The totally off-topic thread

[samh004]

Heard a rumour but details are vague about DJ sharing some EK A380's on the SYD-PER route when they aren't being utilised.

Couldn't get any more detail than that, anyone heard anything more specific?

Oh and something about DJ reducing a lot of staff travel/they're in dire financial trouble?

 

[anat0l]

Heard a rumour but details are vague about DJ sharing some EK A380's on the SYD-PER route when they aren't being utilised.

...

Oh and something about DJ reducing a lot of staff travel/they're in dire financial trouble?

I'm calling BS on all of that. Sorry.

 

[samh004]

I'm calling BS on all of that. Sorry.

I thought he confused an A330 with an A380 too, however he got this from an EK pilot, so thought I'd leave it here just in case.

 

[anat0l]

Completely random question about Singapore airport:

Is there a gym or somewhere to work out a little bit anywhere? If so, how much and airside/landside?

I'm sure there must be something, short of putting on some good walking shoes and doing a perimeter lap of the airport terminals.

Thinking of doing a little bit of activity in SIN between my upcoming JQ flight and SQ flight (the whole day is pretty much eating and drinking!). I've got a 7 hour layover in SIN.

 

[Mal]

Is there a gym or somewhere to work out a little bit anywhere? If so, how much and airside/landside?

Yes. Airside, T1 - part of the Ambassador Transit Hotel:
Ambassador Transit Hotel

 

[anat0l]

Yes. Airside, T1 - part of the Ambassador Transit Hotel:
Ambassador Transit Hotel

Thanks for that Mal.

Next question: so I'll pack a set of workout clothes in my carry-on. So what's the best strategy with respect to carrying these with me after use? Don't wash them, put them in a tight bag and wash at next convenience? Wash them in a shower, dry as much as possible (albeit still wet), carry in a tight bag and dry as soon as possible?

I don't think The Private Room has a wash and dry service, otherwise that'd be nice

Next flight is SQ SIN-FRA, followed by a 3 hour layover before having to board a long-distance train at Frankfurt Main Flughafen Fernbahnhof going to Brussels, then a 30 minute layover before a train to Brugge. So no long layover most likely until I get to accommodation in Brugge.

 

[Mal]

Next question: so I'll pack a set of workout clothes in my carry-on. So what's the best strategy with respect to carrying these with me after use? Don't wash them, put them in a tight bag and wash at next convenience? Wash them in a shower, dry as much as possible (albeit still wet), carry in a tight bag and dry as soon as possible?

There is a self-service laundromat in the basement of one of the terminals (Systematic Laundry - Changi Airport . Plenty of time to pop out, throw them in for a wash and dry and repack!

 

[anat0l]

There is a self-service laundromat in the basement of one of the terminals (Systematic Laundry - Changi Airport . Plenty of time to pop out, throw them in for a wash and dry and repack!

Nicely done, although therein presents a problem - I'd have to go airside to use the gym, then back to landside for the laundry, then back airside again. Not sure if that's possible.

 

[Mal]

Nicely done, although therein presents a problem - I'd have to go airside to use the gym, then back to landside for the laundry, then back airside again. Not sure if that's possible.

Not the shortest time I've been landside at SIN [And if asked ... which you won't be ... you can honestly say you're doing some laundry]

The other option is to contact the Crowne Plaza and see if you can use their gym and what it would cost. (Or loiter and follow a hotel guest in )

 

[Flashback]

Going to Scandinavia has always been on my bucket list; hadn't fully decided where but somewhere there is great. (No, OSL from SMD1 doesn't really count.) I'll make sure to earmark Bergen, along with the cities Stockholm, Helsinki and possibly Copenhagen. Although not in the region but still Nordic theme, Reykjavik is on the list, too (damn repegging of the ISK).

I've seen the pics on FB and I agree it looks great. Wonderful architecture, great views - just superb. I'd be wondering whether to go in summer or winter - not that it matters much; that hike looks great too. And to top it all off, you're looking in excellent shape! (Much better shape than I am, for sure)

Thanks! Dad made the same comment. I checked and I've dropped around 10kg since I arrived here, but I'm still not content with it.. would like maybe another 5!

If you are looking to do Stockholm, Copenhagen, etc. do let me know .. I may be convinced to pop out for another trip

Thanks for that Mal.

Next question: so I'll pack a set of workout clothes in my carry-on. So what's the best strategy with respect to carrying these with me after use? Don't wash them, put them in a tight bag and wash at next convenience? Wash them in a shower, dry as much as possible (albeit still wet), carry in a tight bag and dry as soon as possible?

I don't think The Private Room has a wash and dry service, otherwise that'd be nice

Next flight is SQ SIN-FRA, followed by a 3 hour layover before having to board a long-distance train at Frankfurt Main Flughafen Fernbahnhof going to Brussels, then a 30 minute layover before a train to Brugge. So no long layover most likely until I get to accommodation in Brugge.

Can confirm TPR does not have a washroom service

 

[anat0l]

If you are looking to do Stockholm, Copenhagen, etc. do let me know .. I may be convinced to pop out for another trip

That'll have to be for another time (and possibly another year) when I'm in Europe, although I've been wanting to spend that 150k QF points on a zone 10 ow award some time soon-ish....

 

[Flashback]

That'll have to be for another time (and possibly another year) when I'm in Europe, although I've been wanting to spend that 150k QF points on a zone 10 ow award some time soon-ish....

Do it! ;-) I was really lucky with the weather when I hiked up Ulriken, was blue skies, sunny, around 18 degrees. The next day.. it was back to the usual cloudy / cooler weather. Couldn't have had better timing...!

Oh and just beware, there's no lounge at BGO

 

[ozbeachbabe]

That'll have to be for another time (and possibly another year) when I'm in Europe, although I've been wanting to spend that 150k QF points on a zone 10 ow award some time soon-ish....

My points balance this month with QF is exactly that 150K!

 

[drron]

Yes fog in MEL this am but only 1 of 7 TT planes left more than 20 minutes late.The MCY service which has an on time rating of 0% left right on time.:shock::shock:
At least half of QF services were more than an hour late.The 1000 DPO service left DPO at 1150-a few disgruntled Essendon supporters on board.
Through security MEL at 1255.Fortunately SYD service at Gate 21.arrived as they started boarding.Glad i made it as had got 25F as a QPNB-sequence 1.Lunch was a quiche which was meant to have bacon in it-didn't see any.Came in a pie pack.
Bag made it but third last out at SYD-the exception that proves the rule of last on,first off!

 

[anat0l]

Not the shortest time I've been landside at SIN [And if asked ... which you won't be ... you can honestly say you're doing some laundry]

Just discovered that it's easier than I thought.

I arrive from MEL on JQ and since JQ and SQ don't necessarily interline, I have to go landside and reclaim my bag before rechecking into my SQ flight. So before I clear immigration I just use the gym, then clear immigration, get checked bag, use laundry, repack then check-in for SQ flight.

The only thing I need to fear is that my bag goes around and around the reclaim belt too long (and hopefully no itchy hands takes it). I heard that such bags usually go to Lost and Found after some time, cf. multiple PAs or it gets destroyed...

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Just a reminder to those people who have a valid 2 year US Visa (ESTA) and will be returning to the US & thereby utilising the visa again.

You need to logon to the ESTA website to "edit" your details ie add in your new flight details for your next trip plus the address of where you're staying in the US to reactivate the ESTA for your new booking.

If this isn't done the ESTA won't appear in your current booking & the airline will not be able to uplift you until you have approval which sometimes can be instantaneous, other times it may take up to 72 hours. More below on this thread:

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....sta-usa-visa-waiver-can-27056.html#post428354

 

[anat0l]

Just a reminder to those people who have a valid 2 year US Visa (ESTA) and will be returning to the US & thereby utilising the visa again.

You need to logon to the ESTA website to "edit" your details ie add in your new flight details for your next trip plus the address of where you're staying in the US to reactivate the ESTA for your new booking.

If this isn't done the ESTA won't appear in your current booking & the airline will not be able to uplift you until you have approval which sometimes can be instantaneous, other times it may take up to 72 hours. More below on this thread:

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....sta-usa-visa-waiver-can-27056.html#post428354

Thanks for the scoop, ozbeachbabe.

I just helped my dad complete his ESTA this afternoon. A few screens, grumblings about US border bureaucracy and USD 14 later, he was given authorisation there and then. Since he has no definitive plans for travel, he left those sections blank, but I will make sure to remind him that when he does have his travel plans he will need to login and update his ESTA (and he will probably grumble again about the bureaucracy).

 

[JohnK]

No,bottom of the range Samsung.

Me too. Just purchased a new Samsung E3550 slide phone in Thailand for ~AUD90.

The only thing I need to fear is that my bag goes around and around the reclaim belt too long (and hopefully no itchy hands takes it). I heard that such bags usually go to Lost and Found after some time, cf. multiple PAs or it gets destroyed...

This should not be an issue and I would not be worried. I have done this a couple of times now and each time my luggage is waiting for me in Lost and Found.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Thanks for the scoop, ozbeachbabe.

I just helped my dad complete his ESTA this afternoon. A few screens, grumblings about US border bureaucracy and USD 14 later, he was given authorisation there and then. Since he has no definitive plans for travel, he left those sections blank, but I will make sure to remind him that when he does have his travel plans he will need to login and update his ESTA (and he will probably grumble again about the bureaucracy).

Anat0l what you describe sounds exactly like a conversation between George Costanza & his father! Better he grumble about LOTFAP bureaucracy at home than on arrival at the airport sans a valid ESTA!

 

[notzac]

If this isn't done the ESTA won't appear in your current booking & the airline will not be able to uplift you until you have approval which sometimes can be instantaneous, other times it may take up to 72 hours. More below on this thread:

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....sta-usa-visa-waiver-can-27056.html#post428354

Hrm. I've never bothered re-editing my ESTA and am yet to have issues ... have I gotten lucky here?