Archive for the 'Air Transportation' Category
Pinot Gris, Pea Soup And A Good Night’s Sleep
Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 16, 2010 at 3:35 pm
I was incredibly fortunate to fly business class on Qantas from Los Angeles to Auckland. Big roomy seats (that let you actually lie flat to sleep), a glass of champagne as soon as I boarded the aircraft, and incredibly attentive flight attendants made this an easy trip.
I don’t always have the opportunity to fly business class and I am always appreciative when I do. Thank you Qantas and Tourism New Zealand. It was an exceptional experience, but before I get to that – there are two other travel classes on Qantas that I want to mention: Premium Economy and Economy. I took a little tour of the Economy section last night just to check it out and it looked nice and comfortable.
Now back to my 12 hours and 45 minutes of being spoiled in business class. I received a nice little “amenities kit” which included a night mask, a cozy pair of socks, hand lotions, lip balm, ear plugs, a tooth brush, tooth paste, and Qantas sleep wear – which was oh so comfy!! I have no idea where I get this from, but I have to admit that I LOVE stuff like this. The little shampoo and hand lotion you get in hotels, mini bottles of mouthwash (are they trying to tell me something?)…those kinds of things delight me to no end. I have no idea why, but there it is!
On the flight, there were quite a few movies and TV shows to choose from. I watched The Blind Side and saved Avatar for the trip home. (I think I am the only person in the world who hasn’t seen either of these movies yet!) I also watched a couple episodes of 30 Rock and Two and a Half Men.
We were given two menus when we boarded – dinner and breakfast. There were quite a few choices that were appealing. The menu was obviously created for the overnight flight as it offered a big bowl of split pea and ham soup with garlic toast – it was excellent and just the right amount at the right time. We also put in our order for the next morning’s breakfast.
After a glass of wine and the movie, I tucked in for some sleep. It was a restful sleep apart from a bit of turbulence, which really was the only thing that reminded me where I was. I think even those who have a hard time sleeping on planes could sleep in this seat.
I woke up a bit earlier than the other passengers and the ever-attentive Qantas flight crew immediately came and offered me coffee or tea. I wonder if they have some little signal that tells them someone is stirring…or maybe they are just really paying attention! I was impressed.
Once breakfast was finished, it was time to get ourselves prepared for landing in Auckland. Such an easy flight and while I know that there is this perception that New Zealand is a long way away – it’s really not. I went to sleep a few hours out of L.A. and woke up a few hours outside of Auckland.
Right now, I am sitting in a café in the Auckland airport waiting to board a plane to Nelson. I have my first flat white (like a latte but different) and have plenty of energy for my busy day – thanks to Qantas and the exceptional care they took of me.
Stay tuned for more – my first stop is lunch at a winery. That should be fun!
Auckland, Here I Come!
Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 15, 2010 at 10:30 pm
Auckland, New Zealand is approximately 6500 miles/10,400 km from Los Angeles, California. While it is a world away in some aspects, it is only a 13-hour plane ride. And for those of you who think that’s a long time – let me tell you, it really isn’t. You board the plane and get settled in, you have a glass of wine and decide on which movie to watch, you are served a lovely meal, you watch a movie, and sleep through the night (my flight is leaving at 11:40 p.m.). When you wake up, it’s time for coffee and breakfast and, like magic, you have arrived.
I haven’t had the pleasure of flying Qantas before and I am looking forward to the experience. You can be sure that my next post will tell you all about the flight.
