A few notes on the trip:
PE trans-Tasman was pleasant enough. Fairly full on the way over and 2/8 on the way back. The staff were very keen to make sure we knew we could order anything, "absolutely anything"!
Five hours in CHC was long enough - it was due to be six, but the flight from MEL was delayed. The airport staff are very vigilant to prevent anyone lying down.
Vitagen and I both managed to sleep for a while, but is was very uncomfortable. We were issued coloured wrist bands when we first sat down so the staff wouldn't have to keep waking us up to check that our onward flights were later that morning. This was the only consideration we were given.
Vitagen and I turned a seat around so we could be face-to-face for security - a definite no-no. Free wi-fi was available, but the signal was better at the other end of the hallway.
The check-in opened at 0330, but customs wasn't open until 0430. At least the food and souvenir shops were open so Burger-King helped the hunger pains. A 28 Degrees card helped too.
The Koru-Club was very reminiscent of the one in MEL (or vice versa).
Vitagen was able to guest me into the Singapore Airlines/Air New Zealand lounge in SYD, as our PE fare did not include access other than for a pre TT flight. A very open lounge with plenty of room, even as it filled up before departing flights (including a couple of delayed ones).
SYD-AUH is a looooong flight, regardless of the class of travel. The PE seats reclined further than I thought they would and were as good as they could be. I would say the hard product is on a par with QF. The service was good, but nothing amasing. I managed to sleep for a bit, on and off.
I had pre-ordered a limousine pick up from the airport for AED140 (about AUD40). Cheap insurance I thought to save trying to find the right sort of taxi after 14 hours in the air. This is because it is recommended that women catch a 'women's' taxi. I was met at the airport gate and shown to the car, a fairly new 7 series BMW. Suffice to say I was quite comfy, and nodded off a few times in the 30 minute drive to the Hilton.
The Hilton staff were excellent. I have reported in another thread the pre-visit emails I received so I won't repeat them. There was even a follow up visit email checking i made my next destination, and if they could have improved their stay. Apart from a wider range of beers in the exec lounge I was very happy.
I felt very safe walking around AUH, although it was during daylight hours. The taxis were cheap (The airport on the return in a taxi was AED70) and readily available. I would easily spend longer and take a couple of organised tours to get a better look at the country.
I discovered to my disappointment that the CX arrangement with EY to use their lounge had expired the week before. I was directed instead to the Al Dhabi lounge, which was still very good, with an excellent range of hot and cold food. A number of rooms meant it was possible to find a quiet area if you so choose.
The two CX flights (AUH-HKG and HKG-MEL) were both excellent with friendly service. My status (OWE) was recognised and I was welcomed by the CSM on both flights. The cabin crew called me by name on most occasions as well. The lie flat beds were quite comfy and I slept well on both flights. The first one was an hour late out of AUH so my lounge time in HKG was shortened slightly.
The Wing was exceedingly pleasant with a very welcome and great shower. I only visited the F sections of the Wing, Pier and QF lounges, so I will have to experience the J lounges on my next visit.
I arrived at 0630 back in MEL on Thursday, along with 2-3 other planes, so I made a bee-line for the exit. Express passes were freely given in MEL, CHC and AUH, so I now have a few to spare.
Hilton Hotel: $500 for three nights.
CX: $1600 for both flights in J (240 SC)
VA: Shhh. (225 SC)
Time in an airport/airplane: 64 hours
Time out of an airport/airplane: 90 hours
Would I do it again dear reader? Probably, but I need to forget CHC first.
A big thank you to
Vitagen for sharing the first part of the madness.
