Good Virgin Part 1
I had business in Canberra last Thursday so I decided that rather than getting up at sparrows fart to drive to OOL then connect via SYD I would take advantage of the direct OOL-CBR flight at 21:05, stay Wednesday night and be refreshed and ready to go in the morning. I purchased a regular fare and upgraded with points to business (Kudos point - I also like the way this is so easy to do from manage my bookings page - if an upgrade is available it's just a couple of clicks and your done with no need to ring VFF. Brickbat point - I can do this because I have plenty of points and certainly can't use them on any international flights as nothing is ever available.)
So all went well to start, got a close to the terminal park, visited the lounge, on time boarding, seat 1A on the E190 & pushed back on time.
Then we sat for a few minutes on the apron before the captain came on to tell us about our flight and he mentioned there was some suspect weather in Canberra and some fog about. Soon we were on our way, got the minestrone soup with the chicken which was nice, chatted with the FA and then relaxed and listened to some tunes. About 30 minutes out the captain came on to say that the conditions had deteriorated at CBR and the fog was thicker. He advised that the plan was to attempt a landing but there was the possibility of a diversion.
Soon the cabin was prepared for landing and we began our approach and from the window I saw we were getting lower and could see lights. We continued to descend as normal then suddenly we powered up and began to ascend. The chatter amongst us pax and the FA was would we try again as there was a great view of the lights of Canberra & Parliament House but it was also obvious that there was a big patch of low cloud around the area of the airport. However that was soon put to rest by the captain announcing that "the company" had decided that we would be heading for Sydney. With that we made a fairly sharp turn and they gunned it as it was already about 22:35 so we had to make it by curfew. After what seemed like no time at all we were preparing to land at SYD.
Upon landing the captain again came on and apologised for the inconvenience but conditions prevailed against us. When we pulled up at the gate the door was opened and there was a discussion with ground staff about what was to happen then the FA announced that we were to all proceed to the gate area and wait for instructions. Soon enough everyone was off and milling around the gate and it turns out that there was 52 of us. Within 5 minutes the staff announced that we would all be provided with accomodation and booked on the 8:05 am flight Thursday morning. 2 staff then manned the desk and the supervisor asked everyone to please form 2 lines. Having previously experienced a diversion I knew to stand close to the desk and so was third in line for my voucher. Mine was for the Adina and it was clearly explained that I should collect my bags, take a taxi and keep the receipt and that a shuttle would be supplied for the morning trip back to the airport and I would have to check in again. Kudos point - I was aware of the procedure but importantly it was clearly explained to everyone both by the staff issuing the vouchers but also by the supervisor to those in line who were not sure and who had not experienced something like this before.
Turns out we pissed off all the taxi drivers queued up as 50+ people all needed 5 min fares. Not sure what they were expecting from a closed airport - pax magically appearing wanting a fare to Penrith? We caught the staff at the Adina a little on the hop as they weren't expecting a rush but once again being at the front of the line meant my wait was pretty short and soon I was in my room. Interesting night.
I had business in Canberra last Thursday so I decided that rather than getting up at sparrows fart to drive to OOL then connect via SYD I would take advantage of the direct OOL-CBR flight at 21:05, stay Wednesday night and be refreshed and ready to go in the morning. I purchased a regular fare and upgraded with points to business (Kudos point - I also like the way this is so easy to do from manage my bookings page - if an upgrade is available it's just a couple of clicks and your done with no need to ring VFF. Brickbat point - I can do this because I have plenty of points and certainly can't use them on any international flights as nothing is ever available.)
So all went well to start, got a close to the terminal park, visited the lounge, on time boarding, seat 1A on the E190 & pushed back on time.
Then we sat for a few minutes on the apron before the captain came on to tell us about our flight and he mentioned there was some suspect weather in Canberra and some fog about. Soon we were on our way, got the minestrone soup with the chicken which was nice, chatted with the FA and then relaxed and listened to some tunes. About 30 minutes out the captain came on to say that the conditions had deteriorated at CBR and the fog was thicker. He advised that the plan was to attempt a landing but there was the possibility of a diversion.
Soon the cabin was prepared for landing and we began our approach and from the window I saw we were getting lower and could see lights. We continued to descend as normal then suddenly we powered up and began to ascend. The chatter amongst us pax and the FA was would we try again as there was a great view of the lights of Canberra & Parliament House but it was also obvious that there was a big patch of low cloud around the area of the airport. However that was soon put to rest by the captain announcing that "the company" had decided that we would be heading for Sydney. With that we made a fairly sharp turn and they gunned it as it was already about 22:35 so we had to make it by curfew. After what seemed like no time at all we were preparing to land at SYD.
Upon landing the captain again came on and apologised for the inconvenience but conditions prevailed against us. When we pulled up at the gate the door was opened and there was a discussion with ground staff about what was to happen then the FA announced that we were to all proceed to the gate area and wait for instructions. Soon enough everyone was off and milling around the gate and it turns out that there was 52 of us. Within 5 minutes the staff announced that we would all be provided with accomodation and booked on the 8:05 am flight Thursday morning. 2 staff then manned the desk and the supervisor asked everyone to please form 2 lines. Having previously experienced a diversion I knew to stand close to the desk and so was third in line for my voucher. Mine was for the Adina and it was clearly explained that I should collect my bags, take a taxi and keep the receipt and that a shuttle would be supplied for the morning trip back to the airport and I would have to check in again. Kudos point - I was aware of the procedure but importantly it was clearly explained to everyone both by the staff issuing the vouchers but also by the supervisor to those in line who were not sure and who had not experienced something like this before.
Turns out we pissed off all the taxi drivers queued up as 50+ people all needed 5 min fares. Not sure what they were expecting from a closed airport - pax magically appearing wanting a fare to Penrith? We caught the staff at the Adina a little on the hop as they weren't expecting a rush but once again being at the front of the line meant my wait was pretty short and soon I was in my room. Interesting night.
