SYD-BKK-xHEL-BCN-VLC-MAD-xHEL-BKK-SYD on QF, AY & Renfe Trains in J

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We found ourselves thinking of checking out another Euro location we'd passed through but never stopped to look around.
Christmas was on our minds and is the only real time we can both get time off together.

Our preferred route has become via a SE Asian port with QF then connect to Finnair.
Until recently the additional SC earn has been nice coupled with AYs 'affordable' pricing. As this trip was self funded, then bang-for-buck was high on the consideration list.

Anyways, we had secured our QF tickets to BKK then just waited on an AY sale. Sure enough one came around and we booked. And Tapas started to dominate our thoughts.

Here is a selection of pics to illustrate the journey.

FLIGHT#1
Sydney to BKK with QF
Plane: A330 Skybed Mk1.
Cabin had 2 toilets.

Check-in was swift at the Sydney 1st counter with nobody ahead of us. The check-in agent was very pleasant and confirmed everything on the BP as well as issuing express path departure cards.

Up to the QF 1st lounge we trekked. We allowed 1.5hrs in the lounge which I figured would be a good margin to cover off breakfast and hopefully get SWMBO a Spa treatment.

Christmas time in the QF 1st Lounge


I feel at home


My splurge breakfast. Sauce on the side to fool myself that I'm eating healthy even though it all gets eaten


Spa time ... for SWMBO thatis ... happy wife, happy life ? I then sat back, drank Champagne and watched the world go by


The report back was that it was a very relaxing way to start the flight. In fact she back back all 'floaty' and needed a glass of Champagne


TBC

 

[JessicaTam]

I am settling myself in for a good read!

 

[nonpop]

Another shot from within the Spa area. I was subsequently told I need to retain Platinum by SWMBO. We then settled on ensuring Easter time coming would be a reason for another trip to the 1st Lounge together. Our reasoning was that some couples go hiking together, whilst we'd go Flounging together.


"Hey an A380 ... Could that be our plane?" I hear from SWMBO ... "nope" I reply. Ours is the little baby A330 behind it. To which I get the the pouting lip look.


Stock standard A330 J cabin


Touch screens that don't respond to touch


Feeding time! A very tasty salad. Was fresh and crisp. Cheese & Walnut. Oh and more Champagne


TBC

 

[RooFlyer]

Good 'ol AY sale . I don't think I'd have the nerves to buy the QF fate then wait for the AY sale, though.

I loved Spain! Never got to BCL or VLC though; western half done pretty thoroughly in several trips. Love to go back.

 

[nonpop]

Main was lamb. We both had the same. Cooked just right. Most and tender. Plus I make SWMBO shake her head when I suck on the bones.
And unfortunately it had to get washed down with more bubbles. We both elected not to have dessert.



The rest of the flight was uneventful. Watched a few movies, read some kindle and watched the world go by.

Before landing we were thanked for flying with QF, they recognised our status and issued us with a BKK express path card.
The flight took off and landed 1 hr late as take off was delayed due to having to replace a navigation computer. During the 1hr delay we had to remain on board the plane but were served water and allowed to extend our seats.

We stayed at the BKK airport Novotel and did all the usual eating and drinking for 1 night. With Accor Platinum status we were directed to check-in via the lounge. Full benefits were provided. And the lounge makes a fairly good Martini. Breakfast next morning was meant to be in the lounge, but I decided t try the main restaurant - sure enough we just walked in without being challenged. They put on a great spread.


Time for the next flight.

Flight #2
BKK to HEL on AY
Plane: A330
There are 3 toilets for the J cabin

Check-in at BKK was super fast. Walked right up to the J line and the next agent stopped the Y line and called us over to check-in.
The agent made sure our frequent flyer numbers were there, pro-actively showing us our QF numbers on the BP. The agent was the most thorough I've come across - from bag tags to lounge access. Nothing was missed or overlooked.

We were directed to the Louis Tavern as we were told the QF lounge was closed and not open every morning.
So we expressed it through immigration and then went to double check the QF lounge was closed. Sure enough it was. Plus the BA & CX lounge opposite is closed.

With only 30 mins to boarding, I settled on the Louis as all I needed was Wifi and a seat - which it managed fine.
We were warmly greeted and our invitations from AY taken.

NB: The lounge has no toilets. You need to use the public ones right next door (which were adequate).



Seating was comfortable and wifi fine


A selection of food with some hot dishes comprising scrambled eggs & sauages


The all important truth serum selection - or how to make a Y flight tolerable


TBC

 

[nonpop]

From Seatguru - seating config of the A330

Cabin has 3 toilets for the J cabin.


Pre-boarding drink was the usual Champagne, water or juice. Since I only know what Champagne is, I decided to play it safe.

Seating shot. The seats are full flat with you slipping under the person in front in a staggered layout. I find them good to sleep on but I admit I prefer the QF Skybed for general sitting and watching a movie in the Z position. Having said that the AY seats are fine.


A shot of the single seats. Great for travelling solo. They are also known as the thrown by some of the crew.


Overhead bin space - plenty. Shoe bags also handed out. You can also see something called the Y cabin down the back. May the Gods protect me from ever being there.


Another seating view. Personally I would take the 2 seater only in the middle as vs by the window due to more surrounding space.


TBC

 

[RooFlyer]

So 1 J toilet per 11 pax, Vs 1 per ~18 I think I worked out on the QF 747 I'm on next week.

Any votes for best seat(s) in J cabin? The singles in the A/C columns (in your last pic) must go close?

 

[nonpop]

My seat with plenty of side space. The J amenity bags are paper. There is a list of things on the back that you can additionally ask for.
The lip balm is especially good as it doesn't melt in your pocket yet remains spreadable in the cold.
The eye masks are huge and very comfortable. May be the best out there ?



Touch screen worked perfectly and foot-well below


Foot space of one of the single seats


Seat power options. The USB port charged my phone and tablet just fine. I used my own NC headphones and the system had no issues with it. The AY supplied ones are similar to QF.


Pre-dinner drink and nibble. I started with sparkling water then moved to the bubbles.
I do like the glassware a lot.


TBC

 

[nonpop]

So 1 J toilet per 11 pax, Vs 1 per ~18 I think I worked out on the QF 747 I'm on next week.

Any votes for best seat(s) in J cabin? The singles in the A/C columns (in your last pic) must go close?

Single ... I'd pick the single on the port side as it really has a massive amount of space (space of a 2 seater).

Toilets ... yep having 3 just seems to really ensure there is minimal waiting during peak period. Especially on a night flight that is when you notice it in the morning / changing time. And heaven forbid should a toilet cease to flush, then the back-up isn't so bad.

 

[nonpop]

So it was now feeding time. Just after take-off the AY crew cam around and checked what you'd like from the menu. We had pre-ordered and they checked if we were still ok with that. The crew were very friendly, yet still very efficient.

Meals were served with speed and we were always offered more drinks and continual bread top-ups.

Menu


Entree of smoked duck breast was very tasty indeed. We both were so glad this was our choice. Very tender and full of flavour. Look at that fat layer. nom nom nom. After eating it we both looked over at each other and gave the 2 thumbs up signal. We had finally started to relax. Plus there was probably more Martini & Champagne that blood in each of our systems.


Close up showing gold sprinkle on the berry


Main - this was chicken breast. Again juicy and lots of flavour.


SWMBO had a beef stir fry. It was eaten all up and plate cleaned up with rye bread. No complaints.


TBC

 

[Major]

Agree that is impressive glassware. Looking forward to the rest of your TR

 

[nonpop]

I selected the 'lite' dessert ... who was I kidding. After the first one I'd knew I'd be back for more.
The little cakes were oh so yum. SWMBO wouldn't let me photograph her with the bounty that sat on her tray table. When the dessert cart came around, the servers just kept suggesting she try this and that. So by the end she had 1 of everything.


My seconds for dessert and some Baileys.


Mid flight snack of sandwich and nuts I wanted



Another mid flight snack of little quiche. We were the first to order these and as soon as we did, it was on like Donkey Kong others doing the same.

Th menu noted that there would not be another formal meal service and that if you wanted more food after dinner just order more as you wished from a list.
But before landing they did a noodle run which we didn't have any of as we couldn't eat any more.

We then landed into Helsinki to find HEL frozen over


The flight summary:
Crew looked after us and each time we pressed the call button nothing was an issue.
It was funny that at some point when we pressed the call button they started to bring the bottle with them. I did ask one of the crew later if we were a pain in the bum to which she responded that it was either a case of being "up here" or "down there" pointing to the Y cabin. That would explain why she was always happy to stop and talk for a bit.

The flight departed and landed on time.

TBC ...

 

[nonpop]

After disembarking the long haul AY flight (in the non Schengen area) we were meant to then go through passport control into the Schengen area for our onward flight to Barcelona. "Its a trap" (in that star wars voice) was what sprung through my Champagne hazed mind - actually I think I blurted it out and then laughed to myself. I got an interesting look from the Mrs. No domestic lounge for this little black duck. No, no, no.

I then turned to SWMBO and told her we were off to the long haul lounge which was only a few gates away. Besides it was about 1 hr to our next flight which meant since we were in HEL that was heaps of time.

When we got to the Finnair lounge there was a line and the Lounge agents now direct you to the appropriate lounge based on criteria.
(The normal Business lounge is still undergoing some renovations where the shower area is).

The lounge agent did suggest we may want to go through to the Schengen lounge as we "only had about an hr to the next flight which would be boarding soon". I said I'd be fine. She happily scanned our BPs and waved us in t either lounge.

Flying J as well as a OWE we had the choice of both lounges.
So I thought we'd sample the new lounge on the left where they were directing non J pax (so all status pax -- Finnair & OWE/S) as I love to try new things.


Turn left and you are presented with the new lounge entry. It also has a Sauna which we didn't get to try.


Standard seating with lots of power options


The usual food. The Salads were nice.


But importantly, real Champagne at $n/c.
What is interesting is that in the J lounge you need to pay real Euro if you want real Champagne vs generic bubbles.
So people that have paid for a J ticket get generic yet status pax that could be flying Y get the real thing. Anyways, we ordered up a couple of glasses then settled in for about 30 mins to check some email and then book a couple of tours for the next day in BCN.


The status pax lounge felt cramped as it holds more pax in about the same space as the 'old' J lounge. Seats are closer together and the view of the airport is not as good. It seems that during peak times Finnair are struggling to cope as their operations are expanding and more status pax seem to be using their services. Having said that, the staus pax lounge is more than adequate. I'd align it to more of a QF Club feeling.

It was now about 30 mins to boarding so we got of our fat-cough and made our way to passport control.
TBC ...

 

[nonpop]

Flight#3
HEL to BCN with AY
Plane: A319

We walked from the lounge, withdraw some Euro (with the Citi Visa debit card) at the cash machine near passport control then passed through passport control into the Schengen area. Start to finish 9 mins. We then spent another 5 mins walking to the gate. So 15 mins long haul lounge to Schengen gate.
In true Euro sense, the flight hadn't started boarding yet i.e the time they want you at the gate seems to be about 5 to 10 mins before they actually need you.

Boarding started abut 5 mins after we got there and happened very swiftly.
A pre-boarding call was announced. Priority boarding with families first, then J pax then status pax then Y by row.
There were a lot of Asian pax waiting to board as the flight was code share with JL. As soon as the gate agent made the pre-boarding announcement the Asian pax swarmed the gate. The gate agent just sent them all away. I could see she had done that before and handled it well.

Boarding was called and it seemed to go reasonably well. Whenever a pax tried to board without correct credentials the agent ejected them (as she did to a couple in front of us).



We were seated in row 1. I managed to grab a quick pic of the flight deck.
Seating in J is not true J like domestic QF flights. But rather standard 3-3 seating with the mid seat blocked out.


I think we may need de-icing as there is a lot of white stuff blocking my view. Always a novelty to have the plane covered in snow.
The Finnair luggage swing tags all had "Finnair official airline of Santa" or something like that on them.


The plane left the gate on time, rolled along for a few mins. The captain then said we'd need to de-ice the plane which would cause about a 15 min take off delay but wouldn't impact the landing time as he'd make it up in the air. The plane then seemed to pull up in a pre-made area where planes were just rolling in and out for de-icing. The process took about 15 mins and we were off very quickly afterwards. All seemed very fuss free and organised. The domestic crew looked bored.


Once in the air we were offered pre-dinner drinks. Having had our share of bubbles we decided to switch to Red as it was now late afternoon.
Plus red is healthy I told the Mrs. She looked at me and said "ok you just keep believing that", turned to the flight attendant and ordered a red. I smiled.


TBC ...

 

[boomy]

Enjoying the TR so far, keep going...
Interesting to hear about Japanese pax pushing their way to board, very untypical behaviour (assuming they were Japanese as it was codeshare with JL).
And yes, red wine is very good for health! I kept telling that to my missus until she finally gave up and agreed with me
Looking forward to the Barcelona part, one of my favourite cities in the world.
You must try the sauna in the AY lounge on your way back, I heard it's awesome!

 

[love_the_life]

Having a great read. I like Finnair very much - good value and service in J. Even though we usually travel together we still go for the single seats - good storage.

 

[robd]

Subscribing.

 

[nonpop]

Feeding time from HEL to BCN.
Don't know why, but even a Y meal is exciting to unwrap at 39,000 feet in the air. We see the meal as part of the journey, part of the fun.
Thankfully, no Y meal for us.

No selection was available on this 'domestic' flight. It was a case of take-it-or-leave-it but the crew were very professional in the service.
This is a close up of the entree. I thought it was just so well presented. Again was tasty with the sauce having a bit of zing to it.


The entire box & dice. I'm a big fan of the rye bread they serve on all their flights. Very heavy.
The main was nothing special. May be it was because we were starting to get tired. It was a chicken with beans, rice and creamed spinach.
The dessert was a little winner.


For an after dinner drink we opted for Cloudberry Liqueur.
If you haven't tried it then go get some. An excellent after dinner drink. On ice or neat. I prefer it on ice and SWMBO likes it neat.


Well it was now time to land.
The crew had looked after us with constant offers of bread during meal service and booze throughout the flight.
They constantly topped up SWMBO water as well.

Oh and their was 1 toilet for 6 J pax. (the J cabin is adjusted in size by a sliding curtain above on rails). If Y pax cam through the curtain and a crew member was in the J cabin, then the Y pax was ejected.

Landed into BCN and it was like a ghost town. I must admit BCN is a nice airport and since we were already in the Schengen area it was a breeze to waltz through and collect luggage then grab a taxi from the rank outside.


TBC

 

[nonpop]

Even though we usually travel together we still go for the single seats - good storage.

Brave! I don't think I'd even consider something like that. We find the mid 2 seats to have enough local storage and then the above bins are always empty.

 

[nonpop]

Interesting to hear about Japanese pax pushing their way to board, very untypical behaviour (assuming they were Japanese as it was codeshare with JL).

Just don't know. Hence I just put them down as Asian. I too thought it was strange as I've always found Japanese to be very ordered.
AY handled it well and did it by the book of entitlement.