Should you be put in an hotel overnight, advice as to which one, how long it took to transfer and meal and incidentals arrangements
Getting my 4 y/o to bed was the priority! We had come through from JFK on the earlier 12 so it had already been a long day.
This was not my first time out of California delayed for a QF B744 APU fire, indeed it was somewhat a deja vu scenario (wondering if it was the same airframe).
About 0045 the Capt and CSM made themselves avail to affected pax in the all but deserted QF First lounge. He confirmed APU fire after a short circuit in the starter. Onboard suppressant quickly extinguished but the whole assembly requires an inspection.
He said that company and personal policy was not to fly with this defect. I concur, acknowledging that there is other gen capacity onboard but also a certain BA 747 did lose all 4 due to volcanic so I'm sure the APU would be helpful for restart in that scenario. But what do I know it was his call and we weren't going.
IRROPS handing:. 1. It was becoming apparent that something's amiss when new QF staff started appearing walking through the Flounge. None could be drawn to supply info. The arrival of an Aussie whom the heretofore 'lounge manager' referred to as "sir" sealed the deal.
2. After the Capt and CSM spoke two agents asked all priority pax to go "downstairs" to ticketing and "all would be fine".
3. Not surprisingly a few of us correctly guessed this would be a zoo and we pressed for attention in Lounge. The agent - who was wonderful - could actually do everything on the lounge terminal so the earlier announcement was only to empty the lounge so it could shut.
4. They found my family seats on the same respective flights 24 hrs later. Worse seats but once the 5 Dec QF12 fills, unless the 16 & 94 plus connex can accommodate the last pax would be shuffled onto AA, UA or DL (shock).
5. Agent in Lounge didn't have hotel info but agreed to check-in our bags as we had sufficient clothes, etc in HL. I said we would make our own arrangements and set off toward taxis and the Crowne Plaza LAX where I have IHG Plat and they have a lounge!
6. Quite a good effort by QF ground handling agents to marshall weary (some annoyed) pax backwards through 'departures' ie. Not signposted like arrivals.
7. As expected ticketing was a zoo. Priority lines were not being enforced, chaos reigned. I checked with a 'floater' agent to advise we had already rebooked and asked what hotel/transfer was being offered? Turned out to be the Crowne anyway so I got our name on the list.
8. Free airport (Not QF) shuttles were offered and against my better judgement we reluctantly shuffled off toward them ... instinct was right, another crowd and fairly basic experience- fine for adults but not a sleeping toddler after midnight.
9. Alas, the kind souls took pity on our son and we got the first bus to arrive then with no luggage hit the Crowne counter 3rd in line. Surprisingly they recognised IHG status and gave lounge plus late checkout on a non-rev booking.
At that point I suspect >70% of the flight was still at ticketing and the Crowne was for status pax only (due small numbers) but the hordes may descend later. I think I overheard an F pax heading to the Sheraton with a promise to reimburse taxis (but they were waiting at the shuttle pickup so may not have trusted that advice).
I'm glad the decision was made 'early' rather than the initial advice of we'll know something by 10am and to keep checking/wondering all day.
