Introduction
Brisbane to Sydney to Melbourne
Park Hyatt Melbourne & Melbourne to Canberra
Canberra to Melbourne to Brisbane
Conclusion

I am going to do this trip report a little bit differently, I am going to try and post it in stages so It doesn’t eat up so much of my time, along with also making it easier to read.

This upcoming trip had a bit of a wierd starting. After finding out in Early March that I could possibly have the Easter Period off, well I thought back to last Easter where I had a great time flying some flights, purely cause I can (Trip Report here) and thought back, well why don’t I do it again. I had two options in my mind.

1. A local bit of #avgeek times doing some spotting in Sydney and perhaps adding some more Virgin Australia status credits to my requalification before heading overseas.
2. A long weekend journey to the Northern Hemisphere, to Japan for some 787 flights with ANA.

After researching the costs vs time away and looking into it, Japan was scrapped. Not purely cause I couldn’t afford it, but the outlay for time spent in Japan just was not worth it. I begrudingly put the Japan plans out of my mind and set about planning a quick 2 day jaunt to the Southern states. After a bit of playing with online schedules I came up with the following which would give me a full day of Spotting fun in Sydney on the Saturday and then some Status running on the Sunday.

07th April 2012 – DJ908 – Brisbane to Sydney – 0600/0735 – Boeing 737-800 – Economy
07th April 2012 – DJ888 – Sydney to Melbourne – 2000/2135 – Airbus A330-200 – Economy
08th April 2012 – DJ271 – Melbourne to Canberra – 1330/1435 – Embraer E190 – Economy
08th April 2012 – DJ278 – Canberra to Melbourne – 1700/1810 – Boeing 737-800 – Business
08th April 2012 – DJ351 – Melbourne to Brisbane – 1900/2110 – Boeing 737-800 – Business

It will look something like this:

So why to Canberra you may be asking? Well the Business fares from Canberra to Brisbane were quite cheap and could give me a good status point bonus, but the funniest thing is, it was CHEAPER to fly in Business from Canberra to Melbourne to Brisbane than it was to fly Melbourne to Brisbane… so why the hell not. In using these flights, I would get almost the entire Virgin Australia fleet on my list of flown Aircraft (Just the 332 and E90 to go).

So the flights were set, but where do I spend Saturday night, I looked around, I thought about things, I looked at offers and agent rates, then I saw a link to a Hyatt Diamond Challenge, you could status match to Diamond status with Hyatt Gold Passport from my Hilton Gold for 2 months and even get the Suite Upgrade Benefits. Now I have always wanted to stay at a Park Hyatt and although I definately can not afford the Park Hyatt Sydney so Melbourne would have to do and the rates were good to use the Suite Upgrade and with free breakfast and other benefits, It would be a good nights stay and since the flight did not go till Mid Arvo I could get a good morning with friends in Melbourne for one final time!

The trip was booked and set, but then something even better happened. Virgin Australia announced a Double Status credit special, but it was only valid on bookings made AFTER 27th March. So although some of my fares I couldn’t do much with (as they would cause fees that would eat up the majority of the fare I paid as there was some good bargains in those fares) the Business Class fare could be cancelled without fees and the prices were still the same as I paid. So dodgily cancel and rebook I did! That will take my Business flights from 40 status credits to 80, giving me well more than enough to requalify now.

The camera lens will get packed, the point and shoot will be primed and ready to go (after a recent warranty return). I can’t wait!!! Lots of photos to be taken!

Saturday 11th February 2012

A typical morning for me when I am travelling. An early rise, out of the house to pound the pavement to get the blood pumping before a day of sitting down. The best way to start a day really. By the time I was heading to the airport the sun was fully up and shining. I parked the car at the office car park, after repeating my registration almost 6 times to the staff (sorry what did you say?) I jumped in the shuttle heading towards the terminal. I was lightly loaded today with just my small backpack full of essentials. Dropped off at the Virgin Terminal I was inside and through security in minutes, no need for priority security for me today, as there was no one there. Took my time redressing to ensure no explosive swab and timed my walk away from security perfectly.

The lounge beckoned for me at this hour, and I made my way past my gate to the lounge. Today was going to be almost a tour of lounges. I was greeted upon entering and asked if I wished to check in and the lovely staff were shocked when I told them where I was flying. All three boarding passes were spat out of the printer and after a few minutes I was free to enter.

First priority in the lounge at this hour is always one thing, order my coffee. The Virgin Australia lounges in the main cities all have baristaa on staff to give you your morning caffeine hit. With coffee order placed I grabbed myself some breakfast (shocked by the fact no fresh fruit this morning) and found a quiet spot to begin the day.

After a couple of coffees, some toast and a good relax I wandered out of the lounge heading towards the gate for my first flight of the day.

Virgin Australia
DJ924
Brisbane to Sydney
0800-1035
Boeing 737-800 (VH-VUU)
Economy Class – Seat 3A

Boarding: 0740 (Gate 39)
Push Back: 0757
Take Off Roll: 0808 (Runway 19)
Top of Descent: 0949
Touch Down: 1011 (Runway 16L)
Shut Down: 1028 (Gate 32)

As I approached the gate, snapped a few photos of my ride, boarding was called for special assistance and seconds later for priority boarding. A quick scan of the boarding pass and info the aerobridge I went.

The aircraft had the new fit out (I believe a the 800s do by now) so row 3 is the ultimate perk for the elites with DJ. The seats are in the row behind the new Business class “bulkhead” which means oodles of leg room and as the flight filled it seemed that I was going to have the seat next to me free. Win! My seat mate kept to himself so this was looking like a nice little morning flight south. We pushed back a few minutes early and the flight looked fairly full, I wasn’t going to complain really. We taxiied out to Runway 19, past an empty Loop Road (guess there was nothing good coming in that morning) before holding just short of the runway. As the morning Qantas flight from Singapore landed in front of us, we held till it was clear and then the Captain wasted no time in giving it the beans this morning. We were quickly heading towards Sydney as we turned left after rotation and climbed out over the clearish morning, through the cloud bank and South towards Sydney.

Service was the typical Virgin Domestic service now, Tea, Coffee, Water (although no announcement again) and coffee #3 helped me wake up (I swear next time I am going to tweet a coffee count for those who follow me) and my book kept my brain far enough alive to avoid passing out. I wish all domestic flights were like this, nice and easy and by the time we hit descent I was feeling marginally human. Tracking south for arrival into Sydney past the city, a few snaps of the harbour and seeing 3 cruise ships in town (wondering which one my friend was about to jump onboard for the next week or so for work) and noticed that we were tracking quite a bit more to the left than usual.

My brain started processing… O crap! 16L is the arrival runway today. That means a solid 10-15 minutes of taxiing. O well, at least I should get some good photos, and that I did. SQ 388, 2 x BA Heavies (772 & 744) and a TG 744 all sitting in the Stand off bays and o, what is that I spy! One of the holy grail of photo ops and I don’t have my SLR with me. Damn it! The Thai Airways retro jet taxiing out of sydney. Unfortunately I just could not get a half decent close enough shot but I hope the ones I do have are not to bad. By the time we finally got to the terminal I had missed the departure of the Retro jet, so headed off to the Terminal for a bit of a stroll.

Visited a few shops and had a good laugh when I heard some store staff complain about “How can another set of headphones get stolen?” I laughed to myself over this one for a while, before getting told $10 minimum for card purchases and giving up my shopping to hit the Sydney lounge. With only about 45 mins to an hour in the Sydney Lounge there wasn’t much time other than Coffee #4 (I think they use a different bean to Brisbane as this was not as good as my first two) and some fresh fruit (thank god Sydney had some as Brisbane didn’t). A little bit of a read and some people watching in the lounge and I was headed for the terminal again (not before some of their addictive nut mix that only the Sydney lounge seems to have) for a wander to stretch my legs.

After a stroll through the terminal, some more photos of the comings and goings of flights at T2 and soon enough boarding should of began… but it didn’t. I wasn’t to phased as I was waiting for a shot of Air Austral taking off (saw it go past thinking it was taxiing for departure, it wasn’t) so was more focused on what was going on outside.

Virgin Australia
DJ1473
Sydney to Mackay
1150-1320
Boeing 737-800 (VH-YFF)
Business Class – Seat 1A

Boarding: 1145 (Gate 33)
Push Back: 1200
Take Off Roll: 1215 (Runway 16R)
Top of Descent: 1305
Touch Down: 1328 (Runway 14)
Shut Down: 1332 (Gate 3)

Boarding was eventually called (about 15 minutes late) but again, wasn’t to phased. I was 2nd through and into the Airbridge, hoping and praying I was not going to get one of the “Rogues” today. My brain obviously was not thinking all that straight as it took a few minutes for me to notice what was going on when I stepped onboard. Greated at the door by the lovely “Tara” who pointed me towards my seat and left me to settle in while I got my stuff together. I got all my stuff together, and even after putting stuff away in the Overhead bin, I was thinking more of the seat than the aircraft. Then I noticed it. The Overhead bin was different. Wait a second, took a 2nd look. BSI!!!

What a score! I managed to get myself on a Boeing Sky Interior fitted aircraft. It looked good, stunning actually. Much better than the old interiors and if this is what is going to be fitted fleet wide from now on, this was going to be a good change. Then it was back to focusing on the lovely black seat I was enjoying. As I was greeted again by Tara, offered my choice of PDB (Water or Orange Juice) and even offered a copy of “The Weekend Australian” (politely declined in favour of my new book). The door was closed, and I looked around. I had the holy grail of Premium Cabins. 1/8! If only this was a long haul trip for like the next 6 hours in something like Cathay First. But I wasn’t going to complain.

The announcements were made all giving special mention to “Our Guests in Business” (ie Me) and each time I kinda felt embarrased for some reason (not sure why). We had a nice short quick taxi after push back as it seemed the active take off runway was the nice long 16R and we lined up behind a few Heavies. Got a few good shots of the Delta 77L heading towards LAX and after watching a QF 767 take off ahead of us, it was our turn. As we climbed out we turned right and took the long way around the southern Suburbs, blue mountains and then finally started our journey north.

Shortly after the seat belt sign finally came off, I was offered a “Morning Snack” Say what now? Its like 1230 Sydney time by now, we are going to Arrive into Mackay around 1pm and it is just a snack. Poor Form! I was a little bit dissapointed being that I was in Prime Lunch service time and especially with all the advertising of the Luke Mangan food service. I was a tad dissapointed. O well. In saying that though, the food wasn’t bad. The snack was a Warm Egg & Bacon pie (not much bacon present) served with some Fruit salad (I won’t say no to some fruit) and a pat of butter (not sure why? no bread was evident or even offered). A couple of diet cokes on the side and I was fairly content. I was even happier when offered some coffee. Tara sure knew the way to my heart! Cup #5 was soon on the arm rest as we cruised north and my book pages were turning.

Cup #6 was delivered right as you would expect, just as we hit turbulence, with the coffee rolling around as much on the seat as in my hand I was trying to get it to a level I could just let it sit safely between bounces. But we cleared through and a treat came just as we got through (thankfully I still had a good half a cup left). Tara had offered me something else to keep me going and she offered “Cheese, Crackers, Cookie?” I took the offer of the cookie and then the best thing she ever said “how about I get it warmed up, you won’t regret it” She was right…. I didn’t. Dear god, if anyone else flies Virgin and buys the Cranberry, White Chocolate cookie, try and get it warmed up. In my opinion it is GLORIOUSLY addictive. Warm and delicious, Soft yet Crunchy. I am drooling just thinking about it again. This put me in the happiness spot and although it couldn’t make up for a full lunch, I was content.

The rest of the flight went past with more reading, some water which was constantly kept topped up without even needing a prompt and some photos out the window. As we started to descend I started to wish the flight wasn’t over. To be honest it was probably one of the best crewed flights I have had with DJ. Being in the A seat I missed most of the coast on our approach but I did get a good view of the city as we circled around to approach from the North and soon enough we were landing in Mackay with a little red E190 sitting at the gate and a Smash 8 spinning up near by.

As we pulled into the Apron the Smash 8 moved out past us and the crowd for the Brisbane flight emerged from the Terminal to board the E190. The door finally opened and the crew held everyone else back so that I could hop off first with a “Your welcome to disembark now Mr Muir”. I thanked Tara for the wonderful service on the flight and quickly got down the steps before someone from Economy started a riot for me taking to long.

I was chastised for taking a photo (what would be a common occurrence to come) and soon walked into a very, very empty terminal. I looked around, everyone who was there, was waiting to go to Sydney on the flight I had just come in on, and they were inviting them to board meer seconds after we had cleared the doors. The Terminal in Mackay was not big, a Bar, A Café, A newspaper stand and some security. I didn’t feel like exploring the rest of the terminal if I could afford to and started to look around for the new Virgin lounge.

Not knowing where to look and starting to think it was before security, I finally saw a purple wall and a glass door. This is it! I walked into a totally empty lounge. No Staff in sight. O dear! But within seconds a staff member was greeting me, asking me where I was off to. When I said “Brisbane” her first thought was OMG! She seemed to think I was heading to Brisbane on the E190 that was just starting to taxi towards the runway behind us. I calmed her after telling her I would be sticking around for the next 3 or 4 hours.

This got great smiles, a quick welcome, an offer to show around or explain the lounge if needed and lots of smiles. With only 1 other guest in the lounge I had an endless supply of places to sit, and helped myself to a couch, the start of a flow of diet cokes and a giant bowl of nuts (my treat for the week). The lounge attendant (I can’t call her a dragon she was just to awesome) asked if I minded if she did a bit of vacumming and considering she knew the other person by first name fairly well and I was always addressed as “Mr Muir” I was pretty sure no one else was gonna be in the lounge for quite some time so let her do what she needed (who am I to think a few minutes of vacuuming is going to destroy my afternoon of peace and relaxation).

I settled in with my book for a while and this was one of the reasons I had chosen to do this status run. Flying relaxes me, sitting in an airport somewhere, people around, planes taking off just relaxes me. Add in a lounge somewhere and I could sit there all day really. Drinking my way through their supply of diet coke, watching the movements outside (at Mackay… their wasn’t much trust me) and just thinking to myself “I love travelling for this pure reason”.

After some time on Flyertalk, writing up my book review from my last finished book (ready for publishing a day or two in advance thanks to delayed posting) and an impromptu visit from a Brisbane Football God (Darren Lockyer got lost and thought the Virgin Lounge was the Qantas Club, but to be honest, his flight was leaving minutes after a little chat with the lounge attendant while I was to shy to get up and get a photo) the time flew by.

The Mackay lounge is good, it may be small but it’s only a small airport and the staff were great. The only downside is that the bathrooms are outside of the lounge (although after chatting to the rep this morning, that issue should be fixed in coming months once a plumbing issue is sorted) but that’s not all that big of a deal. The lounge filled up (and by that 4 other people came in) just before our flight to Brisbane and I went for a stroll to stretch my legs and get a photo of our aircraft coming into the Apron.

Virgin Australia
DJ616
Mackay to Brisbane
1720-1840
Boeing 737-800 (VH-VUT)
Economy Class – Seat 3A

Boarding: 1700 (Gate 3)
Power Out: 1718
Take Off Roll: 1723 (Runway 14)
Top of Descent: 1803
Touch Down: 1831 (Runway 01)
Shut Down: 1835 (Gate 41)

Boarding was called and since I was close by I was first up to the barrier, with a snide comment from one of the CUB’s (cashed up bogans) close by of “Well someone’s special”. Headed out, got told off for another photo (didn’t care) and walked up the steps onto my 3rd 737 for the day. New fit out (yay!) and quickly settled into what is becoming to feel like my usual seat (well hopefully If I can manage to requalify). My seat mate would soon join me and after a little chat about the flight and speculation if we would have a middle seat buddy tonight (my theory was no, as if my luck held out, the staff from Brisbane had blocked the seat if I was lucky). He was heading to Singapore and then onto Beijing and we had a quick chat about the seats and stuff in their business after he was surprised that Virgin even had a Business Class (hell half the people I work with don’t even know it yet!). Our hopes and prayers were answered when the doors shut and the middle seat was empty!

We quickly headed to the runway and I was jealous of the two people up in Business. Wishing I could be up there in those seats, but I sucked it up and took my leg room and settled in while we taxiied away from the bay.

We soon were in the sky, flying south after an effortless take off and the sun slowly setting off to the right. Service was what you would expect on this short hop south (about the same length as my flight to Sydney). Coffee #7 was needed to try and keep me awake as I was slowly starting to crash and still needed to be awake a little while longer.

The book pages went by without effort and soon enough we were descending over the Northern Suburbs of Brisbane. I didn’t even realise we were over the suburbs till I looked down and spotted Bribie Island off in the distance and then saw the most glorious red sky as we passed Depression Deception Bay. As we cruised down towards what would be an arrival into the opposite direction from this morning’s take off, I was spotting all the landmarks and being blown away by how they looked from the air.

The sun was dropping fast as we came into Land on 01 and I noticed something weird sitting in the Alliance hangar. I thought I saw a 737, but thought it was nothing and put it out of my mind (this would later be confirmed thanks to a post from some spotters later on the next day). We pulled into the gate mere moments from turning off the runway and after quickly deplaning as the gate staff seemed to be ready and waiting for us, I was into the terminal, and as I stepped onto the Kerb a parking shuttle was right there. 30 minutes later, I was walking in my door at home. Tired yet looking forward to more fun the next day.

Sunday 12th February 2012

My alarm sounded at the same time as yesterday yet I was thinking to myself “its way to early, go away”, yet yesterday it was “time for a run before starting the day”. No time for that this morning though as I was needing to be at the airport earlier, so morning preparations were done quickly and calmly.

De Ja Vu set in as I dropped the car off and headed to the shuttle for the ride into the Airport. Only 3 of us onboard this morning so no needing to feel like a Sardine against the guy next to me like yesterday and we were dropped off Kerbsite at the Virgin Terminal. Headed to security which was a little busier this morning so out came the gold card for Priority Security and was through in seconds, yet delayed myself again to ensure no explosives (yay dodged again!).

Up to the lounge with a quick detour to the gate to get some photos of the ATR’s sitting there warming in the morning sun. 2 of them were sitting there and I was starting to think to myself which one was taking us north today.

As I headed into the lounge my mind was on one thing… Cup #8. The sooner I was checked in the better! I was greeted by the same person who saw me yesterday and after a double take after “Good morning” she said “More flying today?” Check in was a little bit slow as my pre set seat had been overridden by the Gold member default of the very last row, then having to explain why I wanted a seat further forward in front of the wing instead of behind the wing (I didn’t really want to say, that photos of propellors from the front look prettier and gave her some BS about it being less noisy).

After they got permission to open up Row 1 for me since my original seats had since been taken, I was happy enough to be boarding pass in hand for my 1 sector with Virgin this morning. Cup #8 beckoned and I dropped my gear in the same area as the day before and made a beeline for the Barista. “Long Black” was uttered and I perused the mornings offerings while it was made. Fresh fruit was evident and the Museli looked unappealing so Toast, Vegemite, Fruit & cup #9 it was this morning.

Cup #8 went down a treat and I looked at my watch, still time for a 2nd cup in the lounge before my flight as the gate was literally just outside. I headed back to the Barista but they were no where to be found. So I waited, and waited and waited. No one ? One of the service agents who fix all the lovely problems you may have, came over and asked my order and even apoligised that I had to wait and said she would get my coffee for me. Awesome++!

Cup #9 eventuated, Toast finished, no reading managed and hell, even managed to find a new part of the lounge I didn’t know existed. Good quick prep for the morning and I walked out to the gate mere moments before boarding was called for Special Assistance guests. The Boarding calls came thick and fast after that with Priority Boarding barely invited before the rest of the Aircraft was called so I managed to get ahead of the scrum.

Virgin Australia (Operated by Skywest)
DJ1233
Brisbane to Rockhampton
0700-0835
GIE Avions de Transport Regional – ATR-72-500 (VH-FVM)
Economy Class – Seat 1A (Exit Row)

Boarding: 0635 (Gate 50)
Power Out: 0655
Take Off Roll: 0703 (Runway 19)
Top of Descent: 0803
Touch Down: 0818 (Runway 33)
Shut Down: 0822 (Gate 1)

Outside and down the steps, a pre emptive advise by the ground staff to “Not take any photos” after she saw me take one at the top of the steps and I went towards the aircraft thinking that all the ground staff are just being mean! Stepped onboard and ducked to make sure that I didn’t hit my head as I hopped onto this lovely new ATR. Compared to the last ATR I was on this one felt like it was fresh from the Factory (turns out it was Manufactured in November 2011).

I settled into my seat knowing that no one else was able to sit next to me as I know they block 1B & 1C as it is the Exit Row and for some reason 2 people is better than 4? First impressions on the inside is that it is very Spartan but being a regional aircraft, I wouldn’t complain. Legroom looked good, seats were comfy (although no headrest was a bit weird to get used to at first) but no recline (not usually a big issue on short regional sectors I guess).

My window was covered in the mornings condensation so photos this early were going to be a bit of a problem, but to be honest the shots I really wanted I probably wouldn’t be able to get on my little camera anyway. We powered up fairly early and left the bay earlier than expected and boy can that little ATR taxi quickly.

We took the long run up to 19 but didn’t need to go the whole way and turned off earlier than the jets would of. Today’s pilot didn’t hold back and gave It a good amount of gas as we lept down the runway. We turned north and slowly climbed our way to cruise altitude. I say slowly cause it felt that way in comparison to all the climb outs I had been on so far to that point. To be honest, it was slower but I didn’t care.

We were given the lovely in service spiel by the Skywest crew as they explained that service today would be different to all other flights and that this mornings “light breakfast” would be complimentary and served with “Tea, Coffee, Juice or Water.” Being that Skywest operates the ATR’s for Virgin I am not sure why they don’t offer Buy on Board but I have a feeling it’s space restrictions or something but either way it’s nice of them.

I wasn’t hungry anyway so by the time they came to my seat, I took what was offered (Banana bread) and grabbed my usual. Cup #10 was on my tray while as soon as the rest was snapped in a photo went promptly into my bag for later if I felt hungry in the terminal (I didn’t). As we cruised north I was to engrossed in my book by this point to even look out the window and the noise wasn’t all that bad with my headphones on.

We descended into Rockhampton fairly quickly and it was the sort of descent you only get in a little turboprop. It feels like your gliding to the ground rather than the clunky descent you get with a 737 or similar.

We came into Rockhampton over some dams and the photo opportunities were great and we touched down with what I was expecting to be a thump but was a gentle kiss on the deck by the crew. Then the noise started. Props to reverse, engines up. God DAMN! The noise was there all right, that unmistakeable racket of a Turboprop trying to slow down. Guess it was good while it lasted.

We slowly this time made our way to the Apron which was totally devoid of life apart from us, and we had to wait onboard with seatbelt sign on till it was “Safe” for us to disembark. This felt like an eternity, was probably about 4-5 minutes. Being right at the front and only a rear door gave me plenty of time to get my stuff together and since I was not in a rush, didn’t mind.

Disembarked through the rear door, thanked the crew for a great experience and got told off again for a photo (not giving a rats by this stage) but this time told not to use “electrical equipment on the tarmac” so waited till I was off the tarmac till I tried to take another. Walked into the terminal and found the place slightly full but looked like most people were going to clear security at the last minute before the flight headed back to Brisbane.

I walked towards the check in area as I was heading home with Qantas but the place was devoid of life. So I wandered aimlessly taking photos, watching the ATR depart before I could snap a picture and started to write this Trip Report (which in the end would not save so lost it all!). After a little while Check In opened so strolled over, got my boarding pass and after working out I got a window seat, took 2 steps and thought, its Qantas… ask…. “Are their any open Exit Rows?”

I always forget with Qantas as I have no status I won’t get the good seats unless I ask. So I asked. And I scored! 12G was promptly handed to me (little did I know I scored big time). Still had plenty of time to go, so went back to the Trip Report. Time seemed to go by of its own accord because next thing I hear is a Dash 8 turboprop winding down and a call for people heading to Brisbane via Gladstone to clear security.

At this I knew the F100 would not be far behind so I walked to the outside viewing area (love these little airports that have them since most of the big city terminals don’t) and managed to get a shot of the lovely Fokker landing. Cleared security after this and settled into the first spot of reading I had done since I landed in Rockhampton.

Qantaslink (Operated by Alliance Airlines)
QF2352
Rockhampton to Brisbane
1045-1150
Fokker – F100 (VH-XWQ)
Economy Class – Seat 12G (Exit Row)

Boarding: 1027 (Gate 2)
Power Out: 1044
Take Off Roll: 1049 (Runway 15)
Top of Descent: 1120
Touch Down: 1138 (Runway 01)
Shut Down: 1141 (Gate 27)

After watching the staff go backwards and forwards to the plane a few times (Qantas seems to have slower turnarounds compared to Virgin & Jetstar) they finally made the boarding call. A queue formed quickly and I was scanned through.

Took a photo while not even on the Tarmac and was promptly told that “taking photos is NOT allowed for safety reasons” (where do they come up with this crap!) and I walked out onto the tarmac snapping away now just in spite! As I stepped onboard I was a bit shocked with the difference of how this aircraft was going to be operated in comparison to the Skywest ATR. Considering this is a similar agreement, No Qantas uniforms, no real Qantas branding at all. It was all Alliance, all the way! (not everything was all Alliance it would later show).

I was greeted onboard and as I headed down the aircraft I was greeted by the old school interior. No shiny new slimline seats on this board. Just decent leg room and old leather seats that looked akin to what Southwest has. As I approached my Exit Row I saw how much I had scored on this flight. There is exit row seating then there is Exit Row #12 onboard this Fokker. There was more legroom than my business class flight yesterday!!! I could stretch my legs out and they still didn’t come near the seat infront!

I was joined at the row by a stunning blonde (giant leg room & eye candy, dear god be stil my beating heart) and I tried not to look like to big of a geek. I snapped away as this was probably one of the only chances I will get to fly this lovely bird and I was in heaven really. I had a good chuckle at the boys (by this I mean two mine workers in their early 20s) in the exit row on the other side as they kept getting in trouble for just about everything (moving seats, eye shades on before take off, headphones on before take off). They obviously just wanted some sleep after a big night on the town the night before it seemed.

Soon enough the Rolls Royces were spinning up and the noise wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be (heh soon to be proved wrong). We powered out away from the terminal towards the runway and after a full length taxi, a slow turn to the left and as we barely straightened up, those Roll’s were at full power throwing us down the runway. We climbed out quickly and abruptly and I was glued to the window for what was my first flight with no engines on the wings (I have never been on a rear engine mounted aircraft before). Service introductions were given as “Light Breakfast” followed by a Tea or Coffee run and then a Cold Drink Service. Wow, lots of service on this flight today! It seems that Qantaslink give their guests more than what mainline Qantas does.

We climbed out and I had my snack served to me well before the Seatbelt sign was off. Today’s “snack” was a lovely little box full of goodies. 2 Cookies (Chocolate Chip & Roasted Almond), Some Cheese & Crackers and a slice of some kind which sounded better than it tasted, Bolognese Slice. This was a pretty damn good offering along with a full drink service, if Qantas was as cheap as DJ on this sector I would pick it any day.

I had half demolished the snack (the slice would have been better warm rather than cold) before I was offered a drink and this is when the FA asked if I was a boeing employee (was totally going Avgeek today) as she saw me taking photos and suspected I was working for them (I wish). By the time I had finished Cup #11 and some water and 2 yummy cookies, we were starting our descent into Brisbane.

As I looked out we had descended much later than yesterday as we were practically over my house by the time I really noticed and the seat belt sign was on. Snapping away with great views of the city as we turned for 01 again and landed with a gloriously big thump. This is where the noise seemed to just be worse than ever. Those Rolls Royce engines on the F100 lull you into a false sense of security. In reverse thrust they take your ears and just violate them… repeatedly.

As we turned off the runway we started to taxi past the Qantas terminal (confusing) and headed to the Common user terminal (good for photos as this was the first time I had been there). We pulled up to the gate and after a while I was able to hope off after most of the plane went first, my blonde seat mate ahead of me 😉

Decided against copping another chastising for photos and waited till in the stairs and then popped out into the recently refurbished Common user terminal. I ran into a fellow spotter and best mates dad and in no hurry, chatted a way for a while and ended up walking out of the terminal since Alliance’s new 737 had eluded him all morning.

For the first time I had to wait for the parking shuttle for a good 15 minutes and within an hour I was home and on my bike to wipe off the calories consumed from this mornings flights (it was that slice I swear).

Status Run Weekend