To Shanghai and back on the wings of Aotearoa

[Keith009]

Sector - AKL-MEL
Flight number - NZ725
Class - Business
Seat - 2E
Aircraft - A320

I was initially booked on a 744 service back to MEL but due to an NZ reschedule, my originally booked connection had become 'illegal' due to falling short of the minimum connection time. So I was rebooked on this flight instead - I wasn't happy!

This flight was 'operated by ZEAL320 with full Air NZ service.' ZEAL320 is essentially ex-Freedom Air crew performing the same work as mainline NZ crew but, I'm told, with less human resources, less pay, and inferior conditions. Regardless, those assertions would justify the slightly haphazard service.

The A320 seat was tolerable for the transtasman hop. It was still a downer after the superb Business Premier seating. The only good thing about the A320 was the tiny J cabin with only 8 seats organised into 2 rows, which made the cabin cozy and private.

The personal DVD player for IFE - I watched Sunshine. Rose Byrne rocks!

The meal service was a little strange. I was served the cheese along with the entree. This might have been done to save time but it just felt 'wrong.' Moreover there wasn't any space on the tray for the cheese plate and I had to stack it onto the DVD player. The main course was delicious though - deffo resto quality!

Pre take off drinks service - pinot noir with crisps

Air dried beef, snow peas, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese and raspberry vincotto dressing; Cheese plate

Braised lamb shank on lemon thyme risotto and green beans with confit garlic

I declined the dessert as I didn't feel like anything sweet.

The flight on a whole was a downer from the mainline services. At least they didn't cut down on the booze though.

Next: Epilogue

 

[Keith009]

Epilogue

It is undoubtedly a cliche to describe one self as having fallen in love with a city. But I don't think anyone can deny that every so often a visit to a particular city is deemed too short, another visit is promptly organised, pre-existing plans are altered, and in the meantime there is a strong yearning to be there. I do miss Shanghai, I've changed a RTW itinerary next year to include PVG, and in the meantime I can't wait to be back. Shanghai is more than a sensational city - it's sensory OD, a full frontal assault of the senses and then some. In a fantastic way of course. Though I do have to admit the fact that honey chicken cannot be found in Shanghai did take some coming to terms with.

Air NZ Business Premier is top drawer material - I seriously recommend them to everybody. The beds, the wine lists, the catering, the service all combine to make a fantastic product.

This trip sparkled more because of some fine company. Thank you to FTer CPWingWalker for coming out to dinner with me and showing me around a few places when he was in Shanghai. Thanks also to the people I met around the bars and clubs - for being such good sports and putting up with my pissed rambles. And finally thanks to the countless number of strangers who either pointed me in the right direction or helped me out with translations.

Till the next trip report,
QF009

THE END​

 

[auriga]

Thank you, it was lovely.

 

[littl_flier]

QF009, another truly fantastic Trip Report. You certainly take work hard, play hard to a whole new level.
Thanks again!

littl_flier

 

[JohnK]

Re: To Shanghai and back on the wings of Aotorea

Very nice trip report....

I'd arranged to meet Reggie from AFF who'd offered to guest me into the QF Flounge. Reggie was also traveling to AKL but on QF. The QF website indicates that Reggie, as a QF WP, is entitled to bring in a guest who's 'travelling together.' To us FF nerds, this inevitably led to some debate about whether flying to the same city would suffice for 'travelling together' or whether we're supposed to be flying with the same airline.

I invited someone from FT to the SYD F lounge on Sunday. We were both on the same flight but he had the boarding pass printed in SIN and it was predominantly green in colour.

I had already been in the F lounge for an hour or so and went downstairs to escort him through to the lounge. As we approached reception I mentioned that he is my guest and when she saw the boarding pass said that he is not allowed into the F lounge as he is not on the same flight as me. I said that he is on QF74 but the boarding pass was printed in SIN. Oh she said and ripped up the boarding pass and re-printed a new one.

I think you were lucky to be allowed into the F lounge

 

[Keith009]

Yep - to avoid disappointments I'd fully expected to be thrown out. It never hurts to try anyway. And even if I didn't get in it was still nice to meet an AFFer and put face to handle.