QF127 Sydney (SYD) to Hong Kong (HKG)
17 July 2013
Departure city: Sydney
Arrival city: Hong Kong
Scheduled departure time: 9:50
Actual departure time:
Gate: 24
Aircraft: 747-400 (4 class)
Class: economy premium economy
Seat: 40d 40e 35d 35e
After our nights stay at the mercure we woke up at 6:30 and were downstairs to catch the 7am shuttle to the airport ($6 return each charged to the room bill). 5 minutes later the shuttle drop us down the far end of the terminal near check in K. We headed back to zone d and to the business class check in (Qantas Gold status). After some confused looks from the rather surly check in assistant she gave us a look up and down (we were dressed nicely) and with what I can possible call contempt advised us we had been upgraded to premium economy. I was delighted to have it confirmed but the surprise had been dampened when I checked in online I noticed we had been moved to seat 35d and 35f. Still Awesome News!
After a quick run through immigration and security we were through to the airside of the terminal.
Escalators / entrance area to the Qantas Lounges
Qantas Business Lounge
We headed put the qantas lounge (business only – not a platinum – yet!) and had some breakfast. Toast, baked beans, sausages and hash browns after some Bircher muesli and soy latte. I thought I would be cheeky and check with the lounge agent if we could have our seats switched from the 2 centre seats to an aisle and centre and the lovely lounge agent switched us to 35c and 35d.
Love the view from the lounge:
Boarding was due to commence at 920 so we left the lounge at 840 to browse the shops and wonder to the gate.
We got to gate 24 at 915 and there did not seem much sign of movement at the station and shortly thereafter an announcement was made that due to delays in cleaning boarding would be delayed by 15 mins. 15 minutes later there was another announcement that we would be delayed another 15 minutes.
Eventually at 950 we began to board and priority boarding was well policed and worked well.
Signage for priority boarding
Line for economy boarding
This was my first time in the qantas premium economy cabin and first impressions were quite good. I think if my understanding is correct by this is an refurbished 747 as it still has first. I was struck with the similarities that the seats have to the domestic business class.
The premium economy cabin only had 3 seats free and a walk through economy showed not a seat spare so I think that was e catalyst for the upgrade – woohoo!
A view of the legroom in the bulkhead seats
A view of the legroom for 35e
Premium economy fold out screen
The flight was great – brilliant service by our Graham. The qantas product I think strikes a great balance between economy and business. I like the use of small things such as proper plates and linen to enhance the product. The seats were comfortable and quite good for a day time flight. The CSM came by and introduced himself and also bought us both J class amenities packs which was nice.
The menu for the trip was:
I had the Beef Brisket in Roasted Tomato and Mushroom Sauce, Polenta and Broccolini and my partner had Thai Style Green Curry of Barramundi with Fragrant Rice and Seasonal Greens.
8 hours and 55 minutes later we arrived into hong kong slightly late at 5:17pm and were quickly through immigrations, baggage claim and customs and on the train to Kowloon.
Overall a great flight experience and a wonderful start to our holiday. I am flying to New York in December in premium economy on QF108 so it was a great trial of the product.
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