Introduction
Brisbane to Sydney to Melbourne
Park Hyatt Melbourne & Melbourne to Canberra
Canberra to Melbourne to Brisbane
Conclusion

I am going to do this trip report a little bit differently, I am going to try and post it in stages so It doesn’t eat up so much of my time, along with also making it easier to read.

This upcoming trip had a bit of a wierd starting. After finding out in Early March that I could possibly have the Easter Period off, well I thought back to last Easter where I had a great time flying some flights, purely cause I can (Trip Report here) and thought back, well why don’t I do it again. I had two options in my mind.

1. A local bit of #avgeek times doing some spotting in Sydney and perhaps adding some more Virgin Australia status credits to my requalification before heading overseas.
2. A long weekend journey to the Northern Hemisphere, to Japan for some 787 flights with ANA.

After researching the costs vs time away and looking into it, Japan was scrapped. Not purely cause I couldn’t afford it, but the outlay for time spent in Japan just was not worth it. I begrudingly put the Japan plans out of my mind and set about planning a quick 2 day jaunt to the Southern states. After a bit of playing with online schedules I came up with the following which would give me a full day of Spotting fun in Sydney on the Saturday and then some Status running on the Sunday.

07th April 2012 – DJ908 – Brisbane to Sydney – 0600/0735 – Boeing 737-800 – Economy
07th April 2012 – DJ888 – Sydney to Melbourne – 2000/2135 – Airbus A330-200 – Economy
08th April 2012 – DJ271 – Melbourne to Canberra – 1330/1435 – Embraer E190 – Economy
08th April 2012 – DJ278 – Canberra to Melbourne – 1700/1810 – Boeing 737-800 – Business
08th April 2012 – DJ351 – Melbourne to Brisbane – 1900/2110 – Boeing 737-800 – Business

It will look something like this:

So why to Canberra you may be asking? Well the Business fares from Canberra to Brisbane were quite cheap and could give me a good status point bonus, but the funniest thing is, it was CHEAPER to fly in Business from Canberra to Melbourne to Brisbane than it was to fly Melbourne to Brisbane… so why the hell not. In using these flights, I would get almost the entire Virgin Australia fleet on my list of flown Aircraft (Just the 332 and E90 to go).

So the flights were set, but where do I spend Saturday night, I looked around, I thought about things, I looked at offers and agent rates, then I saw a link to a Hyatt Diamond Challenge, you could status match to Diamond status with Hyatt Gold Passport from my Hilton Gold for 2 months and even get the Suite Upgrade Benefits. Now I have always wanted to stay at a Park Hyatt and although I definately can not afford the Park Hyatt Sydney so Melbourne would have to do and the rates were good to use the Suite Upgrade and with free breakfast and other benefits, It would be a good nights stay and since the flight did not go till Mid Arvo I could get a good morning with friends in Melbourne for one final time!

The trip was booked and set, but then something even better happened. Virgin Australia announced a Double Status credit special, but it was only valid on bookings made AFTER 27th March. So although some of my fares I couldn’t do much with (as they would cause fees that would eat up the majority of the fare I paid as there was some good bargains in those fares) the Business Class fare could be cancelled without fees and the prices were still the same as I paid. So dodgily cancel and rebook I did! That will take my Business flights from 40 status credits to 80, giving me well more than enough to requalify now.

The camera lens will get packed, the point and shoot will be primed and ready to go (after a recent warranty return). I can’t wait!!! Lots of photos to be taken!

Saturday 11th February 2012

A typical morning for me when I am travelling. An early rise, out of the house to pound the pavement to get the blood pumping before a day of sitting down. The best way to start a day really. By the time I was heading to the airport the sun was fully up and shining. I parked the car at the office car park, after repeating my registration almost 6 times to the staff (sorry what did you say?) I jumped in the shuttle heading towards the terminal. I was lightly loaded today with just my small backpack full of essentials. Dropped off at the Virgin Terminal I was inside and through security in minutes, no need for priority security for me today, as there was no one there. Took my time redressing to ensure no explosive swab and timed my walk away from security perfectly.

The lounge beckoned for me at this hour, and I made my way past my gate to the lounge. Today was going to be almost a tour of lounges. I was greeted upon entering and asked if I wished to check in and the lovely staff were shocked when I told them where I was flying. All three boarding passes were spat out of the printer and after a few minutes I was free to enter.

First priority in the lounge at this hour is always one thing, order my coffee. The Virgin Australia lounges in the main cities all have baristaa on staff to give you your morning caffeine hit. With coffee order placed I grabbed myself some breakfast (shocked by the fact no fresh fruit this morning) and found a quiet spot to begin the day.

After a couple of coffees, some toast and a good relax I wandered out of the lounge heading towards the gate for my first flight of the day.

Virgin Australia
DJ924
Brisbane to Sydney
0800-1035
Boeing 737-800 (VH-VUU)
Economy Class – Seat 3A

Boarding: 0740 (Gate 39)
Push Back: 0757
Take Off Roll: 0808 (Runway 19)
Top of Descent: 0949
Touch Down: 1011 (Runway 16L)
Shut Down: 1028 (Gate 32)

As I approached the gate, snapped a few photos of my ride, boarding was called for special assistance and seconds later for priority boarding. A quick scan of the boarding pass and info the aerobridge I went.

The aircraft had the new fit out (I believe a the 800s do by now) so row 3 is the ultimate perk for the elites with DJ. The seats are in the row behind the new Business class “bulkhead” which means oodles of leg room and as the flight filled it seemed that I was going to have the seat next to me free. Win! My seat mate kept to himself so this was looking like a nice little morning flight south. We pushed back a few minutes early and the flight looked fairly full, I wasn’t going to complain really. We taxiied out to Runway 19, past an empty Loop Road (guess there was nothing good coming in that morning) before holding just short of the runway. As the morning Qantas flight from Singapore landed in front of us, we held till it was clear and then the Captain wasted no time in giving it the beans this morning. We were quickly heading towards Sydney as we turned left after rotation and climbed out over the clearish morning, through the cloud bank and South towards Sydney.

Service was the typical Virgin Domestic service now, Tea, Coffee, Water (although no announcement again) and coffee #3 helped me wake up (I swear next time I am going to tweet a coffee count for those who follow me) and my book kept my brain far enough alive to avoid passing out. I wish all domestic flights were like this, nice and easy and by the time we hit descent I was feeling marginally human. Tracking south for arrival into Sydney past the city, a few snaps of the harbour and seeing 3 cruise ships in town (wondering which one my friend was about to jump onboard for the next week or so for work) and noticed that we were tracking quite a bit more to the left than usual.

My brain started processing… O crap! 16L is the arrival runway today. That means a solid 10-15 minutes of taxiing. O well, at least I should get some good photos, and that I did. SQ 388, 2 x BA Heavies (772 & 744) and a TG 744 all sitting in the Stand off bays and o, what is that I spy! One of the holy grail of photo ops and I don’t have my SLR with me. Damn it! The Thai Airways retro jet taxiing out of sydney. Unfortunately I just could not get a half decent close enough shot but I hope the ones I do have are not to bad. By the time we finally got to the terminal I had missed the departure of the Retro jet, so headed off to the Terminal for a bit of a stroll.

Visited a few shops and had a good laugh when I heard some store staff complain about “How can another set of headphones get stolen?” I laughed to myself over this one for a while, before getting told $10 minimum for card purchases and giving up my shopping to hit the Sydney lounge. With only about 45 mins to an hour in the Sydney Lounge there wasn’t much time other than Coffee #4 (I think they use a different bean to Brisbane as this was not as good as my first two) and some fresh fruit (thank god Sydney had some as Brisbane didn’t). A little bit of a read and some people watching in the lounge and I was headed for the terminal again (not before some of their addictive nut mix that only the Sydney lounge seems to have) for a wander to stretch my legs.

After a stroll through the terminal, some more photos of the comings and goings of flights at T2 and soon enough boarding should of began… but it didn’t. I wasn’t to phased as I was waiting for a shot of Air Austral taking off (saw it go past thinking it was taxiing for departure, it wasn’t) so was more focused on what was going on outside.

Virgin Australia
DJ1473
Sydney to Mackay
1150-1320
Boeing 737-800 (VH-YFF)
Business Class – Seat 1A

Boarding: 1145 (Gate 33)
Push Back: 1200
Take Off Roll: 1215 (Runway 16R)
Top of Descent: 1305
Touch Down: 1328 (Runway 14)
Shut Down: 1332 (Gate 3)

Boarding was eventually called (about 15 minutes late) but again, wasn’t to phased. I was 2nd through and into the Airbridge, hoping and praying I was not going to get one of the “Rogues” today. My brain obviously was not thinking all that straight as it took a few minutes for me to notice what was going on when I stepped onboard. Greated at the door by the lovely “Tara” who pointed me towards my seat and left me to settle in while I got my stuff together. I got all my stuff together, and even after putting stuff away in the Overhead bin, I was thinking more of the seat than the aircraft. Then I noticed it. The Overhead bin was different. Wait a second, took a 2nd look. BSI!!!

What a score! I managed to get myself on a Boeing Sky Interior fitted aircraft. It looked good, stunning actually. Much better than the old interiors and if this is what is going to be fitted fleet wide from now on, this was going to be a good change. Then it was back to focusing on the lovely black seat I was enjoying. As I was greeted again by Tara, offered my choice of PDB (Water or Orange Juice) and even offered a copy of “The Weekend Australian” (politely declined in favour of my new book). The door was closed, and I looked around. I had the holy grail of Premium Cabins. 1/8! If only this was a long haul trip for like the next 6 hours in something like Cathay First. But I wasn’t going to complain.

The announcements were made all giving special mention to “Our Guests in Business” (ie Me) and each time I kinda felt embarrased for some reason (not sure why). We had a nice short quick taxi after push back as it seemed the active take off runway was the nice long 16R and we lined up behind a few Heavies. Got a few good shots of the Delta 77L heading towards LAX and after watching a QF 767 take off ahead of us, it was our turn. As we climbed out we turned right and took the long way around the southern Suburbs, blue mountains and then finally started our journey north.

Shortly after the seat belt sign finally came off, I was offered a “Morning Snack” Say what now? Its like 1230 Sydney time by now, we are going to Arrive into Mackay around 1pm and it is just a snack. Poor Form! I was a little bit dissapointed being that I was in Prime Lunch service time and especially with all the advertising of the Luke Mangan food service. I was a tad dissapointed. O well. In saying that though, the food wasn’t bad. The snack was a Warm Egg & Bacon pie (not much bacon present) served with some Fruit salad (I won’t say no to some fruit) and a pat of butter (not sure why? no bread was evident or even offered). A couple of diet cokes on the side and I was fairly content. I was even happier when offered some coffee. Tara sure knew the way to my heart! Cup #5 was soon on the arm rest as we cruised north and my book pages were turning.

Cup #6 was delivered right as you would expect, just as we hit turbulence, with the coffee rolling around as much on the seat as in my hand I was trying to get it to a level I could just let it sit safely between bounces. But we cleared through and a treat came just as we got through (thankfully I still had a good half a cup left). Tara had offered me something else to keep me going and she offered “Cheese, Crackers, Cookie?” I took the offer of the cookie and then the best thing she ever said “how about I get it warmed up, you won’t regret it” She was right…. I didn’t. Dear god, if anyone else flies Virgin and buys the Cranberry, White Chocolate cookie, try and get it warmed up. In my opinion it is GLORIOUSLY addictive. Warm and delicious, Soft yet Crunchy. I am drooling just thinking about it again. This put me in the happiness spot and although it couldn’t make up for a full lunch, I was content.

The rest of the flight went past with more reading, some water which was constantly kept topped up without even needing a prompt and some photos out the window. As we started to descend I started to wish the flight wasn’t over. To be honest it was probably one of the best crewed flights I have had with DJ. Being in the A seat I missed most of the coast on our approach but I did get a good view of the city as we circled around to approach from the North and soon enough we were landing in Mackay with a little red E190 sitting at the gate and a Smash 8 spinning up near by.

As we pulled into the Apron the Smash 8 moved out past us and the crowd for the Brisbane flight emerged from the Terminal to board the E190. The door finally opened and the crew held everyone else back so that I could hop off first with a “Your welcome to disembark now Mr Muir”. I thanked Tara for the wonderful service on the flight and quickly got down the steps before someone from Economy started a riot for me taking to long.

I was chastised for taking a photo (what would be a common occurrence to come) and soon walked into a very, very empty terminal. I looked around, everyone who was there, was waiting to go to Sydney on the flight I had just come in on, and they were inviting them to board meer seconds after we had cleared the doors. The Terminal in Mackay was not big, a Bar, A Café, A newspaper stand and some security. I didn’t feel like exploring the rest of the terminal if I could afford to and started to look around for the new Virgin lounge.

Not knowing where to look and starting to think it was before security, I finally saw a purple wall and a glass door. This is it! I walked into a totally empty lounge. No Staff in sight. O dear! But within seconds a staff member was greeting me, asking me where I was off to. When I said “Brisbane” her first thought was OMG! She seemed to think I was heading to Brisbane on the E190 that was just starting to taxi towards the runway behind us. I calmed her after telling her I would be sticking around for the next 3 or 4 hours.

This got great smiles, a quick welcome, an offer to show around or explain the lounge if needed and lots of smiles. With only 1 other guest in the lounge I had an endless supply of places to sit, and helped myself to a couch, the start of a flow of diet cokes and a giant bowl of nuts (my treat for the week). The lounge attendant (I can’t call her a dragon she was just to awesome) asked if I minded if she did a bit of vacumming and considering she knew the other person by first name fairly well and I was always addressed as “Mr Muir” I was pretty sure no one else was gonna be in the lounge for quite some time so let her do what she needed (who am I to think a few minutes of vacuuming is going to destroy my afternoon of peace and relaxation).

I settled in with my book for a while and this was one of the reasons I had chosen to do this status run. Flying relaxes me, sitting in an airport somewhere, people around, planes taking off just relaxes me. Add in a lounge somewhere and I could sit there all day really. Drinking my way through their supply of diet coke, watching the movements outside (at Mackay… their wasn’t much trust me) and just thinking to myself “I love travelling for this pure reason”.

After some time on Flyertalk, writing up my book review from my last finished book (ready for publishing a day or two in advance thanks to delayed posting) and an impromptu visit from a Brisbane Football God (Darren Lockyer got lost and thought the Virgin Lounge was the Qantas Club, but to be honest, his flight was leaving minutes after a little chat with the lounge attendant while I was to shy to get up and get a photo) the time flew by.

The Mackay lounge is good, it may be small but it’s only a small airport and the staff were great. The only downside is that the bathrooms are outside of the lounge (although after chatting to the rep this morning, that issue should be fixed in coming months once a plumbing issue is sorted) but that’s not all that big of a deal. The lounge filled up (and by that 4 other people came in) just before our flight to Brisbane and I went for a stroll to stretch my legs and get a photo of our aircraft coming into the Apron.

Virgin Australia
DJ616
Mackay to Brisbane
1720-1840
Boeing 737-800 (VH-VUT)
Economy Class – Seat 3A

Boarding: 1700 (Gate 3)
Power Out: 1718
Take Off Roll: 1723 (Runway 14)
Top of Descent: 1803
Touch Down: 1831 (Runway 01)
Shut Down: 1835 (Gate 41)

Boarding was called and since I was close by I was first up to the barrier, with a snide comment from one of the CUB’s (cashed up bogans) close by of “Well someone’s special”. Headed out, got told off for another photo (didn’t care) and walked up the steps onto my 3rd 737 for the day. New fit out (yay!) and quickly settled into what is becoming to feel like my usual seat (well hopefully If I can manage to requalify). My seat mate would soon join me and after a little chat about the flight and speculation if we would have a middle seat buddy tonight (my theory was no, as if my luck held out, the staff from Brisbane had blocked the seat if I was lucky). He was heading to Singapore and then onto Beijing and we had a quick chat about the seats and stuff in their business after he was surprised that Virgin even had a Business Class (hell half the people I work with don’t even know it yet!). Our hopes and prayers were answered when the doors shut and the middle seat was empty!

We quickly headed to the runway and I was jealous of the two people up in Business. Wishing I could be up there in those seats, but I sucked it up and took my leg room and settled in while we taxiied away from the bay.

We soon were in the sky, flying south after an effortless take off and the sun slowly setting off to the right. Service was what you would expect on this short hop south (about the same length as my flight to Sydney). Coffee #7 was needed to try and keep me awake as I was slowly starting to crash and still needed to be awake a little while longer.

The book pages went by without effort and soon enough we were descending over the Northern Suburbs of Brisbane. I didn’t even realise we were over the suburbs till I looked down and spotted Bribie Island off in the distance and then saw the most glorious red sky as we passed Depression Deception Bay. As we cruised down towards what would be an arrival into the opposite direction from this morning’s take off, I was spotting all the landmarks and being blown away by how they looked from the air.

The sun was dropping fast as we came into Land on 01 and I noticed something weird sitting in the Alliance hangar. I thought I saw a 737, but thought it was nothing and put it out of my mind (this would later be confirmed thanks to a post from some spotters later on the next day). We pulled into the gate mere moments from turning off the runway and after quickly deplaning as the gate staff seemed to be ready and waiting for us, I was into the terminal, and as I stepped onto the Kerb a parking shuttle was right there. 30 minutes later, I was walking in my door at home. Tired yet looking forward to more fun the next day.

Sunday 12th February 2012

My alarm sounded at the same time as yesterday yet I was thinking to myself “its way to early, go away”, yet yesterday it was “time for a run before starting the day”. No time for that this morning though as I was needing to be at the airport earlier, so morning preparations were done quickly and calmly.

De Ja Vu set in as I dropped the car off and headed to the shuttle for the ride into the Airport. Only 3 of us onboard this morning so no needing to feel like a Sardine against the guy next to me like yesterday and we were dropped off Kerbsite at the Virgin Terminal. Headed to security which was a little busier this morning so out came the gold card for Priority Security and was through in seconds, yet delayed myself again to ensure no explosives (yay dodged again!).

Up to the lounge with a quick detour to the gate to get some photos of the ATR’s sitting there warming in the morning sun. 2 of them were sitting there and I was starting to think to myself which one was taking us north today.

As I headed into the lounge my mind was on one thing… Cup #8. The sooner I was checked in the better! I was greeted by the same person who saw me yesterday and after a double take after “Good morning” she said “More flying today?” Check in was a little bit slow as my pre set seat had been overridden by the Gold member default of the very last row, then having to explain why I wanted a seat further forward in front of the wing instead of behind the wing (I didn’t really want to say, that photos of propellors from the front look prettier and gave her some BS about it being less noisy).

After they got permission to open up Row 1 for me since my original seats had since been taken, I was happy enough to be boarding pass in hand for my 1 sector with Virgin this morning. Cup #8 beckoned and I dropped my gear in the same area as the day before and made a beeline for the Barista. “Long Black” was uttered and I perused the mornings offerings while it was made. Fresh fruit was evident and the Museli looked unappealing so Toast, Vegemite, Fruit & cup #9 it was this morning.

Cup #8 went down a treat and I looked at my watch, still time for a 2nd cup in the lounge before my flight as the gate was literally just outside. I headed back to the Barista but they were no where to be found. So I waited, and waited and waited. No one ? One of the service agents who fix all the lovely problems you may have, came over and asked my order and even apoligised that I had to wait and said she would get my coffee for me. Awesome++!

Cup #9 eventuated, Toast finished, no reading managed and hell, even managed to find a new part of the lounge I didn’t know existed. Good quick prep for the morning and I walked out to the gate mere moments before boarding was called for Special Assistance guests. The Boarding calls came thick and fast after that with Priority Boarding barely invited before the rest of the Aircraft was called so I managed to get ahead of the scrum.

Virgin Australia (Operated by Skywest)
DJ1233
Brisbane to Rockhampton
0700-0835
GIE Avions de Transport Regional – ATR-72-500 (VH-FVM)
Economy Class – Seat 1A (Exit Row)

Boarding: 0635 (Gate 50)
Power Out: 0655
Take Off Roll: 0703 (Runway 19)
Top of Descent: 0803
Touch Down: 0818 (Runway 33)
Shut Down: 0822 (Gate 1)

Outside and down the steps, a pre emptive advise by the ground staff to “Not take any photos” after she saw me take one at the top of the steps and I went towards the aircraft thinking that all the ground staff are just being mean! Stepped onboard and ducked to make sure that I didn’t hit my head as I hopped onto this lovely new ATR. Compared to the last ATR I was on this one felt like it was fresh from the Factory (turns out it was Manufactured in November 2011).

I settled into my seat knowing that no one else was able to sit next to me as I know they block 1B & 1C as it is the Exit Row and for some reason 2 people is better than 4? First impressions on the inside is that it is very Spartan but being a regional aircraft, I wouldn’t complain. Legroom looked good, seats were comfy (although no headrest was a bit weird to get used to at first) but no recline (not usually a big issue on short regional sectors I guess).

My window was covered in the mornings condensation so photos this early were going to be a bit of a problem, but to be honest the shots I really wanted I probably wouldn’t be able to get on my little camera anyway. We powered up fairly early and left the bay earlier than expected and boy can that little ATR taxi quickly.

We took the long run up to 19 but didn’t need to go the whole way and turned off earlier than the jets would of. Today’s pilot didn’t hold back and gave It a good amount of gas as we lept down the runway. We turned north and slowly climbed our way to cruise altitude. I say slowly cause it felt that way in comparison to all the climb outs I had been on so far to that point. To be honest, it was slower but I didn’t care.

We were given the lovely in service spiel by the Skywest crew as they explained that service today would be different to all other flights and that this mornings “light breakfast” would be complimentary and served with “Tea, Coffee, Juice or Water.” Being that Skywest operates the ATR’s for Virgin I am not sure why they don’t offer Buy on Board but I have a feeling it’s space restrictions or something but either way it’s nice of them.

I wasn’t hungry anyway so by the time they came to my seat, I took what was offered (Banana bread) and grabbed my usual. Cup #10 was on my tray while as soon as the rest was snapped in a photo went promptly into my bag for later if I felt hungry in the terminal (I didn’t). As we cruised north I was to engrossed in my book by this point to even look out the window and the noise wasn’t all that bad with my headphones on.

We descended into Rockhampton fairly quickly and it was the sort of descent you only get in a little turboprop. It feels like your gliding to the ground rather than the clunky descent you get with a 737 or similar.

We came into Rockhampton over some dams and the photo opportunities were great and we touched down with what I was expecting to be a thump but was a gentle kiss on the deck by the crew. Then the noise started. Props to reverse, engines up. God DAMN! The noise was there all right, that unmistakeable racket of a Turboprop trying to slow down. Guess it was good while it lasted.

We slowly this time made our way to the Apron which was totally devoid of life apart from us, and we had to wait onboard with seatbelt sign on till it was “Safe” for us to disembark. This felt like an eternity, was probably about 4-5 minutes. Being right at the front and only a rear door gave me plenty of time to get my stuff together and since I was not in a rush, didn’t mind.

Disembarked through the rear door, thanked the crew for a great experience and got told off again for a photo (not giving a rats by this stage) but this time told not to use “electrical equipment on the tarmac” so waited till I was off the tarmac till I tried to take another. Walked into the terminal and found the place slightly full but looked like most people were going to clear security at the last minute before the flight headed back to Brisbane.

I walked towards the check in area as I was heading home with Qantas but the place was devoid of life. So I wandered aimlessly taking photos, watching the ATR depart before I could snap a picture and started to write this Trip Report (which in the end would not save so lost it all!). After a little while Check In opened so strolled over, got my boarding pass and after working out I got a window seat, took 2 steps and thought, its Qantas… ask…. “Are their any open Exit Rows?”

I always forget with Qantas as I have no status I won’t get the good seats unless I ask. So I asked. And I scored! 12G was promptly handed to me (little did I know I scored big time). Still had plenty of time to go, so went back to the Trip Report. Time seemed to go by of its own accord because next thing I hear is a Dash 8 turboprop winding down and a call for people heading to Brisbane via Gladstone to clear security.

At this I knew the F100 would not be far behind so I walked to the outside viewing area (love these little airports that have them since most of the big city terminals don’t) and managed to get a shot of the lovely Fokker landing. Cleared security after this and settled into the first spot of reading I had done since I landed in Rockhampton.

Qantaslink (Operated by Alliance Airlines)
QF2352
Rockhampton to Brisbane
1045-1150
Fokker – F100 (VH-XWQ)
Economy Class – Seat 12G (Exit Row)

Boarding: 1027 (Gate 2)
Power Out: 1044
Take Off Roll: 1049 (Runway 15)
Top of Descent: 1120
Touch Down: 1138 (Runway 01)
Shut Down: 1141 (Gate 27)

After watching the staff go backwards and forwards to the plane a few times (Qantas seems to have slower turnarounds compared to Virgin & Jetstar) they finally made the boarding call. A queue formed quickly and I was scanned through.

Took a photo while not even on the Tarmac and was promptly told that “taking photos is NOT allowed for safety reasons” (where do they come up with this crap!) and I walked out onto the tarmac snapping away now just in spite! As I stepped onboard I was a bit shocked with the difference of how this aircraft was going to be operated in comparison to the Skywest ATR. Considering this is a similar agreement, No Qantas uniforms, no real Qantas branding at all. It was all Alliance, all the way! (not everything was all Alliance it would later show).

I was greeted onboard and as I headed down the aircraft I was greeted by the old school interior. No shiny new slimline seats on this board. Just decent leg room and old leather seats that looked akin to what Southwest has. As I approached my Exit Row I saw how much I had scored on this flight. There is exit row seating then there is Exit Row #12 onboard this Fokker. There was more legroom than my business class flight yesterday!!! I could stretch my legs out and they still didn’t come near the seat infront!

I was joined at the row by a stunning blonde (giant leg room & eye candy, dear god be stil my beating heart) and I tried not to look like to big of a geek. I snapped away as this was probably one of the only chances I will get to fly this lovely bird and I was in heaven really. I had a good chuckle at the boys (by this I mean two mine workers in their early 20s) in the exit row on the other side as they kept getting in trouble for just about everything (moving seats, eye shades on before take off, headphones on before take off). They obviously just wanted some sleep after a big night on the town the night before it seemed.

Soon enough the Rolls Royces were spinning up and the noise wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be (heh soon to be proved wrong). We powered out away from the terminal towards the runway and after a full length taxi, a slow turn to the left and as we barely straightened up, those Roll’s were at full power throwing us down the runway. We climbed out quickly and abruptly and I was glued to the window for what was my first flight with no engines on the wings (I have never been on a rear engine mounted aircraft before). Service introductions were given as “Light Breakfast” followed by a Tea or Coffee run and then a Cold Drink Service. Wow, lots of service on this flight today! It seems that Qantaslink give their guests more than what mainline Qantas does.

We climbed out and I had my snack served to me well before the Seatbelt sign was off. Today’s “snack” was a lovely little box full of goodies. 2 Cookies (Chocolate Chip & Roasted Almond), Some Cheese & Crackers and a slice of some kind which sounded better than it tasted, Bolognese Slice. This was a pretty damn good offering along with a full drink service, if Qantas was as cheap as DJ on this sector I would pick it any day.

I had half demolished the snack (the slice would have been better warm rather than cold) before I was offered a drink and this is when the FA asked if I was a boeing employee (was totally going Avgeek today) as she saw me taking photos and suspected I was working for them (I wish). By the time I had finished Cup #11 and some water and 2 yummy cookies, we were starting our descent into Brisbane.

As I looked out we had descended much later than yesterday as we were practically over my house by the time I really noticed and the seat belt sign was on. Snapping away with great views of the city as we turned for 01 again and landed with a gloriously big thump. This is where the noise seemed to just be worse than ever. Those Rolls Royce engines on the F100 lull you into a false sense of security. In reverse thrust they take your ears and just violate them… repeatedly.

As we turned off the runway we started to taxi past the Qantas terminal (confusing) and headed to the Common user terminal (good for photos as this was the first time I had been there). We pulled up to the gate and after a while I was able to hope off after most of the plane went first, my blonde seat mate ahead of me 😉

Decided against copping another chastising for photos and waited till in the stairs and then popped out into the recently refurbished Common user terminal. I ran into a fellow spotter and best mates dad and in no hurry, chatted a way for a while and ended up walking out of the terminal since Alliance’s new 737 had eluded him all morning.

For the first time I had to wait for the parking shuttle for a good 15 minutes and within an hour I was home and on my bike to wipe off the calories consumed from this mornings flights (it was that slice I swear).

Status Run Weekend

Introduction

I had won a few free nights accommodation through work in Melbourne and needed to use them up before the end of the year. So after Qantas announced that you could upgrade their lowest fares now to Domestic Business, a plan was put in motion.

My bucket list has always had the item of “Sit on the Upper Deck of a Boeing 747” on it. That elusive upper deck, the inner sanctum of those privileged few. I had almost ticked this off during my recent round the world trip, however Asiana schedule changed the aircraft (again) so with no 744’s on my trip, this was still sitting there taunting me.

A plan was hatched though. Qantas released a nice cheap sale with fares to the southern states pretty good (about $95 to Sydney). This is where my plan started to take shape. I could pick up a nice cheap fare on QF8. A 747-400ER service from Brisbane to Sydney which was really continuing on from Dallas. With a lovely little 8000 point drop on the fare I could have a nice Skybed on the Upper Deck (and if I was lucky a Skybed MkII if the aircraft was a refit.

Then it was just a matter of how to get to Melbourne. As a newly status matched Virgin Australia Gold I found some nice cheap fares to Melbourne and back directly to Brisbane so I could check out the new lounge in Melbourne and the current Sydney Lounge. This was looking to be a nice long weekend away from the office, especially during the busy busy times.

The end itinerary was going to look like this:

09Dec – Brisbane to Sydney – Qantas – QF8 – Boeing 747-400ER – Business Class
09Dec – Sydney to Melbourne – Virgin Australia – DJ842 – Boeing 737-700 – Economy
12Dec – Melbourne to Brisbane – Virgin Australia – DJ347 – Boeing 737-700 – Economy

09th December 2011

Up at Stupid O’clock as this was going to be a very early morning to get me to the Airport to clear international security etc (even though on a domestic service) before the early flight down to Sydney.

Traffic was light and I was dropped off at the International Terminal for the 4th time this year (seem to be departing more from this terminal than from the domestic this year). The whole departures area was totally familiar to me this year, but for the first time I was heading down towards the Qantas Rows, an unfamiliar experience for me this year.

After wandering my way down to the Qantas row I was the only person in the Business Queue but both agents were already serving someone. Took a little while (a minute or so in reality) for someone to free up and then actually motion me over. I was checked in and given the usual “Domestic Channel” briefing to which I advised the agent “I’ve done this before, I know the drill” to which he liked this and asked me if I knew where the lounge was, to which I confirmed to him I did (have been there in the past when flying JAL).

With this done the total time at check in was less than a minute! I was off to the lounge with my boarding pass, bag tag and an express channel pass (which I wouldn’t need considering the D channel is the Crew Channel and is usually empty). Quickly down through “immigration” and towards the lounge avoiding all temptations of the duty free store.

Up and into the QP and was greeted at the door and advised to “Head on through the Glass Doors and enjoy my morning” I headed on through to the main lounge area. Not much had changed in 2 years on the outside with a very tacky looking painting still evident at the top of the escalators, however inside the lounge a refurb had taken place. It was looking all nice and fresh, shiny looking IMacs were set up in 2 separate sides of the lounge.

The usual morning foods were evident, some cereals, yoghurts, muesli, toasts, even pre made pancakes. The kicker though for me was the barista service. I had seen this at some of the Virgin lounges (Brisbane in the morning usually has a long line) but this just made my morning! A couple of long blacks and a bit of a liquorice treat should get my morning started (if I hide the liquorice it doesn’t count right?)

I wanted to get down to the gate early making sure I could get as much time experiencing the upper deck as possible. I wanted to be first up those steps! I went down to the gate nice and early and managed to snap a number of pictures of the aircraft before boarding was called. Luckily a newly painted Virgin Australia 777 pulled up at the gate next door so managed to tick that one off my spotting list to (only the ATR left in new livery now).

Qantas Airways
QF8
Brisbane to Sydney
0745-1015
Boeing 747-400ER (VH-OEF)
Business Class – Seat 18K

Boarding: 0725 (Gate 19)
Push Back 0757
Take Off Roll: 0810 (Runway 19)
Top of Descent: 0955
Touch Down: 1017 (Runway 16R)
Shut Down: 1026 (Gate 33)

With boarding called I was first down that line, down the air bridge and greated onboard. I was a little bit giddy! I looked around.. Damn Skybed Mk1s… the aircraft was not a refit bird. O well never mind! I turned right after Door 2L and their it was, the steps! Up the steps I went I was like a little boy again, just so happy to get to do something I had always wanted to do. I ascended the steps, snapped a few pictures and settled into my Skybed ready for departure, snapping pictures all the way really.

A Pre Departure beverage of either Strawberry/Apple Juice or Water was offered (took water as usual) and settled into the seat trying to get myself settled. The seat beside me stayed empty as the cabin filled (most of the upper deck was in fact empty by the time we pushed back).

No menu on this flight (although I did manage to see the menu from Dallas to Brisbane as it was left in the seat pocket). The Captain came on for a quick pre departure chat advising us of a short flight to Sydney but unfortunately a long taxi from the terminal up to Runway 19.

We pushed back pretty much right on time and started to turn towards Runway 19. The Qantas 747 from LAX was arriving just as we started to taxi off the ramp and it cleared the way for us. We headed off to Runway 19 ended up holding short behind a new painted Virgin Australia 737. We climbed out damn quickly as this was obviously a lightly loaded bird and the Captain was obviously not sparing the gas this morning as we were airborne barely before the Domestic Terminal.

As we climbed out leaving Brisbane behind the crew jumped up once cleared and started the service. First up was hot towels and then after a little while the meal service started from the front of the aircraft. Sadly by the time it got to me, I was informed bluntly “I hope you don’t want anything hot, because we don’t have anything”

Thinking that meant I had no choice at all, pretty much I was stuck with a bowl of “fruit” and some yoghurt and was offered some “Toast”. What was presented was a few pieces of melon and a couple of strawberries. A small bowl of yoghurt with what I think was honey and 2 slices of white bread (definitely not toasted). I did ask for some coffee to go with it, which thankfully was brought out piping hot and fresh from the plunger and after advising the crew to “keep it coming” they certainly did. Breakfast was a little bit disappointing for a “business class” flight, but to be honest, it was pretty much almost on par if not more than what I normally eat.

After a bit of turbulence during the meal service (and having my coffee pretty much cover the tray and the napkin) I decided to give up after 4 small cups of coffee (really the equivalent of one after spillages are taken into account), and just sit back because by this time we were pretty much about to begin our descent into Sydney. There was a little bit of cloud about around Sydney by this stage but not far out of the city we punched through the clouds. If I had of been on the left side I would have had a beautiful view of the harbour and the city but unfortunately I was not.

We descended into the airport touching down smoothly onto Runway 16R and around us was a bevy of heavies all either just arriving or heading off for the mornings (an EKA380 was off to Auckland and a UA 744 off to Melbourne). We taxied to the gate and there we sat, for quite some time, with the seat belt sign still on. We sat just off the gate, not able to do anything. The Captain came on to advise us that we had a last minute gate change and that they were waiting for the staff to come over to the gate we were sitting at, that as we were not yet safely pulled into the gate the seatbelt sign would remain on but he would keep us updated.

We probably sat about 10 minutes before they could shut down the engines and then let us out of our seats, but again we sat longer after this as we could move around but no gate crew still so that meant no aerobridge to let us off the aircraft. By this stage everyone on the upper deck had moved down to the lower deck and the main J cabin on the lower deck was quite packed with passengers.

Soon enough we were allowed to disembark and I snapped a quick shot of the F cabin still fitted on this aircraft (though soon to go I do believe?), the crew member working this cabin offered to take a photo of me in the seats if I wanted to but politely declined and decided to get my butt off the plane and through to baggage as I knew the lines would be quite big in Sydney to get out of customs due to all the heavies sitting at the gates at that time.

After making my way through what felt like the world’s largest duty free store without wanting to buy things (damn D sticker), I made my way quickly through immigration (about 4 people ahead of me in line) and by the time I got to the carousel my bag was doing laps, it seems priority tags do work for Qantas. After heading through to Customs, showing them my D sticker and then they took my boarding pass off me (noooooooooooooooooooooo a serious #avgeek does not let that usually happen) I was out of the sterile area, into the mass arrivals area, heading for the train to Domestic Terminal.

An expensive $5 train ticket, 10 minutes and a few sets of Escalators and I was heading up to Terminal 2 on the other side of the airport. After passing a picture of a Tri-Star on the wall advertising Sydney and the train connection (not that there are really any Tri-Star’s flying for commercial services these days), I headed for Priority check in.

Check in took all of a few moments by the Virgin Staff but for some reason I should of commented about the lack of Priority sticker not attached to my bag (something that would come to bite me later). After a quick security screening, a swabbing for explosives and a redress, I made my way into the Virgin Australia lounge at Sydney Airport for the 2nd time. I had made a short appearance here back in early October when connecting on the way back from Ayers Rock but that was just for a few moments to grab a drink and a place to have a private conversation with a friend away from the rest of the group.

This time I could have the full lounge experience after time to relax, enjoying some lunch and then lazily making my way towards the aircraft. I had my assigned seating in Row 3 all good to go in the hopes of a refit bird (the best seats now with the new fit out) and life was looking good.

The lounge in Sydney is apparently still in the old colour schemes but still looks quite good to me, is quite large and had quite a good amount of food, drinks and snacks available. I grazed over time for lunch with a sandwich, some soup, some nuts and plenty of salad to keep me going for the afternoon. I watched a bit of TV, read for a bit and explored the lounge.

About 10 mins before boarding time I wandered down towards the gate area and this is where the first part of the dreaded news came to light. “Your flight has been delayed approximately 30 minutes due to a late arriving aircraft, if you intend on leaving the gate area please return by no later than 1pm” Ok I can handle that, back to the lounge we go. After another round of drinks and some more nuts (god damn they were tasty), it was back to the gate but no aircraft still. This was not good. Another announcement was pending…

“Due to the late departure of the aircraft from Melbourne the flight has been till approximately 3:30pm as the flight has only just departed Melbourne” With that the scrum for the service desk began. I was 2nd or 3rd inline before they had even said they were offering rebooking of passengers to the next flight. What they said next did not bode well for me. “Those passengers without checked luggage will be given preference for accommodation on the next available flight” Ah CRAP!

I still waited in line but when I informed them that I had checked a bag I was informed I would have to wait for a supervisor, I asked how long and was told not sure, but then she saw my gold and instructed me to go to the lounge. No compensation voucher was given to me but everyone else had been given one to this point. Stupidly I didn’t say anything as I figured I would get one at the lounge (I didn’t).

Back to the lounge again I went and this time there was a nice big wait at the service desk as there was a number of lounge guests also on this flight. I waited my turn, was put on the next flight (aisle seat at the back or middle up the front, which do you think I went with) and was assured my bag was being transferred over (warning bells should of gone off at this point but they did not). Now I was totally over it all and just wanted to get up in the air, so after another few dishes of nuts (stuff it, they were good, and I was peckish) I headed back to the gate ready for boarding of the new flight, via a quick stop at the old gate to pick up my voucher I never received (was reluctantly given it, and when I looked at it was very happy to notice that it was valid on board as well!).

I double checked at the gate of the new flight that my bags were definitely getting transferred over and asked for a non-shopping docket boarding pass. I was assured again that my bag was definitely on this flight and a new boarding pass was handed over reluctantly.

Virgin Australia
DJ846
Sydney to Melbourne
1400-1535
Boeing 737-800 (VH-BZG)
Economy – Seat 28D

Boarding: 1350 (Gate 33)
Push Back 1410
Take Off Roll: 1420 (Runway 16R)
Top of Descent: 1506
Touch Down: 1525 (Runway 34)
Shut Down: 1529 (Gate 5)

Boarding was called and this time there was a nice big queue thanks to the previously delayed flight, didn’t matter really. I knew the flight was going to be max so didn’t really matter when I was on board and since I was in an aisle at the back without too much hassle did not matter.

Today’s flight was the on board “Brett’s Jet” which was named after previous CEO of Virgin Australia Brett Godfrey. Thankfully even though on the outside this aircraft is in the old colours, it’s another sleeper! Yay! Gotta love it when you hop on board and its fitted out with the new seats.

Settled into the seat and as the plane filled up, this was pretty much a standard Virgin Australia flight. Pre-recorded safety announcement, taxi out, take off & wait for the seat belt sign to come off. Since I already had a drink with me (grabbed some on the ground cause its cheaper than on board) and settled in to read my book. Once the seat belt sign was off, out came the headphones and that made things all the more tolerable.

Service was offered first to those with flexi fares so they got their free meals, then they started to offer stuff for purchase. It was a pretty quick flight really, as they barely had time to do all the services before we were on descent into Melbourne.

Bit of a rough time coming in, getting bounced around quite a bit, the 3 guys on the other side of the aisle were holding on for their dear life (wasn’t that bad I’ve been in worse), and soon enough we were on final into Tullamarine.

With a bit of a rough touch down (maybe a bit of last minute cross wind) we started taxiing towards the gates.

Disembarked quickly through the back door and up the steps into the Terminal. Quick, easy, painless. Isn’t that what a flight should be like? This is where stuff just started going wrong. While waiting for my bag, I waited and waited, I waited some more. In the back of my head I was thinking “I bet my bag doesn’t come out at all”

Stupid me just should of carried on board rather than check the bag. Dumb, dumb rookie move. As I thought, the bag did not come out at all. This is the first time I had ever had a lost bag, after all those times of not even thinking about it, I guess it had to happen eventually.

After going up to the baggage service desk they just did not seem to care at all. It was very much a “If we find it.” There was no way they could tell where it was apparently, which was just crap. After being told that they would call me once they found the bag they would let me know.

So I jumped on the bus and headed to the city. After several phone calls during the evening and lots of wrong information provided I finally got my bag delivered to the hotel around 1030pm. Just dandy after being up since before 4am!

12th December 2011

After some meetings in the morning that just did not happen, I returned back to my hotel to grab my bag. This time I had intended on not checking the bag, was not going to lose it. A quick walk from Docklands over to Southern Cross Station to hop on the Skybus. As I walked up to the bus stop there was one just about ready to depart.

Within minutes we were pulling out of the station heading towards Tullamarine. Me I was head down in my book already and barely even noticed. Hell I barely noticed any of the ride out as I had headphones in and totally zoned out. After a bit of a rough weekend it was good to still be able to tune out.

I arrived at the airport way, way, way earlier than I should of. But as a Gold Velocity member, you have the ability to take the next available flight with no cost to change irrespective of the fare you booked on. So with my original flight scheduled for 6pm and me arriving at the airport roughly 1230 it was going to be my first test of this lovely benefit.

I headed up to the Priority Check in. Handed over my card and was greeted and after I was asked which flight I was on, I told her my flight but said that I would prefer to be on the next available flight if possible. After a few minutes and a lovely delayed computer issue (know that feeling thanks to work) I was moved onto the 2pm flight up to Brisbane (there’s a bit of a dead zone between 12 & 2 in Melbourne for flights it seems. This would give me plenty of time for a leisurely lunch in the lounge and some time to read.

As I was about to head off, they asked me the usual questions about sharp objects In my carry on and was asked if the one I had on my back was all I had. Next rookie mistake! I said no and pointed to my suitcase (which is carry on size). They then asked to weigh it and it was about a kg over the carry on limit (7kg). I was instructed I would have to check my bag due to the weight. Damn it! I said that was fine and did say that as long as the bag makes it to Brisbane with me on the flight that is ok. I was told it would not be lost this time and that they would ensure the priority tags went on this time.

I watched as my bag headed off on the conveyor with thoughts if I would ever see it again. I resigned myself to the 2nd rookie mistake of the weekend and headed off to check out the new lounge.

Melbourne & Brisbane are currently the only two lounges that have had the revamp since the rebranding to Virgin Australia has come into effect. I’ve seen the Brisbane lounge but it seemed awfully small, after being told I should enjoy this lounge as its quite a lot bigger and more spacious. They weren’t wrong.

I came through and instantly liked the look of the new lounge. To top it off, an old work colleague of mine was working in the lounge which was a total shock. She had just transferred recently to the lounge after working as Flight Crew for 4 or 5 years. So we had a good quick catch up. Then it was time to find a seat and start to relax.

The usual spread was out for lunch at that time, Salads, Sandwich fixings & Soup along with a tasty looking nut mix and some popcorn. After grabbing a spot by the window, a drink and some nibbles I sat down and read my book for a little bit. Going to avoid using the free Wi-Fi, mainly cause I just wanted to relax and enjoy the view.

As time progressed I had some lunch and they had the most delicious carrot salad out that I just could not get enough of, so much so I tried to get the recipe for it before I left but that failed to eventuate (thankfully my friend who works on the lounge is going to try and track it down for me!).

As I headed out of the lounge a bit early as I knew I would have to clear security since the lounge was landside not airside in Melbourne I was in a pretty good relaxed mood, my attitude had totally improved. After clearing security easily, managing to dodge the explosives swab this time while the guys were not looking, I started to wander down towards the gate after spotting a Shanghai Airlines 767 (don’t see them in Brisbane at all!).

Virgin Australia
DJ331
Melbourne to Brisbane
1400-1510
Boeing 737-800 (VH-VUV)
Economy – Seat 27F

Boarding: 1337 (Gate 9)
Push Back 1358
Take Off Roll: 1411 (Runway 34)
Top of Descent: 1443
Touch Down: 1511 (Runway 19)
Shut Down: 1515 (Gate 41)

Arrived at the gate literally as they called Priority boarding so did not even break stride as I headed to the queue and was first through the gate down the steps. No Air bridge today for this flight and as I snapped a photo of my ride today, one of the staff started to have a go at me saying “Don’t you listen when we tell you no electronic equipment” to which my quick reply was “No one said anything when they announced boarding” which he promptly gave me a dirty look but by that stage my camera was off anyway and I was half way to the rear door.

Again I was seated up the back, but I had a window this time so did not really care. I got settled in however this time, my seat mates arrived shortly after. A mother and her young son. Just dandy! Now I don’t hate children, I don’t normally complain about other people on the flight, I just take my seat and go off in my own little world. This child was just totally on my nerves.

I was glued to the window watching the ground staff load the bags, trying to spot mine and then I saw it. My little suitcase with priority sticker on it, going up the belt into the aircraft. YAY! A repeat performance was not going to happen. Doors were closed pretty much a few moments before schedule and we pushed back on time.

As we started to taxiing out the child next to me was constantly kicking my bag or almost reaching out in front of me to look out the window. At this point I know I should have offered the child the window seat and just moved elsewhere, but I was just not thinking properly. I just sat back and tried to ignore him.

A long taxi all the way to the far side of the airport, which is always good for a bit of avgeek plane spotting. Lots of heavies on the ground with EK, TG, MH & SQ all on the ground. Lots of JQ and QF as well as you would expect. A quick take off with a bit of cloud around as we headed out above the clouds and started to climb towards home.

Once the seat belt sign was off, I was back in my own little world again, no IFE on this sleeper aircraft again (which the guy in the row in front spent most of the time complaining about) but that didn’t worry me. A good book, headphones and iPod does me just fine. Pretty soon once service was out, I decided to use up that refreshment voucher I had gotten on the way down. An $8 voucher got me a cup of coffee and a loaf of banana bread (which I promptly stashed for later as wasn’t at all hungry after gorging on carrot salad in the lounge) as we cruised north.

A very uneventful flight really, as we started to descend we got a good view of the Gold Coast and all the lovely surroundings on the clear day and approach over Moreton Bay towards runway 19. With a VERY hard landing we were shortly on the ground and taxiing towards the terminal.

When released from the confines of the flight, it was up into the terminal and straight to baggage claim where my bag was the 2nd one out. It may have made the flight but it made the belt upside down somehow. Didn’t worry me all that much really, I was just happy to see it. Bag in hand, I headed out to the taxi queue and was soon enough on my way home… a happy relieved traveller.

Conclusion

Would I do it again.. sure. Would probably prefer a longer route for the Upper Deck. Not quite sure if I prefer the Upper Deck over the Main Cabins. I mean sure its quieter but the main deck has more space and feels more open. At times the Upper Deck could feel a little claustrophobic.

The Virgin Australia lounges are fantastic! Especially Melbourne. It is going to suck if I can’t requalify for Gold Again (I might be able to, depends on what happens in the new year). The new Virgin Australia product will definitely be a game changer here in Australia. Can’t wait for it to be fitted fleet wide and all the new bits and pieces to finally come through (IFE being one of them).

This trip gave me the inspiration for some future craziness, it is still in the planning stages, but it could be a “Whale” of a time 😉