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I've never written a trip report before, but here are the basics:
Friday, 26 March 2004.
Malaysia Airlines MH 140
Boeing 777-2H6(ER) 9M-MRM
Sydney 2200
Kuala Lumpur 0320
Golden Club Class
Seat 9H
I had not departed from the 'new' pier at Sydney's Terminal 1. It was all very neat and tidy, although everything was closing or closed approaching my flight's departure.
On checking in we were given an invitation to the Malaysia Airlines Lounge, located airside under the departures level. After being security screened and then explosives screened (!) at random we passed the time in the lounge. Four flights were departing at once, MH, TG, GF and EK, so the terminal was a little chaotic.
On boarding my seat was found just aft of the Golden Club galley, behind door R2. I was then clobbered by the hand luggage of every subsequent boarding passenger proceeding down the aisle. Malaysia does not seem to enforce their cabin baggage limit.
We pushed on time, proceeding to a Foxtrot intersection departure from runway 16R. The safety brief was purely on the screens, the F/As remained in the galley. As a result nobody in the cabin watched anything! She is a powerful beast the 777, and we were on our way via the Deena 3 departure with a Katoomba transition.
The meal service commenced immediately, and took about one and a half hours. I didn't need the second serving of chicken and beef satay skewers, but I had them anyway. While this was going on I had a play with the IFE, which was quite impressive.
After programming the 'Jukebox' function I selected the tracks I wanted and tried to settle down. The night's sleep was interrupted by an awful lot of galley noise, constantly being bumped by F/As and the passenger behind me's IFE issues. He was right, the IFE kept resetting back to the initial screen throughout the cabin.
After what seemed like a few minutes sleep we were awoken to pump us full of coffee before descent into KLIA. Blurry eyed we landed on runway 32L at KLIA with one of the smoothest touchdowns I've ever experienced. Mr. Boeing did the right thing putting the wheels on the right way around on the 777!
All in all an average sector. Malaysia's service standards and aircraft were top notch, just a few simple things let them down.
After being disgorged at B15 a train ride to the satellite terminal was necessary. Unfortunately the train was u/s, so a long queue formed to catch limited busses across. This made for some very unhappy people! Our next flight was at 0905, so it was off to the Golden Club Lounge for some rest. The lounge was very impressive, with free everything and great views of the airport.
[photoid=259985]
[photoid=259986]
Saturday, 27 March 2004.
Malaysia Airlines MH 750
Boeing 737-4H6 9M-MQE
Kuala Lumpur 0905
Ho Chi Minh City 1000
Golden Club Class
Seat 2A
Boarding was from gate C6, and security screening was a very long process as passengers proceeded through the scanner with all their bags. No Malaysia Airlines staff were on hand and the security staff were less than helpful. Eventually we got on board for the 1:55 flight to Viet Nam. The seats were comfortable, but there was absolutely no entertainment, no music, no screens and nothing to read. Time to read my new camera's handbook and fill in the complicated forms required by immigration!
The service again was superb, with a lovely Prawn dish served. Not much else happened before arrival in HCMC, landing with much fanfare on runway 25R.
Remembering previous trips to HCMC a bolt was made for the immigration desks, but Viet Nam has come a long way and a lot of desks were open and passenger processing and baggage reclaim was quick.
[photoid=260016]
Wednesday, 31 March 2004.
Vietnam Airlines VN 740
Airbus A320-214 S7-ASE
Ho Chi Minh City 1710
Hanoi 1910
Economy Class
Seat 26A
I'd never been to the domestic terminal at Tan Son Nhut. It was quite spartan but construction works landside may be a sign of a new building. No Photography signs were spaced throughout the terminal. Our flight left from a remote stand requiring bussing from the terminal, and although scheduled to be an A321, an A320 awaited. Boarding via the aft stairs we found the flight was chockers. A PA was given by the Captain, which went something along the lines of 'G'day, welcome on boord Veeetnaam floight 740 to Hannoye....'. It was an Aussie Captain and German F/O!
After startup we taxied out to runway 25R and set course for Hanoi. A cabin service started, with dinner being served. Despite excruciating turbulence the service went on until enough was enough and the F/As sat down. An apology was given that no tea and coffee would be served, but judging by the terrified eyes darting around the cabin I don't think anyone cared.
The turbulence continued throughout the flight, but the F/As stood up again to clear the cabin as the sun set outside.
[photoid=260026]
[photoid=260024]
We finally landed on runway 29 and taxied to the beautiful new terminal, constructed since my last trip to Noi Bai Airport.
Saturday, 03 April 2004.
Vietnam Airlines VN 825 / Lao Airlines QV322
Airbus A320-211 VN-A123
Hanoi 1005
Vientiane 1105
Economy Class
Seat 12A
A codeshare flight operated by Lao Aviation, we booked Vietnam Airlines due to the cheaper locally purchased fare. Having never flown on the new Lao Airlines I was hoping that the A320 would not be substituted for by an ATR due to the light load.
After checking in and passing through immigration we found the entire glass surrounded top floor was empty, bar a very small shop in one corner. Panoramic views of Noi Bai were provided, and due to the lack of no photography signs I took a few snaps.
[photoid=260034]
It was all very well to have these views, but not much happened while we waited for our flight!
Boarding was via an aerobridge at Gate 4 with a neat and tidy two class cabin awaiting us. The premium cabin had a deadheading Vietnam Airlines crew already seated (VN provide flightcrew for QV's A320). Absolutely on time we pushed back and headed for runway 29 for departure. The safety brief was given, when the F/A placed the lifejacket over her head 'Ansett.' was printed in big blue letters across the front. This produced quite a chuckle from the expats.
VN-A123 used to be VH-HYC with Ansett Australia.
During the brief flight we were given a Qantas style lunchbox, with something indescribable inside.
[photoid=260040]
An absolute greaser was made on Wattay's runway 13 and a brief taxi had us disembarking at the new, Japanese built terminal.
[photoid=260042]
[photoid=260063]
Monday, 05 April 2004.
Lao Airlines QV 101
Aérospatiale ATR-72-202 RDPL-34137
Vientiane 1030
Luang Prabang 1110
Economy Class
Seat 2D
The old terminal at Wattay is now used as a domestic terminal. After checking in we headed for the International terminal to check out the observation deck (visible in the terminal photo above as the empty area under the roof). The place was packed, it seems that aircraft spotting is still as popular in Laos as it was 15 years ago.
[photoid=260070]
Again the flight left bang on schedule, in fact ten minutes early, with a brief taxi to runway 31. The flight was very quick, the cabin service consisted of a bottle of water. The arrival into Luang Prabang is interesting, due to the mountainous terrain and smoky conditions a very steep approach path is followed down the valley, with spectacular scenery looming out of the gloom.
[photoid=260079]
Landing on runway 06 with at least ten knots tailwind it was a brief taxi to the modest terminal.
[photoid=260093]
Wednesday, 07 April 2004.
Bangkok Airways PG 635
Aérospatiale ATR-72-212A HS-PGM
Luang Prabang 1330
Bangkok 1520
Economy Class
Seat 7D
After being required to check in 2 hours before the flight there was not much to do at the airport. Nothing moved! Eventually HS-PGM arrived on runway 06 to take us to Thailand.
[photoid=260096]
Boarding the aircraft it was apparent that this was a much newer model ATR72 than Lao's. Departing from runway 24 it was also clear it would be a much quieter flight thanks to the slower turning props and ANR.
[photoid=260097]
A very scenic climb over town had us setting course for Bangkok, climbing to 20,000' between the cumulus buildups. The service was better than expected, with the two cabin crew serving another lunch box (indescribable again) and continually checking for drink top-ups.
[photoid=260102]
[photoid=260109]
A very gentle approach and landing on runway 21L at Don Muang saw us park on a remote stand. Being bussed to the terminal was like a spotter's dream, but advertising on the windows made photography impossible.
Thursday, 08 April 2004.
Malaysia Airlines MH 783
Airbus A330-322 9M-MKS
Bangkok 1710
Kuala Lumpur 2015
Golden Club Class
Seat 5K
We checked our bags all the way through to Melbourne, however all the window seats were already taken for the Melbourne sector. It must have been people checked in in Europe. As Malaysia has no lounge at Don Muang we were given an invitation to the Thai Royal Orchid lounge. The lounge was a disgrace! Broken fixtures, urine on the bathroom floors, dirty glasses everywhere and so on. Not what I would expect from Thai.
The aircraft arrived late from KL, and no announcements were made regarding a late departure.
[photoid=260107]
[photoid=262964]
Eventually we boarded and found a very nice GC Cabin. The seats were comfortable and IFE was via a screen on the bulkhead. We taxied about 20 minutes late for runway 21R. After takeoff the IFE was switched on, with a PA explaining what was showing, but no headsets were to be found. Eventually a F/A responded to our request and found a pair in the galley. A very nice dinner was served as the sun set outside.
[photoid=260159]
[photoid=260163]
Not much else to say about this sector as after the 20 minute show was screened that was it for IFE bar a KL arrival guide blared over the PA. Landing was on runway 32L about 15 minutes late, causing some concern for our 1 hour connection.
Thursday, 08 April 2004.
Malaysia Airlines MH 149
Boeing 777-2H6(ER) 9M-MRN
Kuala Lumpur 2115
Melbourne 0645
Golden Club Class
Seat 5G
We needn't have been concerned. The flight to Melbourne was delayed an hour. Arriving at the lounge the staff booked us on a later MEL-SYD flight, but were unable to offer a reason why the flight was late.
No reason was ever given for the initial delay, but Murphy was at work and when we were finally boarded (same security screening issues) a passenger went missing. The offloading of their bags cost another 30 minutes.
The flight was more pleasant than the trip up. After another great meal I actually got some sleep before being woken for breakfast about an hour out of Melbourne. After landing on runway 27 an agonisingly slow taxi was made back to D6 as the clock ticked on our connection.
[photoid=260166]
Friday, 09 April 2004.
Qantas QF418
Boeing 767-336(ER) VH-ZXG
Melbourne 0900
Sydney 1020
Economy Class
Seat 36K
Good Friday meant all the flights were absolutely full. By this stage I had get-home-itis and the flight flew by (pardon the pun). We departed from the Juliet intersection of runway 34, landing on runway 34L about 60 minutes later.
[photoid=260167]
The Qantas flight was quick, efficient and courteous, and we were finally home.
[photoid=260168]
I hope this has been of some interest to you.
Friday, 26 March 2004.
Malaysia Airlines MH 140
Boeing 777-2H6(ER) 9M-MRM
Sydney 2200
Kuala Lumpur 0320
Golden Club Class
Seat 9H
I had not departed from the 'new' pier at Sydney's Terminal 1. It was all very neat and tidy, although everything was closing or closed approaching my flight's departure.
On checking in we were given an invitation to the Malaysia Airlines Lounge, located airside under the departures level. After being security screened and then explosives screened (!) at random we passed the time in the lounge. Four flights were departing at once, MH, TG, GF and EK, so the terminal was a little chaotic.
On boarding my seat was found just aft of the Golden Club galley, behind door R2. I was then clobbered by the hand luggage of every subsequent boarding passenger proceeding down the aisle. Malaysia does not seem to enforce their cabin baggage limit.
We pushed on time, proceeding to a Foxtrot intersection departure from runway 16R. The safety brief was purely on the screens, the F/As remained in the galley. As a result nobody in the cabin watched anything! She is a powerful beast the 777, and we were on our way via the Deena 3 departure with a Katoomba transition.
The meal service commenced immediately, and took about one and a half hours. I didn't need the second serving of chicken and beef satay skewers, but I had them anyway. While this was going on I had a play with the IFE, which was quite impressive.
After programming the 'Jukebox' function I selected the tracks I wanted and tried to settle down. The night's sleep was interrupted by an awful lot of galley noise, constantly being bumped by F/As and the passenger behind me's IFE issues. He was right, the IFE kept resetting back to the initial screen throughout the cabin.
After what seemed like a few minutes sleep we were awoken to pump us full of coffee before descent into KLIA. Blurry eyed we landed on runway 32L at KLIA with one of the smoothest touchdowns I've ever experienced. Mr. Boeing did the right thing putting the wheels on the right way around on the 777!
All in all an average sector. Malaysia's service standards and aircraft were top notch, just a few simple things let them down.
After being disgorged at B15 a train ride to the satellite terminal was necessary. Unfortunately the train was u/s, so a long queue formed to catch limited busses across. This made for some very unhappy people! Our next flight was at 0905, so it was off to the Golden Club Lounge for some rest. The lounge was very impressive, with free everything and great views of the airport.
[photoid=259985]
[photoid=259986]
Saturday, 27 March 2004.
Malaysia Airlines MH 750
Boeing 737-4H6 9M-MQE
Kuala Lumpur 0905
Ho Chi Minh City 1000
Golden Club Class
Seat 2A
Boarding was from gate C6, and security screening was a very long process as passengers proceeded through the scanner with all their bags. No Malaysia Airlines staff were on hand and the security staff were less than helpful. Eventually we got on board for the 1:55 flight to Viet Nam. The seats were comfortable, but there was absolutely no entertainment, no music, no screens and nothing to read. Time to read my new camera's handbook and fill in the complicated forms required by immigration!
The service again was superb, with a lovely Prawn dish served. Not much else happened before arrival in HCMC, landing with much fanfare on runway 25R.
Remembering previous trips to HCMC a bolt was made for the immigration desks, but Viet Nam has come a long way and a lot of desks were open and passenger processing and baggage reclaim was quick.
[photoid=260016]
Wednesday, 31 March 2004.
Vietnam Airlines VN 740
Airbus A320-214 S7-ASE
Ho Chi Minh City 1710
Hanoi 1910
Economy Class
Seat 26A
I'd never been to the domestic terminal at Tan Son Nhut. It was quite spartan but construction works landside may be a sign of a new building. No Photography signs were spaced throughout the terminal. Our flight left from a remote stand requiring bussing from the terminal, and although scheduled to be an A321, an A320 awaited. Boarding via the aft stairs we found the flight was chockers. A PA was given by the Captain, which went something along the lines of 'G'day, welcome on boord Veeetnaam floight 740 to Hannoye....'. It was an Aussie Captain and German F/O!
After startup we taxied out to runway 25R and set course for Hanoi. A cabin service started, with dinner being served. Despite excruciating turbulence the service went on until enough was enough and the F/As sat down. An apology was given that no tea and coffee would be served, but judging by the terrified eyes darting around the cabin I don't think anyone cared.
The turbulence continued throughout the flight, but the F/As stood up again to clear the cabin as the sun set outside.
[photoid=260026]
[photoid=260024]
We finally landed on runway 29 and taxied to the beautiful new terminal, constructed since my last trip to Noi Bai Airport.
Saturday, 03 April 2004.
Vietnam Airlines VN 825 / Lao Airlines QV322
Airbus A320-211 VN-A123
Hanoi 1005
Vientiane 1105
Economy Class
Seat 12A
A codeshare flight operated by Lao Aviation, we booked Vietnam Airlines due to the cheaper locally purchased fare. Having never flown on the new Lao Airlines I was hoping that the A320 would not be substituted for by an ATR due to the light load.
After checking in and passing through immigration we found the entire glass surrounded top floor was empty, bar a very small shop in one corner. Panoramic views of Noi Bai were provided, and due to the lack of no photography signs I took a few snaps.
[photoid=260034]
It was all very well to have these views, but not much happened while we waited for our flight!
Boarding was via an aerobridge at Gate 4 with a neat and tidy two class cabin awaiting us. The premium cabin had a deadheading Vietnam Airlines crew already seated (VN provide flightcrew for QV's A320). Absolutely on time we pushed back and headed for runway 29 for departure. The safety brief was given, when the F/A placed the lifejacket over her head 'Ansett.' was printed in big blue letters across the front. This produced quite a chuckle from the expats.
VN-A123 used to be VH-HYC with Ansett Australia.
During the brief flight we were given a Qantas style lunchbox, with something indescribable inside.
[photoid=260040]
An absolute greaser was made on Wattay's runway 13 and a brief taxi had us disembarking at the new, Japanese built terminal.
[photoid=260042]
[photoid=260063]
Monday, 05 April 2004.
Lao Airlines QV 101
Aérospatiale ATR-72-202 RDPL-34137
Vientiane 1030
Luang Prabang 1110
Economy Class
Seat 2D
The old terminal at Wattay is now used as a domestic terminal. After checking in we headed for the International terminal to check out the observation deck (visible in the terminal photo above as the empty area under the roof). The place was packed, it seems that aircraft spotting is still as popular in Laos as it was 15 years ago.
[photoid=260070]
Again the flight left bang on schedule, in fact ten minutes early, with a brief taxi to runway 31. The flight was very quick, the cabin service consisted of a bottle of water. The arrival into Luang Prabang is interesting, due to the mountainous terrain and smoky conditions a very steep approach path is followed down the valley, with spectacular scenery looming out of the gloom.
[photoid=260079]
Landing on runway 06 with at least ten knots tailwind it was a brief taxi to the modest terminal.
[photoid=260093]
Wednesday, 07 April 2004.
Bangkok Airways PG 635
Aérospatiale ATR-72-212A HS-PGM
Luang Prabang 1330
Bangkok 1520
Economy Class
Seat 7D
After being required to check in 2 hours before the flight there was not much to do at the airport. Nothing moved! Eventually HS-PGM arrived on runway 06 to take us to Thailand.
[photoid=260096]
Boarding the aircraft it was apparent that this was a much newer model ATR72 than Lao's. Departing from runway 24 it was also clear it would be a much quieter flight thanks to the slower turning props and ANR.
[photoid=260097]
A very scenic climb over town had us setting course for Bangkok, climbing to 20,000' between the cumulus buildups. The service was better than expected, with the two cabin crew serving another lunch box (indescribable again) and continually checking for drink top-ups.
[photoid=260102]
[photoid=260109]
A very gentle approach and landing on runway 21L at Don Muang saw us park on a remote stand. Being bussed to the terminal was like a spotter's dream, but advertising on the windows made photography impossible.
Thursday, 08 April 2004.
Malaysia Airlines MH 783
Airbus A330-322 9M-MKS
Bangkok 1710
Kuala Lumpur 2015
Golden Club Class
Seat 5K
We checked our bags all the way through to Melbourne, however all the window seats were already taken for the Melbourne sector. It must have been people checked in in Europe. As Malaysia has no lounge at Don Muang we were given an invitation to the Thai Royal Orchid lounge. The lounge was a disgrace! Broken fixtures, urine on the bathroom floors, dirty glasses everywhere and so on. Not what I would expect from Thai.
The aircraft arrived late from KL, and no announcements were made regarding a late departure.
[photoid=260107]
[photoid=262964]
Eventually we boarded and found a very nice GC Cabin. The seats were comfortable and IFE was via a screen on the bulkhead. We taxied about 20 minutes late for runway 21R. After takeoff the IFE was switched on, with a PA explaining what was showing, but no headsets were to be found. Eventually a F/A responded to our request and found a pair in the galley. A very nice dinner was served as the sun set outside.
[photoid=260159]
[photoid=260163]
Not much else to say about this sector as after the 20 minute show was screened that was it for IFE bar a KL arrival guide blared over the PA. Landing was on runway 32L about 15 minutes late, causing some concern for our 1 hour connection.
Thursday, 08 April 2004.
Malaysia Airlines MH 149
Boeing 777-2H6(ER) 9M-MRN
Kuala Lumpur 2115
Melbourne 0645
Golden Club Class
Seat 5G
We needn't have been concerned. The flight to Melbourne was delayed an hour. Arriving at the lounge the staff booked us on a later MEL-SYD flight, but were unable to offer a reason why the flight was late.
No reason was ever given for the initial delay, but Murphy was at work and when we were finally boarded (same security screening issues) a passenger went missing. The offloading of their bags cost another 30 minutes.
The flight was more pleasant than the trip up. After another great meal I actually got some sleep before being woken for breakfast about an hour out of Melbourne. After landing on runway 27 an agonisingly slow taxi was made back to D6 as the clock ticked on our connection.
[photoid=260166]
Friday, 09 April 2004.
Qantas QF418
Boeing 767-336(ER) VH-ZXG
Melbourne 0900
Sydney 1020
Economy Class
Seat 36K
Good Friday meant all the flights were absolutely full. By this stage I had get-home-itis and the flight flew by (pardon the pun). We departed from the Juliet intersection of runway 34, landing on runway 34L about 60 minutes later.
[photoid=260167]
The Qantas flight was quick, efficient and courteous, and we were finally home.
[photoid=260168]
I hope this has been of some interest to you.
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