Thursday, May 26, 2016

Sights in Tucson

There's not much to look at in Tucson airport. It's new, clean, and over built. Outside there terminal, there are many interesting aircraft, like a Lockheed L-1011, a fleet of CRJ's, and the Rolls Royce engine test 747-200.
Engine Test Bed
There's Also Saguaro Cactus Blooms

Monday, May 23, 2016

Fun Photo

Good luck with Memorial Day travel this week. 
Connecting in SFO isn't a Bad Idea

Saturday, May 21, 2016

QANTAS 73H to Auckland

It's a tight squeeze on QANTAS's 737's in business class.  The seat is ok and there's a TV in arm rest.  The food, drink, and crew service were fine, but try for a widebody if you can.  Air New Zealand, Emirates, and LAN all fly large planes with flat beds on the 4 hour hop over the Tasman.
Full Recline
Seat in Front is Upright
OK I Suppose

Friday, May 20, 2016

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

QANTAS A380 Dallas to Sydney Business Class Review

I booked my round the world trip because of this flight. Premium cabin award space between North America and Australia/New Zealand is rare and it is not a flight to attempt in coach.  It was the longest flight in the world too when I booked QF8, DFW-SYD. Emirates launched a flight to Auckland two weeks before my trip, so it wasn’t the longest flight available when I flew it.  I was still excited for 17+ hours in QANTAS business class.
Upright Seat at Start of Trip
Yes, It Slops Down
Another View
QANTAS launched their A380 service in 2008. The aircraft interior has not been updated (excluding maintenance) since.  Slightly angled flatbed seats were an average offering in 2008, but now feel dated. The TV’s are small and lower definition than newer planes.  The feeling of privacy is also limited in business class.  The seat is firm, the duvet added for flight helps slightly, but the flight was long enough to get 7+ hours of rest.  The pajamas, or sleepy suit in Australian, were a fun touch, but not the most comfortable item to wear.  It also made a rush on the lavatories after breakfast to change (remember to change before landing; wearing pajamas in the lounge is a major faux pas).
Cool Flight Map
This was my first flight every on QANTAS and had high expectations from my brother and his adventures around Australia two years ago.  The service and food were disappointing.  The flight attendants were brief, almost curt, in their service.  My pre-ordered steak was very well done.  I picked at a sandwich later that was ok.  British Airways’ premium economy food was on par with QANTAS business.
View from 19K
Over Cooked Steak
I enjoyed the lounge in the front of the upper deck.  I sipped a beer while reading and spreading out.  I was less interested when chatty people found it later in the flight.  I also went down stairs to stretch my legs and get the blood flowing. 
A380 Lounge
I Love Stairs on Planes

I expected more from a foreign carrier.  The business class experience is 8 years old and needs to be replaced.  Upgraded food service is an easier task that also needs to be done.  It was a good use of 65,000 American miles, but my expectations surpassed QANTAS's offering.
Small TV
Beer With Breakfast
Window View

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Silly Inflight Maps

QANTAS is quirky.  For example, their inflight maps show famous ship wrecks and the year of the sinking. This is useful on long over water flights with few landmarks, but also a little distressing. 
Mapping What Lies Beneath
Underwater Features Include Mountains