Mini TR: SYD-xMEL-xHKG-xHEL-MXP in J with QF & AY

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MXP train from airport to downtown --- no J option. What was I thinking hehehehe. The train was a very good option and cheap vs a car / driver. Rather painless and drops you right in city centre especially if you want to connect to the general metro.
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Luggage racks. These filled up quick.
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Into central
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Platform pic. Milan Central was very busy.
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Christmas tree in Milan station. Arh Christmas time. So nice.
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TBC
 
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Amenity kits of QF & AY

QF
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AY. I love the AY toothbrush and always ask for extra ones to use on other flights. Also the eye mask is the best I have ever had. Again I try to get more of them. So comfortable.
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The AY long haul was excellent. Finnair are noting that in late 2014 their long haul fleet is being refreshed with flat beds. That will be very nice (provided pricing stays sharp).

The service is 'cool' Nordic style. But are never left wanting. We press the call button, blam they are there to help. All questions I've asked have always been answered.

So we will continue to fly them. I confess, for now I'm an AY fanboy.

Well there you go. I hope you found that semi-interesting. My Mrs will be glad to get these pics off the camera. But I assured her it was for a good cause that I needed all these pics.

Happy and safe travels to you all in 2014.
 
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Thanks nonpop for a wonderful TA and for taking the time to include so many great photos. I and many others appreciate all the time you have taken to post. Cheers V
 
Whew! That was exhausting! Thanks!

But I agree entirely with your observations on AY:

* Good service
* Bizarre no middle seat overhead bins (ex AF birds)
* Great table ware (ittalia dimpled glasses :) )
* Helsinki airport just works (although lo-o-o-ng design can mean a long brisk walk between flights)

Finnair are noting that in late 2014 their long haul fleet is being refreshed with flat beds. That will be very nice (provided pricing stays sharp).
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I'm watching this too!
 
Train from MXP into downtown. Remember to validate your train ticket BEFORE you get on the downward escalator. A small box to your right. Otherwise a big fine awaits on the train. We saw people get trapped by it. "Ron in Rome" website was a good help prior.
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TBC
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I took this train about a month ago. We had to run for it, as it was about to leave, and the next one was one hour later. I assumed that we could buy tickets on-board, but you can't. Was surprised when we got to Centrale and there was nowhere to buy a ticket at the other end, and it was an open platform.... so we got that one for free.....
Same thing happened 2 days later on our trip back to MXP..... :)
 
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Good TR.We will start using AY again in 2015.
As to lounges when we flew to Oslo via HEL there was quite a transit time so we spent it in the International lounge which as you say is much nicer.No one said anything indeed welcomed us as hardly anyone there early in the morning.
 
adrian said:
I took this train about a month ago. We had to run for it, as it was about to leave, and the next one was one hour later. I assumed that we could buy tickets on-board, but you can't. Was surprised when we got to Centrale and there was nowhere to buy a ticket at the other end, and it was an open platform.... so we got that one for free.....
Same thing happened 2 days later on our trip back to MXP..... :)
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Our train had an inspector appear. In fact each train of significance an inspector appeared and people were being constantly fined.
 
drron said:
Good TR.We will start using AY again in 2015.
As to lounges when we flew to Oslo via HEL there was quite a transit time so we spent it in the International lounge which as you say is much nicer.No one said anything indeed welcomed us as hardly anyone there early in the morning.
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If you have a long time, then consider heading into Helsinki itself. Very easy and fast and cheap. The baggage storage is also easy and cheap for any hand luggage you have.
The harbour and attractions can easily be done. Plus the eating / drinking is nice. Helsinki is just such an easy city to get around we've found. Each time we have a long-ish layover we now jump into downtown.
 
We have stayed there and loved it.Will be staying longer in 2015.
 
Thank you for this very interesting and thorough trip report. I can assure you despite the objections of SWMBO, all us on AFF are very appreciative of your efforts!.
I will be doing a similar trip to Italy in July (going via BKK though), and have noted the recent change from an A330 with the new seats to an A340. I have read lots of negative reports about the ex AF birds, and was worried about this, but they do not look that bad, especially for the fares offered. It is true that the majority of the AY long haul fleet will get the upgrades true lie flat seats, apparently starting this month, at the rate of 1 per month. It does seem that the old AF birds will not be getting the upgrade though, so will be a bit of a lottery as to which seats you do get.
Once again thank you for taking the time to write the trip report. I am even more excited about my trip now.
 
Slightly OT but a similar shot on VX of missing middle bins. It actually makes the aircraft look a lot bigger inside.
 

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Great TR! Thanks for taking all the pics and posting them here.
 
What's the point of "Euro Business" class? I had the same middle blocked Y seat scenario on LX between ATH and ZRH in August.

Great report. Thanks for sharing.
 
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