The totally off-topic thread

[Alanslegal]

my rant for today;

seriously I hope these two whingers (Jane Bullock and Kate Holden) never ever travel again.......ever.

Aussies stranded in Fiji blame Rudd govt

 

[anat0l]

my rant for today;

...

Aussies stranded in Fiji blame Rudd govt

Firstly, why blame the Rudd government? Wouldn't it be the same anyway if almost any leader was in government. Just say federal government and be done with.

And what's with SMH putting 'govt' in the headline? Is it too hard to actually write "government"?

seriously I hope these two whingers (Jane Bullock and Kate Holden) never ever travel again.......ever.

Unfortunately, they will probably still be travelling and that's that.

On one side, I cringe every time I hear this rhetoric about what the Australian government should (or should not) be doing for Australians overseas (be it the traveller's fault or not). I guess I could very well eat my words one day when I will need the help of the govenment (e.g. through the consulate), but it still begs a lot to be desired when people kick up this kind of unnecessary stink.

She said she bought the holiday in full knowledge it was the rainy season but that authorities had let them down allowing them to fly into it.

This doesn't make sense.

If heavy rain occurs, it occurs. If that means floods, so be it. How the government could do more (if it actually should do any more) is beyond me.

 

[bambbbam2]

If movie posters were honest..

 

[anat0l]

I've got an SC run over the weekend coming up BNE-MEL-ADL-SYD-CBR-back the same way. BNE-MEL is QF615 dep 0955, however due to a change in transport arrangements I could be at the airport as early as 0630. So the question is: what chances are there that I could take an earlier BNE-MEL flight?

If there is a chance, how should I go about it?

I'm thinking that OLCI might reduce my chances of this happening, but if I don't OLCI and things don't pull through then I risk getting a less than optimal seat.

Realising that chances are based on loads, I checked EF but the results are very curious:

BNE-MEL:
QF611 (dep 0755): J5 D5 I0 B9 H9 K9 M9 L9 V9 S9 N9 Q9 OC XC E0
QF613 (dep 0855): J5 D4 I0 B9 H9 K9 M9 L9 V9 S9 N9 Q9 OC XC E0
QF615 (dep 0955): J7 D7 I0 B9 H9 K9 M9 L9 VC SC NC QC OC XC E0

Looking at the data, this has got me confused, because it seems to tell me that the loads are quite light. I've checked on QF online with a dummy booking and there are still Red e-Deals remaining for QF611 and QF613, but not QF615. They, of course, may not move me anyway due to Red e-Deal booking, but I have watched someone at the airport QuickCheck offered by the computer to be moved to an earlier flight.

In fact, most of the flights I'm flying plus the flights earlier than those all look fairly lightly loaded. I am confused.

I'm not too fussed if I don't get an earlier flight, but it would sure beat lounging around in BNE.

I'm thinking of trying this for the remaining flights, except that in order to catch an earlier SYD-CBR flight apart from what I have booked, I'd need to accept a 30 min connection window between MEL-ADL and ADL-SYD. Something tells me that the agents will not process this kind of connection due to being too tight by definition...

 

[serfty]

QF615 (dep 0955): J7 D7 I0 B9 H9 K9 M9 L9 VC SC NC QC OC XC E0

C means closed, since Domestic red e-deals come from O, N or E class it make sense that they are not available.

 

[oz_mark]

They, of course, may not move me anyway due to Red e-Deal booking, but I have watched someone at the airport QuickCheck offered by the computer to be moved to an earlier flight.

I have had the QuickCheck machine go both ways with offering earlier flights on red-e-deals. It has offered me an earlier flight sometimes, and not at other times.

 

[docjames]

I'd say go online and check your seat and allocate, but dont print BP.

THen when you arrive at QC tell them that you havent printed BP, and by the way, any chance of a change to an earlier flight?


I'd repeat the request at each QC you visit on your SC run. With that many flights, you might get lucky at least a couple of times.

I had a day in sydney last july and arrived c.5pm for an 8pm flight. They offered me the 6pm without me even asking. AND I got exit row, AND I got empty seat E! I gave A+++ to Qantas that day.

 

[Bundy Bear]

But they might offer you a more direct flight; less SCs if you ask to be put on an earlier flight.

Stick with what you have.

 

[anat0l]

But they might offer you a more direct flight; less SCs if you ask to be put on an earlier flight.

Stick with what you have.

Of course - I'll only stick to original routing, but if an earlier flight then that would be nice.

 

[anat0l]

Thanks everyone for your tips about trying to get an earlier flight. Will see if the FF gods smile on me today (as of this post, of course)...


On another note, is there a new thing with QF MMB where some ow flights will appear in the list? For example, I booked LA800 and LA801 and I can see the entries and bookings in my list. (I put my QFF number for both my LA flights. But I did the same thing for my JQ flights but, of course, they aren't in the list.)

 

[Flashback]

Thanks everyone for your tips about trying to get an earlier flight. Will see if the FF gods smile on me today (as of this post, of course)...


On another note, is there a new thing with QF MMB where some ow flights will appear in the list? For example, I booked LA800 and LA801 and I can see the entries and bookings in my list. (I put my QFF number for both my LA flights. But I did the same thing for my JQ flights but, of course, they aren't in the list.)

JQ isn't a OW airline, although they are part of the Qantas Group....

 

[serfty]

If you have an itinerary booked through Qantas, generally all segments will show on www.qantas.com/yourbooking / www.checkmytrip.com irrespective of the carrier.

Conversely, if you have an itinerary booked through another carrier containing Qantas flights, using the Qantas (Amadeus) booking reference generally only shows the Qantas flights and relevant connecting flights. Also, if the carrier uses amadeus as well and they booking refernece is hared the flight of those other carriers generally shows.

QF, BA & LA all use Amadeus.

 

[Alanslegal]

100 days to go.....

It's been a long time between international flights but my next serious leisure (juxtaposed intended) trip starts in exactly 100 days time and I am counting down!

 

[anat0l]

I'd say go online and check your seat and allocate, but dont print BP.

THen when you arrive at QC tell them that you havent printed BP, and by the way, any chance of a change to an earlier flight?


I'd repeat the request at each QC you visit on your SC run. With that many flights, you might get lucky at least a couple of times.

I had a day in sydney last july and arrived c.5pm for an 8pm flight. They offered me the 6pm without me even asking. AND I got exit row, AND I got empty seat E! I gave A+++ to Qantas that day.

Just an update: finished the SC run with no problems.

I tried to get an earlier BNE-MEL flight (first flight of the run) when I was 3 hours ahead of my schedule flight. Asked the lady at the QP service counter and she said 'no' by virtue of the rules of my ticket. So that was that. Was doubly unfortunate because whilst the two BNE-MEL flights before me were on time, mine was delayed by about 25 minutes! Luckily, I still made my MEL-ADL connection (original connection window was 55 min, shaved down to about 30 min).

I tried for a J ODU/op-up in the MEL QP for MEL-ADL with no success, again citing the rules.

So I guess I'm a luck-less when it comes to changing flights, ODUs or op-ups. Not a big deal - can't blame people for sticking to the rules, so anything over that would just be a bonus. I did manage to get exit row for my last flight of the run MEL-BNE, and the middle seat was unoccupied.

More to read in my TR for the run.

 

[drron]

Re: 100 days to go.....

It's been a long time between international flights but my next serious leisure (juxtaposed intended) trip starts in exactly 100 days time and I am counting down!

Having missed my last serious leisure trip I only have to wait 85 days.As having withdrawal symptoms i will start my trip report early!

 

[anat0l]

Re: 2 days to go.......

Having missed my last serious leisure trip I only have to wait 85 days.As having withdrawal symptoms i will start my trip report early!

Well my next travel is on Thursday...it's a short one (but not SC run short)...

But I have questions:

Trip is:
BNE-SYD (QF Y), SYD-KIX (JQ *C), KIX-SYD (JQ *C), SYD-AKL (LA J), AKL-WLG (QF Y), WLG-AKL (QF Y), AKL-SYD (LA J), SYD-BNE (QF Y).

I'm a QF SG, but at the end of the AKL-SYD sector I would (theoretically) have 1400 SC.

Now the questions (and no this is not part of my 10 questions sub-thread thingy I've been running here):

1. JQ19 and JQ20 (SYD-KIX and vv) both travel via OOL. This means that when we stopover in OOL, I'll need to disembark and reboard. True or false? If the former, it's going to be a pretty boring and noisy hour...and no QP.........
2. As a JQ *C, is there a lounge that can be used at KIX? From searching, I've found a JL Sakura Lounge at KIX, which is apparently also a Qantas Club Associated Lounge, so even though JQ isn't part of ow, do I still get access? (No showers at the Sakura, though...)
3. Is there a premium check-in available for LA at SYD or AKL? I know QF has a premium check-in at AKL for J or F pax (and assumably QF WPs)- which also includes it's own immigration clearance facility - but is it only for QF flights or can it also be for ow? (Note that I'm ticketed on LA.)
4. I have an old express card given to me on QF44 last year that I didn't use (had items to declare). Can the card be used at "any time" or do I need to be flying QF to use it?
5. As I said, theoretically I would have 1400 SC by the time I finish LA801 (AKL-SYD), but practically it takes anywhere between a few hours to a few days after a flight to get SCs credited. So the chances of me using the JL in SYD T3 to wait for my final SYD-BNE on that (same) day are nil. True or false?

Thanks everyone for your answers.

 

[beardoc]

Re: 100 days to go.....

Having missed my last serious leisure trip I only have to wait 85 days.As having withdrawal symptoms i will start my trip report early!

I won't be travelling for leisure until the damned Fellowship exams are done - after that, it's a J class RTW for 2!

 

[Mal]

Re: 2 days to go.......

JQ19 and JQ20 (SYD-KIX and vv) both travel via OOL. This means that when we stopover in OOL, I'll need to disembark and reboard. True or false? If the former, it's going to be a pretty boring and noisy hour...and no QP.........

Sounds right. Would you rather sit on the plane (possibly with no air-con for an hour?) Terminal you can stretch your legs, go to a real toilet (if needed), get some food etc and generally just relax.

Is there a premium check-in available for LA at SYD or AKL? I know QF has a premium check-in at AKL for J or F pax (and assumably QF WPs)- which also includes it's own immigration clearance facility - but is it only for QF flights or can it also be for ow? (Note that I'm ticketed on LA.)

I believe it's an OW check-in desk - not Qantas specific in AKL. Not sure about SYD, but there should be a J queue. In AKL, make sure you visit the customs/immigrations desk at check-in for "pre-clearance" before heading upstairs.

I have an old express card given to me on QF44 last year that I didn't use (had items to declare). Can the card be used at "any time" or do I need to be flying QF to use it?

What does it look like? There have been three styles of card used that I know of. I don't think anyone really cares what you use as long as it looks like the 'boarding pass' version.

As I said, theoretically I would have 1400 SC by the time I finish LA801 (AKL-SYD), but practically it takes anywhere between a few hours to a few days after a flight to get SCs credited. So the chances of me using the JL in SYD T3 to wait for my final SYD-BNE on that (same) day are nil. True or false?

Lan does tend to take a while to post (I've had to follow up previously). I would keep your LA pass, show it to the door staff at the QP J and blag your way in by mentioning that you've just come off an Intl J flight, and the SC's will have pushed you over Plat. If you get in -- good. If you don't then there really isn't a huge difference in lounges.

Congrats in advance for reaching Plat!

 

[serfty]

To build on Mal's reply:

Now the questions (and no this is not part of my 10 questions sub-thread thingy I've been running here):

1. JQ19 and JQ20 (SYD-KIX and vv) both travel via OOL. This means that when we stopover in OOL, I'll need to disembark and reboard. True or false? If the former, it's going to be a pretty boring and noisy hour...and no QP.........
   • That seems to be the case- so true, if you are prepared for it the time should fly.
2. As a JQ *C, is there a lounge that can be used at KIX? From searching, I've found a JL Sakura Lounge at KIX, which is apparently also a Qantas Club Associated Lounge, so even though JQ isn't part of ow, do I still get access? (No showers at the Sakura, though...)
   • I flw to KIX last Australia Day weekend. The lounge was not the 'Sakura' lounge. See this post here: http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/com...-class-sale-japan-jan08-11891.html#post159323

     My WP status provided Qantas First lounge access in SYD, Class gave access to the Asuka lounge in the northern departure concourse at KIX. This also services UA, NWA and AY.

     BTW, I think JQi have done away with the bento boxes.
3. Is there a premium check-in available for LA at SYD or AKL? I know QF has a premium check-in at AKL for J or F pax (and assumably QF WPs)- which also includes it's own immigration clearance facility - but is it only for QF flights or can it also be for ow? (Note that I'm ticketed on LA.)
   • SYD - look for the LAN counters
   • AKL has a oneworld check-in area (around the middle of the check-in hall). They will do departure formalities there as well and put a "CUSTOMS PRE-CLEARED" sticker on your BP. With this you can employ the "pre-cleared" express line to the left of the main entry to emigration. Walk to the front of the queue and wait until you are called.
4. I have an old express card given to me on QF44 last year that I didn't use (had items to declare). Can the card be used at "any time" or do I need to be flying QF to use it?
   • The cards have not changed in the last 6 months, you should be fine.
5. As I said, theoretically I would have 1400 SC by the time I finish LA801 (AKL-SYD), but practically it takes anywhere between a few hours to a few days after a flight to get SCs credited. So the chances of me using the JL in SYD T3 to wait for my final SYD-BNE on that (same) day are nil. True or false?
   • Your chances are virually NIL, so true. Note that often LAN flights do not credit easily - even Qantas can take a few days.

 

[anat0l]

Re: less than 2 days to go.......

Sounds right. Would you rather sit on the plane (possibly with no air-con for an hour?) Terminal you can stretch your legs, go to a real toilet (if needed), get some food etc and generally just relax.

The lesser of two evils. Good point, however.

There used to be many an old day (when I was still a munchkin) where I remember being at a stopover but we were told to remain on board.

What does it look like? There have been three styles of card used that I know of. I don't think anyone really cares what you use as long as it looks like the 'boarding pass' version.

White cardboard shaped like a boarding pass and just as flimsy. No discerning marks, barcodes, magnetic stripes.

My main concern was that, since the card is branded with a Qantas logo, can I only use it if I fly QF. Seems like I can use it how I see fit, so as long as I have nothing to declare.

Lan does tend to take a while to post (I've had to follow up previously). I would keep your LA pass, show it to the door staff at the QP J and blag your way in by mentioning that you've just come off an Intl J flight, and the SC's will have pushed you over Plat. If you get in -- good. If you don't then there really isn't a huge difference in lounges.

Your chances are virually NIL, so true. Note that often LAN flights do not credit easily - even Qantas can take a few days.

My last LAN flight took only a couple of days to credit - personally I was expecting it wouldn't go through for at least a week.

I'll try the story, but I think serfty's on the money on this one. Just hope it credits within a week, since I wouldn't mind that WP status in a week or two after I return to BNE.

BTW, I think JQi have done away with the bento boxes.

Da-me! (that's "bugger" in Japanese - well, almost... )