Noumea. Flying Qantas and Aircalin in J.

[dairyfloss]

And even the solo window seats are different with the even rows offering more "privacy". I managed eventually to snag 2H. True that the QF codeshare seat map was limited but I noticed that, once on-line check-in opened, the whole J cabin became available unless already occupied.

Was this for the official online check-in period, or did you happen to notice anything open up at T-80 as well? At the moment, our family is split up in the J cabin because of the SB blocked seats. I have my wife with my son, which is the main thing, but I'd like to be over the aisle from them rather than a row ahead or behind. It's a good excuse to 'tune out', though!

Cheers,
Matt.

 

[SYD]

Was this for the official online check-in period, or did you happen to notice anything open up at T-80 as well? At the moment, our family is split up in the J cabin because of the SB blocked seats. I have my wife with my son, which is the main thing, but I'd like to be over the aisle from them rather than a row ahead or behind. It's a good excuse to 'tune out', though!

T-80 rule doesn’t work for codeshare.

Online check-in opens 30 hrs but if you can get the SB PNR (see my earlier post), you might be able to select other seats earlier.

 

[Austman]

Was this for the official online check-in period, or did you happen to notice anything open up at T-80 as well? At the moment, our family is split up in the J cabin because of the SB blocked seats.

I'm pretty sure it was only when online check-in opened. There was none of the T-80 stuff. Even when I had the Aircalin PNR, I couldn't use it to select seats in Aircalin's area until online check-in opened. Maybe a call to Aircalin might work? I wasn't that concerned about seating being a solo traveller.

 

[SYD]

And even the solo window seats are different with the even rows offering more "privacy". I managed eventually to snag 2H. True that the QF codeshare seat map was limited but I noticed that, once on-line check-in opened, the whole J cabin became available unless already occupied.

The middle honeymoon seats have the same privacy (and intimacy!)

Yep. That's why I booked a more modest accommodation for my first night. I knew it would be late-ish by the time I was in the room and there'd probably be no need for dinner. It turned out to be the case. The downside of course is having to move hotels the next day. For me it was just to the hotel next door. I walked.

But we did wake (early) to a lagoon view from Le Meridian.

 

[Austman]

But we did wake (early) to a lagoon view from Le Meridian.

I got a nice car park view from the Ramada! haha

 

[SYD]

I got a nice car park view from the Ramada! haha

 

[dairyfloss]

T-80 rule doesn’t work for codeshare.

Online check-in opens 30 hrs but if you can get the SB PNR (see my earlier post), you might be able to select other seats earlier.

I'm pretty sure it was only when online check-in opened. There was none of the T-80 stuff. Even when I had the Aircalin PNR, I couldn't use it to select seats in Aircalin's area until online check-in opened. Maybe a call to Aircalin might work? I wasn't that concerned about seating being a solo traveller.

Oops - might have confused you there - I'm on QF metal with a QF flight number in both directions, but there are a number of seats blocked by the SB codeshare that are not even visible on the flight seat map. I'm hoping they open up for me before the flight.

Cheers,
Matt.

 

[Austman]

I'm on QF metal with a QF flight number in both directions,

I had that too for one of my flights. I'm pretty sure the T-80 thing didn't work for the SB seat allocation area with those seats looking occupied/non existant until online check-in opened.

 

[dairyfloss]

I had that too for one of my flights. I'm pretty sure the T-80 thing didn't work for the SB seat allocation area with those seats looking occupied until online check-in opened.

OK got it - thanks!

 

[SYD]

Oops - might have confused you there - I'm on QF metal with a QF flight number in both directions, but there are a number of seats blocked by the SB codeshare that are not even visible on the flight seat map. I'm hoping they open up for me before the flight.

Cheers,
Matt.

Ah, I knew that. QF won’t show the seat map if there are less seats available than the party size (even if you already have seats).

What day are you flying? I can load up the EF map.

 

[dairyfloss]

Ah, I knew that. QF won’t show the seat map if there are less seats available than the party size (even if you already have seats).

What day are you flying? I can load up the EF map.

Yeah, I already have that - what I want is one of the invisible seats

 

[SYD]

Yeah, I already have that - what I want is one of the invisible seats
View attachment 298064

Yeah, we started in 1C/2D going home but have since grabbed 2F also. Kind of hoping 1D/F are still free…

My “Made any travel mistakes” confession is booking a bargain J sale fare during school hols… W exod have been here any week prior or post….

 

[Kerrodt]

Recent article linked below from 'PointHacks' for travel from SYD to NOU on QF and a stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort (which looks even nicer than I thought, from his pics). And, it looks like I should be ok with getting a few extra winks before heading the airport on Monday Dead quiet at all points. Famous last words, though, right?!

Say 'bonjour' to Nouméa for just $217 return using Qantas Points

Nouméa is easy to visit using Qantas Points, with Business Class reward seats readily available. We jetted off: here's how you can too.

www.pointhacks.com.au

Cheers,
Matt.

Does anyone have any idea on the pricing of food and beverage at this resort? Being captive on its own island this can often be a trap to competitive room rates etc.

 

[Austman]

Does anyone have any idea on the pricing of food and beverage at this resort? Being captive on its own island this can often be a trap to competitive room rates etc.

From earlier in this TR. I stayed there a night. Most meals are buffets. I think the breakfast buffet is usually included in the room rate (not 100% sure) but there seemed to be no breakfast buffet entrance checks.

There's also a snack bar menu that offers things like burgers and fries.

Here's the dinner buffet:

 

[Kerrodt]

View attachment 298144

Champion effort - thank you so much.

 

[Austman]

I'm not sure about drinks. I only bought a beer at the bar but I don't recall it being over expensive ...

 

[SYD]

Champion effort - thank you so much.

Staying there shortly and I will provide an update! I think b/f is included. We ended up booking thru QF hotels (against my better judgement to book direct - I could have used the HH nights/points - and I’d get free b/f as HH Gold).

But there is also the free ferry back and forth to the port. The article mentions some restaurants there. Five years ago, it was a bit of a wasteland but maybe its improved.

 

[Austman]

But there is also the free ferry back and forth to the port. The article mentions some restaurants there. Five years ago, it was a bit of a wasteland but maybe its improved.

Not sure it's unlimited free. But even a water taxi would be cheap - it's not so far. And in town there are shops and the central morning market... And some nice looking restaurants right near the DoubleTree dock. But the CBD, beyond the central morning markets, is a bit dire to be honest.
Not Noumea's best looking bit.

 

[SYD]

Not sure it's unlimited free. But even a water taxi would be cheap - it's not so far. And in town there are shops and the central morning market... And some nice looking restaurants right near the DoubleTree dock. But the CBD, beyond the central morning markets, is a bit dire to be honest.
Not Noumea's best looking bit.

Apparently it is “unlimited free” - just need to book. This was the email I received from the hotel booking our transfers:

“For your information you can use the boat transfers service throuout your stay free of charge but need to book at the reception according to our regular boat transfer
Boat time table :
From Port Moselle Wharf K0 to DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort : 07:00, 09:00, 11:00, 12:30, 14:45, 16:30. Supplementary transfers are operated with our 12 seater stabicraft : 17:30, 18:30, 21:00, 22:30.

From DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort to Port Moselle Wharf K0 :06:30, 08:00, 10:00, 11:45, 14:00, 15:30, 17:00. Supplementary transfers are operated with our 12 seater stabicraft : 18:00, 20:30,22:00, 23:00.”

 

[Austman]

Apparently it is “unlimited free” - just need to book.

Good to know. I just checked the email the DoubleTree sent to me in July and there was nothing about that in my email.

Perhaps with a just one night stay they thought it unnecessary? ...

I do know that the small boats can get full. I think my return was full.