VS200 LHR-SYD 24 FEB 11 (Upper Class)

This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin

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Hi all

Sorry about the delay posting this but had a busy few weeks since we returned. I hope i remember accurately everything but will give you my thoughts.

Checkin - we did online check in with no problem, proceeded to drop bags at upper desks at around 1700, it was quite busy but boarding cards issued and pointed in the direction of security and we were on our way to Australia. (perhaps a little background here may help, my husband and I were heading to Sydney, Melbourne and Noosa for a special holiday for his 50th birthday. We have travelled Upper a few times mainly to Orlando, San fransisco and Vegas, but this wouuld be our first time on A340-600 and our first holiday to Oz).

Security channel - was busy with a few wheelchairs going through which took a little longer but no drama.

Clubhouse - We then headed towards the clubhouse or we thought we headed towards the clubhouse, we ended up walking round and round i think we lost our way slightly !. Anyway arrived at clubhouse, welcomed and headed to find a seat. I have to say it was extremely busy, busier than i have seen it and it took some time to find a seat. Anyway we did and i had a swing in one of the chairs for a photo opportunity to show everyone i know. It took a while to attract anyones attention to order drinks but we eventually managed. We had some food, i had chicken masala which was absolutely lovely, sorry cant remember what he had. We then moved in front of TV to watch some football. Time passed quite quickly but again only managed drinks by waving or trying to catch a member of staff as they passed. Not that I am saying they were standing around doing nothing it was very busy.

Boarding - We were called to gate and we went at the first call, i am a bit of a worrier and like to be first on etc. Anyway boarded quickly, i think i was more or less first on, welcomed on board, drinks offered and seetled into our seats, 3k, 4k.

A340-600 - First time on this aircraft and at first i was quite shocked it appeared quite crowded, do like the spaciousness of the 747. My husband commented oh this is different. Anyway we settled into a pleasant flight.

Flight - First flight to Hongkong was fine, we were well looked after , drinks were flowing until the lights were dimmed. Food was good, we both enjoyed our meals but i am afraid i cant remember what they were. We turned our seats into bed, no one around to assist but happy to be self sufficient. I had my own Sleep wear and my husband had managed to get some as soon as we boarded and that was it. I thnk the alcohol helped me sleep must have managed a good 6 hours. Watched a little TV. The cabin was full to the brim, we obviously had some crew in some seats as there was quite a lot of chatting with certain memebers of staff. Breakfast was served before we arrived into Hongkong and it was fine too.

Hongkong transfer - We were off flight very quickly through the front doors and headed into HKG airport, we were met by a staff memeber asking for transfer passengers going on to Sydney and we were given a red sticker with a Koola on it, headed to transfer security and no one there, straight through, very efficient. We decided to stretch our legs and had a walk around airport, took some photos then headed to the lounge. Quite easy to find, read about looking up and you would know where it was. Made it easier to navigate. Welcomed into there and found a seat. I did plan on having a shower but to be honest we had only left the hotel in heathrow at 1630 ish and i used the shower then and didnt feel the need. Maybe i am a scruff. Drinks offered very quickly in lounge, very attentive service, We declined food, felt we had ate a lot on the flight. After a short time we were heading back to the onward flight to Sydney. We arrived at gate a couple of minutes before boarding and priority boarding line in place. Although we were pushed aside to allow a gentleman to the front, he was seated in upper but not sure why he took priority over the other passengers in upper but never mind, any ideas? We then went through what i would call a quick security check which was painless, handluggage checked and back on to flight. New crew and quite a few different passengers. Again full, no empty seats. I did note quite a bit huffing and puffing re space for hand luggage on A side, people looked annoyed with each other but other than that no problems, Again welcomed back on board, i must have been the only one wandering around with a red koala on my top as everyone else seemed to have removed theirs.

Flight HKG-SYD - staff were efficient, the cabin crew member on our side was pleasant and chatty, he did spend a few minutes sitting on ottaman chatting to me but did this to most of passengers round about us. We were well looked after and food was again good. Do remember having a lovely peice of beef on one of the flight but not sure which one. Had wine with meals but again apart from it being white, cant remember which one. The bar was quiet for most of flight as far as i am aware, i did opo for a drink a couple of times but usually just one person there.

Sydney Arrival - Arrived into Sydney on time, again straight off front door and headed to immigration - no wait there and straight through. Collected luggage fairly quickly but then things slowed down. I had declared that i had medication with me, nothing exciting just paracetemol and blood pressure tablets, so quickly asked about those and cleared then i had declared i had food - specifically had brought decaf teabags for hubby, not sure why i was the one carrying them but i was so sent to another line where there was a large queue of people perhaps from some asisan flight so thought i would be a while but luckily for me as i got to the back of the queue a very pleasant customs(is that who they are) asked me what food products i had when i told him he waved at one of the staff at a desk and pushed me straight to the front. The lady there asked me what i had i told her and off i went, straight out the doors into arrivals, brilliant.

Our car was waiting for us and it was off in the heat into Sydney

This is my first attempt at a trip report so be gentle with me, ask any questions if i can help.

Thanks
Cath

Great TR Cath

Funny, we are the opposite, all our ventures into UC have been on the 600's, as these tend to be used on the longer haul routes other than the US.
Its a long way to Syd in one hit.. however the little break at the Hkg CH is a welcome sight..

Ah the Koala stickers mini NH was quite upset when she eventually lost hers...

Hope the holiday was a success

NH

Thanks for the TR, and well remembered 2 months later!

How did you find the jet lag? I've heard it's lethal especially when you do the trip all in one jaunt.

Thanks for the TR - Very odd that someone got priority boarding above everyone else, perhaps a VIP or celebrity of somesort?

I'm not sure how I'll do the LHR-SYD trip, not the best with long flights, I think i'd have to take a few days break in HKG.

I know you didn't use the shower facilities at HKG but did you manage to see how they are? Are they self contained with toilets or seperate showers and toilets?

Thanks,

Luke

Hi

The jet lag was not too bad. We arrived at hotel around 0830 and left our luggage there. They suggested returning about 1130 to see if we could get a room then. We knew the hotel was already full so we understood. The nice man on reception gave us a map and suggested some nice places to eat or snack so off we went. By 1030 we were dropping so we decided to head back to the hotel and sat looking sorry for ourselves opposite reception. We heard the receptionist talking on phone to housekeeping asking when a room would be ready, I think he wanted us out of reception looking dishevelled. Anyway by 1100 we had a room - result!!. We headed there had a drink and unpacked then collapsed in a heap for a couple of hours. We did get up by around 1500 and went out and managed to keep going till around 2200 and that was it, sorted, not too bad at all.

Cath

Hi

The guy may have been a VIP but once on board he certainly didnt get any different treatment.

Sorry not sure on showers they are on same corridor as toilets but not sure what they are like

Cath

Thank you for the great TR.

[mitchja]

Thanks for the great TR

I love the HKG Clubhouse. I think it's one of the most under-rated CH on the whole VS network. The staff there really are fantastic

That's the only thing I don't like about arriving at SYD; because you arrive so early in the morning most hotels won't let you check-in until at least dinner time (arriving at DXB is the same too). Several hotels used to offer early check-in rates but these seem to have disappeared now as I've been looking for when I go to SYD later this year.

I know you didn't use the shower facilities at HKG but did you manage to see how they are? Are they self contained with toilets or seperate showers and toilets?

Small room, with loo and shower on raised area etc quite spacious, fresh towels etc..

Separate loos down same corridor

I'm not sure how I'll do the LHR-SYD trip, not the best with long flights, I think i'd have to take a few days break in HKG.

Killed us for 2 days,not sure about the breaking up, as eats badly into trip days and you'll still be shell-shocked on arrival into SYD, we were keen to grin and bear it and get it all over in one hit..I would hate to think of doing this trip down the back in one go .

I know you didn't use the shower facilities at HKG but did you manage to see how they are? Are they self contained with toilets or seperate showers and toilets?

Small room, with loo and shower on raised area etc quite spacious, fresh towels etc..

Separate loos down same corridor

I'm not sure how I'll do the LHR-SYD trip, not the best with long flights, I think i'd have to take a few days break in HKG.

Killed us for 2 days,not sure about the breaking up, as eats badly into trip days and you'll still be shell-shocked on arrival into SYD, we were keen to grin and bear it and get it all over in one hit..I would hate to think of doing this trip down the back in one go .

Thanks NH, looks like I'll be saving the pennies for UC return to SYD! lol

I am doing this and more down the back in a month and am really not looking forward to it, credit cards and FC miles are going to be thrown at check-in desks in case anything can be done...

4 hours 40 flying time Nadi (Fiji) to Sydney
2 hours 45 on the ground
9 hours 30 flying time Sydney to Hong Kong
1 hour 30 on the ground
13 hours flying time Hong Kong to London

Land at 05:25 and have to be at my desk by 09:20!

I am doing this and more down the back in a month and am really not looking forward to it, credit cards and FC miles are going to be thrown at check-in desks in case anything can be done...

4 hours 40 flying time Nadi (Fiji) to Sydney
2 hours 45 on the ground
9 hours 30 flying time Sydney to Hong Kong
1 hour 30 on the ground
13 hours flying time Hong Kong to London

Land at 05:25 and have to be at my desk by 09:20!

All I can say is "good luck!!"

I will let you know.
My one target for the arrival day will be to write a good trip report.

Ed

You'll have plenty of time to make notes during the journey!!

Without telling crew of course!
Hope my v-flyer tags have arrived by then though, very excited about them.

Thanks for a fab trip report :-)

Great TR. We always do this in one hit and a refreshing shower in the HKG clubhouse seems to help the horrendous jetlag that usually overcomes me on the 2nd day. Hope the birthday trip was a huge success.

Would love to to the Sydney flight in upper but have to wait a while to save my miles again

About 7 years ago we did a killer flight

Townsvill - Sydney (About 4:30)
Sydney - Singapore (About 11:30)
Singapore - London (About 13:30)
London - Belfast (About an hour)

All in economy I think about 37 hours all in. Very red eyes that day lol

Thanks for reading

Our trip was wonderful. We enjoyed all the highlights of Sydney, bridge climb, Manly beach, Tarongo Zoo Ozzy gold tour, Harbour Cruise, Opera House.We stayed in Quay Grand Suites which were lovely It was a busy few days then we flew off to Melbourne. Stayed in Healsville for a few days about an hour out of Melbourne city as we have family there. We visited a few vineyards and had a great few days with family. We then headed back into Melbourne City and stayed in Crown towers. That was very good too but I probably didnt enjoy it as much as i would have as managed to end up with an infected cyst on my back and had to have it lanced twice. So I ended up with a hole in my back and had to have it dressed daily so it kept draining - lovely.
Our remaining time was spent in a villa in sunshine beach just outside noosa. The villa was absolutley fabulous and we felt like millionaires. We enjoyed the beach and the laid back lifestyle and it was a good way to wind down a special holiday.

It now has made me want to travel more. We always seem to head to the States and I would have gone there again but after this trip the worlds wide open.

Cath

SYD is a long old trip (even in UC) .The journey non-stop is a killer IMHO even with the extra comfort that being at the front brings . I've done it a couple of times in UC with VS and for me it is marginally better when you break the journey up and stop over in HKG. I never thought I'd say it but I was dreading the trip home last year (in UC) as the non-stop outbound journey had been exhausting.The first UC flight ever that I've not wanted to be on....
DL

Thanks for the TR Very odd that someone got priority boarding above everyone else, perhaps a VIP or celebrity of somesort?

I'm not sure how I'll do the LHR-SYD trip, not the best with long flights, I think i'd have to take a few days break in HKG.

Luke

I wonder if he had already boarded, but did something silly like forgot a bag and had to go back and reboard? I left my duty free in the lounge once at dxb, only realising once I was boarding- they let me Jump the security queue on the way back!

Great trip report cath, I'm impressed you did the whole trip in one go with little jet lag! I just did the first leg to hk and was exhausted!!

Thanks for reading


...Our remaining time was spent in a villa in sunshine beach just outside noosa. The villa was absolutley fabulous and we felt like millionaires. We enjoyed the beach and the laid back lifestyle and it was a good way to wind down a special holiday...


Cath

Is the Villa at Noosa privately owned or available to book? Would appreciate details if it's bookable.

Thanks for the TR were off to OZ soon so thanks for the info,silly question do the airlines actually change the plane for the Sydney leg or is it the same plane

Same plane.

Same plane.

Thank you