Air Travel, generally unpleasant...
28 March 2011, 10:56 AM
#31
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,290
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
if you travel with frequent travelers, it's not a totally unpleasant experience.
I fly quite frequently with work and I noticed on a trip last week that not one person I could see put their seat back. Every single person was wearing a suit too.
my tips are
don't book seats near the bulk heads - this is where the cots go and, therefore, families. on long haul flights, book near the rear. if the flight isn't full it's your best chance to move when they close the doors and get a row to yourself.
the most rear seats don't recline
there's no substitute for BOSE quiet comfort headphones
don't p!ss off the flight staff by getting caught with your phone/electronics on during takeoff/landing - stick it in flight mode and be discrete.
at security be proactive, remove laptop, liquids (in a clear bag) and your belt, jacket, etc and them give them a smile. i've never been searched or asked to remove my shoes.
you can actually jam a 500ml water bottle in the seat infront to prevent it reclining
and by getting up straight away - i always sit on the aisle - i've beaten other flights to immigration and avoided 20 extra queuing minutes.
I fly quite frequently with work and I noticed on a trip last week that not one person I could see put their seat back. Every single person was wearing a suit too.
my tips are
don't book seats near the bulk heads - this is where the cots go and, therefore, families. on long haul flights, book near the rear. if the flight isn't full it's your best chance to move when they close the doors and get a row to yourself.
the most rear seats don't recline
there's no substitute for BOSE quiet comfort headphones
don't p!ss off the flight staff by getting caught with your phone/electronics on during takeoff/landing - stick it in flight mode and be discrete.
at security be proactive, remove laptop, liquids (in a clear bag) and your belt, jacket, etc and them give them a smile. i've never been searched or asked to remove my shoes.
you can actually jam a 500ml water bottle in the seat infront to prevent it reclining
and by getting up straight away - i always sit on the aisle - i've beaten other flights to immigration and avoided 20 extra queuing minutes.
28 March 2011, 11:11 AM
#32
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,832
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I never understand why people complain about the seat being put back. It is a feature of air travel and if I have paid to have a seat on a flight then I want to be in as much comfort as possible.
Sod the winging person behind me.
Chop
Sod the winging person behind me.
Chop
28 March 2011, 11:34 AM
#33
So so true.
Airtravel sucks. End of. At least when Concorde was still around there was something I could aspire to; Luxury and spending half the time sat on your **** whilst waiting to get there.
Now that's gone, we're just stuck with the equivalent of communism-esq provided transport (i.e. a Trabant with wings) - designed purely to get as many passengers as possible from A to B as cheaply as possible. And it shows.
I once when having my boarding pass swiped had the computer give a "bad" beeping noise and the screen flash red. I thought 'oh sh*t, I ain't going on this flight'. Turn out my assigned seat had collapsed!
Luckily that whole isle was free so I just took the seat next to it.....Now I know why the seats are so uncomfortable....You know the back seats in the original MK1 Fiat Panda (or orginal 1950's Citroen 2CV)?
Aircraft seats are made in EXACTLY the same way; few poles and some canvas lashed between them. They just place a cushion on top to make it look pretty. The canvas had torn on my seat, so I guess some persons overweight **** fell through it (probably during landing
), and most like became wedged (like James Bond in Casino Royal when he had his ***** smacked ). Now I can see how they are made, it explains why I can feel the metal bars of the folding tray behind me digging into the small of my back, which I find excruciating on long haul, as that's the area where I have spinal sublaxations. Poor me. 
I think this past post of mine is pretty relevant to this thread: https://www.scoobynet.com/the-muppet...ekly-rant.html
That was six years ago....things are no better today! 
Airtravel sucks. End of. At least when Concorde was still around there was something I could aspire to; Luxury and spending half the time sat on your **** whilst waiting to get there.
Now that's gone, we're just stuck with the equivalent of communism-esq provided transport (i.e. a Trabant with wings) - designed purely to get as many passengers as possible from A to B as cheaply as possible. And it shows.
I once when having my boarding pass swiped had the computer give a "bad" beeping noise and the screen flash red. I thought 'oh sh*t, I ain't going on this flight'. Turn out my assigned seat had collapsed!
Luckily that whole isle was free so I just took the seat next to it.....Now I know why the seats are so uncomfortable....You know the back seats in the original MK1 Fiat Panda (or orginal 1950's Citroen 2CV)?
Aircraft seats are made in EXACTLY the same way; few poles and some canvas lashed between them. They just place a cushion on top to make it look pretty. The canvas had torn on my seat, so I guess some persons overweight **** fell through it (probably during landing
), and most like became wedged (like James Bond in Casino Royal when he had his ***** smacked ). Now I can see how they are made, it explains why I can feel the metal bars of the folding tray behind me digging into the small of my back, which I find excruciating on long haul, as that's the area where I have spinal sublaxations. Poor me. I think this past post of mine is pretty relevant to this thread: https://www.scoobynet.com/the-muppet...ekly-rant.html
FFS I should start a blog thread
Right, here I am in a Spanish airport waiting for a tin can to take me back to Blighty (more on the UK ****-tip later ). Me, not being in a "people friendly" mood after a previous night/morning in which somehow saw me drinking a whole bottle of apple schnapps amongst other things. Understandably, the drone of a busy airport is the last thing I want, especially when surrounded by numerous of ex-pats and holiday makers of seemingly infinite density possessing the manners that could be compared to a field of pigs fighting to roll in their own ****e first.
So I find a nice quite area by an empty unused gate with the only slight annoyance people gorping at the video screens and standing right infront of me, blocking my view of passing "traffic" (human traffic ). So I sit there and munch on my semi stale cheese and ham sandwich in peace, Plenty of chairs and space around, so guess what happens? Some bloke sits right next to me plonking his **** on the bench seat so hard that the jolt and flex of the straining frame of the seating makes me choke on rather untasty sandwich as the seat back whacks my back. To add insult he has tagging along a whining 4year old who just won't shut up, and to finish it off he lights up a *** and starts chuffing away on it like the Flying Scotsman on full chat. This was a no smoking area, not that anyone bothers about that.
Not one to make a fuss I decide to go elsewhere, somewhere even quieter, no shops, no video screen, (no passing "traffic" either ). The irony here is that this area of pure clean fresh air was infact the smoking area. The only annoyance now being some twit yakking on his mobile who just can't stand still, pacing up and down continually. His attempts at passing infront of me again was thwarted my outstretched legs
Finally I'm on the plane, boarding early. leaving for the runway and set to take off 15mins early Only to be left arsing around for 15mins on the taxi way due to an Easyjet flight podging in the queue. Still, to me this was a good day for me, which I was reminded when I saw somebody's luggage fall of a passing baggage truck, somebody is destined for a worse day than me Usually my monthly events of flying usually involve an hour delay caused by some dozy Glaswegian baggage handlers or a missing passenger in Dublin, which was the planes previous flight - thus delaying my flight. Thank you very much Mr O'Brian.
Things are going good, we get a tailwind and land 30mins early, fantastic! Problem is, this is the UK, in particular Birmingham. This airport typifies the farce of British superiority. We waste 30mins on the ground because our docking bay isn't free. And then even though there is a rampway thingy, we get off on stairs ad walk up the emergency exit of the ramp to get in. And then the queue of passport control to get into my own country (I am yet to show my passport to enter Spain). With the sign, in Arabic or some other language saying "UK passport holders this way" So, what is the UK's national language? Then again, don't answer that. I should not ask, otherwise this thread will get vaped for implying racism.
On to the baggage reclaim, where upon in Spain, I'm usually greeted to a moving conveyor belt with the luggage going round. Brum? You'll be lucky...even queuing for 15mins in passport control. 20mins later, on goes the conveyor belt, with the heavily distorted automated safety warning to stand clear in a very recognisable Geordie accent. Again I ask to be reminded of what is the UK's nation language again ) 15mins later out comes my luggage. Right, lets get out of here. Hang on, there is another exit to the reclaim lounge. Obviously a red and green nothing to declare lane isn't enough, we must have a blue lane now as well. Why? Spain's airports just have an exit.
Upon leaving this god forsaken ****ehole I go for a slash, and was reminded of the filthy stench that is a British public toilet. Whoa, not even our over flowing septic tank smelt this bad. Thank god most people obey no smoking signs round here. Unlike the bogs of my departing airport, which was clean, smelt much more pleasantly and didn't have pube-infested urinals.
The drive back home, bang on rush hour, fantastic! If I were on the A76 in Spain, I'd be cruising along the 2 lane motorway at a nice sedate 140kph, just the odd arsehole Audi/Merc/BMW/Yellow Seat* (*delete as appropriate) sat 1 inch off your boot with the left indicator flashing. And I'd move out the way to let him pass when I can...as do people who get in my way. No Speed cameras, No talivans, Lasers, Gatso, SPECS or whatever that new HADECS is on the M40 which nobody knows about yet. As for the UK, well, the debate starts on which route will have the shortest traffic jam. Jump on the M40 going well, no warning signs, then 1 mile later a traffic jam, then a matrix sign saying "Queue Ahead". Anyway, we get through it and everybody farting round without of a clue of which lane to be in, and the queue of cars in Lane 3 of people who want to go faster actually creating less traffic and faster speeds in lane 2, undertaking the lot of them - go on Gatso/Specs/Laser/HADECS - do me for undertaking at 65mph in a 70 limit...go on you know you want to!
Pub o'clock....more moans from me next week
Oh and Scoobynet is still no faster
Right, here I am in a Spanish airport waiting for a tin can to take me back to Blighty (more on the UK ****-tip later ). Me, not being in a "people friendly" mood after a previous night/morning in which somehow saw me drinking a whole bottle of apple schnapps amongst other things. Understandably, the drone of a busy airport is the last thing I want, especially when surrounded by numerous of ex-pats and holiday makers of seemingly infinite density possessing the manners that could be compared to a field of pigs fighting to roll in their own ****e first.
So I find a nice quite area by an empty unused gate with the only slight annoyance people gorping at the video screens and standing right infront of me, blocking my view of passing "traffic" (human traffic ). So I sit there and munch on my semi stale cheese and ham sandwich in peace, Plenty of chairs and space around, so guess what happens? Some bloke sits right next to me plonking his **** on the bench seat so hard that the jolt and flex of the straining frame of the seating makes me choke on rather untasty sandwich as the seat back whacks my back. To add insult he has tagging along a whining 4year old who just won't shut up, and to finish it off he lights up a *** and starts chuffing away on it like the Flying Scotsman on full chat. This was a no smoking area, not that anyone bothers about that.
Not one to make a fuss I decide to go elsewhere, somewhere even quieter, no shops, no video screen, (no passing "traffic" either ). The irony here is that this area of pure clean fresh air was infact the smoking area. The only annoyance now being some twit yakking on his mobile who just can't stand still, pacing up and down continually. His attempts at passing infront of me again was thwarted my outstretched legs
Finally I'm on the plane, boarding early. leaving for the runway and set to take off 15mins early Only to be left arsing around for 15mins on the taxi way due to an Easyjet flight podging in the queue. Still, to me this was a good day for me, which I was reminded when I saw somebody's luggage fall of a passing baggage truck, somebody is destined for a worse day than me Usually my monthly events of flying usually involve an hour delay caused by some dozy Glaswegian baggage handlers or a missing passenger in Dublin, which was the planes previous flight - thus delaying my flight. Thank you very much Mr O'Brian.
Things are going good, we get a tailwind and land 30mins early, fantastic! Problem is, this is the UK, in particular Birmingham. This airport typifies the farce of British superiority. We waste 30mins on the ground because our docking bay isn't free. And then even though there is a rampway thingy, we get off on stairs ad walk up the emergency exit of the ramp to get in. And then the queue of passport control to get into my own country (I am yet to show my passport to enter Spain). With the sign, in Arabic or some other language saying "UK passport holders this way" So, what is the UK's national language? Then again, don't answer that. I should not ask, otherwise this thread will get vaped for implying racism.
On to the baggage reclaim, where upon in Spain, I'm usually greeted to a moving conveyor belt with the luggage going round. Brum? You'll be lucky...even queuing for 15mins in passport control. 20mins later, on goes the conveyor belt, with the heavily distorted automated safety warning to stand clear in a very recognisable Geordie accent. Again I ask to be reminded of what is the UK's nation language again ) 15mins later out comes my luggage. Right, lets get out of here. Hang on, there is another exit to the reclaim lounge. Obviously a red and green nothing to declare lane isn't enough, we must have a blue lane now as well. Why? Spain's airports just have an exit.
Upon leaving this god forsaken ****ehole I go for a slash, and was reminded of the filthy stench that is a British public toilet. Whoa, not even our over flowing septic tank smelt this bad. Thank god most people obey no smoking signs round here. Unlike the bogs of my departing airport, which was clean, smelt much more pleasantly and didn't have pube-infested urinals.
The drive back home, bang on rush hour, fantastic! If I were on the A76 in Spain, I'd be cruising along the 2 lane motorway at a nice sedate 140kph, just the odd arsehole Audi/Merc/BMW/Yellow Seat* (*delete as appropriate) sat 1 inch off your boot with the left indicator flashing. And I'd move out the way to let him pass when I can...as do people who get in my way. No Speed cameras, No talivans, Lasers, Gatso, SPECS or whatever that new HADECS is on the M40 which nobody knows about yet. As for the UK, well, the debate starts on which route will have the shortest traffic jam. Jump on the M40 going well, no warning signs, then 1 mile later a traffic jam, then a matrix sign saying "Queue Ahead". Anyway, we get through it and everybody farting round without of a clue of which lane to be in, and the queue of cars in Lane 3 of people who want to go faster actually creating less traffic and faster speeds in lane 2, undertaking the lot of them - go on Gatso/Specs/Laser/HADECS - do me for undertaking at 65mph in a 70 limit...go on you know you want to!
Pub o'clock....more moans from me next week
Oh and Scoobynet is still no faster
Last edited by ALi-B; 28 March 2011 at 11:40 AM.
28 March 2011, 11:47 AM
#34
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,290
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by ALi-B
Now that's gone, we're just stuck with the equivalent of communism-esq provided transport (i.e. a Trabant with wings) - designed purely to get as many passengers as possible from A to B as cheaply as possible. And it shows.
You get what you pay for
28 March 2011, 11:54 AM
#35
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 774
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
beer and wine (a very loose description) are free, spirits are extra but cant tell you how much.
28 March 2011, 12:17 PM
#36
I suppose really we shouldnt moan, my flight was £547 and it got me 3000 odd miles in nine hours, I got to travel in one of the most advanced machines I could ever aspire to and it didnt crash, the flight is alright, its just having to share it.
Still, next weeks isnt too bad, Manchester to Gatwick, that I can cope with !
I wonder how much those little "suites" cost, and why do I, instead of a demure looking lady enjoying some Sushi and Champagne just envisage a high flying Business type bloke in a suit enjoying a grumble ?
Cant see my company paying for a suite, in fact I suspect that with the advent of economy plus they have enquired if there is a corresponding economy minus or what the rules on sending us cargo are.
Why cant they invent some Red Dwarf/Aliens type statis where they knock you out, pile you high and bring you round when you get there ?
Still, next weeks isnt too bad, Manchester to Gatwick, that I can cope with !
I wonder how much those little "suites" cost, and why do I, instead of a demure looking lady enjoying some Sushi and Champagne just envisage a high flying Business type bloke in a suit enjoying a grumble ?
Cant see my company paying for a suite, in fact I suspect that with the advent of economy plus they have enquired if there is a corresponding economy minus or what the rules on sending us cargo are.
Why cant they invent some Red Dwarf/Aliens type statis where they knock you out, pile you high and bring you round when you get there ?
28 March 2011, 12:54 PM
#39
I remember my first trip on a airbus A340 after I transfered flights at Dulles International. My first thought was 'bloody hell this is ALOT quieter than the 747 I've just been on'.
Partly due to plane itself and also there being less Philippinoes on board....with several bin liners (each) for hand luggage and no comprehension to stay seated whilst landing/taking off.
Last edited by ALi-B; 28 March 2011 at 12:57 PM.
28 March 2011, 01:14 PM
#41
28 March 2011, 01:39 PM
#43
Scooby Regular
I've had the pleasure to travel to Beijing twice now with work, both in Business Class...
Two different carriers:
KLM (business is their 'first' on this flight
)
Air France
TBH It was almost obscene, compared to cattle..... I still smile about it now....
I love the seats so wide that you can tuck your legs up onto, like your sofa at home, they lie fully flat so you can sleep, they massage you whilst you go along.... the leg room, oh! the leg room, even stretching my legs out fully straight from my seat I was nowhere near the seat in front....
The free champagne as you board... go on then love, leave the bottle....
Tucking into quails legs & full silver service, with table cloths, napkins, wine glasses, proper cutlery.... the complimentary wine list....
The way they hold back the peasants, so you come down the stairs from first, first!....
The way they take your coat/jacket & hang it on a hanger in the coat rack....
The way you get a 'priority' lane through security, no waiting here!
The executive lounge, with papers, drinks, food etc either end....
I dont know how I could ever go back to peasant class - it was truly, truly eye opening the difference
Mind you the ticket to Beijing was £1,400.... lol
Two different carriers:
KLM (business is their 'first' on this flight
)Air France
TBH It was almost obscene, compared to cattle..... I still smile about it now....
I love the seats so wide that you can tuck your legs up onto, like your sofa at home, they lie fully flat so you can sleep, they massage you whilst you go along.... the leg room, oh! the leg room, even stretching my legs out fully straight from my seat I was nowhere near the seat in front....
The free champagne as you board... go on then love, leave the bottle....
Tucking into quails legs & full silver service, with table cloths, napkins, wine glasses, proper cutlery.... the complimentary wine list....
The way they hold back the peasants, so you come down the stairs from first, first!....
The way they take your coat/jacket & hang it on a hanger in the coat rack....
The way you get a 'priority' lane through security, no waiting here!
The executive lounge, with papers, drinks, food etc either end....
I dont know how I could ever go back to peasant class - it was truly, truly eye opening the difference
Mind you the ticket to Beijing was £1,400.... lol
28 March 2011, 02:03 PM
#44
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 10,329
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
One good thing is I will rack up air miles and hopefully move up a grade on the BA club thingy.
It's a long way. I think I will have to fly via jo-burg.
28 March 2011, 04:02 PM
#46
Only been Business once, strangely it was the same Manchester/Atlanta flight as I do a lot now but 15 and a bit years ago when we got married, my dads mate was the Duty Manager at Manchester Airport and got us an upgrade, was great, I got a bit drunk and my voice went, proper old school on a Tri-star with Authentic Jackie Brown replica stewardesses.
28 March 2011, 05:29 PM
#47
Always wonder who flys Business, saw a family get on, mum, dad and two kids, all in Business, that was to Boston on Aer Lingus I think, how much would that cost, 4 * Business Class Ticket, probably eight grand ? thats a fair chunk of even a really high earners disposable income !
These days as well, makes me wonder what companies allow BC, sometimes we can get it dependant on duration or as motivation to go but generally its only if you have the miles.
These days as well, makes me wonder what companies allow BC, sometimes we can get it dependant on duration or as motivation to go but generally its only if you have the miles.
28 March 2011, 06:53 PM
#48
Scooby Regular
private jet is the way to go
A friend was flying on a private chartered Jet to New York for a business meeting
He was having coffee in the VIP departure lounge and asked the waiter/air steward what time was boarding/take off
"whenever your're ready sir" was the reply
A friend was flying on a private chartered Jet to New York for a business meeting
He was having coffee in the VIP departure lounge and asked the waiter/air steward what time was boarding/take off
"whenever your're ready sir" was the reply
Last edited by hodgy0_2; 28 March 2011 at 07:22 PM.
28 March 2011, 07:22 PM
#49
Scooby Regular
I've done quite a bit of flying by private jet (work related, not mine!) and it is a whole other world. The jets were owned by David Gold (whose daughter owns Ann Summers) and we used to usually fly from Biggin Hill. I used to drive and park right next to the hangar.
Then walk through virtually straight onto the plane and be up in the air 15 minutes later.
I once flew to Spain and left my house at 0800hrs in the morning and was back home by 1700hrs after the round trip.
It was a Learjet and the downside was it could only fly about 4 hours before needing to refuel. On a trip to India we had to stop in Cyprus and then Dubai where we slept. So the journey took about 2+ days each way! Not too much of a problem as I was being paid by the hour!
The hilarious thing was we used to take it in turns to make tea/coffee, no dolly bird to make it for us. I once made the tea and pulled back the screen for the cockpit to give the pilots theirs and they both had a magazine open and were reading with neither of them looking out the windscreen!
I really enjoyed my time on the Learjet, a private jet really affords you proper independence and you never have to mix with the riff raff. Obviously my time was work related but for those who can afford it for personal use there is just no better way to fly.
Then walk through virtually straight onto the plane and be up in the air 15 minutes later.
I once flew to Spain and left my house at 0800hrs in the morning and was back home by 1700hrs after the round trip.
It was a Learjet and the downside was it could only fly about 4 hours before needing to refuel. On a trip to India we had to stop in Cyprus and then Dubai where we slept. So the journey took about 2+ days each way! Not too much of a problem as I was being paid by the hour!
The hilarious thing was we used to take it in turns to make tea/coffee, no dolly bird to make it for us. I once made the tea and pulled back the screen for the cockpit to give the pilots theirs and they both had a magazine open and were reading with neither of them looking out the windscreen!
I really enjoyed my time on the Learjet, a private jet really affords you proper independence and you never have to mix with the riff raff. Obviously my time was work related but for those who can afford it for personal use there is just no better way to fly.
28 March 2011, 07:31 PM
#50
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (22)
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Doncaster, S. Yorks.
Posts: 21,415
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've done quite a bit of flying by private jet (work related, not mine!) and it is a whole other world. The jets were owned by David Gold (whose daughter owns Ann Summers) and we used to usually fly from Biggin Hill. I used to drive and park right next to the hangar.
Then walk through virtually straight onto the plane and be up in the air 15 minutes later.
I once flew to Spain and left my house at 0800hrs in the morning and was back home by 1700hrs after the round trip.
It was a Learjet and the downside was it could only fly about 4 hours before needing to refuel. On a trip to India we had to stop in Cyprus and then Dubai where we slept. So the journey took about 2+ days each way! Not too much of a problem as I was being paid by the hour!
The hilarious thing was we used to take it in turns to make tea/coffee, no dolly bird to make it for us. I once made the tea and pulled back the screen for the cockpit to give the pilots theirs and they both had a magazine open and were reading with neither of them looking out the windscreen!
I really enjoyed my time on the Learjet, a private jet really affords you proper independence and you never have to mix with the riff raff. Obviously my time was work related but for those who can afford it for personal use there is just no better way to fly.
Then walk through virtually straight onto the plane and be up in the air 15 minutes later.
I once flew to Spain and left my house at 0800hrs in the morning and was back home by 1700hrs after the round trip.
It was a Learjet and the downside was it could only fly about 4 hours before needing to refuel. On a trip to India we had to stop in Cyprus and then Dubai where we slept. So the journey took about 2+ days each way! Not too much of a problem as I was being paid by the hour!
The hilarious thing was we used to take it in turns to make tea/coffee, no dolly bird to make it for us. I once made the tea and pulled back the screen for the cockpit to give the pilots theirs and they both had a magazine open and were reading with neither of them looking out the windscreen!
I really enjoyed my time on the Learjet, a private jet really affords you proper independence and you never have to mix with the riff raff. Obviously my time was work related but for those who can afford it for personal use there is just no better way to fly.
what I wanna know is how all these nesbits and chavs can afford to fly - even by economy class. I'm not a chav/nesbit and have very little "expendable income" and can't afford a bloody holiday abroad
What am I doing wrong if all the drunken louts or Waynette Slobs can have 2-3 holidays a year
28 March 2011, 07:54 PM
#51
Scooby Regular
Had to fly return to Denver in cattle years ago and swore blind that I would never fly long haul cattle again. Being 6ft 3in, I had the pleasure of the seat in front ramming in to my knees due to the clown in front trying to recline his seat. It ended in a few words being said between us. What's worse is that you can't get away from being in a seat where you either need to move people to get up, or people need to move you to get up.
I've since flown Business Class on with KLM/Northwest and I just couldn't go back now. The difference kicks off as soon as you check in, to the lounge, to the boarding, even in some cases, security checks. And then you get let off first so you can hit customs and immigration checks at the other end.
LH flying is awful IMO, but flying in 1st/business/upper/whatever makes it a lot easier to deal with. (plus sleeping tablets help)
I've since flown Business Class on with KLM/Northwest and I just couldn't go back now. The difference kicks off as soon as you check in, to the lounge, to the boarding, even in some cases, security checks. And then you get let off first so you can hit customs and immigration checks at the other end.
LH flying is awful IMO, but flying in 1st/business/upper/whatever makes it a lot easier to deal with. (plus sleeping tablets help)
28 March 2011, 08:21 PM
#53
what I wanna know is how all these nesbits and chavs can afford to fly - even by economy class. I'm not a chav/nesbit and have very little "expendable income" and can't afford a bloody holiday abroad
What am I doing wrong if all the drunken louts or Waynette Slobs can have 2-3 holidays a year
What am I doing wrong if all the drunken louts or Waynette Slobs can have 2-3 holidays a year
28 March 2011, 08:31 PM
#54
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 10,329
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've done quite a bit of flying by private jet (work related, not mine!) and it is a whole other world. The jets were owned by David Gold (whose daughter owns Ann Summers) and we used to usually fly from Biggin Hill. I used to drive and park right next to the hangar.
I've flown a few special charter flights about...always good, but never what I'd call a private jet as such, just a company hired 737 or something.
Quite a few chartered turboprops around Australia for flying to work.
...and of course a lot of Chopper rides.
28 March 2011, 08:35 PM
#55
Scooby Regular
Well, our company always flys us BC to Beijing, as we have an office there, our argument is that we fly BC due to the fact that we fly and land around 9am in the morning, them go straight to the office.... don't think you could manage that after 10hrs in Cattle...
Thats my story & i'm sticking too it.... lol
(it has been mentioned before now that we should go cattle, but once everyones gone BC, theres no way anyone would consider going any other way! lol)
Thats my story & i'm sticking too it.... lol
(it has been mentioned before now that we should go cattle, but once everyones gone BC, theres no way anyone would consider going any other way! lol)
28 March 2011, 08:35 PM
#56
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 10,329
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Does amaze me as well, I earn pretty well and have no mortgage but paying for a holiday and flights is a big deal, like you speak to people who say they are off to Dubai or Florida for two weeks when you know they earn less than half what you do and have a mortgage and loads of other commitments, don't know how they do it !
But I think a lot of people have very little cash savings as well, and they are not shy (or were not) or unlocking the equity in their houses.
Many people are only two pay checks away from ruin so they say.
28 March 2011, 08:41 PM
#57
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 10,329
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think that is why I don't like Emirates too much because it's always Wayne and Waynette off on holiday via Emirates Economy class.
Much better to fly on more obscure routes or routes where it is just business peeps off to work; they are miles more disciplined and accommodating as fellow passengers.
Much better to fly on more obscure routes or routes where it is just business peeps off to work; they are miles more disciplined and accommodating as fellow passengers.
29 March 2011, 08:47 AM
#58
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 39,877
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Best flight I ever had to the US was in a C-130 transport plane. Bags and bags of legroom, no inflight movie, no steward service, loo was a bucket behind a curtain near the tail gate. 12 hours from Brize to Gandar, over night in a hotel courtesy of crab air, then on to Boston the next morning and finally on to Syracuse. 2nd best flight was 8 of us on an RAF VC10 with in flight steward and a slab of beer.Brize to Washington is the only RAF flight where beer is allowed, only problem was we didn't know you were not allowed to provide your own so we all had a 24 pack of Miller in our bergans for the flight back and tucked into them happily before the steward had a fit and told us we could drink, but not our own. So we ended up drinking RAF beer aswell as a sly one of your own every now and again.
My Crew once had to go to Las Vegas in the back of one of those...29 hours flying! It was noisy and the vibration was so bad that you can't sleep, and it has a very high pressure hydraulic system so there is always a mild fog of hydraulic oil from the connections which leak a little oil into the air!
It was a dreadful experience and thank goodness it was the only time we had to do it.
Les
29 March 2011, 11:26 AM
#59
I am really surprised you enjoyed that trip.
My Crew once had to go to Las Vegas in the back of one of those...29 hours flying! It was noisy and the vibration was so bad that you can't sleep, and it has a very high pressure hydraulic system so there is always a mild fog of hydraulic oil from the connections which leak a little oil into the air!
It was a dreadful experience and thank goodness it was the only time we had to do it.
Les
My Crew once had to go to Las Vegas in the back of one of those...29 hours flying! It was noisy and the vibration was so bad that you can't sleep, and it has a very high pressure hydraulic system so there is always a mild fog of hydraulic oil from the connections which leak a little oil into the air!
It was a dreadful experience and thank goodness it was the only time we had to do it.
Les
29 March 2011, 12:52 PM
#60
I am really surprised you enjoyed that trip.
My Crew once had to go to Las Vegas in the back of one of those...29 hours flying! It was noisy and the vibration was so bad that you can't sleep, and it has a very high pressure hydraulic system so there is always a mild fog of hydraulic oil from the connections which leak a little oil into the air!
It was a dreadful experience and thank goodness it was the only time we had to do it.
Les
My Crew once had to go to Las Vegas in the back of one of those...29 hours flying! It was noisy and the vibration was so bad that you can't sleep, and it has a very high pressure hydraulic system so there is always a mild fog of hydraulic oil from the connections which leak a little oil into the air!
It was a dreadful experience and thank goodness it was the only time we had to do it.
Les