The totally off-topic thread

[Nigelinoz]

21. Beer, Wine, Spirits or none?
22. Based on this version of the all-day dining at the SYD F Lounge, what dishes (up to 3 + 1 side dish) would you order? (You can assume you have 2 hours before departure, so no rush.)
23. What would the world be like if flight upgrades never existed/ceased to exist?
24. Describe how well you are able to sleep on board an aircraft.
25. In Economy class: aisle, middle or window seat?
26. In your opinion, which Australian capital city has the best domestic airport? And which has the worst?
27. A very weird (AFF?) genie appears and says: "On only one sector in the Australian domestic network of your choosing, I shall grant a guarantee that this sector will have 100% on-time performance and 0% cancellation rate, forever."

Which sector would you choose?
28. Describe the time when you were travelling with the most check-in luggage you have ever carried.




29. If travelling on longhaul international for a company/work purpose, would/do you prefer:

• Travelling in J but being expected to work (and return) as soon as possible, or
• Travelling in Y but having a day's allowance on either side (i.e. of arriving and departing) of your trip?

30. Describe a time in which you almost missed a flight (but still made it).

21 Beer
22 Chicken Club Sandwich,Chips
23 No Difference As Long As I Get Where I Have To Go,I Don't Care About Upgrades
24 Poorly,So I Try And Avoid Night Flights,But With SYD-LHR That's Pretty Hard To Do
25 Aisle
26 Best Is Sydney,Worst Is Adelaide
27 Syd-Mel
28 A flight from HBA to MEL about two years ago I had 27 Kilos of luggage plus a box
with assorted PC parts which weighed 7 kilos-and I wasn't charged a cent extra.
29 Travel economy with day off either side.
30 Only a matter of weeks ago,CX flight from LHR>HKG was announced as being two hours
late departing,I waited in the lounge for 45 mins before being advised by the CX check in
desk that there was another flight departing in 15 mins,but I had to get to gate 28 in order to
make it-I have never run so fast,made it with 3 mins to spare,then the plane was delayed
because a toilet was OS! AARGH!

 

[Evan]

Re: I'm bored again! This thread needs another move...

Continuing from the previous set. Again, answer any or all.

11. The three most important things a good airline lounge needs are (in order)......
12. Which of the three major oceans have you crossed? And in which order and direction (i.e. east/west)?
13. Have you ever flown international First class (on any airline)? If so, describe the first time.
14. Describe the last time you had to use stairs (rather than an aerobridge) for an international flight.
15. Boeing or Airbus?
16. Have you ever celebrated a significant event whilst in the air (e.g. birthday, etc.)?
17. Is there an airline which uses your initials as its 2-letter IATA designator?
18. Describe the most turbulent flight you have ever been on.
19. In your opinion, which is the best international passenger airport in the world?
20. What is your most preferred WHY refreshment item on a QF "Refreshment" domestic flight?

11. Free internet, space, good food.
12. All 3, east and west (Actually last one to go being west atlantic crossing very soon, current trip)
13. Yes, paid JNB-HKG on CX, very good service, great product, loved every second even though i slept half of it
14. LHR T4 and T5, disappointed given it most other ports never need to use them. Don't mind if its arriving, hate to use stairs departing.
15. Airbus generally a slight preference, a more silent ride. Either is good compared to the alternatives !
16. Not that i am aware, maybe a MEL-SYD domestic on my Birthday one year.
17. Yes ES otherwise know as DHL International Aviation ME (Middle East) And its very cool they have Antonov's in the ME fleet.
18. Too many to remember, probably landing in a typhoon in NRT a couple of years ago QF A333, rain and wind so bad the Nartia express could not make it to tokyo !
19. SIN No question
20. Whatever i feel like.

E

 

[beardoc]

Looks like I'm leading in the most baggage on longhaul - 31kg + 30kg + 18kg carry-on/

 

[Evan]

Re: The next set of (fun?) questions...

Once again - answer any, many or all... the choice is yours...

21. Beer, Wine, Spirits or none?
22. Based on this version of the all-day dining at the SYD F Lounge, what dishes (up to 3 + 1 side dish) would you order? (You can assume you have 2 hours before departure, so no rush.)
23. What would the world be like if flight upgrades never existed/ceased to exist?
24. Describe how well you are able to sleep on board an aircraft.
25. In Economy class: aisle, middle or window seat?
26. In your opinion, which Australian capital city has the best domestic airport? And which has the worst?
27. A very weird (AFF?) genie appears and says: "On only one sector in the Australian domestic network of your choosing, I shall grant a guarantee that this sector will have 100% on-time performance and 0% cancellation rate, forever."

Which sector would you choose?
28. Describe the time when you were travelling with the most check-in luggage you have ever carried.
29. If travelling on longhaul international for a company/work purpose, would/do you prefer:

• Travelling in J but being expected to work (and return) as soon as possible, or
• Travelling in Y but having a day's allowance on either side (i.e. of arriving and departing) of your trip?

30. Describe a time in which you almost missed a flight (but still made it).

21. Depends on mood, good wine, if not beer or spirits
22. Duck Liver Parfait, + Salt and Peper Squid, Roast baby carrots.
23. Cry
24. Usually ok
25. aisle always !
26. MEL
27. MEL-SYD because thats the one i fly the most
28. Cheap HiFi gear from Singapore, way over weight, all packed in boxes. Not a work of complaint at checkin
29. Mostly A, travel J and return ASAP. Because i have already explored most business destinations with B travel
30. MEL-SIN departed late, SIN-PVG would have been missed, SQ had already assigned me a seat on next flight etc, turns out i made the connection, was never aware that they had re-booked me so when i made the original connection they canceled the rest of my booking.... my bags even made it !

E

 

[Nigelinoz]

11. The three most important things a good airline lounge needs are (in order)......
12. Which of the three major oceans have you crossed? And in which order and direction (i.e. east/west)?
13. Have you ever flown international First class (on any airline)? If so, describe the first time.
14. Describe the last time you had to use stairs (rather than an aerobridge) for an international flight.
15. Boeing or Airbus?
16. Have you ever celebrated a significant event whilst in the air (e.g. birthday, etc.)?
17. Is there an airline which uses your initials as its 2-letter IATA designator?
18. Describe the most turbulent flight you have ever been on.
19. In your opinion, which is the best international passenger airport in the world?
20. What is your most preferred WHY refreshment item on a QF "Refreshment" domestic flight.


11 Comfortable chairs,plenty of work areas,good food and beverages
12 Pacific (East And West) Atlantic(West)
13 No
14 Quite a few years ago when there were direct flights to NZ from HBA.
15 Airbus generally but I still think the 747 is pretty special considering it's longevity
16 A few birthdays and quite a few new years eves.
17 No
18 A few years ago I had a business meeting on King Island ,flew on a Cessna 172
and there was an almighty thunderstorm about 20 mins before landing-I won't
forget that one for a LONG time.
19 Has to be the new HKG -Unbelieveable,It's how all airports should be.
20 This is boring I'm afraid-Orange Juice and sandwiches.

 

[simongr]

Re: The next set of (fun?) questions...

21. Beer, Wine, Spirits or none? Yes
22. Based on this version of the all-day dining at the SYD F Lounge, what dishes (up to 3 + 1 side dish) would you order? (You can assume you have 2 hours before departure, so no rush.) Minute steak, cheese
23. What would the world be like if flight upgrades never existed/ceased to exist? A place with very little flying by me
24. Describe how well you are able to sleep on board an aircraft. Refer Q21 - pretty easily
25. In Economy class: aisle, middle or window seat? Aisle - applies to J and F as well
26. In your opinion, which Australian capital city has the best domestic airport? And which has the worst? Perth
27. A very weird (AFF?) genie appears and says: "On only one sector in the Australian domestic network of your choosing, I shall grant a guarantee that this sector will have 100% on-time performance and 0% cancellation rate, forever."

Which sector would you choose? Today I wish SYD-CBR was on time
28. Describe the time when you were travelling with the most check-in luggage you have ever carried. On the big personal trip - 4 bags NYC-LHR all full
29. If travelling on longhaul international for a company/work purpose, would/do you prefer:

• Travelling in J but being expected to work (and return) as soon as possible, or
  

30. Describe a time in which you almost missed a flight (but still made it). Running through NRT to get my 11:25 flight that I thought was 11:50 (my next flight was the 11:50 flight)

 

[winetraveller]

Re: The next set of (fun?) questions...

Once again - answer any, many or all... the choice is yours...

21. Beer, Wine, Spirits or none?
22. Based on this version of the all-day dining at the SYD F Lounge, what dishes (up to 3 + 1 side dish) would you order? (You can assume you have 2 hours before departure, so no rush.)
23. What would the world be like if flight upgrades never existed/ceased to exist?
24. Describe how well you are able to sleep on board an aircraft.
25. In Economy class: aisle, middle or window seat?
26. In your opinion, which Australian capital city has the best domestic airport? And which has the worst?
27. A very weird (AFF?) genie appears and says: "On only one sector in the Australian domestic network of your choosing, I shall grant a guarantee that this sector will have 100% on-time performance and 0% cancellation rate, forever."

Which sector would you choose?
28. Describe the time when you were travelling with the most check-in luggage you have ever carried.

29. If travelling on longhaul international for a company/work purpose, would/do you prefer:

• Travelling in J but being expected to work (and return) as soon as possible, or
• Travelling in Y but having a day's allowance on either side (i.e. of arriving and departing) of your trip?

30. Describe a time in which you almost missed a flight (but still made it).

21. That's a hard one. Usually only Champagne as most wine in both J and F isn't all that good. Cognac. Beer in the Caribbean.
22. Not sure
23. Pointless, an end to life as we know it.
24. Dependent on a few factors, but generally pretty well. My big bugbear is screaming kids. Luckily usually at the pointy end.
25. Ugh! What a choice. Aisle.
26. Best Adelaide. Worst Perth.
27. Not really relavent to me. but MEL-ADL.
28. Actually quite recently. MEL-SFO-BOS bought two new Rimowa case in FRA on the way back to OZ, picked up some Skis in MEL, and other gear and some other belongings to ship back to the US, so had three Rimowa cases, two Ski bags and a boot bag. Way too much.
29. J
30. Earlier on this year flew in to SFO from Korea, and had a very tight connection to get a flight to BOS via DEN. Bags took ages to come out and rushed to get the flight to find that it was delayed. Had a tight connection in DEN and looked like I was going to miss my flight. Made the mistake of only looking at the connections info on the screen on the flight, and headed off to the gate to find that it was the wrong gate. Found that the gate was the one I had just arrived at and the same plane. Made it out ok. This was in the midst of the AA chaos so if I had missed that flight getting another that night would have been real hard.

 

[JohnK]

Assuming I am not too drunk, right now, huh, I will be in Melbourne Sat 14 March fior a week of golf, tickets booked, in early Mardh. I will be available for golf on Sunday 15 March anywhere in Melbourne, maybe Sanctuary Lakes, otherwise the rest of the week will be covered with a pre-paid week of golf in the Mornington peninsula.

Thailand too expensive. Any Melbournites interested in a game of golf keep in touch....

 

[serfty]

My social GC is playing it monthly golf game on that date (15th) - I don't have the fixture with me but it may be DevilBend. You would be welcome to join in.

 

[anat0l]

Accommodation in KIX

Some here may be aware that next January (arr 23rd early evening; dep 27th late evening) I'm going to Osaka (KIX). Given that the JPY is strong (AUD->JPY exchange rate is ****), "everything is expensive in Japan" and my budget is about as thin as the edge of a Samurai sword, then combine that with some painful searching to try and find reasonable and cheap accommodation in Osaka (trying to find places with private baths rather than having to use public baths or sentoos), I've decided there's another way to do it:

Award stays

For points balances, I've got HH ~48k, Amex MR ~180k (more to come, I hope ) and QF ~65k. The only Hilton group hotel in Osaka is the Hilton Osaka, which is a 35kpt/night category hotel. So I've got 1 stay at the Hilton up my sleeve, and I may just redeem it for the night of the 26th because with my HHG at least I can get some benefit (either Exec Room upgrade or free internet...tough choice) and a possiblity of late checkout the day I have to depart (useful to reserve for packing time).

My Amex MR only redeems to HH (1000 MR = 1000 HH), PC (1000 MR = 600 PC) or SPG (1000 MR = 330 SPG). The last hotel program in Ascent is pointless for the discussion at hand. I'm HHG, entry level PC and haven't joined SPG yet. (Any good joining promos for SPG?).

Across those three programs, the only "feasible" options for stays are:

• Hilton Osaka
• Sheraton Osaka
• Westin Osaka
• ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka

The others are too far from the centre of Osaka; a few options turned up in Kobe or further, a.k.a. about 20km+ out of Osaka cental.

The Sheraton Osaka (SPG) looks attractive, as it's 3k-4k SPG pts/night for stay. The Westin is about 2.5 times greater in points cost, so a bit too excessive for my blood, even though it looks quite nice.

My plan so far is to redeem 2 nights at the Sheraton (I'll need to join SPG then get an Amex transfer of points), followed by redeeming out ~22kpts from MR into HH, then two nights at the Hilton. Total cost, about ~50kpts MR and everything in HH.

Not bad for 4 nights without a single cent spent (sans extras). Although I guess there will be quite a bit of points transferring and burning mechanics to go through, notwithstanding I'm completely naive of possibly any "waiting/processing periods"...... :-|

So why am I posting this?

• Would or could anyone recommend a possibly better plan?
• Does anyone have any feedback about any of the mentioned hotels in the list? (i.e. have you been there before)

And yes I'm aware of the old adage: "If you think it's worth redeeming points for something, it probably is."

 

[Nigelinoz]

Not sure if this is any help but trip advisor have a recent review of the Sheraton here: Sheraton Osaka - Traveler Reviews - Turned out much better than expected ! - TripAdvisor

 

[serfty]

I stayed at the Hilton as an HHG on Australia Day this year - was not upgraded but was given breakfast voucher - what a fantastic spread that was.

Back then the rules for VIP benefits were ambivalent for Hilton outside North America.

On another note; here's some KIX info along with a mini TR:

• http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/com...-class-sale-japan-jan08-11891.html#post154680

Note I used the train from KIX to/from Osaka, the station is a 5 minute walk (subway and/or street) from the Hilton.

 

[anat0l]

Thanks NIGELINOZ and serfty for your contributions so far.

Not sure if this is any help but trip advisor have a recent review of the Sheraton here: Sheraton Osaka - Traveler Reviews - Turned out much better than expected ! - TripAdvisor

Some interesting reviews there. Seems that the headline rating according to the reviewers is 4/5, but there are the fair share of mixed reviews, particularly with respect to the old Miyako hotel; whilst dated furniture isn't a big deal for me, at least having it clean (both inside and outside) is somewhat a minimum. Also a bit concerned about peeling walls and rusting/grime/grout/mould in the bathroom. And when I say a non-smoking room, it'd better not smell like smoke! (Though I've heard in Japan that this is somewhat lax enforced.) And some of those reviews are fairly recent! Perhaps I've got too high standards. :-|

Seems they also have free internet. Whether this has changed, is a feature of the hotel or is a precedent for internet availability in Osaka (or Japan in general for that matter) is another matter.

I stayed at the Hilton as an HHG on Australia Day this year - was not upgraded but was given breakfast voucher - what a fantastic spread that was.

Back then the rules for VIP benefits were ambivalent for Hilton outside North America.

On another note; here's some KIX info along with a mini TR:

• http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/com...-class-sale-japan-jan08-11891.html#post154680

Note I used the train from KIX to/from Osaka, the station is a 5 minute walk (subway and/or street) from the Hilton.

You got free breakfast with your stay at the Hilton for HHG - so there's no Exec floor? Hmmmm....tough choice for which HHG benefit to use....

How long were you in KIX for? I'm deducing from the report that you were there for a mere 3 days (arrive at night 1st day, full 2nd day, leave at night 3rd day)? And my parents thought I was a fool for going to Osaka for the "short" length of time I'm going!

I haven't thought about day trips to Kobe, Kyoto or outside Osaka for that matter; currently trowling through Wikitravel and numerous other sources to work out a plan.


I'm also trying to become aware of the different ways to get around and, in particular, to Kansai. (Some shared in various posts already.) Seems that the going rate is about JPY 1100-1400 (may have increased already); in strong JPY terms that's more expensive than in AU but considering that Osaka is invariably bigger than any city in AU I think that's a square deal!

P.S. okonomiyaki is an astounding concoction not for the feint of heart, or those prone to heart attacks.

 

[Nigelinoz]

A friend emailed this to me this morning,and apropos of nothing,I thought
it might bring a smile to a few post christmas faces.

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee...

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things; our family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions; things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.'

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else; the small stuff.

'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.'

'Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. Do one more run down the ski slope. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first; the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented?

The professor smiled. 'I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'



This is going to be my philosophy for next year!

 

[anat0l]

A friend emailed this to me this morning,and apropos of nothing,I thought
it might bring a smile to a few post christmas faces.

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee...

I love that story. I first heard about it three years ago in the most unusual of situations...

...at the finish of a mining industry safety one-day course. (For those in the know, it was a MARCSTA course.)

 

[serfty]

... You got free breakfast with your stay at the Hilton for HHG - so there's no Exec floor? Hmmmm....tough choice for which HHG benefit to use ...

There IS an executive floor; I was simply not upgraded to an executive room - the HHonors VIP benefits/rules were different then.

I stayed only the one night, spending a full day in Osaka and departing late in the evening.

Interestingly the "Osaka" Marathon was being held that Sunday; made walking around Osaka Castle quite a challenge. It's on again in 4 weeks on Jan 25th.

 

[turtlemichael]

Re: Accommodation in KIX

So why am I posting this?
Would or could anyone recommend a possibly better plan?
Does anyone have any feedback about any of the mentioned hotels in the list? (i.e. have you been there before)

Great place for a trip!

In so far as redeeming MR for PC points is concerned, I think it is a very costly choice. I can't speak about the other hotel schemes. And I am really talking about large scale redemptions rather than just a few points to get to a specific reward. 96K MR points are worth 2 and a bit nights in a basic room at a Crowne Plaze or many Holiday Inns. 96K also gets a QF one way J class seat to the US. I know which I prefer.

But the ANA CP in Osaka is a very pleasant and well located hotel. Looks to be going for around 15K yen inclusive at the times you want. We also stayed at the Kobe CP and enjoyed that too. Kobe CP is near the station but the area is quieter than around the Osaka ANA. In fact, we did some of the Osaka touring from Kobe using the local trains. You might consider looking at accommodation in Kobe which tends to be a little cheaper than Osaka. If you pick the right train it was just a few dollars for the trip of less than 30 minutes.

Another one on Kobe. The earthquake museum was fantastic. Well worth an hour or two. Have a great trip.

 

[drron]

I stayed at the Hilton Osaka in 2007 and did receive an upgrade to the executive level and therefore lounge access-it is a small lounge but very good.The problem at that time was that diamond members more often than not were not being upgraded to the exec floor so not getting lounge access.Therefore as HHG now there is certainly a strong chance that you would not get an upgrade to exec floor.
The unknown is how much the GFC has affected hotel occupancy levels in Osaka-it could well be it has changed significantly.

 

[Flashback]

Sorry if I don't respond for a day or two after this as I'm in Brunei at the moment, but if you did have a budget $$ wise to spend, what would it be? I stayed at a pretty decent hotel for a good price. But then again, it was July this year (2008) so was getting 105Y to 1AUD...

 

[straitman]

Hi all.

Finally back on line at home and we are sort of set up around the house.

It's good to se a few interesting developments such as fuel surcharges disappearing.