The totally off-topic thread

[Tortuga]

Re: The half-century list of off-topic post-filler questions

41. What is your favourite/preferred activity for passing the time on board a flight?
Eating, as long as it is a good meal.

42. Describe a time when having travel insurance was certainly well worth it.
Never had to use it yet.

43. "There's no such thing as bad Business class." Debate and discuss.
Well it is better than economy and there isn't such thing as good economy.

44. BKK (now DMK) Don Mueang; KUL (now SZB) Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (Subang); HKG (now defunct) Kai Tak; DEN (now defunct) Stapleton; BNE (now cargo only) (old) International, Lomandra Drive.
Of all of those, which ones have you been to before they were closed/replaced for primary international traffic? (I can't think of any more besides those...)
BKK

45. What kind of camera do you normally carry with you whilst travelling?
Canon Powershot A620 (think)

46. The three most important characteristics of a good hotel room are (in order).....
Clean, space, quality furniture/decorations.

47. What is your pet hate bad habit of your fellow passengers when on board an aircraft?
Farting, snoring, big people who take up too much space.

48. Describe your piece(s) of cabin baggage.
Little Khatmandu pack with books, Mp3 player, jumper, wallet, etc.

49. In your opinion/experience, what is the best treatment for a hangover?
Sleep and water and bacon and eggs.

50. Describe a flight where you've remarked after disembarking, "I can't believe I survived that flight!"[/quote]
I've always thought things would be OK, even though I have experienced some pretty bad turbulence, nothing much worse.

 

[Flashback]

Re: The half-century list of off-topic post-filler questions

41. What is your favourite/preferred activity for passing the time on board a flight?
I used to always get the laptop out and watch something, but these days I settle for a combination of QF Radio and the iPod, along with a book or the inflight magazine.

42. Describe a time when having travel insurance was certainly well worth it.
Haven't had to use it yet.. luckily.

43. "There's no such thing as bad Business class." Debate and discuss.
It's always going to be a bigger seat than whY, and that's more important to me than some fancy meal.

44. BKK (now DMK) Don Mueang; KUL (now SZB) Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (Subang); HKG (now defunct) Kai Tak; DEN (now defunct) Stapleton; BNE (now cargo only) (old) International, Lomandra Drive.
Of all of those, which ones have you been to before they were closed/replaced for primary international traffic? (I can't think of any more besides those...)
None.

45. What kind of camera do you normally carry with you whilst travelling?
Panasonic Lumix TZ-3, although I lost this on a recent trip to BNE so I'm back to nothing for the time being. Might borrow my sister's, who has a similar (newer) model.

46. The three most important characteristics of a good hotel room are (in order).....
Temperature (comfort), bed (comfort), free bottles of water.

47. What is your pet hate bad habit of your fellow passengers when on board an aircraft?
People who can't sit still, or protrude too much into your seat.

48. Describe your piece(s) of cabin baggage.
Antler roll on, small and light and will normally get 1.5 weeks worth of luggage into it.

49. In your opinion/experience, what is the best treatment for a hangover?
A combination of sleep and a nice greasy breakfast! And lots of water, too.

50. Describe a flight where you've remarked after disembarking, "I can't believe I survived that flight!"
PER-SYD, was sitting next to someone who smelt like they hadn't showered in a while and there were no other seats I could move to.

 

[NM]

41. What is your favourite/preferred activity for passing the time on board a flight?
Watching movies, either airline IFE or on my laptop.

42. Describe a time when having travel insurance was certainly well worth it.
Although I have never needed to claim, I rarely travel without it.

43. "There's no such thing as bad Business class." Debate and discuss.
Except when discussing short-haul/regional services such as intra-Europe.

44. BKK (now DMK) Don Mueang; KUL (now SZB) Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (Subang); HKG (now defunct) Kai Tak; DEN (now defunct) Stapleton; BNE (now cargo only) (old) International, Lomandra Drive.
Of all of those, which ones have you been to before they were closed/replaced for primary international traffic? (I can't think of any more besides those...)
Hmm, now I don't feel so old . The old BNE terminal is the only one on that list. And its really just a new terminal on the same airport.
45. What kind of camera do you normally carry with you whilst travelling?
Now have a Panasonic Lumix TZ-15

46. The three most important characteristics of a good hotel room are (in order).....
Adjustable and controllable room temperature.
Ability to block out morning sun and outside lights from waking me up.
Decent TV with remote control and reasonable programming.

47. What is your pet hate bad habit of your fellow passengers when on board an aircraft?
Continuous chatter. I am happy to talk to a fellow passenger, but not for the entire flight to London.

48. Describe your piece(s) of cabin baggage.
Samsonite roller briefcase/cabin bag

49. In your opinion/experience, what is the best treatment for a hangover?
Abstinence.

50. Describe a flight where you've remarked after disembarking, "I can't believe I survived that flight!"
Every 14+ hour trans-Pacific flight in economy

 

[JohnK]

Re: The half-century list of off-topic post-filler questions

Can't believe we're cracking the half-century here, but this topic needs to roll on a bit.

You know the drill - answer any or all:

41. What is your favourite/preferred activity for passing the time on board a flight?
42. Describe a time when having travel insurance was certainly well worth it.
43. "There's no such thing as bad Business class." Debate and discuss.
44. BKK (now DMK) Don Mueang; KUL (now SZB) Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (Subang); HKG (now defunct) Kai Tak; DEN (now defunct) Stapleton; BNE (now cargo only) (old) International, Lomandra Drive.
Of all of those, which ones have you been to before they were closed/replaced for primary international traffic? (I can't think of any more besides those...)
45. What kind of camera do you normally carry with you whilst travelling?
46. The three most important characteristics of a good hotel room are (in order).....
47. What is your pet hate bad habit of your fellow passengers when on board an aircraft?
48. Describe your piece(s) of cabin baggage.
49. In your opinion/experience, what is the best treatment for a hangover?
50. Describe a flight where you've remarked after disembarking, "I can't believe I survived that flight!"

41. Watching movies and playing games on the IFE.
42. August 2007 on my RTW trip where AA delayed my luggage for close to a week. Purchased clothes, bag to carry clothes, mobile phone charger and my luggage was also ruined. Got full payout.
43. A lot better than economy so not really up for discussion.
44. Definitely BKK. Possibly KUL/HKG, one or other or neither. Also the old ATH airport, Hellenikon, before it was moved to the present location, Eleftherios Venizelos, although the airport code did not change from memory as the old airport does not exist.
45. Nil. If I am in the mood to take photos I buy the old disposable Kodak/Fuji cameras and also take photos with my mobile phone.
46. Cleanliness, noise level, adequate choice of TV channels. By the way I hate how the more "up market" hotels have removed free to air movie channels and expect you to purchase an old release movie for ~$15+.
47. Recliners
48. For international flights I have a cheap sports type carry bag with a few things in it and on domestic flights I have a laptop bag or if I have too many things I will put the laptop bag in the carry bag. I hate walking around the airport carrying 2 bags.
49. There is no treatment. Just hope that it passes as quickly as possible and has not left any permanent damage.
50. None.

 

[docjames]

41. What is your favourite/preferred activity for passing the time on board a flight? Watching IFE, Sleep when able to (stupid Y class)

42. Describe a time when having travel insurance was certainly well worth it. Never needed yet - hope to keep it that way.

43. "There's no such thing as bad Business class." Debate and discuss.
Not when you alsways travel in Y!

44. BKK (now DMK) Don Mueang; KUL (now SZB) Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (Subang); HKG (now defunct) Kai Tak; DEN (now defunct) Stapleton; BNE (now cargo only) (old) International, Lomandra Drive.
Of all of those, which ones have you been to before they were closed/replaced for primary international traffic? (I can't think of any more besides those...)

Amazingly, all except the old BNE Intl! DEN was only about 2 weeks before it closed. I loved Kai Tak - I'd route through HKG just to go there!

45. What kind of camera do you normally carry with you whilst travelling?
Pentax optio 430 - 4mp, was great camera (in Jan 03 when we bought it!) Now it's pretty averagwe, but doesnt matter if it gets lost/stolen/broken and touch wood it's been perfectly reliable and it's easy to use.


46. The three most important characteristics of a good hotel room are (in order).....
Quiet
Good Bed
Good Bathroom


47. What is your pet hate bad habit of your fellow passengers when on board an aircraft?
Oh man there's a list. Too slow to board, making a mess in the bathroom (I swear some people must stand on the seat ansd urinate towards the door!), encroaching on my personal space (I'm 6'5" and i'm very careful to protect their personal space, why cant others do the same); people in the exit row who clearly wouldnt be able to open the exit, people who bump into me when walking down the aisle, people who elbow you to get off one person sooner, I can go on..........


48. Describe your piece(s) of cabin baggage.
Samsonite "overnight" bag (freebie from Amex!) + Antler suit bag.

49. In your opinion/experience, what is the best treatment for a hangover?
Keep drinking

50. Describe a flight where you've remarked after disembarking, "I can't believe I survived that flight!"

Landing at almost midnight in Havana, pitch blacj, couldnt see a thing outside, it was the second plane to land after the hurricane - everyone clapped (after praying on the way down!) once we'd pulled up off the runway.

 

[wallacej]

41. What is your favourite/preferred activity for passing the time on board a flight? Ipod
42. Describe a time when having travel insurance was certainly well worth it. Power out - New York, Aug 2003
43. "There's no such thing as bad Business class." Debate and discuss.
no debate or discussion, it just is true
44. BKK (now DMK) Don Mueang; KUL (now SZB) Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (Subang); HKG (now defunct) Kai Tak; DEN (now defunct) Stapleton; BNE (now cargo only) (old) International, Lomandra Drive.
Of all of those, which ones have you been to before they were closed/replaced for primary international traffic? (I can't think of any more besides those...)N/A
45. What kind of camera do you normally carry with you whilst travelling? Camera Phone
46. The three most important characteristics of a good hotel room are (in order).....free internet, plenty of power points, comfy bed
47. What is your pet hate bad habit of your fellow passengers when on board an aircraft? smelly, encroaching in my space
48. Describe your piece(s) of cabin baggage.man bag (for laptop/work stuff), cabin size roll aboard
49. In your opinion/experience, what is the best treatment for a hangover? lots of water before going to bed
50. Describe a flight where you've remarked after disembarking, "I can't believe I survived that flight!" when I flew with the ex wife!

 

[Bundy Bear]

Re: The half-century list of off-topic post-filler questions

Can't believe we're cracking the half-century here, but this topic needs to roll on a bit.

You know the drill - answer any or all:

41. What is your favourite/preferred activity for passing the time on board a flight?
Listening to music on Qantas either channel 4 or channel 5: or a movie on a flight longer than 5 hours.

42. Describe a time when having travel insurance was certainly well worth it.
I can think of a time travel insurance would have helped. $1200 cost of a new flight could have been $93.00.

43. "There's no such thing as bad Business class." Debate and discuss.
If you talk about a bad business class flight then you have flown business too much, no it hasn't happened to me, I guess I haven't flown business enough.
Side Note: I would suggest that there are less people who fly business on AFF than FT, maybe another Q for next time.

44. BKK (now DMK) Don Mueang; KUL (now SZB) Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (Subang); HKG (now defunct) Kai Tak; DEN (now defunct) Stapleton; BNE (now cargo only) (old) International, Lomandra Drive.
Of all of those, which ones have you been to before they were closed/replaced for primary international traffic? (I can't think of any more besides those...)
Only the Brisbane airport tin shed.

45. What kind of camera do you normally carry with you whilst travelling?
Compact Sony currently a Sony DSC W150

46. The three most important characteristics of a good hotel room are (in order).....
A clean smell.
a good bed.
layout.

47. What is your pet hate bad habit of your fellow passengers when on board an aircraft?
Recliners on short flights.

48. Describe your piece(s) of cabin baggage.
It changes from trip to trip. I have a choice of 5. (well 3 now as one I gave back to my mum and the other I gave back to my cousin, and I will be using a 6th for my day trip next week "Freddie Jr" bag, no not the hardsided case another one.

49. In your opinion/experience, what is the best treatment for a hangover?
Don't drink so much in the first place and drink lots of water before bed.

50. Describe a flight where you've remarked after disembarking, "I can't believe I survived that flight!"
Hasn't happened yet.

 

[beardoc]

Re: The half-century list of off-topic post-filler questions



41. What is your favourite/preferred activity for passing the time on board a flight?
On domestic flights, my EEE PC loaded up with recorded television and movies. On international flights (where there's a decent on-demand IFE system), I'll be checking all through the IFE system. Am still disappointed that they dropped "Double Dragon" from the Krisworld IFE - I once flew from SYD/SIN/LHR once reliving my childhood!

42. Describe a time when having travel insurance was certainly well worth it.
DFW-LHR via ORD on UA - bags did not arrive in LHR. Had not packed anything substantive in the carry-on bag.

43. "There's no such thing as bad Business class." Debate and discuss.
Haven't seen much business class, so I can't comment.

44. BKK (now DMK) Don Mueang; KUL (now SZB) Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (Subang); HKG (now defunct) Kai Tak; DEN (now defunct) Stapleton; BNE (now cargo only) (old) International, Lomandra Drive.
Of all of those, which ones have you been to before they were closed/replaced for primary international traffic? (I can't think of any more besides those...)
Only BNE, sadly. I remember having to wait 7 hours there when I was 8 years of age with my mother. Of course, no airport lounge back then, and it felt like an eternity.

45. What kind of camera do you normally carry with you whilst travelling?
These days, the Canon EOS400D. It's not really a pocket camera, but I love it.

46. The three most important characteristics of a good hotel room are (in order).....
* A comfortable bed
* A good solid (and large) desk that is well lit
* A direct indial number (I use a callback system through Pennytel for all of my phone calls - means I can call 70 countries from my hotel phone for only 16c regardless of how long the call is.

47. What is your pet hate bad habit of your fellow passengers when on board an aircraft?
I think that boarding, no matter how organised, still is one of those difficult times when there's a lot of incursion of personal space, so I'm prepared to put up with a fair bit. The one thing that does irritate me are people that attempt to take a seat assignment that they don't have. If I check in and have a window seat on a block of three seats (say 37A), and then find that a couple of people have taken 37 A and B, and expect me to sit in 37C, I usually will suggest that we move. It doesn't win me friends, usually, but that's okay.

This hasn't been a problem since I started mostly aisle flying.

48. Describe your piece(s) of cabin baggage.
STM backpacks all the way. I love them, have bought several, and they go everywhere with me (because my laptop(s) go(es) everywhere with me as well!)

49. In your opinion/experience, what is the best treatment for a hangover?
Don't drink ethanol in the first place!

50. Describe a flight where you've remarked after disembarking, "I can't believe I survived that flight!"[/quote]
BNE-GLT in the old days of the Shorts 360 (unpressurised) "box with wings" aircraft. They had to fly so low that they were so rocky. I remember a passenger in front of me using the sick bags, and I was fighting everything I could to stop doing that myself!

 

[beardoc]

making a mess in the bathroom

Reminds me of a UA SYD-LAX flight I was on last year where a father of a toddler decided to leave an open full disposable nappy on the bench in one of the toilets - he was requested to return to the toilet to dispose of it about half an hour later.

 

[drron]

41. What is your favourite/preferred activity for passing the time on board a flight?
Eating,sleeping,drinking and maybe a movie.
42. Describe a time when having travel insurance was certainly well worth it.
When someone ran into the back of my rental in the holiday inn New Orleans in 1984.A very lovely lady lieutenant from the NO police did all the arrangements for me.
43. "There's no such thing as bad Business class." Debate and discuss.
Well I think the worst service I have had on a mainline service was IB J.Physically was good though.
44. BKK (now DMK) Don Mueang; KUL (now SZB) Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (Subang); HKG (now defunct) Kai Tak; DEN (now defunct) Stapleton; BNE (now cargo only) (old) International, Lomandra Drive.
Of all of those, which ones have you been to before they were closed/replaced for primary international traffic? (I can't think of any more besides those...)
All of the above plus SYD before and after T1.SIN came into the old airport and flew out of Changi.Must be old.
45. What kind of camera do you normally carry with you whilst travelling?
Sony 8.1 MP
46. The three most important characteristics of a good hotel room are (in order).....
Bed,Space,with lounge access.
47. What is your pet hate bad habit of your fellow passengers when on board an aircraft?
Being there.
48. Describe your piece(s) of cabin baggage.
Blue antler wheelie,soft sided,right on 105cm and remarkably always seems to weigh 6.999kg when weighed.
49. In your opinion/experience, what is the best treatment for a hangover?
In my younger days it was avoiding it by not stopping drinking,now avoidance is by not overdoing it.
50. Describe a flight where you've remarked after disembarking, "I can't believe I survived that flight!"
Never said it but looking back a CAAC sector into Xian where nothing worked,seats fell flat,broken seat belts and FAs toasting chestnuts over an open fire in the galley.

 

[Hvr]

41. What is your favourite/preferred activity for passing the time on board a flight? Watching others/reading/sleeping.

42. Describe a time when having travel insurance was certainly well worth it. Stuck in BKK during the AP occupation, I never travel without it. Was paid within a fortnight of me submitting the claim.


43. "There's no such thing as bad Business class." Debate and discuss. I'm still at that stage. Hopefully one day I will be at the stage I can say there is bad J.


44. BKK (now DMK) Don Mueang; KUL (now SZB) Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (Subang); HKG (now defunct) Kai Tak; DEN (now defunct) Stapleton; BNE (now cargo only) (old) International, Lomandra Drive.
Of all of those, which ones have you been to before they were closed/replaced for primary international traffic? Kai Tak, BNE international in 1992 is that the old one?

Hey here's one for the older members, Essendon when it was an international AP. Never flew out of it though.

45. What kind of camera do you normally carry with you whilst travelling? Canon IXUS 80, always and often with the Canon 450D.

46. The three most important characteristics of a good hotel room are (in order).....
Smoke free rooms, Quick check in, quietness and solitude.

47. What is your pet hate bad habit of your fellow passengers when on board an aircraft?
Bringing on huge bags that are bigger than my check in luggage. Don't mind a good fart, then I can blame someone else.

48. Describe your piece(s) of cabin baggage. Antler single pole.

49. In your opinion/experience, what is the best treatment for a hangover? 20+ years of being teetotal.

50. Describe a flight where you've remarked after disembarking, "I can't believe I survived that flight!"

MNL-MEL, they were kicking the door handle closed as we taxied down the runway to take off. I could see this and thought we were all going to die, it was a PAL flight in the early 90s.

 

[oz_mark]

Re: The half-century list of off-topic post-filler questions

41. What is your favourite/preferred activity for passing the time on board a flight?
Sleeping

42. Describe a time when having travel insurance was certainly well worth it.
Have only ever made one claim. I went to Montreal, my baggage went to Calgary and took three days to get from there to Montreal. Got some replacement clothes from Gap etc, on the inurance company

43. "There's no such thing as bad Business class." Debate and discuss.
I've never had a bad one

44. BKK (now DMK) Don Mueang; KUL (now SZB) Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (Subang); HKG (now defunct) Kai Tak; DEN (now defunct) Stapleton; BNE (now cargo only) (old) International, Lomandra Drive.
Of all of those, which ones have you been to before they were closed/replaced for primary international traffic? (I can't think of any more besides those...)
The old BKK, KUL and HKG

45. What kind of camera do you normally carry with you whilst travelling?
Has been Canon Ixus. Will be Canon Powershot G10

46. The three most important characteristics of a good hotel room are (in order).....
Shower (well plumbing generally)
Bed
Desk

47. What is your pet hate bad habit of your fellow passengers when on board an aircraft?
Those wearing backpacks that forget they have a backpack

48. Describe your piece(s) of cabin baggage.
Varies

49. In your opinion/experience, what is the best treatment for a hangover?
Stay drunk

50. Describe a flight where you've remarked after disembarking, "I can't believe I survived that flight!
Don't recall such a flight

 

[Alanslegal]

Re: The half-century list of off-topic post-filler questions

41. What is your favourite/preferred activity for passing the time on board a flight? Definitely IFE - watch a movie, watch a bit of the flight map before falling asleep and pass time.

42. Describe a time when having travel insurance was certainly well worth it. Never needed to make a claim, hope this continues.

43. "There's no such thing as bad Business class." Debate and discuss. Agreed, if I only had one point of argument I'd say the "feel good factor" each and everytime by knowing that you have avoided economy.

44. BKK (now DMK) Don Mueang; KUL (now SZB) Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (Subang); HKG (now defunct) Kai Tak; DEN (now defunct) Stapleton; BNE (now cargo only) (old) International, Lomandra Drive. N/A

45. What kind of camera do you normally carry with you whilst travelling? Sony DSCT2 compact p&s and Nikon D60 dslr.

46. The three most important characteristics of a good hotel room are (in order)..... The views! Super comfy bed! and actual space.

47. What is your pet hate bad habit of your fellow passengers when on board an aircraft? Selfish recliners!

48. Describe your piece(s) of cabin baggage. Country Road duffle bag.

49. In your opinion/experience, what is the best treatment for a hangover? Drink a glass of vege juice and get some sun exposure.

50. Describe a flight where you've remarked after disembarking, "I can't
believe I survived that flight! On a sight seeing flight over the Grand Canyon and lots of bumps,dips,shudders,creaks,moans,groans - all whilst in a tiny 8 seater Cessna plane. Not only I told myself "I can't believe I survived that flight!" but I also said to myself that I would tip the pilot all the money I had in my wallet that actually making it back home safely.

 

[oz_mark]

Beautiful day in Avalon. 46 degrees, 50 km/h winds.....

 

[beardoc]

Beautiful day in Avalon. 46 degrees, 50 km/h winds.....

That's exactly why I'm not leaving the house today.

 

[wallacej]

That's exactly why I'm not leaving the house today.

I am so glad I was in BNE the other week when this crazy heat was going for 4-5 days straight.... not too happy about 44.3c in Rowville!!!!

 

[Nigelinoz]

Beautiful day in Albury,44 Degrees,70km/h winds.
That's why I'm going down the pub.

 

[JohnK]

That's why I'm going down the pub.

You don't need an excuse to go to the pub.

 

[oz_mark]

On the plus side, in Victoria when they say a cool change is coming they mean it

 

[NM]

On the plus side, in Victoria when they say a cool change is coming they mean it

yeah, but a drop from 46 to 33 in 10 mins does not mean its going to be a cool night