June 2023
QF 11 – SYD-LAX
Checkin / Pre Flight
First Host service was excellent to commence the flight. I received an advance email with a Spa booking time and the First Host at check-in also asked discreetly to ensure I had a booking.
Check-in at the F Desk was rather slow due to some needy customers who weren’t First or WP/OWE as their bags were tagged Business not First. But no big deal, the First host was trying to keep things moving.
I was warmly welcomed at the First Lounge, notably more personal than I have had in previous F class trips, and directed to the roped-off area which was kind off nice as it was more calm than the rest of the lounge. I overheard the desk agent who escorted me there note that I was in F and had a spa appointment at 9am. Dunno why, but service was excellent, although it is usually very good anyway. Being breakfast there wasn’t any special menu for the roped off area…. Kinda wanky but I was happy I was sat there.
Boarding time… as I approached the chaos, I thought to myself in massive DWKWIA fashion “am I seriously supposed to get into this line?” … well sure enough, the First Host from checkin recognised me, took my passport and took me to the very front of the line. Not to the next person to be served, actually stopped the security screening/questioning of the person in front and asked them to deal with me first. I was glad to skip all that … but so embarrassed, I apologised to the lady who was almost through and now being ignored.
Onboard
On board was excellent service, main complaint was the cabin is always too warm in F, I can’t sleep in that heat with those mattresses. I was also given a ‘recycled’ amenity kit (missing dental kit, face creams and ear plugs). This was replaced by another recycled amenity kit but only missing ear plugs this time so I didn’t care.
Meals / Wines
Now for menus and meal pictures. Word of warning … the wine list is incredibly lame for First.
Champagne the only notable appearance which was lovely but I miss Sir Winston VCP. QF served Duval-Leroy Femme 2002 on this flight.
EDIT: And to be fair, I did really enjoy the Yarra Yerring Dry Red
Meals, I had the Mezze plate which was not was I was expecting (I was thinking EK style) I don’t recommend it and then for main the steak which was excellently cooked.
I had a steak sanga mid-flight which was perfectly cooked, moist and not overcooked at all.
I woke up about 1:15hr before landing and was seriously asked if I’d like a drink as it was too late for breakfast.
Not the end of the world but seriously? An hour and 15 mins they couldn’t even spit out a fruit salad. In QF J I’ve had one of those bacon rolls handed to me as I‘ve felt the aircraft start to descend. Anyway - no big deal as I was full from all the food anyway.
Overall excellent flight, just wish they would make the cabin cold so their overly warm bedding products were comfortable.