Background

After going to Hong Kong in November and writing a rather boring trip report that not a lot of people read, I decided to try again. I will take more pictures and take more notes to make the reading more enjoyable. In truth, my favorite reports come from Abrelosojos and 797… so let’s see if this one comes close to theirs. You tell me.

This trip is taking me to Hong Kong, Melbourne, Buenos Aires and Mexico City in just two weeks. It is the first time I am going around the world, so it is a pretty exciting trip for me. Also, I will be going to Australia and Mexico City for the first time (I’ve been to Tijuana only).

My itinerary will be as follows:
ZRH – LHR: January 3rd, BA 709. A320
LHR – HKG: January 3rd, QF 030. B747-400
HKG – MEL: January 7th, QF 030. B747-400
MEL – SYD: January 10th, QF 408: 767-300
SYD – EZE: January 10th, QF17: 747-400 (operated by Qantas)
EZE – SCL: January 14th, LA 422: 767-300
SCL – MEX: January 14th, LA 622: 767-300
MEX – MAD: January 17th, IB 6400: A340-300
MAD – ZRH: January 18th, IB 3464: A320

My company booked a round the world ticket which was reasonably priced and although I wanted to use Sky team, our travel agency could not get the flights for a rtw ticket. I would use then One world and get miles on my LAN PASS account for which I have already lost my premium status since I left Chile in 2007. No big deal.


First leg
ZRH – LHR: January 3rd, BA 709. A320. Seat 2F.

I had to wake up really early as the flight was to leave at 7:05AM. I was really tired as I had arrived from Madrid the day before (went to visit family and friends for New Years’). I woke up around 4, took a shower and headed to the train station in my town (Horgen). I could have called a taxi but it only takes 35 minutes from home to get to the airport by train so I didn’t bother calling the taxi.

I arrived at the airport at 5:30AM and walked to the British Airways counters (Check in Area 2, if I remember correctly). It was incredibly crowded. There was a huge group before me and they took at least 10 minutes. Someone correct me if I am wrong, but the business counter was also used for people who were just dropping off their bags (internet check in), which might explain the amount of people.

When my turned arrived, a very friendly guy checked me in and gave me my boarding passes for my flight to London and to Hong Kong. My suitcase was also checked all the way, but I was surprised to see that no business tags were added. When I was leaving, the friendly agent told me almost as an afterthought that there was a Bellevue lounge if I had time to check it out.

A lot of people checking in:


I started walking to the gate, which was on the E terminal and honestly it was quite a walk. It took me 20 minutes including the train ride. It was efficient and the signs were clear. Here are some pictures.



Zurich airport, 5:30 AM (approx)


Zurich airport, 5:30 AM (approx)


Zurich airport, 5:30 AM (approx)


About to take the train:


My ride to London (sorry, it was the best shot I could get):


Boarding started at 6:30 (I didn’t have time to check out the lounge) and soon I was seating in seat 2F. Business class was almost full, including two children behind me who yelled loudly throughout the flight. I wasn’t too bothered, but still, I could see people who looked irritated.

Boarding:



Departure was delayed by around 10 minutes as the captain told us that there were too many bags and some cargo would have to be left behind, so they had to unload it and load all the bags. He promised all bags would make it.

KLM to Amsterdam parked right next to us:


The flight attendants were nice, but somewhat informal (I am comparing to Swiss I guess). We took off from runway 28 and headed towards Paris. Breakfast was served and it was pretty Ok. I liked it that it was really really hot, unlike other times where the food has been warm but not hot.

Breakfast:


The flight attendants were nice and kept going through the cabin offering water, tea, coffee and bread (it was kinda funny that the guy made a big effort to pronounce croissants the way the French would).

They took all trays away once we were finished, the rest of the flight was uneventful. I admit I haven’t been to Heathrow too many times (about 10), but it was the first time I landed from the West. I was used to seeing London when landing, but that wasn’t to be this time.

A380:


We parked at a remote station (arrrgh!) and were taken to terminal 5. I then walked to the buses that would take me to Terminal 4. The bus took some time to arriveand the ride to Terminal 4 took a good 20 minutes.

Views from the bus:





We arrived there and I passed through security very quickly. There was no line whatsoever, I guess because of the time (it was around 8AM London time). I went to the Qantas transfer desk and asked them to give me a seat on the upper deck for my ride to Hong Kong. The nice lady at the desk was happy to do so and informed me where the lounge was. I walked to the lounge which is a British Airways lounge and took some pictures. The food selection was rather small (croissants, bread and not much more) but the drink selection was fantanstic. I wish it was later in the day so I wouldn’t feel guilty by drinking a nice scotch on the rocks or something like that. Since it was 9:30 AM I settled for apple juice and worked for a while. I was disappointed by the lack of views from this lounge.

Views from the lounge/the lounge:



Next legs to follow...

[Edited 2009-01-11 10:54:21]