This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
I'd checked in online at T-24hrs only to manage SEQ80, although, in my defence, I'm guessing most of those where through-checked pax from LHR.
Make sure you have applied for your Australian ETA (electronic travel authorisation) well before you depart as it can take upto 72 hours to gain approval. You will not be allowed to check-in until you have been approved for travel. It's similar to the American ESTA system, although it's now completely free but only lasts for 12 months. Just be careful when searching online for ETA info and there are websites out there wanting to take money off you for an Australian ETA.
I headed back to HKG via the Airport Express train. For the VS200, VS bag drop opens at 15:20 with full check-in opening at 16:20. Upper check-in was very efficient and the agent was friendly and professional.
Departure immigration and security was a breeze and I was soon heading the the VS Clubhouse which is o the upper level along with the other airline lounges next to gate 36. I do like the HKG VS Clubhouse, it's one of my favourites
It wasn't too busy even though Eva Air share the CH. The food was great. I had the strawberry ribs followed my the cheesecake. Even though the cheesecake was warm and not what I expected it was still very nice.
G-VGOA soon arrived from LHR at gate 36 and before long, a stream of transit J pax soon arrived in the CH. Service was good whilst I was there.
The flight to SYD was called at 18:40 and it's only a short walk to the gate. Priority boarding was in effect and working well, again with 2 jet bridges in use.
Quite a few empty seats on this leg. The FSM mentioned there where 170 pax on board night. I was in 6A again on this flight.
Once on-board, I was greeted by name by the cabin crew working in the section I was sat in. He introduced himself and thanked me for my continued loyalty
I was addressed by name the entire flight and he took pre-flight drinks orders. Once again nothing was too much trouble for any of the crew working in J on this evenings flight.The doors where soon closed and we pushed back just a few minutes behind schedule. Tonights flight to SYD would be 8Hrs and 40mins.
Once the seat belt sign was turned off, the cabin service soon started and V:Port was switched on. My seat was in a pretty poor condition. The IFE screen surround was coming away as was the IFE controller surround (both had clearly been glued back on previously). My arm rest would not lock in either the up or down position. My table (still the original old-style chunky design on G-VGOA) also failed later in the flight.
Drinks and dinner ordered where taken. Sorry I can't remember the full menu but it is different to the one on the LHR>HKG leg. I did notice octopus as a starter though. I opted for the tomato soap followed by the grilled sole which where both very nice.
Once the dinner service was cleared, it was time to convert my seat into a bed again. The bed was again a little too hard for my liking and the area under where my shoulders where did not have very much cushioning. I did manage several hours sleep though and woke not long before breakfast. I do remember the seat belt sign coming on several times during the flight (which is not usual for the HKG>SYD route)
Breakfast was soon served and I had the bacon butty was was as good as ever. Before long, the cabin was been secured for our approach into SYD.
After breakfast priority immigration/quarantine cards along with arrival cards where handed out.
Been sat on the left hand side of the cabin I got some great views of Sydney harbour.
Only 1 jet bridge at SYD but j pax got the usual priority. I ended up been one of the first off.
If you have never travelled to Australia before, be aware as they are very very strict on what items you cannot bring into the country with you such as food, plants, wooden items or seeds etc.
Priority immigration was quick and bags started coming off shortly after. I'm guessing bags loaded at HKG will come off first as these would have been loaded after the bags at LHR.
Priority quarantine lines where also quite short and moving quickly. Be prepared to have all your checked and hand luggage x-rayed to detect organic items (food, plants, wood etc) which are all banned in Australia. You also cannot bring any liquids of more than 100ml in with you so don't buy any duty free booze on your out-bound flights (there are big signs at HKG check-in warning you about this)
Some 25 minutes after landing I was in the taxi line to get into the city. I was going to use the train but couldn't be bothered in the end.
All in all another fantastic VS flight
Regards
James Mitchell
James Mitchell
