Leaving on a jet plane...!

Airgroove is about to embark on yet another RTW journey for a little business and a little pleasure... It would be rude not to throw in some pleasure, after all...

The first leg of my trip will see me flying SYD-NYC via SFO with UA in C Class... I am somewhat disappointed that United have YET to roll out their new Business Class product on this route... VERY annoying, indeed!

After a week of business in NYC, I am taking a flight to FRA with Lufthansa in C Class - I have decided to fly on the A330 service out of JFK, as the cabin seems more intimate... Lufthansa are great anyway, but I have secured a seat in the forward 'mini-cabin' in the business class section. Good times!

Whilst in Europe, I will also be flying with LH around the continent. Stops include: Berlin, Rome and Barcelona. Hola!

The journey home from Europe will be a Lufthansa/Thai combination via Bangkok in C Class, a rather pleasant way to finish 3 weeks going right around the world in 21 days!

Of course when Airgroove touches down there will be full trip reports, and loads of pics!

finally, I must apologise to all my loyal readers, I have yet to post my Circle Asia trip which included Singapore airlines, ANA and Air New Zealand. All flights were amazing and I promise to update that trip also, upon my return...

Happy flying! AG :-)

Thai-rrific! C Class...

After a brief stop-over in Bangkok we were ready to make the final leg of our journey home - we had a half day and decided to relax at the tranquil BKK Airport Novotel for a few hours... And tranquil it was! The rooms are beautifully appointed and the air-con was cool! We felt like staying for a night or so! But soldier on we did to our next flight!

Upon boarding our near new 777-200ER aircraft and taking our seats in the very first row, we were greeted by the wonderful Thai crew who took out jackets and offered some fabulous Pommery Champagne (not as good as LH F, of course), but it was not a bad drop! I have to say that Thai never let me down, the service is always amazing - better than many other airlines I have flown in the past...

Promptly after take-off and our fab 777 reached cruising altitude, we were promptly poured more Champagne by the lovely Thai crew... The smiles and attentive service experienced on Thai is exactly what keeps me coming back for more. Menu's were then handed out and then along came the best fishcakes we had eaten at 35,000ft. Delicious! I am lucky I even had the chance to take the photo - we ate them very quick sticks! Nonetheless, a great fishcake, indeed...

Upon perusing the menu and much discussion (due to the Champagne, and (already) jetlag) we decided on our dinner... To begin, we were offered: Grilled Scallops, with Asparagus wrapped with Italian Smoked Ham and Mixed Green Salad with Italian Tiziano Dressing, it was great... A lovely light starter, of course with garlic bread! I know that many airlines offer GB now, but Thai offer a good GB - with a great crunch and it is not too garlicky...

After enjoying a great kick-off to our main courses, we were looking forward to the main event! And we were not disappointed, Thai offer a great meal service, yes, I will say it again! We opted for the Pan-fried Halibut with Olive Tomato Sauce; Squid Ink Spaghetti and Sauteed Vegetables - and Braised Beef Brisket with Carrot & Turnip; Tossed Flat Egg Noodles and Kailan with Oyster Sauce. Our mains hit the spot and we enjoyed two lovely wines with our meal: Macon-Cruzille, Les Avoueries 1999 and Chateau Robin Cotes De Catillon 2004. The beef was very tender and tasty and the fish succulent!

Finally, we devoured a cheese plate (with crackers in plastic! Ah!) and delicious Thai sweets - YUM! A perfect way to finish off a great meal service. Also, a lovely Port was served and to cap all off, a green tea! And then another green tea!



After a great sleep in Thai Royal Silk Class, and I have to say the 'bed' is just as comfortable as any other that is 'angled' in the sky i.e. SQ and QF etc. we awoke to piping hot towels and the smell of breakfast... From the menu we decided on: Salami - Beirwurst - Farmer Ham and Tilsiter Cheese, French Breads and Fish & Shrimp Ball Noodle Soup! A great way to finish a great flight...

Thanks Thai! Thanks very much! We will check-in, again! Cheers, AG! :)

F is for First...

After 3 amazing weeks in Europe, it was time to head home... :- ( We literally washed ourselves in fabulous culture, fine food, good wine and exploring! What a beautiful part of the world Europe is...! Just pure beauty!

As we headed for the airport we were gearing up for the looooong journey home. It was not going to be a hard journey though as we were again heading home in F. Nice. Check-in was a breeze; no problems, as you would expect... We were promptly given our boarding passes and whisked through security. Just like that...


As we boarded our shiny jumbo and climbed the steps to the upper deck (again LH has F in the bubble) - I could taste the vintage Champagne... The corks were actually popping! The crew seemed somewhat stressed, but after a glass of fine bubbles, I didn't care... Not in the slightest! I asked for a second, even before take off, cheeky but sure! As we climbed out of Frankfurt we could feel Europe slipping away and the reality hit that our wonderful holiday was soon too be coming to an end... Don't worry Europa! We will be back!


As this was only our second flight in F, ever, we were looking forward to dinner! Another fine culinary experience at 35,000ft. Yum. What was it to be? There was clearly going to be no chicken or beef option here, but indeed many options. As the 747 leveled out, the Champagne was again flowing and we were handed menu's... Hhhmmmmnn. Where to begin...?




After some delicious roasted macadamia nuts, our orders were taken... We were both immediately attracted to the smoked Salmon with Sour Cream and Cheese Cannelloni, Venison Ham served with Ratatouille Salad and Crayfish and Avocado Timbale with Lime Creme Fraiche. Absolutely exquisite, thank you LH! Thanks very much.







The starter was amazing, what you would expect... In between, we enjoyed a divine salad of Mixed Leaves with Cucumber, Bell Pepper, Carrot, and Roasted Pine Nuts with a Yogurt Dill dressing.




Again for main we both hankered for the Tenderloin of Beef with Truffle Jus, Asparagus tips and Truffle and Potato Mash. Oh my, was it GOOD! With a delicious glass, or two of 2001 Chateau Lynch-Moussas, Cru Classe, Pauillac... This red wine blew my mind, the depth, clarity and pairing with the perfectly grilled beef was sublime.

After our meat extravaganza, we pondered if could we fit in another course? The amazing LH crew, whom had served the most amazing meal twisted our arms for a sweet treat. Whilst I was not in a sweet mood, I opted for the cheese plate consisting of: Tete de Moine, Appenzell, Bleu de Gex and Brie, heaven! My sweet treat was a fine French dessert wine. My partner could not go past the Chocolate Fondue with fresh Fruit and Biscuits, again delish-i-ous! Spoilt by choice, I have to say!







There is not much more to say... The amazing, attentive yet intrusive service form the LH First crew was beyond service. The flat bed helped us sleep after this HUGE feast. We clearly arrived well feed and rested in BKK ready for our next leg. More to come on that soon...

Happy Mile High, AG :)

LH in Europe - short haul...

Whilst 'country hopping' in Eastern Europe on a combination of rail, river cruises and flights, we had the pleasure of flying Lufthansa in Europe. I am really impressed by the level of service we received from LH - it was great every flight. The flight attendants were so lovely and the food (well, it was minimal on these flights) was nice.

Our first flight was from Budapest to Krakow. We arrived at Ferihegy early so we could secure a good seat, but the queue was SO long due to some passengers booking mistake... At this stage I must admit, after waiting for 1/2 hour on one customer check-in, I was getting frustrated! Which is very out of character... Aaargh! Anyway, we checked-in and our seats were fine in Y class... Eeek! Please see our snack below, it was actually really good - the banana bars were delicious! Really delish!

Our next little hop was from Praha to Frankfurt - again a great flight, thanks LH... Just be warned, if you want to eat in Praha Airport, it is REALLY expensive, and I am not a tight arse... We paid USD30 for toast, 1 pastry, juice and tea... A breakfast 'combo' (rip-off) deal. Hhhmmmmnn. I had to have a wine on the plane to compensate, of course. A nice little French bottle of blanc...

Austrian Airlines in Europe... A quick hop!

After our amazing flight from Tokyo on LH, we connected to Austrian Airlines from Frankfurt to Vienna... Not bad, I have to say, whilst it was only a small plane (there was no upper deck!) we were comfortable in our business class seats for the short flight across Europe.

A late lunch/early dinner was promptly served and we enjoyed some lovely Austrian wines - not that we needed any after our long flight in LH F!



The cabin crew were very friendly and could not believe that we had been flying for almost a day from the other side of the world! But we had, and the toll was beginning to take hold... We were almost in Vienna our first stop on our Eastern European trip! Cool!

I will be posting much more over the coming days on our internal flights within Europe on Lufthansa and then our flights back to Australia with LH and Thai... Stay tuned! And sorry again for the delay!

AG :)

The BEST flight ever...! LH711

Fellow Airgroovers!


Can I first of all apologise for the delay... I have been very busy, flying, of course!


I want to take you back to my recent holiday to Europe, and indeed the best flight ever... LH711 Tokyo-Frankfurt in First.


Given my regular flying schedule, if they were all like this, I'd live in the sky!



The whole wonderful experience began with check-in, on the red carpet... Upon being given 2 seats on the top deck (LH's F is in the bubble) we promptly proceeded to the F lounge for a shower as we had just arrived in Tokyo from a long flight. The United F Lounge in Narita Airport is great, not what one would ever expect, actually. Very glam with amazing food, huge selection of wine and shower suites fit for a king, or queen. Great sushi and delicious soup was enjoyed by all in the lounge - but we kept lots of room for the big on board feast! Given the flight was a day flight we had 2 'lunches' coming up!





A fantastic flight was already in the making! The Vintage Champagne corks popping on the top deck could be heard in the lounge! We almost ran to the boarding gate, in anticipation!



The warm greeting as we boarded the 747 was exceptional. Jackets were collected, and within seconds we were sipping a glass of Vintage Piper-Heidsieck "Rare' and there were many more to follow! Many! The feeling on the upper deck was somewhat a more exclusive to the normal business class cabin normally found in the bubble as there are only 16 seats in 2 sets of 4 either side of the emergency exit. Glam.


The cabin crew were by far the most professional I have ever experienced, and I fly a lot. There were German and Japanese speaking crew members and they were most friendly, without being intrusive - if you know what I mean. Throughout the flight, they did not fault once, in fact they got better with the hours!

The service was amazing as was the menu! WOW! We were salivating as we read over the extensive choices... The choice was Western or Japanese, we opted for both and shared in the delights! Highlights included: Caviar with the traditional Garnishes, Ratatouille Filled smoked Salmon with Avocado Sauce and Sour Cream, the Cheese selection, Herring Roe Sushi, Omelette with Crab Claw and Soy Sauce, Steamed Chicken with Yuzu Sauce, Deep fried Tilefish and Shrimp and Japanese Sweets! OOOiiishi!



The extensive wine selection complimented the wonderful, fresh food... Of course, we tried most wines on the list! The wines featured hailed from: France, Romania, Austria, Germany and the USA. The reds, whites and stickies were all sublime! And of course the Piper 'Rare' just kept flowing!



After a restful sleep on the flat bed and watching the odd movie, it was time for round 2! Dinner was served! More Champagne and then the highlights began, all over again... This time, our favourites included: Snow Crab Meat and Avocado Timbale with Pan fried Seabass fillet, Raw Ham and Tomato Mozzarella Salad, Seabream pressed sushi, broad Bean Tofu, Steamed Tilefish with Ginger Sauce, Shiitake Mushroom and Okra.



More champagne followed as we began our descent into Frankfurt Airport - the flight was so great, we thought about flying back to Tokyo and doing another round trip!

Well done LH! Thanks for the amazing crew, service and cuisine!

More posts coming! Fasten your set belts!

A New Trolley Dolly has been born!

Airgroove has a news flash!

One of my nearest and dearest friends has just qualified as a cabin attendant for Qantas! All I can say is the big blue sky has instantly become a happier place to be... Who could ask for a better girl to be caring for all your inflight requirements!

I am going to keep the identity of my friend anonymous, but I have no doubt that if you encounter this fab friend of mine on a flight, you'll know exactly who I am talking about - she is going to rule the clouds, stars, sun and moon for many years.

Ah, I can feel less turbulence already... Welcome onboard, enjoy your flight - please fly with us again! You know you want too...

Welcome Home...

Airgroove and partner have touched down safely back home - after the most most amazing, enchanting trip to Eastern Europe. Such wonderful, rich and historic culture drives this part of the globe, we feel extremely fortunate to have soaked ourselves in the wonders of the old 'Eastern Block'...

Give my jetlag, after flying in First Class, I thought I would just say 'Hi' and begin my detailed postings over the next few days :-)

To come: detailed inflight experiences from the service levels, meals served, the bubbles poured in the sky to how comfortable the seats were on all legs of our trip.

Stay tuned, Airgroove will be busy writing over the next few days...

Cabin crew, prepare the cabin for landing.

Europa, here we come!!!

We are finally departing for our Eastern European adventure today!

Our destinations include:

• Vienna
• Bratislava
• Budapest
• Krakow
• Prague

Upon my return, Airgoove will post updates on all flights and full trip reports and highlights from our holiday... We are going to be flying on Qantas, Lufthansa, CZA Czech Airlines and Thai Airways.

Oh, get us to the airport, immediately! I can already here the Champagne corks popping!

Cabin crew, arm the doors for take-off!

H-O-L-I-D-A-Y!

Ah, just the very thought of a holiday conjures many a nice moment in one's mind...

You could be sipping a glass of bubbling bubbly in Phuket or Tahiti or indeed roaming a fab museum in Rome, Paris or NYC. Perhaps climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is your thing? Whatever floats your boat, time off from the office is bound to be worthwhile! And vital...!

Holiday's rule the working year. Many of us jump on the merry-go-round called corporate life and long for a great break away from targets and Blackberries! Saviour every moment... You've earned this next big break...

We are off to Eastern Europe in 6 days (and counting) expect full trip reports and pics that will motivate you all to just fly and go... Ah, holiday's. Who can live without them, not me!

Regional Delights!

Are you going to the country in Oz soon...?

QantasLink: is Australia's largest regional airline - and undoubtedly the most superior carrier to fly you to country Australia.

With significant investment over the coming year, QantasLink will ensure comfortable, fabulous flights onboard brand new Bombardier Dash 8-Q400 aircraft to destinations throughout the eastern states of Australia.

Enjoy all the rewards of Qantas Frequent Flyer Points, access to Qantas Club lounges, Online checkin via qantas.com and if appropriate, the affiliation with the oneworld alliance.

Sit back, relax and enjoy QantasLink, the flight attendants are amazing. Trust me, I know...

Have you flown QF Link...? If you are going bush, I'd certainly suggest you call them, now!

Eeek-con-omy...!

Tomorrow, I am flying home (thank goodness) after a week of busy business travel... Whilst it has been a productive, great trip - let's face it, there is no place like home!

However, I will have to endure a flight in the back of the bus... Quite frankly, this is not my style, but given the flight is only an hour, I will cope! :-) Ah, domestic travel...

After being so spoilt by turning left as one boards the plane, it is hard to go back. Or at least go right. As I take my seat, I like a hot towel followed by fizzy alcohol and the offering of a local newspaper. But most most of all, I love stretching my legs and staking my personal space that is more than 34 inches long! Who wants to be cramped for 5,10 or 14 hours? Not moi!

OK! Call me dramatic! I can handle 1 cramped hour... I just love my personal space and place in the sky.

Upgrades do happen!

Who said upgrades are hard to come by!?

I have successfully upgraded another flight, and rightly so! You have got to love a good upgrade Champers all the way! I am going to eat and drink until my hearts content, oh and watch the odd flick along the way...

The pointy end of the plane has never felt so good!

Nice!

STAR! Alliance!

As a very happy, rewarded and content member of St* Alliance... Airgroove has some news to share...

Some of you may already be aware that St* Alliance have a fantastic Circle Asia Fare offering great value! You can fly around the region on St* A carriers but must cover South West Pacific, South East Asia and North Asia on your travels... Travel must commence from and return to the same country and there is a minimum 2 stops along the way...

C'mon, get airborne! Accrue some miles!

Passports, Boarding Passes and Champagne!

Ah, the joys of international travel!

I am happy to report that I have so many more trips to complete this year! I have already accumulated a mountain of miles and still have many more hours of fun in the sky!

Trips to complete in 2008:

• Auckland/Wellington/Melbourne
• Eastern Europe Holiday Extravaganza!
• New York/Munich
• Singapore/Hong Kong/Tokyo/Auckland

As an airline addicted groover, one would only understand the sheer excitement about all my forthcoming travel...!

Some of the airlines I will travel on in both C & F Class include:

• Lufthansa
• Singapore Airline
• United Airlines
• Thai Airways
• Air New Zealand
• Qantas
• All Nippon Airways (ANA)

Expect full trip reports on the C Class Connection - details around the food and beverage service, seating, general FA service/attitude and of course my humble opinion about the airline lounges that I spend time in prior to boarding!

Ah, the stars seem so near...

Oil, the real cost...

Airlines are always adding 'surcharges'... One for this, that and then the other...

The ever increasing price of the 'barrel', also known as black gold, is continually hiking up ticket prices. Not so much that it is unaffordable to travel, but 20 bucks here, 10 bucks there etc... I understand, don't get me wrong - airlines are not making as much money as they have done in bygone era's. Profits rule, but what about the human element?

Airlines are cutting jobs like a walk in the park. The impact of rising fuel costs really does hit home when jobs are cut - this is the sad reality of surging fuels costs for airlines. Reading the airline news can be somewhat depressing, particularly when you glean 1000 jobs are going at X Airline.

But what can airlines do when they are losing $$$? Remove the olives from a salad, cut the hot towel service, purchase cheaper wine (I hope not), or indeed serve no wine at all (I hope NOT!)?

Seriously, airlines need to cut costs and economise when faced with increasing fuel costs - it is just a real bitch that people are losing their jobs and all for 'black gold'.

The 787 - where are you!

Boeing Co. has announced yet another delay to the 787 Dreamliner - one of the most anticipated launches of metal in the modern aviation era.

It makes me wonder how airlines manage to strategise profits and routes around the acquisition of new airliners, if they are constantly delayed! Boeing is not the only manufacturer with this issue, we all know how overdue the A380 has been with only one major carrier to take delivery of this new bird thus far.

Current projections of delivery to Japan's ANA are scheduled for mid to late 2009! The carbon fibre structure is by far the most advanced construction of any airliner, to date. I am extremely excited the launch of the 787 as I cannot wait to jump on board, sit back and sip Champagne in one of the most advanced airliners in the world...

C'mon Boeing - hurry up!

Holiday planning... Oh the joy!

Holiday time will always remain one of the most precious moments during the busy working year...

I also believe that all the planning and research around a big trip are equally as pleasant (OK, well almost, being there is the real deal...) However, when we are actually 'there' time seems to go SO fast, so my point is ensure that you savour the anticipation and build up before boarding that jumbo jet (on the upper deck) of course!

Devising itineraries and fact-finding the chosen destination is such an exciting task... Deciding on the location and then exploring the delights during planning phase drives me forward to being and living in the holiday moment...

Ah, holidays... We are in planning mode now - where are you going?

Dining at 35,000 feet...

As an avid airline lover, I love eating on planes - but only in the pointy end, of course! The dining experience is such a big part of flying, all washed down with Champagne and a fine Chablis, is there any other way?

I am very excited that one of my favourite websites based on airline meals and after such a long lull is beginning to update from April! How fabulous, I love looking at all the pictures and comments from fellow Airgroovers...

One of the most amazing meals I had in the sky was in Business Class with Asiana flying from Sydney - Seoul and I decided that the Korean options looked great, and I was not far wrong! I opted for the Babimbap, and it was divine! A lovely Korean delight!

What has been your favourite dining experience at 35K feet?

I had better go, the flight attendant has just topped up my glass of Champagne, ah... very crisp and fresh indeed!

Please Upgrade me! Thanks, appreciated...

Qantas are great for upgrades? Right?

Well. according to many friends of mine, NOT!

But breathe, I have always had much luck - I am certain that will never leave me. I always check the best times, schedules and options to ensure I have a big fat seat, with canapes and bubbles...

Good luck, I wish you all well in upgrading from one level to another...

Cause, clearly, you deserve it.

Airgroove.