Pardon mon excuse

So here I sit in the Qantas HKG lounge, nicely refurbished since my last visit ( although not sure the Madonna soundtrack really fits ) waiting for my BA flight home in F, of which more in a moment.

I thought I would go for a wander around, and, not being able to find a luggage store area, wheeled my bag to the front desk. Here is where it gets a bit silly;

“Hello, is there anywhere I can store my bag whilst I go for a walk around?”

” No, there is no bag store”.

” How could they build such a wonderful lounge and not have a bag store.”

” It is not permitted by airport security.”

“But I have just come through a security screen with it and am about to take it onto an aircraft.”

“Yes, yes, yes. Didn’t you hear me the first time?”

On the BA F front, I came out a few days ago with an outstanding legacy fleet crew running the F cabin. When it came to time to eat, I was approached sheepishly with a menu and the words ” I really hope you weren’t expecting a choice today……” Tried to order a cheese soufflé , but discovered only three had been loaded and all were spoken for. Tried to order a steak, but discovered only five had been loaded and all were spoken for. Frustrated CSD explained it was all statistics and waste reduction. Brought me an unopened bottle of LPGS as a kind gesture of apology and encouraged me to write and complain as ” our complaints on behalf of our passengers are ignored”.

Despite having to eat a main course from Club, this was one of the best BA flights in F I have had for years, simply because, despite the smart moves by their yield management team, I was lucky enough to have a couple of crew who understood from years of doing the job what was needed to keep the passenger happy.

I have just snaffled a few bits from the lounge in case…….

Do make sure you take full advantage of the CX luggage store facility. I imagine that as the home carrier they have a special dispensation from security constraints on bags which have already been screened.

Enjoy your trip.

My ride home on a well used 772 was pretty good. Apart from being offered ” orange squash or champagne? I’m sorry, the champagne is not cold, but I could put some ice in it for you “, the rest of the flight was un eventful. A good 10 hours sleep.

Breakfast in a very quiet CCR, now a quick hop to MAN and into the weekend.

Just flew FRA – JNB in F with Lufthansa. Left bags in lounge while we shopped (actually went off to find customs to get VAT refund stamp) then taken by car to the foot of the plane and boarded immediately. All food and wines available, and forgot to mention the car waiting for us as we arrived from mxp to take us to the terminal.

Best of all. Wait for it.

The senior cabin attendant tucked me in! Really. I was so touched by her gesture. I think i was 10 last time I was tucked in. Mrs. LP very jealous. Ho Ho.

Eat your heart out BA!