Nonrev Correspondent - Australia, Oceania, South Pacific

Australia, Oceania, South Pacific

ex Ansett Australia - Now Air Canada via Qantas! http://www.nonrev.net/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

G'Day! An industry veteran of 25 years, I have spent most of that time employed with Ansett Australia (AN/AAA) in various roles over the years. With the unfortunate demise of that icon, I found myself working with Qantas (QF/QFA) but was never quite happy there and I've now migrated to AC, which I love working at.
I travel extensively each year using up my annual leave and I almost always "nonrev" as the Americans like to call it. Have seen a lot of the world, especially Europe and Nth America and closer to home, a lot of Asia/Oceania.

I am always more than happy to answer any questions I can in regards to my home territory and to provide advice or point you in the right direction. I welcome any questions in the forum, but be warned - I have a sense of humour and with a streak of the typical Aussie larrikan in me, anything is possible! http://www.nonrev.net/infopop/emotic...on_biggrin.gif

http://www.nonrev.net/correspondents/images/al.jpg

[This message was edited by Chris on May 27, 2002 at 05:48 PM.]

Al,

Joey & I just might be in your neck of the woods come July. Probably the week of the 15th??? Would love to meet you for a drink. More info later.

http://www.nonrev.net/correspondents/images/randy.jpg

Which hotel would you recommend? The Carlton Crest, Southern Cross Hotel or the Vista Sydney? [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif[/img]

http://www.nonrev.net/correspondents/images/randy.jpg

[quote]Originally posted by Randy:
Which hotel would you recommend? The Carlton Crest, Southern Cross Hotel or the Vista Sydney?

The Southern X is a top notch but in a quiet part of town. (Presume it's the Southern X on Goulburn Street?) Vista - hmmm. Downmarket (this the one at Wynyard?) but in a good area for the Darling Harbour eateries and stuff. Carlton Crest - was once a good one, now, I just don't know. You tried any at Darling Harbour??
Cheers.

http://www.nonrev.net/correspondents/images/al.jpg

[quote]Originally posted by Randy:
Al,

Joey & I just might be in your neck of the woods come July. Probably the week of the 15th??? Would love to meet you for a drink. More info later.

Kewl !! Not a problem at all mate. Would be great to catch up.
Cheers.

http://www.nonrev.net/correspondents/images/al.jpg

You are correct about each of the hotel's locations. The reason we chose these three is because we are using an interline agency and these are the cheapest they offer. There are 6 others at higher prices.

Our tenative schedule is to leave Chicago on Friday, 12 July on AC for YVR where we will spend the day and have lunch with friends who are driving up from SEA to meet us. That evening we are connecting on to HNL to attend Joey's class reunion. Then on Monday the 15th we are planning to fly onward to SYD for a few days.

Unfortunately we only have a few days and will only visit SYD. We plan to return one day soon to explore other parts of the country. This is just our inaugural visit.

We have to confirm our plans with the agent within a week, but as of yet nothing is firm.

http://www.nonrev.net/correspondents/images/randy.jpg

Randy - the way our $ is at the moment against yours, have you looked at a few web sites for the local hotels to try and get a good deal as a web special?

http://www.nonrev.net/correspondents/images/al.jpg

We have stayed twice at the Southern Cross Sydney & Towers on Goulburn St. $80AU including tax.
It was a great deal, so we stay there every time we go back. Ask for Rm 820. LARGE corner room with bedroom, large bath, living room and dining room.

We thought the location was fine. Before discovering Southern Cross, we stayed at the Sheraton Four Points (Darling Harbor). Nicer hotel, think it was $150 or $175AU. Great service, and of course right on the Harbor. Just depends on what you like.

Thanks to you both for the info but I think that instead of dividing our time between Hawaii and Sydney we're going to just stay in Hawaii. I've never been to the Big Island so I think at this point that's what we're going to do. We have until Friday to decide, though. When we do come to Australia I want to do it right - meaning 2-3 weeks to see more than just Sydney. As it was we were only going to spend 3-4 days in Sydney. Thanks again. Sorry, Al. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img]

http://www.nonrev.net/correspondents/images/randy.jpg

[quote]Originally posted by Randy:
Thanks to you both for the info but I think that instead of dividing our time between Hawaii and Sydney we're going to just stay in Hawaii. I've never been to the Big Island so I think at this point that's what we're going to do. We have until Friday to decide, though. When we do come to Australia I want to do it right - meaning 2-3 weeks to see more than just Sydney. As it was we were only going to spend 3-4 days in Sydney. Thanks again. Sorry, Al.

LOL. It's not a problem Randy - hell, we are so far away from anywhere, it's really not worth it just for 3 or 4 days. Next time.
Cheers.

http://www.nonrev.net/correspondents/images/al.jpg

Randy,
Didn't have time to read all the posts here--have to run for dinner. If you're interested in some info on Sydney, give me a call at 847-370-3035 and we can talk. We stay at "The Crescent Hotel" on Kings Cross. Think it runs about $90 a night or so but some of the rooms have kitchen facilities. We go to the fish market or grocery store for supplies, then fix our own dinner. One can have a GREAT meal for the price of an OK meal at a restaurant!

I work up at ORD and also in Glenview. Call if u want to chat.

Gary

Thanks for the info but we've decided to spend the week in Hawaii. But at least I will know for the future - SYD is on the short list.

http://www.nonrev.net/correspondents/images/randy.jpg

Al, if you need any help on the Samoas, let me know. I lived in Pago Pago for six great years.

Hi Al-

I was wondering if you have any tips or advice on nonreving from the US to Japan, probably Tokyo. I'm planning on traveling at the end of next March. Any help you could give me or if you could point me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Diana

HI Diana.

I've nonrevved several times in the other direction but only twice from USA to Japan. Both times I selected Osaka/KIX as my point of entry as that destination always seems to be quieter than NRT, hence easier to get a flight.

I'd probably pick one of the major gateways, like LAX, with several flights a day to NRT, and then get a zed or multi-endorsed ID.
Don't forget there are some *very* unlikely suspects that are options - RG and TG for example fly from LAX to Japan and are often available, where the more likely suspects such as UA NW JL NH etc are heavily booked.

hi al
on your trips from japan to the us-did you see a lot of nonrevs traveling on these routes? i'm thinking of going via nrt/kix to hnl.
thanks

Not that I know of - but I mainly flew to/from KIX which was always a lot quieter than NRT. The only flight I know the exact details of nonrev's listed was a Swiss flight to ZRH - and I was the only one.
I flew NRT-LAX a couple of times with DL (loved it) and was upgraded both times, so I guess there weren't many nonrevs on those two flights either, if staff from a non-partner carrier can a) - get on with a boarding pass at check-in and not having to wait till "last minute"; and b) - get upgraded.

The only service delta has now is the never ending non-stop from Atlanta - NRT. Its a 777 with 2 class config...BusinessElite and Economy. I know that its generally pretty easy to get on. The only issue is weight restrictions occasionally from NRT-ATL, but it is much less of a problem since they upgraded the eqp from a MD11 to the 777.

As far as other airline staff goes, DL places all non-rev on the business class list. Its just our culture...we don't pay any difference. The only catch is you must be dressed "business casual". Basically collared shirts tucked-in with slacks and loafers. Shoulders should be covered and no sandals for ladies.

The only exception to this policy is for Air France staff since AF made such a big deal about 2 years ago about it. They felt too "pressured" to upgrade DL staff since DL always upgraded AF staff. Outside of the Europeaan market though, I know most station managers at DL still allow it for AF still. Of course OAL staff are the lowest on the standby list, but depending on the loads you never know.

I still remember seeing DL L1011's at places like HKG not terribly all that long ago, but I guess in the early 90's now.
*Loved* the L10 for some reason - but the M11 was a nice substitute while it lasted.
A shame the Pacific network was demolished, and probably won't see the light of day again with new partner NW and to a lesser extent CO with it's Air Mike division.

Hi Al, we live in Maui and have only "non reved" in the US my husband has only been in the bi for a year. We are looking to come Your way the end of this month Aug.23 - Sep.9 can you check the loads for 5 of us from HNL (we have 3 kids). Thanks any help would be appreciated. Jessica
P.S. We may go the Air Canada flight if any one could check the load on that for me. Thanks

I really must amend that intro post - I haven't been with QF for over 2 years now!
Although, you are in luck as I'm with AC so can tell you how those flights look! http://www.nonrev.net/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
I'm afraid to say, early September heading northbound with us is chokka - it's the last of the Alaska cruises ex YVR, and as they're a shadow of the price they are in Jun/Jul/early Aug, they are very popular. Hence, our overflowing flights.
Late August coming south looks okay however. Maybe cover all bases and get a ZED that covers QF and AC. There's also HA with their 4 x weekly flights as well.
Cheers.

Thanks Al, appreciate all the info. Jessica

Hi Al. I realize that you don't work for QF now but wonder if you know if QF have an embargo line to 'phone for staff embargoes? I'd need the UK number so if Al can't help perhaps someone else knows the number? Our embargo details are sometimes wrong so I just want to check them before issuing back-up tickets from BKK-LHR.
Thanks for any help.

I don't have a number for LONQF unfortunately. I know the industry here was sent a memo/notification from QF a couple of weeks ago saying the general res lines no longer assist with listing etc and gave numbers to QF Staff Travel to use for all nonrev issues, including listing.
Maybe try an Admin number for the London set-up and ask the switch operator there for a contact.

Kangaroo route embargoes on QF from my experience tend to be in the peak season, but they also appear out of nowhere as well when the backlog of nonrevs at SIN/BKK gets too big.

Hi Al. Thanks for your prompt reply. Unfortunately I'd already tried the admin route and you wouldn't believe all the options they have except none of them matched my query and when I chose a couple I got voicemail!! I called the res number and was held in a queue for 15mins! I guess that I'm not menat to find out the embargoes? Oh as I'm writing this I'm thru'. Staff travel number is 0208 600 4375!
Thanks again. Best Regards Gwen

hi gwen
here are the embargos i found in amadeus maybe it helps you

UK/EUROPE


SOUTHBOUND: (QF002/006/010/016/030/032)

UK/EUROPE TO BANGKOK: 18 OCT 05 - 31 OCT 05

UK/EUROPE TO HONG KONG: 18 OCT 05 - 31 OCT 05

UK/EUROPE TO SINGAPORE: 18 OCT 05 - 31 OCT 05


NOTE: AS THE ABOVE SOUTHBOUND SECTORS ARE EMBARGOED -
TRAVEL IS THEREFORE ALSO EMBARGOED BETWEEN
UK/EUROPE TO AUSTRALIA ON THE ABOVE DATES.

FREIGHT
IN GENERAL, FREIGHT LOADS NORTHBOUND ARE SEASONALLY VERY HEAVY
FROM NOVEMBER UNTIL MARCH. THIS MAY RESULT IN WEIGHT-RESTRICTED
FLIGHTS DEPARTING WITH EMPTY SEATS. AS ALWAYS COMMERCIAL
FREIGHT TAKES PRIORITY OVER STAFF TRAVELLERS.

Al,
My Father has been invited to visit the Philippines around Manila in June. The US state department just issued a terriorist warning last week. He was looking forward to going but now is worried. Do you have any words of wisdom?
He is also planning to go confirmed and wanted some advice of a good routing from Michigan (he would be able to leave from DTW, ORD, YYZ or any other city within 500 miles. He really likes your idea of always going east.
Al, your suggestions are always good and appreciated.

Hey ya Coyne. Nice to see you again.
There are no travel warnings listed by our Govt., in either "do not" travel or "reccommend you reconsider travel" categories for the Philippines, so it may be a specific U.S. threat. Our Govt's current status on Philippines is "high degree of caution" but it's been that way for yonks. They do, however, say "do not travel" to the Mindanao region.

I'd probably suggest NW for the flights - if he's in Michigan they fly nonstop DTW to NRT then connect down into MNL from there. PAL fly from the West Coast into MNL and may be a cheaper option - more so if he can travel on your pass/benefits into LAX to connect onto PAL.
Depends on how well he travels and what his priorities are - convenience or price.

If he's game, you could probably now get him to HNL using your pass benefits. PAL fly 3 x weekly HNL-MNL nonstop & you should be able to get a great fare with them.

Thanks Al, I have forwarded your information to my Father. If he does go I will be inquiring on what he should see and do when he is in MNL.
Thanks again!

Hey Al, do you know of any good resources for hotels in Fiji that give airline discounts? am going the end of next month for 7 days.

thanks, Matt

Hey Matt. Depends when in October you are going. It's school vacation time down this way and Fiji is popular. To answer your immediate question though, no, I don't know of any places! Sorry.

Matt,
you could try checking out www.tidd.com.au or www.outrigger.com as I think they have a place in Fiji.

thanks guys!

now that I think of it, does anybody have access to FJ loads? I want to take the FJ 811 on 26Oct and return on the FJ 810 on 4Nov..any help would be great!

Hi Al,

I'm preparing to nonrev to SYD on Hawaiian Air in the middle of January from LAS-HNL-SYD. Do you think I'd have a good chance of getting on the flight with my sister if we fly in on a Tuesday?

Sorry Al has not gotten back to you sooner but he is currently lost somewhere in North America. http://www.nonrev.net/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif The RCMP has an 'all-points' bulletin out for his safe return. http://www.nonrev.net/infopop/emotic...on_biggrin.gif So as soon as we find him and deport him back to SYD I'm sure he'll contact you. http://www.nonrev.net/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

Thanx Randy. Managed to escape Canada okay earlier today. Am now in Florida enroute to Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Thao - am not sure how HA will be as far as loads are concerned, however I would advise travel from anywhere *into* Oz from mid-Jan to late-Jan will be always hard. It's the end of our long summer vacation break (industry and schools) and flights are traditionally heavy on all carriers. HA heavily promote the West Coast of the mainland in Oz over HNL connections, so I daresay they will also be heavy.

Cheers.

Hi Al,

Migflanker pointed out that you are the guy to speak to, knowing everything about Down Under.

I will be travelling to SYD on the 1st of october, comming from BKK. We will be staying in SYD for 4 or 5 days, lucky to have friends down there,

After that two weeks in a camper, going to cairns. From Cairns flying to ayers rock, and on to Perth. Then home to Amsterdam via Dubai.

Any good advice, especially on the flights to and from ayers rock. Are the often fully booked? Any chance on a jumpseat or cockpit seat. We will be flying to ayers rock on the 20th of october en from ayers rock to perth on the 22nd.

Do you have any info on the flights from perth to dubai?

Hope to hear from you.

Greetz,

Djim

G'day.
Mig has a big mouth, so don't believe everything she tells you!!! http://www.nonrev.net/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif http://www.nonrev.net/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

The CNS-ASP/AYQ-PER flights are quite often hard as they are usually very full. Only 2 a day normally and on smaller aircraft, so it's a gamble if you are doing it nonrev. There is a 3rd flight daily but only as far as ASP. As there is only 1 flight per day AYQ-PER it may be worthwhile getting back ups to/from ASP via ADL to PER as well.

The only thing I know about EK flights down here is they are very popular. I don't know how the relatively new ones from PER are doing, but EK recently went up to double daily I believe from PER (from single daily) so they must be doing okay!

2 weeks in the camper from SYD-CNS sounds about right for a reasonable coverage. There is one hell of a lot of coastline between here and there, so don't worry too much about ensuring you stick to it all the way. Whilst there are some "must sees" on the coast along the way, (Byron Bay, Fraser coastline, Whitsundays, Airlie Beach, Townsville etc) there are as equally stunning things to see and do just a little ways inland along the way.

Cheers.

Hi Al,
I'm a DL retiree, planning an extended cruise to end in Syd about Nov. 4, 2007. Would greatly appreciate any suggestions for places to stay and possible non-rev options to return to the states a few days later. I can get back via DL once we get to HI or the west coast.
Thanks,
Jtg30214