Cairns to Europe, 3 very different airlines.

[cjtatv]

Took the family to France recently flying Cairn to Tokyo Narita on Qantas, then Narita to London on Virgin Atlantic, then Ryanair to Marseille.

Typical Qantas start, as I couldn’t get more than 2 reward seats in Business class, even after 3 months of trying on the net, so we decided to grab 1 in business and 3 in economy, then try again at the airport.
End result was that I was in business class with 2 other passengers and 20 empty seats and the 3 family members back in economy with Qantas giving us the deaf and dumb routine at the airport. Daytime flight, so no big deal. You wouldn’t want it to happen on the overnight flight going the other way.
Note 1: Qantas do not release more than 2 frequent flyer seats on QF69 Cairns to Tokyo, (or return) no matter how empty business class is.
They are just not up to the challenge of using their capacity.

As for Virgin Atlantic Narita to London in Upper Class - what a great airline. Comfortable, friendly and easy to use points for seats (and a bargain at that).
Their Upper class lounge at Heathrow is the best I have ever seen anywhere, with a huge range of services. My wife enjoyed spotting one of the Spice Girls relaxing with her child in the kids play area. The lounge is like something out of an Austen Powers movie. Very impressive.
Note 2: Fly Virgin Atlantic wherever possible.

Took Ryanair from Stanstead to Marseille, and that was an eye opener. No complaints though, you get EXACTLY what you pay for. Basically a town bus that flys. Also now I truly understand the meaning of "petty-cashing".
Note 3: With Ryanair, Do exactly what you are told, when you are told, and all will be fine. Just!

Highlight on the return trip was at Heathrow were the security guy confiscated 2 of my 6 year old son’s Toy Soldiers – the really little plastic ones that come in a pack of 100 for $2.99. He said he was confiscating these for "obvious reasons" (they had little plastic rifles the size of toothpicks).
I just shut up and moved on. As you do, when confronted by someone who’s grip on reality appears to be tenuous, at best.
Note 4: Always expect the unexpected at British Security Checkpoints.

We flew out of Japan via Osaka, as it was the only way possible to get 4 business class seats – even though good old QF60 from Tokyo still had about 16 empty business class seats.
Final Note: Pray that Qantas someday find somebody to run their flight rewards that actually cares (or at least understands loadings)

[littl_flier]

Thanks for the trip report cjtatv. I'm glab you enjoyed Virgin upper class.

What lounge do they use in NRT? And how many points is it per adult?

Thanks for the report.

Cheers,
littl_flier

[NYCguy]

Originally Posted by cjtatv

Highlight on the return trip was at Heathrow were the security guy confiscated 2 of my 6 year old son’s Toy Soldiers – the really little plastic ones that come in a pack of 100 for $2.99. He said he was confiscating these for "obvious reasons" (they had little plastic rifles the size of toothpicks).

When you live in a studio apartment in Slough, you need to take your frustration out on someone...

[Commuter]

Originally Posted by NYCguy

When you live in a studio apartment in Slough, you need to take your frustration out on someone...

Some of the security guys in the UK (and in Australia as well, mind you) are somewhat weird, obnoxious or arrogant or just has no idea of the reality or common sense, or all of the above (that I guess can apply to anyone though, I guess). Some of the security procedures are also weird too.

Common sense = not common

[cjtatv]

Narita to London Heathrow in upper class was 50000 points each (transferred from my AMEX account).

The Virgin Atlantic lounge in Narita was nothing special. I think it was some american airlines lounge. (salted dry bikkies and soft drinks).
London lounge made up for it, though.

[JohnK]

Originally Posted by cjtatv

Highlight on the return trip was at Heathrow were the security guy confiscated 2 of my 6 year old son’s Toy Soldiers – the really little plastic ones that come in a pack of 100 for $2.99. He said he was confiscating these for "obvious reasons" (they had little plastic rifles the size of toothpicks).
I just shut up and moved on.

Maybe his collection was missing these 2 Toy Soldiers.

[Evan]

Originally Posted by JohnK

Maybe his collection was missing these 2 Toy Soldiers.

Or maybe he like to see little children cry !

Those guys/gals at LHR are evil ! i have no problem with them argueing that 100grams may be more than 100ml (sure i knew it was) but as i said to the desk when i made my formal complaint about there conduct that its all good and well that in AU its 100 grams and UK 100ml for some things but the staff must have some conversion table and must be able to show people and say, he if its deorderant then 100ml = 61 grams (which is what they use) but you cant just tell people its not ok and expect them to guess what conversion.

Its important for me to know.... 61 grams is the limit for deoderant (despite 3 out of 4 times it going through LHR security fine) so i can purchase compliant deorderant in AU where we use weight and not volume for measurement.

Anyway for what its worth i made an official complaint about the security persons lack of knowlege, and attitude. (Had plenty of time on my hands since i had already missed my connection)

Ok, rant over, i feel better now

E