V-Flyer

Sadly time to head home from Sydney (boo) and to the airport.

A very quiet check in on arrival and quickly seen too although not at the UC check in desk, who were busy checking in Economy passengers.

There seemed to be slight confusion by the check in guy as to which class I was flying in, as all bags were weighed (including hand luggage) to be told I had exceeded my weight limit. A quick but you do realise I'm travelling in Upper and suddenly not a problem and a profuse apology.

Given a fast pass to clear immigration and customs, but no need, again no queues so sailed through and up to the Air New Zealand Lounge.

Lounge is ok, not as good as the VA clubhouse, and busy - seems to be a favourite to be used by the star alliance network. Some good food to be had but all prepared and under a hot lamp - tasty curry mind you!

Called for flight and straight on board, UC fairly quiet and plane fairly empty as we found out on the announcements. Pushed back on time and settled in for the flight to HKG.

Good crew again, and normal UC menu looked ok, but not as good as way out (was quite pleased I had a special meal - very nice and succulent chicken with frsh veg and potatoes).

Settled back to watch some films - Hancock (excellent) The Happening (Good) Miss Sarah Marshall (rubbish - stopped after 30 mins) and Iron Man (very good).

FSM really nice scottish lady, with a wicked sense of humour and a keen eye on whether your glass was full or not which was most appreciated.

Landed at HKG in no time at all and one of first off plane. GOt up to CH and showered straight away, no wait. Lounge very busy, as was gate area.

Very quickly time to board again, and this time onto an overbooked flight. Settled back into the seat, and as soon as take off had happened it was drinks and dinner. Smashing crew again.

Dinner was ok, again, not as good as outward journey, but palatable enough - even though I cant remember what i had to eat!!

Great attentive crew, got up to change into sleep suit and by time I got back, bed was made, pillows plumped and a nice hot chocolate waiting - a good touch I thought!!

Woke up about 7 hours later, and although not quite breaky time, people were clearly hungry - and a great breakfast served. Some lovely fresh fruit with compote, cereal and two bacon rolls - yum! [:D]

All too soon coming into Heathrow (in the dark) and landing. No queues at customs seeing as we're first in but a long wait for luggage - Hong Kong PAX seem to get priority which was really frustrating. In fact UC Sydney bags were the last off, which was disappointing.

Made use of the revivals lounge which was excellent and got shave treatment too....

Now saving the pennies for the next UC trip - all in all hats off VA you've done it again - one very happy chappy here!

Really enjoyed reading your TR, sounds like a really memorable trip for you.
Thanks for sharing it with us.[y]

Loved the TR. I have had similar problems with SYD UC check in but pleased the rest of the flight went smoothly.

Thank you vm - I'll be back in Sydney in a couple of weeks and hope my flights are as good.

On my last trip, I was horrified at Sydney international, makes the hell that is security thrown into duty free at T3 look amateurish ... also the fast track lane on my return at SYD was poor, slow, badly staffed etc. - things not uncommon across the world.

Great TR![y]

Thanks for the TR encouraging to hear UC doing it the way it should be.

cheers
alex

Thanks for the TR and thanks for the link with regards your trip im already saving for my Australia trip , sounds as your holiday was very enjoyable and if not said welcome back to rain swept Britan.

Jurgen and Sue

Thanks for the TR[y][y]

The service was right on the button, and given you once again did the journey without a stop over, it was good that this all fell into place.


You mentioned that the second leg was overbooked, was there any commotion from any passengers downgraded?

Hope you get over the jet lag[:D][:D]

buns

Thanks for the TR, by the sounds of it your return flight went rather quickly! [y]

Thanks Dominic

thanks for all your comments.. flight was over in Econ and PE on leg back from HKG to LHR, plane light from SYD to HKG

The fast track at SYD on way back wasn't open as it was dead!!

Am sadly going to be downgrading membership as not going to be flying for a while... so all the best everyone!