dom, but the Pol on Q was rather good.

The Bed - I'd say Q slightly ahead due to the sheepskin rug. The TV controls also just seemed a bit more reliable and easier to negotiate.

Service? We had the excellent Kelli on Qantas that made the trip one of those that 'makes' Qantas. But there are several trips when there are no Kellis to be seen. We have had great Emirates staff but one flight where they were not great at all. Maybe more consistencies on Emirates?

Hmmm - I really don't know?

 

[Pushka]

2A & 3A reserved for our next trip, (SYD-DXB) hope you did not spill champagne on our seats.
Thanks for a fabulous report, will be booking the Desert tour (after Mercury)

I am about to put up a video on youtube that this company produces each time. Some stock footage in it but also some personal shots. Hopefully by end of the day.

 

[Pushka]

[video=youtube_share;wHphS2DUYWU]https://youtu.be/wHphS2DUYWU[/video]

 

[drron]

Another great read Pushka.

 

[Pushka]

Another great read Pushka.

Well, I am waiting for your next one drron.

Not too many sunsets in Dubai - the sun just disappears into this weird kind of cloud bank.

And as for Alaska, well, I wont be staying up that late.

 

[amaroo]

Excellent TR!

Your next adventure sounds like a ripper.

 

[love_the_life]

Oh there you are looking like you are really enjoying it - the Royal wave I see though that sand dune looks a doozy. The camel looks very fetching - gorgeous eye lashes.

 

[Pushka]

Here she is in person

 

[Pushka]

Excellent TR!

Your next adventure sounds like a ripper.

Look who's talking!