Nathan's Insights

Day 1 – Short Break: Perth, Australia

May 5, 2017

Friday 05 May 2017. Photos.
Highlights: Qantas Business Class Flight, Gloucester Park Harness Racing

Today saw the start of a short four day break to Perth just as the cold weather commences back at home in Melbourne. I booked a cheap economy class seat on Qantas back in January and used my Qantas points to upgrade to Business Class on the International standard A330-300 so a great start for the four hour transcontinental flight (see Flight Review Melbourne to Perth).

For this trip my Brother-in-Law Jason joined me, or more accurately I’m joining Jason. The trip was centred on seeing Essendon play Fremantle at Subiaco Oval on the Sunday.

Early morning I cleaned up my house before leaving given my nephew Andrew and his fiancée Danelle will be moving in shortly. For this trip I’m only taking a daybreak making packing more interesting but hopefully I have everything I need. From here it was a walk to Flinders Street Station for a train trip to Broadmeadows. Unbelievablely Melbourne doesn’t have a train to our major airport but Broadmeadows is fairly close and my mum happily picked me up from the train station and took me the 10 minute ride to the airport.

I meet Jason at the airport and quickly took him into the Qantas Business Lounge. A very late breakfast for both of us (11.20 am) and some drinks saw us set for the transcontinental trip. We were at one of the furtherest away gates and there was a big line in the economy lane but quick boarding for business class. Turning left on entry felt good and the Business Class seats have a large pitch of 78″ and are 21.5″ wide basically perfect for a long flight. I enjoyed the seat, the wine, the food and the entertainment system (see Flight Review Melbourne to Perth for more details).

The Perth Airport has done a bit of an upgrade over the last few years and lots good. After Jason picked up his checked bag we headed outside and caught the local bus (number 40) for a cost of $4.60 (you can pay in cash on board) and it took around 40 minutes to get us to the centre of the city (so great value). We are staying at Perth Ibis which is very central for our activities over the next few days. Walking to the hotel we passed a pub which was humming along at 4.15 pm – seems like the locals have no problems leaving work early on a Friday!

After a brief break at the hotel we headed off to Gloucester Park for a night of harness racing fun. This track is right next to the famous WACA cricket ground which I’ve watch many Test Matches on TV. Entry costed $12 with an extra $4 for racing book. The meeting started at 5.24 pm which is extremely early but I guess they are trying to line up with the East Coast which is 2 hours ahead of Western Australia.

Jason and myself positioned ourselves near the winning post and got on TV for most races according to my brother back home. The Harness racing here doesn’t have bookies so it was betting on the TAB only. Despite this the venue was magnificant, having been built in the late 1920s it’s smaller than most but that’s the charm, you are close to the action. The setup was good as well, lots of good spots to watch races, music act between races, kids having fun, the food cooked at the venue looked very tasty for reasonable cost. Maybe I’m a little bias since I left the night $5 up for the night when I expected at one point to loss everything I came with, so very happy :).

Australia, Gloucester Park, Perth, Qantas Business Class
Flight Review – QF769 Melbourne to Perth

May 5, 2017

Flight: QF769 Melbourne to Perth
Airline: QANTAS
Plane: Airbus 330-200
Gate: 12
Seat: 2A (Business Class)
Departed: 12:47 (Scheduled 12:40)
Arrived: 14:47 (Scheduled 14:50)
Duration: 4 Hours 10 Minutes

As part of a short break in Perth to relaxed and see my AFL Team Essendon play Fermantle I booked a cheap economy seat back in January. I immediately requested an upgrade to Business Class for both flights which came though immediately to my surprise. I guess that’s a bonus of being a Qantas Platinum member, domestic upgrade requests get cleared immediately if there is inventory.

The A330-200 offers a pod business class seat, with the option of a fully reclined bed setting. This is actually better than most 6-7 hour international flight business seats so a real highlight.

I selected a window view seat at 2A. All Qantas Business Class seats on the A330-200 offer direct aisle access so no climbing over another passenger.

It is very rare for my to fly business class so it felt a little special to turn left towards the front of the plane instead of right for economy. The business seat / pod had a pillow and blanket waiting for me upon boarding using the priority lane. I was quickly offered a refreshment drink upon taking my seat. The cabin steward personally spoke to everyone in business class before departing, he seemed to know a few of the passengers personally. In the front section of Business class I believe 21 of the 24 seats were occupied.

Departure was delayed a few minutes as the airbridge wouldn’t retract and had to be rebooted. I took the time to hook up my iPhone was recharging using the USB port (there is also a power outlet). Take off was very smooth and the Captain assured us we would arrive either on time or slightly ahead of time and reminded us to change our watches back two hours for Western Australian time.

As we were departing at lunch time we were quickly served, first with another drink service, which I selected a white wine and was provided some nuts, and than second with the meal service. Business Class passengers are offered an entree, main and desert food options. I skipped the Entree (options Moroccan spiced chickpea and tomato soup, or Buffalo bocconcini with prosciutto) having eaten a light but late breakfast in the Qantas Business Class Lounge.

I selected the Roast Chicken with fried polenta, braised bitter greens and salmoriglio) with bread and salad. The meal, in particular the fried polenta, was excellent. I selected lemonade as my drink and it was quickly filled up again without asking during the meal service. For dessert I skipped the tea, coffee and wine service and just went with the Maggie Beer ice cream.

The seat / pod has a fairly large touch screen for the entertainment system. I selected ‘Rogue One’ and used the business class headset which are better for sound than the normal economy headsets. I watched the cabin crew who were very attentive to all business passengers, taking the time to talk and engage with those who wanted to have a small chat. It’s hard to imagine how much everyone would love traveling if economy had this type of service.

After my meal was taken away I played around with the seat settings. This is only a 4 hour flight so no need to recline to fully flat but still very comfortable reclining options that allows you to enjoy the HD display while watching your movie or TV show.

There only appears to be one toilet exclusively for the business class section, but I mean be wrong. I did stretch my legs at one point and saw my brother in law who was seated in 6F and was traveling on a staff discount ticket in business class. I feel if I had this staff discount option I’d be traveling in business class everywhere Qantas flew to 🙂

The last hour of this flight was spent watching TV shows. The flight landed a few minutes early on a beautiful day. We left the plane by the front door so I was probably the fourth person off the plane. Bags took around 8 minutes to get to the package area with bags tagged as Business the first off (I only had carry on package).

A330, Business Class, Qantas, QF769
Bali 2017 – A Family Adventure

April 16, 2017

Well my idea for a quick and quiet getaway to Bali, Indonesia to visit my 57th country and at the same time qualify for Qantas Life Time Gold Membership has been radically changed for the better 🙂

First my sister Kara and niece Erin got in on the 6 day trip (8 – 13 June 2017) around the Queen’s Birthday Holiday – yes Australia celebrate’s the English Queen’s Birthday with a public holiday! But most unexpectedly my other sister Lana, niece Darby and nephew Harry will be joining us now for their first either international trip 🙂

We will be flying over on different flights, Lana, Harry and Darby will be flying by Perth and Kara, Erin and myself flying via Sydney but if everything goes to plan we will be arriving within 5 minutes of each other.

Harry, Erin and Darby about to destroy chocolate Santa

I’m hoping to get Kara and Erin access to the Qantas Sydney First Class Lounge. I get access to that lounge while I’m a Qantas Platinum member even if I’m only flying in Economy (although this time I’m flying in Business). This is one of the top 5 rated lounges in the world and I’ve never visited myself. I think a free massage, shower and a salt and pepper calamari should be a good way to start the trip!

Qantas SYD First Class Lounge – Here I come!

We will likely be staying in the Kuta region at the Bali Dynasty Resort Hotel. Should be a nice relaxing getaway for everyone involved.

Bali Dynasty Resort Hotel

Bali, Qantas Sydney First Lounge
World Trip 1986: Flight Journal

March 31, 2017

My first ever international trip was way back in 1986 with my entire family. We traveled between 27 November 1986 and 9 December 1986 (12 days) visiting the USA and Mexico.

To do this we flew on four flights (across three travel legs) and one airlines (Qantas). We were flying for a total distance of 25,942 km and 32 hours 50 minutes.

Leg 1
8,858 km Melbourne to Honolulu – 10 hours 25 minutes (Qantas Economy)
Transit time: 1 hours 40 minutes
4,113 km Honolulu to Los Angeles – 5 hours 25 minutes (Qantas Economy)

Leg 2
4,113 km Los Angeles to Honolulu – 6 hours 5 minutes (Qantas Economy)

Leg 3
8,858 km Honolulu to Melbourne – 10 hours 55 minutes (Qantas Economy)

Qantas
World Trip 1998: Flight Journal

March 31, 2017

My second international trip back in 1998 was with my mother (Helen), sister (Kara) and nephew (Andrew) made possible using Qantas staff travel discount. We traveled between 31 October 1998 and 20 November 1998 (21 days) visiting just USA (with a transit in Auckland, New Zealand).

To do this we flew on four flights (across two travel legs) and one airlines (Qantas). We were flying for a total distance of 26,222 km and 32 hours 10 minutes.

Leg 1
2,644 km Melbourne to Auckland – 3 hours 35 minutes (Qantas Economy)
Transit time: 1 hours 10 minutes
10,467 km Auckland to Los Angeles – 12 hours 10 minutes (Qantas Economy)

Leg 2
10,467 km Los Angeles to Auckland – 12 hours 50 minutes (Qantas Economy)
Transit time: 1 hours 30 minutes
2,644 km Auckland to Melbourne – 3 hours 35 minutes (Qantas Economy)

Qantas
Lounge Review – Qantas Brisbane Domestic Business Lounge

March 30, 2017

When visited: March 2017
Time of day: Late Afternoon (5 pm to 5.45 pm)
Rating: 4.5 / 5

This is a new lounge that opened in March 2017 and there were still some minor fixes to fixtures and painting that need to be touched up and will likely be completed by April 2017.

ACCESS RULES
– Flying Business class on a Qantas or QantasLink flight later that day.
– Qantas Platinum member or Oneworld Alliance Emerald member departing on a on a Qantas or QantasLink flight later that day .
– Emirates Skywards Platinum member whose next onward flight that day carries a QF or EK flight number and is operated by Qantas or QantasLink
– Individuals under 18 must be accompanied by an adult given this is a licensed area.

I accessed the Business Lounge as a QANTAS Platinum member flying in economy later that day back to Melbourne.

LOUNGE LOCATION
The QANTAS Brisbane Domestic Business Lounge is located upper level of the airport’s domestic terminal. There is now a special security screening area (Qantas Premium Lounge Entry) for anyone entering the Qantas Club or the Qantas Business Lounge. The security entrance is at the left end of the terminal as you enter.

There is only one security lane at present which might be a major problem at peak times but wasn’t for me. A Qantas staff member will check your eligibility to enter the lounge before entering the security line. Once you are past security and go up the escalator you are inside the Qantas Club lounge (there is no further eligibility checks for the Qantas Club).

At the top of the escalator the Business Lounge is located on the left side (opposite a coffee station). A staff member will check that you are eligible for this higher status business lounge inside the Qantas Club.

Note: You can also access the lounge from the normal terminal gate area. This might be a good idea if the Qantas Premium Lounge Entry is packed with status passengers.

LOUNGE AREA
The QANTAS Business Lounge area is very large and provides limited views from the parking area to the QANTAS planes at the boarding gates. The main food serving and bar area is to the right after passing the Lounge entrance. There are multiple different table areas, from more formal benches with napkins and cutlery set out to tables with nothing but apples set out.

The lounge area is relatively informal but being the higher status level lounge you are more likely to see businessmen and a higher dress standard (jeans yes, singlets no) and expected to be a little quieter. There will definitely be members undertaking work activities and conversations.

FOOD
There is a food station which you can use to make up nice sandwiches and take various cakes and bread based products. There is also a ‘Cantina’ setup that serves up fresh Mexican-inspired meals to order but it was extremely busy when I visited.

DRINKS
There is a popular barista coffee service, juices, soft drinks, tea and water, unusually there isn’t a self-serve soft drink station (or none I could find). The main bar for alcohol was extremely busy when I visited and doesn’t seem very well setup as it’s a free for all (no lines just find a space at the bar). The main bar appeared to offer a good selection of wine, beer and spirits.

There is a smaller bar at the left hand side of the lounge (land-side end of the lounge) that isn’t very busy and offers a range of wines and a small number of beers and water (no soft drink options) which is probably a better bar to use when the lounge is busy.

FACILITIES AND SERVICES
There are several showers (no need to book), toilets, areas to watch pay TV (Sky News), an extensive computer area with printers and photocopiers, multiple tea / coffee stations and charging stations for most different cable connections.

There are more power outlets to plug in your laptop or other equipment then in other Qantas lounges but if you see a spot grab it quickly as they are at a premium. Free Wi-Fi is offered but I didn’t test the speed. There are various free newspapers located at the entrance of the lounge (which you can take away) and several magazines located in a reading area (which you should leave in the lounge).

WHAT’S GOOD
The Qantas business lounge in Brisbane has suffered for a long time by being way too small, this new lounge fixes that although it can still be tough to find a spot in peak times. The ‘Cantina’ offering was extremely popular and members going there free up the other food station area which I actually prefer. The exclusive small bar at the land-side end of the lounge is a gem for wine drinkers.

WHAT’S NOT SO GOOD
There is still some finishing touches needed in the lounge. A couple of areas still need a final paint layer, some of the carpet areas need vacuuming (I expect this will be quickly fixed as these are just issues associated with an opening). The main bar got quickly overwhelmed with only two staff and no clear lining up for service setup so this needs to be fixed.

SUMMARY
Excellent top level domestic Qantas lounge. The exclusive security entry makes this lounge area feel special right from the start. The lounge was a lot of natural light and is very well spread out. There is no charge for food or drinks nor is tipping expected (or anywhere in Australia). Once the finishing touches are completed I’d likely rate this the best Qantas domestic business lounge but right now it’s just behind Sydney’s lounge.

Airport Lounge Review, Brisbane Lounge, Business Lounge, Qantas
World Trip 1999-2000: Flight Journal

March 24, 2017

My first world trip book by myself (well with my friend Jon but no family) was back in 1999. I traveled between 11 November 1999 and 6 March 2000 (118 days) visiting six countries – New Zealand, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, and Wales.

To do this I flew on eight flights (across five travel legs) and two airlines (Air New Zealand and United). I was flying for a total distance of 46,479 km and 59 hours 25 minutes.

Leg 1
2,644 km Melbourne to Auckland – 3 hours 35 minutes (Air New Zealand Economy)

Leg 2
7,063 km Auckland to Honolulu – 8 hours 40 minutes (Air New Zealand Economy)

Leg 3
4,113 km Honolulu to Los Angeles – 5 hours 25 minutes (Air New Zealand Economy)
Transit time: 2 hours 25 minutes
1,988 km Los Angeles to Dallas – 3 hours 5 minutes (United Economy)

Leg 4
8,780 km Los Angeles to London – 10 hours 30 minutes (Air New Zealand Economy)

Leg 5
8,780 km London to Los Angeles – 11 hours 15 minutes (Air New Zealand Economy)
Transit time: 2 hours 30 minutes
10,467 km Los Angeles to Auckland – 12 hours 50 minutes (Air New Zealand Economy)
Transit time: 2 hours 20 minutes
2,644 km Auckland to Melbourne – 4 hours 5 minutes (Air New Zealand Economy)
World Trip 2006: Flight Journal

March 19, 2017

My biggest world trip was back in 2006 I traveled between 29 March 2006 and 28 August 2006 (153 days) visiting twenty-four countries – South Africa; Swaziland; France; England; Belgium; Holland; Germany; Czech Republic; Austria; Switzerland; Italy; Vatican; Monaco; Spain; Finland; Russia; Belarussia; Lithuania; Latvia; Estonia; Canada; USA; Hong Kong; China.

To do this I flew on twelve flights (across eight travel legs) and seven airlines (Qantas, Comair, British Airways, Finnair, Cathay Pacific, Air China, Xiamen Airlines). I was flying for 54,031 km and 73 hours 20 minutes.

Leg 1
706 km Melbourne to Sydney – 1 hours 25 minutes (Qantas Economy)
Transit time: 1 hour 15 minutes
11,044 km Sydney to Johannesburg – 14 hours (Qantas Economy)

Leg 2
1,271 km Cape Town to Johannesburg – 2 hours (Comair Economy)
Transit time: 2 hours 25 minutes
9,045 km Johannesburg to London – 11 hours 15 minutes (British Airways Economy)
Transit time: 4 hours 55 minutes
348 km London to Paris– 1 hour 15 minutes (British Airways Economy)

Leg 3
1,900 km Paris to Helsinki – 2 hours 55 minutes (Finnair Economy)

Leg 4
1,853 km Helsinki to London – 3 hours 10 minutes (Finnair Economy)
Transit time: 8 hours 5 minutes
7,601 km London to Vancouver – 9 hours 40 minutes (British Airways Economy)

Leg 5
10,287 km Vancouver to Hong Kong – 13 hours 40 minutes (Cathay Pacific Economy)

Leg 6
1,986 km Hong Kong to Beijing – 3 hours 20 minutes (Air China Economy)

Leg 7
601 km Chongqing to Guilin – 1 hours 30 minutes (Xiamen Airlines Economy)

Leg 8
7,387 km Hong Kong to Melbourne – 9 hours 10 minutes (Cathay Pacific Economy)
Fiji Trip 2010: Flight Journal

March 16, 2017

For my 2010 Fiji trip I travelled between 30 October 2010 and 6 November 2010. I used this trip to undertake a ‘status run’ basically a couple of extra flights to help increase my Qantas membership level back to Gold.

To do this I flew on six flights and two airlines (Qantas, Air Pacific – now known as Fiji Airways. I was flying across 11,925 km km for 17 hours 55 minutes.

Leg 1
– 1,379 km Melbourne to Brisbane – 2 hours 10 minutes (Qantas Business)

Leg 2
– 1,379 km Brisbane to Melbourne – 2 hours 20 minutes (Qantas Business)
Transit time: 55 minutes
– 3,867 km Melbourne to Nadi (Fiji) – 4 hours 55 minutes (Air Pacific Business)

Leg 3
– 3,170 km Nadi to Sydney – 4 hours 40 minutes (Air Pacific Business)

Leg 4
– 751 km Sydney to Brisbane – 1 hour 30 minutes (Qantas Business)
Transit time: 1 hour 25 minutes
– 1,379 km Brisbane to Melbourne – 2 hours 20minutes (Qantas Business)
World Trip 2009: Flight Journal

March 11, 2017

For my 2009 world trip I traveled between 22 May 2009 and 12 July 2009 visiting four countries – USA, Egypt, England, and Belgium. I also traveled in Australia to Perth (Margaret River) and Sydney at the end of this trip.

To do this I flew on ten flights (across 6 travel legs) and three airlines (Qantas, British Airways, Iberia). I was flying across 48,858 km for 62 hours 15 minutes.

Leg 1
12,748 km Melbourne to Los Angeles – 14 hours 25 minutes (QANTAS Premium Economy Upgrade)

Leg 2
8,780 km Los Angeles to London – 10 hours 25 minutes (British Airways Economy)
Transit time: 8 hours 5 minutes
3,536 km London to Cairo – 4 hours 45 minutes (British Airways Economy)

Leg 3
3,565 km Cairo to Madrid – 5 hours 20 minutes (Iberia Economy)
Transit time: 5 hours 30 minutes
1,314 km Madrid to Brussels – 2 hours 20 minutes (Iberia Economy)
Transit time: 22 hours 25 minutes (visiting a friend)
352 km Brussels to London – 1 hours 15 minutes (British Airways Economy)

Leg 4
10,887 km London to Singapore – 12 hours 50 minutes (Qantas Economy)
Transit time: 55 minutes
3, 896 km Singapore to Perth – 5 hours 15 minutes (Qantas Economy)

Leg 5
3, 284 km Perth to Sydney – 4 hours 10 minutes (Qantas Business)

Leg 6
706 km Sydney to Melbourne – 1 hours 30 minutes (Qantas Economy)

Total 48,858 km 62 hours 15 minutes