Dinner at the Paparazzi restaurant in the Sheraton.
Just had to ‘Antipasti’ selections, thinking they’d be smaller options. They weren’t! Calamari and the chef’s recommendation, Pizza. Both very average. Washed it down with a glass of Pinot Grigio. Also average. Total cost – my breakfast and dinner meal voucher, combined. Or $41.
Jumped onto the shuttle to TBIT and headed for Check-in. As a freshly minted plat it was straight to the front of the queue in the First check-in line. This saved me a total of zero minutes, as the business line was empty too, and there were only about 5 people in the economy line. The agent advised that she could see my booking, but couldn’t get it ticketed. It was at this point I gulped. She disappeared for about 10 minutes, but came back with it sorted. Crisis over.
Through security again and up to Level 5. I wish I had been given the option of using the first class security lane which was empty. Instead I had to join business and economy. Not too bad I guess, about 15 minutes to get through security.
Into the F lounge, which is almost identical to the Business lounge on the other side. Indeed, the same food offerings. It was slightly less busy than the business lounge the day before, but still full.
This pic was taken after QF108 and QF12 had left the lounge.
Our flight was scheduled for 1045 boarding, so I headed down to the gate at 10:44pm, eager to get on board and into my PJ’s!
QF12 was still at our gate, and signs advised a delayed boarding of 1115pm. So I went for a little walk and returned to the gate. At this point, the Captain of our flight advised that QF12 were having trouble getting their engines started, and because they couldn’t push back, we couldn’t get our aircraft, which was cleaned and ready to go, into the gate for boarding. He advised he thought we would be boarding at 1145pm.
Disgruntled after the comedy of errors this morning, I went back to the lounge.
Shortly after, the Captain made a lounge announcement, similar to the one he made at the gate, advising passengers of the situation, and the new boarding time. He then walked through the lounge and offered to answer any questions.
Whilst this delay was annoying, I thought it was excellent that the Captain made these announcements and kept people in the loop. Certainly went above and beyond I think. He did mention it that he thought it was best for people to hear it “from the horses mouth”. But I did admire that he went to that effort, especially as it was out of his control.
We were eventually called for boarding and were probably taxing for take off around 1am.
I took my seat in 13E and settled in. I opted for the Sea Bass which was a little chewy, but fairly tasty.
It was the same menu as yesterdays flight.
Settled in for a movie, took a couple of Melatonin pills, and went to sleep.
Breakfast was good, but again cold, which was disappointing.
I’d called before leaving the airport to confirm that my transfer for my original flight had carried over to the new booking. It hadn’t but the agent on the phone arranged it for me. Lucky I’d checked!
My driver was waiting and it was straight home! A silver Caprice with what must of been the most professional driver I've ever encountered. He even asked if it was OK for him to have a drink of water from his water bottle! I was shocked, and said Of course, don't be silly!
That’s it folks! Hope it was enjoyed, it was certainly more work than I’d anticipated, and apologies that it got a little sloppy towards the end!
