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Cx hkg-bne-cns-hkg j, dj bne-syd y+, qf syd-bne j
Dear all,
Just want to do a short trip report on my recent flights “Down Under”! For years, I have really wanted to try the Brisbane flights, especially the new daytime flight, as well as the Brisbane-Cairns-Hong Kong-Cairns-Brisbane flights. So I finally found a really nice business class fare and have also fulfilled my wish to fly Virgin Blue. For the Cathay Pacific segments, I don’t want to say much, but the Virgin Blue flights will be a bit more detailed.
May 19, 2009
CX 157 HKG-BNE Lv1250 Arr2320 Airbus A340-300 B-HXG “Oneworld”
The purser of CX 157, Billy, asked me an interesting question mid-flight. “Mr. Leung, why did you pick this flight? The timing is not that great!” I said, “I hate redeye flights and the timing is not bad. I had two nice meals on the plane, watch some movies and television programs, and arrived right on time for bed. No need to deal with jet lag!” He just smiled, “Well, at least, this daytime flight was always quiet and lightly loaded!”
Weeks ago after I booked my flight, I noticed that the Airbus A340 had the new 1-1-1 seating configuration, which possibly meant that the new “oneworld” livered flight will be used. Thanks to no aircraft substitution, B-HXG indeed was sitting there at gate four! Unfortunately, gate 4 does not permit a good close-up picture.
I think enough was said about the new herringbone business class, and as I overhead some conversation on board, “Do you hate it or love it?” Most people notice that increased privacy but the narrowness of the seats is just obvious. I have no issue with the herringbone arrangement, but CX crams at least two to three extra rows of seats, and that is unacceptable. I continue to fail the seat, which reflects on the survey I filled out. I honestly can’t see how CX fixes it without removing a few rows that should not be there in the beginning. But the Airbus 1-1-1 seating makes the cabin look less crowded and the window “K” seats are preferred because you face a wall instead of rows of feet. I don’t notice any additional traffic on the “K” side.
Boarding began on time at 12:18pm, and door was closed at 12:40pm, due to the light load. Since we are using R/W25L for takeoff, taxing time was minimal. After a Hong Kong Express’ Boeing 737-800 Winglet B-KBR took off, we took our turn and lifted off at 12:55pm. One of the disadvantage of flying this brand new reconfigured Airbus A340 is that the Sky Map is disabled and I can’t trace the routing, which I actually am curious. Flying time was eight hours and twelve minutes.
Meal service was a full lunch after takeoff, and a two-course refreshment prior to landing, with some light snacks, such as Apple chips, almonds, and peanuts available mid-flight. The service was attentive due to the light load. Weather at Brisbane was awful – heavy rains for our arrival. Descent began at 10:34pm local time, and we landed on R/W1 at 11:07pm. Since we had to taxi all the way back to the international terminal, we did not park at gate 80 till 11:17pm. We parked between a Thai Airways’ Boeing 777-300ER HS-TKA and a Singapore Airlines’ Airbus A330-300 9V-STF both preparing for their late night flights to Bangkok and Singapore. Immigration was relatively quiet, as the TG flight had arrived earlier in the evening. There are a few large Indian families being process, but no major wait. I heard about horror stories with the Australian immigration, but was glad to report that the staffs were friendly and polite, and I did not get grilled or questioned. The agent even told me how to use the express card, and the custom officers were respectful and my bags were x-rayed and there was no issue. But the taxi ride to Hilton Brisbane was another story.
Here is the wine list and menu transcript:
Wine List
Champagne
Champagne Deutz, Brut Classic
White Wines
Eventus Pinot Grigio 2007
Oatley Wild Oats Mudgee Chardonnay 2007
Moon Mountain Chardonnay 2007
Red Wines
Vieux Chateau Landon Cru Bourgeois 2005
Peter Lehmann Barossa Shiraz 2006
Port
Dow’s Late Bottled Vintage Port 2003
100,102,104,110,134,138,156,162,168,170 1-5-2009
101,103,105,111,135,139,157,161,163,171 1-5-2009
CX 157
Hong Kong to Brisbane
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...8QbNHDNy5bqNkg
Lunch
Starters
Seared tuna with white and green asparagus, marinated mushrooms, and Dijon mustard dressing
*Designed and created by the Hong Kong Chefs Association’s National Culinary Team
Mesclun salad with mint yogurt dressing
Main Courses
Sautéed ling fish with spring onion, steamed Jasmine rice and Chinese mixed vegetables
Or
Braised lamb shank with port wine sauce, hash potato, turnips, carrot, French bean and zucchini
*Designed and created by the Hong Kong Chefs Association’s National Culinary Team
Or
Soya Chicken with steamed Jasmine rice, stir-fried Shanghainess pak choy
Or
Carrot and coriander agnolotti with roasted vegetables, asparagus and coriander sauce
*Vegetarian choice
Cheese and Dessert
Shropshire Blue, Tilsit Royalp, Reblochon, Camembert a Pere Alexandre
Fresh Seasonal Fruit
*Arborio Rice with mille feuille and apricot compote
Tea and Coffee
Pralines
Refreshment
Starters
Fresh berries
Noodle Soup and Savories
Barbecued duck in noodle soup with chili sauce
Or
Pan-fried chicken breast with mushroom sauce, lentils stew with capsicum, carrot and French beans
Or
Malaysian seafood curry, steamed Jasmine rice with shallots and kaffir leaves, stir-fried mixed vegetables
Dessert
Baked blueberry cheesecake with raspberry compote
Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream
Tea and Coffee
Pralines
157-20538/20550J <05/09>
May 20, 2009
Virgin Blue experience
DJ 954 BNE-SYD Lv1400 Arr1530 Boeing 737-800 Winglet VH-VOU “Blue Billie”
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...8QbNHDNy5bqNmo
After a short rest here at Hilton Brisbane, I listened to some well-given advice and decided to take the Air Train, instead of taxi due to heavy flooding throughout the city. Yes the rain continued and as you could tell from the pictures, it was quite bad. Nevertheless, the Air Train ride was pleasant, and the walk to the Central station from Hilton Brisbane was acceptable.
Check in was no different from a typical US domestic check-in experience. I used the kiosk, which was easy to navigate and within second, I got my boarding pass, but was not able to change my seat. The normal check-in area was quite orderly despite the rain. The security checkpoint was okay and the agents were friendly and it was interesting to see no boarding pass or ID check. Family and friends can still pick up their relatives and love ones from the gate for the domestic flights. I bought the Premium Economy fare so I got lounge access. I headed towards “the Lounge,” which I was grateful because as I arrived at the lounge, couple flights had to divert to Mackay and things started to get delayed. The Lounge allowed a nice place to relax and the Beef Vegetable Soup and self-service sandwich and salad bar were much welcomed. Free wifi was available and the service was better than Qantas wifi connection at Sydney and Brisbane International.
Our flight was delayed fifty minutes, as the inbound flight from Sydney was being held at SYD due to weather delays. The inbound flight did not arrive till 2:21pm. The 1pm flight was cancelled which resulted in very full flights for both the 2pm and 3pm. Turnaround was very quick and we began boarding at 2:43pm. The boarding process was smooth and priority boarding, as well as row boarding, were strictly enforced, and thing seems to be more orderly. Two F/As were standing at the door checking boarding passes and greeting each passenger, even by name as they glanced at their boarding passes. That was so different from the usual experience in the US, which the F/A was busy in the galley or talking among themselves or avoiding passengers’ eyesight.
We pushed back two minutes later, and headed towards R/W1. We took off at 3:11pm, and due to weather, cabin service did not start till we leveled off at 38,000feet. Our plane was equipped with Live TV, and the F/A had already swiped her card through my screen prior to takeoff. I enjoyed a nice hour of live TV. The system was similar with Jetblue’s first generation of Live TV. But for premium economy passengers, you may want to avoid Row 1 ABC if you want to watch TV. Yes, the legroom was great with no wall in front of your seat, but entertainment was limited to a handheld unit given out after takeoff and collected prior to landing. There were three Premium economy passengers this afternoon, and Row 2DEF ended up as normal economy seats. At 3:27pm, my beverage and food order was taken, and you literally can have as much food and beverage as you want for free. I had a nice Chicken Caesar wrap and a iced Smirnoff vodka lemon drink. The flight went by quickly, and descent began soon at 3:52pm. We landed on R/W16R at 4:17pm, and parked at gate 40 at 4:27pm, just as the rain began to fall.
In conclusion, I had a good experience with Virgin Blue, and the Premium economy product was acceptable. I had an interesting observation here at Australia. For domestic flights, the tow trucks used the left under carriage to push back the plane, instead of the front wheel. Not sure why, but an interesting observation!
Just want to do a short trip report on my recent flights “Down Under”! For years, I have really wanted to try the Brisbane flights, especially the new daytime flight, as well as the Brisbane-Cairns-Hong Kong-Cairns-Brisbane flights. So I finally found a really nice business class fare and have also fulfilled my wish to fly Virgin Blue. For the Cathay Pacific segments, I don’t want to say much, but the Virgin Blue flights will be a bit more detailed.
May 19, 2009
CX 157 HKG-BNE Lv1250 Arr2320 Airbus A340-300 B-HXG “Oneworld”
The purser of CX 157, Billy, asked me an interesting question mid-flight. “Mr. Leung, why did you pick this flight? The timing is not that great!” I said, “I hate redeye flights and the timing is not bad. I had two nice meals on the plane, watch some movies and television programs, and arrived right on time for bed. No need to deal with jet lag!” He just smiled, “Well, at least, this daytime flight was always quiet and lightly loaded!”
Weeks ago after I booked my flight, I noticed that the Airbus A340 had the new 1-1-1 seating configuration, which possibly meant that the new “oneworld” livered flight will be used. Thanks to no aircraft substitution, B-HXG indeed was sitting there at gate four! Unfortunately, gate 4 does not permit a good close-up picture.
I think enough was said about the new herringbone business class, and as I overhead some conversation on board, “Do you hate it or love it?” Most people notice that increased privacy but the narrowness of the seats is just obvious. I have no issue with the herringbone arrangement, but CX crams at least two to three extra rows of seats, and that is unacceptable. I continue to fail the seat, which reflects on the survey I filled out. I honestly can’t see how CX fixes it without removing a few rows that should not be there in the beginning. But the Airbus 1-1-1 seating makes the cabin look less crowded and the window “K” seats are preferred because you face a wall instead of rows of feet. I don’t notice any additional traffic on the “K” side.
Boarding began on time at 12:18pm, and door was closed at 12:40pm, due to the light load. Since we are using R/W25L for takeoff, taxing time was minimal. After a Hong Kong Express’ Boeing 737-800 Winglet B-KBR took off, we took our turn and lifted off at 12:55pm. One of the disadvantage of flying this brand new reconfigured Airbus A340 is that the Sky Map is disabled and I can’t trace the routing, which I actually am curious. Flying time was eight hours and twelve minutes.
Meal service was a full lunch after takeoff, and a two-course refreshment prior to landing, with some light snacks, such as Apple chips, almonds, and peanuts available mid-flight. The service was attentive due to the light load. Weather at Brisbane was awful – heavy rains for our arrival. Descent began at 10:34pm local time, and we landed on R/W1 at 11:07pm. Since we had to taxi all the way back to the international terminal, we did not park at gate 80 till 11:17pm. We parked between a Thai Airways’ Boeing 777-300ER HS-TKA and a Singapore Airlines’ Airbus A330-300 9V-STF both preparing for their late night flights to Bangkok and Singapore. Immigration was relatively quiet, as the TG flight had arrived earlier in the evening. There are a few large Indian families being process, but no major wait. I heard about horror stories with the Australian immigration, but was glad to report that the staffs were friendly and polite, and I did not get grilled or questioned. The agent even told me how to use the express card, and the custom officers were respectful and my bags were x-rayed and there was no issue. But the taxi ride to Hilton Brisbane was another story.
Here is the wine list and menu transcript:
Wine List
Champagne
Champagne Deutz, Brut Classic
White Wines
Eventus Pinot Grigio 2007
Oatley Wild Oats Mudgee Chardonnay 2007
Moon Mountain Chardonnay 2007
Red Wines
Vieux Chateau Landon Cru Bourgeois 2005
Peter Lehmann Barossa Shiraz 2006
Port
Dow’s Late Bottled Vintage Port 2003
100,102,104,110,134,138,156,162,168,170 1-5-2009
101,103,105,111,135,139,157,161,163,171 1-5-2009
CX 157
Hong Kong to Brisbane
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...8QbNHDNy5bqNkg
Lunch
Starters
Seared tuna with white and green asparagus, marinated mushrooms, and Dijon mustard dressing
*Designed and created by the Hong Kong Chefs Association’s National Culinary Team
Mesclun salad with mint yogurt dressing
Main Courses
Sautéed ling fish with spring onion, steamed Jasmine rice and Chinese mixed vegetables
Or
Braised lamb shank with port wine sauce, hash potato, turnips, carrot, French bean and zucchini
*Designed and created by the Hong Kong Chefs Association’s National Culinary Team
Or
Soya Chicken with steamed Jasmine rice, stir-fried Shanghainess pak choy
Or
Carrot and coriander agnolotti with roasted vegetables, asparagus and coriander sauce
*Vegetarian choice
Cheese and Dessert
Shropshire Blue, Tilsit Royalp, Reblochon, Camembert a Pere Alexandre
Fresh Seasonal Fruit
*Arborio Rice with mille feuille and apricot compote
Tea and Coffee
Pralines
Refreshment
Starters
Fresh berries
Noodle Soup and Savories
Barbecued duck in noodle soup with chili sauce
Or
Pan-fried chicken breast with mushroom sauce, lentils stew with capsicum, carrot and French beans
Or
Malaysian seafood curry, steamed Jasmine rice with shallots and kaffir leaves, stir-fried mixed vegetables
Dessert
Baked blueberry cheesecake with raspberry compote
Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream
Tea and Coffee
Pralines
157-20538/20550J <05/09>
May 20, 2009
Virgin Blue experience
DJ 954 BNE-SYD Lv1400 Arr1530 Boeing 737-800 Winglet VH-VOU “Blue Billie”
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...8QbNHDNy5bqNmo
After a short rest here at Hilton Brisbane, I listened to some well-given advice and decided to take the Air Train, instead of taxi due to heavy flooding throughout the city. Yes the rain continued and as you could tell from the pictures, it was quite bad. Nevertheless, the Air Train ride was pleasant, and the walk to the Central station from Hilton Brisbane was acceptable.
Check in was no different from a typical US domestic check-in experience. I used the kiosk, which was easy to navigate and within second, I got my boarding pass, but was not able to change my seat. The normal check-in area was quite orderly despite the rain. The security checkpoint was okay and the agents were friendly and it was interesting to see no boarding pass or ID check. Family and friends can still pick up their relatives and love ones from the gate for the domestic flights. I bought the Premium Economy fare so I got lounge access. I headed towards “the Lounge,” which I was grateful because as I arrived at the lounge, couple flights had to divert to Mackay and things started to get delayed. The Lounge allowed a nice place to relax and the Beef Vegetable Soup and self-service sandwich and salad bar were much welcomed. Free wifi was available and the service was better than Qantas wifi connection at Sydney and Brisbane International.
Our flight was delayed fifty minutes, as the inbound flight from Sydney was being held at SYD due to weather delays. The inbound flight did not arrive till 2:21pm. The 1pm flight was cancelled which resulted in very full flights for both the 2pm and 3pm. Turnaround was very quick and we began boarding at 2:43pm. The boarding process was smooth and priority boarding, as well as row boarding, were strictly enforced, and thing seems to be more orderly. Two F/As were standing at the door checking boarding passes and greeting each passenger, even by name as they glanced at their boarding passes. That was so different from the usual experience in the US, which the F/A was busy in the galley or talking among themselves or avoiding passengers’ eyesight.
We pushed back two minutes later, and headed towards R/W1. We took off at 3:11pm, and due to weather, cabin service did not start till we leveled off at 38,000feet. Our plane was equipped with Live TV, and the F/A had already swiped her card through my screen prior to takeoff. I enjoyed a nice hour of live TV. The system was similar with Jetblue’s first generation of Live TV. But for premium economy passengers, you may want to avoid Row 1 ABC if you want to watch TV. Yes, the legroom was great with no wall in front of your seat, but entertainment was limited to a handheld unit given out after takeoff and collected prior to landing. There were three Premium economy passengers this afternoon, and Row 2DEF ended up as normal economy seats. At 3:27pm, my beverage and food order was taken, and you literally can have as much food and beverage as you want for free. I had a nice Chicken Caesar wrap and a iced Smirnoff vodka lemon drink. The flight went by quickly, and descent began soon at 3:52pm. We landed on R/W16R at 4:17pm, and parked at gate 40 at 4:27pm, just as the rain began to fall.
In conclusion, I had a good experience with Virgin Blue, and the Premium economy product was acceptable. I had an interesting observation here at Australia. For domestic flights, the tow trucks used the left under carriage to push back the plane, instead of the front wheel. Not sure why, but an interesting observation!
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